Shuri Castle

Islands representing Ryukyu culture in Okinawa Prefecture. Composed of over 150 islands including Okinawa Main Island, Miyako Island, and Ishigaki Island. Characterized by coral reefs, azure seas, and distinctive Ryukyu architecture. The Ryukyu Kingdom Castles and Related Sites were registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2000. Attracting approximately 9 million visitors annually, representing Japan as a premier destination.

The royal castle of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Naha, Okinawa. Though the main hall was lost in a 2019 fire, reconstruction toward 2026 completion progresses. Its unique castle architecture fusing Chinese and Japanese styles is part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.' The reconstruction process itself has become a new tourism resource.

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.

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.