1. Hirosaki
Built in the 17th century, the castle located on a hilltop in Northern Japan is one of the destinations that attracts many tourists to visit. Coming here during the Cherry Blossom Festival or Hirosaki Neputa-matsuri Festival in the summer, visitors will be overwhelmed by the colorful space of cherry blossoms.
2. Hikone
Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture is one of the treasured castles of Japan. It has a beautiful white-walled architecture with a 400-year history and hundreds of cherry blossom trees blooming every spring.
3. Matsue
This is the only castle located in the Sanin region. It is the second largest, third tallest, and sixth oldest castle in Japan. Matsue Castle took five years to build and was inaugurated in 1622.
4. Matsumoto
Located in a mountainous area northwest of Tokyo, Matsumoto Castle was built on flat land next to a dam, instead of on a mountain and next to a river as is more common. Due to the lack of natural defenses, Matsumoto Castle had a rather complex architecture to protect the people living inside. The castle's architecture is still preserved quite intact compared to the 16th century, with wooden interiors and stone walls.
5. Himeji
Considered the most impressive feudal castle still standing in Japan today, Himeji is located west of Kobe, the capital of Hyōgo Prefecture. The castle is one of the three most precious castles in Japan (Three Great National Treasures), not only because of its ancient beauty but also because of the legends and history surrounding it. Since 1993, Himeji has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.
