Japan’s rich culture and gorgeous landscapes have drawn many visitors. In the past few years, more regions have become focused on sustainability, and more than ten regions have been chosen as among the Top 100 Green Destinations every year. The following regions are innovative in their sustainability efforts, and you’ll get to discover Japan’s unique approach to sustainability while also contributing to conservation efforts.
Shirakawago – World Heritage Site
Shirakawa Go, Gifu Prefecture, is famous for its traditional Japanese landscape, including those of the “Gassho-zukuri” thatched-roof farmhouses designated as a World Heritage Site. In one of the most snow-laden regions in Japan, Shirakawa-go is rooted in a tradition of the mutual aid of others and living harmoniously with the natural world. Shirakawa-go is home to more than 100 Gassho Zukuri homes and more than half of them are still being used and are in use as homes.
In recent times, Shirakawa-go has grown extremely popular, drawing more than 2.15 million visitors, which has caused traffic jams and other issues. So, the whole community has taken action to manage parking spaces properly and establish an online reservation system and lottery that will be used for this year’s “Shirakawa-go Light-up” event. Shirakawa-go is a location where people can find out about and live in the past while living in the present.
Exploring eco-friendly travel destinations in Japan can be an enlightening and enriching experience for environmentally conscious travelers. Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient cedar forests and diverse ecosystem, Kamikatsu (a small town leading the way with zero waste living and sustainable practices), and Ogasawara Islands provide natural paradise and conservation efforts aimed at protecting marine life – providing travelers with a rewarding journey combining green travel destinations with stunning natural landscapes.
Group tours to Japan can provide an organized way of exploring this green haven while discovering its commitment to sustainability while discovering its natural landscapes!
Izu peninsula, promoting energy conservation and natural energy conservation
The Energy Policy Division of Shizuoka Prefecture is promoting Izu Peninsula tourism. The Izu Peninsula is an eco-friendly tourism destination known as”the Izu Peninsula Eco Resort.” They advocate for the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and offer EV rental services. They have supplied EV wagons to shuttle hotel guests and supported taxi companies in the introduction of EV taxis.
They also actively encourage using renewable energy sources and energy conservation within the Izu Peninsula. Izu Peninsula area, including publishing a guidebook for visitors about these initiatives.
Kamaishi City – Waste reduction and renewable energy
Kamaishi City, located in Iwate Prefecture, is known for its stunning coastline. It is situated within the Sanriku Fukko National Park, which runs across the Pacific coastline. Kamaishi is home to beautiful natural landscapes and islands that are home to uncommon seabirds and big animals like Japanese serows and Japanese monkeys.
Kamaishi has been named as one among Kamaishi has been named one of the Top 100 Sustainable Travel Destinations for five consecutive years, beginning in 2018, for its sustainable energy sources and waste reduction initiatives.
To appreciate the beauty of nature in the National Park, visitors can go on to the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail, the longest in Japan, which is over 1,000 kilometers long and spans four prefectures along the coastline in Kamaishi City. The path is run according to the “Michinoku Shiokaze Trail Charter,” which emphasizes the stunning scenery, the interaction with the locals, the benefits of nature, and an approach to living that integrates nature, history, and culture.
