World Heritage

　■　HOKKAIDO

　■　TOKYO

　■　HAKONE

　■　FIVE LAKES

　■　TAKAYAMA

　■　KYOTO

　■　HIROSHIMA

　■　OKINAWA

　■　WORLD HERITAGE

World Heritage in Japan

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Monuments date back as far as 1400 years, and it is the first site to be designated as World Cultural Heritage in Japan.
There are as many as 19 monuments stated as National Treasure.

Himeji-jo
Because of its beautiful features of white walls and architectural design, it is also known as the Egret Castle.
It is often used for filming samurai dramas and films.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto
Kyoto had been creating new cultural trends at every new period during the 1000 years when it served as the capital of the country until the mid 19th Century. It is still the center of Japanese culture where historical architects and gardens are in abundance.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Nara was capital from the year 710 before Kyoto.
The cultural sites that were built upon original Japanese religious beliefs will take you in awe.

Shrines and Temples of Nikko
This religious site where the architects merge in nature as one is filled with cultural and artistic wonders changing scenes with every season.

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
The Gusuku found in Okinawa are original Ryukyu Cultural Heritage that once served as castles.

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
The mountainous area covered with trees that make most of the Kii Peninsula has been thought to be a dwelling place for the gods from long time ago.

Yakushima
The small island with a circumference of 130 km has a very unique landscape with over 40 mountains rising over 1000 meters, thus, also known as the “Alps in the sea”. Its other name is “Galapagos of Asia” because of the different climate range and diverse plants and animals it nurtures. It is most famous for the enormous Jomon-sugi Cedar and Yaku-sugi Cedars.

Shirakami-Sanchi
Some of the largest beech tree forests in the world that still exists untouched by humans are found in the Shirakami Mountains.
For over 8,000 years, the plants and animals here have lived together in harmony.

Shiretoko
Shiretoko is a peninsula stemming out of the northeastern part of Hokkaido with the Sea of Okhotsk lying on its eastern side. It is the southernmost land on earth where glaciers from the North Pole hits in winter. Its ecosystem is intricately affected by the landscape and sea, nurturing various plants and animals.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
Iwami Ginzan was the largest silver mine in Japan from around 1570 to 1700. The method of mining implemented trying not to damage the mountain and cut down trees, and digging small tunnels to mine was an environment-friendly strategy that we should learn from today.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Shirakawa-go is a settlement registered as a World Heritage located 2 hours by bus from Takayama Station. The A-frame architect or Gasshozukuri is a unique style found in this area with extremely heavy snowfall, and has a triangular shaped thatched roof.

* Visiting Shirakawa-go covered with snow would surely be a memorable experience.
* The settlement is lit up on Saturdays from mid-January to mid-February, awaiting you with its mystical beauty.
* Every year three to four houses have their thatched roof renewed. This is quite an experience to watch.

http://www.shirakawa-go.org/english/index.html

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
This park was made to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons in hope for world peace. The Atomic Bomb Dome- a world heritage, Peace Memorial Museum, and numerous monuments are located here.

http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/top_e.html

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Located 40 minutes from Hiroshima Station by train and ferry, the small island with a perimeter of 30 km is stated as one of the Three Best Views of Japan. There are a countless number of shrines in Japan, but the Itsukushima Shrine holds a very special feature of a floating torii, and is a world cultural heritage.

Photos by Heiwa ga Ichiban http://heiwa-ga-ichiban.jp/