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Japan's World Heritage Sites

Unique Culture, Unique Nature

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
"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.
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      • Booklist

        February 1, 2020
        In a lovely cross between a reference and a coffee-table book, Dougill's (Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto, 2017) latest offers the reader a volume that covers Japan's 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including both buildings and natural resources. The author traveled to all the sites, covering the island nation from one end to the other. The sites are grouped by region, with each entry offering information on the history and social or religious importance of the site, as well as information that will be valuable to the tourist. Dougill's language is clear and evocative, and provides a panorama of Japan for those who may never have seen any of these places. Best of all are the extensive photographs and maps. Each entry may have 10 or more photos, making this book a pleasure to browse. There is an opening chapter explaining the UNESCO program, a chapter at the end listing the sites in Japan still under consideration, and a comprehensive index. This accessible book will be of interest to any libraries whose patrons want to explore travel or Asian culture.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

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    • English

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