Medieval castles in Japan originated during the Sengoku period (1467–1603), a time of relentless civil war when regional warlords, or daimyō, fortified strategic sites to defend territory and assert power. Unlike European castles, these structures evolved into complex hubs of administration, military strategy, and symbolic authority. Japan’s broader history, from unification under Tokugawa Ieyasu to centuries of relative peace, left behind a landscape rich in shrines, battlegrounds, and preserved strongholds. Today, a small number of authentic medieval castles remain, offering rare glimpses into Japan’s feudal past. These ten are among the most historically intact and culturally significant examples still standing.
1. Himeji Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture
Perched on a hill in Hyōgo Prefecture, Himeji Castle, also known as Shirasagi-jō or “White Heron Castle”, is Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved medieval fortress. Originally constructed in 1333 as a fort by Akamatsu Norimura, it was transformed into a full-scale castle in the 1500s and later expanded by Ikeda Terumasa in the early 1600s. Unlike many Japanese castles, Himeji has never been destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire, and remains largely intact with original wooden interiors and towering white plaster walls.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle is a masterpiece of feudal-era architecture. Visitors can wander through the maze-like defensive layout designed to confuse invaders, climb to the six-story main keep, and enjoy panoramic views over Himeji city. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the castle in soft pink, drawing thousands of photographers and travelers.
2. Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Prefecture
Rising from the plains of Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto Castle, nicknamed the Crow Castle for its striking black walls, is one of Japan’s oldest surviving medieval fortresses. Originally built in 1504 as a simple fortification during the Sengoku era, it was later expanded into a five-story castle by the powerful Ishikawa clan in the late 16th century. Unlike many hilltop castles, Matsumoto was built on flat land, relying on an ingenious system of moats, walls, and trapdoors for defense.
The castle’s brooding exterior contrasts with the refined wooden interiors, where steep staircases and narrow windows offer a glimpse into the tactical mind of a warlord. Visitors can explore the original main keep, climb to the top for views of the Japanese Alps, and even spot hidden gun and arrow slits in the walls.
3. Inuyama Castle, Aichi Prefecture
Perched above the Kiso River in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama Castle stands as Japan’s oldest original surviving keep, completed in 1537. Built by Oda Nobuyasu, uncle of the famed warlord Oda Nobunaga, it played a strategic role in the power struggles of the Sengoku period. Unlike many castles that were later rebuilt in concrete, Inuyama retains its authentic wooden structure, steep staircases, and timeworn charm.
This mountaintop fortress offers visitors a rare chance to step inside a true medieval relic. From the top floor, sweeping views of the river and surrounding countryside stretch into Gifu Prefecture. You can still feel the defensive logic in its narrow passageways and thick walls designed to slow attackers.
The castle grounds are especially popular during cherry blossom season, when soft pink petals frame the dark-wood keep. Though compact compared to larger castles, Inuyama’s historical depth and preserved architecture make it a must-see for history lovers and anyone seeking the soul of samurai-era Japan.
4. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Okayama Prefecture
High in the misty mountains of Okayama Prefecture, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle quietly watches over the town of Takahashi. First built in 1240 and later fortified during the Sengoku period, it holds the unique title of Japan’s highest original mountain castle, perched 430 meters above sea level. Its lofty position made it nearly impossible to capture, and equally challenging to reach, even today.
Unlike grander castles on flatlands, Bitchu Matsuyama blends into its natural surroundings, with stone walls rising from the rocky terrain and a modest wooden keep that feels more fortress than palace. The castle escaped demolition during the Meiji era, making it one of just twelve in Japan with an original donjon.
Visitors who make the uphill trek are rewarded with panoramic views, crisp mountain air, and a hauntingly beautiful sea of clouds on misty mornings. Far from the crowds, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle offers an intimate and atmospheric glimpse into medieval Japan, where history and landscape become one.
5. Maruoka Castle, Fukui Prefecture
Nestled atop a gentle hill in Fukui Prefecture, Maruoka Castle, nicknamed Kasumi‑jō or the “Mist Castle”, originally rose in 1576 under Shibata Katsutoyo, a nephew of the famed Shibata Katsuie, by order of warlord Oda Nobunaga. Its modest three‑story tenshu (keep) is one of just twelve surviving original castle towers in Japan.
Legend holds that during its construction, a human sacrifice, a one‑eyed woman named O‑shizu, was buried beneath the foundations. Locals say her sorrowful spirit still brings spring rains, earning the castle its misty reputation.
Although devastated in the 1948 Fukui earthquake, the tenshu was painstakingly rebuilt in 1955 using over 70 % of the original beams and stones. Today it stands amid Kasumigajo Park, surrounded by roughly 400 cherry trees. Each April, illuminated lanterns at night and blossoms by day make it feel as if the tower floats on clouds.
Inside, narrow stone-dropping windows, steep wooden stairs, and the heavy stone-tiled roof reveal a functional medieval fortress, a subtle yet captivating glimpse into Sengoku-era ingenuity and folklore. With its eerie charm and historic depth, Maruoka Castle is a must-see medieval gem.
6. Hikone Castle, Shiga Prefecture
Located in Shiga Prefecture near Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles with an intact wooden keep. Construction began in 1603 and was completed in 1622 by the Ii clan, a powerful family under Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle played a key role in regional governance during the early Edo period but traces its defensive roots to the turbulent Sengoku era.
The keep itself is relatively small but built with strategic design, including angled walls, narrow windows for archers, and multiple layers of fortification. Visitors can explore the inside of the original donjon, walk along reconstructed walls and moats, and view samurai armor and historical documents at the on-site museum.
Hikone Castle is also notable for its preserved Edo-period gardens, Genkyuen, and its easy accessibility, just a short walk from Hikone Station. For travelers interested in authentic medieval architecture without heavy reconstruction, Hikone offers a practical, educational experience grounded in real feudal history.
7. Matsue Castle, Shimane Prefecture
Built between 1607 and 1611 by daimyo Horio Yoshiharu, Matsue Castle (also called “Plover Castle”) in Shimane Prefecture is one of only twelve original feudal Japanese castles still standing, and one of just five designated National Treasures.
As the only intact original main keep in the San’in region, it serves as a genuine medieval example of flatland‑hill (hirayama-jō) castle design.
Rising nearly 30 m high, the wooden, black-and-white tenshu (donjon) features six interior floors despite appearing five stories tall. Defensive elements include moats, canals, stone walls, rain shutters, steep staircases, and a rare original well in the cellar.
Visitors can climb to the top for 360° views over Matsue, Lake Shinji, and surrounding mountains. Inside, displays of samurai armor, ceramics, and feudal-era artifacts illustrate the castle’s history. The grounds, with a wide park, moats, ancient trees, and nearby boat tours on Horikawa canals, form a well-preserved castle town.
8. Kochi Castle, Kōchi Prefecture
Perched on Otakasa Hill overlooking Kōchi city, Kōchi Castle is one of Japan’s twelve surviving medieval castles, and uniquely preserves its original keep and daimyō palace. Constructed by Yamauchi Kazutoyo between 1601 and 1611 atop an earlier fortification, it served as the stronghold of the Tosa Domain under Tokugawa rule.
Though a fire in 1727 destroyed much of the central structures, the tenshu and palace were meticulously rebuilt by 1753 in the original style. The castle later escaped Meiji-era demolition, wartime damage, and modern reconstructions. Today, all 15 honmaru buildings, including gates, walls, the keep, and the Kaitokukan palace, remain intact and designated Important Cultural Properties.
Visitors can enter the original five-story keep (six floors inside) for sweeping city views, explore the palace’s Shoin-style rooms, and wander through moats and stone walls. Defensive features like shinobi-gaeshi anti-climb spikes and narrow paths reflect Sengoku-Edo military architecture. The castle grounds double as a public park, particularly beautiful in spring when cherry blossoms and lantern-lit nights draw crowds.
Accessible via a short walk or tram from JR Kōchi Station, Kōchi Castle offers a rare, authentic glimpse into feudal castle life. No replicas, just centuries of preserved history.
9. Uwajima Castle, Ehime Prefecture
Standing atop a hill in Ehime Prefecture, Uwajima Castle (Tsurushima-jō) is a rare survivor of Japan’s medieval architecture. Built between 1596–1601 by renowned castle architect Tōdō Takatora, its compact three-story wooden keep remains one of only twelve original Edo-period tenshu. Restored by Date Munetoshi in 1666, the sturdy structure reflects Sengoku-Edo defensive design, complete with steep stone steps, thick walls, and pentagonal moats.
Visitors climb over 300 carefully laid stone steps to reach the keep. Inside, the original wooden interior houses displays of swords, armor, and samurai-era artifacts. The ascent is rewarded at the top floor with expansive views across Uwajima city, the harbor, and the rugged Onigajō Mountains.
Surrounded by date-family gates, weapon storehouses, and mossy stone walls, the castle’s grounds are anchored by the Date Museum and shaded by ancient camphor and cherry trees.
10. Matsuyama Castle, Ehime Prefecture
Perched atop 132-meter Katsuyama hill in Matsuyama city, Matsuyama Castle (Iyo-Matsuyama Castle) was begun in 1602 by Kato Yoshiaki, a rewarded Sengoku warlord, and completed around 1627 under the Hisamatsu-Matsudaira clan. It is one of only twelve original wooden castle keeps and classified as an Important Cultural Property.
The castle’s complex multi-tower layout links six yagura (watch-towers) and multiple gates via fortified corridors and steep stone walls, exemplifying Sengoku-era defensive design. Though originally five stories, the main keep was rebuilt as three stories between 1820–1854 following destruction by lightning and fire.
Visit via ropeway, chairlift, or foot, climb to the tenshu for sweeping 360° views over Matsuyama, the surrounding mountains, and the Seto Inland Sea. Don’t miss the Ninomaru Historical Garden at the base, with its elegant layout and seasonal cherry blossoms.
Inside, original wooden interiors display samurai armor, maps, and period artifacts. Matsuyama Castle’s rare three-dimensional defensive architecture offers a hands-on window into feudal Japan.
