City: Chubu
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What to do and see in Chubu, Japan: The Best Castles
The Chūbu region (中部地方, Chūbu-chihō), Central region, or Central Japan (中部日本) is a region in the middle of Honshū, Japan's main island. Chūbu has a population of 21,715,822 as of 2010.. It encompasses nine prefectures (ken): Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi.
Restaurants in Chubu
1. Inuyama Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,034 reviews
Reviewed By 661vincet - Makati, Philippines
We visited Inuyama Castle last year. While it is currently undergoing renovations (for the next few months it seems), I decided to share our experiences for readers thinking about adding it to their future trips. And, yes, Inuyama Castle, one of the few original Japanese castles designated as a National Treasure, is definitely worth the visit! It is quite a lovely sight up on the hill. Entering the main keep of wood and stone was a memorable experience that provided insights on the castle's function in Japan's past. The climb around the keep's floors, and up to the very top provided a great view of the castle compound, Kiso River, the city and the mountains in the distance. With the assistance provided by the wonderful local volunteer guides (English was available during our visit, check for their availability at the ticket gate) we certainly got to appreciate this castle all the more.
2. Matsumoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,584 reviews
Reviewed By phale12017
When l was told we were visiting a a castle, grey blocks of stone came to mind( l clearly wasn’t thinking logically) I was amazed to see this massive, towering wooden structure before me! Yes Japanese castles are made from wood. They have moats and tiny narrow windows for firing weapons out of and other familiar features but l have to say they are quite different from the English versions. They have a hidden extra floor that you cannot see from outside, this is just one unfamiliar feature! We were put into groups of 5 or less and shown round by retirees who were practicing their English, what a wonderful idea! Our guide was very amusing!! A word of warning, there are lots of steps inside, some of them steep! But make the effort, it’s well worth it!!
3. Yamanaka Castle Ruins
4. Kazurayama Castle Ruins
5. Naegi Castle Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
A short distance from Nakatsugawa Station stands the ruins of Naegi Castle constructed 400 years ago and once home to the prominent Toyama Family. At the top of the complex,visitors can find a wellplaced observation tower,which offers an astounding view of the Nakatsugawa landscape as well as Kiso River.
6. Nagoya Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,517 reviews
Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai is comprised of 6 bushos (army generals) and 4 jingasa soldiers. The 6 bushos are; Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Ieyasu Tokugawa, Toshiie Maeda, Kiyomasa Kato, and Keiji Maeda. Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai members talk and act as the “real” historical figures. They are featured in various TV shows. They also entertain visitors at the Nagoya Castle.
Reviewed By spouseyy - Lancashire, United Kingdom
What a magnificent castle! Only ¥500 entry and there is so much to see. The immaculately kept Hommarugoten, where guests would be greeted on arrival, is fascinating and the grounds are also very well kept.
7. Kanazawa Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,176 reviews
All that remain of this castle, once occupied by the powerful Maeda family, are the Ishikawa Gate, a moat and stone walls.
Reviewed By Safariholic - Horsham, United Kingdom
It is impressive from every stand-point - History, Scale, Architecture, Engineering, Design, Structural Integrity after so many years (incl Fires, Earthquakes etc etc), the Extent of Restorations, Cleanliness (typically Japanese), and fascinating, even for someone with as little Japanese History Knowledge, as me. TA advises 1 - 2 Hrs. I would regard that duration as 'skimming it'. It really is worth taking the time and having a thorough look round. It spans grounds over several hundred acres, huge buildings dating back several hundreds of years, even if subject to considerable restoration. These buildings included Barracks & Stables, fit to house Garrisons of men. Parts of it, were not that Disability Friendly, yet still worth covering what you can.
