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Along with the previously discussed tangible cultural and intangible cultural properties, monuments represent another classification of cultural properties. There are three types of monuments:

1)Those properties which are of important historical or scientific value to Japan shell mounds, tombs, castle remains, etc;

2)Those properties which are important to Japan for their artistic importance or visual beauty -gardens, ravines, seashores and other places of scenic beauty; and

3)Animals, plants and minerals which are scientifically important to Japan.

For purposes of protection, the national government designates important monuments as "Historic Sites". "Places of Scenic Beauty" and "Natural Monuments", according to their classification within the three types of monuments listed above. Those monuments that are considered especially important are designated as "Special Historic Sites", "Special Places of Scenic Beauty" and "Special Natural Monuments".

Under the classification of "Historic Sites", designations are being made with emphasis being placed on recently discovered sites, medieval castles, and historic sites relating to industry and traffic; in the area of "Scenic Beauty", the focus is on gardens; and under "National Monuments", attention is being given to plants and animals which have been, based on a nationwide survey as to their present actual state, deemed worthy of preservation.