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Masanori Aoyagi on Japan's World Heritage

When the sites of Japan’s Meiji industrial revolution were added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, Highlighting Japan spoke with then-Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Masanori Aoyagi about the significance of World Heritage Sites in Japan.

UNESCO Sites in the Tokyo Area

Tokyo is great for food, shopping and relaxation. But you should know there are also a handful of stellar World Heritage Sites right in the area!

Japan's 11 Coolest Festivals

Check out our definitive list of awesome festivals around Japan throughout the year!

10 Beautiful Spots to Take Photos in Japan

It's hard to take a bad picture at these gorgeous locations!

8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Nikko

Fresh air, shaved ice and 'steps to heaven.' Need a reason to visit Nikko? Here are eight!

Origami Cranes at Shrines & Temples

Why can origami birds be found at many shrines and temples? Who makes them? Why do they make them? Learn the answers to these questions here!

Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.

All About Japanese Festivals

There are an estimated 600,000 festivals held in Japan every year—an average of 50,000 per month!

Japan—Where Tradition Meets the Future

Centered around a slick video of 45 locations across three regions of Japan, the JNTO's new European campaign is a beauty to behold.

Tanzan Shrine Kemari Festival

A game played by royals 1,400 years ago, held at this nature-rich shrine in Nara. Japan's football starts here!

Paint Your Face for Next Year's Crops!

Fukuoka locals show their appreciation to the powers above at this goopy harvest festival.

All About the Tenjin Matsuri

Japan is famous for its wide variety of festivals, and one of the Top 3 is the Tenjin festival in Osaka. Between dances and river parades, this summer event has it all. Check it out and plan your next visit!

The Great Buddha at Kamakura

This statue has seen a lot from where it sits.

15 Unique Festivals Only Found in Japan

There are a variety of interesting festivals in each prefecture of Japan throughout the year.

Hiraizumi: Pure Land Heritage

Located in Iwate Prefecture, Hiraizumi was the administrative center of northeastern Japan in the 12th century, said to have rivaled the splendor of Kyoto at its peak.

An 8-Day Journey Through the 'Rising Dragon'

Travel through the 'Rising Dragon' region of Japan, where you'll find ancient shrines, exquisite gold leaf, top-ranked gardens, incredible festivals, panoramic mountain views, plus markets, museums, kabuki and more!

The Ultimate Itinerary in Kamakura

Here’s how you can have the best of everything in just one day in Kamakura!

Top 4 Fall Foliage Spots around Takayama

Fall in love with the stunning fall foliage of Hida Takayama, a beautifully preserved castle town tucked in the remote mountains of Gifu Prefecture.

Top 7 Weirdest Festivals Across Japan

While it's estimated there are 600,000 festivals in Japan, some are decidedly weirder than others!

Can You Keep a Secret? 4 Hidden Hot Springs

There are a lot of incredible hot springs in Japan. These four hot springs are not well known, but they'll surprise you! They all have something special in common—can you guess what it is?

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