News On Japan
Travel

Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces Set for UNESCO Nomination as Cultural Heritage

Jan 29, 2025 | News On Japan

NARA - The Japanese government is set to nominate the "Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces" in Nara Prefecture for UNESCO World Heritage status, aiming for registration next summer.

The government decided in a Cabinet meeting on January 28 to submit a nomination for the "Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces" to UNESCO by the end of January.

The "Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces" consist of 19 cultural assets, including the "Asuka Palace Site," believed to have housed the emperor's palace, and the "Takamatsuzuka Tumulus," where vividly colored murals were discovered.

Regarding the decision, the governor of Nara Prefecture commented:

(Nara Governor Shinichi Yamashita): "Most of the components are buried underground. It will be important to use ICT technology to help people understand what they were like back then."

Following an on-site inspection by UNESCO advisory bodies, the final decision on registration will be made at the World Heritage Committee next summer.

Source: MBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Typhoon Threatens Japan's Silver Week

A tropical depression east of Guam and Saipan is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 12 hours and approach Japan during the Silver Week holiday period, while a lingering autumn rain front could bring heavy rainfall across a wide area even far from the storm's eventual path.

Halloween Jumbo Lottery Goes on Sale With 400 Million Yen Top Prize

Japan's Halloween Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on September 16, offering a combined top payout of 400 million yen for the first prize and its adjacent-number prizes.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

Global Hawk Reconnaissance Drone Missing Off Tottori

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft went missing over international waters about 50 kilometers north of Tottori Prefecture on September 15, with floating debris and oil later found in the area where communications were lost.

Japan Aims to Launch First Fully Driverless Taxis in 2027

GO, Waymo and Nihon Kotsu said they aim to launch Japan's first commercial fully driverless taxi service in Tokyo during 2027, using Level 4 autonomous vehicles that can operate without a driver on board under specified conditions.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         
MORE Travel NEWS

Halloween Spooks Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disney Resort will launch its annual Disney Halloween event on September 16, with a special parade previewed ahead of the opening and visitors allowed to enjoy the parks in costume during the event period.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Tour Climbs 300 Meters Above Sea Level

Visitors can climb to the top of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, about 300 meters above the sea, for sweeping 360-degree views of the Akashi Strait, Kobe, Awaji Island and, in clear weather, as far as Osaka.

Mobile Battery Catches Fire on Tobu Isesaki Line Train

A mobile battery caught fire inside a Tobu Isesaki Line train in Saitama Prefecture on September 14, leaving a high school student with minor burns before another passenger extinguished the flames.

Japan Aims to Launch First Fully Driverless Taxis in 2027

GO, Waymo and Nihon Kotsu said they aim to launch Japan's first commercial fully driverless taxi service in Tokyo during 2027, using Level 4 autonomous vehicles that can operate without a driver on board under specified conditions.

KAJIMA TREE Unveiled Six Months Before International Horticultural Expo

Kajima Corp. has unveiled the construction site of KAJIMA TREE, a roughly 60-meter wooden tower being built for the International Horticultural Expo that will open in March 2027.

First Helicopter Service Links Kansai Airport and Kyoto in 25 Minutes

A new helicopter service linking Kansai International Airport with central Kyoto in about 25 minutes each way will begin operations on September 15, offering travelers a faster alternative to rail and bus connections that take at least 75 minutes.

Helicopter Rescues on Mt. Fuji to Incur Fee

Climbers who get into trouble on Mount Fuji during the official closed season could be charged for rescue by disaster-prevention helicopters under new safety measures being considered by Yamanashi Prefecture.

Japan's Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge Opens Over Lake Biwa

A 220-meter suspension bridge billed as the longest of its type in Japan opened at Biwako Valley in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, on September 14, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Biwa.