Best 100 Castles of Japan

In 2006, the Japan Castle Builders’ Association selected “Best 100 Castles” from all over Japan based on a screening process by castle enthusiasts and experts. Criteria for selection include visibility as a tourist destination, cultural assets and historical importance, and accuracy of restoration.

Best 100 Castles are called the “Nihon Hyaku Meijyo (Best 100 Castles of Japan)“. Currently, an additional 100 castles have been selected as the “Nihon Zoku Hyaku Meijyo (Additional Best 100 Castles of Japan)“.

Stamp Rally of Best 100 Castles

In June 2007, a stamp rally was launched to encourage visitors to stamp their names on Best 100 Castles. If you collect all the stamps, you will receive a certificate proving that you have visited all the castles.

How to visit Best 100 Castles

Best 100 Castles are scattered across the country. Each castle must be visited by a combination of train, plane, car, bus, and foot. It is extremely difficult for a tourist to visit all 100 castles in Japan. For example, we recommend visiting castles located in famous tourist spots, castles that are World Heritage Sites, and castles with keeps.

We encourage you to refer to the list of Best 100 Castles as you travel around Japan.

12 Original Japanese Castles with Keeps

There are many castles with keeps, but most of them are restorations. “12 Original Japanese Castles” refers to castles with keeps that were built by the Edo period and have survived to the present day. They are very valuable castles that have not been destroyed by fire or demolished.

World Heritage

Five of the Best 100 Castles are World Heritage Sites.

National Treasures

Five of the Best 100 Castles are National Treasures.