Nara Palaces Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage

NARA, Sep 11 (News On Japan) - Nara's Asuka and Fujiwara Palaces have been officially recommended as a candidate for UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list, with the goal of achieving registration at the World Heritage Committee meeting scheduled for the year after next.

Tetsurō Hishida, chairman of the World Cultural Heritage Subcommittee at the Cultural Council, made the announcement on Monday, stating, "We have selected the 'Asuka and Fujiwara Palaces' as a candidate for World Heritage status."

On this day, the Agency for Cultural Affairs held a meeting of the Cultural Council, which discusses candidates for UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage list, and decided to recommend the "Asuka and Fujiwara Palaces" in Nara Prefecture as Japan's domestic candidate. The site includes the remains of Asuka Palace, Fujiwara Palace, and the Takamatsuzuka Tomb, known for its murals depicting the "Asuka Beauty."

In 2023, the nomination was postponed due to concerns that preservation efforts for the ruins were insufficient. Since then, local governments have worked to designate additional sites as historic landmarks and submitted a draft of the nomination document to the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

The agency plans to submit the final nomination document to UNESCO by the end of January 2025, aiming for registration at the World Heritage Committee in the following year.

Source: YOMIURI

Japan Pavilion Opens at Expo

An opening ceremony was held Saturday for the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. As the host country's main exhibit, the pavilion is positioned as the symbolic "face" of the Expo, welcoming visitors from around the world with a presentation of Japan's culture of circularity.

Seafood Crisis Hits as Japan's Fish Stocks

Japan’s beloved seafood is now in crisis. Compared to five years ago, catches of Pacific saury have dropped by 80%, Japanese flying squid by 55.5%, mackerel by 50%, and yellowtail by 13%. What is happening in the waters around Japan? Here's a detailed explanation.

Hotel Prices Surge in Osaka Just 17 Days Before Expo Opening

With only 17 days until the Osaka-Kansai Expo opens, excitement is building as pavilion details continue to be announced, including features from the Japan Gas Association and exhibits showcasing Australia’s natural environment and interactive energy games.

Foreign Tourists Praise Japan's Tourist Centers for Over-the-Top Hospitality

Foreign tourists in Japan are showering praise on local tourist information centers for their warm and detailed support—sometimes even considered 'overly helpful.' These centers assist visitors with everything from translation hiccups and complex train transfers to finding hidden scenic spots, cultural experiences, and rental services.

Tariffs Expected to Deal Major Blow to Japanese Automakers

The Trump administration announced on March 26th that it will impose an additional 25% tariff on imported automobiles and key auto parts. According to the proclamation signed by President Trump, the tariffs are set to take effect on April 3rd and will apply to all imported vehicles, including those from Japan.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Fukuoka Airport International Terminal to Reopen After Major Renovation

The international terminal at Fukuoka Airport, which had been undergoing expansion and renovation, will reopen on March 28th.

Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Osaka Three Days Earlier Than Last Year

The Osaka District Meteorological Observatory announced on March 27th that cherry blossoms have begun blooming in Osaka, marking an opening three days earlier than last year.

Foreign Tourists Praise Japan's Tourist Centers for Over-the-Top Hospitality

Cherry Blossom Season Begins in Nagoya, Slightly Behind Schedule

Cherry blossoms began blooming in Nagoya on March 26th, according to an announcement by the Nagoya District Meteorological Observatory, two days later than the average year but two days earlier than last year.

Seaside Towns of Hiroshima Prefecture | 3-day trip

Hiroshima Prefecture sits next to the Seto Inland Sea and hosts a number of quaint seaside towns and islands. On this three-day trip, we explore the beautiful coastal scenery on foot and by bike, stopping at Tomonoura and Onomichi before tackling Japan's premier cycling route, the Shimanami Kaido. (japan-guide.com)