Castle / Ruins of Castle Spots in Japan

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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Castle / Ruins of Castle

Osaka Castle

4.0

7958 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Osakajou 1-1

Osaka Castle was built by the Imperial Regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi between 1583 and 1598. The castle was built on a magnificent scale, but was destroyed just 17 years later after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the destruction of the Toyotomi clan in the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Thereafter, the castle was rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate under the command of Todo Takatora but was once again lost due to a fire caused by a lightning strike. The current castle tower is the third generation to stand here and was completed in 1931 through donations from local citizens. The interior of the castle is a history museum and visitors can enjoy information about the history of Osaka Castle and dioramas. The castle was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in 1997.

Beautiful is the first thing you feel when you stand at the base of this castle. Perfection in construction when you walk around it and inside it. A couple hours minimum to see everything.
National Treasure Matsumoto Castle

4.5

3635 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Matsumotoshi Marunouchi 4-1

"Matsumoto Castle is said to feature Japan's oldest surviving five-storied six-floor pagoda. It is one of the few castles designated as a National Treasure, and maintains the image of the past. The black and white contrast of the castle rising amid the Alps in the background is beautiful, and the castle has become a symbol of Matsumoto City. In addition to the castle facilities of the Sengoku period, such as the stone drops meant to rebuff invaders, or samurai windows or the gun slits, there are exhibits such as the ""Matsumoto Castle Gunhouse"" centered around matchlock guns, and artifacts unearthed during the ninomaru palace excavation performed from 1979-1984. In the precinct, you'd do well to see the black gate with eave roof tiles marked with the family crests of historical castle lords, or the taiko gate which was restored in 1999."

In contrast to Himeji castle, Matsumoto castle is black, and is often called the Black Crow because of its colour. Good photos are taken from near the red bridge. It is also lit up at...
Hiroshima Castle

4.0

2003 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashinakaku Motomachi 21-1

Hiroshima Castle, which was built by Mori Terumoto, one member of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Council of Five Elders, is also known by another name, Carp Castle, and is counted as one of Japan’s three greatest flatland castles. The main keep which was constructed in 1598 was designated a National Treasure in 1931, but was destroyed by the atomic bombing. The exterior was restored in 1958 with a ferro-concrete structure. In 1989, as the castle welcomed 400 years of history, the ni-no-maru was restored, the moat was cleaned, and the interior was remodeled, and now it is used as a history museum with the theme of samurai culture.

This is an old castle with a typical Japanese architecture. There is a water body with fishes all around it. It has an entrance fees and is reverred by local people. THere is a beautiful garden...
Matsue Castle

4.5

1523 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 1-5

A flatland mountain castle located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture which was completed in 1611, the castle tower, a designated National Treasure, is said to be the only orthodox-style original castle tower still standing in Japan. Covered with black-painted siding on most of its walls, the castle is designed as a watchtower and the top floor offers a sweeping view of the city of Matsue. Relatively simple in design, a characteristic of castles built in the early Momoyama period, the castle is also known as “Chidori Castle.” The area surrounding the castle has been turned into the Matsue Jozan Park; a famous cherry blossom-viewing destination, in spring some 200 cherry trees come into bloom on the park’s grounds. The park has even been selected as one of the 100 best places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

Matsue Castle is gorgeous - inside and out. Such beautiful views of it from outside and its definitely worth going inside (shoes off) to climb up the five flights to the top. There are various...
Nagoya Castle

4.5

363 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Naka-ku Honmaru 1-1

Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 as the castle of the feudal lord, Yoshinao who was the ninth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The large donjon and the small donjon with their characteristic golden dolphins were destroyed during the air raids of Nagoya in 1945, but they were rebuilt in 1959. The pictures on room partitions which are Important Cultural Properties and historical materials are on display in the large donjon, in addition, you can also observe a “full-scale replica of the Golden Dolphin” and you can experience stone pulling and palanquin riding. Nagoya Castle was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Great Castles, and it has also been designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan.

As the entrance is included in the castle entry fee it is well worth the visit to see the superb craftsmanship in the reconstruction.
A National Treasure, Inuyama Castle

4.5

1053 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Inuyamashi Inuyama Kitakoken 65-2

Inuyama Castle which was founded by Oda Nobuyasu, Oda Nobunaga’s uncle in 1537 during the Muromachi period. It is the oldest wooden donjon in existence in Japan and is one of “the 12 Castles with Existing Castle Towers”. The top floor of the watchtower style donjon overlooks Kiso River, Gifu Castle and Nagoya town, and it must surely be a superb view. I guess you will be able to get a sense of what it was like to be a feudal lord. The castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1952 based on the Cultural Property Protection Act.

Cute little castle with a great view from the top. The castle was initially constructed in 1537, and its donjon is one of Japans oldest extant. It is one of only twelve original castles left in...
Kochi Castle

4.0

1177 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kouchi Pref. Kouchishi Marunouchi 1-2-1

A castle called “Otakasayama Castle” was built before the Warring States Period, but Kochi Castle was established by the first Tosa feudal lord, Yamanouchi Kazutoyo at the beginning of the Edo period. It is also known as the only castle where the structures in the inner citadel remain completely intact. 15 of the buildings have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. There are also statues of Taisuke Itagaki, Yamanouchi Kazutoyo and his wife, Chiyo located near Ote-mon gate, and the castle keep’s magical form rises from the surface as it is illuminated at night.

I came to Kochi mainly to see the Kochi Castle as it is one of Japans original castles. There is paid parking at the base of the castle. Once you walk through the gate, the walk to the castle is not...
Okayama Castle, Castle Tower

4.0

1172 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Marunouchi 2-3-1

Okayama Castle was constructed over a period of eight years by Ukita Hideie, one member of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Council of Five Elders, and was completed in 1597. It is also called “Crow Castle” for its external appearance, as the castle tower walls have black lacquered siding which was a characteristic of this era. The three-tiered, six-storied watchtower-style castle tower is a pentagon of unequal sides and is said to imitate the castle tower of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle. The castle tower, which was a National Treasure, was lost due to wartime fires but was rebuilt in 1966.

Impressive castle from the outside. The museum on the inside does not have any English translations so I didnt have the opportunity to understand the exhibits and stories
The Castle Tower of Wakamatsu Castle(Tsurugajo Castle)

4.0

970 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukushima Pref. Aiduwakamatsushi Outemachi 1-1 In Tsurugajo Park

This is a Japanese castle in Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City. Locally it is called Tsurugajo Castle. The castle was the seat of famous feudal warlords but was damaged in the Boshin Civil War at the end of the Edo period and demolished in 1874. It was rebuilt in 1965, and in 2011 the roof tiles were reverted to the original red resembling the time of the end of Tokugawa Shogunate. It is the only castle in Japan where visitors can see the elegant red tiled keep. In addition, the castle tower also acts as a museum focusing on the Boshin War, exhibiting helmets, weapons, materials, etc. of successive castle owners. Around the castle tower is also a cherry blossom viewing area and many visitors come to visit in the spring.

No English explanation. Dont bother going if you are into history. Castle grounds are well cared for. View from top is nice
Himeji Castle

Travel / Tourism

Hyogo Pref. Himejishi Honmachi 68

Also known as the White Heron Castle, this shining white castle is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Structures such as the castle tower built in the early Edo period still stand today, and these are also registered as National treasures and national Important Cultural Properties. One of the most prominent theories is that the castle was originally erected as a fort by Akamatsu Sadanori in 1346. Ikeda Terumasa began renovating the castle when he became the lord of the castle after the Battle of Sekigahara, expanding it into the expansive compound seen today. The castle tower is located in the southeast corner of the foundation. The castle looks to be composed of five tiers from the outside and internally is comprised of six floors above ground and one subterranean level. The castle shining a blinding white in the light of the sun is truly a beautiful sight.
Hamamatsu Castle, Main Keep and Main Keep Gate

3.5

549 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Hamamatsu-shi Naka-ku Motoshirocho 100-2

The castle in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture where the stone walls, the castle gate and castle tower keep have been restored. There's a lot to learn inside the grounds with pictures and models on display as well as a viewing platform on the top level. Surrounding the castle is Hamamatsu Castle Park, a popular meeting spot not just for tourists but for the locals as well.

it used to be very beautiful place but the city made a change to attract tourists and put massive ugly signs or allowed a starbucks to run in the property , all of which has destroyed serenity it had.
Karatsu Castle (Maizuru-jo “Dancing Crane Castle”)

4.0

493 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Saga Pref. Karatsushi Higashijounai 8-1

This is a castle which could also be called a symbol of Karatsu, located in the northern part of Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. Terazawa Hirotaka, a retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, spent seven years to build this castle. The inner citadel sits on Mt. Mitsushima which projects out into Karatsu Bay, while the outer citadel is on the west bank and the third citadel leads to a renkaku style flatland mountain castle. The inner citadel has now been turned into Maizuru Park, and also you can see the superb views of Matsuura Bay from that observation point, the current castle keep which was completed in 1966.

We planned for a trip to Karatsu since 2019 bit was put on hold due to the pandemic.. Finally all cleared and we find ourself on the way from Meinohamma sta. That’s another 60+ mins ride over 20...
Okazaki Castle

4.0

344 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Okazakishi Kouseichou 561-1

Considered one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles, Okazaki Castle is famous as the birthplace of the mighty shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. After the Battle of Okehazama, Ieyasu re-took the castle from the Imagawa clan and achieved independence. Thereafter, Ieyasu moved his base of operations to Hamamatsu Castle in 1570. Until he defeated the Toyotomi clan at the Battle of Osaka in 1615, Tanaka Yoshimasa, a member of the Toyotomi clan, was the lord of the castle. After Ieyasu unified the country, high status hereditary daimyo lords, whose families had supported Ieyasu, inherited the lordship of the castle. Inside the castle, each floor contains displays of historical materials focusing on a different theme. From the observation room, visitors can get a sweeping view of Okazaki. The castle is also renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.

I have been coming to this castle for 40 years. It has been newly renovated and has artifacts that history buffs will enjoy. The castle grounds are beautiful any time of the year, but especially when...
Maruoka Castle (Kasumigajo)

4.0

351 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukui Pref. Sakaishi Maruokachoukasumichou 1-59

This castle on a hill, located in Maruoka Town of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, was built by Shibata Katsuie’s nephew Shibata Katsutoyo in 1576. Nowadays, only two-story and three-roofed castle tower (tenshukaku) remains, and it was registered as Important Cultural Properties in 1950. It is the oldest tenshukaku in existence in the country, and about 400 cherry trees were planted around it as part of the surrounding Kasumigajo Park. A light-up event is held when the cherry blossoms bloom, giving the tower an ethereal look.

This castle ranks 30th of the thousands of Japanese ancient castles. However there was nothing much to see. It was destroyed in an earthquake and it was rebuilt after that. The ticket set including...
Shurijo Castle Park (Shurijo Castle)

4.0

205 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-2

Shuri Castle, built in the early 15th century, was the residence of the kings beginning with King Shobashi, who unified the Ryukyu Islands. Along with the restored buildings, some of the walls still retain the stone masonry from those days.

Beautiful castle, lucky to be still standing after multiple fires over the centuries. There were dancers/entertainment in the grounds when we were there. A couple of gift shops and a cafe...
Imabari Castle

4.0

333 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ehime Pref. Imabarishi Torichou 3-1-3 Imabari castle management office

Imabari Castle was built in 1602 by Takatora Todo, a military commander who did well in the famous Battle of Sekigahara and consequently controlled a large territory in the province of Iyo. The castle sitting on the coast is unique in Japan with its seawater moat and entrance for ships. Most of the buildings were destroyed after the Meiji Restoration with only the inner moat and the stone wall of the castle remaining, but the castle tower and the iron gates were reconstructed after 1980 restoring the castle to its former glory. Inside the castle itself visitors will find many important artifacts on display including armor worn by the feudal lords and pictures and writings, etc.

Superbly restored. Great views from the tower. Alas, very little English. Nice gardens and surrounds
Shimabara Castle

4.0

317 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagasaki Pref. Shimabarashi Jounai 1-1183-1

Shimabara Castle is located at the foot of Mt. Unzen overlooking the Ariake Sea. The castle is comprised of a five-tier tower surrounded by turrets of various sizes and incorporates the castle architectural style of the Azuchi-Momyama period. The castle is distinguished by its tall and strong walls. After it was completed in 1624, the castle served as the seat of 19 generations of feudal lords from four clans over a 250-year history and was the stage for many historical events. The castle was demolished with the Meiji Restoration but the tower was restored in 1964. The interior of the castle is a museum which exhibits materials related to the early Japanese Christians and other local history matters.

島原を象徴する史跡の一つです。天守は復元されたものですが威風堂々としており、ぐるっと囲まれた堀のどこから見てもその素晴らしさを窺い知ることが出来ます。天守内は歴史資料館となっていますが、他の日本の城とは一線を画し、潜伏していたキリシタンの史料が多く展示されています。島原を中心としたキリシタンの信仰と彼らを弾圧しようとする勢力との戦いを学ぶことが出来る施設の一つでもあります。最上階からの展望室か...
Tamamo Park (Ruins of Takamatsu Castle)

4.0

315 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kagawa Pref. Takamatsushi Tamamochou 2-1

Takamatsu Castle was the residence of the Ikoma family, the lords of Sanuki Province, and subsequently of the Matsudaira clan, the rulers of the Takamatsu domain. Tamamo Park has been created around the Castle ruins. Takamatsu Castle was famous as one of Japan’s three great “water castles.” The Castle’s Ushitorayagura Tower and Tsukimiyagura Tower still survive, along with the Hiunkaku villa and garden, which has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. With beautiful cherry blossom in the spring, a chrysanthemum exhibition in the autumn, etc., there is plenty to see and do at any time of year.

I loved the castle - maybe it is because takamatsu is somewhat of a hidden tourist gem, but there were no crowds. great!
Maizuru Castle Park

3.5

283 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamanashi Pref. Koufushi Marunouchi 1

This castle park is located in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Originally the site of Kofu Castle, built at the end of the 16th century, today parts of the castle ruins are a public park. The area in and around the park features a number of historic sites that help visitors imagine what the castle would have looked like in its heyday. These include Yuki Bridge, the castle quarry, and Inari Yagura Tower. The park has a great team of volunteer tour guides.

Basically just the ruins of castle. While it can be a great view, the steps up are steep and uneven with no handrails.
Matsushiro Castle Ruins

4.0

182 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 44

These castle ruins are located in Nagano City. The castle was constructed as the base for the Takeda side during the Battles of Kawanakajima between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. It is a natural fortress that uses the Chikuma River as a moat. In addition, Sanada became the ruler in the Edo period (1603-1868), and it developed into the castle town of Sanada Jumangoku. Destroyed in the Meiji period (1868-1912), only the stone walls of the buildings remained, but now the gate and earthworks are maintained.

There are two types of Japanese castles. One is called Yamajiro and these are constructed on a mountain and the other is built in a fields. This one is the latter. The place is surrounded by the...