As mentioned above, according to Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item (4) of the Act on Protection of Cultural Properties, ruins, gardens, natural landscapes (places of scenic beauty), and valuable living organisms, geographical features and minerals are included in the scope of 'monuments' and Chapter VII (Articles 109-133) of the Law stipulates protection and management of 'historic sites and places of scenic beauty as natural monuments.'
上述のように、文化財保護法第2条第1項第4号では、「記念物」に遺跡、庭園、自然的景観（名勝地）、貴重な生物および地質鉱物を含めており、同法の第7章（第109条－第133条）「史跡名勝天然記念物」に、その取り扱いを定めている。