Important Cultural Properties

• System Established: 1950
• Japanese: 重要文化財 (juuyou bunkazai)

In 1950, the Japanese government created a new system of cultural heritage, dividing the category of National Treasures - the top tier of sites and objects designated as being of exceptional cultural and historical importance - into an upper tier of National Treasures and a lower tier of Important Cultural Properties.

Important Cultural Properties are more numerous than National Treasures, and are generally considered to be of somewhat less considerable cultural or historical importance. There are currently approximately 12,760 objects & structures registered as Important Cultural Properties, identified by the Bunkachô (Agency for Cultural Affairs) logo, a stylized impression of a pair of hands holding up roof tiles.

Selected List of Important Cultural Properties

Tokyo

• Sensô-ji Nitenmon gate - downgraded from National Treasure in 1950

Nara Prefecture

• Kôfuku-ji Numerous sculptures, incl. Seated Amida Nyôrai sculpture - Kamakura period

Kyoto Prefecture

• Daitoku-ji Shinju-an - various paintings, works of calligraphy, etc. including works of calligraphy by Daitô Kokushi.
• Shimogamo Shrine - 53 various objects.

Okinawa Prefecture

• Engaku-ji - named a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed in 1945. Rebuilt gates and bridge named Important Cultural Property in 1975.
• Sôgen-ji - designated a National Treasure in 1933; destroyed in 1945. Surviving stone walls & gates are today an Important Cultural Property.