15 Outstanding Japanese Castles
(Updated in March 2020) One of the things I like most about Japan is its old towns and castle towns with Edo period houses. Perhaps it is due to period drama and anime, or the enjoyable experience of roaming the streets of Hida-Takayama during my first trip to Japan. Really like the relaxed, nostalgic vibe of such towns. So during my stay in Japan, old/castle town was always one of my main reasons for picking a certain region/place to visit. Before I realized it, I have been to 36 castles/castle ruins, inclusive of the 12 original castles dating back to the Edo period. Though there are still many more that I have not been to yet. Among those I have visited, below are 15 outstanding ones that left me with deep impression. (Disclaimer: I am no expert in castles. I just enjoy visiting them.) 1. Matsumoto Castle（松本城）, Nagano prefecture（長野県） Matsumoto Castle is 1 of the 12 original castles and 1 of the 5 castles designated as national treasures. Also known as the Crow Castle du...