Matsue Samurai Residences

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.

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.

The castle of the Kaga domain in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. Built in 1583, it symbolized the Kaga domain's prosperity throughout the Edo period. Existing structures including Hashizume Gate, Gojukken Nagaya, and Kahoku Gate date from the Edo period. Together with adjacent Kenrokuen, it represents Kaga culture. Selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles in 2001, ongoing restoration work has revived its historical grandeur.

Works by Edo-period ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige. Particularly his 'Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō' is a representative Japanese artwork featuring famous sites like Matsushima. Highly evaluated domestically and internationally as a master of landscape printmaking. His depictions of Edo landscapes and nature significantly influence modern tourism site presentations. Recognized worldwide as cultural heritage representing Japanese art.

A series of woodblock prints by Edo-period ukiyo-e master Hokusai Katsushika. Comprising 46 works (originally planned as 36) depicting Japanese landscapes with Mount Fuji as backdrop. Published in the 1830s, it significantly influenced European Impressionist painting and represents Japan's first art form to achieve such international impact. 'Great Wave off Kanagawa' remains exceptionally famous, becoming an iconic Japanese cultural symbol. By integrating Mt. Fuji worship traditions with Edo-period landscape rendering, it epitomizes Japanese visual culture.

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.