Visiting Japan’s 12 Original Castles
There are hundreds if not thousands of castles in Japan. I’m sure you’ve visited famous castles in Japan like Osaka Castle, Okayama Castle, or Hiroshima Castle. Truth is, these are all reconstructed and restored castles. The majority of castles have been destroyed due to either war, environmental disasters, or politics. A few castles scattered throughout Japan have survived these obstacles. There are only 12 original castles in Japan and I’ve visited them all. This post explains what makes a castle “original” and gives a first-hand account of my visits to Japan’s 12 original castles.
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Throughout Japan’s history castles have been under constant siege, threatened by environmental catastrophes, or completely dismantled during the Meiji government era.
Out of the hundreds or thousands of castles that once existed throughout Japan there are only 12 original ones remaining. In Japan these castles are known as “Genson-tenshu,” which translates to “The existing castles.”
Of the 12 original castles in Japan, 5 of them are considered to be national treasures like Matsumoto Castle while 7 are important cultural assets.
So what makes these castles Genson-tenshu or original?
While visiting many of Japan’s original castles, the majority of the castles are just walls with a moat and castle keep. The castle’s keep or fortified tower is what makes these castles original. The common thing amongst Japan’s original castles is that their main keep is still intact and has been since the Edo period, around the mid 1800’s.
12 Original Castles in Japan
After living in Japan for over 5 years now, I finally visited the last of the 12 original castles in Japan, which was Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture.
The original castles are scattered throughout mainland Japan from Aomori Prefectures to Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.
These castles vary in sizes, Himeji being the largest and grandest whereas Uwajima Castle is a small keep hugging the coast line of the Pacific Ocean.
1. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Not to be confused with Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is located in Okayama Prefecture but shares a similar name.
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is not only famous for being one of Japan’s original castles but for it’s location. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is the only true mountain castle located in the mountains of Okayama Prefecture. It is located about 430 m above sea level on Mt. Gagyu.
Originally built in 1240 as a fortified fortress, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle has been conquered by various clans to include the Mori Clan. During the Meiji era, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle was abandoned and left to wither away. Thankfully in the early 1900’s, groups began restoration work on the castle and we can enjoy it today!
Today, visitors can walk to the main keep. There is a parking lot near the castle, but it is still a 20 minute or so walk. For those that are unable to walk the incline to the castle, there is a shuttle bus that leaves the parking lot and arrives close to the castle.
What makes Bitchu Matsuyama Castle one of my favorites is, Sanjuro the current castle or cat lord that guards the grounds and greets visitors. You can read all about Sanjuro, how he got here, and so much more on the castles website.
Castle Hours
April to September: 9:00 – 17:30
October to March: 9:00 – 16:30
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥500/Elementary and Jr. High Students ¥200
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
2. Hikone Castle
Located in the city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture is Hikone Castle. This castle is listed as a National Treasure and still has it’s original keep (tenshu).
Hikone Castle dates back to 1622 and was constructed by the Ii Clan. The castle was built to protect the Nakasendo route toward the city of Kyoto.
Hikone Castle is listed as a National Treasure due to its spectacular architectural style, original turrets, and horse stable.
Castle Hours
8:30 to 17:00
Entrance Fee
Castle ¥700
Castle and Garden ¥1000
Castle, Garden, and Museum ¥1500
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
3. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, is the grandest and best preserved of all Japan’s original castles. It is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Treasure.
If you were to ask me what castle in Japan is a must see? My response is always going to be Himeji. It’s superior to any other castle, even the famous Osaka and Nagoya Castles.
Most castles in Japan only have a keep along with a gate, maybe a turret, and remaining walls. But Himeji gives its visitors a look at what a full castle looked like back in the day. Himeji castle has over 80 buildings, in tact turrets, gates, and complex corridors.
The castle keep you see today is in its original form since it was built in 1609. Surprisingly, Himeji Castle was not affected by WWII, although the town of Himeji was heavily destroyed. Himeji Castle was painted black, that way it could not be seen from planes flying above the city.
Himeji Castle has one of the best preserved interiors. When walking through, pay attention to the stone throwing platforms, special hiding places for warriors, weapon racks, and the impressive doors.
Castle Hours
9:00 – 17:00
June 1 to August 31: 9:00 – 18:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥1000 / Elementary and Jr. High Students ¥300
Combined Ticket for Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden
Adults ¥1050 / Students ¥360
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
4. Hirosaki Castle
Located in the far north Prefecture of Aomori is Hirosaki Castle. Most visitors come here during Cherry Blossom season as Hirosaki Castle is spectacular during this time of year.
Built in 1611, Hirosaki Castle was home to the Tsugaru Clan. Originally, the main keep was 5-stoies but was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground in 1627. The keep you see today on the site is from 1810.
The keep is more recent but the building process used traditional techniques with original features.
At the current moment (2024), the Hirosaki Castle has been moved from its original location. They are currently working on the foundation. The keep is close to the original site and the inside is still accessible. The construction process is said to last a couple years.
Castle Hours
April 1 to November 23: 9:00 – 17:00
Duing Sakura Festival: 7:00 – 21:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥320 / Students ¥100
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
5. Inuyama Castle
Located about 25 km north of Nagoya in Aichi City is Inuyama Castle. Considered to be the oldest of the original castles in Japan, built around 1537 by Oda Nobukatsu, one of Oda Nobunaga’s sons. Inuyama Castle is also a National Treasure.
Visible on a hill overlooking the Kiso River below, Inuyama Castle is known for it’s beautiful architecture and wooden interior. Inuyama Castle is one of the better ones to visit if you want to see a castle in its original form, with little modern updates compared to other castles.
Castle Hours
9:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥550 / Children ¥110
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
6. Kochi Castle
Kochi Castle is located in Kochi City which also happens to be located in Kochi Prefecture. Since 1959, Kochi Castle has been listed as a National Historic Site.
Kochi Castle is unique as it was used as a residence for the local daimyo. The main keep is connected to the palace, it is not separate like other castles.
Kochi Castle was first built between 1601 and 1611 but much of the castle was burnt down in the 1700’s. In 1753 it was built back to its original form.
Castle Hours
9:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥420
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
7. Marugame Castle
Marugame Castle is located on Japan’s Shikoku Island in Kagawa Prefecture. Besides being one of Japan’s original castles, Marugame Castle is known for its original wooden keep, towering stone walls, and its location, being perched on Kameyama Hill overlooking Marugame City.
Marugame Castle was bult in 1597 by Ikoma Chikamasa, a daimyo during the Edo period. During the Meiji Restoration, when many castles were dismantled, Marugame was no exception. Most of the castle was dismantled but the keep and walls were saved.
Castle Hours
9:00 – 16:30
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥400
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
8. Maruoka Castle
One of the more lesser known of the original castles is Maruoka Castle. Maruoka Castle is located in Sakai City in the Japanese Prefecture of Fukui.
Maruoka Castle is one of the oldest original castle in Japan dating back to 1576. The castle was built by the daimyo Katsutoyo Shibata.
Maruoka Castle has a three-story keep that is made of wood and stone. The keep is also known as the “Mist Castle” based on a legend that claimed mist would appear during warfare to protect the castle from enemies.
The keep is all that is left here with the exception of a few walls. The surrounding area of Maruoka Castle has been turned into a nice park.
Castle Hours
8:30 – 17:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥450 / Children ¥150
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
9. Matsue Castle
Located in Shimane Prefecture, Matsue Castle is listed as a National Treasure and was completed in 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu.
Matsue Castle is a prime example as being build in a typical watchtower style for warfare. Thankfully, Matsue Castle has never been involved in a battle and therefore still stands in its original form.
A beautiful moat surrounds Matsue Castle. Today, boat tours can be taken around the castle. The keep is well worth visiting as there is an informative museum that houses a few artifacts.
Castle Hours
April 1 to September 30: 8:30am – 18:30
October 1 to March 31: 8:30 am – 17:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥680 / Children ¥290
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
10. Matsumoto Castle
After Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle is my favorite of Japan’s original castles. Also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its unique black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is located in Nagano Prefecture.
Another unique aspect about Matsumoto Castle is its location. Instead of being built on a hill, it sits on a flat plain.
Matsumoto Castle dates back to 1594 and newer structures were added to the castle in the 1630’s.
Matsumoto Castle was supposed to be entirely dismantled during the Meiji Restoration, but many residents from the city and one in particular, Ichikawa Ryozo stood up to spare the castle from destruction.
Matsumoto Castle today is a spectacular castle to visit. The unique black design and tenshu are absolutely beautiful. Visitors can go inside and see the Moon Viewing Room.
Castle Hours
8:30 – 17:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥700 / Children ¥300
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
11. Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle, is one of two castles located in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku along with Uwajima.
Matsuyama Castle is located on Mt. Katsuyama in the heart of Matsuyama City. The castle was built between 1602 and 1628 by the daimyo, Yoshiaki Kato.
Matsuyama Castle is one of the more complex castles in Japan. The main keep is three-tiered in the traditional style. Several of the watchtowers, gates, and walls are still in its original form.
Since Matsuyama Castle sits on top of Mt. Katsuyama it is worth coming here for the views alone. You get a great view of the city, mountains, and Seto Inland Sea.
Castle Hours
9:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥520 / Children ¥160
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
12. Uwajima Castle
Uwajima Castle, one of the smallest of the twelve castles is located in Ehime Prefecture on the Japanese island of Shikoku.
Constructed between 1596 -1601 by Todo Takatora, a daimyo of the Todo Clan.
Uwajima sits on top of a 73m hill. A lot of the castles foundations to include walls and gates were destroyed during construction projects around the city of Uwajima. But the main keep has remained since its completion in 1672.
Today, the white three tiered keep stands in the middle of an open field. Visitors can visit the inside of the castle and walk the grounds.
In 1937, Uwajima Castle was designated as a National Historic Site.
Castle Hours
9:00 – 17:00
Entrance Fee
Adults ¥200
For more information feel free to view the Official Website
Conclusion
Some of the most famous castles in Japan include Osaka or Okayama Castle. Truth is, although worth visiting, they are not original castles in Japan. Out of the hundreds of castles that dot Japan’s landscape, only 12 remain original. From the impressive Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture to the picturesque castle of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, each castle offers a unique perspective and glimpse into Japan’s history. Whether you love the historical aspect of Japan’s past or just love exploring new places around Japan, why not make an attempt to visit a few or all of Japan’s original castles.
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