Japan's Eight Must-Visit Castles: Experience Photogenic Beauty in All Four Seasons

Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City is well known as one of the best sakura (cherry blossoms) viewing spots in Japan, mainly because of the combination of cherry blossoms and the majestic Hirosaki Castle. In this park, there are around 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, which create a magnificent landscape of the area.

Tsuruga Castle of Aizu is a famous one among castle in Fukushima Prefecture. Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, this castle became a stage of Boshin War. Beside the strong history that you can feel, Tsuruga Castle also popular with light up in the night. During spring and autumn, not only the castle but cherry blossoms and autumn foliage also colored by the light. As for the access, visitor can use a loop bus route.

Toyama Castle Park that covers the grounds of the former Toyama Castle is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Rebuilt in 1954, the current castle standing at the corner of the park is now home to the Toyama Municipal Folk Museum. The entire area is imbued with the samurai spirit. Samurai armor can be rented at the information center located within the park, so prepare yourself to become a real samurai.

For over 400 years, Hikone Castle has been one of the few castles in Japan to survive wars and disasters and maintain its original condition. This historic building looks even more beautiful in spring when it is surrounded by the approximately 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom, and its adorable mascot, Hiko-nyan, is also very popular.

The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also known as the White Heron Castle for its pristine white stature that stands out against the blue sky, resembling a white heron taking flight. Admire the dazzling castle tower and explore the many attractions including the various defenses against attack. In Koko-en garden founded on the grounds of the former West Residence, you can enjoy dining or tea while gazing at the majestic castle.

Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle is one of 12 existing temples and is designated as an important cultural property of the country. It is also famous as the only mountain castle where its original tower still exists. A sea of clouds that form around the mountain from fall to winter makes the castle tower appear to float above the clouds, earning it the name “Castle in the Sky.” The sea of clouds forms from late September to early April, from the break of dawn to around 8am. You can expect to see a thick morning mist from late October to early December in particular.

While the castle was seriously damaged by the Kumamoto earthquakes in 2016, with the aid of numerous supporters, the castle tower was restored in March 2021. It is still a long journey to complete restoration, but the castle rises as a symbol of Kumamoto's steadfast progress toward reconstruction.

The Ryukyu Kingdom existed here in Okinawa until about 140 years ago. Centered on Shurijo Castle, it fostered a unique history and culture while being influenced by exchanges with China, Japan and other areas of Asia for 450 years. The gently curved castle walls are reminiscent of the age of the kingdom. In October 2019, eight structures including the main temple of Shurijo Castle were destroyed by fire and are currently under reconstruction. Visitors can experience the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom by walking the Shurijo Castle Reconstruction Model Course, which tours the castle park and the surrounding areas.