Last entry, I talked about why we started this travel agency.
In this entry, I want to discuss what we value when creating our tours.
As mentioned before, we create our own tours from scratch or provide existing ones. However, when it comes to our tours, we ensure they meet the following five principles:
① Introducing lesser-known spots to avoid crowds
If you are visiting Japan for the first time, you might want to see places like Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo or Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Just like I would want to see the Eiffel Tower if I went to Paris, or the Statue of Liberty in New York (though I haven't been there despite visiting the city several times), it's natural to visit iconic locations in a city. Of course, our tours don't deny this. However, Japan still has many hidden gems yet to be discovered. With the government's support, Japan will likely attract even more tourists coming in the future. One of the issue that we might face is overtourism. Overtourism can lead to the destruction of natural environments and local residents having negative experiences, which is actually happening worldwide. We're not saying don't come, but wouldn't you want to visit places that are less crowded and worth seeing? Creating attractive tours with such places is where we believe our true value lies.
② Experiencing nature directly and indirectly
Japan, being surrounded by 70% forest, produces rich water and that makes a rich marine ecosystem. Yes, the sea and forests are connected.
While winter powder snow is popular, did you know that Japan has an abundance of nature in other seasons too? For instance, Japan is rich in water.
There's a saying in Japan about using water abundantly. That is used as a metaphor for something that exists everywhere. Perhaps this phrase cannot be used in regions/countries where water is precious.
A good example is stream climbing in Yakushima( we offer this tour too), where the upstream water is clean enough to drink. We want our guests to experience such nature. Additionally, the inclination towards nature has increased post-COVID. Some studies suggest that just walking in a forest (Green Bath/Green Walking) can reduce stress. We hope that our tours will rejuvenate both the mind and body.
③ History and culture
Japan has a history of over a thousand years, no matter where you go. Since I started this business, I've become even more interested in Japan's history.
For example, nearly 70% of Japanese people identify as non-religious, but they visit shrines during New Year and conduct funerals in Buddhist style.
For example, concepts like "Kegare(impurity)" and "Onryo(vengeful spirit)" in Shintoism play a significant role in our daily lives even today. I would like to write about this in another blog.
We aim to use these historical stories to illustrate how they influence modern Japanese values. Google is sufficient for just receiving information. But we hope to give a little insight into the nature and characteristics of the Japanese people. Of course, we aim to do this in a fun, interactive way, not like a stiff lecture. We explain this in the Kamakura Hidden Hike Tour too.
④ Providing tours that engage all five senses
Taking photos of grand historical buildings with your smartphone or admiring magnificent nature is undoubtedly wonderful.
But we want to propose a form of travel that goes a step further.
For example, in Yakushima island, a World Heritage site, you could hug the second oldest "Yamato Sugi(Japanese cedar)" and feel the scent and texture of it, which has been there for over a thousand years (the largest Jomon Sugi can only be seen from a distance and can't be touched), listen intently to the sound of a gently flowing river using a special method we recommend, or actually touch tea leaves and taste tea in a tea farm in Shizuoka.
We want to provide tours that maximize the use of the natural environment to enjoy with all five senses.
⑤ Providing sustainable tourism
Finally, the most important thing. Our main motivation is to sustain Japan's beautiful traditional places and culture. To sustain them, people who can manage and continue these traditions are necessary.
We believe that a financially sustainable system is needed for this. We try our best to contribute to the community by the system of business.
Also, overtourism could be one of issue. In place like Hawaii, they are collecting entry fees and limiting the number of visitors. It's counterproductive if local residents start disliking tourists and if nature is destroyed due to too many visitors. In fact, our guide for the Hokkaido Eco Tour, Obitsu san, told us about the case of Rishiri Island in Hokkaido.
Being involved in the tourism industry and having the privilege to explore our planet, we want to give ample consideration to the environment and local communities. As long as there are people, maintenance by humans is essential, and we want to support such activities. The participation fees we receive will be returned to the local community.
We are still figuring things out, but these are the points we consider when creating our tours.If these ideas resonate with you, we warmly invite you to join us on our journeys.
We look forward to seeing all of you in the near future!
Kota, CEO/Founder of Japan Adventures Co.
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