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

Kayabuki no Sato

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Nantanshi Miyamachoukita Pickle stone 21-1

One of the top sightseeing spots of Miyama-cho, this park is filled with old-fashioned thatched roof buildings and homes rarely found today, providing a glimpse into Japan’s past. The northern village was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government in 1993. The oldest home here was built in 1796 and 38 of the 50 structures are thatch roofed. Most of the structures are private homes, but there is also a cultural interaction facility and museum dedicated to folk customs. There are also thatched roof guesthouses where visitors can stay.
Yoshijima Heritage House

4.0

99 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Pref. Takayamashi Oushinmachi 1-51

This old kominka house was the residence of the Yoshijima sake brewing family for generations. It has been designated a nationally Important Cultural Property. A large ball of cedar twigs hangs from the eaves above the entrance, and a noren curtain at the door has the two stripes of the family crest. The inner hall and entrance hall have a high vaulted ceiling, and the main pillar and other woodwork displays splendid craftsmanship. The interior gives you a real feel of its long history, especially in the drawing room where Toko Shinoda's work is on display.

Almost everybody come to Takayama just for the old town lane, and you will expect the crowds especially at morning and afternoon time. Almost a long queue in the food area and the old houses there...
Taichoro Reception Hall

4.5

91 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hiroshima Pref. Fukuyamashi Tomochou Tomo 2

This is a temple which was considered to have been built by Kuya Shonin in the middle of the Heian period. The Taichoro Reception Hall was built in 1694 as the reception hall of Fukuzenji Temple, and it was used as a reception hall to host Korean envoys. As the building and related artifacts from the time of the envoy have been preserved, the hall was designated as a National Historic Site as the “historic ruins used for the Korean envoy on the grounds of Fukuzenji Temple” in 1994.

Tomonoura is not well known to people from Eastern Japan or foreign visitors, but its a very pretty town and worth visiting. The view from this temple is beyond expression. Literally, its a...
Aizu Samurai School Nisshinkan

4.5

59 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukushima Pref. Aiduwakamatsushi Kawahigashimachiminamikouya Takatsukayama 10

The Nisshikan is a place of learning built in 1803 for the purpose of raising personnel within the Aizu clan. 10-year old children in the Aizu clan would come here to liberal and martial arts, and Byakkotai was also trained here. The original building burned down, but it has been completely recreated in the residential district of Aizu Wakamatsu using the original plans. The archery and martial arts gyms are open and utilized for a variety of purposes, including orientations, training camps, and on-location tv shoots. It offers experiences with zazen (seated meditation), tea ceremony, and archery for the general public.

會津藩校日新館を訪れました。もとは鶴ヶ城近くにあったそうですが、新たにここに建てられ、展示しているそう。学芸員の説明が丁寧。施設内をご案内いただきました。
Fukuoka City Red Brick Culture Center

4.0

77 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashichuouku Tenjin 1-15-30

Designed by representative Meiji architects Tatsuno Kingo and Kataoka Yasushi, this was constructed to be the Kyushu branch office of Nippon Life Insurance. The building with its roof featuring a dome, small tower and roof windows, and its characteristic red brick and white granite outer walls is an example of design that borrows from late 19th-century British style. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1969 and ownership was transferred to Fukuoka City. It was used as a historical archive until 1990, then renovated and reopened in 1994 as the Red Brick Culture Center. The Fukuoka City Museum of Literature was established on the first floor as a general library, and gathers and provides a variety of information concerning literature.

天神の繫華街エリアからほど近い場所にあります。名前の通り日本生命保険九州支店として竣工した建物で東京駅などの設計でしられる辰野金吾らによる建築です。規模は全然違いますが東京駅の雰囲気と似た感じがありますね。
Otaru City Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion)

4.0

98 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Otarushi Shukutsu 3-228

A mansion built for the fishing families in Otaru City. Originally established in Tomari on the Shakotan Peninsula in 1897 the mansion was relocated to its current location in 1958. Items and tools used in the daily lives of the families and used in the catching and processing of herring are on display. You can also experience the techniques of the time yourself with hands on exhibits.

Gives perspective to traditional fishing culture in Hokkaido with artifact and exhibits All beautifully displayed and with great views.
Tekijuku

4.0

91 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Kitahama 3-3-8

This is a private cram school that was opened in 1838 by Ogata Koan, a leading researcher of Ran-igaku (Dutch medicine). It is located about a five-minute walk from Yodoyabashi Station or Kitahama Station on the Midosuji Subway Line / Keihan Electric Railway. The Dutch study school educated many inspirational people such as Fukuzawa Yukichi and Omura Masujiro and is now an Important Cultural Property. The surrounding area has been made into an historic park and visitors can view both the outside and inside of the restored house where Koan once lived. Additionally, there are events such as special exhibits and lectures held in the building.

適塾は中之島近くにある緒方洪庵が江戸時代に大阪船場に開いた蘭学の塾です。またこの塾は開塾から25年間で約3,000人の入門生があったと伝えられ、福沢諭吉や大村益次郎など多くの名士を輩出しています。現在は適塾の前身のする大阪大学が管理しており一般公開されていました。
Former British Consulate in Shimonoseki

3.5

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Shimonoseki-shi Karatocho 4-11

In Shimonoseki, near the fish market and wharf are a few Western-style buildings. The former British Consulate is one of the buildings that still stands today. You can enter the building, free of...
Biwako Otsu

4.0

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shiga Otsu-shi Yanagasaki 5-35

Beautiful old building with English gardens around and good view on Lake Biwa, especially from the restaurant. They have a nice souvenir shop with all kinds of rose products and others.
Yodoko Guest House (Former House of Yamamura Family)

4.5

56 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hyogo Pref. Ashiyashi Yamatechou 3-10

The mansion, designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, was completed along the Ashiya River in Ashiya City in 1924 (Taisho 13). Originally built as a villa for Sakura Masamune, it later became a guest house for Yodogawa Steel Works, and is now called YODOKO Guest House. 1971 (Showa 46), a plan to rebuild an apartment building was blocked by a preservation movement, and the building was opened to the public. 1974 (Showa 49), it was designated a National Important Cultural Property. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1974, and is one of the few Wright-designed buildings still standing, along with the Jiyu Gakuen Asutumu-kan in Tokyo.

This is vintage FLW. Go there if youre a fan. If youre not one already, go visit too and become one.. The place, just 20 minute by train from Osaka, is the perfect fusion of FLW principles and...
Nagase House

4.0

86 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Gifu Ono-gun Shirakawamura Ogimachi 823-2

This five-story gassho (large thatched roof) style house is located an eight-minute walk from Shirakawago Bus Terminal. Its main feature is its roof, with a single pillar (gassho pillar) around 11 meters long piercing through it from top to bottom. It is an old house that has stood for 250 years. Since the first to third generations were doctors, medical tools from the Edo period (1603-1868) still remain. In 2001, the roof retiling performed for the first time in 80 years was broadcast on television and became a popular topic of discussion. Even now, a video is broadcast inside showing the building being retiled by about 500 volunteers.

I enjoyed this house very much. Lots of interesting items to see on the top floor. Open until 5pm for 300 yen.
Berrick Hall

4.0

68 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Yamatechou 72

Berrick Hall, located next to Motomachi Park, was built in 1930 as the residence of British trader B.R. Berrick. With an area of approximately 2,000 square meters, it is the largest building among the existing Yamate Foreign Residences. Based on the Spanish style, this building is of architectural value, with a variety of decorations such as the triple arch at the entrance, small windows called quatrefoils, and walls restored using the fresco technique in the interior.

１Ｆはダンスなど社交場として利用されていたのであろう大きなフロア。２Ｆはご子息と来客用、家主用の部屋があり、風呂・トイレ完備の各部屋は大きく当時の中においても相当裕福な家庭であったことが容易に想像ができました。
Iya-no-Kazurabashi Bridge

Travel / Tourism

Tokushima Pref. Miyoshishi Nishiyayamamurazentoku 162-2

Designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of the country, the 45 meter long and two meter wide suspension bridge crosses the clear running waters of the Iya River at a height of 14 meters above the water’s surface. The bridge is made of hardy kiwi vines that grow wild in the cold mountains and are replaced once every three years. Various views exist as to why the bridge was originally built, one of which says that it was constructed by fugitives of the Taira clan who, in order to prevent attackers getting close, built it out of vines so they could quickly cut it down. Another probable story says that it was made by the saint, Kobo Daishi, who used to roam the valleys of Iya, in order to help stricken villagers.
Ainokura Folklore Museum

4.0

32 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Toyama Pref. Nantoshi Ainokura 352

This folk history museum sits in a corner of the Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village, a World Heritage site located in the mountains east from Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway's Gokayama Interchange via the Hietsukyo Gassho Scenic Route. It is notable for its two gassho-zukuri style buildings with straw-thatched roofs which were once a residence of the old Ozaki Family. The museum exhibits articles once used by villagers, as well as historical materials that convey the village's tradition of mutual aid. On the second floor, guests can get a close look at the unique framework and internal construction of gassho-zukuri buildings. The museum's second building, the Ainokura Traditional Industry Museum, contains historical materials about washi (Japanese paper) and saltpeter, two of Gokayama's traditional industries. Visitors at the museum can learn about the history of Japan through the wisdom and hardships of ancestors.

世界遺産に登録されている相倉合掌造り集落。その入り口にある駐車場から、集落の中心を通っている道を進んで行くと、相倉民族館がありました。民族館自体が合掌造りの建物で、入館料は300円。おとなりの相倉伝統産業館との共通券/は500円です。館内には、五箇山の江戸時代の生活道具などが展示されています。階段を上って屋根裏にあがることもできます。屋根裏に上がると、合掌造りの骨組みや内部構造を間近に見...
Important Cultural Property - Kikuya Residence

4.0

88 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Gofukumachi 1-1

This is the residence of the Kikuya family who were wealthy merchants of Hagi domain. The Ouchi clan lived in attendance in Yamaguchi but following the downfall of the Ouchi they became merchants. In 1604, accompanying Mori Terumoto’s move to Hagi, the Kikuya family were bestowed land where their residence is now located and set about constructing a home. This residence which has a 400-year history is among the oldest surviving examples in the whole country as an existing merchant. The main house which has a spacious tatami room was constructed in the early Edo period. Five buildings starting with the main house have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Like all rich merchant families in the old times, this house is full of memorabilia, and all are so special. And it will be incomplete if you do not visit the garden, it was so beautiful, esp, Autumn...
Old Osaka merchant ship

4.0

82 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushimojiku Minatomachi 7-18

The first floor is a gallery for Watase Seizo, a cartoonist from Kitakyushu City, and a gallery for Mojiko and other local artists to exhibit and sell their works. The second floor is a rental hall.

This is one of the western buildings in Mojiko Retro area. It was once used as an office of sea transportation company. Inside is now beautiful a gallery, but as I went at night, I just took pictures...
Former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch Museum

4.0

81 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagasaki Pref. Nagasakishi Matsugaemachi 4-27

Completed in 1904, the building is the only existing monument designed by Kikutaro Shimoda (1866-1931), a genius of the architectural world in from the Meiji through early-Showa period and has become a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property. One of the largest Western-style buildings in Nagasaki City, it has a design that emphasizes its front facing the sea, such as with the arcade of continuous arches on the first floor, architectural style called order using the large round Corinthian columns passing through the second and third floors, and a triangle gable above it all. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch was the only foreign bank to the west of Kobe at the time, and it was a special exchange bank whose main business was trading of foreign currencies in London, Shanghai and Hong Kong and foreign exchange for clients such as foreign residents, particularly traders. Attached to the Nagasaki Museum of Modern-Era Exchange, Sun Yat-sen & Umeya Shokichi, it introduces the history of Nagasaki that served as an international trade port and the friendship that transcended national borders between Sun Yat-sen, father of the Chinese revolution, and Shokichi Umeya, the Nagasaki entrepreneur who supported the revolution. In addition, there is also an experience corner where you can have fun learning.

A great architectural building that shows the grandeur of former years of the area and of banking as a whole and it deserves to be preserved as it has. Now a museum this stands out against the...
Sanada House

4.0

78 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Pref. Naganoshi Matsushiromachi Matsushiro 1

This was built for the mother-in-law of ninth generation Matsushiro domain lord Yukinori Sanada towards the end of the Edo period. From the Meiji period it became a private residence of the Sanda family, and in 1966 it was transferred along with heirlooms to the care of Nagano City. It is a court construction with a main building, front gate, seven storehouses and garden, and one can enjoy the charms of the four seasons from within. Paper cutting and koto performances are held in the third storehouse.

This will give you an idea of how the gentry lived in Japan during the Edo period . It is well maintained, and the centerpiece of a number of historical sites, including some castle ruins. There are...
Hokkaido University

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Sapporoshi Kita-ku Kitahachijounishi 5

Hokkaido University, which first opened as Sapporo Agriculture College in 1876. After that, it has made a great contribution not only to agriculture, but also to the development of Hokkaido. The words Professor Clark left for his students on his departure from Sapporo “Boys be ambitious!” remain as the university’s motto today. The university grounds are enormous, the Sapporo campus being approximately 1.77 million square meters, which is the size of 38 Tokyo Dome baseball stadiums. Walking around the nature-filled campus with its avenues lined with poplars and elm forests is an enjoyable experience.
Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence

4.0

79 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshichuouku Anseimachi 2-6

Koizumi Yakumo, also known as Lafcadio Hearn, was the famed author of tales based on Japanese legends such as Hoichi the Earless and The Snow Woman. The residence here was the first home he lived in in Japan when he came to Kumamoto as an English teacher for Daigo Junior and Senior High School (now Kumamoto University). It is said that Hearn penned Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan in this building. The residence was severely damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and currently only a portion of the home and garden are open to the public (as of January 2017).

In a small park behind Tsuruya department store, there is a former residence of Koizumi Yakumo, a famous writer of Meiji. As I am interested in literature, the visit was quite meaningful. Natume...