Japan Castle Update
Which of Japan’s castles are closing or welcoming new additions?
Cover photo: The Seiden (Main Hall) of Shuri Castle, Naha, Okinawa, Japan (2016). Photo by Uwe Aranas and via Wikimedia (color-corrected and cropped).
Japan’s Castles
Castles are among Japan’s most cherished historical sites — tangible symbols of cultural heritage and sources of civic pride. They also serve as powerful economic drivers; for example, Okayama Castle generated a financial impact six times greater than its renovation costs after reopening in 2022. Restoration projects draw excitement from locals and visitors alike. Here are the most significant updates to Japan’s castles from 2025 onward.
Osaka Castle 2025
Last April, the Toyotomi Stone Wall Museum opened at Osaka Castle, Japan’s most popular castle. The addition provides a valuable glimpse into the site’s history. Now including both the castle and new museum, the price of admission has risen to 1,200 yen (approx. 8 USD). Visitors are encouraged to buy tickets online to avoid waiting on site.
Matsumoto Castle (Nagano) 2025/?
Matsumoto Castle — one of Japan’s twelve original castles — is undergoing maintenance work this year, until the end of October. Accordingly, ticket prices have risen to 1,300 yen (approx. 9 USD). Furthermore, the castle is expected to close in 2028 for major seismic retrofitting, with no date set for completion.
Shuri Castle (Okinawa) 2026
Shuri Castle — arguably Japan’s most unique castle — served as royal residence to the Ryukyu Kingdom for over four hundred years. The main hall was lost to a fire in 2019. Reconstruction is expected to finish in fall of 2026. The site remains open to the public, with tickets priced at 400 yen (approx. 3 USD).
Maruoka Castle (Fukui) 2027
Maruoka Castle — one of Japan’s twelve original castles — will close for major seismic retrofitting. Starting in December, work will last until late 2027. Nearby Maruoka Castle Machiyori Market just opened last March.
Hirosaki Castle (Aomori) 2028
Hirosaki Castle — one of Japan’s twelve original castles — is undergoing major repairs. In order to rebuild the stone foundation, the entire main hall was relocated in 2015. The structure remains open to the public, with tickets priced at 320 yen (approx. 2 USD). Full project completion is expected by 2028.
Fukui Castle 2029
Burned down in 1669, today, Fukui Castle Ruins is the only castle site in Japan hosting a government office building. The southwestern tower, Kun-Yagura, will be reconstructed by 2029. Preparations began in July, with public access to adjacent Central Park limited for construction.
Kishiwada Castle (Osaka) 2030
Kishiwada Castle — Japan’s second-oldest postwar reconstructed castle — will undergo major renovations to improve accessibility and earthquake resistance. The project will proceed in stages, starting from 2027, with full completion planned for 2030. For now, the castle remains open to the public, with tickets priced at 300 yen (approx. 2 USD).
Nagoya Castle (Aichi) 2032
One of Japan’s largest castles, the reconstructed main keep of Nagoya Castle was closed to the public from 2018 due to structural concerns. Plans to replace the structure have been stalled by public debates over accessibility versus authenticity. The project is expected to be complete by 2032 at the earliest. The beautiful Honmaru Palace is open to the public, with admission to the castle grounds priced at 500 yen (approx. 3 USD).
Kanazawa Castle (Ishikawa) 2033
From the 16th century until the Meiji period, Kanazawa Castle served as the residence for fourteen generations of the Maeda clan. The complex was ultimately lost to multiple fires. Kanazawa Castle Park opened to the public in 2001, featuring many rebuilt structures. Last March, preparations began for Ninomaru Palace, the final phase of restoration. Work is expected to last through 2033, with temporary observation structures open from next year.
Azuchi Castle (Shiga) Unannounced
Completed in 1579 as the residence of warlord Oda Nobunaga, Azuchi Castle was considered the pinnacle of Japanese castle design. The structure was burned down in 1582, following his assassination. The local government has expressed interest in rebuilding the castle, with excavation surveys and information collection ongoing. There is no timeline available. A reconstructed version of the tower exists at the theme park Ninja Kingdom Ise in Mie.
Edo Castle (Tokyo) Unannounced
Once the largest castle in Japan, Edo Castle was the stronghold of the mighty Tokugawa Shogunate. Unfortunately, the complex was destroyed by fires in the 17th century. The enormous scope of a reconstruction project means it is equally exciting and challenging to realize. Despite activist efforts, there are no plans yet underway. The Edo Castle Ruins are free to enter.
