Original Castle Keep

CASTLES: From Military Fortress to Architecture of Rule

EDITORIALS

Kumamoto , Aomori , Tokyo , Nagano , Aichi , Shiga , Osaka , Hyogo , Shimane , Okayama , Kagawa , Ehime , Kochi

Castles & Historic Sites

The Castle Town Culture of Shikoku

ITINERARIES

Tokushima , Kagawa , Ehime , Kochi

Castles & Historic Sites

Scenic Views & Townscapes

Gardens & Nature

Craft Making & Workshops

Cultural Immersion & Activities

Collage representing the Shikoku region: a scenic Japanese garden with a pond, a hilltop castle, and a bowl of Sanuki udon noodles topped with an egg.

Castles and Culture of Chugoku’s Daimyo Legacy

ITINERARIES

Hyogo , Shimane , Okayama , Hiroshima

Castles & Historic Sites

Scenic Views & Townscapes

Craft Making & Workshops

Cultural Immersion & Activities

Shrines & Temples

Collage representing the Chugoku region: a castle floating in a sea of clouds, a boat ride on a scenic canal, and a Japanese oyster hot pot (Kaki Nabe).

The Refined Kamigata Culture of Kansai

ITINERARIES

Shiga , Kyoto , Osaka , Wakayama

Castles & Historic Sites

Gardens & Nature

Craft Making & Workshops

Visual & Performing Arts

Experience the Spirit of Edo-Period Travelers on the Tokaido Road and Nakasendo Road

ITINERARIES

Kanagawa , Yamanashi , Nagano

Castles & Historic Sites

Scenic Views & Townscapes

Collage representing the Tokaido region: a historic wooden checkpoint gate, colorful traditional spinning tops, and a bowl of noodle soup.

Hirosaki Castle

SPOTS

Aomori

Castles & Historic Sites

Cherry blossoms illuminated at night reflecting on the Hirosaki Park moat.

Matsumoto Castle

SPOTS

Nagano

Castles & Historic Sites

The main keep of Matsumoto Castle reflected in the surrounding moat under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Inuyama Castle

SPOTS

Aichi

Castles & Historic Sites

Inuyama Castle keep, viewed from behind a vibrant red autumn maple tree.

Hikone Castle

SPOTS

Shiga

Castles & Historic Sites

The main keep of Hikone Castle framed by blurred pink cherry blossoms in the foreground.

Himeji Castle

SPOTS

Hyogo

Castles & Historic Sites

The main keep of the white-walled Himeji Castle rising above its stone walls, framed by blooming cherry blossoms under a blue sky.

Matsue Castle

SPOTS

Shimane

Castles & Historic Sites

Cultural Immersion & Activities

The Matsue Castle keep viewed through the foreground branches of pink cherry blossoms in spring.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle

SPOTS

Okayama

Castles & Historic Sites

Close-up of one of the castle's turrets (yagura) with white walls and black wood, standing on a massive stone foundation.