Can colorful light sculptures bring a centuries-old castle back to life? Japan's top three castles for night scenery, as voted by locals

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Which ancient castle best showcases the charm of Japan's four seasons at night? Selected by 4,300 night view connoisseurs from the Japan Night View Tourism Promotion Office, Osaka Castle, Kochi Castle, and Takada Castle have been"Japan's Top Three Night Castles"— an esteemed title.

According to Japanese media reports, the Japan Night View Tourism Promotion Office first conducted a vote among 4,300 night view connoisseurs nationwide, then carried out on-site investigations based on the results. The selection was based on six criteria: distinctive nighttime illuminations, effectively showcasing the site’s appeal as a night view destination, original nighttime performances, and the ability to present a nighttime charm distinctly different from the daytime. After rigorous evaluations, these three castles were chosen as Japan's Top Three Night Castles.

▲ The light show that took place last year at Nishinomaru in Osaka Castle Park featured a sea of pale blue fluorescence, resembling waves gently lapping against Osaka Castle. (Photo / fromCafé de OSAKA’s official fan page)

Located at the heart of Osaka Castle Park, Osaka Castle has used nighttime lighting designs since 1997 to present the castle tower in varying appearances depending on the time of night. In recent years, the addition of the “Osaka Castle 3D Projection Mapping Show” has further brought the castle to life after dark, appearing almost as if resurrected. Coupled with the million lights adorning the Nishinomaru Garden, it has become one of the best spots to enjoy Osaka’s nighttime scenery.

▲ Kochi Castle, adorned with different seasonal light displays, is a must-visit destination for night scenery. (Photo / fromAPAN ATTRACTIONS’ official fan page)

Listed among Japan’s Top 100 Castles, Kochi Castle is located in Kochi Prefecture and is also known as the “Takamatsu Castle.” Reflecting the changes of the four seasons, it hosts various nighttime illumination shows—such as cherry blossom light-ups in spring, the “Night Poetry” of wind chimes and multicolored candles in summer, the warm glow of lanterns in autumn, and a variety of illuminations in winter at the Honmaru and Ninomaru areas—making Kochi Castle captivating both day and night.

▲ Surrounded by snow lanterns, Takada Castle uses nighttime lighting to express a uniquely wintery, slightly desolate atmosphere. (Photo / fromNiigata Prefecture Tourism Information Network)

Located in Niigata Prefecture, Takada Castle is itself a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing. During the famed “Takada Castle Million People’s Cherry Blossom Festival,” the glow of around 3,000 traditional Japanese paper lanterns reflects off the river surface, complementing the illuminated cherry blossoms, drawing large crowds every spring. The popular “cherry blossom tunnel,” formed by a variety of cherry tree species lined up in succession, is also a renowned attraction.