Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Castles in Japan – 10 Hidden Gems Worth Visiting

While Japan’s iconic castles like Himeji and Osaka attract millions of visitors each year, countless lesser-known castles across the country offer equally rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views—with far fewer crowds.

 

In this article, we’ll uncover 10 off-the-beaten-path castles in Japan that are perfect for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking for something a little different. These hidden gems are just waiting to be explored.

🏆 1. Takeda Castle Ruins (Hyogo)

竹田城跡（兵庫県）
Nicknamed the “Castle in the Sky,” Takeda Castle sits atop a 353-meter-high mountain. When morning mist fills the valley, the ruins appear to float on clouds—creating a dreamlike scene.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 15th century
• 📍 Access: 2.5 hours from Osaka via train to Takeda Station, followed by a shuttle or 40-minute hike
• 🌄 Best time: Autumn mornings (October–November)

Takeda Castle Ruins Official Website

2. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Okayama)

備中松山城（岡山県）
Japan’s highest original castle keep still stands here at 430 meters elevation. Unlike many reconstructed castles, this one retains much of its Edo-period structure.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 1240 (current structure from 1683)
• 📍 Access: 3 hours from Okayama via train to Bitchu-Takahashi Station, then a short hike
• 🌿 Highlight: Often shrouded in mist; very few tourists

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Official Website

3. Maruoka Castle (Fukui)

丸岡城（福井県）
This charming castle claims to have the oldest surviving wooden keep in Japan. Its moss-covered stone walls and cherry blossoms in spring make it an ideal photo spot.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 1576
• 📍 Access: 30 minutes from Fukui Station by bus
• 🌸 Best time: Early April (cherry blossoms)

4. Iwamura Castle Ruins (Gifu)

岩村城跡（岐阜県）
Perched at 717 meters, this mountaintop ruin is among Japan’s highest-altitude castles. Though only stone walls remain, the hike offers panoramic views and quiet solitude.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 12th century
• 📍 Access: 2 hours from Nagoya via train to Iwamura Station, then 30–40 min walk
• 🧭 Tip: Combine with local sake breweries in town

Iwamura Castle Ruins Official Website

5. Shirakawa Komine Castle (Fukushima)

白河小峰城跡（福島県）
This partially reconstructed castle stands in a peaceful park setting, making it a relaxing stop in Fukushima. It played a major role during the Boshin War in the 19th century.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 1340 (rebuilt after 2011 quake)
• 📍 Access: 90 minutes from Tokyo to Shin-Shirakawa Station
• 🕊️ Highlight: Cherry blossoms & wide open spaces

City of Shirakawa Website

6. Tatsuno Castle (Hyogo)

龍野城（兵庫県）
Often called the “Little Kyoto of Harima,” Tatsuno Castle combines stone ruins with a charming old castle town. The area is known for its traditional soy sauce breweries.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 16th century
• 📍 Access: 2 hours from Osaka via train to Tatsuno Station, short walk
• 🍶 Nearby: Soy sauce museums and historic buildings

7. Kochi Castle (Kochi)

高知城（高知県）
One of the few Japanese castles to retain its original keep, palace, and gates. Located in Shikoku, this castle remains underappreciated but deeply rewarding.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 1601–1611
• 📍 Access: 20 mins by tram from Kochi Station
• 🌤️ Highlight: Panoramic city views from the top floor

8. Matsumae Castle (Hokkaido)

松前城（北海道）
Japan’s northernmost traditional-style castle, located in a scenic coastal town. It was built to defend against Russian incursions and features cherry blossoms in May.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 1606 (rebuilt in 1854)
• 📍 Access: 4 hours from Hakodate by car or local bus
• 🌸 Best time: Late April to early May

9. Hikone Castle (Shiga)

彦根城（滋賀県）
Despite its national treasure status, Hikone Castle is often overlooked. Its original wooden keep, moat, and beautiful garden make it one of Japan’s most complete castle experiences.

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 1607
• 📍 Access: 1 hour from Kyoto to Hikone Station
• 🎟️ Tip: Entry includes Genkyu-en Garden next door

10. Tsuwano Castle Ruins (Shimane)

津和野城跡（島根県）
Accessible via cable car, these ruins offer sweeping views over the picturesque town of Tsuwano, often called “Little Kyoto of the San’in region.”

 

• 🏯 Originally built: 14th century
• 📍 Access: 3 hours from Hiroshima via train to Tsuwano Station, then cable car
• 🧭 Pair with: Tsuwano’s old samurai district & Inari shrine

Shimane Official Tour Guide

🌟 Why Visit These Hidden Castles?

• 🧍‍♂️ Avoid the crowds – Perfect for slow travel and peaceful exploration
• 🏞️ Amazing views – Many are located on mountaintops or along coastlines
• 📸 Unique photo ops – Great for travel blogs and Instagram
• 📚 Deeper history – Often connected to regional clans or key battles

🧳 Castle Travel Tips

• 👟 Wear sturdy shoes—expect hills, stairs, and uneven paths
• ⏰ Check local train/bus times in advance
• 🍁 Visit in spring or autumn for best views
• 📕 Try collecting stamps in the Japan Castle Stamp Book (日本100名城スタンプ帳)

🎌 Final Thoughts

Japan’s off-the-beaten-path castles offer a quiet, authentic window into the country’s feudal past. Whether you’re chasing mountain ruins or original wooden towers, these hidden gems are well worth the detour.

 

So skip the crowds and discover a side of Japan most tourists miss—your samurai adventure starts here.