Asageshiki bringing regenerative tourism to Hiroshima

It is unfortunate that the mention of the word “Hiroshima” conjures the dark history of nuclear bombs. Perhaps some may also recall the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. But surely Hiroshima has more to offer than just dark tourism and Itsukushima Shrine?

We met representative Nana Wakabayashi from Asageshiki, a company offering morning guided hikes on Mount Futaba in Hiroshima. It is acting as an additional effort to create a new image for Hiroshima, straying from the historical negativeness.

For the love of hiking

Asageshiki started simple: a group of enthusiasts who loves hiking! Ever since November 2020, the local hiking group, Yama wo Tanoshimu Kai, started with cleaning the paths. Infrastructure for easier climbs were installed later to make hikes easier. They even included signs with related information in English.

Today, Asageshiki offers morning hikes that include a trip to visit Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine, a chance to experience forest bathing, and a special breakfast made from local ingredients of Hiroshima.

In fact, the location where participants will take their breakfast and even enjoy the tea ceremony has a great view. This view used to be just a flurry of vegetation, but with the collaboration with the owner of the mountain (Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine), they are able to clear a spot for participants to enjoy the sights.

A model for regenerative tourism

As you can already imagine, participants are playing a role in the upkeep of the mountain. 10% of the proceeds goes to the maintenance of the mountain. It is a virtuous cycle that enriches the environment, so that the next visitors can continue to enjoy them. Furthermore, the locals and hiking enthusiasts can also enjoy the preservation of the environment and maintenance of the infrastructure.

This is what regenerative tourism should look like. When tourists visit, we see a positive impact on both society and environment. The surrounding residents can enjoy the benefits without need for sacrifice or tolerance. Income from tourism benefits nature, keeping the vegetation on the mountain healthy. Not forgetting, it draws people away from popular spots, providing a small relief to overtourism.

It would not have been possible with various partnerships, for example the one with Hiroshima Toshogu Shrine to maintain Mount Futaba together. Small continuous efforts to maintain the mountain also includes a volunteer team that cleans the mountain to upkeep its beauty.

And perhaps regenerative tourism reflects the co-existence between nature and humans. It acts as a piece of recovery for the vitality of Hiroshima.

Asageshiki also offer their trips in English, so if you are heading down to Hiroshima anytime and wondering what you can do while there, be sure to check them out and enjoy!