Japan's World Heritage Sites: Unique Culture, Unique Nature

(Hardback)

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Japan's World Heritage Sitespresents the exquisite temples, shrines, gardens, castles and natural wonders found throughout Japan which have now been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This new edition has more convenient size and includes many newly-designated UNESCO sites including:

• Christian Sites in Nagasaki that tell the extraordinary story of Japan's Christians who continued to practice their faith in secret under penalty of death during Japan's feudal era
• Meiji Industrial Sites which tell of the nation's rapid modernization during the Meiji period
• The Munakata Shrine to seafaring deities on a forbidding island
• The Tomioka Silk Mill which became a leader in Japan's export drive
• The National Museum of Western Art, an architectural gem designed by Le Corbusier

Japan expert John Dougill personally traveled to each of these sites to research this book. He tells how his journey led him from the sub-Arctic island of Hokkaido to the sub-tropical islands of the Okinawan archipelago and beyond. Tag along as he describes each place in loving detail and talks about its special historical and cultural features, including:

• Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest and most sacred volcano. Located on Honshu Island near Tokyo, Mt. Fuji is considered the sacred center of Japan.
• Himeji Castle, a monument from Japan's long feudal history. Also known as Egret Castle, because it looks like a bird taking off in flight.
• Horu-ji Temple, the world's oldest surviving wooden structure a center of Buddhist learning that still serves as a seminary and monastery
• The Hiroshima Peace Memorialor Atomic-Bomb Dome one of the few structures to partially survive the atomic blast in 1945
• The Ogasawara Islands, a remote archipelago of over 30 islands including Iwo Jima, that is home to rare wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Readers will learn how Japan became involved with the World Heritage Sites program back in 1993, the importance of these designations, and their popularity in Japan and abroad today. Whether you are planning to travel to Japan or just enjoy learning more about this history of this unique land,Japan's World Heritage Sitesis sure to inspire.

'From Mt. Fuji to ancient Kyoto to the Peace Memorial at Hiroshima, UNESCO tagged seventeen sites with their highest honor and the 350 color photographs and masterful descriptions will certainly solidify Japan's standing as a tourist destination.' Foreword Magazine

Reviews

"Dougill shares historical background and breathtaking photos of Japan's 17 world heritage sites, for instance, Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle, which are conveniently reachable from Tokyo. The author includes facts on accessing the sites, hours of operation, and more." --Library Journal
"From Mt. Fuji to ancient Kyoto to the Peace Memorial at Hiroshima, UNESCO tagged seventeen sites with their highest honor and the 350 color photographs and masterful descriptions will certainly solidify Japan's standing as a tourist destination." --Foreword Magazine
"Tuttle showcases ancient traditions in Japan's World Heritage SitesThe book has been updated to include all of the new UNESCO World Heritage designations since it was last published in 2014. The smaller trim size and lower price ($24.99, from $34.95) is an effort to appeal to travelers who may be looking for a souvenir on the way home from Japan" -- Publishers Weekly

Author Bio

John Dougill is a professor at Ryukoku University in Kyoto. He has authored fourteen Japanese college textbooks as well as Kyoto: A Cultural Guide, In Search of Japan's Hidden Christians and Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto.