5 UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites
that show just how wild and unspoilt Japan really is
Tokyo's modern metropolises and Kyoto's historical temples sites are extraordinary to see, but this is just one side to Japan and the country has so much more to offer. The country is actually more than 70% forest, home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
In fact, Japan has five World Natural Heritage sites, spanning from the north down to the islands in the south – each with their own unique activities and culture. These incredibly beautiful natural areas are a great way to see a wilder side of Japan, as well an opportunity to travel more sustainably. Journey to one of these sites and you’ll not only be reminded of how interesting nature can be, you’ll also get a sense of the harmonious relationship formed between nature and humanity throughout Japan’s unique history.
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
A string of far-flung islands home to some of the greatest biodiversity in Japan
Designated UNESCO status in 2021
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island make up this site south of Japan’s mainland, circled by rainbows of coral reefs. It’s the newest UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in Japan, with the designated site spanning from Amami-Oshima Island and Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima to northern Okinawa Island and Iriomote Island. Much of the area is covered in subtropical rainforests and mangroves, where rare, endemic species live, the Amami Rabbit and Okinawa rail. The biodiversity in this area is higher than other parts of Japan, with evolutionarily distinct species that make exploring enjoyable year-round.
Top 3 things to do
1. Night forest drive
By day, nocturnal wildlife rests in the forests, but as dusk arrives the animals thrive. In the quiet darkness, under a starry sky, you can take a drive with a local guide to see the subtropical rainforest pulsating with life. The tour takes place by car and always with a local guide because there are whole host of dangerous animals in the forests, including poisonous habu snakes – but this only adds to the thrill.
2. Mangrove kayaking
Kayaking through the mangroves is a great way to see the biodiversity that gave this area UNESCO fame. On the Gesashi river, you will find a huge collection of mangroves forests where narrow tributaries zig zag towards the open sea. Float along the calm waters, take in the unusual birdlife around you, then cool off after all the paddling with a swim among the tropical fish.
3. Diving
Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island are surrounded by cobalt blue sea and colourful coral that makes it perfect for diving. In places, you’ll be surrounded by literally thousands of colourful fish that swarm the waters, as well as turtles and squid. Snorkelling off the beaches is also fun, with hundreds of different spots across the area that are great for a dip.
©️arc image gallery
©️arc image gallery
Unique local culture
Each area of Japan has its own unique culture – in the Amami Islands and Northern part of Okinawa Island, folk singing is a popular activity. Shima-Uta, a traditional genre of folk songs that originated here, have been carefully handed down through village events and celebrations for centuries. Played on unique local instruments, the songs have a distinctive bitter-sweet melody. As you explore the island, you can sometimes hear the songs carried on the wind.
©OCVB
©OCVB
How to access
Amami-Oshima Island can be accessed in two hours with flights from Haneda Airport to Amami Airport. Get to Tokunoshima Airport by flying from Haneda to Kagoshima Airport (one hour and 45 minutes) and then onto Tokunoshima Island. The Northern part of Okinawa Island can be reached by a flight from Haneda to Naha Aiport (two hours and 30 minutes) and then is a two hour bus ride. Access Iriomote Island by flying to Painushima Ishigaki Airport from Haneda in three hours then taking a 30 mine bus to the ferry terminal and sail to the island in 40 minutes.
Ogasawara Islands
Over 30 sub-tropical islands nurturing their own distinctive ecosystem
Designated UNESCO status in 2011
Step into the sapphire water of Chichijima Islands and it’s hard to believe you’re still in Japan. Mountainous Chichijima Islands, the main island of the Ogasawara Islands, is technically part of Tokyo prefecture, but feels a world away from the sprawling metropolis – or more precisely, 1,000 kilometers away. A treasure trove of endemic species’, the islands were given UNESCO status for the rare ecosystem found across the land, sea and air. By boat, the trip from central Tokyo takes 24 hours, but it’s exactly this drawn-out journey that makes the islands even more special.
Top 3 things to do
1. Sea kayaking
One of the Ogasawara Island’s distinguishing features is the colour of the water. It’s blue – unbelievably, intoxicatingly blue. The locals refer to it as ‘Bonin blue’, after the English name for the Ogasawara islands, Bonin Islands (“Bonin” comes from Bunin, meaning ‘uninhabited’ in Japanese). Sea kayaking – an activity that’s enjoyable year-round – is one of the best ways to appreciate the colour, peering through it to the coral and fish below. It’s also a great way to visit hidden coves and beaches that are otherwise hard to reach.
2. Snorkelling, diving and whale watching
If you can’t get enough of the ‘blue’ above the water, head below it. The marine life is remarkable. Depending on the time of year, you could witness schools of dogtooth tuna, manta rays, green turtles and even dolphins. Whale watching is a popular activity that can be enjoyed all year round, with humpback whales from January to April and sperm whales from May to November.
3. Hiking
The Ogasawara Islands have never been a part of any continent, which means the plants and animals carried by ocean currents, winds and birds have evolved in unique ways. Trekking on foot through the semi-tropical fern forests and mountains is the best way to appreciate this biodiversity. Plus, from the island’s high vantage points you can take in sweeping views of the Bonin blue waters.
Unique local culture
Thanks to the remote location, warm climate and tropical sunshine, Ogasawara has a pleasingly slow pace of life for those who visit. This is reflected in the abundant and varied local produce grown and consumed on the island – among them distinctive fruit, vegetables and coffee beans. In fact, this is where Japanese coffee cultivation began 140 years ago. Today, this culture still goes strong, with local eateries serving up fresh-plucked tomatoes, tempura winged beans, passion fruit, mangoes, and coffee that bean connoisseurs covet around the world.
©️Ogasawara Village Tourism Bureau
©️Ogasawara Village Tourism Bureau
How to access
The islands are accessed by a 24-hour ferry from central Tokyo. You can book tickets up to two months before departure, although during peak times (such as New Year or Golden Week in May) tickets get snapped up fast. To reach the ferry terminal, take a 10-minute train from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho Station using either the Keihin-Tohoku Line or Yamanote. From here, walk seven minutes to Takeshiba Pier, where the ferry departs.
Good to know: When visiting the island do not take any non-native species. You must also completely remove any plant seeds or dirt from your clothes and shoes before visiting to preserve the unique ecosystem.
Shiretoko
A diverse ecosystem thriving on drift ice at the northern tip of Japan
Designated UNESCO status in 2005
Shiretoko National Park is one of the richest integrated ecosystems in the world. It was designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 2005 for the dynamic food chain that thrives here, starting from the tiny plankton in the Okhotsk Sea. It’s as beautiful as it is wild – silver lakes reflect the enormous volcanic mountains like mirrors, with rivers that snake through the forests out towards the ocean. You’ll find all kinds of wildlife here, from the infamous brown bears (the largest population in Japan), to deer, sea eagles, whales, dolphins, seals and more. The landscape changes drastically with the seasons, from emerald green in spring and summer, to burnt orange in autumn, to a blanket of icy white in winter.
Top 3 things to do
1. Drift ice walking
From late January to early March, the temperatures in Shiretoko get so cold that the ocean actually freezes. This happens where the fresh water from the Amur River enters the Sea of Okhotsk, lowering the salt concentrate. This is a chance to try an experience only possible in Shiretoko – drift ice walking. Wearing a special dry suit, you can walk across the ice, hopping between the giant ice floats that bob on the ocean. If you’re lucky, you might also encounter seals resting on the ice.
2. Hiking
In a landscape as beautiful as Shiretoko, hiking is naturally one of the best things to do here. There are countless trails to explore, from the trek up Mt.Rausu-dake at 1,700m, to a route that connects five lakes, known as Goko, said to resemble a set of giant fingerprints. Be wary of the brown bears though – it’s thought that there are at least 500 living on this 20km-wide peninsular, and although great measures have been taken to ensure peaceful coexistence, it’s recommended you at least wear a bell on your bag as you hike.
3. Kamuiwakka Hot Falls
Japan is famous for onsen (hot spring baths) but in Shiretoko there’s an even more novel experience: a hot spring river. Kamuiwakka is a hot spring waterfall that flows from the heat beneath the active volcano of Mt. Io. The water is around 30 degrees C, making it a popular place to walk up barefoot or to relax in.
©️Shutterstock
©️Shutterstock
Unique local culture
The locals of Shirektoko have always lived in harmony with the rich ecosystem. Seafood here is plentiful, making it the cuisine of choice; especially the salmon. The Ainu people, the indigenous people who inhabit Shiretoko and the greater Hokkaido area, call salmon the ‘fish of the gods’ and hold ceremonies to welcome these fish every autumn as they make their way up the rivers to lay their eggs. One of the most-loved dishes is chan chan yaki, made by grilling salmon on a hot plate with vegetables like onion and cabbage and flavouring it with miso. It was said to have been created by Hokkaido’s fishermen to rejuvenate them after a long day at sea.
How to access
Shiretoko lies to the eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island. The fastest way to access from Tokyo is to fly from Haneda Airport to Memanbetsu Airport, then drive the two hours up to the peninsula. There’s also the Shari Bus Shiretoko Airport Liner that takes around 2 hours 15 minutes from Memanbetsu to the town of Utoro. Another option is to fly from Haneda to Nakashibetsu Airport and drive just over an hour up to Shiretoko.
Yakushima Island
A rain-shrouded island with incredible giant cedar trees
Designated UNESCO status in 1993
Few places feel as magical as Yakushima. This small island, located off the southern coast of Kyushu, is said to be the inspiration for one of Miyazaki’s famous Studio Ghibli movies. The film feels like an animated version of the real thing: an otherworldly mix of misty mountains, mossy rocks and twisted tree roots, where deer and monkeys roam freely. Some of the cedars on Yakushima are over 1000 years old, with the oldest, Jomonsugi cedar, said to be between 2000 and 7200 years old.
Top 3 things to do
1. Hike to Jomonsugi cedar
There are plenty of hiking trails on Yakushima, but the best route is the hike to Jomonsugi cedar, the oldest and largest cedar tree on the island. It’s just over 10km one way to reach Jomonsugi cedar, but the hike can take up to 10 hours as you head into the dense forest. The elevation gain from the trailhead is only around 610m of ascent – but underfoot it can be uneven so it requires proper hiking gear and a good level of fitness.
2. Snorkelling and diving
Although many people come for the forests and mountains, Yakushima are a paradise underwater too. The sea around Yakushim is rich in abundant water that falls as rain and the Kuroshio Current, which flows in from the south, and nurtures numerous fish and corals. You can snorkel right off the beach to see a swirl of colourful marine life, including sea turtles.
3. Sea turtle nesting and hatching
Yakushima is an important nesting site for both the endangered loggerhead and green turtles. Nesting on Yakushima lasts from late April to early August, with most sea turtles landing on the beach at night to lay their eggs. During this period, you can visit the beaches at night on a sea turtle-watching eco-tour. It is said that the eggs laid on the beach are heated by geothermal heat and hatch in about two months. The hatchlings then travel around the Pacific Ocean on the currents, taking several years to several decades to grow and return to Yakushima.
Unique local culture
Yakushima is the rare site of a natural ocean hot spring called Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen. It can only be accessed twice a day before and after low tide, for about two hours each time. For some, this might be an intimidating experience as it’s a mixed-gender spot that must be entered naked (swimming costumes/clothing is banned) but it’s incredibly relaxing to sit on the beach, immersed in hot water, watching the waves roll in.
©️K.P.V.B
©️K.P.V.B
How to access
Yakushima Airport can be reached directly from Fukuoka Airport in northern Kyushu (55 minutes), or Kagoshima Airport in southern Kyushu (40 minutes). If you fly from Tokyo, changing at Kagoshima is the easiest way to access. You can also take a ferry from Kagoshima port. If you fly from Tokyo, changing at Kagoshima is the easiest way to access. You can also take a ferry from Kagoshima port.
Shirakami-Sanchi
One of East Asia’s largest virgin beech forests
Designated UNESCO status in 1993
Shirakami-Sanchi is an incredible beech forest and mountain range in the Tōhoku region of northern Honshū. The forest – which once covered most of northern Japan – is one of the world’s largest primeval beech forests, and stands as the last virgin beech forest in the country. The ecosystem is so old that the flora is thought to be similar to that seen around the Arctic Circle over 50 million years ago. Hike through the forests and you might spot the Japanese serow or Asia black bear, as well as endangered bird species like the golden eagle and rare black woodpecker.
Top 3 things to do
1. Sawa walking
Although you can head out and hike on your own, a sawa (translating to mountain stream) walking tour is a great way to learn about the surrounding forests and waters from a guide. One 200-year-old beech can store about 8 tons of water per year, which flows out at certain times to create amazing pools of spring water. On a tour, you’ll zig-zag between these with your guide, learning about the history of the ancient forest. The best time to do this is between June and September, when it feels especially good to soak your feet in the cool waters.
2. Senjojiki Coast
For some of the best sunsets in Japan, head to the Senjojiki Coast at the edge of Shirakami-Sanchi. The name Senjojiki literally translates as ‘one thousand tatami mats’ referring to the beach’s multi-tiered formation formed by an earthquake in 1792.
3. Mount Kodake hike
A hike to the top of Mt. Kodake, at the heart of the Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Site, offers beautiful views over the surrounding peaks and forests. There are two climbing routes to the summit, both of which go through a rich beech forest. Getting to the peak takes about 2 hours, with part of the route on a paved trail.
Unique local culture
In winter, the cold winds blow in from the Japan Sea during winter, blanketing the mountains in up to four metres of snow. The people who live in this harsh natural environment have developed a unique local food culture to help them survive the long winters. One of the signature dishes is umezuke – a special kind of pickled plum that forms an integral part of the local cuisine. Whereas other regions pickle plums in salt for a week or so then eat them, here plums are aged for a year or two after the pickling, giving them a much deeper
How to access
Reaching Shirakami-Sanchi is easiest by car due to the remote forest location. You can fly from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to an airport in the Tohoku region (e.g. Akita Airport, Odate-Noshiro Airport or Aomori Airport), then pick up a hire car and continue the drive. There are also train and bus connections from Aomori Airport to the national park.
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