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

Typhoon No. 25 Threatens Kanto and Izu Islands

Large Typhoon No. 25 was moving northwest over waters south of Japan at 3 p.m. on September 19 and is forecast to strengthen as it approaches Kanto and the Izu Islands from September 20 through September 21, bringing the risk of torrential rain, violent winds and further damage in areas still recovering from last year's typhoon.

Bear Sighting Raises Alarm at Popular Tokyo Hiking Spot

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season.

Starbucks Considers Selling Majority Stake in Japan Business

Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japanese business, potentially valued at as much as $3 billion, or about 470 billion yen, as the U.S. coffee chain seeks to concentrate management resources on its struggling North American operations.

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.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Kyushu Shinkansen Back on Track for Silver Week

The Kyushu Shinkansen will resume operations along its entire route on September 18 after suffering extensive track and other damage in the Kumamoto earthquake, raising hopes that the long-awaited restoration will help revive tourism in disaster-hit areas ahead of the Silver Week holiday period.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Tourism Ahead of Silver Week

Prolonged rain is disrupting tourism ahead of Japan's Silver Week holidays, forcing Nagatoro's popular river cruises to remain suspended for an 11th consecutive day while increased water flow at Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture is drawing more visitors.