Ten tips for sustainable travel in Japan

From Oct. 11, Japan has resumed accepting foreign visitors in earnest. The number of travelers to Japan is expected to increase, and the tourism industry to revive with it.

On the other hand, there are revisits to over-tourism beyond the acceptable limits of the local community, such as disturbing locals’ quality of life due to increased traffic, air pollution, and littering. To pass on beautiful landscapes and culture to future generations, we need to shift to sustainable tourism, which does not harm the local culture and natural environment.

Choose a carbon offset plan for your flight

Airplanes have the highest carbon footprint per capita. We ought to avoid flying if possible, but when it is necessary, choose a carbon offset plan. Airlines offer a variety of offset plans, such as tree planting, purchasing sustainable aviation fuel, and investing in climate protection projects.

Choose a slow travel style

Slow travel is not about running around to see the sights but about enjoying and feeling the place slowly and naturally, just like the area’s locals. Besides that, staying in one area for longer reduces carbon emissions than busy travel. Except for a few countries, tourists from many countries can stay in Japan without a visa for max 90 days. It is a good idea to take advantage of nomad work, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, and take your time to experience the charms of Japan.

Use public transportation

Trains have the lowest per capita carbon emissions compared to cars and airplanes.

The regularity and frequency of train service in Japan make it very convenient for short and medium-distance travel. The ‘Shinkansen’ or ‘Bullet Train,’ which spread the concept of high-speed rail to the world, operates at speeds of up to 320 km/h and provides safe and comfortable long-distance travel.

Choose sustainable accommodations

International sustainability certifications such as Green Key and Green Globe make it easy to find sustainable accommodations. Booking.com has also introduced a feature to narrow your search to find accommodations committed to sustainable practices. Other options include guesthouses, homestays, and farm stay like WWOOF , which also may help you acclimate to the area and learn a lot.

Bring your amenities and your bottle

Hotel amenities are replaced every time guests change. Due to hygiene issues, even unused items are discarded, which is not sustainable. Bring your own as much as possible, choose hotels that charge extra for amenities, or pick up only what you need from the amenity counter.

When you go out, bring your bottle instead of buying a plastic bottle, and use the Mymizu to search for water supply spots around the country.

Stay in the countryside

In addition to large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, many regions in Japan maintain unique traditional cultures and historical landscapes. By visiting such places, you will not only avoid overcrowding and over-tourism in one place but also discover local and regional charms that are not bound by stereotypes or trends.

Join nature activities

Nature is ubiquitous, but its landscape gives a completely different impression depending on the region. Encountering plants and animals you would not normally see and experience the diversity of the land through outdoor activities will allow you to think about living in harmony with nature.

Participation in experience-type exchange programs

Communication between locals and tourists is an opportunity for both of them to promote diversity. Experiencing traditional culture not only provides valuable memories but also supports its transmission and revitalizes the local community’s economy. The demand for such exchange-experience activities is increasing year by year, and online travel agencies such as Airbnb and TripAdvisor offer many programs to experience unique traditional culture and drinking tours where you can interact with locals.

Visit restaurants that use local ingredients

Using locally grown food means that food does not have to be transported long distances, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. In addition to enjoying locally grown food, you can also support local industry.

Buy traditional handicrafts from the area

In Japan, many traditional crafts, such as Nambu ironware and Arita-yaki porcelain, have historical value and are still valued today. Purchasing such traditional crafts will support the artisans. In addition, participating in the program to experience the techniques used in traditional crafts or touring factories may deepen understanding of its value.