Disaster preparedness meets travel: a new approach to tourism in Japan

Good Man Service is introducing a new tourism experience that combines tourism with disaster preparedness. Last month, they launched “Evacuation Site Seeing: Disaster Prevention Tourism,” which highlights destinations that serve as both tourist attractions and emergency evacuation sites. The programme aims to raise disaster awareness while showcasing the unique charm of Japanese regions, contributing to tourism and regional development. Posters promoting these dual-purpose sites will be displayed at participating accommodations across Japan.

Good Man Service offers resort job staffing services, and has long partnered with lodging facilities to boost regional tourism. Frequent natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis have highlighted the need for better tourist preparedness, especially during major events like the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Kumamoto Earthquake. They see the “Evacuation Site Seeing” programme as an opportunity to address this issue by promoting tourist destinations that double as safe evacuation sites, providing peace of mind for visitors.

Featured Disaster Prevention Tourism Sites

Ishinomaki Civic Cultural Complex (Maruhon Makiart Terrace) (Miyagi Prefecture)

This four-storey facility integrates museum, hall, and atelier functions. Built after the Great East Japan Earthquake, it symbolises Ishinomaki’s recovery and resilience.

Nishiki Tower (Mie Prefecture)

A five-storey tsunami evacuation tower that also serves as a disaster education centre, hosting exhibitions and community events to promote awareness.

Iwata Nagisa Interaction Centre Tsunami Evacuation Tower (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Located near local seafood markets and workshops, this tower is open for public tours on weekends and holidays, offering insights into disaster prevention.

Nakatosa Town Tsunami Evacuation Towers (Kochi Prefecture)

Designed to deflect tsunami debris, these cylindrical towers harmonise with their culturally significant surroundings. The first tower earned the Good Design Award in 2016 and serves as an observation deck during non-emergencies.

Kuroshio Town Saga District Tsunami Evacuation Tower (Kochi Prefecture)

As one of Japan’s largest evacuation towers, this seven-storey structure supports local disaster management efforts and offers activities like whale watching and surfing.

Rokkosaki Lighthouse Plateau (Ishikawa Prefecture)

This historic Meiji-era lighthouse at the Noto Peninsula’s tip doubles as a tsunami evacuation site and an Industrial Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its scenic views.

Osaka Castle Park (Osaka Prefecture)

A historic and cultural landmark, Osaka Castle Park serves as both a tourist hotspot and a reliable refuge during emergencies, with year-round appeal boosted by its cherry blossom trees.

To enhance awareness, Good Man Service will distribute posters at participating accommodations to shine light on Japan’s regional attractions from a different perspective.

A member from Nakatosa Town’s Crisis Management Office expressed hopes for the programme, stating: “Disaster Prevention Tourism seamlessly integrates safety and exploration. Visitors to our tsunami evacuation tower can enjoy its scenic views while recognising its lifesaving role. This initiative helps travellers appreciate the importance of preparedness alongside the beauty of their surroundings.”