The earliest castles in Japan were built around the 15th century as part of citadels where the central government’s leaders and military personnel took up residence. Today, several centuries later, these have become icons that attract millions of tourists each year. The following are some of the best Japanese castles – check them out:
Matsumoto Castle
The 500-year-old Matsumoto Castle is considered to be one of Japan’s most complete and original castles, an imposing, black, ferro-concrete structure that features steep and narrow wooden stairs, an observation deck, several openings for arrow and stone attacks, and a moat lined with cherry trees.
Nagoya Castle
Built at the start of the Edo Period, the Nagoya Castle served as the Owari branch seat of the Tokugawa family more than three hundred years ago.
Today, it is a museum that keeps exhibits and artifacts from its centuries’ worth of history. During spring time, its grounds become a great spot for cherry blossom viewing as the hundreds of sakura trees in the garden reach full boom around the end of March or beginning of April.
Osaka Castle
First constructed in the late 1500s, the Osaka Castle is one of Osaka’s most popular attractions. It is made up of stone walls, moats, gates, citadels and gardens, and welcomes tourists who want to learn about its history. Its grounds boast of thriving flora that is just spectacular during the spring and autumn seasons.
Himeji Castle
An ancient yet elegant feudal Japanese castle, the Himeji Castle is a stunning structure that is considered to be the most beautiful and popular in Japan. Its white exterior and grand size have been efficiently preserved through many centuries, as it has never been subject to war or natural disaster.
Touring the interior of the castle will introduce you to steep, narrow stairs, rock chutes, hidden spaces and portholes. And around the beginning of April, people flock to the castle gardens to witness the cherry blossom season at its best.
Matsue Castle
Just like the Himeji Castle, the Matsue Castle is another original Japanese castle that has remained unscathed by earthquakes, fires and wars in its four hundred years of existence.
Visitors can tour the castle complex where they can explore the Hearn memorial museum, Hearn residence, samurai residence and the beautifully landscaped gardens.
