{"id":1409,"date":"2019-08-01T07:02:15","date_gmt":"2019-08-01T05:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1409"},"modified":"2024-09-06T11:46:58","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T09:46:58","slug":"unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan","title":{"rendered":"UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is well known as a nation of long standing culture. Its rich history plays across its modern landscape in both its structures and its people. Fittingly, <strong>Japan is home to 26 of the more than 1,000 World Heritage Sites<\/strong> as described by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>UNESCO World Heritage Sites are <strong>deemed such due to their \u201coutstanding universal value\u201d<\/strong> in the fields of science, history, or culture, and are \u201cimportant to the collective interests of humanity.\u201d The sites are considered cultural property and are legally protected by international treaties.<\/p>\n<p><strong>These sites fall into two categories: cultural and natural locations<\/strong>. Why not immerse yourself in one of these sites on your next Japanese vacation?<\/p>\n<p><strong>Check out our complete listing of UNESCO sites<\/strong> to discover which sites resonate with you personally.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Japan_Cultural_Heritage_Sites\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Japan Cultural Heritage Sites<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#National_Museum_of_Western_Art\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.1<\/span> National Museum of Western Art<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Meiji_Industrial_Revolution_Sites\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.2<\/span> Meiji Industrial Revolution Sites<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Tomioka_Silk_Mill_and_Related_Sites\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.3<\/span> Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Mount_Fuji\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.4<\/span> Mount Fuji<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Historic_Monuments_and_Sites_of_Hiraizumi\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.5<\/span> Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Iwami_Ginzan_Silver_Mine_and_Cultural_Landscape\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.6<\/span> Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Cultural Landscape<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Pilgrimage_Routes_and_Sacred_Sites_of_the_Kii_Mountain_Range\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.7<\/span> Pilgrimage Routes and Sacred Sites of the Kii Mountain Range<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Gusuku_Sites_and_Properties_of_the_Kingdom_of_Ryukyu\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.8<\/span> Gusuku Sites and Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shrines_and_Temples_of_Nikko\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.9<\/span> Shrines and Temples of Nikko<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Monuments_of_Ancient_Nara\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.10<\/span> Monuments of Ancient Nara<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Itsukushima_Shrine\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.11<\/span> Itsukushima Shrine<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Hiroshima_Genbaku_Dome\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.12<\/span> Hiroshima Genbaku Dome<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shirakawa-go_and_Gokayama\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.13<\/span> Shirakawa-go and Gokayama<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Monuments_of_Ancient_Kyoto\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.14<\/span> Monuments of Ancient Kyoto<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Himeji_Castle\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.15<\/span> Himeji Castle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Horyu-ji_Temple\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.16<\/span> Horyu-ji Temple<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Okinoshima_and_Associated_Sites_in_the_Munakata_Region\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.17<\/span> Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Hidden_Christian_Sites_in_the_Nagasaki_Region\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.18<\/span> Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Mozu-Furuichi_Kofungun_Ancient_Tumulus_Clusters\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.19<\/span> Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun, Ancient Tumulus Clusters<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Jomon_Prehistoric_Sites_in_Northern_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.20<\/span> Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Sado_Island_Gold_Mine\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">1.21<\/span> Sado Island Gold Mine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Japan_Natural_Heritage_Sites\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Japan Natural Heritage Sites<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Ogasawara_Islands\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.1<\/span> Ogasawara Islands<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shiretoko_National_Park\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.2<\/span> Shiretoko National Park<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Shirakami_Sanchi\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.3<\/span> Shirakami Sanchi<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Yakushima\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.4<\/span> Yakushima<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Nansei_Islands\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">2.5<\/span> Nansei Islands<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Japan_Cultural_Heritage_Sites\"><strong>Japan Cultural Heritage Sites<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"National_Museum_of_Western_Art\"><strong>National Museum of Western Art<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 2016, this museum is located in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/3-days-tokyo-itinerary#Ueno_Park_and_Ueno_Zoo\">Ueno Park, Tokyo<\/a>. It is renowned for its architecture by Le Corbusier. It <strong>contains over 4,500 sculptures and paintings<\/strong> from the last 500 years including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and Cezanne. The exterior grounds are also very impressive.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9442\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9442\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9442 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/national-museum-western-art-e1564668813280.jpg\" alt=\"National Museum of Western Art\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9442\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This museum was the premier public art gallery in Japan specializing in Western art<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Meiji_Industrial_Revolution_Sites\"><strong>Meiji Industrial Revolution Sites<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 2015, the Industrial Revolution Sites are located in 8 of Japan\u2019s prefectures, highlighting Japan\u2019s rise to become an industrial power. They<strong> symbolize the country\u2019s key industrie<\/strong>s such as iron, steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining which were central to the country\u2019s rapid economic growth.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Tomioka_Silk_Mill_and_Related_Sites\"><strong>Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Tomioka, in the Fukushima prefecture, was <strong>the first silk mill to employ modern machinery<\/strong>, and was important to the industrialization of Japan.<\/p>\n<p>It received world heritage status in 2014 for its <strong>central role in transforming the Japanese silk industry<\/strong> into an international trade commodity in the 19th century. Several of today\u2019s leading manufacturers, including Toyota, are rooted in the industry.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Mount_Fuji\"><strong>Mount Fuji<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 2013, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-fuji\">Mount Fuji<\/a> (Fujisan) in Yamanashi is a symbol of Japan itself and is considered <strong>culturally and spiritually inspiring<\/strong>. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The views from afar are truly spectacular on clear days and thousands of visitors choose to make the climb each year. The official climbing season runs from July to September.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_269\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-269\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-269\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/LakeAshi_and_MtFuji_Hakone-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"LakeAshi and Mt Fuji Hakone\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-269\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji in Hakone. Photo by @\u6728\u66f4\u6d25\u4e43\u98a8 (Wikimedia).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Historic_Monuments_and_Sites_of_Hiraizumi\"><strong>Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Representing the Buddhist \u201cPure Land,\u201d these <strong>archaeological areas, temples, and gardens<\/strong> of Iwate (in north Honshu) were listed in 2011. There is an incredible amount to see but some of the highlights include Chusonji Temple, which attempts to create an ideal Buddhist world, and Motsuji Temple, which is famous for its breathtaking gardens.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Iwami_Ginzan_Silver_Mine_and_Cultural_Landscape\"><strong>Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Cultural Landscape<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This site in the mountains of Oda City, Shimane was listed in 2007. The mine was <strong>established in 1526 and operated for more than 400 years<\/strong>. The main site consists of mine shafts and ruins from the peak mining period, as well as a variety of temples and shrines.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Pilgrimage_Routes_and_Sacred_Sites_of_the_Kii_Mountain_Range\"><strong>Pilgrimage Routes and Sacred Sites of the Kii Mountain Range<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Japanese pilgrims have walked these routes for over 1,000 years. There are over <strong>200 miles of the stunning, biodiverse pathways<\/strong> for visitors to enjoy and the Kii Mountain Range is an active site of devotion in both the Shinto and Buddhist religions.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Gusuku_Sites_and_Properties_of_the_Kingdom_of_Ryukyu\"><strong>Gusuku Sites and Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ryukyu was once a thriving independent state which lived peacefully alongside Japan. The kingdom was abolished in 1879 when it was incorporated into Japan as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okinawa-travel-guide\">Okinawa<\/a>. However, the essence of the kingdom lives in the <strong>extravagant castle and the other remains<\/strong> of the romantic, bygone era.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Shrines_and_Temples_of_Nikko\"><strong>Shrines and Temples of Nikko<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nikko-itinerary\">Nikko<\/a> is home to a Buddhist temple and 2 Shinto shrines. They have stood there for centuries among their stunning natural surroundings. The complex consists of <strong>over 300 religious buildings<\/strong> which are known for their incredible architecture and decoration. The oldest of the structures were built in the 8th century.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_894\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-894\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-894\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/toshogu-shrine-nikko.jpg\" alt=\"Toshogu shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/toshogu-shrine-nikko.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/toshogu-shrine-nikko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/toshogu-shrine-nikko-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-894\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Toshogu Shrine is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Monuments_of_Ancient_Nara\"><strong>Monuments of Ancient Nara<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a> was the ancient capital of Japan from 710 to 784 and thankfully there is still plenty to witness.There are <strong>8 main structures to see including the magical Nara Palace<\/strong>, Yajushi-ji, and an enormous Buddha. The surrounding area is truly enchanting and wild deer roam freely around the forest.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Itsukushima_Shrine\"><strong>Itsukushima Shrine<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Located on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/miyajima-travel-guide\">Miyajima<\/a> island, near <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide\">Hiroshima<\/a>, this shrine was listed as a heritage site in 1996. The area has been important to Shintoism since the 12th century. It is <strong>famous for its Torii gate<\/strong> that seems to float upon the sea.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Hiroshima_Genbaku_Dome\"><strong>Hiroshima Genbaku Dome<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Also called the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide#Peace_Memorial_Park\">Hiroshima Peace Memorial<\/a>, this site was listed in 1996. The dome is the only structure to have survived the atomic bombing of the city in 1945. The memorial is <strong>intended to remind the world of the importance of peace<\/strong>. Learn more by visiting our Hiroshima travel guide.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Shirakawa-go_and_Gokayama\"><strong>Shirakawa-go and Gokayama<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The historic villages of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shirakawago-travel-guide\">Shirakawa-go and Gokayama<\/a> contain <strong>traditional farmhouses which are more than 400 years old<\/strong>. The quintessential Gassho Zukuri thatched roofs lined along the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains makes you feel like you\u2019ve gone back in time. The site, near the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps\">Japanese Alps<\/a>, was granted world heritage status in 1995.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1169\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1169\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1169\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/shirakawago-800x532.jpg\" alt=\"Panoramic view of Shirakawago village\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1169\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-g\u014d and Gokayama are one of Japan&#8217;s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Monuments_of_Ancient_Kyoto\"><strong>Monuments of Ancient Kyoto<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 1994, 17 structures make up this Heritage Site, including Kinkaku-ji, Byodo-in, and Kiyomizu-dera. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/kyoto-travel-guide\">Kyoto<\/a> was founded in 794 C.E., and the historic sites <strong>date from the 900\u2019s<\/strong> to the 1600\u2019s. See our Kyoto travel guide for more information.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Himeji_Castle\"><strong>Himeji Castle<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 1993, Himeji Castle in Hyogo is <strong>a stately example of 17th century architecture<\/strong>. The castle recently underwent extensive renovations to restore it to its former glory. Learn more by visiting our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji Castle travel guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1094\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1094\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1094\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/himeji-castle-cherry-blossom-e1489142437462-800x509.jpg\" alt=\"Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season\" width=\"700\" height=\"445\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1094\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Himeji castle during the cherry blossom season<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Horyu-ji_Temple\"><strong>Horyu-ji Temple<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 1993, the Horyu-ji temple complex in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\">Nara<\/a> <strong>includes 48 Buddhist monuments<\/strong> and two temples, Hokki-ji and Horyu-ji. The ancient structures \u2013 thought to be the oldest wooden architecture in the world &#8211; date to the introduction of Buddhism in Japan in the seventh century.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Okinoshima_and_Associated_Sites_in_the_Munakata_Region\"><strong>Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cLocated 60 kilometers off the western coast of Kyushu island, the island of Okinoshima is an exceptional <strong>example of the tradition of worship of a sacred island<\/strong>,\u201d says UNESCO. The archaeological sites are practically intact and provide a chronological insight on how the rituals performed there changed from the 4th to the 9th centuries.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Hidden_Christian_Sites_in_the_Nagasaki_Region\">Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A group of 12 religious sites which tell the story of Christianity\u2019s revival after years of state suppression during the Edo Period (1603-1867). The sites <strong>include a cathedral, churches, and ruins<\/strong> which are dotted around the region of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagasaki-travel-guide\">Nagasaki<\/a>. The original proposal included 26 sites but only 12 were officially listed in 2007.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Mozu-Furuichi_Kofungun_Ancient_Tumulus_Clusters\">Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun, Ancient Tumulus Clusters<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>several dozen ancient tombs<\/strong> are located south of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/osaka-travel-guide\">Osaka<\/a> and were designated a Cultural World Heritage Site in 2019. They were built between the 4th and 6th centuries for the ancient ruling elite. There are several larger, more elaborate tombs for people of a higher social status as well as smaller, simpler ones.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Jomon_Prehistoric_Sites_in_Northern_Japan\">Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Added to the UNESCO Heritage list in July 2021, this <strong>collection of 17 archaeological sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku<\/strong> date to the Jomon period, which ended around 300 AD. Several of the sites have reconstructed dwellings from the period, as well as museums displaying artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and figurines.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Sado_Island_Gold_Mine\">Sado Island Gold Mine<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Designated as a World Heritage Site in 2024, this former gold mine was the most productive in Japan during the Edo Period, and largely funded the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Sado Island. Visitors can <strong>stroll through tunnels that were hand- dug over 400 years ago<\/strong>, in which visitors can see recreations of the gold miners at work.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Japan_Natural_Heritage_Sites\"><strong>Japan Natural Heritage Sites<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"Ogasawara_Islands\"><strong>Ogasawara Islands <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Thirty islands of Ogasawara were listed in 2011. Located off the coast of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a>, the islands are <strong>home to 195 bird species considered endangered of extinction<\/strong>. The only way to reach the islands is by a weekly 24-hour ferry ride from Tokyo. Only the 2 largest islands, Chichijima (Father Island) and Hahajima (Mother Island), are inhabited.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Shiretoko_National_Park\"><strong>Shiretoko National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Located in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokkaido-shinkansen\">Hokkaido<\/a>, this site was listed in 2005. This ecological treasure of northern Japan is home to numerous bird species listed as \u201cthreatened.\u201d It is <strong>also one of Japan\u2019s most jaw-dropping natural parks<\/strong>. The area is completely unspoiled and therefore hard to access. No roads reach further than 4 miles up the peninsula.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1415\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1415\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-1415\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/shiretoko-sunset.jpg\" alt=\"Cape Puyuni sunset\" width=\"700\" height=\"470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/shiretoko-sunset.jpg 763w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/shiretoko-sunset-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1415\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cape Puyuni is a major spot for watching the sunset in Shiretoko<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Shirakami_Sanchi\"><strong>Shirakami Sanchi <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 1993, this area is <strong>among the last virgin beach forests<\/strong> \u2013 forests that are untouched and unaltered by man \u2013 to be found in Asia, home to the rare Siebold\u2019s beech tree. It&#8217;s located in the Aomori and Akita prefectures in northern <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Yakushima\"><strong>Yakushima <\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Listed in 1993, Yakushima Island is located off the coast of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu<\/a>. It is <strong>home to a unique natural ecosystem<\/strong>, including yaku-sagi cedar trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_9437\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-9437\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-9437 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/yakushima-island-e1564668609956.jpg\" alt=\"Yakushima island\" width=\"700\" height=\"443\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-9437\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yakashima is the southernmost place in Japan where you can find snow in the mountains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Nansei_Islands\">Nansei Islands<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Several subtropical islands in the Nansei island chain were added as Japan\u2019s 5th Natural World Heritage Site in July 2021. They have their own ecosystems with many <strong>unique plant and animal species<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Amami Oshima Island<\/strong> is known for its picturesque beaches and mangrove forest, while beautiful <strong>Tokunoshima Island<\/strong> has both unique natural and cultural attractions \u2014 including its own brand of bullfighting and an annual triathlon.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Iriomote Island<\/strong> is a wild paradise in the middle of the ocean \u2014 90% of the island is covered in jungle and mangrove forest. Tours are based around outdoor activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.<\/p>\n<p>On <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okinawa-travel-guide\">Okinawa<\/a>, <strong>the Yanbaru Region<\/strong> is a far cry from the urban south of the island. With forested hills and endemic wildlife, this area is ideal for nature-lovers.<\/p>\n<p>Nearly <strong>a dozen additional Japanese sites are on UNESCO\u2019s \u201cTentative List,\u201d<\/strong> awaiting future induction as World Heritage Sites. How many sites from this growing list have you visited? Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\">destinations<\/a> category to learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Japan is well known as a nation of long standing culture. Its rich history plays across its modern landscape in both its structures and its people. 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