The gilded and carved Karamon gate of Nijo Castle, with the Ninomaru Palace visible through it

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Japan's Historic Castles

Feudal fortresses, samurai history, and panoramic keep views across the country.

Japanese castles (jo) were built between the 1400s and 1600s as fortified seats of power for feudal lords, and many were rebuilt after fire, earthquake, or wartime bombing using their original layouts. Today most house a museum on local history inside the keep and offer one of the best skyline or garden views in their city. Here are the castles worth building a stop around.

Castles Across Japan

8 castles across 8 destinations

Kyoto

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Kyoto

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage castle in central Kyoto, built for the Tokugawa shoguns. Its Ninomaru Palace, a National Treasure, is the only surviving example of a fortified palace complex, with wall paintings by the Kano school; the end of shogunate rule was proclaimed here in 1867.

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Osaka

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Osaka

Osaka Castle

One of Japan's most famous castles, surrounded by massive stone walls, moats, cherry blossoms, and parkland.

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Hiroshima

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Hiroshima

Hiroshima Castle

The site of the castle begun in 1589, with moats, original stone walls and free reconstructed Ninomaru buildings. The 1958 keep closed to visitors in March 2026 and is seen from outside only.

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Hakone

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Hakone

Odawara Castle

A beautifully restored castle in Odawara City, famous for its spring cherry blossoms and its role as the headquarters of the powerful Hojo clan during Japan's Sengoku period.

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Fukuoka

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Fukuoka

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

The remains of a vast Edo-period castle, now a peaceful park of stone walls, turret foundations, and cherry trees overlooking Ohori Park.

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Nagoya

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Nagoya

Nagoya Castle

The reconstructed castle built for the Tokugawa family in 1610-1612, known today for its gilded shachihoko roof ornaments and the meticulously restored Hommaru Palace.

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Kanazawa

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Kanazawa

Kanazawa Castle

The reconstructed stronghold of the Maeda clan's Kaga Domain, rebuilt with traditional wood joinery and no nails, standing directly across from Kenroku-en Garden.

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Matsumoto

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Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle

One of only five Japanese castles whose original keep holds National Treasure status, an entirely original Edo-period wooden structure in central Matsumoto with a black-and-white exterior set against the Northern Japan Alps.

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Japan's Historic Castles

Castles Across Japan

Kyoto

Nijo Castle

Osaka

Osaka Castle

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Castle

Hakone

Odawara Castle

Fukuoka

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Nagoya

Nagoya Castle

Kanazawa

Kanazawa Castle

Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle

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