Many Japanese castles were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Castles symbolized the power of the lords at the time, and castle towns called jokamachi were established in the surrounding area. There are many different types of castle structures, such as donjons (tenshukaku) and guard towers (yagura). Below is a list of some of popular castles in Japan.
Hirosaki Castle
Location: Shimoshirogane-cho Hirosaki-city, Aomori Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Hirosaki Station to Shiyakusho-mae stop.
Hirosaki City Website
Odawara Castle
Location: 6-1 Jounai Odawara-city, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: About 10 minute walk from JR/Odakyu Odawara Station
Odawara City Website (Japanese version)
Nagoya Castle
Location: 1-1 Honmaru Naka-ku Nagoya-city, Aichi Prefecture
Access: Nagoya Subway Meijo Line Shiyakusho Station
Nagoya Castle is situated about 1 mile northeast of Nagoya Station. Two golden shachihoko are exhibited on top of the donjon as its symbol.
Matsumoto Castle
Location: 4-1 Marunouchi Matsumoto, Nagano prefecture
Access: 20 minute walk from JR Matsumoto Station
The 5-layer, 6-story donjon is known as one of the oldest donjons exist in Japan. It's a designated Japanese National Treasure.
Osaka Castle
Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima
Location: 1-1 Osakajo Chuo-ku Osaka-city, Osaka
Access: 15-20 minute walk from Subway Tenmabashi/Tanimachi 4-chome/Morinomiya Stations or JR Osakajo Koen/Morinomiya/Osakajo Kitazume Stations
It's said that the origin of Osaka Castle dates back to the late 15th century. Castle resources are exhibited inside the donjon (tenshukaku), and the observation deck is located on the 8th floor.
Himeji Castle
Location: 68 Honmachi Himeji-city, Hyogo Prefecture
Access: About 15 minute walk from JR Himeji Station
Himeji Castle is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Himeji Castle is called "hakuro-jo" or "shirasagi-jo" because of its white walls.
Hikone Casle
Location: 1-1 Konkicho Hikone-city, Shiga Prefecture
Access: About 10 minute walk from JR Hikone Station
The three-story donjon is designated Japanese National Treasure.
Hikone Guide by Hikone Sightseeing Association
Matsuyama Castle
Location: 1 Marunouchi Matsuyama-city, Ehime
Access: About 10 minutes by Iyo Railway trains from JR Matsuyama Station to Okaido. 5 minute walk to the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway terminal.
The castle donjon provides spectacular views of the city.
Kumamoto Castle
Location: 1-1 Honmaru Kumamoto-city, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes by Kumamoto city streetcar from JR Kumamoto Station to Kumamotojo-mae stop.
Attractive features of this castle are the black and white donjons and the stone walls called mushagaeshi.
Shuri Castle
Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima
Location: 3 Shuri-tounokura-cho Naha-city, Okinawa Prefecture
1-2 Kinjo, Naha City
Access: 15 minute walk from Yui Rail Shuri Station, or 20 minutes by bus from Naha Bus Terminal to Shurijo-koen-iriguchi stop
Shuri Castle is a site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.