Japan once had hundreds of castles. Most were pulled down in the 1870s or destroyed in the Second World War, and only twelve keeps survive in their original wooden form.
Many others were rebuilt in concrete and now hold museums. The originals are worth the trip: steep wooden stairs, gun ports and views over the town they guarded.
When to goAll year. Castle parks are among the best cherry blossom spots in early April.
Where to go
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HimejiHyogo · 兵庫The finest original castle, white and elegant, a World Heritage site. -
MatsumotoNagano · 長野A black original keep with the Japan Alps behind it. -
KumamotoKumamoto · 熊本Huge stone walls, being restored after the 2016 earthquake. -
OsakaOsaka · 大阪A rebuilt keep in a big moated park, with a museum on Hideyoshi. -
InuyamaAichi · 愛知A small original keep above the Kiso River. -
MatsueShimane · 島根An original keep in a town of canals and samurai houses.
Good to know
- Original keeps have very steep stairs and you go in socks; wear shoes that come off easily.
- Collect the 100 Famous Castles stamps in the book sold at most castles.
- Himeji gets busy by mid-morning; go at opening time.