Important Cultural Property is Japan's designation for buildings, art, and artifacts of exceptional historical or artistic value. From temples and castles to scrolls and swords, these treasures are protected and often open to visitors.
It is an official designation by Japan's government for tangible heritage, including buildings, sculptures, paintings, crafts, and documents judged to have high historical or artistic value. The most exceptional are further designated National Treasures.
Many are temples, shrines, and castles you can visit directly, such as Kinkaku-ji or Himeji Castle, while others are housed in national and regional museums.
