Japan: The 5 Castles Designated as National Treasures, Guardians of Time and History
Japan is home to a rich architectural heritage, featuring unique examples of feudal art and engineering. Among the most remarkable are 5 castles designated as National Treasures, a distinction that highlights their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Here’s an overview of these 5 iconic structures, which also make for excellent photographic subjects.
Let me be clear right from the start, Himeji Castle will always remain my favorite. Not only for its exemplary architecture or its imposing silhouette in the urban landscape of Himeji, but also for the ease and pleasure I’ve had photographing it during each visit.
Although it’s the most iconic and widely publicized castle in the country, and despite being one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites I usually tend to avoid, its mesmerizing beauty and complex structure have always drawn me in. And this fascination has only grown over time.
Yet, for many years, I visited Hikone Castle during my stays around Lake Biwa. This architectural masterpiece was my long-time favorite. As a fan of the *Shogun* series, which was partially filmed within this domain, Hikone Castle had everything to endlessly captivate my interest (read my article on this subject).
But Himeji Castle’s enchanting allure, with its pristine splendor, eventually outshone all rivals. In this article, I’ll delve into these 5 National Treasures that should be on every photographer’s itinerary when visiting Japan.
Although all of these castles are culturally significant, I can't help but rank them based on my personal preference for their photogenic qualities. If you'd like to learn more about each one, you can read my full articles dedicated to them. You’ll find the links in the texts below.
Contents of the Article:
What Are National Treasures in Japan
Japan's National Treasures are cultural assets of exceptional value to the country's history, art, and culture. This official title is granted by the government to protect and preserve artworks, historical buildings, documents, and crafts of immense significance.
Among these National Treasures are temples like Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, castles such as Himeji Castle, katanas like the legendary sword "Dōjigiri Yasutsuna," and scroll paintings, such as the famous "Genji Monogatari Emaki" (illustrated scrolls of "The Tale of Genji"). All of these are safeguarded for their cultural, literary, and aesthetic value.
Noh masks used in traditional theater, such as the "Okina" mask, symbolizing age and wisdom, are also classified as National Treasures. Additionally, ancient texts like the "Kojiki", one of the oldest accounts of Japanese mythology, are among the National Treasures, highlighting the importance of literature in preserving the country’s cultural identity.
These treasures, embodying Japan’s heritage, are meticulously preserved for future generations. The status of National Treasure is the highest level of protection granted by the government, ensuring the preservation of these unique works and their recognition as symbols of Japanese national identity.
Now that we know all this, let’s dive into the main subject.
1. Himeji Castle (姫路城)
Himeji Castle, often referred to as the "White Heron Castle" due to its brilliant white color, is undoubtedly the most famous and widely publicized castle in Japan. Located in Hyōgo Prefecture, this castle is a masterpiece of feudal-era architecture.
The structure we know today was primarily built under the direction of Ikeda Terumasa between 1601 and 1609, after Tokugawa Ieyasu awarded him the domain following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. This battle marked the end of the Japanese civil wars and the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate.
During the Meiji Restoration in 1868, many Japanese castles were demolished as they were seen as symbols of the feudal era that the Meiji government sought to reform. However, Himeji Castle was relatively spared from this wave of destruction, partly due to its historical and cultural significance.
It is notable for the sophistication of its defensive system, designed to thwart attackers with its complex labyrinth of walls and gates. In addition to its strategic value, Himeji is an aesthetic gem. Its light and elegant appearance contrasts with its structural robustness.
The castle is also a delight for night photography enthusiasts, as its lighting is particularly well-executed without being overly intense. Which is a big challenge considering the complexity of its structure.
A nocturnal exercise that I recommend keeping to black and white photography. Indeed, depending on the season, the castle is alternately illuminated by colored floodlights that sweep across the entire color spectrum, giving it a psychedelic appearance of the worst taste. This decision by the local government is one I still can't understand.
Himeji Castle was designated a National Treasure in 1931 and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. It still symbolizes the pinnacle of castle architecture from that era.
2. Hikone Castle (彦根城)
Hikone Castle, located in Shiga Prefecture, is one of the few castles that has preserved its original keep. It is nicknamed the "Golden Turtle Castle" (Konki-jō 金亀城). Built in the early 17th century, this castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is considered a typical example of Edo period architecture.
© O. Robert
It is said that the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, which led to the foundation of the Tokugawa shogunate, is indirectly linked to the construction of Hikone Castle, though this claim cannot be definitively verified. Construction began in 1603 and was completed in 1622. The castle was built on the ruins of Ōtsu Castle, with some parts, including the main donjon, coming from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto, which was built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
The three-story donjon is particularly notable for its combination of architectural styles and the ingenuity of its defensive features. Hikone Castle is also renowned for its spectacular views of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
Located below the castle grounds, Genkyū-en Garden, created in 1677, was designed to complement the castle's aesthetics and function (see photo below). It covers a large area and includes a pond, islands, bridges, and a tea house, reflecting the strolling garden style of the Edo period. It is also one of the filming locations for the series "Shogun".
Genkyū-en Garden. © O. Robert
Hikone Castle was designated a National Treasure in 1931 and was added to the list of Japan's 100 Famous Castles (日本100名城, Nihon 100 Meijō) in 2006. This list was compiled by the Japan Castle Foundation to promote and preserve historic castle sites across Japan.
3. Matsumoto Castle (松本城)
Matsumoto Castle, located in Nagano Prefecture, is nicknamed the "Black Crow Castle" due to its dark walls. The black lacquer used on the wooden exteriors served not only as protection against the elements but also contributed to its elegant and formidable appearance.
© O. Robert
The castle was built at the end of the 16th century during the Sengoku period, an era marked by civil wars in Japan. Construction began in 1592 under the orders of Ishikawa Kazumasa and his son Yasunaga, vassals of the Ogasawara clan.
Matsumoto is one of the few Japanese castles with an original wooden keep (Tenshu). This "flat" castle (Hirajiro 平城), built on a plain rather than on a hill, is surrounded by extensive moats filled with water, enhancing its majestic appearance.
Its six-story donjon is a perfect example of the elegance and strength of military architecture from the Sengoku period, and it remains a symbol of the power of the feudal lords (Daimyos) of the time.
Matsumoto Castle was designated a National Treasure in 1952. Like most Japanese castles, Matsumoto subsequently required significant restoration to protect it from weather-related damage, including snow, rain, and earthquakes.
Matsumoto Castle is also ranked among the "Three Great Castles of Japan," alongside Kumamoto Castle (read my dedicated article) and Himeji Castle. This distinction is not official but is widely recognized by historians and enthusiasts of Japanese culture.
4. Inuyama Castle (犬山城)
Inuyama Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Kiso River in Aichi Prefecture, is one of the oldest castles in Japan. It is nicknamed the "White Emperor Castle," although several names are attributed to it depending on local beliefs. The main keep of the castle was built in 1537 under the orders of Oda Nobuyasu, the great-uncle of Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan’s unifiers in the 16th century.
Construction occurred at the end of the Sengoku period, an era of civil war, social unrest, and military conflict. Inuyama Castle is one of the few castles in Japan to retain its original donjon (Tenshu) from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century), making it one of the oldest existing wooden donjons in the country.
The castle is unique not only for its age but also for its architecture, which reflects the transition between the fortification styles of the Sengoku period and the more refined styles of the Edo period. Located by the Kiso River, Inuyama Castle offers stunning views of the surrounding region, making it a key strategic point for surveillance and defense.
Its position atop a lush hill and its smaller size (compared to its counterparts) make it an interesting photographic subject both during the day and at night. However, it can be challenging to include the river in photographic compositions due to the highly fluctuating water levels across seasons.
Inuyama Castle was designated a National Treasure in 1952.
5. Matsue Castle (松江城)
Matsue Castle, located in Shimane Prefecture, is often nicknamed the "Pine Castle." Built between 1607 and 1611, Matsue is one of the few original castles that survived the Meiji era, during which many castles were destroyed.
Its five-story donjon, standing 30 meters tall, is built on a hill, providing a panoramic view of the city and Lake Shinji. Matsue Castle is a typical example of a castle built on high ground but in a plain (Hirayamajiro 平山城), combining effective defensive elements with a simple yet imposing aesthetic.
Unlike many other Japanese castles that have been reconstructed in concrete, Matsue Castle has retained its original wooden structure, offering an authentic glimpse into the architecture of Japanese castles from that period.
It is also notable for its "floating stones" (Ukiyama), a construction technique where the stones are not entirely fixed to each other, allowing the structure to better withstand earthquakes.
The castle was designated a National Treasure of Japan in 2015, reflecting its significance and exceptional preservation over the centuries.
Matsumoto Castle. © O. Robert
The Final Word
These five National Treasures of Japan represent more than just architectural remnants. They are timeless symbols of Japanese history, art, and culture. Their exploration through photography offers a unique dimension, a kind of silent dialogue with the past. Black and white photography allows us to focus on the lines, textures, and play of shadows and light that define these majestic structures.
Each castle, with its unique structure and location, becomes a study in contrast and form. The white walls of Himeji Castle stand starkly against a dark sky, while Matsumoto Castle, with its black walls, creates a dramatic silhouette that evokes strength and resilience. These black and white images transcend time, capturing the essence of permanence in a constantly changing world.
In photography, these castles become subjects for deeper reflection on impermanence and continuity. They remind us that, despite the passing centuries, certain forms of beauty and meaning remain unchanged. Monochrome invites us once again to contemplate not only the material structure of these castles but also to convey through images the indomitable spirit of feudal Japan that they embody.
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