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100 famous castles in Japan

100 famous castles in Japan

Japan's 100 Famous Castles is a selection of 100 famous castles from all over Japan, as determined by the Japan Castle Association. All of these castles are of a high standard in terms of scale, scenery, and historical value, and are symbols of Japanese history and culture. It is very popular as a tourist destination.

A Perfect Day Trip in Hyogo: Explore Himeji Castle, Kobe's Flavors, and Stunning Views

Experience the best of Hyogo in one day! Visit Himeji Castle, savor Kobe's vibrant food scene, and enjoy breathtaking views from Mt. Maya.

Hyogo

Kobe City

Tourism

Travel Plans
The Three Great Chinatowns of Japan
100 famous castles in Japan
Night view
Japan's Three Great Night Views
National Treasure
World Heritage Sites
One-Day Tour of Okayama, Himeji, and Kobe: A Dynamic Journey Through Iconic Sights

Discover the beauty of Okayama, Himeji, and Kobe in one action-packed day. Visit a top Japanese garden, a UNESCO World Heritage castle, vibrant Chinatown, and breathtaking night views.

Hyogo

Himeji City

Tourism

Travel Plans
The Three Great Chinatowns of Japan
100 famous castles in Japan
Night view
Japan's Three Great Night Views
National Treasure
World Heritage Sites
Three Great Gardens of Japan
Japanese Gardens
Nijo Castle: The Ultimate 2025 Guide | Exploring the Historic UNESCO Site & Newly Reopened Ninomaru Palace

Discover Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Our 2025 guide highlights the newly reopened Honmaru Palace, national treasures, exquisite gardens, and essential tips on access, tickets, and reservations.

Kyoto

Kyoto City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
World Heritage Sites
Nationally designated Places of Scenic Beauty
National Historic Site
Nijo Castle: A Walking Guide to Kyoto's Imperial Masterpiece

Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto. This comprehensive guide includes convenient bus access from Kyoto Station, highlights of the magnificent Ninomaru Palace, and a detailed 2-hour walking course through centuries of samurai history.

Kyoto

Kyoto City

Tourism

World Heritage Sites
Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Nationally designated Places of Scenic Beauty
National Historic Site
Hachioji Castle Ruins: Complete Visitor's Guide to Tokyo's Spectacular Mountain Fortress

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.

Tokyo

Hachioji City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
National Historic Site
Japan Heritage
Himeji Castle: Ultimate Guide to Japan's Most Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Fortress

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.

Hyogo

Himeji City

Tourism

World Heritage Sites
National Treasure
Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Three Great Castles of Japan
National Historic Site
Inside Himeji Castle's Main Tower: Exploring Japan's Most Beautiful Fortress and Its Ingenious Defense Systems

Venture through every floor of Himeji Castle's main tower, from its underground level to the top. Explore intricate defense mechanisms and architectural marvels of Japan's finest white castle, complete with visitor tips.

Hyogo

Himeji City

Tourism

World Heritage Sites
National Treasure
Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Three Great Castles of Japan
National Historic Site
Hiroshima Castle Complete Guide 2025: Historic Tower Closing Soon & New Cultural District

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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
National Historic Site
How to Get to Nagoya Castle: The Best Transport Options

Explore the best ways to reach Nagoya Castle. Learn why the Me~guru bus is the most convenient and cost-effective option, with tips on saving money and maximizing your visit.

Aichi

Nagoya City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Nagoya Castle: Complete Visitor's Guide to Japan's Historic Landmark

Explore Nagoya Castle's golden shachihoko, honmaru palace, and turrets. Find visitor info, access details, and admission fees for this iconic Japanese landmark.

Aichi

Nagoya City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Nagoya Castle Honmaru Palace: A Golden Journey Through Japan's Edo Period

Step into the opulent world of Edo-period Japan at Nagoya Castle's Honmaru Palace. Explore golden interiors, exquisite artwork, and rich history in this comprehensive guide.

Aichi

Nagoya City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Nishiomaru Treasure Museum: Learn Nagoya Castle's History and Encounter Historical Treasures

Explore Nagoya Castle's history at Nishiomaru Treasure Museum. See war-surviving shachihoko and priceless artifacts in a recreated Edo-period storehouse. Free admission.

Aichi

Nagoya City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Goryokaku: Exploring Hakodate's Star-Shaped Fortress

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.

Hokkaido

Hakodate

Tourism

100 famous castles in Japan
The Complete Guide to Osaka Castle Sightseeing! An Efficient Model Course for Seeing the Highlights & Popular Spots

Introducing a sightseeing plan and route to conquer all the highlights and popular spots of Osaka Castle. Learn how to efficiently visit the charms of Osaka Castle, including Otemon Gate, the main tower, and Nishinomaru Garden, in half a day. Please make use of this for planning your Osaka sightseeing.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
10 Must-Visit Spots for Osaka Castle Sightseeing! Plenty of Attractions Including the Main Tower and Gardens

Introducing a selection of must-see attractions for Osaka Castle sightseeing, including the main tower, Nishinomaru Garden, and the Gozabune boat. From historical buildings like the Tamon Turret and Sengan Turret to Jo Terrace Osaka where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food, Osaka Castle is packed with charm. We also propose an efficient Osaka Castle sightseeing plan.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden - The colorful beauty of Japan depicted in silence.

Introducing the Nishinomaru Garden in Osaka Castle. Here, the colorful and beautiful scenery of Japan is passed down from generation to generation.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Sengan Yagura: Osaka Castle's oldest and strongest guardian

Sengan Yagura is one of the oldest structures in Osaka Castle and is one of the highlights of Osaka Castle.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Tamon Yagura of Osaka Castle: The guardian of Osaka Castle, which withstood the turbulent period at the end of the Edo period, the great fires of the Meiji Restoration, and the air raids of World War II.

Tamon Yagura at Osaka Castle is one of the turrets that cannot be visited throughout the year. Each year, it is open to the public for a limited time as a special open house.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Osaka Castle Gozabune Boat: The most beautiful view of Osaka Castle. Cruising is soothing.

We would like to introduce you to the Osaka Castle Gozabune, which allows you to take the most beautiful photos of Osaka Castle.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Cruising
How to walk around Osaka Castle's castle tower without fail

Avoid lining up to buy tickets or climbing the stairs up the 8-story castle tower, and tour Osaka Castle in comfort.

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Three Great Castles of Japan
Shibata Castle: A 400-Year-Old Fortress with Distinctive Namako Walls and Modern Military Connections

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.

Niigata

Shibata City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Nationally designated Places of Scenic Beauty
Odawara Castle: You can become a ninja. You can meet samurai.

We will introduce the history and highlights of Odawara Castle in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Kanagawa

Odawara

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan
Japan Heritage
"Takeda Shrine" is dedicated to Takeda Shingen, a famous Sengoku warlord.

Introducing Takeda Shrine, a tourist spot that represents Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Yamanashi

Kofu City

Tourism

100 famous castles in Japan
Shrine
Kofu Castle, a famous spot for cherry blossoms - a famous tourist spot in historic Yamanashi Prefecture

I would like to introduce Kofu Castle in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Yamanashi

Kofu City

Tourism

Japanese castle
100 famous castles in Japan