Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles in Japan

JAPAN – CNN’s ranking of the top 10 most beautiful castles in Japan features tourist attractions that are well-preserved, rich in history, and boast exquisite architecture.

Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle is located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. The main tower, Tenshu, was initially constructed by the warlord Tsugaru Nobuhira, who ruled this region in the early Edo period, around 1609. However, due to a lightning strike in 1627, the gunpowder stored in the castle exploded, causing not only the watchtower but also the main hall to be completely burned down.

After that, Hirosaki Castle remained without its watchtower for nearly 200 years until 1810 when the tower was rebuilt as it stands today. This tower is one of the 12 surviving castle towers in Japan and is designated as an important cultural heritage of the nation.

Hirosaki Castle is situated within Hirosaki Park, which also features several smaller towers. Among them are the Tatsumi, Hitsujisaru, and Ushitora towers, located in the southeast, southwest, and northeast directions when viewed from Hirosaki Castle. These towers are named in accordance with the traditional Japanese directional system, reflecting their respective positions.

Shuri Castle

Situated in the city of Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, Shuri Castle is surrounded by robust walls and stands out with its distinctive red hue. Built in the 14th century under the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shuri Castle was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

The castle suffered significant damage from a fire in 2019. The Japanese government is currently undergoing a restoration project, expected to be completed in 2026.

Edo Castle

Edo Castle was constructed in 1457, surrounded by a 15-kilometer-long moat with over 30 gates and bridges. It was located on flat land in what is now Chiyoda ward, Tokyo. For over 260 years during the Edo period, it served as the residence of feudal lords and was the political center of Japan.

Today, the Imperial Palace (the residence of the Emperor of Japan) stands on the grounds of Edo Castle. One of the oldest surviving buildings from the Edo period is the Fujimi-yagura watchtower (pictured), built in 1659 to protect the southern part of the complex. Photo: Alamy

Matsumoto Castle

Built in the 16th century by the order of Lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Matsumoto Castle is known for its black exterior and is located opposite the Northern Alps in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The Japanese Alps include the Hida (Northern Alps), Kiso (Central Alps), and Akaishi (Southern Alps) mountain ranges in the Chubu region of Honshu island.

The castle is also known as the “Crow Castle,” and much of its original architecture has been well-preserved, with steep wooden staircases and moon-viewing rooms. Matsumoto was designated a National Treasure of Japan in 1936. Photo: Five foot traveler

Hikone Castle

Hikone is an Edo period castle located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. It is considered the most important historical structure in the prefecture and is designated as a National Treasure by the government. Many architectural features around the castle remain intact since its completion in 1622. Photo: Alamy

Osaka Castle

One of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle played a significant role during the Sengoku period (Warring States period, 1467-1615) and is located in Osaka Prefecture. The castle belonged to the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later the Tokugawa clan.

Osaka Castle has five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, making it a popular spot during cherry blossom festivals. The area around the castle is bustling with vendors offering food to visitors. Photo: Wiki

Nijo Castle

This was the official residence of the Shogun (military leader) during the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration (Meiji Revolution) from 1866 to 1869, the castle became an imperial palace. Today, it is one of the 17 historic monuments recognized by UNESCO in Kyoto and is open to the public. Photo: Alamy

Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle is one of five castles designated as National Treasures of Japan and once belonged to the warlord Oda Nobunaga, the first to attempt the unification of Japan. It houses the oldest surviving original tower, or tenshu, dating back to 1580.

The castle is perched on a hilltop, allowing samurai of the past to oversee the entire surrounding plain and the Kiso River in Aichi Prefecture. Today, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding forests. Photo: Alamy

Himeji Castle

Himeji is often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” to describe the grandeur of this over 700-year-old structure. The castle features multi-story white-painted buildings and is located on elevated terrain in Himeji City, which was originally a low-lying area.

The main building was constructed in the early 1300s and underwent multiple renovations under famous lords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Near Himeji is the Okiku Well, which is believed to be the dwelling place of a ghostly serving maid. This well inspired the horror films “Ringu” (1998) and “The Ring” (2002). Photo: Alamy

Matsue Castle

Built in the early 1600s near Lake Shinji in Shimane Prefecture, Matsue Castle is one of the few remaining historical landmarks on the western coast of central Japan.

Originally intended to help the newly appointed feudal lord Tokugawa Ieyasu consolidate his power in the region, the structure is known for its majestic black walls and multi-tiered gray roof rising dramatically above a moat in the heart of Matsue’s old town. Photo: Alamy