Japan is known for its rich history, culture and bountiful natural landscape. These are the reasons why millions of people visit Japan every year.
As of 2022, 25 remarkable Japanese sites were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including 20 cultural ones and 5 natural ones. These sites are designated for their universal value in natural or cultural heritage.
The Buddhist Monuments in the Horyuji Temple area (Nara Prefecture) and Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture) were the first World Cultural Heritage Sites of Japan registered in December 1993.
On the other hand, Japan’s first two World Natural heritage Sites were also recognized in December 1993: Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture) and Shirakami-Sanchi (Aomori and Akita Prefecture).
Based on an itinerary, tourists can explore some of Japan’s World Heritage Sites, from natural beauty spots like the Shiretoko Peninsula and Yakushima to cultural riches such as Himeji Castle and Itsukushima Shrine.
Below is the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan:
| Name & Year of Recognition | Monuments | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Horyuji Temple Year: 1933 | The world's oldest surviving wooden structures | Nara Prefecture |
| Himeji Castle Year: 1933 | Japanese Feudal Castle | Hyogo Prefecture |
| Yakushima (Natural Heritage) Year 1933 | Warm temperate ancient forest | Kagoshima Prefecture |
| Shirakami-Sanchi (Natural Heritage) Year: 1933 | Siebold's beech trees, mountains | Akita and Aomori Prefecture |
| Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto Year: 1994 | Kamigamo Jinja, Shimogamo Jinja, Tō-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Enryaku-ji, Daigo-ji, Ninna-ji, Byōdō-in, Ujigami Jinja, Kōzan-ji, Saihō-ji, Tenryū-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji, Nishi Hongan-ji, Nijō-jō | Kyoto and Shiga Prefecture |
| The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-gō and Gokayama Year: 1995 | Gasshozukuri architecture style houses | Gifu and Toyama Prefecture |
| Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) Year: 1996 | The World's first atomic bombing in 1945 | Hiroshima Prefecture |
| Itsukushima Shrine Year: 1996 | Shrines and floating torii gate | Hiroshima Prefectue |
| The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara Year: 1998 | Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Gangō-ji, Yakushi-ji, Tōshōdai-ji, Heijō Palace, Kasugayama Primeval Forest | Nara Prefecture |
| Shrines and Temples of Nikko Year: 1998 | Futarasan Jinja, Rinnō-ji, Nikkō Tōshō-gū | Tochigi Prefecture |
| Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu Year: 2000 | Castle ruins of the Ryukyu Kingdom | Okinawa Prefecture |
| Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range Year: 2004 | Sacred sites in Yoshino, Omine, Kumano and Koyasan connected by pilgrimage routes | Nara, Wakayama, and Mie Prefecture |
| Shiretoko (Natural Heritage) Year: 2005 | Japan's most beautiful and unspoiled national park | Hokkaido Prefecture |
| Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape Year: 2007 | The most important silver mine in Japan, discovered in the early 16th century | Shimae Prefecture |
| Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi Year: 2011 | Historic temples and gardens: Chusonji, Motsuji, Kanjizaioin Ruins | Iwate Prefecture |
| Ogasawara Islands (Natural Heritage) Year: 2011 | Subtropical climate, unique plants and animals | Tokyo Prefecture |
| Fujisan - Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration Year: 2013 | Japan's highest mountain, The Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, Fuji Five Lakes, and so on | Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites Year: 2015 | Japan's silk industry after the end of the feudal era | Gunma Prefecture |
| Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining Year: 2015 | A collection of preserved historical sites: Miike coal mine, Hagi, Hashima, Senganen Garden, Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace and etc. | Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yamaguchi, Iwate, and Shizuoka Prefecture |
| The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement Year: 2016 | Museum in Ueno Park designed by Le Corbusier | Tokyo Prefecture |
| Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region Year: 2017 | Sacred island and Munakata Shrine | Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region Year: 2018 | Hidden Christian sites: churches, castle, islands and village | Nagasaki and Kumamoto Prefecture |
| Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan Year: 2019 | Ancient tombs of the 4th to 6th centuries | Osaka Prefecture |
| Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan Year: 2021 | Collection of 17 different sites in the Northern Japan related to the Jomon Period. | Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku |
| Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island Year: 2021 | Home to several kinds of animals and plants and beautiful beaches and forests. This is Japan's 5th Natural World Heritage Site. | Kagoshima and Okinawa Prefecture |
