A consideration concerning current significance of the "Viewpoints" as a target item under the criteria for designating the Places of Scenic Beauty in Japan

Abstract

In this discussion, the current significance of the "Viewpoints" was considered, as one of the target items in the criteria for designating the Places of Scenic Beauty under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties in Japan. At first, there was introduced an overview of the criteria and the latest application results of designation of the Places of Scenic Beauty, and secondary, the origin, revision process and the meaning of the "Viewpoints" in the criteria. Next, 39 application cases of the 422 designations and their diversity were examined. Then, it was confirmed that the application of the target item in the designation standard clearly indicates the emphasis of the designation reason, and it was found that there are several types of viewing activities such as sequence as well as just looking out, among the cases already designated. In addition, "action for watching" and "experiences about scenery" were cited as indicators for understanding the "Viewpoints", and the "Viewpoints" mediate and connect them. Finally, it was suggested that the target item of the "Viewpoints" should be re-expressed as including a wider range of contents and components, such as "Places that provide us some unique experiences about scenery ".