Okinoshima, an island off the coast of Munakata City in Fukuoka Prefecture was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in Krakow, Poland on Sunday, July 9. Following an appeal by Japanese officials, all eight component sites near Okinoshima have been included in this status appointment despite their initial rejection in May by the International Council of Monuments and Sites. Okinoshima has a long history as a site of religious worship dating back to the fourth century, with an exclusive access policy. The island is only visited one day a year, and for religious reasons, restricted to men. With this addition, Japan’s total of world heritage sites has increased to 21. Source: The Japan Times & The Japan News, 7/9/2017
Photo: Maculosae tegmine lyncis
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