Japan has published a new sustainable travel guide

As Japan continues to relax its Covid-19 entry policies and allow more international travelers to visit its much-loved country, the Japan National Tourism Organization is focusing on reinventing more sustainable destinations, experiences and accommodations that have been spent without international travel. A brochure featuring sustainable travel offerings in Japan.

In Japan, the brochure “Explore the Deep: Lasting Travel Experiences” is available to view, download, or print on Japan’s official tourism website under Travel Brochures.

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“Japan’s travel industry is taking the initiative to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At JNTO, our commitment to sustainability focuses on three main pillars: our environment, our culture and our economy. We hope in these three pillars to enrich and protect them, but also within the country. Let them enhance the traveler experience,” said Michyaki Yamada, executive director of Gento in New York.

“While sustainability is often thought of as just protecting the environment, Japan and Gento’s efforts go beyond protecting local and indigenous cultures and revitalizing small businesses recovering from the economic fallout of the pandemic,” continued Yamada. “We hope to not only enrich and educate travelers by highlighting the many sights and experiences in our country, but also to pass on these important aspects of Japanese culture and support local small businesses.”

The guide focuses on a variety of sustainable travel offerings such as outdoor adventures, Japanese food culture, sustainable accommodations, traditional towns and heritage stays, annual cultural festivals, and more.

Outdoor adventures in Japan

Outdoor adventures are everywhere in Japan, and one such adventure for both the body and the spirit is the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wakayama Prefecture. The centuries-old trail continues to draw travelers from around the world to contemplate the natural world and enjoy the spectacular scenery that travelers can experience on a one-hour, three-hour or multi-day tour.

Water lovers can enjoy a variety of activities on the freshwater lakes and beaches of Japan. In Yoshino-Kumano National Park, scuba divers can explore a rich underwater world filled with scuba divers, sea turtles, seahorses and more, while kayakers glide across the clear waters of Lake Shikotsu, a volcanic caldera in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The cleanest water in the whole country.

Permanent accommodations

From traditional hotel concepts to fully-fledged hotels such as Trefoil Tree House Resort, the brochure features some of the most fun and interesting sustainable accommodations in Japan.

Located in Okinawa, the resort opened last summer and offers eco-friendly accommodations in the form of treehouses powered by natural energy. Guests can enjoy immersing themselves in the surrounding forest, with the forest canopy offering beautiful views and ample seclusion.

An eco-friendly city hotel awaits in Kyoto: Good Nature Hotel is certified for sustainability in its construction and offers plant-heavy seasonal and locally sourced cuisine along with other sustainable practices. The lifestyle hotel offers a variety of wellness activities including yoga and meditation along with excursions to nearby attractions.

For more excitement?

Japan offers many responsible and sustainable travel experiences. See the brochure for proper guidance or visit the Japan National Tourism Organization website to learn more.