Takayama Sanmachi (Three Streets)

The culmination of Japanese architectural culture built during the Edo period (1603-1868). Established diverse architectural styles including castle, temple and shrine, residential, and townhouse forms. Demonstrates advanced wood construction techniques and aesthetics, preserved across the nation. These heritage buildings represent the pinnacle of Japanese architectural philosophy and craftsmanship, possessing global cultural significance.

A temple founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, housing the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. One of Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, it preserves the pinnacle of Asuka-period Buddhist culture and architectural technology.

A village of gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage buildings represent concentrated wisdom for mountain life in heavy snowfall regions. Winter illumination creates fantastically beautiful scenes popular worldwide, and the village continues to captivate tourists as an original Japanese landscape.

The culmination of Japanese architectural culture built during the Edo period (1603-1868). Established diverse architectural styles including castle, temple and shrine, residential, and townhouse forms. Demonstrates advanced wood construction techniques and aesthetics, preserved across the nation. These heritage buildings represent the pinnacle of Japanese architectural philosophy and craftsmanship, possessing global cultural significance.

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.

Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall in Wakayama, known for its sacred landscape unified with Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. As a destination on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it embodies the fusion of nature worship and faith in Japanese spiritual culture.

One of Japan's Three Scenic Views in Miyazu, Kyoto. A 3.6km sandbar crossing Miyazu Bay lined with pine trees creates a unique landscape. Its name — 'Bridge to Heaven' — comes from the illusion of a heavenly bridge when viewed upside-down between one's legs.