Japan boasts many iconic castles, each offering a glimpse into the country’s feudal history. With their stunning architecture and deep historical roots, these castles are must-visit sites for tourists and history lovers alike. Beyond just marvelling at the grandeur of these castles, many castles provide a unique souvenir experience- collecting gojoin (castle stamps)! This tradition allows visitors to bring home a piece of history and a fond memory of their trip to Japan.

Here are the 10 castles you cannot miss:
(1) Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture)
(2) Osaka Castle (Osaka Prefecture)
(3) Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto Prefecture)
(4) Nagoya Castle (Aichi Prefecture)
(5) Matsumoto Castle (Nagano Prefecture)
(6) Hirosaki Castle (Aomori Prefecture)
(7) Shurijo Castle (Okinawa Prefecture)
(8) Nijo Castle (Kyoto Prefecture)
(9) Edo Castle (Tokyo Prefecture)
(10) Inuyama Castle (Aichi Prefecture)

Nicknamed the “White Heron Castle” for its elegant white exterior, Himeji Castle is Japan’s most famous and well-preserved feudal castle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited castles in Japan, it houses a network of 83 rooms and boasts a stunning multi-tiered structure, intricate wooden interiors, and a sophisticated defensive system. If you find yourself in Japan during the cherry blossom season, make sure to drop by the castle for a truly spectacular scene!

Himeji Castle
Location: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm
Admission fee: 1000 yen
Website

One of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, Osaka Castle played a crucial role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. The current reconstruction, surrounded by expansive parklands and a moat, houses a museum detailing its fascinating history. The castle’s towering main keep offers a panoramic view of the city. During March to April, this is also one of the most popular hanami spots in Osaka, where you can take a stroll or have a picnic, taking in the beauty of the dreamy pink flowers.

Osaka Castle
Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Admission fee: 600 yen
Website

Known for its impressive black walls and strategic design, Kumamoto Castle is one of the most formidable fortresses in Japan built in the 1960s. Though it suffered damage in the 2016 earthquake, restoration efforts are still underway to bring it back to its former glory. Visitors can still admire its grandeur and explore nearby attractions like Suizenji Jojuen Garden. The castle is also known for its unique "flat-top" design, visitors can explore the castle’s surrounding gardens and learn about the ongoing restoration efforts

Kumamoto Castle
Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Admission fee: 800 yen

Originally built by the powerful Tokugawa shogunate, Nagoya Castle is renowned for its golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish ornaments) adorning the roof. It is one of Japan’s historically significant castles, having played a central role in the development of the Tokugawa shogunate. Even after wartime air raid destructions, the castle is deemed historically important enough to be designated a National Historic Site. Visitors can explore the samurai armour and other historical artifacts within the castle ground, restoration works are currently ongoing to help restore the castle to its original condition.

Nagoya Castle
Location: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0031, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 4:30pm daily
Admission fee: 500 yen
Website

One of Japan’s few remaining original castles, Matsumoto Castle stands out with its striking black exterior, earning it the nickname “Crow Castle.” Surrounded by a scenic moat and the backdrop of the Japanese Alps, it is a prime example of a hirajiro (flatland castle) with a rich samurai history. Steep wooden staircases, strategically placed openings for dropping stones on intruders, and designated slots for archers are among the castle’s notable defensive features. At the top floor of the main keep, an observation deck offers stunning views overlooking the city.

Matsumoto Castle
Location: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873, Japan
Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Admission fee: 700 yen (1200-1300 yen from April 2025)
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Famous for its seasonal beauty, Hirosaki Castle is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season when thousands of trees bloom around its moat. A must-see attraction within the park is the Heart Sakura, a popular photo spot where the branches of two different trees form the shape of a heart. Unlike most castles, its main keep is not as towering, but its authenticity and surrounding park make it one of the best spots for hanami.

A pro tip for those visiting soon: the current alignment of Hirosaki Castle with Mt. Iwaki creates a rare and picturesque view, but this view will no longer be visible once the castle is moved back to its original position following the completion of its stone wall restoration, scheduled for March 2025. Hence, those visiting soon might want to capture this special view before it’s gone for good!

Hirosaki Castle
Location: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8356, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Admission fee: 310 yen
Website

Once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shurijo Castle showcases unique Okinawan and Chinese architectural influences. In 1945, during the Battle of Okinawa, it was almost completely destroyed. After the war, the castle was re-purposed as a university campus. Sadly it was tragicially wrecked again by a fire in 2019, reconstruction efforts are ongoing to restore it back to its original condition but visitors can still explore the reconstructed structures and learn about Okinawa's history. Expected to be rebuilt by 2026, the castle’s distinctive red and white colors make it a striking must-visit landmark in Naha, Okinawa.

Shurijo Castle
Location: 1-2 Shurikinjocho, Naha, Okinawa 903-0815, Japan
Opening hours: 8am to 6:30pm
Admission fee: 400 yen
Website

A testament to the grandeur of the Tokugawa shogunate, Nijo Castle is famous for its intricate wood carvings, gold-leaf designs, and “nightingale floors” that chirp when walked on to detect intruders. A flatland castle in Kyoto, there are two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, and the ruins of the Honmaru Palace. The palace rooms are covered in tatami mats, while the ceilings are intricately decorated, featuring elaborately-painted sliding doors (fusuma).

The castle’s gardens are a must-visit highlight, offering a tranquil retreat from the city life with beautiful flowers, ponds, and seasonal foliage.

Nijo Castle
Location: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Opening hours: 8:45am to 5pm daily
Admission fee: 600 yen
Website

Once the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, Edo Castle is now part of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. While the original structures no longer exist, visitors can explore its remnants, including massive stone walls, moats, and the scenic East Gardens. The Ninomaru Garden and remains of the old castle walls provide a glimpse into the grandeur of the Tokugawa era. Visitors can enjoy seasonal beauty with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage.

Edo Castle
Location: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm, closed on Mondays and Fridays
Admission fee: 600 yen
Website

One of Japan’s oldest surviving castles, Inuyama Castle is one of the twelve original castles in Japan that survived the feudal era. It retains its original wooden keep and offers breathtaking views of the Kiso River. Despite its modest size, it offers a quieter and more intimate experience compared to larger castles, making it a special hidden gem among other Japanese castles. Visitors can also climb to the top of the main keep for panoramic views!

Inuyama Castle
Location: Kitakoken-65-2 Inuyama, Aichi 484-0082, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Admission fee: 550 yen
Website

Gojoin

The Gojoin (castle stamps) collection is a popular and unique activity for visitors exploring Japan's castles and it is a fun way to encourage travellers to discover more castles. Designed to represent the castle’s unique features, these commemorative stamps reflect the castle’s beautiful architecture and cultural heritage. You can collect these stamps in a special booklet, serving as cute and whimsical souvenir reminders of your fun travel memories in Japan.

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