Story A Royal Night for Two: Castle Stays in Shikoku and Chugoku By JNTO on 29 May 2025

Ozu Castle

 

Have you ever dreamed of spending the night in a majestic Japanese castle? A growing number of unique castle stays in Japan are making that dream a reality. These exclusive experiences allow you to step into spaces normally closed to the public, enjoy refined hospitality, and take part in unforgettable cultural activities.  

 

Whether you’re planning a surprise anniversary or simply want to indulge in something extraordinary with your special someone, a castle stay offers a rare and luxurious way to experience Japan. 

 

Echoes of Feudal Japan in Today’s Castle Towns 

Fukuyama Castle 

 

Japan is home to 12 original castles that have retained their historic keeps, as well as hundreds in various states of ruin or restoration. Once numbering in the thousands, these castles were central to Japan’s feudal era and remain powerful symbols of its rich cultural heritage. 

 

In recent years, these castles have gained attention not just as sightseeing spots, but as settings for immersive cultural stays. Let’s explore a few remarkable places where you can experience the grandeur of castle life firsthand! 

 

A Cultural Getaway at One of Japan’s Tallest Castle Walls 

Marugame Castle Experience, Kagawa Prefecture 

 

Marugame Castle (丸亀城) is renowned for its towering stone wall—believed to be the tallest in Japan—and its distinctly elegant curve. Within its historic grounds, you can enjoy not just a cultural stay, but also an immersive experience that brings the feudal era to life.

 

 

Begin your stay with a charming rickshaw ride from JR Marugame Station, where your guide shares tales of the town’s rich past as you head toward the Ote Ichi no Mon gate. This important cultural property serves both as your check-in point and the stage for a stirring taiko drum welcome.  

 

 

Relax in your elegant room, located in Enjyukaku Bekkan, a beautifully restored annex building steeped in the history of the Kyogoku clan. After a small break, explore the normally off-limits castle keep with a guide, before savouring a refined dinner made with fresh local produce. End of your day by unwinding with drinks and music in your own private lounge within this historic space.

 

 

The next morning, enjoy breakfast in the Main House, where you’ll dine with the view of Nakazu Bansho-en, a garden that houses a striking 650-year-old large umbrella-shaped pine tree. Afterwards, try your hand at traditional uchiwa fan-making—a craft that Marugame is famous for, producing around 90% of all uchiwa fans made in Japan. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll create your own handcrafted fan. Then, step into Kanchoro, Japan’s oldest existing sencha tearoom, and delight in a traditional tea ceremony with sencha or gyokuro, all while soaking in the tranquillity of the surrounding garden. 

 

Whether it’s sharing a quiet moment in a centuries-old tearoom or exploring the castle by night, Marugame Castle offers a romantic and intimate escape—perfect for couples seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and quiet luxury. 

 

 

Step Into the Armour of a Lord 

Ozu Castle Stay, Ehime Prefecture 

 

Once the stronghold of a feudal lord, Ozu Castle (大洲城) was reconstructed using UNESCO-recognised traditional techniques. Guided by rare Edo-period maps, models, and photographs, it now stands as one of Japan’s most meticulously restored castles. With the Castle Stay experience, you can live the life of a samurai lord! 

 

 

Upon arrival, don the traditional armour of a daimyou (feudal lord) and receive a grand welcome with a private parade and cultural performances based on historical events, arranged exclusively for you. Limited to only one group per night, you can enjoy private access to the vast area of the entire castle keep and two turrets, along with a dedicated castle lounge and bathhouse, where breathtaking views of Ozu Castle await. 

 

 

Dine on a menu inspired by the dishes once served to the lords of Ozu during the Edo period, reimagined with modern techiniques and carefully chosen ingredients. The main courses are artfully presented on Tobeyaki pottery, a traditional local craft developed by the ruling Kato family to support the domain's economy. 

 

 

Beyond the stay itself, immerse yourself in optional exclusive activities such as sipping champagne on a boat along the Hiji River or explore the charming streets of downtown Ozu, lined with beautifully preserved residences from the Edo and Meiji eras. 

 

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is perfect for partners (in history!) to step into the role of a feudal lord—surrounded by centuries of tradition, refined hospitality, and a castle all to yourselves. 

 

 

A Timeless Retreat Right by the Shinkansen Station  

Fukuyama Castle Stay, Hiroshima Prefecture 

 

Fukuyama Castle (福山城) invites couples to immerse themselves in the serene beauty and rich history of Hiroshima’s castle heritage. Nestled within expansive gardens, this castle stay blends traditional elegance with modern comforts to create an unforgettable cultural escape. 

 

 

Your experience begins the moment you arrive, when a samurai in full armour greets you with a regal welcome at Fukuyama Station. From there, you will be escorted through the Sujigane Gomon gate, an Important Cultural Property, before taking part in a special ceremony that appoints you as the lord of Fukuyama for the day! 

 

 

After the ceremonial rites, unwind with an enchanting Noh performance—a refined traditional art form that weaves together theatre, dance, music, and chant. As part of your exclusive experience, you will also gain rare access to the Fushimi Yagura, a castle turret also designated as an Important Cultural Property usually open to the public only once a year. On this private tour, discover the pivotal role Fukuyama Castle has played throughout history. 

 

 

As evening descends, indulge in a beautifully curated dinner made with seasonal local ingredients, inspired by traditional recipes once served to feudal lords. To end your day on a high note, retreat to the top floor of the tenshu (castle keep), transformed into an exclusive lounge where you can relax with a drink and take in the night views—just as a lord might have. 

 

 

From centuries-old towers to private tea ceremonies, these castle stays offer more than just a getaway—they’re a chance to share something truly unforgettable. For partners seeking to slow down and savour Japan’s rich heritage in an intimate setting, it’s an experience that lingers long after the journey ends. 

 

Date of Publication: 29 May 2025