Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The ruins of Sendai Castle (commonly known as Aoba Castle Ruins) are located in the Aobayama area of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. It was the base of Sendai feudal lord Date Masamune from the Sengoku to Edo periods. Built by Date Masamune during the Keicho era (early 17th century), the castle tower no longer remains, but the main enclosure remains.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes in Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, is a particularly famous tourist destination with its beautiful scenery with Mount Fuji in the background. The lake was formed by glaciers and massive volcanic activity, and has developed since ancient times in connection with the surrounding lifestyles and culture.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Yoshinogari Ruins, located in Yoshinogari Town, Kanzaki District, Saga Prefecture, is a historic park centered around the remains of a large moated settlement representative of the Yayoi period. Excavations have restored the moat, elevated hall, pit dwellings, and other structures...

Matsue Castle (Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Matsue Castle was built in the early Edo period and is said to have been completed by Yoshiharu Horio and others between 1607 and 1611. It features a stately black lacquered exterior and a precious wooden castle tower, making it one of the 12 remaining castle towers that still preserves the Edo period.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Hikone Castle, located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is an early Edo period castle built as the residence of the Ii clan. Construction began roughly in the early 1600s, and the current castle tower is one of the few remaining that retains its original appearance well, and has been designated a National Treasure. The stone walls, moat, and castle layout...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Kujuku Islands (Kujukushima) are an archipelago of approximately 208 islands of various sizes spread along the west coast of Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and are known for their rich natural scenery. The name "Kujuku" means "many," and the actual number of islands is over 200. The islands...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Nagoya Castle is a representative castle tourist destination located in the center of Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Built during the Edo period as the residence of the Owari Tokugawa family, its imposing castle tower with a shining golden "kinshachi" (golden shachi) on the roof is its symbol. Most of the castle was destroyed in air raids during World War II...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Toji Temple (Kyoogokokuji Temple) is one of the ancient temples founded when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo (794). It was established by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) as the main training center for the Shingon sect. Its five-story pagoda is a Kyoto landmark and is known as the tallest wooden five-story pagoda in Japan.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Shimanto River, one of Japan's cleanest rivers, flows through southwestern Kochi Prefecture. Known as "Japan's last clean river," the river's natural scenery and traditional lifestyles remain vividly preserved throughout its basin. It stretches for approximately 196 km, meandering from the mountains to the plains and out to its mouth...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Kochi Castle (Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture) is a valuable example of castle architecture remaining from the Edo period, and a historical relic that is one of the twelve remaining castle towers. Developed as the headquarters of the Tosa clan, many buildings, including the castle tower, Honmaru Palace, and turrets, retain their Edo-period appearance. Castle...