Japan's Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Above, Itsukushima Shrine's grand vermillion torii gate at Miyajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of these days, tourists will flock again to Japan to enjoy its scenic beauty and take in Japanese culture.

Until then, all we can do is read about it and catch a video of Japan on YouTube and other sources.

Japan has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for people to visit and Time Out Tokyo has listed the best ones.

They begin with:

It’s no secret that Japan is filled with some of the most picturesque sightseeing spots in the world – we’re talking soothing bamboo forests, summer festivals and winter villages. So many of Japan’s historic sites have been damaged or destroyed in natural disasters and wars, so the ones that still remain are considered rare and therefore special.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, or Unesco, aims to preserve global cultural, historical or natural landmarks by designating them as World Heritage Sites. And Japan boasts a whopping 23 World Heritage Sites, ranging from traditional villages to Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples, and more.

Thanks to preservation efforts, both tourists and residents can still visit these ancient sites and learn about the history of Japan. Here are some of Japan’s best Unesco World Heritage Sites, from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial to Kyoto’s ancient monuments. 

To read more, go here. 

 

Time Out Tokyo: Guide To Hiroshima

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning a vacation to Japan and who also plan to venture out of Tokyo, Hiroshima is a place that is worth a visit.

I visited Hiroshima in 2004 with G-TOUR and it was a memorable experience.

A guide to Hiroshima has been posted by Time Out Tokyo and they begin it with:

After the devastating atomic bombing of World War II, Hiroshima has risen again to become a beacon of world peace, and one of Japan’s top tourist destinations 

Take a trip down to southern Honshu and explore the sights and sounds of Hiroshima, an city of historical significance not just in Japan but in the world as well. The city was decimated by one of the only two atomic bombs ever deployed in war, and this historic bombing led to the end of World War II. Today, the city has been completely rebuilt, but the war remnants are preserved as they were to not only remind us all the horrors of war but also promote everlasting world peace. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial was designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1996 and is now a significant landmark of the world. 

A regular stop on the Japan tourist trail, Hiroshima still holds many sights and attractions, with lots of top restaurants and hidden bars dotted throughout the city. Let's not forget about Miyajima either – the sacred island is home to many tame, free-roaming deer and great temples. Planning on a visit? Add this list to your itinerary now.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto For Beginners

Above, Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anyone visiting Japan for the first time or for those who have never been to Kyoto should make it a point to visit Japan's ancient capital. I've been there twice. 

First, I toured Kyoto with G-TOUR in 2004. Then, I returned there in 2015.

But what should beginners include in their itinerary?

Fortunately, Ryokou Girl has a suggested three-day itinerary for beginners.

They begin with:

Anyone visiting Japan for the first time should go to Kyoto, home to a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of my favorite cities! This article offers a complete 3-day Kyoto itinerary for first-time visitors taking in all the best sights and experiences. 

So what are you waiting for? Check out my list of things to do in Kyoto for beginners!

To read more, go here. 

8 Popular Attractions Near Mount Fuji

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When visiting Japan, visitors should take a couple of days (at least) to visit the areas around Mount Fuji. There's plenty to see and do.

According to Japan Info Swap:

A visit to Japan won’t be complete without a trip to the one of the most famous natural beauties in the world, Mt. Fuji. It’s majestic cone has its magical allure from all angles that is why crowds are drawn to the different attractions surrounding it so that they can view it from there. And of course, who wouldn’t want to come closer and traverse along the foot of the mountain to experience it’s charm. 

Mt. Fuji also known as Fujisan is the 7th highest peak in the world, the 2nd highest peak of an island that is volcanic in nature in Asia and the highest mountain in all of Japan. It has been the inspiration of numerous photographs, paintings, poetry and art since time immemorial. It is one of the three holy mountains in Japan along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku and was added in the World Heritage List as a Cultural site in 2013. 

This beloved symbol of the country is snow capped for around 5 months every year so there are a wide variety of activities that tourists and locales can enjoy all year round including skiing in the winter and lounging by the lake in the spring. Here’s a list of some of the attractions that you’d surely enjoy when visiting the areas near Mt.Fuji.

To see what the Mount Fuji area has to offer, go here. 

Nijo Castle To Get Makeover

Above, the gardens of Nijo Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, the first G-TOUR to Japan made a stop at Kyoto's Nijo Castle. The tour group toured the castle as well as the castle's gardens.

Now, plans are underway to make more effective use of the castle.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

KYOTO--A planned makeover of historic Nijo Castle here could involve renting out the room where modern Japan came into being so international conferences can be held there. 

The castle, a World Heritage site that was built in 1603 at the start of the Edo Period, played host to the last Tokugawa shogun as he handed over the reins of government to Emperor Meiji, thus ushering in the Meiji Restoration in 1868. 

A 12-member panel on Sept. 16 submitted recommendations to the Kyoto city government about ways to make more effective use of the feudal fortifications in Nakagyo Ward.

To read more, go here. 

Climbing Mount Fuji: What To Expect

Above, a bullet train  view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Minutes ago, I posted a blog about the opening of climbing season at Mount Fuji in Japan.

If anyone reading that posting is planning to go to Japan and climb Mount Fuji, News On Japan has posted an article on what to expect. The article originated from Gaijinpot.

It begins with:

Did you know in 2013 Mt. Fuji became designated as a World’s Heritage site? This iconic representation of Japan is now even more well known around the world, and lucky for its fans, its officially climbing season.* 

Mt. Fuji stands 3,776 meters, or 12,388, feet tall. It is an active volcano that last erupted in 1707 A.D.; and it is considered to be overdue for another eruption. So how should you handle this terrifying disaster waiting to happen? Climb it! 

Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect when climbing Mt. Fuji.

To read more, go here. 

The Spiritual Beauty of Kiyomizu-dera

Above, the Main Hall and Stage of Kiyomizu-dera were being renovated at the time of my visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Huffington Post has posted a pictorial article on Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. It is not the usual kind of photo article as it focuses on the temple during four seasons.

Godzilla fans are familiar with Kiyomizu-dera as it briefly appeared in 1993's Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. The scene has Godzilla stomping through Kyoto in the background with Kiyomizu-dera's Main Hall and Stage in the foreground.

According to The Huffington Post:

The Kiyomizu-dera, or Kiyomizu Temple, is one of Japan’s greatest treasures. The 14,000- square-foot temple, situated dramatically on a cliff overlooking Kyoto, was initially constructed in the 8th century. The temple was rebuilt during Japan’s Tokugawa dynasty in the 1600s, and has served ever since as a place of worship for Japanese Buddhists. 

The temple is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but despite the crowds, there is something undeniably spiritual about its swooping pagodas and stone pillars, surrounded by swathes of natural greenery. Kiyomizu—which means “pure water” – takes its name from the waterfall in the center of the temple complex, whose water is believed to have the power to grant wishes.

To read more, go here.

Japan's Must-see World Heritage Sites

Above, the A-Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Park are World Heritage Sites. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Amy Chavez has an article on "Japan's Must-see World Heritage Sites" over at the Huffington Post.

As of August 2014, there are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan.

She begins her article with:

What to see, how to avoid the crowds, and how to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on your own terms. 

Although I have been to many of the World Heritage Sites myself, to learn the details on absolutely all of them I turned to the book Japan's World Heritage Sites: Unique Culture, Unique Nature by John Dougill.

To read more, go here.

Labor Day Blog Pick-ups

September is starting out with The Japan Daily picking up four of today's blog posts for sharing with their readers.

They are:

To read The Japan Daily, go here.

Book: Japan's World Heritage Sites

The Japan Visitor blog has posted a review on a new book on Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

They wrote (in part):

Most coffee-table photo books of Japanese scenes are destined to sit around as dust-collecting decorations rather than be consulted as bona fide reference works. But John Dougill's overview of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites achieves the balance between attractiveness and utility that will ensure Japanophiles are hoisting it into their laps on a regular basis and using it to inspire them for the next trip in a country undeniably rich in both natural and cultural wonders. Given its scope, however, and the emphasis on photography befitting its coffee-table format, the book is an introduction to Japan's heritage rather than the definitive guide to it.

Most of the top tourist attractions are on the World Heritage list (I have been to some of them). If you are interested in visiting these sites, this book may be what the doctor ordered.

Japan's World Heritage Sites
John Dougill
Tuttle, 2014
Full-colour hardback, 192 pp
ISBN 978-4-8053-1285-8

To read the full review, go here.

18 Must-See Sites In Japan

Above, torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine–Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture) is no. 2 on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rocket News 24 has an article on visiting "18 must-see sites in Japan." They are all UNESCO World Heritage sites, which should indicate to the uninitiated that they are worth a visit.

I've been to several of them, not because of their World Heritage site status, but because I wanted to see them or they were on our tour itinerary.

The article begins with:

Visiting World Heritage Sites is a great way to see Japan. Since the sites are scattered all around the archipelago, you’re bound to be close to at least one of them no matter where you are in the country, and having gained the prestigious status by UNESCO, you can be sure you’re seeing the very best of Japan. After all, World Heritage status is not easily obtained and competition is stiff. 

Join our peripatetic reporter as she takes you to each site and gives you the lowdown on what to see, how to avoid the crowds, and how to enjoy the sites on your own terms. Ready? Let’s go!

Although I have been to many of the World Heritage Sites myself, to learn the details on absolutely all of them I turned to the book Japan’s World Heritage Sites: Unique Culture, Unique Nature by John Dougill. 

To see the list, go here.

Kinkaku-Ji, Temple of the Golden Pavilion

Above, Kinkaku-ji, the gold-plated Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, was a place in Kyoto that I wanted to visit for quite a while. I had read about it and seen plenty of pictures of it, but wanted to see it for myself. In 1994, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thankfully, it was on the itinerary of the 2004 G-TOUR and I got to see it along with other Godzilla fans.

I have written about Kinkaku-ji several times on this blog, but reading other people's thoughts about it are always welcome. Such is the case with a June 11 posting at Gaijinpot.com.

Their article covers the history of Kinkaku-ji, what to expect, extra fun items and how to get there.

The Gaijinpot article begins with:

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion in all its majesty is something you must see with your own eyes to believe. Even seeing it in person feels almost unreal, as if you are just viewing a famous painting for the first time. But it is so much more than just art, it is a piece of history that now simply rests in this peaceful pond in Kyoto. 

Seeing a crowd of people flocking to a site in Japan is quite common, especially at famous sightseeing locations. As you travel the country you become used to this phenomenon, and come to expect it to occur when you’re at a famous place. Visiting Kinkaku-ji will feel very much the same, but what is to come at the end of the crowd is unlike any other sight in Japan.

When visiting Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji should be put on your "must see" list of things to visit.

To read the full article, go here. 

Latest Blog Post Pick-Ups

Three blog posts were picked up by The Japan Daily.

The first two were on the Japanese World Heritage Sites (1993-1998) and (1999-2013).

The last one was on the availability of PayPal for the pre-vacation season sale of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To view The Japan Daily, go here.

Japanese World Heritage Sites (1999-2013)

Above, the peak of Mount Fuji from the timberline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is the second part of MATCHA's listing of Japanese World Heritage Sites. These were entered into the listing during the years of 1999 to 2013.

Of this list, I have visited one of them. As with the first list, the entries are accompanied with beautiful photographs.

MATCHA, The Japan Travel Web Magazine begins the second list of entries with:

Following the previous entry, we will introduce the Japanese World Heritage Site registered from 1999 to 2013. Please read and feel the beautiful Japanese old architectures and grand nature.

To see the entries, go here.

Japanese World Heritage Sites (1993-1998)

Above, Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto, Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

MATCHA, The Japan Travel Web Magazine has articles listing World Heritage Sites in Japan.

They are divided into two entries. The first one covers 1993 to 1998. I have visited some of them. One of them is pictured above.

Before listing the sites (along with photos), they began the article with:

Do you know how many World Heritage Sites are in Japan at this moment (2014.5)? 13 Cultural Heritages, and 4 Natural Heritages so totally here are 17 World Heritages Sites. 

We gathered them on two entries. Let’s go on to the first half!

To see the first entry, go here.

Non-Japanese Using Narita Airport Up 18.8%

Above, the arrival lobby at Narita Airport's Terminal One.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Another good indicator at how well the Japanese tourism industry has rebounded are the latest figures of foreign nationals flying in and out of Narita International Airport.

News On Japan reported:

The number of non-Japanese flying in or out of Narita International Airport during the summer holiday season between July 12 and Sunday jumped 18.8 pct from a year before to some 1,394,250, immigration data showed Thursday. 

They credit the weaker yen and the naming of Mount Fuji as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the upsurge.

To read the full article (and see a video), go here. 

Major Quake Could Cause Mount Fuji Eruption

Above, the summit of Mount Fuji from the timberline.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mount Fuji last erupted in 1707, but it is still considered an active volcano. Scientists say that a major earthquake could "rip open" its magma chamber, causing it to erupt.  

According to a Japan Times article:

The iconic, 3,776-meter-high Mount Fuji may violently erupt if a major earthquake were to rip open its magma chamber, according to a team of researchers. 

The researchers include those from the state-run National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, or AIST. 

Mount Fuji, which was registered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage cultural sites last month, is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1707 in what is known as the Hoei eruption, which dumped a large amount of volcanic ash onto the Kanto region, centering on what is now Tokyo.

To read the full article, go here. 

Lake Kawaguchiko's "Kojōsai" Festival

Above, Lake Kawaguchi's fireworks are reflected
upon the lake's waters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, which conjures up thoughts of bar-b-ques and fireworks.

The most memorable fireworks display in recent years for me actually didn't take place on Independence Day, nor did it even take place in the United States.

I would have to say that the most memorable fireworks display had to be during G-Tour in 2004 when we attended the Lake Kawakuchi fireworks festival (Lake Kawaguchiko's "Kojōsai" Festival).

Above, climbers' lights can be seen on the slopes of the
silhouetted Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the five lakes near Mount Fuji (now a World Heritage site). On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen from Lake Kawaguchi.  When we arrived at the lake, Fuji was obscured by cloud cover.  But just before the fireworks show began, the sky cleared and we were able to see the silhouette of Mount Fuji against the night sky.

After a full day of touring, this was a relaxing respite for the group. Luckily, there were food vendors (photo below) at the viewing area and most everyone were famished and gave the vendors a lot of business.

On the slopes of Mount Fuji, tiny lights can be seen making their way to the summit. These are climbers who climb Fuji to view the morning sunrise. Since Mount Fuji has been designated a World Heritage site, it is speculated that this will cause an increase in the numbers of climbers. As a test,  a ¥1,000 admission fee will be charged on a trial basis for about 10 days from July 25. [See this article from The Japan Times.]

Above, the festival is comprised of competing
fireworks companies.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fireworks display lasted about an hour or so. The fireworks festival is held annually for competing fireworks companies to display their goods. It was a smart move to make Lake Kawaguchiko's "Kojōsai" Festival as an "anchor" when planning the tour.  For information, go here.

The accompanying photographs are screen captures of a video I shot with a Hi8 camcorder.

Mount Fuji Receives World Heritage Status

Above, Mount Fuji's summit from the timberline.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan received some good news today as Mount Fuji received World Heritage status.

According to Fox News:

TOKYO (AFP) –  Residents in towns around Mount Fuji erupted with joy on Saturday after UNESCO granted World Heritage status to Japan's highest and most celebrated moutain. 

Known for its perfectly cone-shaped volcano, UNESCO classified the mountain as a "cultural" heritage site saying it has "has inspired artists and poets and been the object of pilgrimage for centuries". 

"Oh, I feel relieved. I am thankful," Shigeru Horiuchi, the mayor of Fuji Yoshida told reporters at his office after receiving a phone call from Phnom Penh where he was informed of the UN body's decision.

Mount Fuji also earned a spotlight in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for its appearances in King Kong vs. Godzilla, Destroy All Monsters and Godzilla Final Wars. It is featured on page 37.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/06/22/local-residents-celebrate-mt-fuji-world-heritage-status/#ixzz2Wz7GKcF2

Hefty Fee Eyed For Mt. Fuji Climbers

Above, the summit of Mt. Fuji from the timberline.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People wanting to climb Japan's Mount Fuji may have to pay a hefty fee to do so.

Japan Today reports:

TOKYO —Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and much-climbed mountain, has lately been acknowledged as a priceless part of the world’s cultural heritage. But a climb to appreciate this heritage may now come with the hefty fee tag of 7,000 yen per person. 

With the sacred mountain on the verge of attaining UNESCO World Heritage status, the number of climbers could skyrocket, placing additional strain on an environment which some say is already pushed to the limit. The results of a preliminary study on the issue conducted by Kyoto University’s Professor Koichi Kuriyama (Environmental Economics) were released on June 4. Professor Kuriyama came to the conclusion that to keep the number of climbers at current levels, “a 7,000 yen fee per person is necessary”.

To read more, go here.