Sacred Japan is built around shrines and temples — but a full visit to Japan stretches far beyond them. The four cultural guides below explore the country's castles, its traditional crafts, the regional food that defines each part of the archipelago, and the anime pilgrimage spots that turn fans into travelers. Use them as starting points to plan a deeper trip.
Explore Japan's Culture
日本文化を旅する
CULTURE 01 ／ 日本の城
🏯 Japan's 12 Surviving Original Castles →
Of Japan's hundreds of castles, only 12 still have their original wooden keeps — the 5 National Treasures and 7 Important Cultural Properties.
CULTURE 02 ／ 伝統工芸
🎨 Japan's 18 Traditional Crafts →
A guided tour of 18 crafts across 9 regions — from Ainu wood carving and Nambu ironware to Wajima lacquer, Kyoto silks, and Ryukyu Bingata.
CULTURE 03 ／ アニメ聖地
🌸 Anime Pilgrimage: 18 Sacred Spots →
A pilgrimage guide to 18 of Japan's most beloved anime locations — from Your Name's Tokyo staircase and Lake Suwa to Demon Slayer's Kamado Shrine in Fukuoka.
CULTURE 04 ／ 郷土料理
🍜 Japan's Regional Cuisine →
A culinary journey through 9 regions and 18 signature dishes — from Sapporo miso ramen and Sendai gyutan to Hakata tonkotsu and Okinawa goya champuru.