Tamozawa Imperial Villa (Nikko): Comprised of a 1632 villa
and an 1899 expansion, this 106-room villa was the home of a prince who
later became emperor. You can learn about traditional Japanese
architectural details and lifestyles of the aristocracy on self-guided
tours, and unlike Japan's other imperial villas, it does not require a
reservation.
Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto): Popularly known as the Crow Castle due to its black color, this small castle boasts the oldest donjon
(keep) in Japan (more than 400 years old). A moon-viewing room was
added in 1635, and exhibited inside the castle is a superb collection of
Japanese matchlocks and samurai armor dating from the mid-16th century
through the Edo Period. Volunteer guides stand ready for personal tours.
Nijo Castle (Kyoto): One of the few castles built by the
mighty Tokugawa shogunate as a residence rather than for defense, Nijo
Castle is where the shogun stayed whenever he was in Kyoto. It's famous
for its nightingale (creaking) floorboards that warned of enemy
intruders. The castle is considered the quintessence of Momoyama
architecture.
Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto): Home to Japan's imperial
family from the 14th to the 19th centuries, this palace is praised for
its Heian design and graceful garden. Good news for travelers: Guided
tours of the palace are free.
Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto): Built in the 1600s by a
brother of the emperor, this villa and garden are considered to be among
the best -- if not the best -- in traditional architecture and
landscape gardening. More than anyplace else, the villa illustrates the
life of refinement enjoyed by 17th-century nobility, when leisurely
pursuits included such activities as moon viewing.
Himeji Castle (Himeji): Said to resemble a white heron poised
in flight over the plains, this is quite simply Japan's most beautiful
castle. With its extensive gates, moats, turrets, and maze of
passageways, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has survived virtually
intact since feudal times. If you see only one castle in Japan, make
this the one.
Matsue Castle (Matsue): This 17th-century castle features a
five-story donjon with samurai gear and artifacts belonging to the
ruling Matsudaira clan, with many Edo-Era attractions just outside its
moat.
Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyama): Occupying a hill above the
city, this 400-year-old fortress boasts good views over Matsuyama from
its three-story donjon as well as a collection of armor and swords of
the Matsudaira clan.
Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto): Although a ferroconcrete
reconstruction not nearly as huge as the original, this massive castle
is still an impressive sight, especially at night when it's illuminated.
It's famous for its curved walls, which made invasion virtually
impossible. The interior houses a museum with palanquins, armor, swords,
and other artifacts of the former ruling clans.
Shuri Castle (Okinawa Island): One of nine historic
structures in Okinawa that collectively make up a World Heritage Site,
this castle with Chinese and Japanese influences was the center of the
Ryukyu Kingdom, which thrived for about 500 years.
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