The full Japan’s Next Top 100 Castles list, sorted by prefecture and visit progress. See which castles I’ve visited and access related blog posts.

A complete Japan’s Top 100 Castles list, organized by prefecture and visit status. Track my progress and find links to blog posts for each castle I’ve visited.

Just behind Tokushima Station, the Tokushima Castle Ruins offer panoramic city views and a peaceful walk through historic grounds. I followed an unmarked trail to the hilltop, explored the ruins, and visited the Omotegoten Garden below — a National Historic Site since 1957 — before catching my train.

A quiet winter visit to Iwamura Castle Ruins, one of Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles, where ancient stone walls crown a 717-metre summit. A peaceful, history-filled walk through one of Gifu’s most beautifully preserved castle towns.

A short walk from the train station leads to Kiyosu Castle—a photogenic fortress once tied to Oda Nobunaga. Between the lantern-lined bridge, quiet museum, and stunning top-floor views, this small but historic site makes a perfect half-day trip from Nagoya.

Perched high above the town of Asago, Takeda Castle lives up to its nickname—the “castle floating in the sky.” Though winter closures meant a tougher climb and snow-covered ruins, the sweeping views and quiet atmosphere made the visit unforgettable.

Shuri Castle in Naha was once the royal heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Though rebuilt after multiple fires — most recently in 2019 — the expansive stone walls, sweeping city views, and ongoing restoration make it one of Okinawa’s most significant UNESCO heritage sites.

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins rises 160 metres above Okinawa, offering sweeping island views and some of the best-preserved stone walls of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Rich in history and dramatic stories of power struggles, this UNESCO-listed gusuku is one of Okinawa’s most impressive castle sites.

Perched high above Okinawa’s coastline, Katsuren Castle Ruins offers sweeping ocean views, impressive limestone walls, and a deep connection to the maritime trade history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A short but rewarding walk leads to one of Okinawa’s UNESCO World Heritage castles.

Zakimi Castle Ruins in Okinawa offer a glimpse into the Ryukyu Kingdom’s unique limestone architecture. Perched on a hill in Yomitan Village, this UNESCO-listed gusuku site features curved stone walls, early arched gates, and sweeping coastal views.

A spontaneous decision led me from Tsubosaka-dera Temple to the mountaintop ruins of Takatori Castle—one of Japan’s Three Great Mountain Castles. The hike offered centuries of history, quiet forest paths, and sweeping views that made this unplanned detour a highlight of my Nara trip.

Nakatsu Castle in Oita offers a compact yet rich historical experience, from samurai artefacts and armour to panoramic views of Nakatsu city and the Nakatsu River. Its park, shrine, and surrounding museums make it a highlight for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Cliffside stone walls, sweeping views of Mount Aso, and layered feudal history make Oka Castle Ruins one of Kyushu’s most impressive fortress sites.

A foggy day in Shimabara led to closed trails and castle maintenance, but wandering the castle grounds still revealed layers of history and quiet resilience.

Karatsu combines coastal scenery, a reconstructed hilltop castle, and one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals, offering a compact but historically rich stop in Saga Prefecture.

A quiet walk through a preserved castle town, expansive ruins by the sea, and an unexpected climb to panoramic views over Hagi—proof that even a short stop can leave a lasting impression.

Yonago Castle Ruins offer the best panoramic views in the city, with sightlines stretching from Mount Daisen to the Sea of Japan, all accessible via a short hilltop walk.

A hike to Japan’s only surviving mountaintop castle, Bitchu-Matsuyama in Okayama, offered more than history—it brought misty mountain views, quiet castle town streets, and a meeting with Sanjuro, the resident “Cat Lord.”

Kochi Castle is one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, offering a compact and well-preserved glimpse into Edo-period life in the heart of Kochi City.

Hirosaki Castle in Aomori blends history with seasonal beauty, from its well-preserved keep to the surrounding park renowned for cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn foliage.