Japanese netizens vote on the "Top 10 Most Recommended Historical Cities to Visit" — Himeji Castle takes the top spot

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

When traveling in Japan, besides experiencing the unique cultural charm of various regions and enjoying the healing hot springs, well-preserved historical sites are also an unmissable part of the journey. A well-known Japanese magazine*Rekishi no Michi* (*History Street*)announced the top 10 list at the end of January based on a reader poll titled "Highly Recommended by Me Personally — Must-Visit Famous Castles in Japan." If you love Japan, are your favorite historical cities on the list?

▲ Japan’s No. 1 castle that survived World War II air raids, Himeji Castle, with its pristine white appearance giving off a sacred image. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Himeji Castle, miraculously surviving the war

As many expected, ranking first is Himeji Castle, known as Japan’s No. 1 castle. Located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, its walls are predominantly white, earning it the nickname "White Heron Castle." Whether viewed for its historical value or architectural features, Himeji Castle’s status stands above other castles in Japan. Many Japanese voters praised the castle, saying things like “Time seems to stop here” and “No word other than beautiful can describe it.”

Himeji Castle is also the best-preserved ancient city in Japan and has never been damaged by war. During World War II, Himeji City was heavily bombed, but amid the widespread destruction, only Himeji Castle miraculously remained unharmed, standing quietly as before. Someone once asked the officers who carried out the air raids if they had deliberately avoided the area, but they claimed there was no special avoidance, and they were quite surprised that Himeji Castle escaped destruction. In 1993, Himeji Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becoming Japan’s first cultural property to receive this distinction.

▲ When Taketa Castle is surrounded by sea of clouds, does it really resemble the “Castle in the Sky” from the works of Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki? (Photo / from Wikipedia)

Japan’s Machu Picchu — Taketa Castle

Ranked 8th on the list, Taketa Castle, known as Japan’s Machu Picchu or the “Castle in the Sky,” is located in Taketa, Wakayama Town, Hyogo Prefecture. Although only stone walls remain at the site today, its tiered castle architecture makes it unique among Japan’s Top 100 Castles.

Due to its high mountain location, visitors to Taketa Castle in the early morning can enjoy stunning sea of clouds views, especially in autumn when the phenomenon is most celebrated — hence the nickname “Castle in the Sky.” Additionally, the area enjoys distinct seasons, and looking down from the castle, one can see the vast landscape of mountains and plains dotted with lights from homes, attracting increasing numbers of tourists each year. Recently, due to the surge in visitors, local authorities have begun considering charging admission fees.

▲ The completely contrasting image of “Matsumoto Castle,” with its black exterior, gives it unique charm among Japan’s famous castles. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

The gleaming black beauty under the blue sky — the “Crow Castle” Matsumoto Castle

If Himeji Castle’s image is “white,” then Matsumoto Castle’s image is “black.” Ranked 3rd and listed alongside Himeji Castle as one of Japan’s Three Great Castles, Matsumoto Castle is located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Its exterior, opposite to Himeji Castle’s, is primarily black, earning it the local nickname “Crow Castle.”

The biggest highlight of Matsumoto Castle is its donjon (the tallest, most central, and representative structure of a Japanese castle), which is one of only 12 existing donjons that have survived demolition and war to this day. Voters commented that the beautiful black exterior shining against the blue sky makes the castle even more stunning, and its dark color stands out among many castles, giving it definite visit-worthy appeal.

Japanese netizens vote on the "Highly Recommended by Me Personally — Top 10 Must-Visit Famous Castles in Japan"

11. Himeji Castle

2.2. Kumamoto Castle

3.3. Matsumoto Castle

4.4. Osaka Castle

5.5. Hikone Castle

6.6. Nagoya Castle

7.7. Inuyama Castle

8.8. Taketa Castle

9.9. Iyo Matsuyama Castle

10.10. Hirosaki Castle