World Natural Heritage
in Japan

Shirakami-Sanchi

Eco tour

Shirakami Sanchi in the northeastern part of Japan is home to an expansive primeval beech forest sustained by the blessings of nature. Lifestyles, history, and culture shaped by the mountains, countryside, and the sea still exist In the World Heritage area and surrounding region. In addition, endeavors to preserve Shirakami Sanchi and practice ecotourism that makes the most of the region’s nature and cultural resources are being actively carried out to pass on the existing environment to future generations. Join a tour and experience sustainable regional development firsthand.

Guides

• Shirakami Nature School
• The Shirakami-sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center Fujisato

Shiretoko

Nature watching

The Shiretoko area in Hokkaido is full of wonders, including a natural environment that changes as elevation increases, terrain created by volcanic activity, and the alpine plants and wild animals that live there. When you tour the primitive nature that remains in Shiretoko with a guide, you also learn about must-see sites and characteristics you’d miss simply by viewing it on your own. Experience the truly great nature and stories that developed there through the variety of programs available.

Guides

• SHINRA
• picchio
• shiretoko nature cruise
• LANTOKO Shiretoko Eco Tour
• shiretoko rausu Lincle
• Hidetomaru

Amami・Okinawa

Mud dyeing

Give traditional mud dyeing a try. The yeddo hawthorn plant is finely chopped and boiled, and the resulting liquid extract is used to dye threads (or cloths), which are then rubbed in mud fields to be further dyed. The island of Amami Oshima is the only place in the world where this method is practiced. Mud dyeing is also a technique used in the production process for Oshima tsumugi weave created on Amami Oshima, one of the world’s three major textiles. On Amami Oshima, you can experience traditional techniques firsthand, such as mud dyeing and Oshima tsumugi weave. Why not become familiar with the blessings of nature through techniques filled with the wisdom of our ancestors?

Guides

• Yumeorinosato Co.,Ltd
• Amami Ooshima Tsumugi Sightseeing Garden

Making salt

Natural salt is made by scooping up seawater that has pooled in the hollows of a coral reef and boiling it down in a large pot heated by a fire made from kindling. Try making salt using a traditional method and confront the rigors of nature head-on. You’re free to take the salt home with you. The salt leaves a slight sweetness on your tongue. Don’t miss out on this chance to taste the flavor born from the bounties of the sea.

Trekking tour

The Yanbaru Forest extends across the northern part of the Okinawa Main Island. This is the only place in the world where you’ll find numerous endemic and rare species of plants and animals that call this forest home. Here, there still remains nature overflowing with life untouched by human hands. There is much to discover and learn while walking amid this natural landscape with a guide who is thoroughly knowledgeable about the Yanbaru Forest.

Guides

• Kijimunaa in Yanbaru, Okinawa

Nature tour

Iriomote Island is almost entirely covered in a subtropical primeval forest. It’s home to many distinctive plants and animals, and the sea, mountains, and rivers all remain on a scale apart from Japan’s mainland. The activities available on Iriomote Island are valuable hands-on experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. You can fully enjoy this dynamic nature through the many hands-on programs available, including trekking within a forest overflowing with nature, canyoning, caving, canoeing on rivers and the sea, SUP, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Guides

• iriomote-monsoon
• Nature tour shop NONPURA

Ogasawara Islands

Nature hiking

The Ogasawara Islands are oceanic islands found 1,000 km from the heart of Tokyo. Not only will you find spectacular scenery here, but the nature of Ogasawara that changes depending on the location and time of day has an abundance of endemic plant and animal life. We recommend a guided hike for visitors who want more from their travels—more discoveries and more surprises. You’ll encounter the many faces of the islands.

Guides

• ISLANDER Tours
• TAKE NATURE ACADEMY
• Tommy G World
• Shanti Bungalows & Shanti Bovie`s

Diving

The sea around the Ogasawara Islands, called the Bonin Blue sea, is characterized by extremely clear waters of a deep, dark blue color. Wonderful diving spots are scattered here and there where you can encounter sea creatures in each of the four seasons. It’s a great place where you just might run into marine life such as dolphins and sea turtles throughout the year. We’ll show you around the waters of Ogasawara where you can have fun any time of the year.

Guides

• Diving Service KAIZIN