On December 11, 2025, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee approved the addition of six Japanese cultural practices to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These additions are extensions to three existing categories already recognized for Japan: “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals,” “Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese handmade paper,” and “Traditional skills, techniques and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture in Japan.” As extensions, they do not increase Japan’s total count of inscribed elements, which remains at 23.
The decision marks Japan’s ongoing efforts to safeguard living traditions through community involvement and transmission to younger generations. UNESCO noted that these practices demonstrate cultural diversity and strong safeguarding measures. The six items include four regional float festivals and two craftsmanship techniques. Below is a detailed look at each, including the reason for inscription, its significance, and practical tips for tourists interested in experiencing them firsthand.
1. Ofune Festival (Hitachi Otsu, Kitaibaraki, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Added to the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals” category.
This festival features massive boat-shaped floats carried through the streets to honor maritime traditions. UNESCO recognized it for preserving community cooperation in building and parading the floats, reflecting historical ties to fishing and sea safety.
Its significance lies in maintaining local identity in a coastal region, with elaborate floats symbolizing prayers for bountiful catches.
Tourist tips: The main event occurs in May during Golden Week. Visit Kitaibaraki city; stay in local inns for an authentic feel. Arrive early for good viewing spots, and check for workshops where visitors can see float construction.
2. Murakami Festival (Murakami, Niigata Prefecture)
Also under the float festivals category.
Known for its nearly 400-year history, the festival involves parading ornate floats through the town, accompanied by music and dances. It was highlighted for its role in fostering social bonds and passing down carpentry skills for float making.
Significance: It embodies resilience and community spirit in a historic castle town, with floats depicting folklore scenes.
Tourist tips: Held annually in July. Murakami has good train access from Niigata city. Join guided tours of the floats stored year-round, and try local salmon dishes during the festival for a full cultural immersion.
3. Otsu Festival (Otsu Hikiyama Festival, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture)
Extension to the float festivals category.
This event showcases towering mountain-like floats (hikiyama) pulled through streets near Lake Biwa, with performances atop them. UNESCO praised its transmission of musical and performative arts across generations.
Significance: Rooted in over 400 years of history, it connects to Shinto rituals and local pride around Tenson Shrine.
Tourist tips: Takes place in October. Otsu is easily reachable from Kyoto by train. Book accommodations early as crowds gather; evening illuminations offer stunning views, and nearby museums display float models.
4. Hojozu Hachimangu Shrine Hikiyama Tsukiyama Festival (Imizu, Toyama Prefecture)
Part of the float festivals category.
Features intricately decorated hikiyama and tsukiyama floats paraded in honor of the shrine. The inscription emphasizes the craftsmanship and communal preparation involved.
Significance: It preserves regional variations of float festivals, linking to agricultural thanksgiving and shrine traditions in the Hokuriku area.
Tourist tips: Typically held in September. Access via Toyama city. Look for hands-on experiences like helping with minor preparations if available through local tourism offices; combine with visits to nearby hot springs.
5. Echizen Torinoko-type handmade ganpi fiber paper (Echizen, Fukui Prefecture)
Added to the “Washi” category as its fourth item.
This technique uses ganpi fibers for high-quality, durable paper known as torinoko-shi. UNESCO valued its sustainable methods and role in preserving ancient papermaking knowledge.
Significance: Echizen washi has a 1,500-year history, used historically for official documents and art; it supports biodiversity through plant cultivation.
Tourist tips: Visit the Papermaking Village in Echizen year-round. Join workshops to make your own sheet (around 1,000-2,000 yen). The Udatsu Paper & Craft Museum offers demonstrations; best in spring or fall for pleasant weather.
6. Crafting handwoven Nakatsugi-omote tatami mat surfaces
Extension to the wooden architecture conservation category, becoming its 18th item.
Involves handweaving rush grass for tatami surfaces using the nakatsugi technique, ensuring longevity and aesthetics. Recognized for contributing to the maintenance of traditional Japanese buildings.
Significance: Tatami are central to Japanese living spaces, promoting health through natural materials; the skill helps sustain wooden homes against aging.
Tourist tips: Workshops are available in tatami-producing regions like Okayama or Kumamoto, but check Fukui or Kyoto for related experiences. Visit traditional ryokan to feel authentic tatami; some offer short crafting sessions.
These inscriptions come after Japan’s successful addition of sake brewing traditions in 2024. Local communities welcomed the news, seeing it as validation of their preservation work. For travelers, the recognition could boost interest in these regional spots, encouraging visits beyond major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto.
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