In 1975, through an amendment to the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties, a system of “Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings” was introduced in order to protect historic cities, towns and villages in Japan, including castle towns, post towns, and towns built around shrines and temples. This system enables municipalities to designate “Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings.” Municipalities also develop a plan based on the municipal preservation ordinance to carry out preservation projects. Among the Preservation Districts, those of national significance are classified as “Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings” by the national government upon receiving an application from a municipal government.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs and prefectural Boards of Education provide guidance and advice to municipal efforts to preserve and utilize Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. They also provide financial support and tax breaks to municipal projects such as restoration, facade enhancement, and installation of facilities for disaster prevention and information boards.

As of July 8, 2015, 110 districts in 90 municipalities are classified as Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (total area of approximately 3,787.9 hectares), which contain about 26,400 traditional buildings designated as traditional buildings or environmental properties.

Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Building in Higashiyama-higashi, Kanazawa City (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Building in Miyamacho-Kita, Nantan City (Kyoto)

Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Building in Tonaki-jima, Tonaki Village (Okinawa Prefecture)

List of Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings

View names, types, and dates of the selection of current Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Japan Council for Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings

Council consisting of municipalities that have Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings in their area. The website contains "Photography of Districts of Traditional Buildings" and "Changes in the Cityscape on the Map.