Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, tea ceremony, sophisticated geisha and harsh samurai. Samurai castles are real architectural wonders of this unique country. There are about 50 castles in modern Japan, but most of these castles were rebuilt after fires, devastating earthquakes and bombings of World War II. Those castles that were not destroyed were often significantly rebuilt by their owners. Only a few authentic castles have survived to this day.
HIMEJI CASTLE
Built in 1609, White Heron Castle raised its white towers over the town of the same name. More than 80 stone and wooden buildings amaze with their elegance. The castle is surrounded by a labyrinthine garden with many cherry trees. Many films were filmed here, including one of the first James Bond films, and The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. The castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is incredibly popular among tourists.
Part of Himeji Castle is available for free viewing, but for those who want to go beyond the castle courtyard and the cherry blossom lawn, there is a ticket kiosk at the Hishi Gate. Behind the gate are the main tower, a small temple and the princess's residence.
MATSUMOTO CASTLE
Vorona Castle was built in 1594. The black citadel is five tiers high — floors has become a symbol of the city of Nagano. This is the oldest wooden castle that has survived to this day. The gloomy black “Raven” is surrounded by a moat of water in which Japanese carp swim.
Local seasonal celebrations such as the Drum Festival and Noodle Festival are held here. During the day, you can take pictures at the castle with characters from Japanese history – samurai or ninjas. The garden and area around the castle are open to the public for free; for a small fee you can tour the castle from the inside. It houses an exhibition of palace interiors where samurai and their families lived, and a small exhibition of medieval weapons.
AIZUWAKAMATSU CASTLE
Also known as Tsuruga Castle — “Crane Castle” is a red and white ensemble built in 1384. The main seven-tier tower was built in 1592. It has been rebuilt frequently throughout its history, but in 2011 it was restored to its original color, reminiscent of the plumage of the Red-crowned crane Grus japonensis.
A small exhibition running inside will tell visitors about the history of the castle and the life of its inhabitants. Holidays and festivals are held in the castle.
The gardens surrounding the castle were laid out in the 14th century. Here you can enjoy cherry blossoms, wander along secret paths and wide alleys, and enjoy a tea ceremony at the Rinkaku Teahouse. The castle gardens are a favorite vacation spot for locals and tourists.
INUYAMA CASTLE
Inuyama literally means “dog mountain.” It also has another name — Hakutei – “Castle of the White Emperor”. The main part of the castle was built in 1537, but during restoration it turned out that the two lower floors are much older. They date back to 1440. Until 2004, the castle was privately owned by the Naruse family.
The castle is located on a hill above the Kiso River and is considered one of the most traditional Japanese castles. It has been preserved almost in its original form despite all the twists and turns of history. The castle is surrounded by cherry trees, blooming in the spring, and incredibly bright maples in the fall, surrounding it with a real riot of crimson and ocher.
In the spring, Inuyama Castle hosts a festival of paper lanterns, which are usually allowed to float freely along the Kiso River.
HIKONE CASTLE
Remaining almost unchanged since its construction in 1622, the castle is a National Historic Monument and a National Treasure of Japan.
The castle is located on Konkizan Hill. Its silhouette over the lake is especially striking on moonlit nights. The sound of the castle bell, striking every hour, carries far over the water. A spiral rise leads to the castle, which is an element of the castle’s defensive fortifications — Enemies climbing it became easy targets for archers.
The cherry blossoms surrounding the castle bloom a week later than in Tokyo and Kyoto. In the halls of the castle there is an exhibition of everyday and cultural objects: ceramics, weapons, scrolls with calligraphy and screens.
NIZO CASTLE
Built in 1603, the residence of the powerful shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A huge complex of buildings, including 2 rings of fortifications, two palaces — Hommaru and Ninomaru, and several gardens.
This is a true national treasure of Japan, a magnificent example of Edo architecture. There is a museum in the castle. One of its attractions are the halls with “nightingale floors” — specially fitted covering warning the owner of the danger.
Around the castle there are magnificent gardens with a huge number of sakura trees blooming in the spring, maples and gingko trees delighting with bright foliage in the fall.
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