Hirosaki Castle

Approximately 2,600 cherry trees bloom around Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture. A celebrated viewing site since the Edo period with many ancient specimens. Famous especially for illuminated nighttime blossoms. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held from late April to early May, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually.

An Edo period castle in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Built in 1611, its surviving tower is one of Japan's few 16th-century castle structures. Spring's approximately 2,600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, over 300 years old, is one of 'Japan's three famous cherry blossom sites.' Attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually, it represents a leading Tohoku tourist destination.

A castle with a National Treasure keep, nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its striking black lacquered exterior. It houses Japan's oldest existing five-story, six-floor castle tower, and its beautiful setting against the Northern Alps backdrop attracts visitors year-round.

A National Treasure castle with an original five-story, six-floor keep. The striking black-and-white contrast against the Northern Alps backdrop makes it a beloved subject for photographers and a symbol of Japanese castle aesthetics.

One of Japan's five National Treasure castles in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. The beautiful black-and-white five-story six-floor keep is the oldest existing five-story castle tower. Set against the Northern Alps, it represents the pinnacle of Japanese castle aesthetics. Night illumination is also popular, and the keep surviving from the Sengoku period is a precious historical structure.

A castle built by Kato Kiyomasa in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Distinctive for its steeply angled, winding walls called 'musha-gaeshi' (warrior repeller). Constructed in the early 1600s, it suffered significant damage in the 2016 earthquake but continues restoration efforts. Currently under reconstruction, it remains an iconic symbol of Kumamoto and a major tourist destination.

A castle in Osaka built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, symbolizing the Toyotomi clan's prosperity. The keep is a reconstruction. Moats and stone walls convey historical grandeur. Approximately 2.5 million visitors annually, representing Japan's Sengoku period. Osaka's premier tourist destination.