Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Yamanashi

In a small mountain hamlet in eastern Yamanashi, white-robed villagers gather twice a year to perform the Mushōno no Dainenbutsu — a six-century-old ritual that preserves the most archaic form of Japan's dancing-nenbutsu tradition. Rooted in the tragic legend of Prince Morinaga and Princess Hinazuru, designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1995, and inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Heritage list in 2022, this rare living rite offers a glimpse into how prayer became performance.

Yamanashi’s registered properties across designations, with featured heritage and travel notes.

The complete kokuhō catalogue — browse by prefecture, period, and category.

Nationwide jūyō bunkazai — architecture, sculpture, painting, crafts, and documents.