Historical Monument Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Historical Monument

Sapporo Clock Tower

3.5

2649 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Kitaichijounishi 2-chome Former Sapporo Agricultural College Demonstration Center

The clock tower familiarly, called “Sapporo Clock Tower” was originally constructed as a drill hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. Originally there was no bell tower but only a mechanism of pulling a rope to ring a small bell, however, the bell tower was constructed in 1881 under the direction of the Governor Kiyotaka Kuroda and since then a Howard pendulum type clock has been in use. It is about 10 minutes on foot from the nearest Odoori Station. The first floor serves as a museum displaying the history of the clock tower and on the second floor you can experience the atmosphere of the historic drill hall and view the workings of the clock.

It is a tiny building surrounded by tall buildings. Nothing special, just a tiny wooden building. There is an entrance fee for those who want to see it from inside.
Takayama Jinya

4.0

1116 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Hachikenmachi 1-5

Takayama Jinya was where prefectural governors and deputies exercised government since Hida was put under direct control of the Shogunate in 1692. The purpose of direct jurisdiction was access to the abundant timber and underground resources. After the Meiji Restoration, this building was also used as the Takayama prefectural government building. In order to conserve Takayama Jinya, 16 years of repair and reconstruction work were undertaken and were completed in 1996. There were 60 regional headquarters and sub-headquarters nationwide at the end of the Edo period, but the Takayama Jinya is the only building left in existence today. Takayama Jinya has been certified with two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Fantastic experience on governor housing. It is very educational and could be boring to some. Enjoy the little garden. Quite a historical moment.
Shinkyo Bridge

4.0

917 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kamihatsuishimachi

The Shinkyo Bridge is a beautiful bridge that hangs at the entrance into the mountains of Nikko, and is a structure which belongs to Futarasan Shrine. At the end of the Nara period, on the occasion of Shodo Shonin founding a temple, he sought divine assistance from gods and Buddhas as he was blocked from crossing the Daiya River. Thereupon, Jinja-ou (the God of the River) had appeared and released two snakes. Legend has it that mountain sedge sprouted from the backs of those two snakes and they turned into a bridge which is the Shinkyo Bridge. The bridge was built in its current vermillion-lacquered form in 1636. Thereafter, it was washed away by a flood, but it was rebuilt in 1904. It is an Important Cultural Property of Japan and it was also registered as a World Heritage site in 1999. The Shinkyo bridge is regarded as one of the three most eccentric bridges in Japan.

Nice spot to take pictures. You can pay to walk the bridge, but I didnt feel the need to. Better to take the pictures of the bridge.
Nomura Samurai Residence

4.0

876 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Nagamachi 1-3-32

A collection of buildings which once served as the residence of the Nomura samurai family during the era of Japan’s feudal domains. This popular tourist destination is located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa. Walking the stone paving and earthen walled alleys of the site, you’ll be able to get a taste of the life a samurai and his lady wife lived during the Edo period. The Nomura family served as regional administrators for generations; today, their home is open to the general public, and visitors can view fusuma screen paintings by the Kano school painter Sasaki Senkei, the interiors of buildings with glass and paper screen doors, tea rooms, and the family garden. Visited by great numbers of tourists from overseas as well, the residence is an internationally renowned sightseeing spot.

We really enjoyed our time here.. lot of history and was such a tranquil place..set aside an hour and make the trip here.. Samurai museum is 1 min up the road..
Katsura Imperial Villa

4.5

479 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Katsuramisono

This is the Katsura Imperial Villa, established in 1615 after taking 50 years to complete. With a beauty that could be called the culmination of Japan’s gardens, the grounds are a chisen-kaiyushiki garden covering an area of 69,400 square meters. The main buildings include the Koshoin (Old Shoin), Chushoin (Middle Shoin) and Shingoten (New Palace), while also around the pond are four teahouses each with a different feel. It is a garden where one can enjoy the four seasons of Japan from spring’s cherry blossoms to autumn’s changing leaves. Though same day booking is possible, one should book in advance to be guaranteed entry.

The tranquility and beauty of this villa will make you want to sit on the grass and just relax in the atmosphere - beautiful
Osaka City Central Public Hall

4.0

387 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Kita-ku Nakanoshima 1-1-27

A symbol of the knowledge, culture, and history of Osaka, construction on Osaka City Central Public Hall began in 1911 with a one million yen donation in building funds from Einosuke Iwamoto, with the hall opening in 1918. Brick reinforced with steel beams in construction, with three floors above ground and one basement level, the architecture of this extravagant building applies the Neo-Renaissance style as its basic tone while also presenting majestic baroque touches. In addition to concerts by celebrated orchestras from around the world, the hall has also played host to lectures by historical figures such as Helen Keller. The building was registered a national Important Cultural Property in 2002.

This Central Hall is a place where you can take beautiful photo and selfie. The architecture design is really awesome.
Narai-juku (post town)

4.5

354 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Shiojirishi Narai

Long ago, the Nakasendo was an important highway connecting Edo and Kyoto, and many travelers stopped at the post town of Narai-juku before or after crossing the Torii Pass following this route. The post town once prospered due to the many people moving along the highway, and the town was even described as “Narai Sen-ken” (1,000 buildings of Narai). Narai was quite large, and divided into three districts—uptown, midtown, and downtown, and today the townscape remains mostly unchanged from its heyday. In 1978, the post town was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

It was great to get to Narai-juku early in the morning before all the shops opened & the arrival of bus loads of tourists. We parked our vehicle for 500 yen @ the train station. Convenient & clean...
Shurijo Castle Park (Shurijo Castle)

4.0

205 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Shurikinjouchou 1-2

Shuri Castle, built in the early 15th century, was the residence of the kings beginning with King Shobashi, who unified the Ryukyu Islands. Along with the restored buildings, some of the walls still retain the stone masonry from those days.

Beautiful castle, lucky to be still standing after multiple fires over the centuries. There were dancers/entertainment in the grounds when we were there. A couple of gift shops and a cafe...
Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

4.0

551 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 11-13

The Old Public Hall was completed in 1910 and constructed at a total cost of 58,000 yen, 50,000 yen of which was donated by Mr. Teppei Soma, a leading Hokkaido businessman. The building is impressive with its blue and yellow coloring and symmetrical colonial style. It is also famous for being the dormitory of Emperor Taisho when he was the Crown Prince. In 1974 it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country. It is a seven-minute walk from the “Suehiro-cho” tram stop.

It looks so beautiful in photographs and was so disappointed to see the building under wraps and closed for construction.
NYK Hikawamaru

4.0

497 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Yamashitachou Yamashita Park area destination

"This cargo and passenger ship was constructed for the Seattle route in 1930. It is a grand vessel, with a total weight of 11,622 tons, and a total length of 163.3 meters. Across 30 years of seafaring, it has crossed the Pacific Ocean 254 times, and carried 25,000 passengers, earning the nickname ""Queen of the North Pacific."" You can tour the passenger room where Charlie Chaplin stayed, or the First-class lounge with gorgeous art deco-styled interiors. In 2016, it became a Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property."

My visit to this historic vessel was on a very rainy day in Yokohama. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the ship and learning more about its history. Definitely check out every nook and cranny that you...
The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters

4.5

418 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Okinawa Pref. Tomigusukushi Tomigusuku 236

The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is an underground bunker complex constructed in 1944. There were around 450 meters of tunnels in total; the aim was to enable the defense of Okinawa to be carried on for as long as possible. The underground complex held a total of around 4,000 personnel; many lives were lost here. In 1970, 300 meters of the tunnels (including the command center) were restored, and opened to the public. There is a museum with a display of items recovered from the underground bunker complex, including weapons, uniforms, letters written to family members, etc.

Was o.k., but (my opinion) painted a horrible picture of the U.S. during the war when in fact mainland Japan didnt exactly treat the Okinwans as equals during this time.
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kamigyou-ku Kyoutogyoen

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in the northern side of the Kyoto Imperial Gardens. The palace is surrounded by a roofed mud wall and channel of clear running water 250 meters long east to west and 450 meters long north to south. The current palace was rebuilt in 1855 and includes such facilities as six gates scattered around all four sides, the old palace’s state chamber where successive generations of emperors were enthroned, and a hall of state built in the Imperial residence style located in the center of the compound where the Imperial throne is placed. The small old palace, built in the traditional shoin-zukuri style, is located on the north side of the compound, and from here visitors can view an elegant garden with a large pond. Once, viewing the Kyoto Imperial Palace required an application to be made beforehand, but today no such reservation is required and the palace may be viewed freely by anyone year round (note that a bagger inspection will be performed prior to allowing visitors entry).
Sazaedo

4.0

360 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukushima Pref. Aiduwakamatsushi Ikkimachiyahata Bentenshita 1404

Sazaedo is a hexagonal, three-storied hall built in 1796. It is located on Mt. Iimori, Aizuwakamatsu City, famous for Byakkotai (a group of young samurai called the white tiger corps). It is also called “Sazae-do” because it resembles the shape of a turban shell. It has a mysterious corridor and when you ascend the unique double spiral stairwell before you know it, you are descending again. Thirty-three Saigoku Kannon Statues are placed on the slope and the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage to 33 Buddhist temples is said to be completed on reaching the top. It was designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country in 1996.

A Buddhist temple which was Constructed in 1796 entirely from wood, Sazaedo has a double-helix structure, meaning that those who enter Sazaedo will leave the temple without encountering anybody...
Kurokabe Square

4.0

352 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Pref. Nagahamashi Motohamachou 12-38

Long known by the nickname “the Kurokabe Bank (Black Wall Bank),” this remodeled former bank building houses the Kurokabe Glass Shop as well as a gallery and restaurant, and has come to be known as the largest space exhibiting glass crafts in western Japan. In addition to glass and porcelain, visitors can also enjoy trying their hand at making a diorama in the popular Kaiyodo Figure Museum.

Went there mainly to visit Kaiyodo Museum but we found lots of good food! Try the sweet potato sweets, theyre worth it!
Shokasonjuku school

4.0

345 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Tsubaki East 1537 Shoinjinsha in

This is a private school which Yoshida Shoin’s uncle, Tamaki Bun’noshin opened in his own home. After which, Shonin’s uncle in law, Kubo Gorozaemon inherited the school and in 1857 Shoin started to preside over the school. The building is small, a single story building made of wood with a tiled roof, and a plaster figure of Shoin, a portrait and his desk sit in the 13.2 meters squared tatami room which was the class room. It is a private school that raised many patriots who became the driving force of the Meiji Restoration such as Takasugi Shinsaku, Ito Hirobumi and Yamagata Aritomo.

There was the Meiji Restoration now on a day 150 years ago. This is the school which leader Shouin Yoshida (Japanese call him Yoshida Shouin Sensei ) opened. Shouin Yoshida died at the age of 28...
Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace

3.5

369 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Izunokunishi Naka Narutake entrance 268

A National Historic Site located in Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture. In the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate government, Japan was exposed to the threat of ships from Europe and America. This reverberatory furnace was created in order to build cannons to repel that threat. Completed in 1857, the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace still stands today. The only reverberatory furnace in Japan today, it is also a registered World Heritage site. Built of fire-resistant fire brick, the furnace, including the body and chimney together, is 15.7 meters tall. Visitors can view the furnace with the payment of a small entrance fee. The furnace’s 20 minute free guided tours are also popular (advance reservation recommended).

This metal smelting and casting factory, which was established in the middle of the 19th century for the purpose of making war cannons, is one of the centers that was built during the Meiji era and...
Manbei Hotel

4.0

372 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Kitasaku-gun Karuizawamachi Karuizawa 925

We went to this hotel for afternoon, and it was wonderful. Biking around the hotel was very relaxing and picturesque. The hotel has a lot of history, and John Lennon used to stay here. We ordered a...
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

4.5

330 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Honchou 8-27

This is a Tochigi prefectural urban park which was landscaped in 1899 as a place of convalescence for Emperor Taisho. One part of the former Akasaka homestead of the Edo daimyo, Kishu Tokugawa was moved to its current location at the wealthy person’s villa which formerly existed here. Even after that, additional buildings were added but the overall harmony was retained. The building has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and it is possible to tour the interior of the building. You can enjoy the various scenery from season to season starting with the 400-year-old weeping cherry tree in the garden.

The Villa is very well maintained and surprisingly large. Not as old as some in Japan but full of traditional architecture and styling. The gardens are beautifully maintained and well worth a wander...
National Treasure-designated Former Kaichi School

4.0

349 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Matsumoto-shi Kaichi 2-4-12

This elementary school opened in 1873 as the Dai-ni Daigaku-ku Dai-ichiban Shogaku Kaichi Gakko. The current structure was built in 1876, and approximately 70% of the construction expenses were funded by donations from the townspeople. It is a representative structure of Giyofu Kenchiku (imitation of Western-style architecture) and inside are displays of materials that give the visitor an impression of what it looked like back then.

The Former Kaichi School was founded in 1873, Construction was completed in 1876 and it served as a functional school for 90-years until 1963. Having been designated an important cultural asset in...
Kiunkaku

4.5

260 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shizuoka Pref. Atamishi Shouwachou 4-2

Located in the sightseeing spot of Shizuoka Prefecture’s Atami City, this was constructed as a villa in 1919 and is a famous residence that was declared one of Atami’s Top Three Villas. It was used as a ryokan (Japanese inn) during the Showa period (mid-1920s to late 1980s), and as a famous lodge in Atami it was loved by various literary masters and celebrities including Naoya Shiga, Junichiro Tanizaki, and Osamu Dazai. It is a refined residence with a Japanese-style main building, a western-style structure that combines the beauty of the East and the West, and a chisenkaiyu-shiki garden (a style of garden that features a path around a pond), and it was opened to the public as an Atami City Designated Tangible Cultural Property.

In general, Atami gets a lot of bad press for nothing to see (apart from the Sex Museum). Kiunkaku, however, is definitely worth checking out. The original two buildings date from the Taisho Period...