Sustainable trips to Japan’s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Many organizations will go for the low hanging fruits, trying to market themselves as socially responsible. But that often results in them ignoring their environmental responsibility. So we tuned in to look for more environmentally focused offerings.

And we weren’t disappointed! The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) has compiled a list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) for the environmentally conscious traveler. It is defined by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for sustainable land use and richness in biodiversity.

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, Japan Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

It’s interesting that there are two categories. The GIAHS, which is recognized globally, set five criteria:

• Food and livelihood security: contribute to the protection of local community food and livelihood
• Agro-biodiversity: richness in biodiversity important to the region
• Local and traditional knowledge systems: continuance of key traditions and knowledge
• Cultures, values systems and social organizations: recognize local unique identities
• Landscapes and seascapes features: featuring development through interaction between humans and the environment

On the other hand, there is also the J-NIAHS, all Japan Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. This certification is only set in Japan, introducing three more criteria:

• Resilience to change: having high resilience to the disasters like earthquakes
• Participation of various entities: the involvement of different stakeholders
• Promotion of the 6th industrialization: regional revitalization and conservation by creating new added value true integrating primary, secondary and tertiary industries

As of October 2023, 15 destinations have been GIAHS-recognized, and 24 J-NIAHS recognized. Within them, seven of them hold both designations.

Alternatives for sustainable travel

At the Tourism Expo, various partners were ready to introduce this attractive locations to potential partners and guests. MAF office three suggested itineraries to give us an idea of what sustainable travel can look like I also (including local delicacies and accommodations, of course)

Biwako, Shiga prefecture

With the beloved Biwako Lake as the main feature of Shiga Prefecture, suggested experiences include both fisheries and agriculture. Tsukudoni-making (an accompaniments dish for meals), experiencing fishing, observing the fish in the fish cradles of the irrigation, and sea kayaking.

Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture

Osaki is not just the town with the highest rate of recycling in Japan, but also has three sites designated as GIAHS or J-NIAHS. Suggested experiences include a visit to Ara Date na Michi no Eki to see local produce being sold, harvesting experience (may be season-based), visiting a miso/soy sauce factory, and the visit to a sake brewery.

Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture

For wasabi fans, this will be an enjoyable food and nature trip! Suggested experiences include making pickled wasabi, camping with dinner prep, hot springs, and tracking and canyoning through the flow of water from one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls.