Japan's World Heritage Sites - Part 2

Following our previous article on Japan's world heritage sites, we will introduce the places in Japan that were registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites between 1999 and 2013.

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, Tochigi

Built in 1617, Nikko Toshogu is one of Japan's most elegant shrines. This shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Japan during the Edo period (1603 - 1868). There are various kinds of wooden animal statues, among which the three monkeys are especially well-known.

by Andrea Schaffer

by Kentaro Ohno

by Antti T. Nissinen

by Agustin Rafael Reyes

The Kingdom of Ryukyu Gusuku Sites in Okinawa

Located in Okinawa prefecture, this site consists of nine castles and other ruins. Okinawa was an independent kingdom known as the Ryukyu Kingdom before its integration within Japan in the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). It was a kingdom with a rich, unique culture. Gusuku, the name of the Okinawa Castle, is actually a word in the Okinawan dialect, which is very different from standard Japanese.

by Kazuhiro Tsugita

by ChunHsin Chu

by Hiroaki Kaneko

by nekotank

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

If you want to see beautiful cherry blossom, Mount Yoshino is a famous spot. This World Heritage site spreads across three prefectures. Kumano kodo is a famous path that is surrounded by wonderful nature connecting three shrines: Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Taisha Shrine, and Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine.

by amesuke

by Travis

by PYONKO OMEYAMA

by Matt Malcomson

Shiretoko in Hokkaido

Shiretoko is a peninsula located in northeastern Hokkaido. There are five beautiful lakes surrounded by the forest. The clear and beautiful reflection of the Shiretoko mountain is reflected on the surface of the lakes, creating a mesmerizing landscape. It snows especially heavy in the winter, but snow makes the place even more beautiful.

by Mr Hicks46

by Shinichi Morita

by double-h

by Sendai Blog

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Shimane

Iwami Ginzan in Shimane prefecture was a silver mine from 1526 to 1923. For nearly 400 years, it was the largest silver mine in Japan. Since the Meiji era, its main production was switched from silver to copper according to some records.

by Hiroaki Kaneko

by imp98

by Travel-Picture

Ogasawara Islands,

The Ogasawara Islands form an amazingly beautiful volcanic island chain. The chain consists of around 30 islands and only Chichijima (Father Island) and Hahajima (Mother Island) are inhabited. This archipelago belongs to Tokyo administratively, but the quality of the air, the sounds, and the seashore scenery are definitely different from central Tokyo.

by Ippei & Janine Naoi

by pha pha

Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture

In Hiraizumi, Iwate prefecture, there are many temples and ruins showing the prosperity of the Fujiwaras clan, who were very influential in the Heian era (794 - 1185). Hiraizumi was registered as a cultural World Heritage site in 2011.

by @yb_woodstock

by Roberto Maxwell

by Hidetsugu Tonomura

by かがみ～

Mount Fuji - Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration

No other mountain in Japan is higher than Mount Fuji (3776 m). With its perfect shape and view, no wonder why it has been loved by the Japanese. Depending on the time you visit, you will be able to see different facets of Mount Fuji.

by Hideo

by Douglas Sprott

by DVIDSHUB

by Naoya Fujii

by hoge asdf

What do you think of these places? There might be places that you have already visited or some that you have not even heard of. But our guess is that you are already making some new travel plans by now!