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Sustainable tourism is a type of tourism that utilizes local resources—nature, culture, traditions, and people—to develop the economy while simultaneously protecting the natural environment and traditional culture. Experts have assessed that sustainable tourism will be a prominent trend in the future. Below are five sustainable tourism experiences in Japan.
Stay in Miyama Old Village (Kyoto)
Miyama is a small town located about two hours by train and bus from Kyoto Station. It retains the pristine beauty of Japanese scenery, with charming thatched-roof houses nestled amidst lush nature. With 96% of Miyama covered in forest, you'll be able to breathe in the fresh, invigorating air when you visit.
Miyama village in the ancient capital of Kyoto.
To escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the hospitality of the people of Miyama, you can choose to spend the night in the village, with many options such as thatched-roof houses, homestays, and inns (ryokan)... Only those who have stayed here before have had the chance to admire the starry night sky, the beautiful scenery of the village in the early morning mist, and experience local cultural activities such as the harvest festival parade and the rice planting festival…
In 2021, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) selected Miyama Village as one of the 44 "Most Outstanding Tourist Villages" globally for its efforts in developing ecotourism while preserving natural landscapes and traditional culture.
Drinking green tea at Obuchi Sasaba farm (Shizuoka)
From Tokyo Station, it only takes about an hour by Shinkansen to reach Shin-Fuji Station in Shizuoka Prefecture – a region with fertile lands and a tea-growing history spanning nearly 1,000 years. Obuchi Sasaba is a famous tea plantation located at the southern foot of Mount Fuji in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Surrounded by tranquil forests, it is one of the few places where visitors can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and the tea hills without being obstructed by modern buildings or power lines.
Obuchi Sasaba Green Tea Farm.
The Obuchi Sasaba Tea Festival, held annually in May, attracts approximately 3,500 visitors. Female students from local junior and senior high schools dress up as tea pickers in traditional attire to kick off the festival. The tea leaves are transported to a nearby tea factory to be processed into fragrant and flavorful green and black teas. A portion of the revenue from the tea products is used for the preservation of the Obuchi Sasaba landscape. The local tea conservation association also organizes tea-picking experiences for tourists to promote the taste of this famous tea and preserve the natural landscape of Obuchi Sasaba for future generations.
Visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (Kanagawa)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a Shinto shrine with a history of over 800 years located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. During the Kamakura Shogunate, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine was the starting point for the rich history and culture of the Kamakura region, a spiritual sanctuary for the people, and the home of the patron deity of Kamakura and the samurai.
The Shinto shrine has a history of over 800 years.
The shrine is just a 10-minute walk from JR Kamakura Station or Enoden Enoshima Station. The spacious grounds include various areas such as the main hall, landscaped gardens, museum exhibition area, and resting areas. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine hosts numerous traditional cultural ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. Visitors come here not only to see this sacred Shinto shrine but also to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand.
Cycling along the Shimanami Kaido (Setouchi) route.
Shimanami Kaido in Setouchi is a famous 70km long bicycle path that crosses the strait, the first of its kind in Japan, connecting the cities of Onomichi and Imabari. Along the coastal road, there are 10 bicycle rental and return stations where visitors can rent and return bikes.
Shimanami Kaido route.
More than just a cycling route, Shimanami Kaido in Setouchi is also a "cultural route" with many attractive locations such as the oldest temple in Ehime, Oyamazumi Shrine, with a camphor tree over 2,600 years old, the museum about the pirate Murakami from the Warring States period, and Imabari Castle - one of the three castles with the largest moats in Japan,...
Visit the Shibori dyeing region (Nagoya).
Despite being located in the bustling city of Nagoya, the town of Arimatsu still retains many traces of Edo-era culture and history. The town has been recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site, with traditional buildings featuring tiled roofs and mushikomado windows that shape the town's landscape and continue the story of its past prosperity.
The Arimatsu Shibori Festival is held annually in June.
The Arimatsu-Narumi Shibori dyeing technique has been passed down from generation to generation as a traditional craft. The artisans use various methods to tightly press the fabric, then dye it and remove any loose threads to complete the desired product. Making a single roll of fabric can sometimes take 3-4 days of work.
The Arimatsu Shibori Festival, held annually in June, is an opportunity for visitors to learn Arimatsu Shibori dyeing techniques, participate in handkerchief dyeing classes, visit historical sites, and enjoy Japanese cuisine in historic buildings.
