Best Architecture Spot List

This temple is one of the Three Mountains of the Kanto region for the Chisan sect of Shingon Buddhism and is well-known as a temple to ward off evil. Enjoy the shops in the surrounding streets after attending a Goma Rite (a ceremony in which Goma wood is burned in a fireplace on the Goma platform).

The source of worship to Nachi Falls

Yushima-tenjin enshrines Amenotajikarao-no-mikoto, the god of better fortune and sports, and Michizane Sugawara, the god of learning and study. A number of famed scholars and writers visit this shrine.

A castle that is deeply rooted in the history of the Tokugawa Clan and became an important historic site during the Meiji Restoration when power was returned to Japan's Imperial Family.

Kudo-no-kami, the god of the kitchen, is enshrined here

Quietly praying to the rakan statues on the hillsides

The main temple of the Shingon Sect of the Daigo School of Buddhism that stretches across Mt. Daigo. Famous for its cherry blossoms, Hideyoshi Toyotomi used to hold spring parties here to enjoy the trees when they are in bloom.

A temple of the Nichiren sect on Mt. Ogura in Sagano. It is well-known for ”Hyakunin Isshu” (a collection of 100 poems by 100 different poets). In autumn, the nearby mountains awash with brilliant red leaves.

Flowers blossom throughout the seasons at this temple, also known as “The Flower Temple”

A shrine where the god for safe sea travel is enshrined has been respected by people. Many important cultural properties of the ward are preserved in the shrine ground.

Make your wishes at Nariai-ji Temple

A beautiful castle otherwise known as Shirasagi-jo Castle. It was Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage site.

This temple is the daihonzan (head temple) of the Kencho-ji Temple school of the Rinzai sect and ranks first among the Kamakura Gozan (Kamakura's Five Great Zen Temples). It has a number of national treasures, cultural assets, and historical structures. The Sanmon (three gates) are a must-see.

Tadao Ando designed this temple's main hall

Zojo-ji is one of the seven Daihonzan (head temples) of Jodo-shu Buddhism and contains many designated Cultural Properties. It is also where the souls of the Tokugawa clan are mourned.

The mystical, large torii (gateway) that appears as if it’s floating on the lake’s surface is a must-see

The modern architecture leaves a bold impression

A building filled with products made locally in Aomori

Known for its god that brings economic blessings

A shrine to visit for breaking bad habits or starting good ones