Castle Tourism in Kansai

Scroll

Step into the Warring States Era—Where Samurai Built Their Dreams in Stone. Roughly 500 years ago, during Japan’s Warring States era, powerful warlords vied for dominance by building majestic castles across the land. These strongholds served not only as military hubs but also as bold symbols of their ambitions. Today, visitors can explore these historical treasures—admiring their intricate architecture, stone walls, maze-like pathways, and panoramic views from keeps and watchtowers. With every step, you’ll feel why these castles continue to be enduring symbols of regional pride.
Why not embark on a journey through Kansai, where echoes of the samurai era still linger in the air?

Castles Tied to Legendary Warlords

In the age of constant power struggles, many of Japan’s most iconic castles were built in Kansai—the political and military heart of the country at the time. Visit the fortresses shaped by some of Japan’s most influential figures, and uncover the strategies and ambitions behind their walls.

Castles of Oda Nobunaga

While Azuchi-jo Castle by Lake Biwa is the most famous, Nobunaga also built the original Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto for shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Odani-jo Castle, the battleground of the Battle of Anegawa against his brother-in-law Asai Nagamasa, is also closely tied to his legacy.

Castles of Akechi Mitsuhide

Once a retainer to both the Asakura and Ashikaga clans, Mitsuhide served under Nobunaga and built a castle in Sakamoto, on the western shores of Lake Biwa—part of which was recently rediscovered. His conquest of the Tanba region left behind many castle sites in modern-day Kyoto and Hyogo Prefectures.

Castles of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

From his humble origins as a foot soldier, Hideyoshi rose to become a unifier of Japan. His castles reflect that meteoric rise—from Nagahama-jo Castle, his first residence, to Himeji-jo Castle and finally the grand Osaka-jo Castle. Each site tells a part of his dramatic journey to power.

Castles of Toyotomi Hidenaga

As Hideyoshi’s trusted younger brother, Hidenaga was both an intelligent strategist and a capable general. He played key roles in campaigns across Tajima and Harima (now Hyogo Prefecture) and resided in Wakayama-jo Castle (Wakayama) and Koriyama-jo Castle (Nara) as a daimyō overseeing one million koku.

Castles of Tokugawa Ieyasu

Following Hideyoshi’s death, Ieyasu emerged as the most powerful leader in Japan. After his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, he constructed the current Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto. Later, the Osaka-jo Castle we see today was rebuilt by his son, Tokugawa Hidetada, over the ruins of Hideyoshi’s original.

Castles to Explore by Theme:What Makes Each One Special

While the historical stories are compelling, every castle also offers its own unique highlights—from architectural ingenuity to breathtaking scenery. Here are three thematic ways to enjoy castle-hopping in Kansai:

Panoramic Views from Towering Keeps

The castle keep (tenshu) is an unmistakable symbol of Japanese castles. Standing atop one and taking in the views once enjoyed by feudal lords offers a powerful sense of connection to the past—even as the modern cities below have evolved dramatically.

National Treasures & Cultural Landmarks

Many Kansai castles still retain original buildings, gardens, and even painted screens dating back centuries—rare survivors in a country where many castles were lost to war and fire. Here, you can feel the breath of history and experience the real beauty of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Stone Walls that Tell Stories

Stone walls are a favorite among castle enthusiasts for their unique construction techniques and enduring strength. Even in places where buildings no longer stand, impressive stone remains hint at the castle’s former glory. Studying these stone foundations is like reading a time-worn map of the past.