Castlemap

🇯🇵 Japan

Castles near Kyoto

65 castles, fortresses, palaces and ruins within 100 km of the city centre — every one on the interactive map, with photos, distances and directions.

The closest is Shōren-in Temple, 1 km east of the city centre; the most famous is Himeji Castle — #34 of 8,133 worldwide — 100 km west. The oldest dated site in the circle is Heian Palace, founded c. 775.

Every one of them stands in Japan — the country page shows the full national picture.

Within 25 km of Kyoto

+ 4 more in this range — every one is on the interactive map.

Day trips: 25–60 km

+ 7 more in this range — every one is on the interactive map.

Farther afield: 60–100 km

+ 18 more in this range — every one is on the interactive map.

Distances are straight-line from the city centre. City coordinates and population: Wikidata Q34600.

Frequently asked questions

How many castles are near Kyoto?

The Castlemap atlas maps 65 landmarks (29 castles · 8 palaces & châteaux · 28 ruins) within 100 km of the centre of Kyoto, measured straight-line — a curated selection of well-documented landmarks, not a count of every fortification ever built.

What is the closest castle to Kyoto?

Shōren-in Temple, a palace 1 km east of the city centre.

What is the most famous castle near Kyoto?

Himeji Castle, ranked #34 of 8,133 worldwide in the atlas's fame ranking — 100 km west from Kyoto.

What is the oldest castle near Kyoto?

The oldest dated landmark in the circle is Heian Palace, founded c. 775 — 2 km west. Earlier structures may have existed; this is the oldest with a documented founding year.

Nearby city guides: Kōka (37 km) · Higashiōmi (42 km) · Osaka (43 km) · Iga (45 km). See also medieval castles · all rankings · castles by country.