Historic Towns
802 spots found
Gion Higashi (Hanamachi)
Experience the splendor of 'Gion Odori' in November, a special event where you can witness the elegant dances of Geiko and Maiko at Gion Kaikan. A perfect addition to your autumn Kyoto itinerary.
Kyoto
Harie District, Takashima City
A beautiful village where the 'Kabata Culture' and pure spring water live on. Through a guided tour, you can experience the traditional Japanese way of living in harmony with nature.
Shiga
Garyu Sanso
Garyu Sanso is a renowned scholar's villa. Experience the harmony of traditional Japanese architecture and nature in this serene, beautiful retreat.
Ehime
Daitoku-ji Temple
Daitoku-ji is a place where Zen spirit and beautiful gardens converge. Enjoy a peaceful moment through morning Zazen, historical architecture, and traditional Shojin Ryori.
Kyoto
Osawa and Kamiosawa Magaki Village Landscape
A traditional village in the northern Noto Peninsula famous for its 'Magaki' bamboo fences. Experience the wisdom of traditional wind protection and the stunning scenery where mountains meet the sea.
Ishikawa
Sarugakyo Sekisho Ruins
A rare historical site featuring a surviving official residence from the Edo period. Experience the culture of the old highway through heavy gates and precious artifacts. Perfect for a trip combining historical exploration and hot spring relaxation.
Gunma
Kiso Hirasawa Preservation District for Important Traditional Buildings
Explore Kiso Hirasawa, a historic town of lacquerware. Walk through a unique landscape of 'Nuri-kura' storehouses and traditional wooden architecture to experience the timeless beauty of Japanese craftsmanship.
Nagano
Tsukiji Outer Market
Experience fresh seafood and a vibrant market atmosphere! Visit Tsukiji Outer Market to enjoy fresh sushi and savory tamagoyaki while immersing yourself in the authentic food culture of Tokyo.
Tokyo
Izawa-no-miya Shrine
A historic shrine dedicated to the prosperity of the sea and mountains, serving as a sub-shrine to Ise Jingu. It is famous for hosting the Otaue-shiki, one of Japan's three most significant rice planting festivals.
Mie
Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park)
Experience the essence of Ainu culture through the National Ainu Museum, traditional Cise house demonstrations, and breathtaking nature. Discover the spirit of the indigenous people in Shirao, Hokkaido, through all five senses.
Hokkaido
Imajo-jukun (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)
Explore the historic streets of an Edo-period post town. Enjoy the charm of traditional machiya, the taste of famous Imajo Soba, and the unique seasonal beauty of the snowy landscape.
Fukui
Former Mekada Family Residence
A National Important Cultural Property featuring an 18th-century middle-ranking samurai residence. Discover the architectural wisdom of the unique Iwakuni roof tiles and the rare two-story structure designed for flood prevention.
Yamaguchi
Izumi Fumoto Samurai Residences
A beautiful samurai town featuring historic residences from the Edo period. The landscape of stone walls and hedges, along with the reconstructed samurai houses, is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Kagoshima
Toi Onsen
A charming hot spring town where Edo-period gold mining history meets the delicious flavors of deep-sea fish from Suruga Bay.
Shizuoka
Esashi Fujiwara no Sato
A historical theme park where you can experience Heian-period architecture and culture. Enjoy hands-on programs like period costume dressing and gold/silver ink sutra copying. Immerse yourself in the history of the Oshu Fujiwara clan amidst beautiful seasonal landscapes.
Iwate
Shimizudō Amida-dō
Shimizudō Amida-dō is Fukushima's only National Treasure. The beautiful Pure Land garden and the architecture reflecting the late Heian period are must-sees. Enjoy a moment of peace amidst the seasonal colors of nature.
Fukushima
Wakamatsu Minami Kaigan-dori
A historic waterfront featuring Taisho and early Showa era architecture. Enjoy the nostalgic scenery of brick buildings, the red Watazu Bridge, and beautiful night illuminations.
Fukuoka
Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan
Experience the grandeur of the Kawagoe Matsuri with authentic festival floats and an immersive 3-sided screen video. A must-see for culture lovers.
Saitama
Ueyama Rice Terraces
A breathtaking scenic spot featuring the beautiful curves of the '100 Best Rice Terraces in Japan.' Highly recommended to visit in May or June to see the stunning water-mirror reflections.
Hyogo
Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan
A museum where you can experience the UNESCO-recognized Chichibu Night Festival anytime through vivid video displays and rare artifacts. A must-visit spot for anyone interested in Japanese traditional culture and Chichibu tourism.
Saitama
Sankeien Garden
A beautiful Yokohama garden where seasonal plants and historic architecture meet. Use the smartphone audio guide and check for seasonal events to fully immerse yourself in traditional Japanese beauty.
Kanagawa
Former Takano Family Residence (Kanzosho)
The Former Takano Family Residence (Kanzosho) is an Important Cultural Property showcasing late Edo-period architecture. Explore the unique two-tiered roof and the history of licorice cultivation within a vast, tranquil historical park.
Yamanashi
Egawa Family Residence
A journey into the world of the Edo-period Daikan. Experience the grandeur of the Egawa family's estate, featuring a massive traditional main house and precious historical artifacts. An ideal stop for history lovers visiting Izu.
Shizuoka
Matsumoto Castle
Explore the National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle. Don't miss the stunning black exterior and the chance to climb the steep, historic wooden stairs for a true taste of the samurai era.
Nagano
Noboribetsu Onsen
Experience the 'Department Store of Hot Springs'! Enjoy the dramatic views of Jigokudani and the luxury of a historic hot spring town with nine unique mineral water types.
Hokkaido
Atsumi Onsen
Experience the warmth of a historic hot spring town. Enjoy a nostalgic stroll along the river, seasonal rose viewing, and local delicacies, all while relaxing in charming footbaths and traditional hot springs.
Yamagata
Kamiari no Senmaida Rice Terraces
Experience the breathtaking Kamiari no Senmaida rice terraces in Kochi. These layered rice paddies offer a magnificent view of Japan's traditional rural landscape. Be sure to visit to see its changing seasonal expressions.
Kochi
Isarigami no Tanada
A beautiful landscape of traditional terraced rice fields featuring advanced stone masonry. Enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature and the changing colors of the seasons.
Hyogo
Pontocho
Pontocho is a historic district featuring beautiful traditional lattice facades along the Kamo River. It is a place where you can experience Kyoto's history through seasonal dance performances and the famous summer riverbank dining (Noryo-yuka). A night stroll through its illuminated alleys is high…
Kyoto
Obi Castle Ruins
The Obi Castle Ruins is one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles. Enjoy a luxurious historical stroll through a castle town that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period and features beautiful stone walls shaped by the natural terrain.
Miyazaki
Konpira Onsenkyo
A historic hot spring village where history and nature harmonize near Kotohira-gu Shrine. Traditional architecture and beautiful open-air baths offer ultimate relaxation.
Kagawa
Shiroishi Castle
Shiroishi Castle is a place where the history of the Katakura clan lives on. From the grand reconstructed wooden tower to the immersive 3D high-definition theater, it is a perfect spot to experience Japanese history with all your senses.
Miyagi
Former Shinohara Family Residence
The former residence of a wealthy Meichi-era merchant. This National Important Cultural Property offers a beautiful look at traditional Japanese life through its earthen-walled architecture and stone storehouses.
Tochigi
Otaki Castle (Chiba Prefectural Central Museum)
現在は施設改修のため建物内への立ち入りはできませんが、敷地内から白亜の城郭や季節の桜を楽しむことができます。城郭の外観撮影に適したスポットです。
Chiba
Zenrin-gai
A historic street of 33 temples. Walk through a serene path of towering cedars to experience the stillness of history. Don't miss the magical night illuminations and seasonal natural beauty.
Aomori
Ine no Funaya (Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)
Ine no Funaya is a traditional town living in harmony with the sea. The unique architecture, with boat garages on the first floor and living quarters above, creates a breathtaking landscape. Whether walking the shores or viewing from a boat, enjoy this quintessential Japanese fishing village experi…
Kyoto
Fukuzumi Preservation District for Traditional Buildings
A beautiful historical preservation district in Tanba Sasayama. Enjoy a scenic walk through traditional Japanese streetscapes and explore the region's rich architectural heritage.
Hyogo
Motomachi Shopping Street
A historic shopping street in Yokohama. Explore elegant Western-style boutiques and charming cafes while experiencing the unique 'Hamatora' fashion culture.
Kanagawa
Kabukicho
ネオンが輝く日本最大級の歓楽街、歌舞伎町。ゴジラヘッドや最新のエンターテインメント施設、そしてディープなバー文化が楽しめます。昼から夜への表情の変化も必見です。
Tokyo
Miyazawa Kenji Fairy Tale Village
A magical theme park recreating the world of Kenji Miyazawa. Experience the fusion of literature and nature through themed exhibits and seasonal forest light-up events.
Iwate
Kunohe Family Residence
The Kunohe Family Residence is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property known as a late Edo-period samurai residence. Come and experience the exquisite architectural beauty and the storied history of the Kuroishi Domain firsthand.
Aomori
Nezu Museum
A cultural gem in Minami-Aoyama where precious Japanese and Oriental art meets a beautiful Japanese garden. A perfect place to find serenity and modern architectural beauty in the heart of Tokyo.
Tokyo
Yusuhara Town
A truly unique town where Kengo Kuma's architectural beauty and the history of Sakamoto Ryoma converge. It offers diverse attractions for both architecture enthusiasts and history lovers.
Kochi
Nozakijima Village
世界遺産「長崎と天草地方の潜伏キリシタン関連遺産」の一部である野崎島。かつての神道の聖地から、信仰を守り抜いた人々の集落へと変わった歴史の軌跡を、静謐な自然とともに辿ることができます。旧野首教会や里道など、歴史の息吹を感じる貴重な体験が待っています。
Nagasaki
Kido Takayoshi Old Residence
Explore the historic residence of Kido Takayoshi (Katsura Kogoro), a key leader of the Meiji Restoration. View his birthplace and childhood calligraphy while learning about Japanese history through the insights of local volunteer guides.
Yamaguchi
Saeki-ke Residence
A National Important Cultural Property that preserves the lifestyle of a wealthy mid-Edo period farmer. Experience authentic Japanese history through its thatched-roof architecture and traditional sunken hearth.
Toyama
Chikugo Yoshii (Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings)
A beautiful white-walled town preserving the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town. Enjoy a tranquil walk through historic architecture and scenic waterways.
Fukuoka
Kinosaki Bungeikan (Kinosaki Literary Museum)
Explore the literary legacy of Kinosaki Onsen, a favorite retreat for great writers like Shiga Naoya. Enjoy permanent and special exhibitions, a local gift shop, and a relaxing footbath.
Hyogo
Iga Ryu Ninja Museum
Japan's only dedicated ninja museum where you can experience authentic skills. From thrilling shows to shuriken throwing, there is plenty to keep both adults and children captivated!
Mie
Nomura Clan Samurai Residence
A premier historical spot in Kanazawa featuring a world-renowned Japanese garden, authentic samurai armor, and exquisite traditional art.
Ishikawa
Izushi Traditional Buildings Preservation District
A charming historic area that preserves the Edo-period castle town layout. Walk through streets lined with samurai and merchant houses to experience Japan's traditional architectural beauty.
Hyogo
Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Matsuri
1月15日の夜、火の力で厄災を防ぐ伝統的な火祭り。激しい炎と花火、道祖神太鼓が織りなす日本の伝統文化を、野沢温泉の温泉文化と共に楽しみましょう。
Nagano
Hama no Ichi (Usbara Shrine)
Experience the historic Hama no Ichi festival in September. From the grand Mikoshi processions and golden night fireworks to traditional Kagura dances and cultural workshops, enjoy the very best of Japanese festival spirit.
Oita
Imari Tontenton Festival
The Imari Tontenton Festival is one of Japan's three great fighting festivals. The heroic battle between portable shrines and heavy floats, followed by the dramatic 'Kawa-otoshi' at the Imari River, is a breathtaking spectacle. Experience this special moment of history and passion in October.
Saga
Hanno Matsuri
Hanno Matsuri is a traditional festival held on the first weekend of November, featuring 11 grand floats and traditional music. Experience the excitement of the night-time 'Hikiawase' and the beautiful float parades to feel the heart of Japanese culture.
Saitama
Hiburi Kamakura
Witness the dancing fire rings in the snow. On February 14, the 400-year-old tradition of Hiburi Kamakura lights up the night in Kakunodate. Don't miss this breathtaking ritual of fire and light to experience authentic Japanese winter culture.
Akita
Otaue Matsuri (Rice Planting Festival)
Otaue Matsuri is a traditional Japanese rice-planting ritual. Through unique songs and dances at various shrines, you can experience the deep history and culture of Japanese agriculture.
Mie
Senbon Mochi-tsuki (Suiken-ji Temple)
The 'Senbon Mochi-tsuki' held every January is a breathtaking traditional event featuring about one thousand mallets. This powerful sight of praying for health and protection is a valuable cultural experience. Experience a special moment in history at Suiken-ji Temple amidst the crisp winter air.
Osaka
Yanagi Matsuri
Experience the Yanagi Matsuri in Toyoka City, a highlight of summer in Hyogo. From traditional shrine processions and the energetic Toyoka Odori dance to a spectacular 2,000-shell fireworks display, this is a must-see cultural event.
Yamaguchi
Tsugu Hana Matsuri
Experience the Tsugu Hana Matsuri at Shiratori Shrine on the night of January 2nd. Witness over 30 types of sacred Kagura dances in a high-energy traditional celebration in Shitara Town, Aichi.
Aichi