Kumamoto Castle

One of Japan's largest castle complexes in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as White Heron Castle, the beautiful white-walled keep cluster is both a World Heritage Site and National Treasure, considered the masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture. Beauty was restored through the 2015 'Heisei Grand Renovation,' attracting about 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 three premier castles, built by Kato Kiyomasa. Famed for its distinctive 'musha-gaeshi' curved stone walls, it was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake but restoration continues, making it a beloved symbol of recovery.

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.

One of the world's largest calderas centered on Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture. Spanning 25km north-south and 18km east-west, approximately 50,000 people live within this globally rare formation. The smoking Nakadake crater, Kusasenrigahama grasslands, and panoramic views from Daikanbo offer magnificent natural scenery.

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.