Did you know that Japan has more than 200 castles still standing in some form today? Once symbols of the nation’s martial prowess, Japanese castles stand out with their multi-tiered wooden architecture, elegant curved roofs, steep stone bases and maze-like layouts. Built as much for asserting authority as for defence, they continue to captivate and remain high on many visitors’ must-see lists.
Since 2019, Shirobito, a Japanese online media platform specialising in castles, compiles an annual list of Japan’s top 20 castles based on votes from its large readership. This ranking, known as Castle of the Year, features a different theme each time; for 2025, it’s ‘Castles You’d Recommend to Foreign Visitors to Japan’.
Topping the list is Matsumoto Castle in Nagano prefecture. Affectionately nicknamed the Crow Castle due to its black facade, this striking fortress claimed the top spot thanks to its picturesque moat, imposing keep and scenic location, with the Northern Alps looming in the background.
The world-famous Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture – which inspired the castle emoji – came in a close second, missing the top spot by just two votes. Also known as the White Heron Castle, this Unesco World Heritage Site is widely regarded as a masterpiece of 17th-century Japanese castle architecture.
Aichi prefecture’s Inuyama Castle, which sports a charming castle town and authentic wooden keep, is ranked third, followed by Shiga prefecture’s Hikone Castle at No 4, celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved original structures.
Coming in at No 5 is Kumamoto Castle in its namesake prefecture. This majestic stronghold has consistently placed in the top five in the past four years. Despite ongoing restoration works following a devastating 2016 earthquake, Kumamoto Castle remains a popular attraction for those exploring Kyushu.
Here’s the full list of the top 20 ‘Castles You’d Recommend to Foreign Visitors to Japan’.
1. Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)
2. Himeji Castle (Hyogo)
3. Inuyama Castle (Aichi)
4. Hikone Castle (Shiga)
5. Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto)
6. Matsue Castle (Shimane)
7. Goryokaku (Hokkaido)
8. Nagoya Castle (Aichi)
9. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Okayama)
10. Naegi Castle (Gifu)
Tied: Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Fukushima)
Tied: Yamanaka Castle (Shizuoka)
Tied: Osaka Castle (Osaka)
Tied: Matsuyama Castle (Ehime)
Tied: Kochi Castle (Kochi)
16. Odawara Castle (Kanagawa)
Tied: Gifu Castle (Gifu)
Tied: Azuchi Castle (Shiga)
19. Edo Castle (Tokyo)
Tied: Maruoka Castle (Fukui)
Tied: Takeda Castle (Hyogo)
More from Time Out Tokyo
Hello Kitty land in Tokyo will be overrun by zombies this summer
Netflix Japan to air ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ from July 15
Tokyo gov't to waive base water fees this summer
This hidden temple in Gifu is offering a special nighttime photo op this June
Tokyo’s latest Godzilla art exhibition is a roaring tribute to the 70-year-old icon
Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.