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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is an agency of the United Nations that aims to promote the preservation and growth of the world's intellectual and cultural property. UNESCO is probably best known for designing World Heritage Sites, cultural or natural sites that show "outstanding universal value". There are currently 16 world heritage sites in Japan. World Cultural Heritage Sites: Horyuji Temple Added in 1993 Horyuji Temple's central gate, main hall and pagoda are the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. Himeji Castle Added in 1993 Himeji Castle is the most beautiful and complete surviving example of a Japanese feudal castle. Monuments of Ancient Kyoto Added in 1994 Over a dozen shrines, temples and castles in Kyoto and the neighboring cities of Uji and Otsu, including Toji, Kiyomizudera, Enryakuji, Daigoji, Byodoin, Tenryuji, Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Ryoanji and Nijojo. Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Added in 1995 Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are remote regions in the mountains of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures, famous for their solid houses built in the gasshozukuri architecture style. Hiroshima Genbaku Dome Added in 1996 The A-Bomb Dome is the only remaining structure in central Hiroshima, which predates the atomic blast of 1945. Itsukushima Shrine Added in 1996 Itsukushima Shrine is one of the most beautiful and unique shrines in Japan, scenically located on the sacred island of Miyajima. It is particularly famous for its "floating" torii gate. Monuments of Ancient Nara Added in 1998 Over half a dozen shrines, temples and other sites in Nara, including Todaiji, Kofukuji, Kasuga Taisha and Yakushiji. Shrines and Temples of Nikko Added in 1999 Nikko has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist worship for many centuries. Today, it is most famous for its lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine. Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu Added in 2000 Several castle ruins and other site in Okinawa Prefecture, dating back to the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range Added in 2004 Sacred sites in Yoshino, Omine, Kumano and Koyasan connected by pilgrimage routes in a densely forested, mountainous region. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape Added in 2007 Iwami Ginzan is a former silver mine in the mountains of Shimane Prefecture, whose output accounted for one third of the world's silver production in the 17th century. Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi Added in 2011 Multiple temples and other sites in Hiraizumi, including Chusonji and Motsuji. World Natural Heritage Sites: Yakushima Added in 1993 Yakushima is an island in Kagoshima Prefecture, south off Kyushu, famous for its flora, especially its ancient Japanese cedar trees. Shirakami Sanchi Added in 1993 Shirakami Sanchi is a mountain range spanning Aomori and Akita Prefectures, where the last remaining virgin forest of Siebold's beech trees is located. Shiretoko Added in 2005 The Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, is one of Japan's most beautiful and unspoiled national parks. Ogasawara Islands Added in 2011 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo, the remote Ogasawara Islands are home to a unique fauna and flora. Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

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World Heritage Tours English guided tours to UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan.

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UNESCO World Heritage Centre Official website.