Nagoya Castle

A castle standing along the Kiso River in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture. Its main tower, built in 1537, is Japan's oldest existing castle structure and is designated a National Treasure. The castle's picturesque setting integrated with the river landscape has captivated many literary figures. It represents a quintessential example of wooden tower architecture.

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.

A castle standing along the Kiso River in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture. Its main tower, built in 1537, is Japan's oldest existing castle structure and is designated a National Treasure. The castle's picturesque setting integrated with the river landscape has captivated many literary figures. It represents a quintessential example of wooden tower architecture.

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.