UNESCO | World Heritage Sites

UNESCO | World Heritage Sites

Updated

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites are determined by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. UNESCO uses the following motto to determine which site should be considered a World Heritage:

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.

UNESCO in Hokkaido

Shiretoko (Peninsula)

Shiretoko (Peninsula)

UNESCO World Heritage, The Last Unexplored Region in Hokkaido

UNESCO in Aomori, Akita, and Iwate

Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi

3,000 national treasures and historical sites in Iwate, Tohoku

Shirakami Sanchi

Shirakami Sanchi

Shirakami Sanchi Mountainous Land

Chusonji Temple

Chusonji Temple

Chusonji Temple is a historic temple in the town of Hiraizumi that is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

UNESCO in Tochigi, Gunma, and Tokyo

Tripadvisor Ranking 15
Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

See no Evil, Speak no Evil, Hear no Evil

Tomioka Silk Mill

Tomioka Silk Mill

High Quality Silk Production Monitored by Government

Ogasawara Islands

Ogasawara Islands

Collection of Islands with Large Ecosystem and Unique Wildlife

UNESCO in Gifu, Yamanashi, and Toyama

Tripadvisor Ranking 19
Shirakawago

Shirakawago

UNESCO World Heritage Gassho-zukuri farmhouses

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji

Japan's tallest mountain and its symbolic heart

Gokayama

Gokayama

The Historic Village of GOKAYAMA

UNESCO in Kyoto and Nara

Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple

Panoramic view of Kyoto from the broad wooden veranda

Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple

Retreat Villa Turned Temple

Saihoji Temple

Saihoji Temple

Buddhist temple known as Kode-dera or Moss Temple

Tripadvisor Ranking 10
Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion

Iconic temple covered in pure gold leaf

Silver Pavilion - Ginkakuji Temple

Silver Pavilion - Ginkakuji Temple

Zen temple known for its golden Kannon statue

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle

Residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Edo

Horyuji Temple

Horyuji Temple

Five-Story Pagoda - One of the oldest wooden buildings

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple

National Treasure Great Buddha; one of the world's largest bronze statues

Kohfukuji Temple

Kohfukuji Temple

The temple had great political power over the government back in the days

Yakushiji Temple

Yakushiji Temple

One of the Seven Great Temples of Japan

Toji Temple

Toji Temple

Only Buddhist Temple from Heian-kyo

Daigoji Temple

Daigoji Temple

Shingon Sect Buddhist Temple with Oldest Building of Kyoto

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple

Head Rinzai Zen Sect Temple Built Over Friendship

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple

Zen Temple with Meditating Rock Garden

Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Grand Shrine Dedicated to Gods of Nara's Protection

UNESCO in Hyogo, Shiga and Wakayama

Tripadvisor Ranking 9
Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle

The White Heron Castle - UNESCO's World Heritage

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

Hieizan Enryakuji Temple

One of Japan's most important Tendai monasteries

Mt. Koya-san

Mt. Koya-san

Experience Buddhist training and lodging at Mt. Koya san for a great spiritual experience

Kongobuji Temple

Kongobuji Temple

Created by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to commemorate the death of his mother

Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls

Japan's tallest waterfall with single uninterrupted drop

Kumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo

Group of pilgrimage routes that lead to the sacred Kumano Sanzan

UNESCO in Hiroshima and Shimane

A-Bomb Dome

A-Bomb Dome

Symbolizes Hiroshima's wishes for everlasting peace after the atomic bomb attack

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine

Famous floating torii gate on Miyajima

Iwami Ginzan

Iwami Ginzan

Former Silver Mine now recognized as a World Heritage Site

UNESCO in Kagoshima

Yakushima

Yakushima

Subtropical island filled with mountains and forests; Japan's first World Natural Heritage Site

UNESCO in Okinawa

Shuri Castle

Shuri Castle

Played a crucial role in politically unifying the island and as the center of foreign trade

Nakagusuku Castle

Nakagusuku Castle

Well preserved castle remains of the Ryukyu Kingdom

Need Assistance? Call: USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726 Australia (02) 8006 4411 Contact Us Brochure