While popular Japanese destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo are trying to cut down on tourism numbers, others are lifting their promotional efforts to draw more visitors.
The lovely Nagano region is campaigning to draw more Australians off the beaten track to explore its traditional villages while taking in the mountain views.
A popular northern winter escape for Aussie skiers and snowboarders, Nagano is also showcasing other attractions that are a feature of the area all year round, including trekking and cycling .
The alpine region - about 250km north-west of Tokyo - wants to appeal to visitors interested in its traditions, culture and cuisine.
Visitors are being encouraged to look beyond the high-profile attractions which include Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where snow monkeys bathe in the springs.
“Unlike the bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, we are looking at attracting travellers to experience a more authentic, less touristy side of Japan,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organization.
“We aim to unearth a side of Nagano that will appeal and surprise Australians looking for an escape from the typical tourist crowds and in search of a special experience.
“In doing so, we are focusing on the alpine area’s traditional villages and the spectacular rural settings that surround them.”
One such example is the Nakasendo, a 534km ancient trail that connects Kyoto with Tokyo. Built during the Edo Period (1603-1868), it was one of the longest but safest routes to travel along between the old and new capitals.
It was one of five major roads established at the time, but unlike others that have succumbed to modern development, much of the Nakasendo in the Nagano Prefecture has remained untouched.
Parts of the road that people travelled along hundreds of years ago, as well as the towns in which they stayed during the long journeys, can still be seen today.
“Magome, Tsumago and Narai are the most well-preserved and popular towns to visit,” said Wong.
“Visitors can walk among these ancient settlements and along the old roads that connected them, and you will experience a slice of Japan’s history that many of today’s guests miss."
Recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Australian market at number two behind Japan’s neighbours Taiwan for time spent in Nagano.
For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/
It was one of five major roads established at the time, but unlike others that have succumbed to modern development, much of the Nakasendo in the Nagano Prefecture has remained untouched.
Parts of the road that people travelled along hundreds of years ago, as well as the towns in which they stayed during the long journeys, can still be seen today.
“Magome, Tsumago and Narai are the most well-preserved and popular towns to visit,” said Wong.
“Visitors can walk among these ancient settlements and along the old roads that connected them, and you will experience a slice of Japan’s history that many of today’s guests miss."
Recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Australian market at number two behind Japan’s neighbours Taiwan for time spent in Nagano.
For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/
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