World UNESO Heritage Sites

Japan is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural beauty. These sites range from ancient temples and shrines to breathtaking natural landscapes.

Here are the locations on the map

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1TC34JGDW3oKAsqg915HABnXwM6IUw3g&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1

1. Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/660

2. Himeji-jo

See more here: Himeji-jo – UNESCO World Heritage Centre

3. Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu Cities)

Kyoto served as Japan’s Imperial capital from 794 until the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, when the capital was moved to Edo, now Tokyo. As Japan’s cultural center for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is a prime destination for exploring the country’s rich history and architectural marvels. The UNESCO World Heritage listing includes 17 significant sites, such as the gold-clad Kinkakuji Temple, the majestic Kiyomizudera Temple, and the elegantly decorated Nijo Castle. Visitors can immerse themselves in the allure of ancient temples and shrines, appreciate the classical beauty of Japanese architecture, find tranquility in the majestic traditional gardens, and savor local delicacies like the popular Uji matcha tea.
Kamomioya-jinja (Shimogamo Shrine)

• Kyo-o-gokoku-ji (To-ji)

• Kiyomizu-dera

• Enryaku-ji

• Daigo-ji

• Ninna-ji

• Byodo-in

• Ujigami-jinja

• Kozan-ji

• Saiho-ji

• Tenryu-ji

• Rokuon-ji

• Jisho-ji

• Ryoan-ji

• Hongan-ji

• Nijo-jo

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/688

4. Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

The historic villages of Shirakawa and Gokayama are renowned for their steeply-pitched thatched roofs, known as “gassho-zukuri.” This distinctive architectural style, unique to this region of Japan, is designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Nestled deep in a remote mountainous area, the villages were historically isolated from the rest of the country, leading to a self-sufficient way of life for the villagers. Many of the houses have been preserved, with some converted into museums to educate visitors about the villages’ history, while others serve as traditional accommodations. For more information, see here.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/734

5. Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

The Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome) is the only structure that remained standing after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. As a powerful symbol of the atomic bomb’s destructive force, it serves as a vital reminder of the devastation and the importance of world peace. Located within Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome is an ideal starting point for exploring the park’s peace memorial facilities. Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the events of August 6 at the Peace Memorial Museum, ring the Peace Bell symbolizing a world without borders, and honor the thousands of innocent children affected by the bombing at the Children’s Peace Monument.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/775/

6. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

One of Japan’s most iconic shrines, Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, is renowned for its mystical “torii” gate that appears to float on the sea during high tide. Founded in the 12th century by the influential military leader Taira no Kiyomori, Itsukushima Shrine has long been a significant center of Shintoism. Located on Itsukushima Island, also known as Miyajima (shrine island), the shrine and its floating red torii gate in the Seto Inland Sea have become world-famous symbols of Japan. After crossing the sea on one of the many ferries departing from Hiroshima, visitors can explore the vermillion lacquered buildings of Itsukushima Shrine, encounter the island’s freely roaming deer, savor local delicacies such as “momiji manju” (maple-leaf-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste or other fillings), and even walk to the giant torii during low tide.
See more here: Itsukushima Shinto Shrine – UNESCO World Heritage Centre

7. Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

The cultural treasures of Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, are celebrated with eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. These include the temples of Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Toshodai-ji, Gango-ji, and Yakushi-ji, as well as the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Heijo Palace, and Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest. Collectively known as the “Monuments of Ancient Nara,” the city exudes historical charm, offering visitors the feeling of stepping back in time. Additionally, you can enjoy the unique experience of feeding the numerous deer that freely roam the city and Nara Park.
The sites are:

1. Tôdai-ji
2. Kôfuku-ji
3. Kasuga-Taisha
4. Kasugayama Primeval Forest
5. Gangô-ji
6. Yakushi-ji
7. Tôshôdai-ji
8. Nara Palace Site

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/870

8. Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Closely linked to the history of the Tokugawa Shoguns, the shrines and temples of Nikko have long been a sacred site in Japan. Set amid beautiful natural surroundings, the architectural marvels of the Toshogu Shrine Complex draw numerous visitors, captivated by the intricate carvings and exquisite gold leaf detailing. While Toshogu Shrine is the most famous of Nikko’s attractions, the UNESCO World Heritage listing also includes the Shinto Futarasan Shrine and the Buddhist temple Rinno-ji. Many of these structures were built in the 17th century and are celebrated for their preservation, restoration, and architectural expertise.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/913

9. Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

The unique culture of the Kingdom of Ryukyu is preserved through a collection of sites and monuments that span roughly 500 years of history on Okinawa Island. Before Okinawa’s annexation by Japan in 1879, it was an independent nation with a distinct history separate from the rest of Japan. The Kingdom of Ryukyu was a key hub for economic and cultural exchange between East Asia and Southeast Asia, which is reflected in its distinctive and colorful architecture. The UNESCO World Heritage listing includes nine castles and related sites, such as Shikinaen Royal Garden, the second residence of the Ryukyu royal family, the expansive Nakagusuku Castle, and Sefa Utaki, the most sacred site in the indigenous Okinawan religion.

The nine Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu are:

1. Tamaudun
2. Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon
3. Nakijin-jô site
4. Zakimi-jô site
5. Katsuren-jô site
6. Nakagusuku-jô site
7. Shuri-jô site
8. Shikinaen
9. Sêfa-utaki

See more here: (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/972 )

10. Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

Deep in the densely forested Kii Peninsula lies a network of pilgrimage routes connecting three of Japan’s most sacred sites: the Kumano Taisha Shrines, Mount Koya, and Ise Jingu. Spanning over 300 kilometers, these paths wind along jagged coastlines and traverse treacherous mountain trails, collectively known as the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes. The area has drawn pilgrims for centuries, who find spirituality in both the natural surroundings and the shrines constructed there. It has also become a popular destination for tourists and non-religious visitors. Walking along one of these many paths reveals some of Japan’s most splendid and majestic natural landscapes, as well as beautiful examples of traditional religious architecture.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1142

11. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Its Cultural Landscape

Since its discovery in 1526, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was in action for over 400 years. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Japan became the top producer of silver in the world, and for a time in the 17th century, a third of the silver produced in the world came from the town of Omori in Shimane Prefecture. This production contributed to the economic development of the area and promoted cultural interactions between the people of Omori and the countries they were trading with. Despite closing in the 1920s, the mine still continues to add value to the area, as it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007, bringing in tourists interested in the remarkable history of the mine. A number of old merchant houses remain in the town, some converted into eateries, and a visit to the Ryugenji Mabu Mineshaft reproduces the atmosphere of the past.

See for more information here: Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape – UNESCO World Heritage Centre

12. Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

Hiraizumi, established in the 12th century as a political center in northern Japan, briefly rivaled Kyoto in power during the Heian Period. This short-lived city was the political and administrative hub of the northern realm in the 11th and 12th centuries. The temples and gardens of Hiraizumi were created based on the ideals of Pure Land Buddhism, aiming to realize a Buddhist paradise in this life through the observance of Buddhist laws. The four Pure Land gardens of Hiraizumi, three of which focus on the sacred Mount Kinkeisan, exemplify a fusion between Pure Land Buddhist ideals and indigenous Japanese concepts relating to the relationship between gardens, water, and the surrounding landscape. Two of these gardens have been reconstructed with details recovered from excavations, while the other two remain buried.

The gardens were built by the Ôshû Fujiwara family, the northern branch of the ruling clan, as symbolic manifestations of the Buddhist Pure Land on earth. This vision of paradise was translated into reality through the careful arrangement of temples in relation to ponds, trees, and the peaks of Mount Kinkeisan. At this UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors can immerse themselves in the aspirational gardens and temples, such as the renowned Chusonji Temple. This temple, the only one remaining from the 12th century, epitomizes the decorative beauty of Pure Land faith with its golden ornamentation representing the “immeasurable light” of the Pure Land. Additionally, the garden at Motsuji Temple recreates the Pure Land ideal by incorporating natural scenery centered around a large pond, reflecting the great wealth and spiritual aspirations of the ruling clan.
Sites are:
• Chûson-ji
• Môtsû-ji
• Kanjizaiô-in Ato
• Muryôkô-in Ato
• Mt Kinkeisan

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1277

13. Fujisan, Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration

Revered for centuries, Mount Fuji is an iconic and globally renowned symbol of Japan. This majestic volcano, with its perfect contours and elegant snow-capped peak, has long inspired artists, especially the ukiyo-e woodblock print masters of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Today, it continues to draw pilgrims, artists, and tourists. Many sites on the mountain are considered sacred, showcasing fascinating and beautiful natural and volcanic features. For many visitors, climbing Mount Fuji’s 3,776 meters is the ultimate Japanese experience.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1418

14. Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites

Established in 1872 by the Meiji government, the Tomioka Silk Mill was Japan’s first modern silk mill to utilize Western technology and machinery. The high-quality silk produced here was exported worldwide, playing a pivotal role in Japan’s modernization and industrialization and fostering international trade relations. Located in Gunma Prefecture, the UNESCO World Heritage listing includes four sites related to raw silk production. These sites have been well preserved since their closure in the 1980s, allowing visitors to explore and learn about silk production from that era. Exhibitions in the silk reeling mill and the east warehouse feature the reeling machines used in the 1980s, providing an up-close look at the mill’s operations.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1449

15. Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining

Many of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage sites feature ancient religious architecture, but in this instance, UNESCO has chosen to highlight relics of Japan’s modern history. During the Meiji Era, Japan underwent rapid industrialization, particularly in the southwest. The listing includes 23 sites across eight prefectures, from Kagoshima to Saga, featuring the intriguing abandoned island and former coal mine of Gunkanjima (Battleship Island). These sites play a crucial role in telling the story of Japan’s development, providing fascinating insights into the country’s swift transition to modernity.

• Hagi Reverbatory Furnace
• Ebisugahana Shipyard
• Ohitayama Tatara Iron Works
• Hagi Castle Town
• Shokasonjuku Academy
• Shuseikan
• Shuseikan/ Terayama Charcoal Kiln
• Shuseikan / Sekiyoshi Sluice gate of Yoshino leat
• Nirayama Reverbatory Furnaces
• Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site
• Mietsu Naval Dock
• Nagasaki Shipyard/ Kosuge Slip Dock
• Nagasaki Shipyard/ Mitsubishi No.3 Dry Dock
• Nagasaki Shipyard/ Mitsubishi Senshokaku Guest House
• Nagasaki Shipyard/ Mitsubishi Giant Cantilever Crane
• Nagasaki Shipyard/ Mitsubishi Former Pattern Shop
• Takashima Coal Mine/ Takashima Coal Mine
• Takashima Coal Mine/ Hashima Coal Mine
• Glover House and Office
• Miike Coal Mine and Miike Port
• Misumi West Port
• The Imperial Steel Works, Japan
• Onga river Pumping Station

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1484

16. The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement

The UNESCO World Heritage listing includes 17 sites representing the work of the architectural master Le Corbusier across seven countries, including Japan. Le Corbusier aimed to address the challenges of contemporary living within the modernist framework, experimenting with different forms that have endured over time. The only Japanese entry is the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo, which is Japan’s premier public art gallery specializing in Western art. The design, structural elements, architectural details, and furnishings of the building are all based on the “modulor,” Le Corbusier’s unique system of measurements designed to make architecture harmonious with human proportions. The construction of the museum in 1959 symbolized the resumption of diplomatic relations between Japan and France after WWII.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1321

17. Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region

The island of Okinoshima is so sacred that access is highly restricted, with only priests tending to the shrine allowed on the island. Consequently, the island’s rituals and traditions of worship have remained undisturbed by outside influence, evolving organically since the 4th century. Okinoshima is venerated at the ancient Munakata Grand Shrine, which consists of three different shrines. Okitsu-miya Shrine, located on Okinoshima itself, is not open to the public. Visitors can explore Hetsu-miya Shrine, the main shrine, which is easily accessible on Kyushu’s main island. After a short ferry ride, visitors can also visit Oshima Island, home to the third shrine, Nakatsu-miya Shrine. Here, visitors can also pay homage to Okinoshima from afar at Okitsu-miya Yohaisho, which serves as a worship hall.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1535

18. Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region

A lesser-known but deeply revealing aspect of Japan’s history can be found in the northwestern part of Kyushu Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of 12 components that document the era of Christian prohibition in Japan and the subsequent rebuilding of these communities after the ban was lifted in 1873. Included are 10 villages, one castle, and one cathedral, all dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. The necessity of worshiping in secret for many years shaped the development of these sites, offering a fascinating insight into a darker chapter of Japan’s history.

Locations:
• Remains of Hara Castle
• Kasuga Village and Sacred Places in Hirado (Kasuga Village and Mt. Yasumandake)
• Kasuga Village and Sacred Places in Hirado (Nakaenoshima Island)
• Sakitsu Village in Amakusa
• Shitsu Village in Sotome
• Ono Village in Sotome
• Villages on Kuroshima Island
• Remains of Villages on Nozaki Island
• Villages on Kashiragashima Island
• Villages on Hisaka Island
• Egami Village on Naru Island (Egami Church and its Surroundings)
• Oura Cathedral

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1495

19. Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan

On a plateau above the Osaka Plain lies a cluster of 49 “kofun,” or burial mounds, representing the richest cultural legacy of Japan’s Kofun period from the 3rd to 6th centuries. Recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, these mounds vary in size and design, reflecting different social classes and showcasing sophisticated construction techniques. The grandest of these is 600 meters wide and houses the mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku, notable for its distinctive keyhole shape and large moat. Visitors can explore the area via a 2.8-kilometer walkway surrounding Emperor Nintoku’s tomb or visit the Osaka Prefectural Chikatsu Asuka Museum to view earthenware and terra cotta figures found in the kofun. Additionally, the Sakai City Hall Observatory offers a unique panoramic view of the area.

See more about the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan Website: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1593

20. Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan

The property encompasses 17 archaeological sites in the southern part of Hokkaido Island and northern Tohoku, spanning a variety of geographical settings, including mountains, hills, plains, lowlands, inland bays, lakes, and rivers. These sites uniquely testify to the 10,000-year development of the pre-agricultural yet sedentary Jomon culture, along with its complex spiritual beliefs and rituals. They illustrate the emergence, growth, and adaptation to environmental changes of a sedentary hunter-fisher-gatherer society that began around 13,000 BCE. Jomon spirituality is reflected in tangible objects such as lacquered pots, clay tablets with foot impressions, the famous goggle-eyed dogu figurines, and ritual places like earthworks and large stone circles exceeding 50 meters in diameter. This serial property attests to the rare and early development of pre-agricultural sedentism from its inception to maturity.

• Kakinoshima Site
Location: Hakodate City
This component part is a settlement site on a terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A residential area is separated from a burial area. Some graves have yielded clay tablets imprinted with children’s footprints that were used as burial goods, attesting to the burial customs and spiritual culture unique to this area.

• Kitakogane Site
Location: Date City
This component part is a settlement site accompanied by shell mounds on a hill overlooking Uchiura Bay. The shell mounds have yielded large numbers of sea shells, fish bones, marine mammal bones, and bone and antler tools. These finds attest to the fishing-oriented livelihood that was pursued to adapt to environmental changes such as marine transgressions and regressions.

• Ofune Site Ofune Site
Location: Hakodate City
This component part is a hub settlement site on a terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It includes features such as pit dwellings, storage pits, and graves. From large ritual earthen mounds, accumulations of large numbers of pots, stone tools and other ritual implements have been unearthed. These finds indicate that rituals and ceremonies were held here continually, over a long period of time.

• Irie Site
Location: Toyako Town
This component part is a settlement site on a terrace overlooking Uchiura Bay. It consists of an area of pit dwellings, a burial area, and shell mounds. A grave has yielded the bones of an adult affected by muscular atrophy, indicating that this person managed to live long with paralyzed limbs, probably with the help of others.

• Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles
Location: Chitose City
This component part is a large cemetery site on a gentle slope overlooking the Ishikari Depression. Earthwork burial circles were created by digging a circular pit and piling the excavated earth around the pit in a ring, with several pit graves inside. They attest to unique burial customs and a high degree of spirituality.

• Takasago Burial Site
Location: Toyako Town
This component part is a cemetery site accompanied by shell mounds on lowlands facing Uchiura Bay. Graves have yielded burial goods such as clay figurines and other clay objects, in addition to human bones showing traces of tooth extraction and those of a woman with an unborn baby. These finds attest to the funeral practices and spiritual culture of that time.

• Odai Yamamoto Site Odai Yamamoto Site
Location: Sotogahama Town
This component part, dating from soon after the beginning of the Jomon period, attests to a change from mobility to sedentary ways of life. Pots and stone arrowheads have been unearthed along with stone tools showing the same characteristics as artifacts of the preceding Paleolithic period. These pots date back more than 15,000 years, making them the earliest known pottery in Northeast Asia.

• Tagoyano Site
Location: Tsugaru City
This component part is a settlement site accompanied by shell mounds on what used to be an inland bay called Paleo-Lake Jusanko, which appeared during a marine transgression. The shell mounds have yielded large numbers of shells from Japanese basket clams and other shellfish, and implements made from the bones of whales, dolphins, and large animals, as well as bracelets made of dog-cockle shells. These finds illustrate a livelihood in an inland bay area.
• Futatsumori Site
Location: Shichinohe Town
This component part is a settlement site accompanied by large shell mounds on a terrace located on the bank of Lake Ogawara along the Pacific Ocean. At the shell mounds, the lower layers contain the shells of saltwater shellfishes, and the upper layers contain those of brackish shellfishes. These finds illustrate people’s adaptation to environmental changes caused by marine transgressions and regressions.
• Sannai Maruyama Site
Location: Aomori City
This component part is a large hub settlement site with pit dwellings, pillar-supported buildings, graves, storage pits, ritual earthen mounds, and dumping grounds. Massive amounts of pots and stone tools have been excavated, in addition to animal and plant remains, over 2,000 clay figurines, and other artifacts. These finds demonstrate a livelihood and rituals and ceremonies performed at that time.
• Komakino Stone Circle
Location: Aomori City
This component part is a ritual site that centers on a stone circle on a plateau at the western foothills of the Hakkoda Mountains. The stone circle consists of three rings surrounded by stones that partly form a fourth ring. The whole area is 55 meters in diameter. Numerous ritual implements, including triangular stone plates, have been unearthed.
• Omori Katsuyama Stone Circle
Location: Hirosaki City
This component part is a ritual site accompanied by a large stone circle on a hill at the foot of Mt. Iwaki. The stone circle was made by building a round mound on artificially leveled ground and surrounding it with stone assemblages. Large numbers of disc-shaped stone objects have been unearthed in and around the stone circle.
• Kamegaoka Burial Site
Location: Tsugaru City
This component part is a large cemetery site on what used to be an inland bay called Paleo-Lake Jusanko, which appeared during a marine transgression. Spreading on the plateau here are many graves, and in the boggy lowlands of the area that surrounds the plateau, large numbers of artifacts have been unearthed, including lacquerware items and a large, artistic, goggle-eyed clay figurine. These finds attest to a complex spiritual culture.
• Korekawa Site
Location: Hachinohe City
The Korekawa archaeological site consists of the Nakai, Ichioji and Hotta sites. The Nakai Site is a settlement site with various facilities, where pots, clay figurines, wooden artifacts (e.g., bows) and lacquerware (e.g., combs) have been unearthed. These finds illustrate a livelihood in a river area, as well as a high degree of spirituality.
• Goshono Site
Location: Ichinohe Town
This component part is a hub settlement site on a terrace along the Mabechi River. At the center of the plateau here are graves and ritual earthen mounds that were surrounded by a residential area. From the site, pots, stone tools, clay figurines, animal bones, and nuts have been unearthed, illustrating a livelihood and spiritual culture in a river area.
• Isedotai Stone Circles
Location: Kitaakita City
This component part is a ritual site that centers on stone circles on a terrace near the Yoneshiro River. Four stone circles are found close together at the terrace’s northwestern edge, which commands panoramic views. Large numbers of ritual implements have been unearthed, including clay figurines and animal- and bell-shaped clay objects.
• Oyu Stone Circles
Location: Kazuno City
This component part is a ritual site that centers on stone circles on a terrace along the Oyu River. It comprises two stone circles, with each stone circle consisting of two rings made up of river-stone arrangements. Around the stone circles, large numbers of ritual tools have been unearthed.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1632

21. Yakushima

Shirakami Sanchi is Asia’s largest remaining virgin beech forest, spanning parts of Northern Japan for 12,000 years. This breathtaking mountain range remains largely untouched and undisturbed by development, preserving its rare and pristine nature. The forest is home to numerous species, including black bears and 87 species of birds. Shirakami Sanchi’s main attraction is its network of scenic hiking trails that guide visitors through forests, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and lakes, offering a serene immersion in nature. Popular hikes include the trail to Anmon Falls and the Juniko (Twelve Lakes) area, known for its series of small lakes and ponds.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/663

22. Yakushima

Since 1993, Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its astounding natural wealth. The island’s biodiverse ecosystem features trees that have existed for thousands of years, including the ancient Jomonsugi, a 7,200-year-old cedar tree. Adventurous travelers can reach Jomonsugi by embarking on a roughly six-hour hike through the forest. Another highlight is the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, which winds through the island’s dense woodland. This area, an inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s “Princess Mononoke,” features moss-covered rocks, ferns, and ancient trees that create a mystical, otherworldly landscape, best explored at a leisurely pace on one of the many available hikes.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/662

23. Shiretoko

At the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island, lies Shiretoko, a stunning and biodiverse natural park that serves as a haven for numerous threatened migratory birds. This pristine area, untouched by development, allows its ecosystem to flourish uninterrupted. Visitors can marvel at the breathtaking views of deep green forests and the blue ocean, witness the mesmerizing drifting sea ice phenomenon, and embark on sightseeing boat cruises to spot Shiretoko’s wildlife. Another excellent way to experience Shiretoko’s natural beauty is by visiting the Shiretoko Five Lakes, which offer superb views of the surrounding wilderness.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1193

24 Ogasawara Islands

The Ogasawara Islands, accessible only by a 24-hour ferry ride from Tokyo, are a remote archipelago renowned for their unique ecosystems and natural wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage site comprises over 30 subtropical islands, with Chichijima and Hahajima being the only inhabited ones. The islands’ isolation has fostered a diverse range of species, including 195 endangered bird species and numerous endemic plants. Visitors can explore these pristine environments through hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, with opportunities to encounter marine life such as sea turtles and dolphins. The islands’ untouched beauty and rich biodiversity make them a remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts.

See more here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1362

25. Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island

This UNESCO World Heritage site features a series of subtropical rainforests on Japan’s southernmost islands. Renowned for their high biodiversity and numerous threatened endemic species, these rainforests require protection to ensure their continued survival. Endangered species such as the Amami Rabbit and the Ryukyu long-haired Rat are among the unique wildlife found here. Although the UNESCO listing primarily highlights the uninhabited rainforest areas, the islands are also popular with tourists, who are drawn to their pristine coastlines, stunning scenery, and coral reefs.

See more here:   Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island – UNESCO World Heritage Centre