One of Japan’s oldest breweries carries on the craft as UNESCO registers Japanese sake brewing as Intangible Cultural Heritage this month.
UNESCO
The imagination of Hayao Miyazaki, captured in tapestry, can now be viewed by the public for a limited time.
If approved, the new additions would join one dance already on the list under the collective title of “Elegant Dances.”
A railway up the mountain aims to eliminate vehicles on the road to the fifth station but the round-trip fare for passengers won’t be cheap.
Unfortunately, kids in northern Japan don’t get a pass this year from the UNESCO-recognized, fearsome namahage.
If you’re planning a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage sites at Nikko in the near future, you’ll be missing out on two of the most famous original wood carvings in the area.
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These stunning images show how craftsmen keep their UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage alive during the coldest months of the year.
Congratulations, Japan; you’re on your way to being awarded yet another UNESCO World Heritage honor!
This time around the honor will be going to “Sites of Japan Meiji Industrial Revolution,” which includes Nagasaki’s legendary (and awesomely spooky) “Battleship Island” among others, granted it passes the final approval stage.
Kiyomizu Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Higashiyama, Kyoto. Kiyomizu, which means “pure water,” takes its name from the waterfall which runs off the nearby hillside. However, it is perhaps most famous for its grand viewing veranda, a sort of stage on tall pillars that juts out of the hillside and commands beautiful views of the surrounding area. But a single visit to Kiyomizu doesn’t do it justice – you need to see it against a backdrop of cherry blossoms in springtime, bright red leaves in the autumn, and of course there’s the yearly illuminations! Luckily for those of us who don’t live in Kyoto, Kiyomizu Temple has set up its own dedicated Instagram account, and the photos that they’ve been uploading are completely breathtaking!
Toyama Bay (Toyama-wan, 富山湾), nestled between Toyama and Ishikawa Prefectures in the Hokuriku region of Japan, was formally inducted into the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club on October 19. The bay is only the second place in Japan following Miyagi Prefecture’s Matsushima to be officially recognized by the global association. After doing some digging, we’ve discovered the incredible charms that the bay has to offer. Love mountains? Check. Love seafood? Double check. Keep reading after the jump to fall in love with Toyama Bay for yourself!
There are a few things people hope to find while hiking to the top of Mt. Fuji. Almost everyone looks forward to the breathtaking vistas. Others hope for the added bonus of comradery with their fellow hikers. Some may even expect to gain some insight into the Japanese spirit or national character by reaching the country’s highest peak.
But you know what no one goes to Mt. Fuji for an eyeful of? Feces. Unfortunately, visitors are becoming more and more likely to run across a pile of poo on the mountain, and that’s not only costing Mt. Fuji some of its cultural luster, it might also mean the end of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
With Mt. Fuji having recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site on June 22, souvenir makers have rushed to cash in on the mountain’s new found fame offering everything from rice bowls to beer glasses crafted in the shape of the iconic volcano.
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Luhur Batukaru Temple, Tabanan, Bali
Indonesia’s Bali Island is full of beautiful temples like the Luhar Batukaru Temple. This temple, strategically located on the southern slope of Bali’s second-highest volcano, protects Bali from evil spirits.
The area surrounding this temple and three other sites in Bali were only recently added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. On June 24th, at the World Heritage Committee’s meeting, held this year in St. Petersburg, Russia, these sites became a part of the expanding World Heritage Site list.
Now Bali has four World Heritage Sites! What sort of place gets to be a Heritage Site? In order to give you an idea, we headed straight away to Bali to show you these recent additions of officially recognized treasures in our world. Read More












Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Eight great words for talking about summer in Japan in Japanese
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Eight great words for talking about summer in Japan in Japanese
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
“We want to be Japan’s best cheap restaurant” says new (but also not new) Akihabara noodle joint
Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Cup Noodle and Columbia team up for a weird and wonderful T-shirt that’s very Japanese