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.

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.

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.”

Perched high above the city, Marugame Castle’s towering stone walls and original keep offer some of the most commanding views in Kagawa, making it one of Japan’s most striking surviving feudal castles.

Even in pouring rain, Imabari Castle’s seawater moat, towering stone walls, and coastal setting reveal why it is considered one of Japan’s great sea castles.

Walking through the quiet streets of Ozu to reach its hilltop castle revealed misty river views, a rare wooden reconstruction, and one of Ehime’s most atmospheric photo spots.

Kitsuki Castle and its sloped Edo-period streets offer one of Kyushu’s most atmospheric small castle towns, where rivers, history, and quiet daily life meet.

Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most historic and imposing castles, offers expansive grounds, museum exhibits, and cherry trees, with ongoing restoration highlighting its resilience after the 2016 earthquake.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins offer a quiet walk through Maizuru Park, with historic stone walls, city views, and easy access to the scenic paths of Ohori Park.

Kokura Castle blends history, legend, and art, from Miyamoto Musashi’s legacy to vibrant seasonal displays, making it a serene yet lively stop in the heart of Kokura.

Tsuwano Castle Ruins offer a scenic hike above the town, with stone remnants, panoramic mountain views, and an interactive VR experience bringing the historic castle back to life.

Matsue Castle in Shimane is one of Japan’s twelve original castles, surrounded by wide moats and steeped in Edo-period history. From panoramic views at the top floor to a scenic boat ride along the Horikawa moat, it offers a unique way to experience a preserved feudal stronghold.

An unexpected stop led me to Fukuchiyama Castle, where quiet grounds and lingering stone walls tell the story of one of Japan’s most controversial samurai.

Maruoka Castle in Fukui is one of Japan’s twelve original castles, known as the “Mist Castle” for its legendary natural defences. Compact, atmospheric, and rich in history, it offers steep staircases, framed views, and a quieter alternative to larger castle sites.

A rare star-shaped fort in Japan, Goryokaku blends Western military design with a pivotal moment in Japanese history. Visiting in winter offered a quiet, snow-covered perspective of this former battlefield turned public park.