Japan's Most Beautiful Castles to Visit
Visiting Japan's castles is an unmissable attraction. Why? Through their architecture and construction period, they tell the story of the country across the centuries!
Visiting Japan's castles is an unmissable attraction. Why? Through their architecture and construction period, they tell the story of the country across the centuries! Designed as fortresses in strategic locations – suited to enemy surveillance and commerce – these structures once served as seats of government... Follow us as we introduce you to the most beautiful castles in the land.
Hirosaki Castle: One of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Castles
Located in the Tohoku region, Hirosaki Castle dates from the Edo period (1603-1868). Struck by lightning in 1627, the building was reconstructed in 1810 and has undergone no further alterations since! This monument is now considered one of the "100 Castles of Japon," by the Japan Castle Foundation.
Hirosaki Castle is of the hirayamashiro type, meaning it was built on a plateau or low hill. It is renowned for its traditional architecture and stunning gardens adorned with 2,600 cherry trees! These attract thousands of visitors each year during the emblematic Golden Week.
Practical Information
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Admission Fee: ¥320/adult; ¥100/child
Matsumoto Castle: The Black Raven
Built in the city of the same name, Matsumoto Castle is a fortified monument, erected between 1593 and 1594. Extremely popular, it stands proudly in the heart of the Chūbu region. Its distinguishing feature? Its black facades, both elegant and imposing, have earned it the nickname of Black Raven...
Designated a national treasure, the castle features five keeps and rises six stories high. During your visit, you can admire its impressive interior wooden structure and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Japanese Alps from the top floor!
Practical Information
Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873
Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am to 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm)
Admission Fee: ¥700/adult; ¥300/child
Nagoya Castle: The Castle of Aichi Prefecture
Located in Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya Castle was originally built in 1612, then reconstructed identically after World War II. Standing six stories tall, it is known for its kinshachi – two golden fish with tiger heads – that adorn its roof (and symbolically protect it from fires).
The castle is also renowned for its exceptional panoramic views from the top seventh floor. A secret? This place is magical during blooming seasons (Momiji for maple leaves and Sakura for cherry blossoms), when landscapes are tinted red or white...
Practical Information
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 4:30pm (last entry 4:00pm)
Admission Fee: ¥500
Osaka Castle: A Magical Place During Hanami
Considered one of Japon's most important monuments, Osaka Castle was built in 1583, then renovated multiple times until 1997. Since then, the building displays its hybrid architecture, both traditional and modern – as evidenced by its glass ramp.
Inside? You'll discover a museum dedicated to the Edo period, with old manuscripts and armor. Vignettes that will also let you immerse yourself in life in bygone days. The castle is an essential spot during hanami (spring cherry blossom season).
Practical Information
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm
Admission Fee: ¥600; garden access free
Himeji Castle: A Historic UNESCO World Heritage Site
Listed as a World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle is "the most perfect expression of early 17th-century castle architecture in Japon," according to UNESCO. Featuring 83 buildings, the structure is a masterpiece from the 1600s.
Built of wood, it also ranks among the last Japanese castles to possess an original keep. It is renowned for its architecture that is both defensive and elegant. An example? Its superb curved walls designed to prevent enemies from entering...
Practical Information
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 6pm in summer (April 27 - August 31); 9am to 5pm in winter (September 1 - April 26)
Admission Fee: ¥1,050/adult; ¥1,000/child
Shuri Castle: The Castle of the Ryūkyū Archipelago
To visit Shuri Castle: head to the Ryūkyū Archipelago, located southwest of Japon's four main islands! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this medieval monument was built in the late 14th century – and renovated several times over the centuries.
Damaged by fire in 2019, the castle is closed between 2022 and 2026... While awaiting its reopening, it is possible to visit the gardens. A tip? Don't miss the Ukejo ceremony, held each morning at the opening of the gates! An opportunity to discover costumes worn by officials during the Ryukyu dynasty era.
Practical Information
Address: 1 Chome-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815
Ceremony Hours: Every morning 8:55am to 9:15am
Note: The ceremony may be cancelled in case of bad weather
Good to Know Castles are highly sought-after destinations in Japon, by both tourists and locals alike. As such, they are very easily accessible by public transport. In each surrounding city, you will find a bus line that will take you there. |
Frequently asked questions
Himeji Castle is often considered the most beautiful castle in Japon. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is described by the organization as 'the most perfect expression of early 17th-century castle architecture in Japon'. With its 83 buildings and intact original keep, it is unmissable.
The best time to visit Japon's castles is spring (late March - early May), particularly during cherry blossom season (hanami) and Golden Week. Autumn (October-November) is also beautiful thanks to red maple foliage (Momiji). Avoid July-August, which are often very hot and crowded.
Shuri Castle, located in Okinawa, is partially closed following a fire in 2019. Full reopening is scheduled for 2026. In the meantime, it is possible to visit the gardens and attend the Ukejo ceremony, which takes place each morning between 8:55am and 9:15am.
Japanese castles are very well served by public transport. Most major cities have direct bus lines to the castles. The rail network (JR Pass) also makes it easy to reach cities with castles such as Himeji, Osaka, Nagoya or Matsumoto from Tokyo or Kyoto.
Admission prices vary by castle. Expect between ¥320 (Hirosaki Castle) and ¥1,050 (Himeji Castle) per adult. Osaka Castle offers free garden access. Some castles offer reduced rates for children, ranging from ¥100 to ¥1,000.
Among the castles mentioned in this article, two are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Himeji Castle, in Hyogo Prefecture, recognized for its exceptional 17th-century defensive architecture, and Shuri Castle, located in the Ryūkyū Archipelago in Okinawa, a medieval monument representative of Ryukyu culture.
