One of Japan’s few remaining ‘original’ castles — most are fairly modern reconstructions — this tiered pile has been undergoing restoration work following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. It was picked up whole and moved to a temporary spot in Hirosaki Park, but will be returned to its original foundations in the park in 2026. While the outside is the most impressive bit, you can also visit the interiors and scramble up steep steps to an upper floor museum.