29 June, 2023

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan

country. Japan
year of inscription. 2019
criteria. Cultural
The WHS comprises of ancient tombs from the Kofun period (3rd – 6th century CE). Comprising of 49 kofun (Japanese for old mounds) out of a total of 160,000 found throughout Japan, these earthen tombs were used for the burial of the elite class of the era. Varying in size and geometric shapes (like keyhole, scallop, square, or circle), they are evidence of the development of a social order and advanced funerary system.

25 June, 2023

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range

country. Japan
year of inscription. 2004 (modification: 2016)
criteria. Cultural
This WHS marks ancient pilgrimage routes and its associated sacred sites dating back some 1,200 years. The three sacred sites of Yoshino and Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan are set in the forests of the Kii Mountains. These sites are connected by pilgrimage routes, which are further linked to the ancient capital cities of Nara and Kyoto. Worship customs in these areas date back some 1,200 years and incorporates ancient Japanese animistic practices, Shinto traditions, as well as Buddhist rituals. Besides the three main sites, this WHS also includes pilgrimage routes and sub-routes, sacred natural objects like trees, forests, and mountains, as well as stone mausolea and stupas.

Grand Canyon National Park

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION country.  Japan year of inscription.  2018 criteria.  Cultural