Global Geoparks in Japan

Global Geoparks in Japan Global Geoparks are listed in order of acceptance into the Global Geoparks Network Itoigawa... 2 Unzen 4 Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano. 7 San in Kaigan 10 Muroto. 12 Oki Islands.. 15 Aso.. 18 Mount Apoi 20 Disclaimer The Secretariat of UNESCO does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information or documentation provided by the States Parties to the Secretariat of UNESCO. The publication of any such advice, opinion, statement or other information documentation on the website and/or on working documents also does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its boundaries. Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 1

Itoigawa Global Geopark, Japan Geology: The Itoigawa Global Geopark has long been located at a plate boundary. The Itoigawa- Shizuoka Tectonic Line passing through this area separates the Japanese Islands geologically into East and West, the Eurasian and North American plates. This great fault continues north through the sea, connecting to the Mid Atlantic Ridge via the Arctic Ocean. In this way, the Itoigawa Global Geopark tells the story of not just the Japanese Islands, but also over 500 million years of the Earth s history. Submarine limestone mountains from the ancient Pacific Ocean and jade formed in the deep subduction zones in the geological past, and are describing horizontal and vertical plate movement. The Fossa Magna, a fissure formed when the Japanese Islands separated from the Asian continent, is a key to understanding the islands formation. The Itoigawa Global Geopark is truly a condensed model of the Japanese Islands. Geography: The Itoigawa Global Geopark is located where the 3,000 meter high Japanese Alps collapse into the Sea of Japan. Topography ranging from coastal to alpine can be observed here. Movement and compression of the two plates wreak disasters including landslides, debris flow, avalanches, and volcanic eruptions on the people. The area has four distinct seasons. The Japanese Alps collect wet, cold air from Siberia causing heavy snowfall. Jade formed deep underground gave rise to the world s oldest jade culture and lowlands formed by the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line gave rise to an ancient trade route. Landslides formed natural terraces used to cultivate rice. Education and Sustainable Development: Visitors to the area are increasing visiting many popular geosites. A local museum provides dynamic exhibits. Local produce is an important part of the sustainable development. Rich topological and geological diversity provide abundant crab, fish, seaweed, vegetables, rice, and mushrooms, all used in traditional cuisine. Clean water has given rise to five local craft sake breweries. Local residents participate in Geopark Certification, Geopark Master Courses, and Geopark Guide Training while schools teach geostudies as part of the regular curriculum, preparing the next generation who will sustain our society and our Global Geopark. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2009 Subsequent Revalidation: 2017 Official Website http://www.geo-itoigawa.com/eng/ Contact Hiroko Torigoe, email: hiroko.torigoe@city.itoigawa.niigata.jp, phone: +81 25 552 1511 Ko Takenouchi, email: ko.takenouchi@city.itoihawa.niigata.jp, phone: +81 25 552 1511 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 2

Map of Japan showing location and size of Itoigawa Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 3

Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark, Japan Geology: In southern part of the Global Geopark, basaltic lava flows erupted around 4.3 Ma, which is the oldest volcanic rock in the area. In the south-western part, andesitic lava flows and debris flows with an age of 2.5-1.5 Ma are present. Activity of the Unzen Volcano which is located in the centre of the area has started about 0.5 Ma and is still ongoing. Its lava is dacitic and pcoduced many lava domes, lava flows, and pyroclastic deposits. In the area two significant volcanic disasters occurred in historic times: the large sector collapse event of Mayuyama dome happened during the 1791-92 eruption ( Shimabara Catastrophe ), and the attack of repeated pyroclastic flows and associated debris flows took place during the 1990-95 Heisei eruption. The Heisei eruption is the first eruptive event which was scientifically recorded in detail by observations of the magma, generation of the lava dome, and pyroclastic flow formation. Geography: Shimabara Peninsula is a stomach-shaped body of land projecting from the south eastern region of Nagasaki Prefecture, west of Japan and covers an area of 459.52 km 2. The Global Geopark area corresponds to the administrative boundary of three cities; Shimabara, Unzen and Minamishimabara. About 150,000 people are living in the area. The northern and eastern parts are on a wide fertile volcanic fan where agriculture is carried out. The southern region, with the Pre Unzen Volcano, is characterized by a low, gentle terrain. The Unzen Volcano in the centre of the Peninsula, is actually composite volcano formed by a number of volcanoes with 1,000 m above sea level; Mt. Fugen (1,359.3 m), Heisei Shinzan (1,482.7 m), Mt. Myoken (1,333 m), Mt. Kunimi (1,347 m). Education and Sustainable Development: Educational programs for elementary and junior high school students are established. All 6 th grade elementary school students and 1 st grade junior high school students in Shimabara City participated in the program every year and learn about the values of local heritages. For local residents, the professional staff at the Executive Office of the Global Geopark holds workshops to introduce the concept and features of the Global Geopark, targeting school teachers, employees at accommodation facilities, and administrative officers. As a conservation activity, local residents regularly carry out a cleaning of geosites. To achieve sustainable development of the area different partners from administration, government or tourism boards cooperate with each other on the basis of specific action plans and promote the Global Geopark. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2009 Subsequent Revalidation: 2017 Official Website http://www.unzen-geopark.jp/en-top Contact Dr. Marekazu OHNO (Vice Director of Unzen Volcanic Area Geopark Promotion Office) Email: staff3@unzen-geopark.jp, phone: +81 957 65 5540 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 4

Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 5

Map of Japan showing location and size of Unzen Volcanic Area Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 6

Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark, Japan Geology: At the Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark, an eruption occurring approximately 110,000 years ago spewed forth an enormous amount of pyroclastic flow, creating caldera depression where water then accumulated to form Lake Toya and the pyroclastic flow plateau that expands around it. Also within the Global Geopark are the Nakajima Islands, located in the center of Lake Toya and created by repeated eruptions about 50,000 years ago, and Mt. Usu, which began erupting approximately 20,000 years ago. Along with the grand natural landscape, there are also remains of the Jomon and Ainu peoples who lived in this area and enjoyed the natural bounty created by the volcanic activity. The hot springs at the base of Mt. Usu, the bountiful crops raised in the area s rich volcanic soil, and the seafood from the rocky seafloor of Volcano Bay are all blessing from the Volcano. Geography: The Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark is located in Hokkaido, the Northern island of Japan. The site is approximately 1,180 km 2 in surface area and includes parts of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The area is municipally-owned by the prefectural Hokkaido government and local offices in Date City, Toyoura Town, Sobetsu Town, Toyako Town. Education and Sustainable Development: School excursions with students take place for about one week to experience the Global Geopark and learn on location. The area has beautiful landscapes, offering possibilities for fieldwork and educational experience about volcanic eruptions and the recovering progress thereafter, learning about disaster prevention and similar subjects. These activities contribute to the creation of the study material, while lectures by cooperating academics contribute to the spreading of disaster prevention education and Global Geoparks. The Global Geopark created the certification of Toya-Usu Volcano Meisters. Volcano Meisters thoroughly study nature and the geological volcanic characteristics of the area, passing on scientifically correct information, records and memories of eruptions, and their knowledge of ways to reduce disaster risk to the next generation of people. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2009 Subsequent Revalidation: 2017 Official Website http://www.toya-usu-geopark.org/?pagename=english Contact Masato Takekawa (Director), email: info@toya-usu-geopark.org, phone: +81 142 74 3015 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 7

Map of Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 8

Map of Japan showing location and size of Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 9

San in Kaigan Global Geopark, Japan Geology: This Global Geopark has many valuable geological sites, such as rocks, strata, coastal landscapes, waterfalls and valleys, relating to the times before the separation of Japan from the Asian Continent and that explain the formation process of the present-day geological setting and landscape. About 25 million years ago, fierce tectonic movement and volcanic activity started separating the land. Geological features, the natural environment, peoples lives, and the formation of the Sea of Japan was selected as the main theme representing the San in Kaigan Global Geopark. The Genbudo Cave, one of the major geosites, is internationally known as the place where the term of Quaternary geomagnetic reversal polarity was first proposed with basalt. Geography: The San in Kaigan Global Geopark covers an area of 2,458 km 2, with a population of about 400,000 and is stretching 120 km from Kyotango City in Kyoto Prefecture to the east to Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture to the west, and 30 km from the coastal regions bordering the Sea of Japan mainly the San in Kaigan National Park to the north to mountains of the Chugoku Region to the south. The Global Geopark area includes three cities and three towns in three prefectures Kyotango City in Kyoto Prefecture; Toyooka City, Kami Town, and Shin onsen Town in Hyogo Prefecture; and Iwami Town and Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture. A good range of public transportation facilities, such as airports, railroads, and regular/highway bus services provide access to the area from Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe. Education and Sustainable Development: Each year, more than 4,000 elementary school students utilize geosites within the Global Geopark area during their school studies, and 1,000 students use geosites to exchange with local residents. Approximately 1,000 junior high school students also use the Global Geopark for classroom lectures or field trips. Furthermore, a San in Kaigan Geopark Promotion Council researcher teaches classes at a high school. In 2014, a University of Hyogo graduate school program was established within the Global Geopark and Geopark-related instructors are on staff full-time. The Council provides a pamphlet for children to be used at elementary school. Moreover, the Council provides funds to help cleaning geosites. The Council will continue to provide support to promote greater utilization of the Global Geopark in school education. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2010 Subsequent Revalidation: 2018 Official Website http://sanin-geo.jp/en/index_english.html Contact Masakazu Furukawa (Director), email: geopark@pref.hyogo.lg.jp, phone: +81 796 26 3783 Noritaka Matsubara, email: matsubara-n@stork.u-hyogo.ac.jp, phone: +81 796 23 6546 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 10

Map of Japan showing location and size of San in Kaigan Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 11

Muroto Global Geopark, Japan Geology: Muroto Global Geopark is underlain by an accretionary complex of Paleogene to Neogene formed at the plate boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate. The original form of accretionary complex can be clearly observed. The subduction process also caused a gabbroic magma intrusion and weak metamorphism in the sandstone/mudstone layers. The wedgeshaped cape of Muroto was formed by the oceanic plate subduction and uplift of continental plate. The Shikoku Island is also affected by an east-west compression, triggering uplifting of the Cape Muroto and Cape Ashizuri and subsidence of Tosa Bay. The uplifting is best represented by the distinguishable marine terraces at the height of 180 m above sea level which formed at the Last Interglacial optimum, 125,000 years ago. The tectonic situation still causes earthquakes accompanied with tsunamis at an interval of 100 to 150 years. Geography: Muroto Global Geopark is located at the southern tip of the Muroto Peninsula, southeastern Shikoku Island, south-western Japan, and encompasses the administrative district of Muroto City. It covers an area of 248.2 km 2, stretching 18.6 km east to west, 27 km north to south, with 53.3 km of coastline. Mountainous areas cover 87% of Muroto, and the mountain range at the northern margin of Muroto is approximately 1000 m high. Plain areas for daily life and economic activities only account for 13% of the area. Because of the Kuroshio, a north-flowing current on the northwestern Pacific Ocean, the climate is fairly temperate as compared to other places in Japan. Muroto is also notorious for being subject to frequent typhoons which occur in the Philippine Sea. The typhoons often cause serious damage with heavy rain and wind in summer and autumn. Education and Sustainable Development: Our activities are conducted based on the concept of sustainable development, by utilizing the natural environment to improve our quality of life without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Various people including teachers, community members, researchers, and foreign people are involved in the field of education. The coastal areas of our Global Geopark belong to the Muroto-Anan Kaigan Quasi National Park since 1964 and are protected by the Natural Parks Law and other acts and local ordinances. Urban development is strictly regulated in the coastal areas. The Basic Environmental Plan (Muroto City) sets the policies of environmental protection through collaborative efforts of the government and private sectors. Periodic patrols and beach clean-up events have been conducted within the area. We also make further efforts to raise awareness towards geoconservation through pamphlets, signboards and geotourism. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2011 Subsequent Revalidation: 2019 Official Website http://www.muroto-geo.jp/en/ Contact Koji Wada, email: info@muroto-geo.jp, phone: +81 887 22 5161 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 12

Map of Muroto Global Geopark Data source of the base map: National Land Numerical Information (Elevation and Degree of Slope 4th Mesh Data, Emergency Transportation Road, and Rivers), by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (http://nlftp.mlit.go.jp/ksj/). Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 13

Map of Japan showing location and size of Muroto Global Geopark Data source of the base map: Global Map Japan (Elevation) by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (http://www.gsi.go.jp/kankyochiri/globalmap.html) and LME Polygon Boundaries by Large Marine Ecosystem Program (http://lme.edc.uri.edu/) Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 14

Oki Islands Global Geopark, Japan Geology : The Oki Islands combine the characteristics of Japan as a mobile belt with the geology of the stable landmass of the Eurasian Continent. The basement of the Oki Islands is a fragment of the Eurasian Continent which was left behind during the formation of the marginal sea, and later overprinted by violent volcanic activity about 7 Ma which created two volcanic islands. This process and combination of activity is unusual throughout the world. Oki basement gneisses contain evidence of their continental origin, and the extensive alkali volcanic rocks present record the formation of the islands. Coastal erosion of rock faces has created stunning scenery featuring numerous sea caverns and steep sea cliffs. The Global Geopark also features a unique ecosystem that is thought to have been formed by climatic change and geographical changes between ice ages. Visitors can also experience the diverse history and culture of an isolated island environment. Geography: The Oki Islands are located in the Sea of Japan in between the island arc of Japan and the Eurasian Continent. The closest landmass is Shimane Peninsula, in the western part of Honshu of mainland Japan, which is approximately 40 km from Oki. The Global Geopark area is a total of 673.5 km 2 (land area 346.0 km 2 and marine area 327.5 km 2 ) and contains four inhabited islands and 180 small uninhabited islands and rocky reefs. The islands lie within a 40 km north-south, east-west perimeter and are divided into two main areas. The three inhabited islands nearest the mainland Japan which form a volcanic caldera (Nishinoshima Island, Nakanoshima Island, and Chiburijima Island) are known as the Dozen Islands. Around 10 km north-east of Dozen is the largest inhabited island known as Dogo Island. The islands can be accessed by sea (ferry and high-speed ferry) or air (Oki Airport). Education and Sustainable Development: The Global Geopark is actively implementing education programs within the local school curricula as well as the wider community. These programs introduce the key concepts of the Global Geopark as well as numerous topics to spread awareness of the heritage of the land and highlight its relationship to the natural and cultural heritage of the Oki Islands. A number of programs aim to raise awareness about the sustainable use and preservation of local resources. The Global Geopark aims to develop sustainable educational programs in schools in the Oki Islands by systematically linking the content that students study from pre-elementary school up to secondary school. As a notable result of sustained efforts to promote geopark education in the region, a geopark class dedicated to Global Geopark themes and issues has been adopted into the formal curriculum at the Oki Prefectural High School. The Global Geopark is working closely with local education boards as well as the national Ministry of the Environment in planning and coordinating these initiatives. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2013 Subsequent Revalidation: 2017 Official Website http://www.oki-geopark.jp/en/ Contact Kazuhiro Nobe, email: info@oki-geopark.jp, phone: +81 08512 3 1321 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 15

Map of Oki Islands Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 16

Map of Japan showing location and size of Oki Islands Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 17

Aso Global Geopark, Japan Geology: Aso Volcano is located in central Kyushu and is one of the most beautiful Quaternary caldera volcanoes in the world. Between -270,000 and -90,000 years, gigantic pyroclastic flow eruptions of andesitic to rhyolitic magma occurred four times in the volcanic field and formed the Aso caldera stretching 25 km north-south and 18 km east-west. Basement rocks consist of Quaternary Pre-Aso volcanic rocks, Cretaceous granites and sedimentary rocks, and Palaeozoic metamorphic rocks. Post-caldera central cones started to erupt soon after the last caldera-formed (90,000 years) and have produced large volumes of fallout tephra layers and lava flows. The rocks of the central cones are diverse; rhyolite, dacite, andesite, and basalt. Nakadake Volcano which is the only active central cone is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. Its recent activity is characterized by ash and strombolian eruption and phreatic or phreatomagmatic explosion. Geography: Aso Global Geopark is situated in the center of Kyushu, the southernmost of four main islands, in the Japanese archipelago, which is located in the circum-pacific orogenic belt. The Global Geopark covers a total land area of 1,198 km 2 and comprises of 8 municipalities. The majority of Aso Global Geopark lies within Aso Kuju National Park, which is overseen by the Ministry of the Environment. Vast grassland, rich bio-diversity and unique human culture based on the volcano are its symbolic features. Access to Aso Global Geopark is excellent. Aso Kumamoto Airport, is located close and offers good flight routes to main cities including Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul. National roads traverse the caldera floor east to west, with other roads branching out from it. The public transport network is made up of two railways, which run parallel to the national roads in the north and south of the caldera. Local residents and tourists can also take loop line buses. Education and Sustainable Development: Aso Global Geopark is a popular destination for school trips because of its unique and diverse geology and topography and it provides the opportunity for integrative and active education about the culture, history, and on disaster prevention activities of people living in volcanic areas. Eighty-one thousand students, mainly in junior high and high school from Japan and other Asian countries visit the area every year. They visit Nakadake Geosite, which is well maintained and allows for safe observation of the active crater, the Kusasenri Geosite, ideal for trekking on volcanic topography, and the Daikanbo Geosite, where students can look out over the magnificent caldera. Working together with curators and museum interpreters at the Aso Volcano Museum, we deliver lectures of volcanic disaster prevention, geological disasters, and the study of regional resources which are part of the curriculum for most elementary and junior high school students in the Aso region. Aso Global Geopark continues encouraging children to learn about important resources as key step towards Aso s long-term sustainable development. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2014 Subsequent Revalidation: 2018 Official Website http://www.aso-geopark.jp/ Contact Akinobu Ishimatsu, email: info@aso-geopark.jp, phone: +81 968 34 2089 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 18

Map of Japan showing location and size of Aso Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 19

Mount Apoi Global Geopark, Japan Geology: Mt. Apoi is 810 meters high and located in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the Japanese Archipelago. The name Mt. Apoi derives from the language of the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido. The most distinctive feature of Mt. Apoi Global Geopark is its peridotites from the Earth's mantle. The Hidaka Mountains formed from a collision between two continental plates 13 million years ago. Part of the mantle under the crust was thrust up onto the Earth's surface to form the Horoman peridotite complex, which includes Mt. Apoi. The pure peridotites on and around the mountain contain valuable information about the Earth's mantle, making them the subject of global attention. Mt. Apoi Global Geopark provides geological information on plate collision, oddly shaped masses made of cooled and solidified magma, and rocks from far-off southern seas. Geography: Hokkaido's backbone is the Hidaka Mountains with 1,500- to 2,000-meter peaks running 150 km from north to south. Mt. Apoi Global Geopark is at the southwestern end of this range in Samani. The area of 364.3 km 2 large, and has a Pacific coastline of 24.2 km. It is part (5,630 ha) of Hidaka-sanmyaku Erimo Quasi-National Park. 92% of the Global Geopark is forestland. The Apoi Mountains (Mt. Apoi: 810 m; Mt. Pinneshiri: 958 m) run north to south in the eastern part of it. Although below 1,000 meters, these peaks are local landmarks. Hilly terrain of Cretaceous Period formations stretches over the western part of the Global Geopark, with settlements located along the coastline. Many intrusive rock monoliths characterize the coast. Education and Sustainable Development: To support sustainable development in provincial areas, local residents must have a sense of identity with their hometowns. To this end, in 2010 the Mt. Apoi Global Geopark Promotion Council in Samani introduced Hometown Geo-workshop lectures to highlight the area s appeal. Attendees learn about all the resources of their Global Geopark (geological, ecological, and human). It should be specially mentioned that the area has supported exchanges with researchers primarily in geology and ecology. In 2013, a total of 344 researchers and university students from 30 institutions came visiting. The expansion of exchanges is largely attributed to the Mt. Apoi Research Support Center a self-catering accommodation facility at the foot of Mt. Apoi exceptionally popular with researchers investigating the area and those on university geological field trips. Dates Year of GGN membership entry: 2015 Subsequent Revalidation: 2019 Official Website http://www.apoi-geopark.jp/english/ Contact Takumi Harada, email: apoi.geopark@festa.ocn.ne.jp, phone: +81 146 36 2120 Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 20

Map of Mount Apoi Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 21

Map of Japan showing location and size of Mount Apoi Global Geopark Global Geoparks in Japan as of September 2015 22