Each of the 47 prefectures in Japan teems with the essentials that make a trip memorable: must-go places of interest, delectable food, interesting locals and customs, just to mention a few. Thus it can be quite overwhelming trying to narrow down the things you want to do and fitting them into your itinerary. Thankfully, the Japanese are systematic people who have pored over the multitude of highlights and crowned the top three in myriad categories: castles, bridges, onsens, and festivals. So why not tour Japan by visiting the Top Three attractions in your preferred categories? Here are four tours you can undertake.

Few things enlighten you more about the lives of samurai during the turbulent Sengoku (Warring States) period than castles. Built by Kiyomasa Kato, Kumamoto Castle stands impressively as the tallest building in the whole of Kumamoto City. Check out its curved musha-gaeshi (literally means 'samurai return') stone walls that were cleverly designed to deter incoming invaders!

Another castle that qualifies as one of Japan's Top Three Castles is Matsumoto Castle in Nagano. It will strike an indelible impression due to its black walls, which is a rare trait not found in many other castles. Plus, it is surrounded by a picturesque moat, which makes for lovely Instagram-worthy selfies!

Rounding up the selection is Kobe Prefecture's Himeji Castle. A formidable fortress with 21 gates, it takes your breath away with its porcelain white facade, which is said to resemble a white egret taking flight!

Japan's bridges are marvels of architectural feats and reveal proudly Japanese craftsmanship in elegant and outstanding skills. Take the Kintai-kyo bridge in Yamaguchi for instance. Comprising five awe-inspiring arches, this wooden bridge was constructed in 1673 - without the use of any nails! You simply must go under it to have a more intimate look at the arches and imagine how they were built.

Apart from Kintai-kyo Bridge, another interesting-looking bridge is the Meganebashi Bridge in Nagasaki. As the word megane (spectacles) suggests, this bridge is named so because the reflection of the double-arched bridge resembles a pair of eyeglasses. Perfect photography spot for fans of symmetrical landscapes! And who can forget the Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo, a monumental landmark as it bore witness to the movement of people and goods on the Nakasendo and Tokaido roads which connected Tokyo and Kyoto?

When in Japan, do as the Japanese do, especially when they take a dip into piping hot onsens to relax their muscles. Recommendations for awesome onsens abound, but for starters, you may want to try out Japan's three most famous onsen resorts during the Edo period: Kusatsu Onsen, Gero Onsen and Arima Onsen. There are few things in life more therapeutic than watching gallons of boiling hot water gush forth from the ground and get stirred by long wooden paddles at Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma. If you would rather be an active participant, you can pay a nominal sum to stir the waters yourself! On the other hand, kabuki buffs will relish the chance of catching amateur kabuki performances after taking a highly-anticipated dip in the waters at Gero Onsen in Gifu. Finally, soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of faded majesty of Arima Onsen in Hyogo. After all, a Japanese emperior first paid a visit to this rustic town before the 7th century!

Pulsing with energy and exuberance, summer matsuri (festivals) are a great way to observe the Japanese’s distinctive local customs and lively spirits. Look no further than the Three Great Festivals of the Tohoku region. For one, Aomori Prefecture’s Nebuta Matsuri showcases huge colorful lantern floats that depict larger-than-life gods and demons and stimulate your mind in regards to Japanese folklore. Another sight to behold is the pole lanterns, the undisputed star of Akita Prefecture’s Kanto Matsuri. Burly strong men balance heavy poles that consist of candle-lit paper lanterns. Your heart will be in your throat as you watch them switch position from time to time so that they can balance these poles on these four positions: palm, forehead, shoulder and hip. Magnificent display of dexterity and strength! For something more mellow, you can head over to Sendai’s Tanabata Matsuri. Commemorating the reunion of folktale characters, the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd, it arrests your sight with truckloads of brightly decorated paper streamers hung at vibrant shopping arcades.

Which of the above-mentioned four tours piques your curiosity and triggers your interest most? Here’s hoping that you will be able to undertake one (or more) of these tours in your next trip to Japan! Share your personal experiences with us in the comments below!