Inuyama Castle

An early Edo-period castle in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, completed in 1612. Serving as a shogun's residence, it symbolized power and authority. Distinctive gold-plated roof ornaments (kinshachihoko) characterize the structure, while the Honmaru Palace's screen paintings are designated Important Cultural Properties. The main tower, rebuilt in 1959 after World War II destruction, stands as Nagoya's symbol, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually.

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.

An early Edo-period castle in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, completed in 1611. Its main tower is one of only twelve surviving original structures and was designated a National Treasure in 2015. The castle's elegant silhouette against Lake Shinji embodies the cultural heritage of Matsue as a historic castle town.

An early Edo-period castle in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, completed in 1612. Serving as a shogun's residence, it symbolized power and authority. Distinctive gold-plated roof ornaments (kinshachihoko) characterize the structure, while the Honmaru Palace's screen paintings are designated Important Cultural Properties. The main tower, rebuilt in 1959 after World War II destruction, stands as Nagoya's symbol, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually.

Known affectionately as the 'White Heron Castle,' Himeji Castle was one of Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Combining an elegant white-plastered exterior with sophisticated defensive architecture, it is regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle construction. After major restoration in 2015, it attracts around two million visitors annually.