A new heritage site just registered in 2005 The area features an ecological system with few equals in the world
Places:Shari-cho, Shari-gun / Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido
Shiretoko, a new natural heritage site registered only in July 2005, is considered to be the last pristine wilderness remaining in Japan. Shiretoko is a long narrow peninsula located in northeastern [...]

Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea that is known for its modern art museums, architecture and sculpture. Belonging to Kagawa Prefecture, the island, with its Mediterranean atmosphere, sandy beaches and sunny weather, combined with a laid back country feel is a relaxing getaway from Japan’s large urban areas such as Tokyo and [...]

Takamatsu is the capital of Kagawa, Japan’s smallest prefecture. The city’s harbor used to be the main entry point to Shikoku Island until the Seto Ohashi Bridge opened in 1988, providing a land connection to Honshu Island.
The Matsudaira Clan, relatives of the Tokugawa Shogun, controlled Takamatsu’s former castle town and surrounding area, then known as [...]

Shikoku Mura (Shikoku Village) is an open air museum situated at the base of Yashima. This pleasant hillside park preserves and exhibits traditional buildings and structures that have been relocated here from all over Shikoku Island.
Among the exhibited buildings, which mainly date from the Edo and Meiji Periods, are a number of farmhouses and storehouses, [...]

Yashima (lit. “roof island”) is a flat topped mountain just outside of Takamatsu’s city center. It was the site of an important 12th century battle during the Gempei War between the Taira and Minamoto Clans. Here the Taira were defeated in what was to be the last battle before their final destruction.
Around the flat summit [...]

Sunport Takamatsu is the name of the recently redeveleloped, business and shopping district around JR Takamatsu Station and Takamatsu Port. Takamastu Castle and the terminal station of Kotoden Railways, Takamatsu-Chikko Station, are also nearby.
Takamatsu Port used to be the main entry point to Shikoku until the opening of the Seto Ohashi Bridge in 1988. Today, [...]

Within Takamatsu’s city center is a long, covered shopping arcade, stretching from Takamatsu Castleto Ritsurin Koen. Made up of various stores, restaurants and two department stores, it is claimed to be the longest covered shopping arcade in Japan with a combined length of nearly 2.7 kilometers.
The northern end of the shopping arcade near Takamatsu Castle [...]

Sanuki Udon are udon noodles from Kagawa Prefecture. They are named after the prefecture’s former name, Sanuki. Along with Gunma’s Mizusawa Udon and Akita’s Inaniwa Udon, Sanuki Udon is listed as one of Japan’s three most famous types of udon noodles. But much better known than Mizusawa and Inaniwa Udon, Sanuki Udon has become popular [...]

Kanamaruza Kabuki Theater
Built in Kotohira in 1835, Kanamaruza Theater is Japan’s oldest surviving, complete kabuki playhouse. From time to time, it still stages kabuki performances.
When no shows are held, the theater is open to visitors who can explore Kanamaruza’s audience hall, stage, and dressing rooms. Be sure to check out the basement to see the [...]

Kompirasan’s main hall
Kompirasan, formally known as Kotohiragu, is the main shrine of multiple Kompira shrines found around Japan that are dedicated to sailors and seafaring. Located on the wooded slope of Mount Zozu inKotohira, the approach to Kompirasan is an arduous series of 1,368 stone steps.
Over many centuries, Kompirasan had been revered as a mixture [...]