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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.

The Meiji Restoration in Kitakyushu

Learn all about the Meiji Restoration in the city of Kitakyushu.

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 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.

The Tomioka Silk Mill

Located in Gunma Prefecture, the Tomioka Silk Mill is a well-preserved symbol of modernization and international cooperation. It was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014.

World Heritage Villages Among Deep Valleys

Travel to Gifu and Toyama to learn all about the charming and scenic historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, two of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Industrial World Heritage in Kyushu

Of the 23 sites in Japan recognized by UNESCO for contributing to the nation's Meiji Era industrial revolution, 16 are located in Kyushu.

Beauty Inside & Out: World Heritage Art Museum

Of the 17 World Heritage buildings that make up 'The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement,' Tokyo boasts the only one in East Asia.

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?

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!

10 Beautiful Spots to Take Photos in Japan

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

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.

Horyu-ji's Famous Buddhist Monuments

Travel to Horyu-ji, a historic Buddhist temple in Nara Prefecture that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of Ancient Nara.

Top 20 Most Popular Castles of 2016

TripAdvisor has revealed its Top 20 best Japanese castles for 2016 based on commentary from domestic travelers—can you guess which castle is number one?

UNESCO's Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara

Once the capital of Japan, the historical monuments of Nara include temples, a shrine, a palace, a forest and lots of deer!

Photo Book Documents Ancient Pilgrimage Path

Witness the awe-inspiring shots captured by two photographers who spent eight days wandering ancient routes crisscrossing Japan's largest peninsula.

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.

16 Superb Views Found in Kyushu

Introducing the natural landscapes and gorgeous harmony you'll find only in Kyushu!

8 Great Kinds of Theater in Japan

Japan has a vast array of theatrical traditions, both ancient and modern. From kabuki to Broadway musicals, there's always something great to see!

Experience the Wonder of Takasaki

Enjoy sightseeing as well as a dip in a famous hot spring all while traveling around Takasaki, only 50 minutes away from Tokyo.

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