During the samurai era, castles were constructed as beautiful structures symbolizing Japan’s history and culture. While there are castles all over Japan, the Kansai region boasts numerous famous ones. In this article, we will introduce four recommended castles in Kansai that are particularly worth visiting.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Currently, there are only 12 castles in Japan that were built during the samurai era and still have their main keeps standing, and Himeji Castle is one of them. It is also the largest among these 12 castles. Therefore, it holds significant historical value and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its most notable feature is its beautiful white exterior. Often referred to as the “White Heron Castle,” Himeji Castle’s walls are coated with white plaster, making it a masterpiece of Japanese wooden architecture. Inside the castle, you can find various mechanisms designed to defend against intruders, as well as facilities from that era such as toilets and kitchens, allowing you to experience the culture and architectural techniques of the time.
Surrounding Himeji Castle, cherry blossom trees are planted, creating a unique and picturesque view of cherry blossoms and the castle during the spring season, which is a sight exclusive to Japan. The autumn foliage around the castle is also highly recommended, as it showcases different faces of the castle depending on the season.
Himeji Castle is easily accessible, just a single train ride from Osaka or Kyoto, making it a convenient destination for visitors to the Kansai region. If you find yourself in the Kansai area, be sure to pay a visit to this magnificent castle.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is located in Chuo Ward, Osaka Prefecture. It is a majestic structure that holds historical significance as it was ordered to be built by a samurai who played a pivotal role in unifying Japan during the samurai era. It stands as the tallest castle in Japan and boasts an architectural design that exudes the power and authority of that era.
Osaka Castle is conveniently accessible, being only about 15 minutes by train from Osaka Station and Umeda Station, as well as approximately 20 minutes from Namba. It offers a range of attractions, including free Wi-Fi spots and the opportunity to experience wearing the helmets of feudal lords, making it an enjoyable destination even for those not particularly interested in castles.
While the original structures of Osaka Castle have been lost to fires over the years, the castle interior has been transformed into a museum where visitors can learn about Japan’s history and culture through various exhibits. The surrounding Osaka Castle Park is also a popular spot, known for its plum and cherry blossoms, creating a beautiful display when in bloom during the spring season. Since it’s conveniently located in the heart of Osaka, it’s a must-visit destination for those planning a trip to Osaka.
Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle is a castle located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Similar to Himeji Castle, it is one of the few castles in Japan that has retained its original form since the samurai era and has been designated as a national treasure. It is renowned for its defensive features, including bridges designed to be destroyed to hinder enemy entry, slots for firing guns from concealed positions, steep staircases, hidden rooms, and other intricately planned architectural elements. Thanks to these defenses, the castle was never successfully attacked, making it one of the best-preserved castles in Japan.
Hikone Castle is not only an architectural treasure for learning about Japanese culture but also an intriguing tourist destination. The path from the station to the castle has transformed into a shopping street where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and sweets. Additionally, almost every day, you can encounter the beloved character known to almost all Japanese people, “Hikonyan,” at Hikone Castle. This adorable character is worth taking a photo with if you come across it. Although Hikone is a bit distant from Osaka and Kyoto, you can easily reach it with just one train ride. Be sure to pay a visit when you have the chance.
Takeda Castle Ruins
Takeda Castle Ruins are located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture. Unlike the castles mentioned earlier, there are no buildings remaining at this site, but it is known for its stone walls and ruins. While Japan has several castle ruins like this, Takeda Castle Ruins have gained attention not only in Japan but also worldwide. The reason for this is the stunning view where the castle is often surrounded by clouds, creating a scenery that appears as if it’s floating in the sky. Due to its beauty, it has been referred to as the “Castle in the Sky” and compared to “Japan’s Machu Picchu,” among other names.
However, please note that this spectacular view of the castle surrounded by clouds can only be witnessed on specific days that meet certain conditions, such as early mornings from September to November when the previous night is cold and the following day is clear. Even on days without the sea of clouds, the panoramic view of the green-filled town from the hilltop makes this location a worthwhile scenic spot to visit. We encourage you to experience it for yourself.
Summary
Castles are not only visually stunning but also essential landmarks that tell the story of Japan’s history and culture. If you’re visiting Japan, in addition to exploring shrines and temples, make sure to include castles in your travel itinerary. By visiting castles, you can get a sense of what the samurai of that era thought and experienced, and immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Japan. It’s an opportunity to truly feel and experience Japan.
