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“Japan’s Top 100 Castles” are the hundred castles chosen by the Japan Castle Foundation from all over the country as the ones that best represent Japan. They are spread from Goryokaku in Hokkaido to Shuri Castle in Okinawa. Under the Castle Abolition Edict of 1873 (Meiji 6) most of the country’s castles were torn down, and with the war and great fires that followed, very few keeps built before or during the Edo period still stand. The Top 100 are castles that local people have kept safe through those times.
Each castle has its own “Top 100 Castles” stamp. The more castles you visit, the more stamps you collect, a record of the castles of Japan you have seen. Start with the one that interests you most.
Kanazawa Castle was home to the Maeda lords for 300 years. Tour Edo-era gates, huge stone walls, rebuilt wooden turrets and a lord's garden.
Kofu Castle features stone walls over 14 meters high and panoramic Mt. Fuji views from the tower base. Your guide to highlights, walking routes, and seasonal attractions.
Did the castle tower really exist? A complete guide to Fukuoka Castle, now in the spotlight after a 2024 discovery. From historic turrets to 1,000 cherry trees and the Demon Slayer connection—everything you need before visiting.
Your guide to Kumamoto Castle's main tower, restored after the 2016 earthquake. Discover interactive exhibits with projections and models across 7 floors.
Discover Oka Castle in Oita, a clifftop fortress famed for inspiring "Kojo no Tsuki." Walk along unfenced stone walls with panoramic views of the Kuju Mountains.
Obi Castle in Miyazaki features a mystical moss carpet, 140-year-old cedar forest, and a beautifully restored wooden gate. A serene escape in southern Kyushu.
Explore Kagoshima Castle Ruins, once home to the Shimazu clan. Discover its restored gate, war-scarred stone walls, and the Reimeikan Museum showcasing the samurai heritage of Satsuma.
Matsumoto Castle Travel Guide 2026. Discover Japan's National Treasure—historic keep, mirror-like moat views, castle park, ticket options, access from Matsumoto Station, and seasonal events.
Visit Takamatsu Castle, one of Japan's finest seaside fortresses. Enjoy scenic views from the tenshudai, explore historic gates and turrets, and experience unique activities like sea bream feeding and traditional boat rides.
Explore the highlights of Marugame Castle, including its record-high stone walls, original Edo-period tower, panoramic views, and rare cultural stays—all in one guide.
Explore Kochi Castle's top highlights, from its original Edo-period keep, palace, and gate to seasonal light displays and cherry blossoms. Discover why this historical site is the only one of its kind in Japan.
Explore Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten with this complete guide covering its rich history, refined architecture, and preserved interiors.
Experience authentic Uwajima tai-meshi at Gansui Honten in Matsuyama. Choose from wild or farmed sea bream served with traditional sauce and rice. Perfect for Matsuyama Castle visitors.
2026 marks the 400th anniversary of the Kan'ei Imperial Visit! Explore Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Discover Honmaru Palace, National Treasure Ninomaru Palace, stunning gardens, anniversary events, access, tickets & reservations.
Explore the historic Hachioji Castle ruins, a 16th-century mountain fortress near Tokyo. Our guide covers hiking trails, viewpoints, access information, and on-site facilities including free guided tours and parking.
Explore Himeji Castle, Japan's finest example of feudal architecture. Known as the White Heron Castle for its brilliant white walls, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases 400 years of history and stunning cherry blossoms in spring.
Explore Hiroshima Castle before its 2026 closure for restoration. Visit the historic tower, newly opened Sannomaru district, and discover war-scarred stone walls. Complete with practical visitor information and local insights.
Explore Nagoya Castle's golden shachihoko, honmaru palace, and turrets. Find visitor info, access details, and admission fees for this iconic Japanese landmark.
Discover the history and charm of Goryokaku, the symbol of Hakodate. We delve into the highlights of this star-shaped fortress, which was the stage for the Battle of Hakodate during the Boshin War.
Avoid lining up to buy tickets or climbing the stairs up the 8-story castle tower, and tour Osaka Castle in comfort.
Discover the timeless allure of Shibata Castle in Niigata Prefecture, famed for its stunning namako walls and seasonal beauty. This historic site uniquely shares its grounds with a modern Self-Defense Force base, offering a rare glimpse into Japan's rich past and present.
The Hojo clan ruled from this fortress for 100 years before its dramatic siege in 1590. Today, try samurai armor and ninja skills inside.
Introducing Takeda Shrine, a tourist spot that represents Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.