Anyone who has studied Japanese architecture should know the "castle keep", which is the symbol of the Japanese castle and the most important and highest specification building.
The celestial keep, which has been handed down for hundreds of years, is even more precious. Therefore, among the existing castle keeps, there are already five national treasures designated as Japan, namely "Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Inuyama Castle, Matsue Castle, and Hikone Castle", which are also known as Japan's "Five National Treasures".
Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle, also known as "Golden Turtle Castle", is a wooden Tekokaku-style Hirayama Castle and one of the only four remaining wooden castles among Japan's national treasures and national monuments.
Today, on the moat in Hikone Castle, you can still see the scene of the yakata boat that perfectly recreates the "Miyoshiya-shaped boat" used by the lord of the clan to cruise around the castle.
From the river, you can enjoy the beauty of Hikone Castle, such as stone walls, sluice gates, cherry blossoms in spring, and autumn leaves.
Address: 1-1 Kinkama-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
Inuyama Castle
Inuyama Castle, also known as "White Emperor Castle", is the oldest surviving castle keep in Japan.
The exterior of the castle tower has 3 floors, the interior has 4 floors, and there are actually 2 floors underground, which is rare among the many castle towers in Japan.
Standing on the cloister, you can also enjoy a 360-degree view of the beautiful Kiso River, as well as the magnificent scenery created by nature, history, and modern technology such as Mt. Misaki, Gifu Castle, and Nagoya Station Building.
Address: Inuyama Kitaku, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture 65-2
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is the only castle built on a flat ground among the five national treasures, and it is also the oldest surviving five-story and six-story castle of national treasure in Japan.
The white of the upper half of the wall and the black of the parapet panels match the blue sky on a sunny day, and these three colors form a spectacular contrast.
With the mountains of the Northern Alps in the distance as a backdrop, the view of the castle keep reflected on the moat is also very charming, and it is definitely a beautiful view that cannot be seen in other castles.
Address: Marunouchi 4-1, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan (the other two are Kumamoto Castle and Matsumoto Castle), and is highly preserved and is known as "Japan's First City".
Its shape resembles an egret rising from the sky, so it is also called "Egret City" and has become a filming location for many era dramas and movies.
In addition, from sunset to midnight, it is decorated with lights, revealing a very different scenery from the daytime, creating a unique atmosphere.
Especially during the cherry blossom season, the scenery is beautiful.
Address: 68 Banchi, Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Matsue Castle
Unlike the common white ancient city, Matsue Castle is a castle covered with dark wooden planks, and is also known as "Chidori Castle" because of the graceful bird wingspan shape of the eaves.
In addition, Matsue Shiroyama Park is also a designated historical site, and in spring it is a famous cherry blossom viewing shrine, and it was selected as one of the "100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan".
If you go in the spring, the cherry blossoms surround the ancient city, and you must not miss such a beautiful scenery.
Address: 1-5 Denmachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
In the five national treasures that have accumulated more than 400 years of long history,
Feel the immortals in The Spring In Himeji Castle,
Inuyama Castle's summer comfort,
Hikone Castle's autumn and Matsumoto Castle's winter warmth...
Definitely a different experience!
Pay attention to learn more and ask more tourist information
Customised tours can also be consulted free of charge
Disclaimer: The pictures in the text and some of the text information source network, if there is a violation of your rights and interests, please contact us in time, we will deal with or revoke it in the first time.