Experience Japan's World Natural Heritage Sites! ~ Shiretoko, Shirakami Mountains, Ogasawara Islands, Yakushima ~
sponsored by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau.

What is Japan's World Natural Heritage Site?

Certified by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO) based on any of the criteria of "natural beauty", "topography / geology", "ecosystem", and "biodiversity". world Natural Heritage Site ".

By 2019, 213 cases have been registered worldwide with the aim of internationally cooperating and protecting natural heritage with universal value.

In Japan, which is an island country surrounded by the sea on all sides and has abundant nature, 70% of the land is occupied by forest areas. Shiretoko , " Shirakami Mountains , " Ogasawara Islands , " Yakushima 4 areas are registered, and it is attracting attention as a travel destination for the purpose of enjoying beautiful nature.


How to enjoy World Natural Heritage

Experience Japan's World Natural Heritage Sites! ~ Shirakami Mountains, Shiretoko, Yakushima, Ogasawara Islands ~
Upper left: Rafting in the Shirakami Mountains / Upper right: Cruising in Shiretoko
Lower left: Trekking on Yakushima / Lower right: Diving in Ogasawara

An overwhelming natural landscape, an environment created by a miraculous balance, and the flora and fauna that live there etc ...

"One of the World Natural Heritage Registration Criteria" Includes the highest natural phenomena or regions of outstanding natural beauty and aesthetic significance " world Natural Heritage Site Is certified in as many as four regions in Japan.

" Shiretoko , " Shirakami Mountains , " Ogasawara Islands , " Yakushima In each area, many outdoor activity experience tours are held where you can directly feel the natural beauty of the area and are enjoyed by many travelers.

On this page, we will focus on the popular outdoor activity experience programs of each of the four World Natural Heritage Sites. Japan's World Natural Heritage Introducing recommended experience tour plans that you can never miss when sightseeing!


Manners & Rules in World Natural Heritage Areas


Do not adversely affect the natural environment of World Natural Heritage
Follow the manners and rules and enjoy the rich nature

・ Do not feed wild animals ・ Keep away
Wildlife that has learned the taste of human food changes the place and style of living, and comes down to the remote areas to cause crop damage.
・ Do not step on the moss that grows on rocks and fallen trees
In order to protect the landscape of marshes and mossy swamps and prevent devastation, please do not step on anything other than mountain trails.
・ Do not walk off the promenade or mountain trail
The vegetation in the area where the footsteps have been made does not recover easily. Please do not leave the promenade for photography. Let's give way when the promenade is crowded. If you are in a muddy place, please wear boots and other equipment.
・ Do not collect animals and plants
Many unique flora and fauna inhabit and grow in the World Natural Heritage Area. One plant and one insect maintain the rich ecosystem of the World Natural Heritage Area and maintain a beautiful natural landscape. Do not capture, collect or damage animals and plants.
・ Do not pollute the water in the mountains
Mountain water is polluted if you use it outside the toilet or wash dishes in the water. Prepare a portable toilet in case of unavoidable circumstances, wipe off all dirty dishes with paper, and take them home.
・ Take your trash home
Please reduce the amount of garbage from the beginning as much as possible, and be sure to take all the garbage generated during mountain climbing with you. Don't forget to prepare a bag to take your trash home with you. Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a beautiful natural landscape.
・ Do not allow alien species to invade
Please be careful not to bring in alien species that may adversely affect the ecosystem of the World Natural Heritage Site. Among the World Natural Heritage Areas, the Ogasawara Islands have never been connected to other land, and the creatures that inhabit the Ogasawara Islands form an ecosystem that is highly susceptible to external influences. Before you go to the Ogasawara Islands, check the soles of your shoes for mud, clothes, and bags for seeds and insects.

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