Most of Japanese castles are built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Castles symbolized the power of the lords. While traveling in Japan, you can see many different castles. Touring the inside of a castle tower is interesting. You can observe many mechanisms each castle had during the Warring States in Japan. Also, enjoy magnificent views from a castle tower.
Well-known Castles in Japan:
Goryokaku - Hakodate-city, Hokkaido
It is a star-shaped and Western-style fort built in 1866.
Hirosaki Castle - Hirosaki-city, Aomori
It's a beautiful castle at the northernmost end of Japan. The castle tower museum features Samurai-era swords, helmets, and more items.
Odawara Castle - Odawara-city, Kanagawa
Odawara Castle was originally built in the early 15th century, and it used to be one of the largest castles in Japan. The ruins of Odawara Castle are now called Odawara Joshi Koen (Odawara Castle Park). The main attraction here is the donjon which was restored in 1960. There is also a castle museum.
Nagoya Castle - Nagoya-city, Aichi
This castle was built by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612. The two golden shachihoko are exhibited on top of the castle tower as its symbols.
Matsumoto Castle
Phone: 81-263-32-2902
4-1 Marunouchi Matsumoto, Nagano
Open 8:30am-4:30pm
Admission: Adult 520yen Child (Elementary and junior high students) 250yen
This castle was founded by Ishikawa Kazumasa and Yasunaga in 1590. It's a national treasure in Japan.
Osaka Castle - Osaka-city, Osaka
1-1 Osakajyo Chuoku, Osaka City
Phone: 81-6-6944-0546
Open 9:00am to 5:00pm
Admission: Adults 600yen
Osaka castle was founded by one of the most powerful shogun, Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
Hikone Casle - Hikone-city, Shiga
The Ii family built the Hikone Castle in 1607. The donjon is a Japanese national treasure.
Matsuyama Castle Matsuyama-city, Ehime
It is one of the best three multi-wing castles in Japan, located on a flattop mountain.
Himeji Castle - Himeji-city, Hyogo
This is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Himeji castle is called "White Heron" castle because of its white walls. Free-guided tours are available for English-speaking visitors.
Kumamoto Castle - Kumamoto-city, Kumamoto
The castle is about 8 miles in circumference. Guided tours of the castle are available with free of Charge.
Shuri Castle - Naha-city, Okinawa
1-2 Kinjo, Naha City
Phone 81-98-886-2020
Admission: Adult 800yen High school students 600yen / Child (elementary and junior high school students) 300yen
Shuri was ancient capital of Okinawa kingdom, and all the architecture of the castle is influenced by Chinese civilization.
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