In a narrow sense, they are a type of cultural properties stipulated in the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties and ordinances of the local public entities, and it refers to cultural products with a tangible form including buildings and other structures, and works of fine arts and crafts.
狭義では、日本の文化財保護法や地方公共団体の条例における文化財の種類のひとつで、建造物や美術工芸品などの有形の文化的所産を意味する。