Tokyo National Museum

Known affectionately as the 'White Heron Castle,' Himeji Castle was one of Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Combining an elegant white-plastered exterior with sophisticated defensive architecture, it is regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle construction. After major restoration in 2015, it attracts around two million visitors annually.

Symbolizing Asakusa, Senso-ji is said to have been founded in 628 CE as Tokyo's oldest temple. The giant lantern at Kaminarimon Gate and the Nakamise shopping street are among Tokyo's most iconic sights, drawing roughly 30 million visitors annually. The area uniquely blends old-town charm with modern energy.

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 National Treasure Amida Buddha seated statue at Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa. The bronze Great Buddha stands approximately 13.35m tall and weighs about 121 tons, with casting beginning in 1252. Originally housed in a hall lost to tsunami, it now sits in the open air. As Kamakura's symbol accessible as a day trip from Tokyo, it is highly popular with international visitors.

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.

Head temple of the Kita Hosso sect in Kyoto's Higashiyama ward, established in 1798. Its stage-like main hall perched on a high overlook commanding views of Kyoto has long attracted pilgrims. Famous as the origin of the phrase 'jump from Kiyomizu's stage' (taking bold action), it's designated a National Treasure. Attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually, it represents Kyoto globally.