Himeji 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.

An ancient Nara temple originally vowed by Emperor Tenmu for the recovery of his empress. The East Pagoda, a surviving National Treasure from the Nara period, is praised as 'frozen music' for its graceful form. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.'

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.

Japan's tallest free-standing mountain, revered since ancient times as a subject of faith and art. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013, it symbolizes Japan and attracts roughly 300,000 climbers annually.