=Castle 
=Ruin 
=Surviving OriginalThere are over three hundred castle sites in Japan, only twelve are considered original that survived intact from the Edo Period. These twelve castles have their original donjon (castle keep) still standing today with their original woodwork from the Edo period, not a reconstruction.
Bitchū Matsuyama Castle
The only original surviving mountaintop castle and the highest casle in Japan at an elevation of 430 meters (1400 feet).
Inuyama Castle
Overlooking the Kiso River, It is claimed to be the oldest surviving castle in Japan completed in 1440.
Kochi Castle
Overlooking Kochi city from atop Otakasa Hill. It is the only castle to have all the original buildings in the innermost defense ring still standing. Completed in 1611.
Himeji Castle
Japan's most spectacular and largest castle, with a network of over 83 rooms. Known as the "White Heron Castle" due to the snow white exterior and architectural resemblance to a bird taking flight.
Hirosaki Castle
Hikone Castle
Marugame Castle
Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. After a fire in 1869, only the original keep and the castle gates remain.
Matsue Castle
One of Japan's Three Great Lake Castles, overlooking Lake Shinji. Completed after the last great war of feudal Japan in 1611.
Maruoka Castle
Matsumoto Castle
A flatland castle known as the "Crow Castle" due to its black exterior.
Matsuyama Castle
Uwajima Castle
(宇和島城) The only surviving original hilltop castle with its small keep.