4 castles in this category.
One of Japan's four National Treasure castles, Matsumoto's dramatic black-and-white keep (1504–1594) is the oldest surviving five-story castle tower in Japan. Set against the Northern Alps, it is one of Japan's most photographed castles.
The oldest surviving castle tower in Japan still in its original location (1537), Inuyama's National Treasure keep overlooks the Kiso River in northern Aichi. Until 2004 it was the only castle in Japan privately owned by a family (the Naruse clan).
One of Japan's four National Treasure castles, the three-story keep (1622) and surrounding structures of Hikone Castle form the most complete surviving castle ensemble in Japan. Built by Ii Naosuke's ancestors, it overlooks Lake Biwa with timeless beauty.
The most recently designated National Treasure castle (2015), Matsue Castle is the only one in the San'in region. Its intact five-story black-painted keep (1611) overlooks Lake Shinji and is surrounded by 3.7 km of moat, navigable by traditional wooden boats.