- Haijōrei: The Day Castles Disappeared from Japan
- There was an event when castles suddenly disappeared from all over Japan. It was the "Haijōrei" issued in 1873.
What Are the 12 Original Castles in Japan?
The 12 Original Castles in Japan refer to the twelve castle towers (tenshu) that were built before the Edo period and have survived without major reconstruction. These castle keeps were constructed by the late Edo period and have remained intact without extensive rebuilding or full restoration.
List of the 12 Original Castles in Japan
The following 12 castle towers are recognized as “Original Castles” that have survived from the Edo period:
| Castle Name | Prefecture | Year Built (Current Tenshu) |
|---|---|---|
| Hirosaki Castle | Aomori | 1810 (Bunka 7) |
| Matsumoto Castle | Nagano | 1594 (Bunroku 3) |
| Maruoka Castle | Fukui | 1576 (Tensho 4) |
| Inuyama Castle | Aichi | Around 1601 (Keicho 6) |
| Hikone Castle | Shiga | 1622 (Genna 8) |
| Himeji Castle | Hyogo | 1609 (Keicho 14) |
| Matsue Castle | Shimane | 1611 (Keicho 16) |
| Bitchu Matsuyama Castle | Okayama | 1683 (Tenwa 3) |
| Marugame Castle | Kagawa | 1660 (Manji 3) |
| Matsuyama Castle | Ehime | 1854 (Ansei 1) |
| Uwajima Castle | Ehime | 1671 (Kanbun 11) |
| Kochi Castle | Kochi | 1749 (Kanei 2) |
All of these castles are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, with Himeji Castle being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 due to its exceptional historical value. Each of these castle towers has unique architectural styles and serves as invaluable historical records of Japanese castle construction.
Why Have These 12 Castle Towers Survived?
Several factors have contributed to the survival of these castles:
- They were protected by local residents when the Abolition of Castles decree was issued.
- Some were repurposed as military facilities or parks during the Meiji era.
- They were spared from war damage.
- Active preservation efforts by local communities helped maintain them.
In contrast, many other castles were lost due to the Abolition of Castles decree issued after the Meiji Restoration or were destroyed during World War II air raids. As a result, these 12 castle towers hold special significance as living cultural heritage that preserves the history of Japanese castle architecture.
Characteristics of the 12 Original Castles
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Built Before the Edo Period These castle towers survived despite the Abolition of Castles decree, war damage, and fires. They were constructed before the Edo period and have remained standing for centuries.
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Retain Their Original Structure While they have undergone repairs and maintenance, they have not been completely rebuilt or reconstructed.
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Designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties Five of these castles are designated as National Treasures of Japan:
- National Treasures: Himeji Castle, Hikone Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Inuyama Castle, Matsue Castle
- Important Cultural Properties: The remaining seven castles (Hirosaki Castle, Maruoka Castle, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Marugame Castle, Matsuyama Castle, Uwajima Castle, Kochi Castle)
Related Terms
- Restored Castles (Fukugen Tenshu): Castles that originally had a tenshu in the Edo period but were lost due to war or deterioration and later rebuilt in modern times (e.g., Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle).
- Replica Castles (Mogi Tenshu): Castles that either never had a tenshu historically or were built in a different form than the original (e.g., Odawara Castle, Okazaki Castle).
Conclusion
The 12 Original Castles in Japan are rare historical relics, each preserving distinct features from Japan’s samurai era. For history enthusiasts and castle lovers, visiting these original castles offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the authentic architecture and atmosphere of feudal Japan.
