It is said that Japan has about 200 that people can visit. We’ve selected seven easy access castles in Kansai area.
Himeji Castle
Photograph: Photo AC
Speaking of castle in Japan, Himeji Castle is the first castle that comes across in mind. In 1993, the castle has been designated as Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The moment you arrive at Himeji Station, you’ll be able to view the majestic castle tower that can excite travelers.
Although the six-story castle tower is difficult to climb, the view from the top floor is magnificent.
Amagasaki Castle
Photograph: Photo AC
The restoration of Amagasaki Castle was completed in 2019 and opened to the public in spring 2019.
The buildings built during the Edo Period were completely lost due to war and disasters, however, the architecture has been restored.
The high-tech new Amagasaki Castle is equipped with VR (virtual reality theater) and tablet devices inside the castle.
Nijo Castle
Photograph: Photo AC
Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of Tokugawa Shogunate and the first Shogun appointed by the Emperor. The castle has also become the stage of the restoration of the last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
Since it’s located in the urban area of Kyoto, Nijo Castle is easy to access from other tourist spots.
Hikone Castle
Photograph: Photo AC
Hiko-nyan, the yuru-chara (the mascot of what the region is famous for) of Hikone is boasting overwhelming popularity than the castle itself.
Although Hiko-nyan overshadowing the popularity of the castle, the bright white walls castle itself is one of the five national treasures in Japan and the building is still authentic.
Wakayama Castle
Although Wakayama Castle considered a minor castle, Wakayama Castle is a large-scale castle.
Nishinomaru Garden in Wakayama Castle is also called the Momijidani Garden, the garden popular for its beautiful autumn leaves in fall.
There is a hill in front of the castle tower, from the hill you can take a great photo of the castle with the beautiful sunset in the background at dusk.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is the symbol of Osaka located in the center of Osaka along with the Glico Sign in Dotonbori.
At the castle tower you’ll find an elevator to the first floor and an elevator to the top floor, so even the wheelchair users can have a look around the castle.
Hogwarts Castle
Tourists from every corner of the world visit Kansai to see and experience this castle. Yep, we’re talking about the Universal Studios Japan’s most popular Hogwarts Castle, a must-visit place, especially for Harry Potter fans.
Walking through the Hogsmeade, while drinking Butterbeer, and there it is, the epic castle overlooking the Black Lake!
When we looked at it, we thought the castle was a bit smaller than what we expect, or maybe it was just our imagination. It looked bigger from our perspective.
The bewitched castle that makes everyone bound by its charm.