Nagano village launches second phase of award-winning regenerative tourism

A regenerative tourism project, known as “Tabi-suru Ikimono Daigakko!” (Travelling Creature University!), in Ikusaka Village, Nagano Prefecture, has entered its second phase, aiming to deepen the connection between visitors, the local community, and the natural environment. Led by the Ikusaka Village Tourism Association and a consortium of corporate partners, it builds on an award-winning model that empowers tourists to become active contributors to regional revitalisation.

The project received national recognition in its first year, earning a Special Prize at the 2nd Sustainable Travel Awards hosted by the Japan Tourism Agency and an Excellence Award in the environment category at the 3rd JATA SDGs Awards. The programme seeks to minimise negative impacts by using a regenerative model focused on actively improving the local ecosystem and community.

A significant development for this second phase is the introduction of a “Regenerative DAO” concept. A DAO, or Decentralised Autonomous Organisation, is a community-led entity with no central authority, where decisions are made democratically by its members, allowing both local residents and programme participants to co-create its future.

The programme consists of six tours, offered in a hybrid online and offline format. Participants will learn about biodiversity and nature from experts, take part in hands-on nature and land regeneration workshops, and explore local wellness traditions through medicinal cuisine sessions.

This is a collaborative effort between the Ikusaka Village Tourism Association, social innovation firm Future Sessions, Inc., travel company Club Tourism Inc., and companies HiTTiSYO, Asueku Inc., and Recika Inc. Future Sessions will facilitate the co-creation process and workshops. The project is part of the Japan Tourism Agency’s “Second Hometown Creation Project,” which supports models for building lasting relationships between visitors and regions.