10. Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto) Kumamoto Prefecture—perhaps best known for its adorable bear mascot Kumamon—sits on the southern island of Kyushu. Kumamoto Castle (熊本城・Kumamoto-jo) isn’t only architecturally impressive, as one of the most complete castle experiences in Japan, but also culturally, as it was the location of an important battle during the Satsuma Rebellion, a rebellion incited by Saigo Takamori that served as inspiration for the film The Last Samurai. While always a popular tourist destination, crowds flock in late March to see the hundreds of cherry blossoms trees in bloom. While the castle was damaged in the April 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, it is still prominently visible from the surrounding area. - www.jnto.go.jp