Maruoka Castle, Sakai

The castle was neat to visit, even if it was small and not easy to get to from most major cities. The great thing was how friendly and helpful the staff and local residents were, even though it was clear we were taxing their English (way better than our Japanese will ever be). We had to visit late on a bad weather day, but they were doing everything they could to make us feel welcome. Although it lacks some of the detailed historical and museum content and displays that other castles have (the original layout diorama was the highlight), it has all the original and authentic feel you should expect from visiting a piece of 450-year old history.

Old but very well preserved.