"It's a nice tome for armchair travel, whisking you off around the country from where you sit-or time travel, taking you back to that life-changing decade-lost holiday and old friends."-The Japan Times

Visit the most compelling cultural and nature sites in all of Japan with this beautifully photographed travel guide.

In Japan's World Heritage Sites, readers are introduced to the temples, gardens, castles and natural wonders for which Japan is so justly renowned-all of those now declared to be Unesco World Heritage Sites. Author John Dougill describes each site in detail, stating why they were singled out by Unesco, the current number and types of sites, the application process, how the sites have been selected, and how difficult it is to be given the special status of a World Heritage Site.

Dougill traveled to all of the sites in Japan to research this book. Because the Japanese archipelago extends from Siberia all the way down to Taiwan, Dougill describes how his journey led him from the sub-Arctic to the sub-tropical zones. These are without a doubt the most interesting sites that Japan has to offer, including the following:

• Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest and most sacred volcano. Located on Honshu Island near Tokyo, Mt. Fuji is considered the sacred symbol of Japan
• Himeji Castle, a monument from Japan's long feudal history. Also known as Egret Castle, because it looks like a bird taking off in flight.
• Horyu-ji Temple, the world's oldest surviving wooden structure-a center of Buddhist learning that still serves as a seminary and monastery
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Atomic-Bomb Dome-one of the few structures to partially survive the atomic blast in 1945
• The Ogasawara Islands, a remote archipelago of over 30 islands-including Iwo Jima-that is home to rare wildlife and spectacular scenery

Readers will learn how Japan first became involved with the World Heritage Sites program back in 1993, the importance of these designations, and their popularity in Japan, where they are visited by millions of people annually, both Japanese and foreigners.

About the Author
John Dougill is a professor at Ryukoku University in Kyoto. He has authored fourteen Japanese college textbooks as well as Kyoto: A Cultural Guide and In Search of Japan's Hidden Christians. Find him at greenshinto.com

Reviews
"John Dougill brings to this book an eye for telling detail and a skill in communicating the mood and essential character of Japan's World Heritage Sites. The description of each place contains practical information for the visitor, lush photographs, and a lively discussion of each site's history and major characteristics. The variety and geographic range promise the visitor an unforgettable experience of Japan." --Suzanne Gay, Professor of East Asian Studies and History, Oberlin College
"How fortunate we are to have Kyoto's esteemed John Dougill bring us on his journey through the astonishing cultural and natural worlds of Japan's seventeen World Heritage Sites. Dougill, an established author on Japanese history and religion, knows what is most significant about these wonders, and so is our perfect guide." --John Einarsen, Founding Editor, Kyoto Journal
"Japan's UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites are important and treasured attractions and this excellent book fully explores their grand beauty and deep spirituality. Reading through it is like taking a complete tour guided by a true expert." --David A. Mason, Specialist in Korean Cultural Tourism, NamSeoul University, Korea



Book Information
ISBN 9784805312858
Author John Dougill
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Tuttle Publishing
Publisher Tuttle Publishing
Weight(grams) 1389g