Japan's Ancient Capitals Await World Heritage Status

Jun 06, 2026 | News On Japan

NARA - Residents in Nara Prefecture are celebrating after UNESCO's advisory body recommended the archaeological complex known as the Asuka-Fujiwara Ancient Capitals for inscription as a World Heritage site, bringing the historic birthplace of Japan's ancient state one step closer to international recognition.

The recommendation was issued by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which advises UNESCO on World Heritage nominations. A final decision is expected at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in July.

The Asuka-Fujiwara Ancient Capitals consist of 19 archaeological sites dating from Japan's Asuka period, a pivotal era in the formation of the Japanese nation. Fifteen of those sites, including Asukadera Temple and the Takamatsuzuka Tomb, are located in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture.

Asuka Village has long maintained strict landscape preservation measures covering the entire village in order to protect its historical environment. Local residents and authorities have spent years working to preserve the sites since the area was placed on ICOMOS's tentative list in 2007.

The recommendation was met with excitement among local residents, many of whom have waited years to see the nomination advance.

"It's something to be proud of," said one resident of Asuka Village. "It took a long time after being placed on the tentative list, but I feel all the effort has paid off."

Another resident welcomed the prospect of increased tourism, saying, "I'm happy because more people will come to visit. I hope it brings more energy and excitement to the area."

Following the recommendation, a council made up of Nara Prefecture and related municipalities held a press conference to discuss the next steps.

Nara Governor Makoto Yamashita described the development as a major milestone.

"We see this as significant progress toward World Heritage registration," Yamashita said. "It will provide a tremendous opportunity for people to rediscover the appeal and historical value of Nara."

Many residents view Asuka as the place where Japan's statehood first took shape. One villager expressed relief and anticipation following the announcement, saying, "I finally feel it has been decided. Asuka is where Japan began, and I hope many people will come and experience it."

If approved in July, the Asuka-Fujiwara Ancient Capitals will become Japan's newest World Cultural Heritage site, highlighting the region's role in the political and cultural foundations of the nation.

Source: YOMIURI

Typhoon No. 15 Expected to Make Landfall in Eastern Japan on August 11

Typhoon No. 15 (Chan-hom) is increasingly likely to make landfall between Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures on the Pacific coast of eastern Japan from the evening through the night of August 11, after moving northwest over waters east of Japan at about 15 kilometers per hour as of 9 a.m. on August 10.

Raccoon Damage Surges Across Japan

Raccoons are increasingly invading homes across Japan, damaging roofs and wiring, contaminating buildings with large amounts of urine and feces, and raising concerns over agriculture, native wildlife and the spread of disease as their population continues to expand.

Nagasaki Marks 81st Anniversary With Call to Uphold Non-Nuclear Principles

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on August 9 with a memorial ceremony near the hypocenter, where Mayor Shiro Suzuki declared nuclear weapons an "absolute evil" and called on the Japanese government to uphold its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Flights Still Disrupted After Typhoon No. 13 Hits Okinawa

Transport services were gradually returning to normal on August 9 after Typhoon No. 13 caused widespread cancellations and shutdowns across Okinawa, although air travel remained disrupted as airlines worked to restore schedules and accommodate passengers stranded during the opening days of Japan's busy Obon holiday period.

Typhoon No. 13 Moves West but Severe Weather Lingers in Okinawa

Typhoon No. 13 was moving slowly west on the night of August 8 and was expected to approach the Chinese mainland by the night of August 9, but Okinawa, Amami and parts of southern Kyushu remained at risk from strong winds, intermittent heavy rain and dangerous seas even as the storm's center moved farther away.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Lake Biwa Fireworks Event Abruptly Canceled Over Missing Permits

A fireworks festival that had been promoted as a simultaneous display of more than 10,000 fireworks across three cities on Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture was abruptly canceled on August 9, with organizers having failed to submit applications for permits required to hold the event.

Nara's Deer Population Hits Record High

Nara Park's famous deer are increasingly spilling into residential areas and farmland as their population reaches a record high, creating new problems for residents even as the animals remain a major attraction for visitors to the ancient capital.

Inside Universe Club: Japan's Best-Known Sugar Dating Club

Japan's dating scene has its own vocabulary, its own etiquette, and — for the arrangement style commonly known abroad as sugar dating — its own dedicated clubs.

Akihabara Maids Join Traditional Water-Sprinkling Event

Maids from Akihabara maid cafes joined shrine maidens from Kanda Myojin and members of the public on August 8 to sprinkle water across the shrine grounds in Tokyo, calling out "Cool down!" as they took part in a summer tradition aimed at easing the midsummer heat.