World Heritage Sites

Mount Fuji holds immense cultural, spiritual and artistic significance for the Japanese people and is an internationally recognized icon of the nation. 

Revered by both Buddhism and Shintoism, Fuji's nearly perfect conical shape looms large in Japanese art. 

More than 100 expertly crafted religious buildings are found in the mountainous Nikko landscape. The complex is associated with the the founder of the Edo period (1603-1868), Tokugawa Ieyasu. 

Come here to understand the centuries-old tradition of mountain worship and take in the beauty of Lake Chuzenji.

Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan and its imperial capital for more than 1,000 years. Together with Uji and Otsu, it has preserved numerous aspects of traditional Japanese culture, including architecture, gardens, religious practices and arts. 

Uji's ideal tea-growing climate and proximity to the imperial court led it to play a key role in establishing Japan's tea culture.

The memorial serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear war and a powerful symbol of hope for peace. As the only structure left standing at the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion on August 6, 1945, it's a tangible link to one of the most destructive events in human history. 

Nine locations in Okinawa showcase the culture and history of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which blended influences from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. 

The gusuku castles reveal the southern kingdom's distinctive history and religious practices. 

A peninsula of volcanoes, coastal cliffs, and lakes, Shiretoko is largely untouched by human development. Old-growth forests and rugged coastlines protect a number of endangered species inside the national park. 

Hokkaido is a hot spot for nature tourism, offering hiking, wildlife viewing and hot spring bathing.