Iwakuni Castle is located in Yamaguchi Prefecture. To get to the castle site, you can either hike or take the ropeway from the base of the mountain (200-meter-high Shiroyama). Once at the top you have a splendid view of the town of Iwakuni. You’ll be able to see the entire city stretching out into the tranquil inland sea of Japan. Inside the castle you will find three floors of historical artifacts from Iwakuni’s past, swords, samurai armor and art work.

Castle History

Explore the different levels of the castle to learn more about the history of Iwakuni

Originally constructed in 1601 by the Daimyo (fuedal lord) Kikkawa Hiroie, the castle was supposed to cement his power across the region. For years, the daimyo used his castle to rule over Iwakuni, instructing his subjects to construct elaborate grounds around the mountain it sits atop.

Once the ruling Shogunate found out about the castle’s construction they ordered its destruction fearing it would take power away from Hiroshima castle. The castle was partially deconstructed and became the Daimyo’s private residence until the 1960’s when it was refurbished and turned into a museum. The grounds later became Kikko park, and are now open to the public. The park is wonderful, filled with statues, water features and gorgeous pathways that lead to a sombre yet beautiful cemetery.

White Snakes

Photo by: Redlegsfan21 Take the ropeway up the mountain to get to the castle.

There are two museums next to the ropeway station in the old castle grounds. One, The Iwakuni Art Museum, focuses on showing Iwakuni-based artists and how the area has developed through history.

The other museum focuses on the fabled white snakes of the area. It is said that white snakes would come into locals’ houses, eat all of the rats and pests then give good luck to the occupants. These snakes are an albino form of the common Japanese rat-snake, and for some reason, albinos are very common in the area. Inside the museum there is a display case full of white snakes, as well as various interactive displays and games that tell the history of the area.

Love Japan’s castles? Go see more!

Aizuwakamatsu in western Fukushima Prefecture is known for its pristine landscapes, quality sake, traditional crafts, and rich samurai history. It’s a bustling former castle town with friendly locals deeply proud of their history and culture. Home to thousand-year-old hot springs, lakes swimming with swans, and the last refuge of loyal samurai, Aizuwakamatsu is worthy of history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Aizuwakamatsu Castle

Aizuwakamatsu Castle is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring!

Tsuruga Castle (also called Aizuwakamatsu Castle) is Aizuwakamatsu’s symbol and city center. Once the seat of the powerful Aizu Domain, it was the site of the Battle of Aizu and one of the last conflicts of the Boshin War. The engagement saw t

Famous Foods You'll Find in Fukushima

The Meiji government demolished the original castle in 1874, but the main keep was reconstructed beautifully in 1965. New additions, such as a museum and an observation gallery, were also added. Climbing to the castle’s top floor, you get gorgeous, sweeping views of the surrounding area, including Mount Bandai and the vast Lake Inawashiro, home to Japan’s migrating swans.

A visit to the castle is especially worthwhile during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April when the gardens are alive with vibrant white and pink colors. The castle isn’t the only draw though, this town has plenty to see (and drink)!

Other attractions in Aizuwakamatsu

Inside Aizu Sazaedo Temple.

Aizu Sazaedo Temple

This unique pagoda-shaped temple overlooks Aizuwakamatsu City. Here, visitors can complete a holy pilgrimage just by visiting one building. It features 33 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, on its winding staircase. 

Rinkaku Teahouse

Right outside the castle is the Rinkaku Teahouse. It’s where old samurai unwound with strong matcha tea. You can enjoy a cup of delicious brew yourself, served in style. The teahouse is open to the public and a Fukushima Prefecture Important Cultural Property.

Higashiyama Onsen

Photo by: Martijn Saly A hot spring town for weary samurai and travelers.

If all that walking has left you feeling sluggish, a trip to Higashiyama is just what the doctor ordered. Only ten minutes by car from the city center, this onsen (hot spring) town was a retreat to Aizu residents and samurai since the 8th century. Today, it’s considered one of the top three onsen towns in the Tohoku Region.

Aizu Bukeyashiki

Afterward, pay a visit to Aizu Bukeyashiki, the residence of top-ranking samurai during Edo times. Demolished during the Boshin War, it was accurately reconstructed and will leave you with a lasting impression of how high-ranking samurai actually lived. 

Oyakuen Garden

Enjoy a stroll through the tranquil Oyakuen Garden.

Oyakuen Garden is a peaceful traditional Japanese garden. Centered around a pond, locals in Aizuwakamatsu have been growing hundreds of medicinal plants here for more than 200 years. The garden’s name literally translates to Medicinal Herb Garden. Flowers bloom throughout the seasons, especially along the pathway leading to the pond.

Suehiro Sake Brewery

Suppose you’re interested in a good shot of sake instead, head over to the Suehiro Sake Brewery. Try joining the brewery tours and sake tastings. Even better, buy a bottle or two before heading out of town for camping at nearby Lake Inawashiro or up in the Aizu mountains. 

Iga City has a storied history of ninjas, and where there are ninjas, there is normally a castle. This town in Mie Prefecture doesn’t disappoint, with Iga Ueno Castle rising above the surrounding landscape so you can see it from all around. The fortress is also known as Hakuho or the White Phoenix Castle for its beautiful architecture and stunning white walls.

Iga Castle construction

Photo by: Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs The White Phoenix Castle.

Iga Ueno Castle was built in the late 1500s. The city was initially developed under the Tokugawa Shogunate as a castle town. It played an important role at the time and was renovated to expand the walls to an impressive height of 30 meters—one of the tallest castle walls in Japan.

However, in the early 1600s, a heavy storm destroyed the five-layered keep. This coincided with the dissolution of the Toyotomi clan, and castle building was forbidden throughout Japan. A resident of the city-funded reconstruction in 1935 so that the main keep could be rebuilt. Unlike many of Japan’s castles which use concrete, Iga Ueno Castle was reconstructed using wood. This gives the castle a unique look inside and out.

Ninja Museum and seasonal festivals

Photo by: Daisuke K A perfect backdrop for spring cherry blossoms.

The surrounding park changes colors throughout the year–spring pinks, summer greens, and autumn oranges all stand out against Iga Ueno Castle’s white backdrop to create a sight that just screams Japan.

A small museum on the castle grounds showcases some of Mie Prefecture’s cultural properties and treasures. A samurai helmet passed down by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, one of Japan’s most powerful rulers towards the end of the Sengoku period, is one of the highlights.

Photo by: Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs Watch a demonstration at the Ninja Museum of Igaryu!

Danjiri Kaikan is another museum near the castle grounds, this time displaying floats used in Iga’s local festivals. Also nearby is the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, which is as awesome as it sounds.

The park hosts many events, such as a classic Noh performance during Japan’s harvest moon festival in September, and a chrysanthemum exhibition from late October to early November. Various martial arts competitions, concerts, and beyond occur throughout the year. Check the official website for full details and dates.

They might be sneaky but you can find loads more Ninjas in Japan. Click to find out where!

A castle in the sky overlooks the small city of Ono in the Kansai Region’s Fukui Prefecture. Echizen Ono Castle earns its Studio Ghibli moniker when the town below becomes submerged in a thick sea of mist like a painting come to life. The view alone is worth the trip, but don’t neglect to appreciate Ono’s traditional charm.

How to see the sky castle phenomenon

Photo by: ©onocity/©JNTO You’ll have to get up extra early if you want to see this in person.

Specific weather conditions are needed to create the fog that turns Ono Castle into an ’80s fantasy movie. It only happens around 12 times a year. The weather in the morning needs to be cold between dawn and late-morning, but the previous day also needs to be humid. Thus, you are typically limited to days in Autumn. Thankfully, Ono changes the castle’s opening hours to 6 a.m. from October to November.

The best way to view Ono Castle is at a distance. The Inuyama castle ruins, about a kilometer west of Ono Castle, are considered the best place to view Ono Castle. However, getting to the ruins is a rough mountain hike, so you should prepare accordingly.

Ono City

Photo by: Atsuhiko Takagi Relax in a garden at one of Ono City’s samurai residences.

Ono was once a stronghold for the Ikko-ikki, a sect of fanatical Buddhist warrior monks who opposed daimyo rule. That brought the ire of Oda Nobunaga, which was generally not a good idea. He wasn’t called the “The Demon Daimyo” for nothing. To quell further uprisings, Nobunaga instituted his general, Kanamori Nagachika, as overseer of the region.

Samurai residences line 400-year-old streets, separated by moats and natural springs.

Nagachika completed the castle in 1580 and designed castle town Ono after Kyoto, Japan’s capital at the time. Thus, Ono was called the “Little Kyoto” of Hokuriku, a region of feudal Japan that comprised Fukui, Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama. Ono has preserved its castle town aesthetic even today. Original shops, temples, and samurai residences line 400-year-old streets, separated by moats and natural springs.

Looks pretty good up close too.

The ramparts of Echizen Ono Castle are the only remaining feature from the original structure which was torn down during the Meiji Restoration. A castle keep was built on the site in 1968 using castles of the time as a reference. Today, it’s considered one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and also serves as the local history museum.

• The 2020 Yamato Koriyama Castle Festival which was scheduled to take place between March 24 and April 07 has been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Upon entering the castle grounds, there will be a signpost marking two paths. Most visitors will head up the hill—directly to the main building—but they’re missing out. The longer path leads through the gardens via the Ote Gate, and it’s worth taking your time.

Perfect harmony

Photo by: Ok, Japan. You’re beautiful. We get it.

Once through the Ote Gate, there is a small but elegant garden. This spot is famous for an old building known as the Bishamon Kuruwa. It is so perfectly aligned with the neighboring greenery that it is hard to believe it wasn’t built just for photos.

Long ago, it was built as a place to enjoy the tea ceremony slowly. The result was perfect harmony with the surrounding area. Similarly, the photogenic stupa is just a bit further up the path. Tsutsui Junkei, the feudal lord who united the area, was laid to rest here.

The castle legend

Dang, that looks cool.

After enjoying the sights in the surrounding grounds, walk around the upper-most area of the walls. It’s a legend that—during the building of the castle—the castle lord used every piece of stone he could get his hands on to fortify it. These stones included rocks from local temples, unfinished Buddhist art, and even a Jizo statue.

Because they are associated with the protection of children and the souls of the damned, Jizo statues are handled carefully. Unfortunately, the Jizo statue at Koriyama was not so lucky. It was forced into a hole in the wall upside down, presumably, in an attempt to disguise its true nature.

Remarkably, this upper wall is one of the few things to survive the original castle’s destruction. It seems that the Jizo’s powers of protection may have manifested themselves after all.

Koriyama Castle Festival

Night festival for cherry blossoms at Koriyama.

The locals hold a festival every year to ward off the bad mojo because that’s what happens when you build a castle out of sacred stones. The Yamato Koriyama Castle Festival involves the locals dressing in period costumes and a goldfish fair at the nearby Yanagisawa shrine. The art of goldfish husbandry has a long history traced back to samurai. It is a big part of the town’s identity.

Because it is slightly off the beaten track, it is easy to overlook Koriyama Castle. As an area with real history and plenty of things to uncover, it’s unfortunate. However, for visitors looking to discover a little more about the feudal period in Japan, such as the priorities of those in power, it is a location worth exploring.

Kumamoto Castle,  located in the heart of Kumamoto City, is considered one of Japan’s Top 3 castles. Originally built in 1607 by Kato Kiyomasa (the local feudal lord at the time), the castle’s 98-square-meter grounds has 49 turrets, 47 castle gates, and many long stone walls and moats. Though it was badly damaged by the 2016 earthquake, some areas are open to the public after extensive repairs.

Visiting the castle will take some good footwork, not to mention that there are a few hills here and there. A majority of the castle was rebuilt in 1960, and due to earthquake damage in 2016, parts of it are again being rebuilt. However, among the many magnificent architectures at the castle grounds, there are a few that should not be missed.

The castle dates to 1467.

The castle keep boasts a panoramic view of the castle grounds and Kumamoto City from the top, while the Honmaru Goten Palace fills your eyes with extravagant golden colors.

In fact, the palace is a reconstruction of the living quarters of the feudal lord, as well as where guests would be received. No wonder why the rooms are covered by elaborate and colorful paintings polished by gold!

Photo by: kristisan The golden Honmaru Goten Palace.

Near the main castle keep, the former Hosokawa Residence at San-no-Maru Park is another spot worth stopping by. The residence belonged to a high-ranking samurai and houses a spectacular inner gravel garden. Maple trees explode in colors in autumn here, yet not many visitors know about this gem. It’s also a popular spot to see cherry blossoms, with about 800 sakura trees surrounding the castle and on castle grounds.

Kumamoto Castle post-earthquake

Unfortunately, Kumamoto Castle was rocked by the devastating earthquake that hit the city in 2016. As a result, a big part of the castle ground was badly damaged, buried in piles of fallen stones and crumbled walls. After expensive repairs to the exterior of the castle keep’s main tower, however, some areas were reopened to the public in Oct. 2019. You still can’t enter the castle, and the construction continues on some buildings, but you can view the main tower up-close from the walkway to the main keep.

The castle is still undergoing repairs but some areas are open to the public.

Though the city hopes to fully reopen the main castle keep in 2021, repairing the entire castle ground is expected to take until 2048. A walk around the castle takes about an hour. However, spare two or more hours if you’d like to appreciate the area more deeply.

• The Mount Aso Ropeway and hiking trails are closed due to eruption warnings and the area within 1 km of the crater is currently off-limits. Check the official website for live updates: http://www.aso.ne.jp/~volcano/info/

In March 2015, Kumamoto won the right to host two 2019 Rugby World Cup games. Unfortunately, the region was devastated by the 2016 earthquake, which killed over 250 people and left almost 25,000 homeless.

The stadium set to host the RWC became a distribution center for relief supplies with Japanese rugby players Kensuke Hatakeyama and Ayumu Goromaru visiting with displaced residents.

Thanks to widespread rescue and restoration efforts, the area is now thriving again!

Kumamoto Stadium

Kumamoto Stadium — also called the Egao Kenko Stadium — is located within a large sporting complex with several baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and running tracks.

Photo by: Yuki Stalph It’s on!

Its most often used for soccer, being home to the Rosso Kumamoto soccer team — but has hosted a number of Top League rugby matches.

Surrounded by abundant forestry, the stadium boasts incredible mountain views if you’re lucky enough to get a seat on the west side of the venue.

What to do before or after the Rugby World Cup

Kumamoto Castle Autumn Festival

Kumamoto castle at dusk.

Though Kumamoto Castle was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake, it remains the heart of the city. The castle’s autumn festival combines explosive Japanese drum performances, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional theater in a week-long celebration.

• Oct. 5 to Oct. 14
• 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• 2-1 Ninomaru Square, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0008 - Map
• https://kumamoto-guide.jp/oshiromatsuri/#wrapper_about

What to eat

Red Wagyu Beef

Delicious marbled beef from free-grazing cows on nearby Mount Aso.

Try akaushi donburi, a bowl of grilled beef over rice in Kumamoto.

Kakka
The restaurant serves a wide range of scrumptious beef cuts with an all-you-can-drink option for an additional ¥2000. Go for the beef tongue — you won’t regret it.

• Hours: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• 4F, 6-4, Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto - Map

Horse Sashimi

Wagyu too traditional? How about slices of raw horse meat instead?

Pair it with a cold cup of sake.

Suganoya Kamidori
Suganoya Kamidori serves beautifully-presented cuts of tender horse sashimi. Give it a go! The taste is something you won’t soon forget.

• Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; until 10 p.m. on Sunday
• Address: 2F, 2−12 Jotomachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto - Map

Sightseeing around Kumamoto

Mount Aso

Photo by: unfilteredjapan Brave enough to get up close with an active volcano?

See a stunning mountain view with billowing smoke below as you ride the ropeway up Japan’s biggest active volcano. Try your hand at horseback riding or get as close as possible to the volcano’s crater if you dare. Do remember to check the Aso website to see whether the volcano is safe and accessible on the day you want to visit.

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October
• Cable Car: ¥750 one way, ¥1200 return for adults; half-price for children 
• Asosannishi Station, Kurokawa, Aso, Kumamoto - Map
• Getting there: You can catch either the Yamabiko or Kyushu Odan service from Kumamoto Station to Aso Station. Yamabiko busses operate once every one to three hours, while Kyushu Odan busses operate only twice a day.

Suizenji Garden

Photo by: bobthemagicdragon A moment of zen.

A beautifully landscaped traditional Japanese garden. Delicately placed trees, lakes, and small hills recreate the Edo-era road which once connected Tokyo to Kyoto.

• Cost: ¥400 for adults, ¥200 for children
• Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. March to Oct.; 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. to Feb.
• 8-1, Suizenji Koen, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto - Map

How to get there

From Osaka

• Catch the shinkansen (bullet train) from Shin-Osaka station to Kumamoto Station. For the stadium, take the Hohi line to Tokaigakuen-Mae Station and then transfer to a local bus.

• It's only an hour and ten minutes from Osaka International Airport to Kumamoto Airport.

From Tokyo

• You can fly to Kumamoto Airport in just under two hours.

Godlike mountains, remote islands, and ancient castles are among Japan’s World Heritage Sites. While you may never have heard of a UNESCO World Heritage Site before visiting Japan, the distinction is a highly revered one.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) awards the title to locations around the world with “outstanding universal value.” The list is basically a holy grail of travel destinations from natural wonders to those with cultural significance.

Here are the 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Japan.

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Traveling to one of these destinations? We want to know about it. Tag us on social media with #GaijinPotTravel (Your post may be featured on our site.)

With a history so tumultuous it inspired a book and a movie, Oshi Castle is just a quick day trip from Tokyo where you can catch reenactments of samurai clashing with their opponents.

Oshi Castle history

Located in Saitama Prefecture’s Gyoda City, Oshi Castle has much historical significance. It is considered one of the Narita clan’s most important strongholds in the Sengoku period, which literally translates to “Age of Warring States.” The Sengoku period lasted from the 15th to 17th centuries and is remembered for its constant political upheaval and battles.

Its location … made it extremely difficult to attack.

Oshi Castle was built by Narita Akiyasu and finished construction in 1479. Its location on a small piece of elevated land surrounded by marshes and swamplands made it extremely difficult to attack, thus earning the name “The Floating Castle.”

This was put to the test during the Siege of Oshi in 1590. Feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered an attack on Oshi Castle, sending 23,000 troops to fight Oshi Castle’s meager 619 samurai and 2,000 local conscripts, who successfully defended the castle against multiple attacks.

Sadly, the story doesn’t end well for the brave soldiers at Oshi Castle. In the end, the castle’s overlords were defeated in the Siege of Odawara, thus causing the area to fall under Tokugawa Ieyasu’s control.

Sakitama Kofun Park

Oshi Castle is nicknamed the “the floating castle” and is celebrated in a 2012 comedy-drama film of the same name. That film is based on a book written by award-winning author Ryo Wada. It captures the action and drama of the Seige of Oshi and won a Japan Academy Award for Best Art Direction.

Events at Oshi Castle

You can watch a samurai battle reenactment of the Siege on Oshi on weekends and holidays. The group who does the performances is called Oshi-jo Omotenashi Kaccutai (roughly translating to “Oshi Castle’s Armored Entertainment Troupe”), and they perform twice a day. (Times listed below.)

Photo by: Gyoda City Office Oshi Castle sakura light up.

The area is another spot to catch cherry blossoms in the springtime for an excellent photo op. The blossoms typically reach their peak in northern Saitama from late March to early April.

There is also a festival called Oshi Jidai Matsuri held every November where locals dress up as samurai and parade around Oshi Castle and Gyoda City. You can find more information and get updates on this yearly event here (Japanese).

Although Oshi Castle isn’t one of the more famous castles in Japan, its historical significance is undeniable.

For a perfect mix of fascinating history and beautiful surroundings, Hikone Castle has become a great side trip to work into your itinerary when you visit Shiga Prefecture, just north of Kyoto.

Appropriately for a castle which started by being taken apart and put back together, Hikone Castle’s history as a site of importance started with the bloody Battle of Sekigahara which was fought to unite a country torn apart by politics and conflict.

Hikone Castle moat has boat rides and cherry blossoms in spring.

As Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged from the violence as the clear leader of Japan, one of his first acts was to reward the noble warrior who took a literal bullet for him in the fighting, Naomasa Ii, with his own castle.

Unfortunately, the property that Naomasa Ii won lasted as long as his remaining life – less than two years. Following the great warrior’s death, the castle was taken apart piece-by-piece and moved onto the nearby Mount Hikone where it became known as Hikone Castle.

Genkyuen Garden is next door and should part of your visit to the castle.

While this decision was more strategic than aesthetic, the castle remains popular even for people who aren’t interested in its history thanks to its views over Lake Biwa and the nearby woodland.

One of the reasons why the area was so important strategically was for the transport of goods, thanks to the numerous canals and moats that surround the area. These days, of course, the goods arrive by ship and instead the canals have become a popular spot for young couples to sit and relax.

With all this water flowing into the area and its proximity to Lake Biwa the area has naturally become famous for its plant life, especially its cherry blossoms. There are over 1200 cherry blossom trees in the area and its Chinese-influenced garden known as Genkyu-en (玄宮園), is considered one of the most beautiful of its type in Japan.

Lake Biwa is another beautiful sightseeing spot in Shiga Prefecture.

While Hikone Castle’s biggest attractions are its more traditional sights, it also has more modern attractions such as the restaurants and coffee shops that are dotted around the area. One of the strangest of these attractions is the local mascot Hikonyan, a cat with a horned helmet similar to the ones that the Samurai that used to defend the town wore. He has proved so popular that a website has been created to keep track of where his furry face will pop up.

While the birth of this legendary castle was anything but simple, after its baptism of fire and warfare, the building has retained its authenticity with nothing except minor repairs being performed on it in the 400 years it has been standing in its new spot.