In the Natural category the Ogasawara Islands, Shirakami-Sanchi, Shiretoko and Yukushima were inducted because of their unique and undisturbed habitats. Not only are these places beautiful, but provide a scientific perspective into ecosystems that are becoming rare. By protecting these places people around the world can witness and see a wilderness thriving without restriction. There are also various endangered species that can be found in the different locations, such as the red-crowned crane and the red fox in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido | Shiretoko
Shiretoko - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shiretoko is a new heritage site just registered in 2005 The area features an ecological system with few equals in the world.
Tohoku | Aomori | Shirakami Mountains
Shirakami-sanchi Mountain Range
The vast primeval beech forest, which is home to a precious population of animals and plants, is just like a forest museum.
Kyushu | Kagoshima | Yakushima Island
Yakushima Island - UNESCO World Heritage Site
A subtropical island located off the southern coast of Kagoshima Prefecture is famous for its 1000 year old trees of Japan.
Kanto | Tokyo | Ogasawara Islands
Ogasawara Islands - UNESCO World Heritage Site
In June 2011, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO has inscribed Ogasawara Islands on the World Heritage List as a Natural Heritage site.