Experiential Travel at World Natural Heritage Sites
© OCVB
Enjoy more. Learn more.
Gain a greater appreciation of sites on your travels with an expert by your side (a guide, a community resident, a navigator).
You’ll find a special joy in connecting to nature discovered by a guide well-versed in World Natural Heritage sites and locals who carry on traditions. This video gives you a glimpse into that joy. Join traditional cultural experiences and guided tours offered by people knowledgeable about the region to not only enjoy viewing the vast nature of the area, but to also gain a sense of the benefits and stories that nature has brought to the region. The nature of Japan that has been nurtured together with the people awaits you.
Use the link below to sign up for the firsthand experiences and guided tours introduced in the video.
If something caught your interest, be sure to give it a try.
- Yakushima
- Shirakami-Sanchi
- Shiretoko
- Amami・Okinawa
- Ogasawara Islands
Yakushima
Eco tour
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Yakushima has an abundance of rain. Here, you can feel the vibrant, dynamic spirit of nature. Venture into forests with a guide to deepen your understanding of the ecosystem and mechanisms that create this vast nature, as well as regional history and nature preservation efforts. Relish the sensation of being immersed in the nature of Yakushima.
Guides
Shirakami-Sanchi
Eco tour
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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
Shiretoko
Nature watching
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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
Amami・Okinawa
Mud dyeing
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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
Making salt
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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
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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
Nature tour
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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
Ogasawara Islands
Nature hiking
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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
Diving
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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
Special Contents
We will introduce the story of each world natural heritage from various themes.
Select the theme you are interested in.
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Ogasawara IslandsHahajima Island / Mt. Chibusayama Trekking Tour featuring the many remaining endemic species of the Ogasawara Island
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ShiretokoEnjoy the mysterious scenery of Lake Rausu while getting in contact with the flora and fauna of the Shiretoko Peninsula
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Shirakami-SanchiExperience the “Beautiful Waters” of Shirakami-Sanchi. Highlights from the Sawa Walking Tour
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YakushimaClimbing the steep cliffs and Mt. Mocchomu-dake, looking down on the nature of Yakushima Island and the ocean
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Amami・OkinawaGo trekking in Kinsakubaru Forest on Amami Oshima and encounter rare plants and animals
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Ogasawara IslandsExperience the distinctive cuisine of Ogasawara, born from its uncommon island environment
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ShiretokoA culinary culture that evolved from life in Shiretoko Peninsula, a Natural World Heritage site extending 3 km offshore
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Shirakami-SanchiDelight in the local cuisine of the Shirakami-Sanchi snow country
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YakushimaWarm ocean currents teeming with life create a distinctive culture and cuisine on Yakushima Island
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Amami・OkinawaThe local foods of Amami and Okinawa: Loved by the community and passed down through generations
Here we introduce the charm of Japan's World Natural Heritage area along with recommended activities.
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Ogasawara IslandsReleasing Green Sea Turtles on the Ogasawara Islands in Summer under the Twinkling Starry Sky
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ShiretokoTake a drift ice walk and go bird watching to fully enjoy Shiretoko Peninsula in winter
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Shirakami-SanchiWalk in a golden beech forest while hiking in Shirakami-Sanchi in autumn
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ShiretokoSpring Trekking on Yakushima Island: Experience Wild Cherry Blossoms and Fresh Greenery
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Amami・OkinawaPaddle a canoe to Yanbaru Forest Tour secluded Okinawa for summer fun
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