Matsue-jô, like Himeji-jô, Inuyama-jô, Hikone-jô, and Matsumoto-jô, is one of only five castle keeps in Japan to be listed as a National Treasure by the government. Built in 1611, it was originally a back-up fortress to Toda-jô, a fortress high in the mountains that was considered one of the most difficult castles to attack. However, because of its impecable defenses, it was unlikely that a prosperous castle town would grow around it, so Lord Horio Yoshiharu constructed Matsue Castle to fulfill that purpose. Located atop a bluff overlooking the rivers connecting the fresh water Lake Shinji and the brakish lake Nakaumi, Matsue would grow into a healthy city. Following the Meiji Restoration, Matsue-jô like many castles across Japan, was dismantled to remove warrior governments from power, but before they deconstructed the tower keep, the people of the city protested to protect one of the most prominant and beloved symbols of the city. As a result, the walls, turrets, and offices are no longer standing, but the tower has been standing undisturbed for the last 400 years.

For visitors: 10.

If you’re in Shimane Prefecture then there’s little to no reason for not visiting this castle. There are only a dozen original castles in all of Japan and only five of them are distinguished as National Treasures. The grounds have little left on them besides shrines to a variety of deities, but with rich folliage, vast views, and stunning artifacts, there is plenty to enjoy and see. Many of the trees on the grounds are cherry trees which means colors and beauty in all seasons of the year. As you climb up the levels of the tower, there are artifacts like armor, screens, and drums that help explain the history of the castle. For the most part, the castle wasn’t used in battle, but it was the home of the local daimyo for the entirety of the Edo Period. If you’re interested, there’s also a small boat service which takes visitors around the castle on its expansive moat where visitors can see all the defences of the castle, the surrounding modern city, and preserved residences of high ranking samurai.