Japan takes actually excellent care of its historical locations—and it rebuilds them painstakingly if vital. That is clearly a superb factor, for a complete host of causes. (I imply, aside from the truth that it took 10 years to revive the Rinno-ji Treasure Home in Nikko.)
Certainly, many vacationers are shocked to know that solely a dozen of Japan’s tons of of feudal castles retain their authentic tenshu, or preserve. The remainder had been destroyed in the course of the Meiji Restoration (extra on that in a second), and rebuilt since then.
I’m spotlighting the 12 authentic castles in Japan not as a result of the others aren’t value visiting—among the fakes are arguably much more spectacular than the true ones. Certainly, it could be unattainable for most individuals to know if somebody like me didn’t inform them!
What’s an “Unique” Citadel in Japan?
In easy phrases, an “authentic” citadel is one whose central preserve (tenshu, in Japanese) has not been reconstructed. Observe that different elements of a given citadel could also be (and, in virtually all instances, have been) reconstructed, in some instances considerably. Nevertheless, if the tenshu survived the Meiji Restoration (whereby authorities destroyed the buildings as a way to implement the tip of the feudal han system), it’s nonetheless thought of authentic.
As I’ll clarify in a number of paragraphs, simply because a citadel isn’t authentic doesn’t imply it isn’t value visiting. For instance, many vacationers keep in cities like Osaka, because of top-rated luxurious lodge promotions in Japan, and the variety of US-branded inns there. The excellent news? Osaka Citadel is putting, despite having been re-built. The higher information? It’s simple to go to a number of authentic castles as day journeys from Osaka, regardless.
The 12 Unique Castles Left in Japan
Uwajima Citadel, Ehime
Constructed across the flip of the seventeenth century by a clan related to high-powered warlord Date Masamune, the story of tiny Uwajima Citadel belies its unimposing construction. Nonetheless, despite being the smallest authentic citadel in Japan, the truth that it’s perched atop a mountain overlooking the Seto Inland Sea does give it some vital drama. It’s most simply accessible from town of Matsuyama, additionally on Shikoku island.
Matsuyama Citadel, Ehime
Talking of Matsuyama, one other contender for greatest Japanese citadel is town’s personal Matsuyama Citadel. Although constructed throughout an identical interval, it’s bigger and fewer delicate than Uwajima-jo; it gives comparable sea views, that are particularly spectacular at sundown. To get right here, merely stroll quarter-hour or take the Masuyama Citadel Ropeway, which is itself simply steps from the Okaido tram cease.
Kochi Citadel, Kochi
The third of Japan’s 12 authentic castles on Shikoku island, Kochi Citadel is correct within the middle of Kochi metropolis, similar to Matsuyama’s namesake fortress. I particularly like viewing this citadel, which was inbuilt 1601, from the Kochi Citadel Museum throughout the road. Do notice that getting right here requires a few 30-minute stroll from Kochi Station, assuming you don’t simply experience a streetcar.
Marugame Citadel, Kagawa
Spherical out the whopping 4 (of 12 Japanese castles) yow will discover on assuming Shikoku island, Marugame Citadel might be my sleeper favourite, its comparatively tenshu perched atop a multi-tiered platform that’s nothing if not intimidating. Sit down on the town for a bowl of sanuki udon earlier than or after your go to right here, or in conjunction (assuming you’ve gotten a rental automobile) with close by points of interest like Mt. Shiude and Chichibu-ga-hama seashore.
Bitchu-Matsuyama Citadel, Okayama
Don’t be distracted by the seemingly soiled identify of this hilltop citadel in rural Okayama prefecture, nor by the truth that it additionally has “Matsuyama” in it. Do needless to say Bitchu-Matsuyama-jo (whose present preserve dates to 1683) is among the many most troublesome of Japan’s authentic castles to succeed in, requiring a taxi or 45-minute hike from Bitchu-Takahashi Station, which is itself virtually an hour from the middle of Okayama metropolis.
TIP: In the event you’re right here in autumn and are open to renting a automobile, you’ll be able to drive to an superior viewpoint to see this citadel ensconced in unkai, or a sea of clouds.
Matsue Citadel, Shimane
Persevering with up the JR Hakubi Line from right here (ideally, on a speedy Yakumo Restricted Categorical prepare) will finally take you to Matsue. The truth that town is underrated however, Matsue Citadel is a complete magnificence. It’s surrounded by moats, and by towering pine forests that give it’s identify (matsu/松 means “pine.”). It additionally tends to be among the many least-crowded of Japan’s authentic castles, since few vacationers come to this a part of the nation.
Himeji Citadel, Hyogo
Alternatively, Himeji Citadel might be the most-visited authentic Japanese citadel, to the extent that native authorities are pondering a several-fold improve within the admission value. Don’t let that put you off visiting this citadel, nonetheless—it’s by far essentially the most spectacular in Japan, and retains many of the construction as initially inbuilt 1609. Even higher, it’s simply quarter-hour north of Himeji Station (a handy Shinkansen hub) on foot.
Hikone Citadel, Shiga
Need to go to an authentic citadel from Kyoto, however can’t cope with crowds? Trip a Maibara-bound Particular Speedy prepare from Kyoto Station to Hikone Station, then stroll westward to Hikone Citadel. Perched on the shores of Lake Biwa, this spectacular construction isn’t almost as common correctly, which is nice for vacationers who make the journey. I particularly like coming right here in autumn.
Maruoka Citadel, Fukui
Essentially the most genuine Japanese citadel close to the north-central coast of Japan, in the meantime, is Maruoka Citadel in Fukui. It’s an oldie—it was inbuilt 1576—however a goodie, with an exquisite dark-toned tenshu that appears wonderful in all seasons. It’s most typical to return right here on a day journey from Kanazawa, although I like to recommend renting a automobile to keep away from an extended stroll from Maruoka Station, or a fair longer bus experience from Fukui Station.
Inuyama Citadel, Aichi
An unassuming citadel positioned north of unassuming Nagoya, Inuyama Citadel hides a secret in plain sight: With a tenshu that dates all the best way again to 1440, it’s the oldest of the unique Japanese castles. My favourite time to return right here is in early April when, in most years, peak sakura bloom corresponds with the Inuyama Spring Pageant, and all its floats and pageantry. Get right here by using a Meitetsu prepare from Meitetsu-Nagoya Station.
Matsumoto Citadel, Nagano
Usually contrasted with Himeji Citadel (which is also referred to as “Heron Citadel,” on account of its white facade), Matsumoto Citadel (or “Crow Citadel,” on account of its black one) is the one authentic citadel within the Japanese Alps. It’s more and more common, because it’s simply quarter-hour on foot from Matsumoto Station, a vital waypoint en path to the Kamikochi Valley, Nakasendo Means and different Alpine outside locations.
Hirosaki Citadel, Aomori
The northernmost of Japan’s authentic castles, Hirosaki Citadel is the one one positioned within the Tohoku area. It’s most well-known for the “petal moat” left within the wake of falling sakura flowers within the spring, although I discover this selection much less interesting within the wake of the primary tenshu having been moved within the mid-2010s. Certainly, winter’s heavy snowfall is a singular time to understand this extremely under-appreciated citadel.
The Finest Non-Unique Castles in Japan
As I discussed earlier, Osaka Citadel is a wonderful one to go to, though it’s a concrete reconstruction. Listed below are a few of my different favourite non-original castles in Japan:
- Kitsuki Citadel: Japan’s smallest citadel, this fortress is perched above the city of the identical identify on Kyushu’s underrated Kunisaki Peninsula.
- Kumamoto Citadel: One other entrant from Kyushu, Kumamoto-jo is notable for the reconstruction work carried out because it was almost destroyed in a 2016 earthquake.
- Kanazawa Citadel: Most guests to the hub of Hokuriku ignore its citadel for the superlative Kenroku-en backyard, positioned throughout the road. However the citadel is attractive, particularly throughout sakura season.
- Nijo Citadel: A novel “flatland citadel” with “creaking” flooring, this can be a excellent spot to cease en route between Kyoto’s Higashiyama and Arashiyama districts.
- Matsumae Citadel: That is Hokkaido’s solely surviving citadel, and among the finest locations on Japan’s northernmost island to see cherry blossoms.
As you’ll be able to see, authentic castles in Japan should not the one ones value visiting. The architects of the Meiji Restoration should be rolling over of their graves!
Different FAQ In regards to the 12 Unique Castles in Japan
What number of Japanese castles are authentic?
Out of greater than 200 recognized castles in Japan, simply 12 are “authentic.” In different phrases, their central tenshu (preserve) survived destruction in the course of the Meiji Restoration. Observe that despite this, a Japanese citadel needn’t be authentic as a way to be visually beautiful or value visiting.
Which is the oldest citadel in Japan?
Building on Aichi prefecture’s Inuyama Citadel began in 1440, making it the oldest surviving citadel in Japan. Inuyama is positioned lower than an hour from Nagoya, and makes for a wonderful day journey from town, which is itself one of the vital underrated in Japan.
What’s the most genuine citadel in Japan?
With a large construction that’s without delay elegant and imposing—and, after all, an intact tenshu—Hyogo prefecture’s Himeji Citadel is usually acknowledged as being essentially the most genuine in Japan. Take a day journey right here from Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe to get a really feel for what Japan should’ve been like throughout feudal occasions.
The Backside Line
Spoiler alert: It can take you a few years to go to the entire 12 authentic castles in Japan, assuming that is even your purpose. If it’s not—and for many of you, it most likely isn’t—then I hope my information will serve primarily that will help you determine which Japanese castles are most worthy of your time. For some vacationers, taking a day journey from Kyoto or Osaka to Himeji Citadel might be adequate. In different instances, you’ll wish to go really off the crushed path, whether or not on underrated Shikoku island, or in lesser-visited areas like San’in and Tohoku. Want personalised assist placing your Japanese citadel quest collectively? Fee a customized Japan itinerary at present!