The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognizes villages that are pioneering in the development and preservation of rural areas, landscapes, cultural diversity, local values and culinary traditions. The results of the first selection have been announced. Four regions from Japan were selected: ”Bifuka Town” in Hokkaido, ”Tsuruoka City Asahi Town” in Yamagata Prefecture, ”Iizuna Town” in Nagano Prefecture, and ”Taketomi Town” in Okinawa Prefecture.
The ”Best Tourism Village” project was launched in May of this year to certify excellent areas with a population of 15,000 or less. Out of 47 regions that applied from around the world, 15 regions were selected after a review by experts. Japan received the highest number of certified regions, with four regions.
Each of the four certified regions has its own unique tourism resources and initiatives. Bifuka Town has developed ”Bifuka Farm Stay” and ”Bifuka Direct Market,” which take advantage of its rich nature and agriculture. Asahi Town is a fishing village facing the Sea of Japan, and has inherited traditional culture such as the ”Asahi no Mai” and ”Asahi Salmon.” Iizuna Town is one of Japan’s leading apple producing areas, and offers dishes, sweets, and wine using apples. Taketomi Town is a town that includes the islands of the Yaeyama Islands, and promotes tourism while preserving its unique history, culture, and nature.
UNWTO says it will provide support to recognized regions, including increasing international awareness and tourism demand, promoting sustainable tourism, and sharing best practices. The company also plans to continue recruiting and selecting new areas on a regular basis.
This certification will be a great opportunity for Japan’s rural areas. With the UN agency’s endorsement, there is a possibility that interest and visits from domestic and international tourists will increase. It may also serve as an opportunity to reconsider local attractions and issues, and encourage improvements and ingenuity to provide better tourist experiences. We hope that this will lead to regional revitalization and development.
Significance and appeal of “Best Tourism Village”
This article introduces the news that four regions in Japan have been selected as the first “Best Tourism Villages,” an award given by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to villages that contribute to the development of tourism in rural areas. Introducing. I felt that this news had great significance and appeal for tourism in Japan.
Firstly, the project is in line with the international goal of promoting sustainable tourism. Tourism is an industry that has a huge impact on the economy, society, culture, and environment. Therefore, tourism development should be carried out in a balanced manner, respecting regional characteristics and values. UNWTO advocates for this type of tourism and cooperates with countries and regions. As part of this, the project recognizes and supports villages that are working to foster and protect tourism in rural areas. The certification of four regions in Japan proves that Japanese tourism meets international standards.
Secondly, this project will enhance the diversity and attractiveness of Japanese tourism. Japan has a variety of tourism resources such as nature, history, culture, and food. However, they tend to be concentrated in urban areas and famous tourist destinations. As a result, tourism in rural areas may not be fully developed. This project can promote the appeal of rural tourism to the world and encourage tourist interest and visits. Recognized regions also have access to UNWTO networks and support. This will help improve the quality and effectiveness of tourism. Through this project, we can expect that tourism in Japan will become more diverse and attractive.
Characteristics and initiatives of the four certified regions in Japan
This article also provides a detailed introduction to the characteristics and initiatives of the four certified regions in Japan. It can be seen that each region values its own tourism resources and culture, and strives to revitalize the region and preserve the environment. I was drawn to the charm of each region.
Bifuka Town is developing the “Bifuka Model” that takes advantage of Hokkaido’s rich nature, agriculture, and livestock industry. This model involves local farmers and ranchers participating in tourism projects, providing agricultural experiences, meals, lodging, and more. This allows tourists to enjoy the nature and food culture of Bifuka Town. In addition, local people can earn tourism income and contribute to the continuation and development of agriculture and livestock farming. Bifuka Town aims for harmony between nature and agriculture.
Minamiaizu Town preserves Fukushima Prefecture’s historical buildings and traditional culture, and creates the “Minamiaizu Brand” that makes use of local ingredients and crafts. This brand uniformly promotes Minamiaizu Town’s specialty products and services. This allows tourists to feel the history and culture of Minamiaizu Town. In addition, local people can increase the value of their own products and services and deepen their local pride and ties. Minamiaizu Town aims to pass on its history and culture.
Shirakawa Village is enhancing its local identity and pride through its gassho-zukuri style village and traditional events, which are registered as a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture. Gassho-zukuri is a unique architectural style that originated in regions with deep snow, and the shape of the roof resembles hands clasped together. Shirakawa Village utilizes this gassho-style village as a tourist resource, offering tours and experiences to tourists. In addition, local people cooperate in the restoration and maintenance of Gassho-zukuri structures and continue to hold traditional events and festivals. Shirakawa Village aims to coexist with nature and tradition.
Chiran Town not only conveys the history and cultural heritage of Kagoshima Prefecture’s special attack corps, but also attracts tourists with its lush nature, agriculture, and hot springs. Chiran Town was a base for the Special Attack Forces at the end of the Pacific War, and there is a Peace Memorial Museum that displays mementos and letters left behind by the Special Attack Forces, as well as an airfield that was the departure point for the Special Attack Forces. Chiran Town conveys this history to tourists and appeals to the importance of peace. Chiran Town also has abundant tourism resources such as nature, agriculture, and hot springs, offering tourists a variety of ways to enjoy the city. Chiran Town aims to harmonize history and nature.
thoughts
After reading this article, I became interested in tourism in Japan. It turns out that Japan has many attractive rural areas. It is moving that each region strives to develop tourism while valuing its own characteristics and values. I became interested in the tourism resources and culture of each region. I wanted to know more about tourism in rural areas of Japan.
