About National Trust

The Japan National Trust was established in 1968 to preserve and protect Japan's beautiful natural sites and important historic properties. The National Trust works with citizens throughout Japan to accomplish its mission.

Citizens of Japan were alerted to the importance of preservation action by a newspaper article by the famous Japanese writer Giro Osaragi, entitled "The Destruction of Nature." In this article Osaragi warned the Japanese people about losing their natural and historical treasures and urged them to set up a Japan National Trust like the National Trust of Britain. Following this article, the Japan National Trust for Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation was established in December, 1968.

Since the time of its founding, the Japan National Trust has carried out three main activities: surveys and research, to document historic and natural sites, research their significance, and record their current condition; active conservation of historic and natural sites based on survey and research reports; and promotion activities aimed at communicating the benefits of historic preservation to a wide audience and encouraging increased participation of members.

In 1984, the Trust was formally granted exemption from taxation, and began to acquire properties to restore and maintain for public use and education. The Trust has also embarked on a plan to open and manage Heritage Centres throughout Japan in order to acquaint visitors with local heritage and natural sites.

Trust members actively participate in the activities of the organization through four networks: Railroad, Singing Sands, Thatched-Roofed Houses and Industrial Heritage.

mailto:info@national-trust.or.jp


Japan National Trust for Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation

kaiji-senta building 4th floor
4-5 koujimachi Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-0083 Japan

TEL:81-3(6380)8511
FAX:81-3(3237)1190
E-mail:info@national-trust.or.jp