JAPAN WORLD HERITAGE SITES

 

JAPAN WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Japan World Heritage Sites Guide including information on all of the 16 properties in Japan on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Pictures and detailed articles on the popular Japan World Heritage Sites, plus an interactive map.

Japan World Heritage Sites include 16 listings or properties UNESCO has inscribed 16 in Japan onto the UNESCO World Heritage List. These 16 World Heritage properties include both cultural and natural listings. Many of Japan's World Heritage Listings are made up of multiple sites, such as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) listing which consists of seventeen individual cultural sites.

Below are the properties that make up Japan's World Heritage List. The table shows most of the individual sites that make up each listing. These World Heritage Listings are sorted by the year they were inscribed with the oldest at the top of the list.

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area

Hokkiji Temple

Hokkiji Temple is a Buddhist Temple located in Okamoto, Nara Prefecture. Hokkiji Temple features the oldest three story pagoda in Japan and is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Hokkiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.

Horyuji Temple

Horyuji Temple is a Buddhist Temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture. Horyuji Temple's pagoda is considered to be one of the world's oldest surviving wooden building which started construction in 594. Horyuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is the best example of a Japanese castle as it has never been destroyed or even damaged in war. Himeji Castle was completed in 1609, but a fort existed on the site as early as 1333. Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Himeji-jo" listing.

Shirakami-Sanchi

 

Shirakami-Sanchi is a forest park in the mountains of northern Honshu which contains a virgin cool-temperate forest of Siebold's beech trees once common in northern Honshu. The forest is home to black bears, serow and 87 species of birds. Shirakami-Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Shirakami-Sanchi" listing.

Yakushima

 

Yakushima is a ancient forest with some 2100 year old Japanese cedar trees and an extensive range of flora with some 1,900 species and subspecies. Yakushima is located on Yaku Island off the coast of Kyushu. Yakushima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Yakushima" listing.

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

Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple is a famous Buddhist temple which appears on the 10 Yen coin. Byodoin Temple is located in tea making area of Uji near Kyoto. Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Daigoji Temple

Daigoji Temple is famous for its five storied pagoda, cherry blossom viewing in spring and a traditional Japanese garden. Daigoji Temple, a classic Japanese Temple, is located in Kyoto. Daigoji Temple is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Enryakuji Temple

Enryakuji Temple was established in 788 on Mt Hiei, where it looks over Kyoto. Enryakuji Temple expanded over the years to become a large temple complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Ginkakuji Temple - Silver Pavilion

Ginkaku-ji - Silver Pavilion was built in the style of the Golden Pavilion, but was never completed with a matching cover of silver. Ginkaku-ji features some of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Kyoto. Ginkaku-ji is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Honganji Temple

Honganji Temple is actually two Buddhist temples located two hundred metres apart in Kyoto, which were until recently the one temple. Both feature large halls which are designated Important Cultural Properties. The Nishi Honganji Temple features a Japanese garden which is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Honganji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kamigamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine part of a pair of shrines in Kyoto. The other part of the pair is Shimogamo Shrine. Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kinkakuji Temple - Golden Pavilion

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) is the most famous temple in Kyoto and probably Japan. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) is literally covered in gold leaf and is surround by beautiful Japanese gardens. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku)is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is notable for its vast veranda, that offers impressive views of the Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the best known sights of Kyoto, being particularly popular in cherry blossom season when the main hall is surrounded by a carpet of blossom. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kozanji Temple

Kozanji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Omuro sect, which is located in the mountains of Umegahata in Kyoto Prefecture. Kozanji Temple features the oldest tea field in Japan and possesses many National Treasures including buildings, pictures and scrolls. Kozanji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Nijo¨ Castle

Nijo Castle in Kyoto includes Nimomaru Palace and the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several beautiful Japanese gardens. Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Ninnaji Temple

Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect Buddhism, which was founded on the orders of Emperor Koko and completed in 888. Ninnaji Temple, located in Kyoto, features a five storied pagoda and a treasure house which contains many National Treasures. Ninnaji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple houses a Japanese gardens which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. This garden, which is the quintessential form of Zen art, and perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Japanese culture, features fifteen rocks arranged on a white gravel within a space of 248 square meters. Ryoanji Temple is located in Kyoto, is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Saihoji Temple

Saihoji Temple is Buddhist temple from the Rinzai Zen sect which is famous for its moss garden, which probably the best in Japan. Unfortunately access to Saihoji Temple, also known as Kokedera (Moss Temple) requires an application in advance. Saihoji Temple, located in Kyoto, is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Shimogamo Shrine

Shimogamo Shrine is part of a pair of shrines in Kyoto. The other part of the pair isKamigamo Shrine. Shimogamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple is the head temple of the Tenryu sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and the most important Zen temple in Kyoto. Tenryuji Temple possesses many Important Cultural Properties and features an extensive garden which is particularly beautiful in cherry blossom season and is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Toji Temple

Toji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect, located near central Kyoto on a large site with extensive gardens, it is an oasis of calm in a busy area. Toji Temple is famous for its five story pagoda which is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. Toji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Ujigami Shrine

Ujigami jinja Shrine was originally built as a guardian shrine for the nearby Byodoin Temple. Ujigami jinja Shrine, located in Uji, Kyoto, is believed to be the oldest shrine building in Japan, dating back to the 14th century. Ujigami jinja Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a small village, located in Gifu Prefecture and surrounded by mountains. This isolated location lead to survival of a whole village featuring traditional Japanese houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, which are the only examples which are in situ and have mantained continuous occupation. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama" listing.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Domu) is commonly referred to as the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome. Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a memorial to those who died as a result of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima at the end of World War II. Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only site for the "Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)" listing.

Itsukushima Shinto Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine is a shinto shrine located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Itsukushima Shrine was first constructed in the 6th century, but the current buildings date to the 12th century. Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its floating torii, Otorii, commonly referred to as Miyajima Torii, which appears to float on the water in bay in front of the shrine. Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the "Itsukushima Shinto Shrine" listing.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

Gangoji Temple

Gangoji Temple is a Buddhist Temple was established in 588 as part of Asuka-dera. In 718 it was moved to Nara and became one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Gangoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Heijo Palace

Heijo Palace was the former Imperial Palace during the Nara Period, when Nara was the capital of Japan. Today little remains above the ground of the original buildings and there is now a reconstruction of Suzakumon (gate) to the palace. Heijo Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the head shrine for around 3,000 Kasuga Shrines throughout Japan and is located within Nara Park, Nara. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

 

Kasugayama Primeval Forest is located on the hills to the east of Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Listing of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".

Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji Temple (Nara) is a large temple complex featuring two pagodas plus many National Tresures and Important Cultural Properties. Kofukuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Nara, which is famous for being the world's largest wooden building, which houses Japan's largest statue of Buddha. Todaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Toshodaiji Temple

Toshodaiji Temple, located in Nara, is the head temple in Japan of the Ritsu-shi sect of Buddhism. Toshodaiji Temple has many buildings dating back to 759 that are National Treasures. Toshodaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Yakushiji Temple

Yakushiji Temple is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. Yakushiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

Futarasan Shrine

Futarasan Shrine is one of the most significant Shinto shrines in Japan and dates back to 766AD. Futarasan Shrine located in Nikko, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" listing.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine is famous for the sculptures of the Three Wise Monkeys who 'hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil' and its rare highly decorative gate. Toshogu Shrine, located in Nikko, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" listing.

Rinnoji Temple

Rinnoji Temple is a complex of 15 Buddhist temple buildings, which are is famous for their gold-leafed statues of Amida and Kannon. Rinnoji Temple, located in Nikko, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" listing.

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

 

Katsuren Castle is believed to be the oldest castle in Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Katsuren Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle. Katsuren Castle over looks Awase and Nakagusuku Bay on the Pacific Ocean, hence why Katsuren Castle was also referred to as Ocean Gusuku. Katsuren Castle was at the height of its power in the mid 15th century under Lord Amawari. Excavations of the site have lead to the discovery of precious tiles and Chinese porcelain which provide a further evidence of the wealth and stuture of Katsuren Castle. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

 

Nakagusuku Castle located in Kitanakagusuku Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Nakagusuku Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle built in approxiately 1440 by legendary Ryukyuan commander, Gosamaru, to defend against Lord Amawari of Katsuren Castle. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

 

Nakijin Castle located in Nakijin Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Nakijin Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle which dates back to the late 13th century, and was constructed by the Hokuzan kingdom. Nakijin Castle is famous for its size with the complex covering 14 acres including 1.5km of walls. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

 

Seifa-utaki Shrine is the most sacred site in Okinawa and a World Heritage Site. Seifa-utaki Shrine consists of some striking natural rock formations including an arch formed between two massive rocks, caves and rock outcrops high above the sea. There were several buildings on the site, but these have been destroyed, now only rock path ways remain. Seifa-utaki Shrine was only used by the Ryukuan Royal families during their rein. Seifa-utaki Shrine is located on the south eastern side of Okinawa Island.

 

Shikinaen Garden is part of the Shuri Castle complex in Okinawa and a World Heritage Site. The Shikinaen Garden, constructed in 1799, is a rare and historically significant example of Ryukyun landscape gardening. Shikinaen features elements such as the circular layout which is seen in more modern Japanese gardens, along with a pond with a bridge to a small island which follows the Chinese style. These elements are combined with Ryukuan styled villa. Shikinaen was used as an area for the royals to relax or entertain important guests such as the envoys from China. Shikinaen is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty".

 

Shuri Castle located in Shuri Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Shuri Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle which dates back to the 14th century, and was constructed by the Ryukyu kingdom. Shuri Castle contained the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In 1945 the castle was almost completely destroyed by shells from USA war ships. Shuri Castle was reconstructed between 1958 and 1992.

 

Sonohyan-utaki is an area within Shuri Castle which includes the religiously significant Sonohyan-utaki stone gates, built in 1519, and a grove of trees and plants leading to the gates. The gates were only opened for the king, who would pray at there prior to going on a journey. Sonohyan-utaki is a World Heritage Site.

 

Tamaudun is a substainial stone mausoleum where Ryukyuan royalty are entombed and a World Heritage Site. Tamaudun is located in Shuri, Okinawa, only a short distance from Shuri Castle. Tamaudun was built in 1501 by King Sho Shin, the third king of the second Sho dynasty, for his father King Sho En. In all there are 18 kings and their families entombed in Tamaudun.

 

Zakimi Castle located in Yomitan Okinawa and is a World Heritage Site. Nakijin Castle is a gusuku (Okinawan) style Japanese Castle which was completed in 1422 by the Ryukyuan military leader Gosamaru. Today only ruins remain including walls and some foundations.

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

 

Fudarakusanji Temple is Buddhist temple from the Tendai sect, located in the Higashimuro District of Wakayama Prefecture. Fudarakusanji Temple features a venerated thousand armed kannon. Fudarakusanji Temple is believed to have been established around the 4th century by Ragyo Shonin, a monk from India. Fudarakusanji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Jisonin Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Ito District of Wakayama Prefecture. Jisonin Temple is located at the beginning of the pilgrimage route to Koyasan. Jisonin Temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Kimpu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpu Shrine was established in the 10th century. Kimpu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Kimpusenji Temple is the head temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpusenji Temple is believed to have been established around second half of the 7th century by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Kimpusenji Temple is located at a junction of several of pilgramage routes. The Zaodo building within the temple complex is the second largest wooden structure in Japan. Kimpusenji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Kongobuji Temple is the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhism sect and is located on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture. Kongobuji mean "Temple of diamond mountain". Kongobuji Temple features Japan's largest rock garden which covers 2340 square metres. Kongobuji Temple was first constructed in 1593 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and then rebuilt in 1861. Kongobuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Kumano Hayatama Taisha is a Shinto shrine located on coast line of Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Hayatama Taisha is part of the three Kumano Shrines which are connected by the pilgrimage route "Kumano Sankeimichi". Kumano Hayatama Taisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Kumano Hongu Taisha is a Shinto shrine located on coast line of Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Hongu Taisha enshrines Kumano Gongen. Kumano Hongu Taisha is part of the three Kumano Shrines which are connected by the pilgrimage route "Kumano Sankeimichi". Kumano Hongu Taisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Kumano Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine located along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in Wakayama Prefecture. Kumano Nachi Taisha is part of the three Kumano Shrines. Kumano Nachi Taisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Nachi Falls are one of the most famous water falls in Japan and with a drop of 133m they are one of the tallest (Hannoki Falls is 497m). Nachi Falls is closely associated with Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine where a spirit Hiryu Gongen is worshiped. Nachi Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Niukanshofu Shrine is a Shinto shrine first established in 816 and located in Ito District of Wakayama Prefecture. Niukanshofu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Ominesanji Temple is an important temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect. Ominesanji Temple is located on the top of Mount Omine in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Ominesanji Temple was found around 600AD by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Parts of Ominesanji Temple are considered sacred and only men can enter these. Ominesanji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Seigantoji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Wakayama Prefecture. Seigantoji Temple was built near Nachi Falls which was an ancient site of worship. Seigantoji Temple was built around the fourth century. Seigantoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshimizu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo and samurai Kusunoki Masashige. Yoshimizu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

 

Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine was established around 806AD and dedicated to mikumari, a female spirit associated with water. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is one of four key mikumari shrines in Japan. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Shiretoko

 

Shiretoko National Park includes the northern most island of Japan and the surrounding distinctive and highly productive marine area which contains some endangered species including the Blackiston’s fish owl and the Viola kitamiana plant. There area is also globally significant for the migratory and threatened birds it supports. Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Shiretoko" listing.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape

 

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was first developed in 1526, but reached its peak production in the early 17th century when it was producing a third of the world's then silver production. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine ceased production in the early 20th century. Prior to 1600 the mine was fought over several times until Tokugawa Shogunate gained control. In the mid 17th century the mine was then protected by fences, pine trees and the Yamabuki Castle. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was also under threat from outside of Japan as it is located on the western coastline of Honshu in today's city of Oda in Shimane Prefecture. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape" listing.

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

 

Chusonji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. The Golden Hall (Konjiki-do) is one of the two buildings to survive from the original Chusonji Temple complex. Konjiki-do is a wooden building covered with gold leaf and mother of peral, which contains the mummified remains of the Northern Fujiwara clan who ruled northen Honshu in the 12th century. Chusonji Temple is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

 

Kanjizaio-in is the site of a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. Kanjizaio-in Temple was located directly across the Frontier Way from the Enryuji and Kashoji temples (now located within the Motsuji Temple complex). Kanjizaio-in Temple also included a Jodo (pure land) Japanese Garden. Kanjizaio-in Templewas destroyed by fire in 1226. Kanjizaio-in is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

 

Motsuji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi Iwate Prefecture. Motsuji Temple complex includes a Jodo (pure land) Japanese garden that contains the ruins of two much older temples, Enryuji and Kashoji which date back to the 12 century. Enryuji and Kashoji were both destroyed by fire in 1226. Motsuji Temple is designated as a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi" listing.

Ogasawara Islands

 

Chichi-jima is part of cluster of 30 islands known as the Ogasawara Islands that are located approximately 1,000km south of Tokyo. The Ogasawara Islands feature a wealth of unique flora and fauna that have evolved differently to other species in Asia. Chichi-jima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Ogasawara Islands" listing.

 

Haha-jima is part of cluster of 30 islands known as the Ogasawara Islands that are located approximately 1,000km south of Tokyo. The Ogasawara Islands feature a wealth of unique flora and fauna that have evolved differently to other species in Asia. Haha-jima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Ogasawara Islands" listing.

 

Muko-jima is part of cluster of 30 island known as the Ogasawara Islands that are located approximately 1,000km south of Tokyo. The Ogasawara Islands feature a wealth of unique flora and fauna that have evolved differently to other species in Asia. Muko-jima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Ogasawara Islands" listing.

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