HIMEJI CASTLE (Himeji-jo), Himeji.

This is Japan's most famous and best-preserved medieval castle.

Download PCX Himeji.zip (size 8660).
Download Himeji.GIF (size 3814).

HORYUJI TEMPLE (Horyu-ji), Nara.

One of Japan's greatest, oldest, and most culturally important temples.

Download PCX Horyuji.zip (size 7095).
Download Horyuji.GIF (size 3320).

HORYUJI PAGODA, Nara.

The pagoda from the famous temple.

Download PCX Pagoda.zip (size 3168).
Download Pagoda.GIF (size 1408).

HORYUJI KONDO, Nara.

The main Kondo (hall) from the famous temple.

Download PCX Shrine.zip (size 2965).
Download Shrine.GIF (size 1298).

MATSUMOTO CASTLE (Matsumoto-jo), Matsumoto.

The contrasting black-bands and white trim of the great tenshu (donjon) makes this castle one of Japan's most beautiful.

Download PCX Matsumot.zip (size 6831).
Download Matsumot.GIF (size 3065).

OSAKA CASTLE (Osaka-jo), Osaka.

Originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583, this castle was for a long time the largest castle in Japan and was considered impregnable. It was beseiged and taken by Tokugawa forces in 1615 and became one of the three main headquarters from which the shogunate controlled the country. The large flat foundation nearby once held palace residences and other now lost structures.

Download PCX Osakajo.zip (size 8541).
Download Osakajo.GIF (size 3898).

TODAIJI TEMPLE (Todai-ji), Nara.

This is the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall) of the Todai-ji. This is claimed to the world's largest wooden structure. It houses a gigantic statue of Buddha.

Download PCX Todaiji.zip (size 3996).
Download Todaiji.GIF (size 1816).