Furusato Nostalgia Tourism

A village of gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture. The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage buildings represent concentrated wisdom for mountain life in heavy snowfall regions. Winter illumination creates fantastically beautiful scenes popular worldwide, and the village continues to captivate tourists as an original Japanese landscape.

Classic coffee shops preserving Showa atmosphere. Siphon-brewed coffee, unique menus like Napolitan spaghetti and cream soda. Reevaluated by youth amid the retro boom, gaining popularity with tourists too.

A uniquely Japanese bento culture tied to rail travel. Over 4,000 varieties feature local specialties. Eating ekiben aboard shinkansen is quintessential Japanese rail travel. Tokyo Station's 'Ekibenya Matsuri' is a popular spot.

Arcade shopping streets symbolize Japanese local communities. From Osaka's Tenjinbashisuji to Tokyo's Togoshi Ginza, the vibrant individual shops, street food, and warm human interaction captivate international visitors.

Japan's highest hospitality spirit. A culture of wholeheartedly welcoming guests and customers. Essence lies in anticipating needs without expecting reciprocation, empathizing with guests' feelings. Practiced throughout Japan's service industry including inns, restaurants, and retail. Core of Japanese culture, upheld as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics' hosting philosophy.

A tourism form experiencing regional food cultures. Highlighted by regional representative foods like Sanuki udon in Kagawa, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Kyoto miso. Combining manufacturing process tours with cooking experiences, approximately 30 million people annually participate. Positioned as crucial integration of regional revitalization and tourism with understanding Japanese culture through food.

The culture of ryokan, Japan's unique lodging tradition. Prevalent in hot spring areas, featuring kaiseki cuisine and outdoor baths. Experiences include tatami rooms and traditional futon bedding. Service embodies genuine hospitality. A traditional Japanese accommodation experience, hugely popular with international visitors. Approximately 5 million annual guests.