{"id":2406,"date":"2020-04-07T09:00:29","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T07:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2406"},"modified":"2020-12-11T10:27:30","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T09:27:30","slug":"best-castles-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan","title":{"rendered":"The 11 best castles to visit in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is a land rife with history and relics of the past. In nearly every city and town, you will find landmarks, museums, and historic sites that display the country\u2019s culturally rich past. In fact, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">World Heritage Sites in Japan<\/a> than in any other country.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most interesting and breathtaking elements of Japan\u2019s history is its castles. Unique architecture and fascinating family stories accompany each site. Consider the following list of Japan\u2019s most visited castles.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Accessing each location is easy when using your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>. Why not include a castle tour on your next Japanese vacation?<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#The_history_of_Japanese_Castles\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> The history of Japanese Castles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Castle_structures_and_towns\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Castle structures and towns<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Osaka_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Osaka Castle\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Himeji_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Himeji Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Okayama_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Okayama Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nijo_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Nijo Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Hikone_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Hikone Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Matsumoto_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> Matsumoto Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Hirosaki_castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">9<\/span> Hirosaki castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nagoya_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">10<\/span> Nagoya Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Kanazawa_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">11<\/span> Kanazawa Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Kumamoto_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">12<\/span> Kumamoto Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Edo_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">13<\/span> Edo Castle\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"The_history_of_Japanese_Castles\">The history of Japanese Castles<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Japanese castles evolved from the wooden stockades of earlier centurie<\/strong>s and developed into their <strong>most recognisable form by the late 15th century<\/strong>. The primary functions of Japanese castles initially mirrored those of their European counterparts: <strong>for defense, strategic control, and to intimidate enemies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Although originally conceived of simply as fortresses to guard strategic locations such as trade routes, roads, and rivers, Japanese Castles were also built to serve as <strong>centers of governance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>By the <strong>Sengoku period<\/strong>, they primarily served as the homes for <strong>local feudal lords and their family<\/strong>, and aimed to intimidate rivals with their extensive defenses, imposing size, and the opulent design of their elegant fa\u00e7ades and interiors.<\/p>\n<p>Although more stone was used in their construction than most <strong>Japanese buildings<\/strong> to ensure the fortresses would endure, the castles were still primarily <strong>constructed of wood<\/strong>, which means that many have been destroyed over the centuries.<\/p>\n<p>However, a number of castles were later reconstructed to reflect their original design, especially during the <strong>Edo period<\/strong>, as well as more recently as national <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">heritage sites<\/a> and museums.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Castle_structures_and_towns\">Castle structures and towns<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like many European fortresses, Japanese castles were encased in <strong>huge stone walls<\/strong> and <strong>surrounded by protective moats<\/strong>. However, the walls only served to protect the castle compound and never extended to the surrounding castle towns (<em>J\u014dkamachi<\/em>), reflecting the lack of fear of invasion.<\/p>\n<p>Another significant difference between European and Japanese castle models was the tendency to erect distinct <strong>tile-roofed buildings<\/strong> within the compound walls. Buildings inside the compound served as <strong>residences for Samurai<\/strong>, with those with a higher rank living closer to the central keep. Some castles contained an inner moat which separated Samurai residences by their rank.<\/p>\n<p>The majority of <strong>peasants and commoners lived outside of the castle walls:<\/strong> only those in direct employ of the feudal lord or his associates were permitted to live within the compound, and designated to certain sections according to their occupation.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Osaka_Castle\"><strong>Osaka Castle\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-403 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Osaka_Castle_Keep_Tower_in_201504_013-by-Mc681-Wikimedia-e1509709830119.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka Castle\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\">Osaka Castle<\/a> was originally constructed in the 1580s. At the time, it was the largest castle in Japan. During the 1500s, the surrounding park was home to the wife of a Japanese ruler. Today, Osaka Castle and its Castle Park are a favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom viewing location<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>An observation platform overlooks the surrounding city. Not to be missed is the castle\u2019s history museum, which includes three-dimensional pictures, holograms, and other advanced technologies in its exhibits.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0002, Osaka Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: Osaka Castle is located less than five kilometers from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-station-city\">Osaka Station<\/a>. If you prefer not to walk this distance, city buses are available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Himeji_Castle\"><strong style=\"font-size: 28px;\">Himeji Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1094 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-cherry-blossom-e1509709877192.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"700\" height=\"445\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Also called the <em>Hakuro-jo,<\/em> or White Heron Castle, for its bright, pristine appearance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji<\/a> Castle was built early in the 1600s. In 1951, it received the designation of National Treasure, and in 1993, it became the first Japanese castle to be named a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site.<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 68 Hommachi, Jimeji 670-0012, Hyogo Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: Use your JR Pass to access Himeji Station, on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> line. Use the station\u2019s north exit. Then, walk one kilometer down Otemae-Dori Street.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Okayama_Castle\"><strong>Okayama Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12001\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/okayama-castle-800.jpg\" alt=\"Okayama Castle\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/okayama-castle-800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/okayama-castle-800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/okayama-castle-800-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Also known as the \u201c<strong>crow castle<\/strong>\u201d because of its black-hued fa\u00e7ade, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\">Okayama<\/a> was built in 1597 in the Azuchi-Momoyama style. The original structure, with the exception of the original moon-viewing turret, was destroyed during WWII, but later rebuilt in 1966. Located on the Asahi River, which was used a natural moat, the castle is also located close to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okayama-travel-guide\">Korakuen Garden<\/a>, considered one of the most beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-gardens-japan\">gardens in Japan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward 700-0823, Okayama Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: The castle is roughly 1.2 kilometers or a 30-minute walk from Okayama Station. You can also take a tram on the Higashiyama Line to Shiroshita stop and then walk around 10-15 minutes to reach the castle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Nijo_Castle\"><strong>Nijo Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2411\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/nijo-castle-e1509710245414.jpg\" alt=\"Nijo Castle\" width=\"700\" height=\"469\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Located in the heart of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a>, this World Heritage Site was originally constructed by a powerful shogun or chief military commander. A unique aspect of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nijo-castle-kyoto\">Nijo Castle<\/a> is the intentional installation of creaky floorboards to warn residents of hostile trespassers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 541 Nijiji-cho, Horikawa-nishiiru, Kyoto 604-8301, Kyoto Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyoto-train-station\">Kyoto Station<\/a>, the castle can be reached by bus or subway. Use City Bus numbers 101, 50, or 9, or take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station, transferring to the Tozai Line to reach Nijojo-mae Station.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Hikone_Castle\">Hikone Castle<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2296\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/japan-826594_1280-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Hikone Castle\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The hilltop castle in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hikone-travel-guide\">Hikone<\/a> took 20 years to build, was completed in 1622, and served as a seat for feudal lords until 1868. The impressively preserved features of the castle include the unique fa\u00e7ade of the castle keep, as well as a number of guard houses, gates, and collapsable bridges.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone 522-0061, Shiga Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: From Hikone Station, walk 15 minutes along the main road to arrive at Hikone Castle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Matsumoto_Castle\"><strong>Matsumoto Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2412\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/matsumoto-castle-e1509710382957.jpg\" alt=\"Matsumoto Castle\" width=\"700\" height=\"402\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Matsumoto Castle, in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagano-travel-guide\">Nagano<\/a> prefecture, features impressive exterior architecture, and the gardens are a coveted photo opportunity, especially when the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry trees blossom in spring<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, 390-0873, Nagano Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: The castle is a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Hirosaki_castle\">Hirosaki castle<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6737\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hirosaki-castle-aomori-sakura.jpg\" alt=\"Hirosaki Castle during the sakura\" width=\"600\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hirosaki-castle-aomori-sakura.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/hirosaki-castle-aomori-sakura-300x250.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Located inside Hirosaki Park, one of Japan\u2019s best cherry blossom spots, Hirosaki Castle was built by the Tsugaru Clan in 1611. The original castle keep burnt down in 1627 after being struck by lightning, but was rebuilt in 1810 on a slighter smaller scale. Surviving elements include the 3-story castle tower, fortified moats, and the\u00a0 castle gates.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or 7 a.m. to 9 p.m during the Sakura Festival<\/li>\n<li>Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki 036-8356, Aomori Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: From JR Hirosaki Station, ride 15 minutes on the Dotemachi Loop Bus and get off at hiyakusho-mae bus stop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Nagoya_Castle\"><strong>Nagoya Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/nagoya-castle-e1509710544976.jpg\" alt=\"Nagoya castle\" width=\"700\" height=\"469\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Originally of the Edo period but rebuilt after World War II, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagoya-travel-guide\">Nagoya<\/a> Castle is six stories high, affording panoramic views of its surroundings. This castle features up to 10 individuals in period attire, acting as genuine historical figures from the area\u2019s past. It is also a favorite spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 1-1 Hommaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-0031, Aichi Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to Get There: From Nagoya Station, take the Meguru tourist loop bus to the castle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Kanazawa_Castle\"><strong>Kanazawa Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_229\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-229\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-229\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/kanazawa-castle-e1509710578665.jpg\" alt=\"Kanazawa Castle\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-229\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kanazawa Castle by @lensonjapan (Flickr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Built in 1583, Kanazawa Castle was home to powerful rulers, the seat of the second most powerful feudal lords in Japan. The castle\u2019s gate faces the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-gardens-japan#Kenroku-en_Kanazawa\">Kenrokuen<\/a>, one of Japan\u2019s three most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-gardens-japan\">beautiful landscape gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa 920-0937, Ishikawa Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: From Kanazawa Station, take either the Kanazawa Loop Bus to stops LL9 or RL8, or the Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus to stop S8.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Kumamoto_Castle\">Kumamoto Castle<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-12108\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/kumamoto-castle-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"kumamoto castle\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of <strong>the most extensive castle complexes in Japan<\/strong> and dating back to 1607, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kumamoto-castle\">Kumamoto Castle<\/a> unfortunately suffered some serious damage during the earthquakes of April 2016. The interior of the castle keep is due to be reopened in spring 2021, but in the meantime a walkway allows visitors to get a close-up view of the keep exterior.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: The Kumamoto Castle walkway is open on Sundays, national holidays, and selected Saturdays between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward 860-0002, Kumamoto Prefecture<\/li>\n<li>How to Get There: From Kumamoto Station, you can either take a 15-minute tram ride or walk to the castle in the city center in around 30-45 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Edo_Castle\"><strong>Edo Castle\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2417\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2417\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2417 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/tokyo-imperial-palace-e1509711002396.jpg\" alt=\"Tokyo Imperial Palace\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2417\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by Miner8.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The flatland Edo Castle was the home castle of the Tokugawa shoguns during the 17th century until 1867, and is nowadays <strong>part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-imperial-palace\">Tokyo Imperial Palace<\/a><\/strong>. While the Palace itself is not open to tours, it can be viewed from its illustrious gardens, which also feature ruins of Edo period castle structures.<\/p>\n<p>Informative signs highlight areas of historical relevance and special plantings, such as trees gifted to the royal family by foreign dignitaries.<\/p>\n<p>The surrounding <strong>East Gardens<\/strong>\u00a0have been open to the public since 1968, and currently, over one million people visit each year. According to one recent visitor, during your peaceful garden stroll, you might just forget that you are in the middle of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a> megalopolis.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., depending on the season. Closed most Mondays and Fridays.<\/li>\n<li>Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda 100-0001, Tokyo Prefecture.<\/li>\n<li>Admission fee: Free.<\/li>\n<li>How to get there: From <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-train-station\">Tokyo Station<\/a>, walk 7 minutes to the nearby Otemachi Station. Take the Tozai Line to Takebashi Station. From this station, the Imperial Palace is only a nine-minute walk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When you explore Japan\u2019s historic castles, you might even feel like royalty yourself. Check out our additional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/travel-guides\">travel guides<\/a> and plan your next trip today!<\/p>\n<p><em>Cover picture: Hirosaki Castle (Shutterstock).<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is a land rife with history and relics of the past. In nearly every city and town, you will find landmarks, museums, and historic sites that display the country\u2019s culturally rich past. In fact, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared more World Heritage Sites in Japan than in any other country. One of the most interesting and breathtaking elements of Japan\u2019s history is its castles. Unique architecture and fascinating family stories accompany each site. Consider the following list of Japan\u2019s most visited castles.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1969,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","pageresume":"One of the most interesting and breathtaking elements of Japan\u2019s history is its castles. Unique architecture and fascinating family stories accompany each site.","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The 11 Best Castles in Japan - Japan Rail Pass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the most beautiful castles to visit in Japan. The greatest treasures and samurai stories from the Edo are just one ride away with the JR Pass!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2406\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The 11 Best Castles in Japan - Japan Rail Pass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover the most beautiful castles to visit in Japan. 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