Kanazawa Castle

An iconic Edo-period Japanese garden in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture and one of Japan's three most celebrated gardens. Designed as a rinshin kaiyū-shiki (stroll) garden embodying 'rokuki' (six kinds of beauty), its 6.5-hectare landscape features ponds, waterfalls, and tea houses. Attracting approximately 1.8 million visitors annually, it represents the pinnacle of Japanese garden aesthetics.

A contemporary art museum in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, opened in 2004. Embodies a revolutionary museum model integrating art with daily life. Features iconic works including Ryoji Satoh's installations and the famous 'Swimming Pool.' Attracts over 1 million visitors annually, establishing itself as Kanazawa's premier contemporary art institution.

A well-preserved Edo-period castle in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, completed in 1622. Its main tower is designated a National Treasure and stands elegantly on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa. Recognized as one of Japan's most beautiful castles, it is also famous for cherry blossoms, attracting approximately 600,000 visitors annually.

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.

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.