Kansai Castle Tour | Kansai Tourism

Where a ruler's golden dream intersects with the energy of the future: Japan's premier castle.

The Osaka Castle, a symbol of energetic Osaka, still breathes the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the nation's supreme ruler, and the golden dream he pursued.
Surrounded by giant modern skyscrapers, the magnificent keep and colossal stone walls create a unique spectacle. At night, the illuminated castle offers a breathtaking beauty, showcasing a rare synergy where the romance of old history meets the energy of the future.
The expansive park is an urban oasis where the castle changes its look with the four seasons: from full bloom cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant winter illuminations. To feel the soul of Osaka, this symbol of harmony between history and modernity is an unmissable destination.

The historical stage where one era began and another came to its close

Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands quietly at the heart of Kyoto, the ancient capital with a thousand-year history.
This castle is a monumental turning point in history, witnessing both the start of the Edo Period in the early 1600s and its conclusion some 260 years later—telling the entire story of the rise and fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The magnificent National Treasure palace complex is the only one of its kind remaining in a Japanese castle. Here, you can feel the intense tension of confrontations between the Shogun and the feudal lords, and sense the absolute authority expressed through the opulent gold-leafed paintings by the Kano School.
The grand Ninomaru Garden and beautiful seasonal flowers like the plum and cherry blossoms also enhance the castle’s prestige. Enjoy a journey that touches the essence of traditional Japanese beauty and landscaping, offered as a special experience unique to the ancient capital of Kyoto.

The white citadel that continues to shine beyond time.
Japan's pride, recognized by the world

Himeji Castle gracefully soars like the "White Heron" descending from the sky. The open and beautiful sight of the white ancient castle down the main street from the moment you exit Himeji Station instantly elevates the traveler's excitement.
Thanks to the "philosophy of impregnability" accumulated by generations of lords through ingenious design and wisdom, the castle miraculously survived the war, leaving its perfect form intact. It was highly recognized for its completeness of architectural technique and historical value, leading to its registration as Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage site.
The special contrast, only found in spring, created by the white keep, the blue sky, and the light pink of the cherry blossoms is especially breathtaking. Experience the symbol of Japan’s historical ingenuity and peace alongside this iconic scenic view.

The towering stone walls shrouding a legendary village.
A journey into the Ninja mystery

This castle stands as a symbol of Iga Ueno, the birthplace of the ninja collective who served from the shadows during the Warring States period.
Reflecting its historical role as a geographically vital stronghold near Kyoto, Iga Ueno Castle features some of Japan's tallest stone walls. This overwhelming presence, radiating the raw power of a fortress, vividly conveys the intense drama of the Sengoku era.
Adjacent to the castle, the Ninja Museum allows you to glimpse the secrets behind the legendary assassins. Through exhibits of actual ninja tools, unique ninjutsu (Ninja art) experiences, and a must-see, breathtaking performance, you can explore the roots of the mysterious Ninja.

The eternal keep floating in moonlight.
A National Treasure casting its reflection upon the lake province

Hikone Castle, one of only five National Treasure keeps in Japan, stands on the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in the country. This castle is an enduring symbol of the lake province (Shiga).
Its rare and beautiful structure masterfully combined military function—protecting the vital Lake Biwa water route—with the elegant structural beauty of a symbolic stronghold.
The castle's greatest allure is its seasonal scenery. While flowers and foliage change, at night, the castle illuminated by moonlight creates a fantastical sight of poetic beauty floating on the lake. Enjoy the powerful contrast between the ever-changing Lake Biwa and the timeless beauty of the immortal castle.

The historical charm forged by water transport.
A romantic journey around Lake Biwa and the water villages.

Nagahama Castle, which juts out into Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, is the monumental "Castle of Success" first built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the nation's future ruler. It was from this castle that Hideyoshi took his first step towards unifying Japan.
While the current keep is a reconstruction, its "water castle" structure utilizing Lake Biwa's scenic view, along with exhibits detailing Hideyoshi's story of advancement, captivate many visitors.
We recommend visiting nearby Ōmihachiman for a Suigō Meguri (water village tour in a traditional roofed boat). This area flourished thanks to the Ōmi Merchants who used Lake Biwa's water transport to expand nationwide, and their commercial success fostered a unique culture and beautiful townscape.
This is a special destination where the magnificent nature of Lake Biwa, the original picturesque Japanese waterscape, and the ambition of Hideyoshi's success converge.

The remote pilgrimage leading to a superb view.
The Castle in the Sky reserved for true travelers.

Takeda Castle Ruins, nestled in the mountains of Hyogo, offers a miraculous view, earning it the names "Castle in the Sky" and "Japan's Machu Picchu."
Access is challenging, requiring an overnight stay and an early morning visit to witness the famous sea of clouds. Yet, there is always a dramatic, fleeting moment that makes the journey entirely worthwhile.
When you stand in the solemn silence, the rising sun illuminates the walls, transforming the castle into golden ramparts. This miraculous spectacle is achieved only by travelers who have followed their remote pilgrimage, making it the climax of your journey.
Though the keep is lost, the remaining stone walls quietly narrate the story of both raw strength and the deep transience of an era. These rugged ramparts are the perfect place to contemplate the "dreams and ambitions" of those who sought to conquer the nation during the turbulent past.

A magnificent panorama overlooking the vast ocean.
Restorative hot springs & superb seafood.

Yonago Castle, located in Tottori Prefecture, is a unique castle ruin with a superb view overlooking the Sea of Japan. Its rare structure—combining coastal and mountain castle features—conveyed strategic value in protecting the region's commerce along the Japan Sea route.
The panoramic view is breathtaking: the vast Sea of Japan, the city of Yonago, and the majestic Mt. Daisen create a magnificent contrast of sea and sky. This sight will ignite an impulse to embark once again on a remote journey.
We strongly encourage you to stay overnight and explore the surrounding areas. Savor freshly caught seafood at Sakaiminato and then relax at nearby Kaike Onsen (Hot Spring). Soaking in the hot springs while gazing at the Sea of Japan will fully soothe the fatigue of your travels.

A pilgrimage guided by the Zen holy site.
The other Castle in the Sky where prayers reside.

Echizen Ōno Castle, located in Fukui Prefecture, is known as "the other Castle in the Sky," easily accessible from Kyoto. This sacred land, steeped in the spirit of Zen and the prayers of its people, is backed by Mount Hakusan, a holy peak of ancient mountain worship.
On early mornings, the restored keep appears floating on a sea of clouds against the divine beauty of the Hakusan mountain range. This unique, graceful sight offers a profound, spiritual beauty, different from the ruggedness of Takeda Castle.
An overnight stay is essential to experience this view. Enhance your journey with a Zen experience like sutra copying (Shakyō) at Eihei-ji Temple. The answer you seek awaits you beyond this silence and emotion. Why not step onto this pilgrimage journey yourself?

The highest-ranking castle in the land.
The romance spoken by the garden beauty, loved even by the Shogun.

Wakayama Castle, the residence of the highly ranked Tokugawa clan, conveys supreme authority from its strategic location on Tofusuyama Hill. From the tower, you can overlook the city and the vast Kinokawa River.
However, its true charm is the lavish beauty of the Momijidani Garden, deeply loved as a place of rest by the Tokugawa family. Autumn is best visited, when the foliage reflects on the water, creating a beauty that looks like a picture postcard from any angle.
This castle offers a luxurious privilege: walking the Ohashi Roka (Sloped Corridor Bridge)—a unique structure once reserved only for the feudal lord. This exclusive experience is now opened to you, the traveler who visits this high-ranking castle.

The castle where the ambition of the tragic genius commander Mitsuhide Akechi sleeps. Stone walls that unlock a historical mystery.

Fukuchiyama Castle was built by the tragic genius commander Mitsuhide Akechi, the perpetrator of the Honnōji Incident. This castle, established on an advanced urban plan, still quietly narrates the ambition of Mitsuhide, who dreamed of ruling the nation for a fleeting moment.
The motive for the Honnōji Incident remains the greatest unsolved mystery in Japanese history. A crucial key may be hidden in the castle's second enigma: its stone walls built using repurposed materials like Buddhist statues and gravestones. Why did Mitsuhide commit such a taboo?
The challenge is now yours. Uncovering Mitsuhide's true intentions etched into the stone walls might lead you, the traveler, to finally solve the riddle.