During my month-long trip to Japan in 2019, I had the opportunity to visit several of the medieval Japanese castles that still stand (with some restoration, of course). Although few retain their original structure, it's definitely worth visiting at least one to get a sense of its heyday.
In total, I visited six medieval castles. Due to their architecture, size and design, the ones I The ones that impressed me the most were the Black Castle in Matsumoto, the Osaka Castle and the largest one, located in HimejiThey're impressive and well-preserved, and I definitely recommend visiting them if you have time. The others, like those in Okayama, Kanazawa, and Hiroshima, didn't impress me as much, especially compared to the others I mentioned.
One recommendation I'd leave you with is that visiting the interior of one or two castles is enough, as the rest tend to be quite similar. They generally have wooden interiors, with large rooms spread over several floors and columns supporting the structure. At the top, you can enjoy good views through the windows.
The best part, for me, is the exterior, how they look from the outside. If I had to choose one to enter, I'd choose the Himeji one first, due to its large size, its beautiful outdoor gardens, and several interior rooms. The Matsumoto one would be my second choice. Also, in terms of photogenicity, these two are the most beautiful, in my opinion; they look spectacular from any angle.
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How many castles are there in Japan?
In Japan there are more than 100 castles Historic castles. Of these, only a few remain in their original form due to destruction caused by wars, fires, and other disasters over the centuries. However, many castles have been carefully restored and are important tourist and heritage sites in the country, such as the ones I will detail in this article.
What were the Medieval Castles of Japan used for?
Like any castle in general, the Japanese castles They were fortifications built primarily of stone and wood for the purpose of guarding strategic locations such as ports, rivers, or roads. They almost always took into account the characteristics of the location for better defense.
During the Second World War many castles were destroyed during bombing, and only a few located in remote areas, such as the Matsumoto Castle remained intact.
Since World War II, many castles have been rebuilt with modern materials, such as concrete, although a few have used the original materials and followed the same techniques as in their heyday.
To date, only twelve retain their original structure, with the most outstanding being the Himeji CastleOf the existing castles, whether original, reconstructed, or in ruins, many have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status, while others have been designated National Treasures.
Today, many castles have been converted into museums and house important artifacts from the region, telling the story of the cities where they are located.
Map of medieval castles in Japan
On this map you can see the organized location of the six medieval castles I was able to visit during my stay in Japan.
It's organized by city, with the exact location of each of the castles, train stations, accommodations where I stayed, and other attractions to visit in each city.
Matsumoto Castle
He Matsumoto Castle It is located in the city of Matsumoto. Its construction dates back to the Sengoku era, when it was built as a fort under the name Fukashi Castle.
Matsumoto Castle is designated a National Treasure of Japan and is one of only four original castles to do so. It is also known as Castle of the Ravens because of the black color of its walls (although Okayama Castle is also called that).
It is located on the Matsumoto Plain, a swampy land that forced the builders to make the structures very solid, using long timbers fixed to the ground. It was built between 1594 and 1597 and stands 30 meters tall, with six floors. It rests on 7-meter stone walls that originally had a wide moat beneath them. From its five-story tower, one can enjoy views of the fertile valley.
How to get to Matsumoto
Matsumoto is located in Nagano Prefecture, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. It's an ideal day trip from Tokyo, Nagano, or even Takayama.
- From Takayama: First you take a bus to the station Shiojiri either Matsumoto directly. The journey takes about 2 and a half hours, crossing mountains and valleys. It's a very beautiful route.
- From Tokyo: The fastest way to get there is by taking the Azusa Limited Express train from Shinjuku Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass.
- From Nagano: You can take a local train or the Shinano Limited Express (also included in the JR Pass). The trip lasts about 1 hour.
Already in Matsumoto City, Black Castle is just a 15-minute walk from the train station.
From Tokyo, there are tours in Spanish that depart and return on the same day. If you're looking for that option, you can reserve it from here.
What to do in Matsumoto besides visiting the Black Castle
It's a small city, so options are limited. But if you're looking for something to do to entertain yourself the rest of the time, you can:
- Stroll through Nakamachi and Nawate-dori: Two traditional streets filled with craft shops, local sake, Japanese snacks, and old buildings.
- Visit the Matsumoto Museum of Art: ideal if you are interested in modern art
- Take some excursions from Matsumoto: From here you can access hiking trails in the Japanese Alps.
In this article I tell you how from Matsumoto you can go to another town for the day and be part of the Nakasendo Route.
Where to stay in Matsumoto
I stayed in the Asama Onsen FAN! MATSUMOTOIt's a bit far from the castle and the train station. You have to take a bus to get there (it leaves from the station itself). But it had the advantage of being cheap and the added bonus of have an onsen inside the hostel itself.
Maybe by paying a little more, you can find one closer, and not have to travel on the bus as much as I did.
Osaka Castle
He Osaka Castle It is located in the city of Osaka, Japan. It is one of the most famous castles in the country and played an important role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period of the 16th century.
The castle covers an area of approximately one square kilometer, within the Osaka Castle Public Park. It was built on two platforms of filled ground, with walls made of cut stones, and is surrounded by a well containing water, similar to European castles. The castle has eight interior floors (accessible by elevator) and five exterior floors, and was built on a high stone base to protect its occupants from attackers with bladed weapons.
The castle interior houses a museum, a convention hall, and the Toyokuni Shrine, dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
How to get to Osaka
Osaka is very well connected to the entire country, making it easy to get there from anywhere.
By train
From Tokyo
- Shinkansen (bullet train) - Line Tokaido Shinkansen
- Train Nozomi: ~2h30min (not included in JR Pass)
- Train Hikari: ~3h (included in JR Pass)
- Arrive at Shin-Osaka Station
From Kyoto
- Only 15 to 30 minutes by fast or local train (e.g., JR Special Rapid Service).
From Hiroshima
- Sanyo Line Shinkansen
- Nozomi or Sakura: ~1h30min
- Included with JR Pass if you take a Sakura.
By bus from Tokyo, Kyoto or Hiroshima
- There is night buses and daytime companies such as Willer Express either JR Bus
- Much cheaper than the train (~¥3,000 to ¥7,000)
- Duration from Tokyo: between 8 and 10 hours
Ideal for backpackers on a budget with plenty of time.
Osaka Castle is located less than five kilometers from Osaka Station. If you prefer not to walk, city buses are available.
What to do in Osaka besides visiting the Castle
Talking about things to do in Osaka deserves another post. It's a large city with many interesting places to see. The castle is just one of the many attractions worth visiting.
For read more about Osaka, you can read the article I wrote about my visit.
Where to stay in Osaka
It's a huge city, and there are many possible areas to stay. My hostel was called Sun Village Tamatsukuri, but it no longer exists. It was located on the Tamatsukuri area Exactly. Far from the center, but well connected by train, and not too far from Osaka Castle.
Himeji Castle
He Himeji Castle It was one of my favorites. It's located in the coastal city of Himeji, about 47 km west of Kobe. It's one of the oldest surviving medieval Japanese structures.
It was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. Along with Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle, it is one of Japan's “Three Famous Castles”, and is the most visited in the country.
It is sometimes known by the name of “White Heron Castle” due to the bright white color of its exterior.
The castle frequently appears on Japanese television, as a setting for films and drama series. It is a popular landmark in Himeji, as the castle is located on a hill and can be seen from much of the city.
How to get to Himeji
Himeji City is in the Kansai region and is super accessible by train, especially if you have the Japan Rail Pass.
From Osaka
- Shinkansen (bullet train):
- 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka to Himeji Station
- Covered with JR Pass (if you take a Hikari or Sakura)
- JR Special Rapid Service Local Train:
- 1 hour approx., from Osaka Station
- Cheaper, also covered by JR Pass
From Kyoto
- Shinkansen: 45 minutes
- JR Special Rapid Service: 1h30min approx.
From Hiroshima
- 1 hour by Shinkansen (Sakura or Hikari)
Himeji Castle is very close to JR Station, just a 10-minute walk away. Take the station's north exit and then walk about a kilometer along Otemae-Dori Street. It's a great day trip if you're nearby.
If you are stopping in Osaka and want to see Himeji Castle on a private tour, also making a stop in Kobe city, you can reserve it by visiting this link.
What to do in Himeji besides visiting the castle
Although the star is the castle, there are some more activities and places that are worth visiting if you have time.
- Koko-en Gardens: right next to the castle. A set of traditional gardens with ponds, tea houses, and bonsai trees.
- Otemae-dori Street: connects the station to the castle. It's full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Mount Shosha and Engyo-ji Temple (if you have more time): it is an ancient Buddhist temple surrounded by a forest, 30 minutes by bus from the station
Where to stay in Himeji
Many people choose to base themselves in another city and spend only the day in Himeji. But if you decide to spend the night in Himeji, I can recommend the hostel I stayed at. the Himeji 588 Guest House.
It was practically 100 meters from the Castle, and very close to the train station. It's not a big city, but it's recommended that you base yourself there, as your main plan will likely be to visit the castle.
Okayama Castle
Of those that attracted me the least. The Okayama Castle It is located in Okayama City. The main tower was completed in 1597.
It was then destroyed during the bombing of World War II in 1945 and rebuilt in 1966.
It is also called Crow Castle, like Matsumoto Castle but rebuilt, due to the dark color of its exterior walls.
How to get to Okayama
Okayama is in the region of Chugoku, very well connected by the network of Shinkansen and local trains.
From Osaka
- Shinkansen (Sakura or Hikari):
- ~45 minutes from Shin-Osaka
- Included in the JR Pass
From Kyoto
- Shinkansen: 1 hour approx.
From Hiroshima
- Shinkansen (Sakura): ~35-40 minutes
To get to Okayama Castle from the station you have to walk around 20 to 25 minutes in the direction thisIt is located in front of one of the entrances to Kenrouken Garden.
There are also trams and buses that leave from the station and can drop you off very close by.
What to do in Okayama besides visiting the castle
- Korakuen Garden: One of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with Kenroku-en (Kanazawa) and Kairaku-en (Mito). It has lakes, tea houses, trails, and landscapes maintained year-round. It's a good addition if you decide to spend a whole day in Okayama, as I did.
- Okayama Art Museum: Small but interesting, with Japanese art and temporary exhibitions
- Omotecho Shopping Street: Ideal for eating, buying souvenirs or simply strolling with the local atmosphere
Where to stay in Okayama
If the plan is basically to visit the castle and the garden, I would stay near the train station so as not to waste time coming and going.
I stayed at the Kamp Houkan-cho Backpacker's Inn & LoungeIt's just a few blocks from the train station, in the opposite direction to the castle. Although it's a bit further away, the price is quite good, and it's still within walking distance of both the castle and the garden.
Kanazawa Castle
This one looks more like a fortress, with large walled courtyards, than the typical castle we've been seeing. Kanazawa Castle is located in the city of the same name. The castle was founded in 1583 and rebuilt in 1592 after the Japanese invasion of Korea. During this time, most of the moats were dug.
The castle burned down and was rebuilt again in 1620–1621 and again in 1631–1632. It was nearly destroyed in the Great Fire of Kanazawa in 1759 and rebuilt in 1762 and 1788. After some minor fires and an earthquake, the castle was destroyed by fire again in 1881.
What remains today, including the 1788 Ishikawa Gate, the Sanjukken Nagaya, and the Tsurumaru storage room, are part of the original structures that the building boasts.
How to get to Kanazawa
From Tokyo
- Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki or Hakutaka):
- Between 2h30min and 3h
- Included in the JR Pass (except Kagayaki trains if you use the regular JR Pass, but also with the JR East + West Pass)
From Kyoto or Osaka
- There is no direct Shinkansen. But there are trains. Limited Express Thunderbird:
- ~2h30min from Osaka
- ~2h15min from Kyoto
- Covered by the JR Pass
From Takayama
- Nohi Express Bus: ~2 and a half hours
- Scenic Route through the Japanese Alps
- You can also stop at Shirakawago if you organize it well
- JR Pass does not cover it, but it can be easily booked online.
Kanazawa Castle is located right next to the city's Kenrokuen Gardens, so if you're staying nearby, you can walk to both. If you're staying farther away, you can take the Hokutetsu bus from Kanazawa Station, as well as the Kanazawa Loop Bus or the Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus.
What to do in Kanazawa besides visiting the castle
Unlike the small cities we've been visiting, where the main attraction was the castle, Kanazawa has much more to offer. It's a city steeped in samurai history, Zen gardens, a Geisha district, art, and cuisine. Ideally, I'd try to stay at least two nights in this city.
- Kenrokuen Garden: One of the three most famous gardens in Japan, along with that of Korakuen (Okayama) and the Kairaku-en (Mito). It is in front of the castle.
- Higashi Chaya District (the geisha district): Traditional streets lined with tea houses. If you're not experiencing a rainy day like I was, it's a great place to take beautiful photos and walk around.
- Nagamachi District (samurai houses): Cobbled streets with typical mud walls. You can visit the Nomura family residence (very pretty inside)
- Museum of Contemporary Art of the 21st Century: Modern architecture, interactive installations
- Omicho Market: The city's fish and local food market
Where to stay in Kanazawa
It's a big city, but most of the attractions are close to each other. My recommendation is to look for something close to these sites so you can visit most of them on foot.
My hotel was the HATCHi Kanazawa by THE SHARE HOTELS, located between the geisha district and the castle (you can see the location on the map).
Hiroshima Castle
Originally built in the 1590s, the castle was destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1958, a replica of the original that serves as a museum of Hiroshima's pre-World War II history.
Much of what was once the castle's exterior is now made up of houses, schools, offices, and shops in the modern urban area.
It didn't catch my attention, and I would say that unless we are passing through on the way from the station to the Peace Memorial Park, I wouldn't recommend it as a must-see stop.
How to get to Hiroshima
Hiroshima is extremely well connected by train and bus. The most common routes:
By train (Shinkansen) from Osaka or Kyoto
- Shinkansen Sanyo (Sakura or Hikari)
- From Osaka: ~1h30
- From Kyoto: ~2h
- Covered by the JR Pass
By train from Tokyo
- Tokaido + Sanyo Shinkansen
- Nozomi: ~4 hours (NOT included in JR Pass)
- Hikari + Sakura: ~5 hours (Yes, it is included)
By bus from cities like Osaka or Fukuoka
- There are night and day buses. They're cheaper but take much longer (about 5 to 10 hours).
To get to Hiroshima Castle, you only have to walk 15 minutes from the train station or from the Peace Park. You can also take the tram and get off at the stop. Kamiya-cho.
What to do in Hiroshima
- Peace Memorial Park: It's the emotional heart of the city. Within the park, you can visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Museum, and the Cenotaph and Flame of Peace, among other attractions.
- Shukkeien Gardens: Traditional Japanese garden, very pretty and quiet
- Miyajima Island Tour: Famous for the floating torii of the sanctuary Itsukushima. Just 45 minutes from Hiroshima by ferry from Hiroshima
Where to stay in Hiroshima
I didn't stay in the city, but rather spent only half a day there, as it was on my way to Miyajima Island, where I did spend the night. I left my backpack in one of the station lockers and walked through Peace Park, visited the museum (recommended), and saw the castle from the outside.
But if you decide to stay in Hiroshima, the best location is definitely between the park and the station. All the sights are very close.
Final thoughts on the Castle Route in Japan
As I said at the beginning of the article, the best ones to visit in my opinion are the Black Castle in Matsumoto and the White Heron Castle in Himeji.
- Himeji CastleIt's the largest and most spectacular castle in Japan, known for its architectural beauty and gardens. It's one of the best representations of a Japanese castle in its original form, so it's a must-see if you're interested in history and photography.
- Matsumoto CastleAlso known as the “Black Castle,” it is famous for its unique structure and aesthetic, especially when reflected in the surrounding ponds. Although smaller than Himeji Castle, it is incredibly picturesque and offers a more peaceful and accessible atmosphere.
Both are impressive, but if you're looking for the most iconic and monumental, Himeji is the one to choose. If you prefer something more picturesque and less crowded, Matsumoto is perfect.
If you like photographs like me, I have a specific section where I show the images of Japan.
That's all for this article. I hope you found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave a comment below.
See you in the next post, and as I always say, thank you for your time!