Best Architecture Spot List

An ancient temple with a beautiful garden, connected to Murasaki Shibibu

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.

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 built upon the request of Emperor Tenmu during the Hakuho Period. Reconstructed in recent years, the temple structures showcase beautiful, vibrant colors.

Stroll along the heart-shaped pond in the garden

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

The head temple of the Myoshin-ji Temple school of the Rinzai sect. It is Japan's largest Zen temple, with 46 sub-temples.

The dignified form of this early Edo period castle is still palpable

A guardian shinto shrine in northern Shinagawa-shuku. Best known for its portable shrines during the annual Shinagawa Shrine Festival in June.

A famous location for autumn leaves, connected to Kukai (Kobo-daishi)

Famous since the Edo period (1603–1868) for its god of business prosperity. Site of the largest Tori no Ichi open-air market in Japan.

Founded in 1895 for the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital city to the Heian-kyo, the shrine reproduces the Imperial Palace of the Heian-kyo. It enshrines Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei.

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.

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

The head shrine of all the Inari-jinja shrines across Japan. Its approximately 1,000 photogenic torii gates (an archway to a Shinto shrine) attract many visitors.

Happiness arrives with the buzzing of bell crickets

A world-class suspension bridge recognized by Guinness

It is a large-scale conference and exhibition facility in Chiba Prefecture. The facility is bustling with big events in culture, arts, and sports.

It is a convention and art center built to disseminate comprehensive cultural information.

The head shrine of Oshu, boasting 1,200 years of history