Possibilities and Challenges of Utilizing World Heritage Site Himeji Castle from the Perspective of Unique Venues

Focusing on the "Unique Venue HIMEJI Plan"

Abstract

Recently, the preservation and utilization of cultural properties have been actively discussed, and unique venues (UV) are attracting attention as a new way to utilize cultural properties. In this report, we take up the “UV HIMEJI Plan” as a case study to investigate the concept of the “UV HIMEJI Plan” and its current achievements and issues. As a result, it was found that the current plan is a system that allows the use of the site without damaging the value of the World Cultural Heritage site. However, the number of users is low, and there is a risk that an increase in the number of users will cause a loss of the dignity of the World Cultural Heritage and the special feeling required for UV. So, it is necessary to consider what kind of content to select in the future.