Japan’s 12 Surviving Castles with Original Keeps

Japan is home to twelve castles that have retained their original tenshukaku (main keeps), each with its own unique history and architectural beauty. Let’s explore these historical treasures that offer a genuine glimpse into Japan’s samurai past.

1. Hirosaki Castle (Aomori Prefecture): Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, Hirosaki Castle features a three-story keep originally built in 1611. It’s a prime example of traditional Japanese castle architecture in the Tohoku region.
2. Matsumoto Castle (Nagano Prefecture): Also known as “Crow Castle” for its distinctive black exterior, Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle that offers a striking contrast against the Japanese Alps. Its six-story keep is one of Japan’s oldest.
3. Maruoka Castle (Fukui Prefecture): Often claimed to be the oldest surviving tenshukaku in Japan, Maruoka Castle’s keep dates back to 1576. It’s famous for its “misty” cherry blossoms in spring.
4. Inuyama Castle (Aichi Prefecture): Overlooking the Kiso River, this hilltop castle boasts one of Japan’s oldest wooden keeps, built in 1537. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
5. Hikone Castle (Shiga Prefecture): Hikone Castle is celebrated for its well-preserved structures and Genkyu-en Garden. The castle’s three-story keep and intricate design reflect the craftsmanship of the Edo period.
6. Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle, or “White Heron Castle,” is renowned for its brilliant white exterior and intricate defense mechanisms. It’s considered Japan’s most spectacular castle.
7. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Okayama Prefecture): Perched on a mountain at 430 meters, it’s one of Japan’s few surviving mountain castles. The trek up offers a rewarding view alongside the historical experience.
8. Matsue Castle (Shimane Prefecture): Known as the “black castle” or “plover castle,” Matsue Castle is one of the few remaining medieval castles in Japan, known for its wooden construction and imposing, austere appearance.
9. Marugame Castle (Kagawa Prefecture): This castle features the highest stone walls in Japan and a beautifully preserved wooden keep. It provides a scenic view of the Seto Inland Sea.
10. Matsuyama Castle (Ehime Prefecture): Located on Mount Katsuyama, this castle offers a panoramic view of Matsuyama city. Its complex consists of a network of buildings and three concentric rings of moats and defensive walls.
11. Uwajima Castle (Ehime Prefecture): This castle is unique for its small size and the fact that its main keep has never been involved in any battle. It’s an important cultural property that reflects the Edo period’s architectural style.
12. Kochi Castle (Kochi Prefecture): One of Japan’s most complete castles, Kochi Castle’s main keep still stands alongside most of its original central structures. It’s famous for being the only castle in Japan with both the original tenshukaku and palace (honmaru goten) intact.

Each of these castles not only represents the feudal era of Japan but also stands as a cultural icon, reflecting the region’s history, architectural evolution, and the samurai way of life. A visit to these castles is a journey through time, offering a unique perspective on Japan’s rich historical heritage.