Tokyo is home to two of Japan’s 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are two others within easy daytrip distance of the city. Here are all the details on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Tokyo.
World Heritage Sites in Tokyo:
Ogasawara Islands
While located within Tokyo Prefecture, this group of semi-tropical islands is actually only accessible by a 26-hour ferry that leaves from Hamamatsu Pier in the city. This is one of the most incredible off-the-beaten-track journey’s you can do in Japan. We plan to do a full feature on the islands in the future.
Tokyo Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Tokyo: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Tokyo.
- Things To Do In Tokyo: Check this overview of Tokyo activities with links to all the key information.
- Flights To Tokyo: Find the cheapest flights to Tokyo and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Tokyo Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
National Museum of Western Art
Located up in Tokyo’s Ueno district, this museum is one of 17 structures designed by the Swiss-French architect that are collectively listed by UNESCO as “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier” (all the others are located outside Japan). If you’re a fan of brutalist concrete structures and the work of Ando Tadao, you’ll probably like this building as well. Even if you don’t like the building itself, the collection is pretty strong. Click our page on the National Museum of Western Art for all the details.
World Heritage Sites near Tokyo:
Shrines and Temples of Nikko:
An easy 2-hour train trip north of Tokyo, Nikko is one of the most incredible sights in Japan. The shrines and temples here are unlike anything else in the country; they’re the peacocks of Japan’s religious architects – bold, colorful and intense. Check our Nikko Day Trip Itinerary for all the details.
Mt Fuji
A 2-hour bus ride from Tokyo, Mt Fuji is Japan’s most iconic sight. Listed by UNESCO with the surrounding lakes and spiritual sites as “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration,” the mountain is rewarding whether you climb it or just gaze at it from afar. If you plan to climb it, check out our Mt Fuji Climbing Guide. If you just want to explore the area around the mountain, check out A Day Trip to the Mt. Fuji Area: Lake Kawaguchiko.
More Japan World Heritage Site Information
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help