Best Castles In Kansai

410 Years Since Building! A Beautiful & Wise National Treasure Overlooking Lake BiwaHikone Castle

Hikone Castle has a relation with Ii family. It's hard to be invaded and easy to use, so we can find wisdom everywhere in the castle. The historical interior is also the highlight. What is more, the castle seen from Genkyu-en Garden in the same site is so gorgeous that I can say it has both beauty and strength.◎Access: 10min by car from 'Hikone IC' of Meishin Highway. Or, 10min walk from JR Hikone Station. Available time: 8:30-17:00

A Beautiful Osaka Castle Seen From A Japanese GardenOsaka Castle

A Japanese garden located in the same site of Osaka Castle is known to only a few people. The castle seen from the Japanese garden is more beautiful, and what's more, you can see the reflected castle in the pond. It's a must-visit place when you come to Osaka Castle.

It is Called 'Shirasagi, a White Egret Castle' That is The First World Heritage in Japan and Regains a White Figure After RepairedHimeji Castle

The world heritage 'Himeji Castle' regains it's original beautiful white figure after a long time repairing. Japan boasts the unprecedented beautiful castle.

Unknown But Great Spot In Himeji! A Theme Park You Can Feel Like Traveling In The WorldTaiyo Park

Taiyo Park is managed by a social welfare corporation. The highlights are Terracotta Army replicas authorized by Chinese Government, and Great Wall of China as long as 2km, and so on! There're many other world heritages and architectures exhibited, and it's interesting to find different degrees of accomplishment between each works!◎There're stone area with various architectures and castle area with trick arts. A Neuschwanstein Castle is also one of the highlughts! Entrance fee: 1300yen Opening hours: 9:00-1700 (regular holiday is indefinite)

A Japanese Garden Of Illuminated Autumn Colors, Taking Hikone Castle In One Sight Genkyu-en Garden

Genkyu-en is a Daimyo Garden (gardens built by the lords of each region of Japan in Edo Period) belonged to the old Hikone Clan. The scenery of lighted Japanese garden with Hikone Castle, one of the five castles of national treasure, was very fantastic and worth seeing so much.◎15 min walk from Hikone Station. The parking area is available, but the night is dark, so be careful when you park a car.

A Beautiful Donjon Of A Mountain CastleSumoto Castle

Surprisingly it was built in 1928, although it's an imitation donjon. And the oldest one in Japan. On the way to there, you can see the historical stone wall and at the top, there is a nice scenery waiting you.

Lesser Known Place! An Observatory For Full-faced Himeji CastleEgret Himeji

An observatory in the 5th floor of Egret Himeji standing in front of Himeji Castle, commands the whole view od the castle and nice place to take pictures. What is more, you can enter for free and there're a few people here.◎An observatory's entrance fee is free.

Takeda Castle In The Sea Of CloudsTakeda Castle Remains

Takeda Castle floating on the sea of clouds is really a wonderful view we must see once in our lives! Though you need to climb the mountain to both the Takeda Castle remains and Ritsu'unkyo Valley, the moving scenery will blow your sleepiness and tiredness away! What's more, in summer, you can see the beautiful view like Ghibli movie 'Castle In The Sky' with lush greens.◎The sea of clouds will appear in the early morning (from dawn to 8:00) between September and November. To see the whole view of Takeda Castle, you need to prepare mountain-climbing boots and flashlights. The open hour changes by seasons, please check out the official HP for sure beforehand.

Ho-koen Park With The Great Collaboration Of Nagahama Castle & Cherry BlossomsHo-koen park

Ho-koen Park is located in the site of Nagahama Castle whose loard was Hideyoshi Toyotomi. This park is selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom places in Japan, and its scenery of 600 Somei Yoshino Cherry Blossom trees is amazing! You can see them with Nagahama Castle and Lake Biwa, which are special for Shiga Prefecture.◎This park was opened in 1909, and people enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, wisteria. With tennis court and children's area, it's well used by the citizens as a relaxation park. And you can learn the history and culture at a museum.

Wakayama Castle, A Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing SpotWakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle belonged to Kishu Tokugawa Family, which is one of the three Tokugawa Families. It's a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Many people come to enjoy cherry blossoms during its Sakura Festival!