Cultural Property 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

Cultural Property

Grand Torii

4.5

3521 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima Hatsukaichi-shi

This huge torii gate serves as a symbol of Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine which is one of Japan’s most famous and which stands as an embodiment of ancient Heian period culture. The great ryobu-style wooden gate, situated out on the ocean, stands 16.6 meters above the surface of the water; its main pillars are 9.9 meters in circumference and its roof is 24.2 meters long. The current gate was rebuilt in 1875. The eighth gate built here counting from the Heian period, it is said that the search to find trees sufficiently large to construct it takes 20 years. About the same height as the great Daibutsu statue in Nara, the gate’s supports are not buried in the sea bottom; instead, the gate is affixed to the sea floor with pine stakes but otherwise simply stands via its own weight. Due to significant damage and deterioration, the gate has been undergoing major repairs to preserve it since June 2019.

This is a red coloured shrine located in Miyajima island which has a beautiful gate. One has to walk for about a km from the boarding platform. The shrine is very nicely maintained and has an entry...
Toyokuni Shrine Five-storied Pagoda

4.0

514 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho 1-1

This five-tier red pagoda stands on a hill near the Honden front shrine of Itsukushima Shrine. The 27.6-meter-tall tower is located next to Toyokuni Shrine (location of the Senjokaku Pavilion). Skillfully blending Japanese and Chinese design aspects, the tower was built in 1407. Inside, the ceiling is painted with a dragon, while outside the ceilings have been painted with grapevine scrollwork and vivid patterns. The pagoda’s central pillar notably only extends up to the second tier in a design which helps prevent the tower from being toppled by strong winds. The pagoda used to enshrine the temple’s principal object of worship, a statue of Gautama Buddha; as well as statues of the bodhisattvas Samantabhadra and Manjushri, but these were moved to the Daiganji Temple on the opposite shore during the anti-Buddhism movement of the Meiji period. Today, the pagoda has been designated a National Important Cultural Property.

After visiting the Itsukushima Shrine, I decided to walk for about 2 minutes to the west of the structure and climb a small hill to see this pagoda up close. Well-maintained, its five...
Kumano Magaibutsu

4.5

117 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Oita Pref. Bungotakadashi Tashibuhirano

A group of stone carvings made into bare rock in the late Heian period (794–1185) which are believed to be the oldest Buddhist imagery in the nation. There are two carvings—an eight meter tall image of Fudo Myoo (Acala, the God of Fire) and a 7.7 meter tall image of Dainichi-nyorai (Vairocana); both are among the largest such Magaibutsu (Buddhist imagery carved into bare stone) in the country and are nationally designated Important Cultural Properties and as well as a Historic Site. In order to view the statues, it is necessary to climb a steep set of stone steps; accordingly, visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable footwear. Walking stick rentals are also available. The figures may be viewed until evening.

Following Fukiji-oodou we visited Kumano-magaibutsu (stone Buddhist statues carved on rock) not far away. These statues date back to the late Heian period, probably 11th to 12th century, and is the...
Old Asakura House

4.0

93 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Shibuya-ku Sarugakucho 29-20

This cultural heritage site is located a five-minute walk from Daikanyama Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. The estate was built in 1919 by Torajiro Asakura, a man who served as chairman of the Tokyo Prefectural Assembly and chairman of the Shibuya Ward Assembly. One of only a few Japanese-style structures in the area still standing today which predates the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the site was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2004 due to its high historic and cultural value. The wooden residence has two floors. The main building, which is open to the general public, is an excellent example of estates built at the time; for instance, almost all of the rooms have tatami mat floors, and the roof is covered with kawara tiles. The estate's garden is a traditional Japanese strolling garden built around a central pond, and here visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery.

After several days in the busier areas of Tokyo, the Old Asakura residence gave me a different look at life in the city. To an American used to visiting Gilded Age Mansions in the the US, country...
Jiyugakuen Myonichikan

4.5

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Toshima-ku Nishiikebukuro 2-31-3

This house is located in a small neighborhood just southwest of Ikebukuro station. The ambience here is fantastic. I walk by here every time i am in Tokyo.
Rinkokaku

4.5

46 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gunma Pref. Maebashishi Otemachi 3-15

A modern Japanese-style wooden building located in Ote-machi, Maebashi City. The main building and tea house are prefecturally-designated Important Cultural Properties, while the annex is designated an Important Cultural Property by the city of Maebashi. The main building was constructed as a reception hall in 1884, while the drawing room-style annex was built in 1910 for hosting noble visitors. The tea house, built in 1884, thoroughly incorporates Japanese “wabi” design principles and is constructed in the thatched hut style. In addition to being used for events, the Rinkokaku’s facilities may be used for taking wedding photos and other photography purposes with an advance application. There is a store on the first floor of the annex selling local Maebashi souvenirs and other goods.

明治17年にできた数寄屋造りの2階建の迎賓館（本館）、明治34年には150畳の大広間を含む書院風の貴賓館（別館）が増築されています。国の重要文化財ですが、現在は、屋内も含めて無料で見学ができますし、部屋を借りることも可能です。ちなみに、日本庭園の池のほとりの和室も貸し出し可能です。さらにちなみに、日本庭園も無料で入れることもあってか、結婚の記念撮影をしているカップルが何組かいました。
Tahoto Pagoda

4.0

67 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima Hatsukaichi-shi Miyajimacho 1-1

This two-tier, National Important Cultural Propert-designated pagoda stands on a hill on the west side of Itsukushima Shrine. Records state the pagoda was built by the priest Shukan in 1523. The basic shape of the pagoda’s exterior is purely Japanese in style, while the detailing displays Zen-style characteristics; it is also unusual in its construction consisting of a round upper level, square lower level, and square upper and lower roofs. The pagoda is the place where the Sue army first took up position during the Battle of Miyajima; today, the area is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The pagoda is also lit up at night, and many tourists take photographs of Itsukushima Shrine with this beautiful tower in the background.

A lovely stop on your way around. An enchanting little pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms while we were there
Toyosato Elementary School Former School building Mure

4.5

20 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Inukami-gun Toyosatocho Ishibatake 518

滋賀県内にあるヴォーリズ建築の中でも大きな施設。平日は公共施設や図書館に利用されており施設の維持管理は大変だと思います。映画のロケやアニメの舞台になるなど素晴らしい建築物です。
Kaneyu

4.5

28 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Akita Noshiro-shi Yanagimachi 13-8

町のパンフレットを見て立寄りました。大変綺麗で一見の価値ありです。無料です。何故、観光ブックに記載されて無いのか不思議です。
Sugano Family Manor

4.0

23 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Toyama Takaoka-shi Kifunemachi 36

This merchant's house was designated an Important Cultural Asset in 1994 as the best of Takaoka's earthen-walled townhouses in terms of scale, quality, and level of preservation. The walls are finished with black plaster, and the second floor has a set of double doors. The roof has a boxed ridge, as well, and all of these are hallmarks of Takaoka earthen-walled town house construction. The Sugano family built a vast family fortune from the beginning of the Meiji period when the fifth generation head, Denemon, began trading on routes to Hokkaido.

高岡市の山町筋にある土蔵造りの重要文化財の民家です。火災防止のためのいろいろな工夫がしてあります。民家ですが、見学料を払うとお住まいの方の説明で見学できます。昔の高岡市の豪商が偲ばれます。
Gion Kobu Kaburenjo

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Higashiyama-ku Gionmachiminamigawa 570-2

Gion Kobu Kaburenjo is in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward. It was originally a remodeled version of a building at Kenninji Temple in 1873, but it was moved and rebuilt on its present site in 1913. It has been designated a Kyoto Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property. It is renowned as a site for traditional performing arts presented by maiko (apprentice geisha) and for the Miyako Odori, a program of traditional dances performed every spring.
Takita Family Residence (Old Shipping Family)

3.5

23 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Tokonameshi Sakaemachi 4-75

This large Japanese manor located in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture was built as a residence for the Takita family around 1856. The home was later remodeled and designated a Tangible Cultural Property by the city of Tokoname. The home's main building, detached residence, and storehouse are open to viewing by the public. The home is also used as a museum dedicated to the area's long-gone wealthy cargo vessel wholesalers, a rarity in Aichi Prefecture, and visitors can view items that were used as part of daily life in the manner as well as materials concerning and connected to the cargo vessel culture of the time.

常滑にある、やきもの散歩道の途中にあります。江戸時代から廻船業を営んでいた、瀧田家の町家。このあたりで、内部公開されている唯一の町家です。主屋のほか、倉庫や離れなどが保存されていて、資料とともに展示されています。常滑が海運の町でもあったことがよくわかります。
Kamidonya Museum of History

4.0

12 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Shiojirishi Narai 379

The Kamidonya Museum of History was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2007. It was a wholesale dealer from the start of the modern era until the Bakumatsu period, and toward the end of the modern period it also served as village headquarters. The displays showcase old documents, daily articles, and various tools from that period. There are approximately 100 written articles and 300 tools. It’s open from the beginning of March through the end of December, and it’s about 15 minutes on foot from JR Narai Station.

[奈良井宿]にある《国重要文化財》指定の建築物が2件ありその内の1件です（他の1件；[中村家住宅（櫛問屋...
JAMES-TEI

Travel / Tourism

Hyougo Pref. Koubeshi Tarumi-ku Shioyachou 6-28-1

A seven-minute walk from Takinochaya Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway Main Line. This French style restaurant operates out of a Spanish style reception hall standing in a corner of James Yama overlooking the Akashi Strait and Awaji Island. Enwrapped in an atmosphere which combines the presence of an 80-year-old building with modern amenities, diners can enjoy stunning, lovingly crafted dishes which are a delight for both the tongue and the eyes. The restaurant's roast beef is made by slow roasting specialty select Japanese black beef for over five hours using a charcoal fire. The establishment's wines, which are suggested by a dedicated sommelier based on the day's weather, temperature, and the saltiness of the food, are also exquisite.
Maruhachi Department Store

3.0

1 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Takashima-shi Kutsukiichiba 838

A five-minute walk from the Kutsukishisho-mae bus stop, and a 70-minute drive from the Kyoto-higashi Interchange. This National Tangible Cultural Property-designated structure is located just southwest of the Takashima City Kutsuki Branch Office. Today, the building is operated by a local women's group. The building houses a cafe which serves as a community gathering space for local residents and is also open as a free rest area for visiting tourists. With an advance reservation, large tour groups can also enjoy local cuisine prepared by the group from October to May. Finally, visitors can also purchase confections, crafts, and souvenirs here.

昭和８年に建築されたものらしい。木造洋館で我が国の登録文化財にも指定されていました。訪れた目的は喫茶であって、わざわざ古くもなく、新しくもないと云う昭和初期の建物を見学に来た訳ではありません。寺社は別にして、やはり木造は一定期間(１００年前後)が過ぎると古さだけが顕著になって・・・石製やレンガ製のような重厚さは出て来ないですねぇ。ここへも喫茶の表示につられて一服のために立ち寄っただけです。普通の喫...
Old Yunoyama Hot Spring Spot

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima Pref. Hiroshimashi Saeki-ku Yukichouwada

A hot spring health resort in Saeki Ward, Hiroshima City. It has been designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property and gained prominence as the hot spring resort for Lord Asano, the lord of Hiroshima domain during the Edo Period. There is an old bathing area still present above the current Yu-no-Yama hot spring. Ink writings of bathers remain written on the wall so you can see how it was in the olden days.
Akasaki-jinja Shrine Gakusajiki

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Nagatoshi Higashifukawa Inside Doi 2668

This is an outdoor theater in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture using the curved contours on the northeastern slope of Mt. Akasaki. Around 400 years ago, people in the area prayed at the Akasaki-jinja Shrine for their horses and cattle which were infected with a disease. Their prayers were answered so the people dedicated arts and dance to express their gratitude. It is known as an academically valuable cultural asset.
Old Nagasaki Customs House Miike Branch Office

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Omutashi Shinkoumachi 1-25

A historic site located in Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Opened as a government office in 1908, the building is one of only a very few customs houses in the country from the Meiji period. It is a wooden, one-story, thatched-roofed building, and its western-style windows, which open and close vertically, are notable. Designated a Cultural Property by Omuta City, the structure has also been on the World Heritage Tentative List of Japan.
Terayama Charcoal Kiln

Travel / Tourism

Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Yoshinochou 10710-68

The site of a charcoal kiln built over 150 years ago. Built to make charcoal for a reverberatory furnace used for creating cannons, guns, and other weaponry for the bygone Satsuma Domain, the kiln produced white charcoal, a type of charcoal which burns hotter than standard charcoal. In 2015, the site was registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining listing. Today, the site is part of a nature trail; those seeking to access the site by car must park in Terayama Fureai Park and walk the rest of the way.
Saisho-in Temple Five-Storied Pagoda

Travel / Tourism

Aomori Hirosaki-shi Doyamachi 63

"A three-minute walk from the ""Hirosakikoko-mae"" Konan Bus stop. The Saisho-in Temple significantly influenced the shrines and temples of Tsugaru; established in 1667, the temple possesses numerous National Important Cultural Properties. The interior of the pagoda is richly decorated with gold and silver leaf as well as ultramarine, and enshrines a statue of Vairocana, the temple's principal object of worship; and, to its sides, statues of an infant Prince Shotoku and the ten rulers of the afterlife. One of the highlights of the temple grounds are its beautiful scenery created by the contrast of seasonal plants such as weeping cherry tree blossoms and fresh verdure in spring. Built to memorialize all those who fell in the battles to unify Tsugaru, the temple's five-storied pagoda and other structures exude an atmosphere of rich history."