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The wonders of
World Heritage Sites
in Eastern Japan!
Blessed with a splendid geographical diversity and temperate
climate, Japan offers unsurpassed Unesco World Heritage sites
that attest to the uniqueness and fecundity of Japan's cultural
heritage and natural scenic wonders. These national treasures
await visitors from around the world to marvel at.
Click available site name.
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 Shrines and Temples of Nikko (The Cultural Heritage)
Architectural masterpieces, revered shrines and temples of
Nikko reign in splendor amid an outstanding natural setting
providing an aura of profound quietude for visitors.
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A cclaimed Nikko City is a historic municipality justly proud of
the 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko' (as entitled by UNESCO
World Heritage Sites) that includes the Toshogu and
Futarasan-jinja Shrines, the Rinnoji Temple as well as their historic
surrounding grounds. Toshogu originally a mausoleum for Ieyasu
Tokugawa, the first 'shogun' (military ruler) of the seminal Edo
Period that flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries, was
eventually transformed into an awe-inspiring Shinto shrine. The
construction required more than a hundred thousand craftsmen
using the very best of technology, decorative sculptures and art
available at the time. The two-story 'Youmei-mon' Gate, brilliantly
colorful and adorned with over 500 sculptures, is particularly
famous. Visitors can stroll across the 'Shinkyo' vermillion lacquered
sacred bridge spanning the Daiya River and contemplate Kegon
Falls celebrated as one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in
Japan in a scenic region of unsurpassed seasonal beauty.
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Toshogu Shrine
Constructed as a burial site for Ieyasu
Tokugawa in 1617, the mausoleum was later
rebuilt into today's remarkably ornate and imposing shrine under the reign
of the Third Shogun Iemitsu. Yomeimon. 'Higurashimon' (twilight gate), one
of its superb gates, entices viewers, from dawn till twilight, who never tire
admiring its splendor. As well, visitors
are overwhelmed by some 5,000
ornate woodcarvings, including the
popular 'Nemuri Neko' (Sleeping Cat)
and 'San Zaru' (Three Monkeys),
undoubtedly the apex of the supreme
craftsmanship flourishing during the
Edo Period. |
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Rinnoji Temple
An adjunct to Shihonryuji Temple and
established by Priest Shodo, the
founder of Nikko 'mountain worship',
Rinnoji Temple prospered and attracted
numerous devotees for religious
training. 'Sambutsudo' (Hall of Three
Buddhas), the Shoyouen garden, the
'Houmotsuden' (treasure hall) with an astounding 30,000 art assets and the
imposing Taiyuin Mausoleum demand more than one day's visit.
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* 4 trains per day, JR EAST PASS holders require "JR EAST PASS Tobu Line Ticket" for use on this particular line.
Related article about Nikko (infomapJAPAN 2007 Winter)
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Shirakami-Sanchi (The Natural Heritage)
In the mountains of northern Honshu, this site includes the
last vestiges of Siebold's beech trees, with flora and fauna
unique to that secluded region.
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Straddling Aomori and Akita prefectures, Shirakami-Sanchi is a
mountainous range reaching a height of a 1,000 or more
meters, extending east and west over an area of 130,000 hectares
from which a core area of 17,000 (ha) has been registered since
1993 as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site preserving one of the last,
primeval beech forest in East Asia. This is an area of rugged,
mountainous landscape slit through and through with gorges
gouged from the earth by tumbling, cascading streams over
countless millennia. Shady valleys and spectacular waterfalls that
include popular Mase Valley, Anmon Falls and Daira-kyo Gorge,
are an irresistible magnet to dedicated anglers and enthusiastic
trekkers. It is also the refuge for rare animals including a protected
species of dormouse, the black woodpecker, 'Nihon Kamoshika'
(Japanese 'serow' goat antelope), 'Nihon Zaru' (Japanese monkey)
and golden eagle as well as some of the most exceptional plant
life on the planet. The optimal time to visit is summer when rivers
run deep from snow melt, or when the fall colors in the valleys
viewed from the top of a lofty bridge are breathtakingly beautiful.
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The one-hour, walking promenade taking in the three-tiered Anmon Falls is extremely popular with visitors. Full-fledged climbing
trails to mountain summits such as Shirakami-dake and Tengu-dake are well-maintained
and a fine challenge to any keen climber. Entry rules are enforced before being allowed into
the core part of the Shirakami-sanchi World Heritage Area be certain to inquire at the
Aomori office of the Tohoku Regional Forest Office; note, there is no need to apply
beforehand to hike up to the Anmon Falls. Please follow
the rules of good hiking etiquette; tote all garbage out;
visit washroom facilities beforehand; do not feeding the
animals, in order to protect this precious wilderness for
generations to follow.
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Resort Shirakami runs between Akita and Aomori offers enjoyable five hours ride with
splendid views of greens and sea coasts around Shirakami area.
2-3 trains a day from Akita and Aomori Station.
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Properties submitted on the Tentative UNESCO List
Sites seeking inclusion in the UNESCO
World Heritage must initially be
inserted in the Tentative List of the
home country, hence a five to ten
year vetting period. Japan痴 ancient
culture, dynamic design and
architecture, scenic wonders, the
intimate relationship between people
and nature, all contribute to construct
unique and splendid World Heritage
candidates worthy of inclusion for the
benefit of present and future
generations. Nine praiseworthy
candidates are presently on the list
- don't wait, enjoy them now!
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| Hiraizumi | Tomioka Silk Mill |
| Hiraizumi Town preserves a unique cultural
heritage created during an early period of
prosperity and influence. Temples, monasteries
and Pure Land gardens show-case a fusion of
man-made creations with natural landscape
worthy of world recognition.
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Tomioka Silk Mill is a fascinating
combination of bricks, wooden pillars, and
traditional Japanese roof tiles. The last such
remaining silk-reeling filature, it once
successfully fused modern Western
technology to Japan's own methods.
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| The National Museum of Western Art | Kamakura |
| The eye-catching, main building designed
by Le Corbusier, innovative and influential
French architect, the only such structure in
Japan, was submitted to UNESCO (by Japan)
to honor a request from the French
Government (2007).
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On a magnificent sea and hill location,
Kamakura was for 150 years the seat of power
for the samurai warrior class ruling Japan
from the end of 12th century until 1867.
Kamakura cherishes and maintains ancient
Japanese architecture, lore and culture.
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© The National Museum of Western Art |
© Kamakura City |
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| Mt. Fuji | |
| To the world, Mt. Fuji is the iconic symbol of
Japan. The subject of poems and sacred
worship, to the Japanese, it represents
perfection in nature and a refuge to seek
and find spiritual balance.
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© Yamanashi Prefecture Tourist Association |
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| Note: The time shown is the shortest available and varies with each train or other transportation system. |
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