Japan's 12 Original Surviving Castles
MAP ・ 12 SPOTS
Japan's 12 Original Surviving Castles
An "original surviving castle tower" (Genzon Tenshu) refers to a genuine castle tower built before the end of the feudal Edo period that has survived to this day, retaining its original structure through careful preservation and restoration. Japan once had countless castles, but most were lost due to the "Abolition of Castles Decree" in the Meiji period and air raids during World War II. Having overcome numerous hardships, only 12 of these original wooden castle towers still stand across the country today. They are incredibly precious historical treasures, all designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.
2026.05.17
·Total ~1,595km
SPOT
Hirosaki Castle
This is the only surviving castle tower in the Tohoku region. The original five-story tower was struck by lightning and burned down, after which the current three-story tower was rebuilt. It's world-famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms. Recently, it made headlines for a massive engineering feat called "Hikiya," where the entire castle tower was temporarily moved in one piece to repair the stone foundations!
〒036-8356 青森県弘前市下白銀町１−１
SPOT
Matsumoto Castle
This National Treasure is Japan's oldest surviving five-tiered, six-story castle tower. Its most striking feature is the sleek, black-lacquered exterior, earning it the nickname "The Crow Castle." The contrast against the majestic Northern Alps in the background is absolutely breathtaking, and its reflection in the surrounding moat makes for an incredibly photogenic spot you can't miss!
〒390-0873 長野県松本市丸の内４−１
SPOT
Maruoka Castle
The only surviving castle tower in the Hokuriku region. Often claimed to be the oldest castle tower in Japan, it has a compact yet wonderfully ancient and sturdy presence. Uniquely, its roof is tiled with local stone slabs (Nukadani stone). Inside, the incredibly steep wooden stairs designed to slow down invaders will definitely make your knees shake a little as you climb!
〒910-0231 福井県坂井市丸岡町霞町１丁目５９
SPOT
Inuyama Castle
Perched on a steep cliff along the Kiso River, this National Treasure offers a thrilling experience. On the top floor of the castle tower, there's an outdoor balcony corridor called a "mawari-en" where you can enjoy unobstructed, panoramic views—and a bit of a thrill! Built by Oda Nobunaga's uncle, it also served as a stage for the historic Battle of Komaki and Nagakute between Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
〒484-0082 愛知県犬山市犬山北古券６５−２
SPOT
Hikone Castle
This National Treasure features a gorgeous, elegant design that beautifully combines various styles of gables (hafu). Inside, you can still see clever defensive features designed to drop enemies during battle, like removable wooden bridges. It's also famous as the home of Hikonyan, Japan's beloved mascot, whom you can meet here every single day!
〒522-0061 滋賀県彦根市金亀町１−１
SPOT
Himeji Castle
As Japan's very first UNESCO World Heritage Site, this National Treasure is a world-renowned masterpiece. It is affectionately called "White Heron Castle" due to its brilliant white-plastered walls. The grand main tower and three smaller towers are connected by corridors, creating a massive, highly fortified structure that is both beautiful and imposing.
〒670-0012 兵庫県姫路市本町６８
SPOT
Matsue Castle
Also known as the "Plover Castle," this National Treasure is the second largest among Japan's surviving castle towers. Its rugged, practical design covered in black wooden siding gives it a cool, understated charm. Inside, you'll find a well in the basement used to secure water during sieges. Don't miss the "Horikawa Sightseeing Boat" tour, which takes you on a lovely ride through the castle's surrounding moats!
〒690-0887 島根県松江市殿町１−５
SPOT
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Sitting atop a mountain at 430 meters above sea level, this is famous as the highest original surviving castle in Japan. From autumn to winter, thick morning fog often rolls in, creating a magical "Castle in the Sky" view where the fortress looks like it's floating on a sea of clouds. Keep an eye out for Sanjuro, the adorable resident cat lord who rules the castle!
〒716-0004 岡山県高梁市内山下１
SPOT
Marugame Castle
This is Japan's smallest surviving castle tower, sitting proudly atop the country's tallest stone walls (standing about 60 meters high!). The stone walls feature a stunning, elegant curve known as the "fan slope," combining incredible defense with sheer beauty. Though the tower itself is compact, the view from the top is spectacular, stretching all the way to the Great Seto Bridge.
〒763-0025 香川県丸亀市一番丁
SPOT
Matsuyama Castle
This grand castle stands proudly atop Mount Katsu (132 meters above sea level) right in the heart of Matsuyama City. Along with Himeji Castle, it is considered a masterpiece of the "connected-tower" style, where multiple towers and turrets are linked together. You can easily head up from the city via ropeway or chairlift to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the Seto Inland Sea and the Matsuyama Plain.
〒790-0008 愛媛県松山市丸之内１
SPOT
Uwajima Castle
This beautiful castle tower was designed by the legendary castle architect Todo Takatora. While it looks like a simple square from the outside, it's actually built as an irregular pentagon—a clever psychological trick called "Akizumi-no-kei" to confuse attacking enemies. Since it was built during a peaceful era, it features highly decorative and elegant details compared to other surviving castles.
〒798-0060 愛媛県宇和島市丸之内１丁目３
SPOT
Kochi Castle
This is an incredibly rare castle—it's the only one in Japan where both the main castle tower and the Honmaru Palace (the lord's residence and administrative office) have survived. When you enter through the Otemon Gate, the castle tower aligns perfectly in the background, making it the ultimate photo spot to capture both the gate and the tower in a single, beautiful shot.
〒780-0850 高知県高知市丸ノ内１丁目２−１