Best Architecture Spot List

An ancient temple known as an exemplary viewing spot for autumn leaves since the Heian period.

Beloved Buddha artifacts inside the school of Heijo Palace

The head temple of the Rinzai sect, known as the highest-ranked Zen temple in Japan.

Successive generations of emperors lived at the site of these historical remains

A shrine to the south of the imperial palace for gods who offer directional protection

Himeji’s famous mountain-top temple

The head temple of the Shingon Sect's Omuro School. Holding a long association with the Imperial Household, the temple is also well known for its late-blooming cherry trees called Omuro-zakura.

Enjoy the burning red foliage in autumn and the cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring

Motomachi Roman Catholic Church has one of the longest histories of any church in Japan. A large octagonal tower characterizes the church, which was rebuilt in 1924.

A masterpiece of bank architecture from the early 20th century, stately but elegant

The biggest dome in Hokkaido, and most northern in Japan

Old forests and valuable buildings from the turn of the 20th century

A contemporary western-style hall reminiscent of the early 20th century

A scenic view of Sapporo's heart

A breakwater in the globally uncommon half-arch shape

Check out the mighty trees and zoo around this shrine

Houses that gave new life to waste materials

A museum in memory of the opening of Hakodate's port

The past glory of herring fishing can still be sensed here

Tour a drama set and sense the humanity in its construction