Sixteen years later, in 1950, an expansion would seek to include other iconic sites in the region, bringing the total area roughly up to that of the present-day.

In 1996, Itsukushima Shrine (in Hiroshima prefecture) was registered as a “cultural site of world heritage” by UNESCO.

In the 1960s and 1970s, a period of rapid economic growth was fueled in Japan, resulting in industrial contamination of the surrounding environment.

Detrimental levels of heavy metals began to rise, gradually affecting the natural food chain and greater ecosystem.

Starting in the 1980s (and continuing on into the present day), water quality has been drastically improved; stricter regulations on chemical use and runoff would be enforced, as well as advancements in technology, namely a high-performance sewage disposal.

Rokko Guide House in Hyogo prefecture are places where people can find natural specimens of Mt.