Five eco-friendly travel destinations in Japan

Japan’s rich culture and beautiful landscapes have attracted many tourists. In recent years, more and more regions have been focusing on sustainability initiatives, and more than ten regions have been selected as one of the Top 100 Green Destinations every year. The following regions are particularly advanced in their efforts, and you will be able to experience Japan’s unique approach to sustainability while contributing to conservation efforts.

Shirakawago – World Heritage Site

Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, is known for its traditional Japanese original landscape, including the “Gassho-zukuri” thatched-roof farmhouses, which is registered as a World Heritage Site. Located in one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan, Shirakawa-go is steeped in a culture that values mutual aid and living in harmony with nature. Shirakawa-go is home to more than 100 gassho-zukuri houses, more than half of which are still in use and protected as residences.

In recent years, Shirakawa-go has become very popular, attracting as many as 2.15 million tourists, causing traffic congestion and other problems. Therefore, the entire community has taken measures such as properly managing parking lots and establishing a reservation and lottery system for the “Shirakawa-go Light-up” event. Shirakawa-go is a unique place where visitors can learn about and enjoy life in the past while being in the present.

Izu peninsula – Promoting natural energy and energy conservation

The Energy Policy Division of Shizuoka Prefecture promotes the Izu Peninsula as an eco-friendly tourist destination called the “Izu Peninsula Eco Resort.” They encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV rentals, have provided EV wagons for hotel shuttle services, and assisted taxi companies in introducing EV taxis. They are also actively promoting the use of natural energy and energy conservation in the Izu Peninsula area, including publishing a guidebook for tourists on these efforts.

Kamaishi City – Renewable energy and waste reduction

Kamaishi City in Iwate Prefecture is known for its beautiful coastline. Located in the Sanriku Fukko National Park, which stretches along the Pacific coast, Kamaishi is home to pristine natural scenery, islands inhabited by rare seabirds, and many large animals such as Japanese serows and Japanese monkeys.

Kamaishi has been named one of the Top 100 Sustainable Travel Destinations for five consecutive years, starting in 2018, for its renewable energy and waste reduction efforts. To experience the natural beauty of the national park, visitors can take the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail, the longest in Japan at over 1,000 km, which spans four prefectures along the coast of Kamaishi City. The trail is operated in accordance with the “Michinoku Shiokaze Trail Charter,” which emphasizes not only the spectacular scenery but also interaction with local residents, the blessings of nature, and a way of life that coexists with nature, history, and culture.

Niseko – Proactive fight against climate change

Niseko is a ski resort in Hokkaido known worldwide for its unique powder snow, created by northwest winds from Siberia that blow moisture from the Sea of Japan up into the Niseko mountains and bring heavy snowfall. This powder snow is loved by skiers and snowboarders worldwide because of its overwhelming floating sensation. However, rising temperatures, reduced snowfall, and changes in snow quality caused by climate change can affect the tourism industry and agriculture, posing a direct challenge to the local economy.

For this reason, the town of Niseko has been proactively working to combat climate change, including being designated as an “Environmental Model City” by the government. In July of this year, the town announced its goal of “zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050,” leading the nation in this effort. Niseko aims to become an “International Environmental Resort City” that preserves the region’s rich natural environment for future generations.

Aso City – Grassland conservation

The grasslands of Aso City are the largest in Japan and a cultural heritage that has been passed down between people and nature for approximately 13,000 years. However, its grasslands have decreased by 241 ha in the past five years. The activities and grazing animals essential for maintaining the grasslands by the farming communities are also rapidly declining. Local stakeholders have therefore created a sustainable model to develop and support sustainable tourism, and guidelines for the conservation and utilization of grasslands have been established.

Besides that, the traditional Aso lodging method of “Kusadomari” was revived. The Kusadomari huts are 100% biodegradable and sustainable, and the fees earned by tourists staying and experiencing life in the grasslands can be successfully used as funds for grassland conservation. In addition, six environmentally friendly lodging facilities have been renovated to allow visitors to stay longer. Furthermore, small buses are operated in tourist areas to discourage the use of private vehicles.

Eco-friendly tourism makes you more happy

Today, we shared some ideas for eco-friendly travel destinations. However, there are many other ways to make your travels more sustainable like staying at a sustainable hotel or joining an eco-tour. Take some time to explore sustainable options and find one that works for you! You can still have a great time while being mindful of the environment.

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