Sustainable Travel Archives - TRICOLAGE

A Circular Society Born from Japan’s Spirit of “Mottainai”

Ena Fujita — Sat, 30 May 2026 05:05:17 +0000

The word “sustainable” is by no means just a modern trend. In Japan, this mindset has been deeply rooted since ancient times, expressed through various cultural practices and vocabulary.

For centuries, Japan has cherished the word mottainai. Originating from Buddhist terminology, it conveys a sense of regret when the inherent value of an object is wasted or lost. This cultural concept stems from a deep-seated spirit of respect and gratitude toward objects—a belief that we should care for things until they completely lose their physical form. Today, it has transcended borders, becoming the global environmental slogan “MOTTAINAI.”

This ethos was vividly alive during the Edo period (1603–1867). Under a policy of national isolation (sakoku), Japan operated as a “perfectionist circular society” that entirely recycled its limited resources within the country. Waste and organic matter were repurposed as fertilizer for agricultural villages, maintaining a delicate nutritional balance between urban and rural areas while producing virtually zero waste.

It is upon this very spiritual foundation that the bedrock of Japan’s circular society was formed—a lifestyle centered around crafting items with care, using them thoroughly, and breathing new life into them as something else entirely.

In this article, we invite you to explore Japan’s spirit of mottainai and its modern circular economy through our encounters in the Setouchi region. Let us unpack the roots of Japanese spirituality and culture uncovered during this journey.

The Essence of Kamikatsu, Tokushima: A Global “Zero-Waste Town”

Kamikatsu, a small town in Tokushima Prefecture, is internationally renowned today as a pioneering “Zero-Waste Town.” However, this initiative did not begin as a marketing campaign for tourism or regional branding.

About 30 years ago, Kamikatsu—with a population of roughly 1,300—faced a severe crisis because it could not manage its own waste disposal. Driven by a desire to protect their community’s pristine lifestyle, the residents sought a system tailored to their daily lives. The result was today’s rigorous sorting system, where residents bring their waste to a central station and separate it themselves. Starting with 35 categories in 2001, the system now requires sorting into 43 distinct categories, achieving an astonishing recycling rate of approximately 80%.

Kamikatsu’s waste station is far more than a trash dump; it serves as a vital community hub where locals cross paths, chat, and connect. The town has even implemented a system where sorting paper earns points that can be used as a local currency, exchangeable for items like school gym uniforms.

The defining characteristic of Kamikatsu’s zero-waste journey is that it did not spring from an abstract environmental ideology. Instead, it was born out of a practical, ground-up search for survival, with the “Zero-Waste” label defined only after the fact.

At the zero-waste action hotel, aptly named “Hotel WHY,” visitors can experience this lifestyle firsthand. Staying there taught me a profound lesson: zero-waste is not a painful set of restrictive rules, but a practice that enriches our lives.

As residents continuously find ways to reduce waste, their purchasing standards and relationship with material goods naturally evolve, leading to a much simpler lifestyle. They begin choosing products based on how easy they are to sort and recycle, naturally cutting out unnecessary purchases. This is not merely environmental consciousness; it is a profound re-evaluation of how one lives.

Guests staying at “WHY” engage with these various zero-waste initiatives, sparking a shift in perspective similar to that of the locals. The facility is not a mere tourist attraction; it is intentionally designed as a space for social education, prompting us to ask: Why is waste generated in the first place? and How else can we choose to live? At the same time, the sleek architectural design, exceptional meals, and thoughtful hospitality ensure that the experience feels like an enjoyable adventure rather than an exercise in sacrifice.

The Spirit of “Arumonde”: Making, Using, and Circulating Within the Community

Kamikatsu is home to many people who have spent their lives harmonizing with nature, naturally solving everyday challenges through their own hands, wisdom, and resourcefulness. This intimate relationship with the land has shaped a unique landscape and culture, defined by terraced rice paddies, natural forests, and traditional dyeing crafts.

In the local Tokushima dialect, there is a phrase: arumonde. Beyond its literal meaning of “using what is available,” it captures a deeper approach to life—the practice of revitalizing the resources immediately around us through wisdom and imagination.

We caught a glimpse of this local philosophy during a crafting workshop at the Kanda Atelier, run by the local brand “Sugitoyama.” The atelier hosts various workshops utilizing Kamikatsu’s natural materials, including botanical dyeing with locally foraged plants, making tassels from indigo-dyed wood-thread (moku-ito) derived from local cedar trees, and traditional Tokushima indigo-dyeing experiences available from August to October.

During our visit, we participated in a natural botanical dyeing workshop using kihada (Amur corktree) gathered in the town. For our canvas, we used a hand towel made of “KINOF” fabric—a Sugitoyama original brand of textiles woven from Kamikatsu cedar wood-thread. After simmering the fabric in a dye extracted from the tree’s bark, rinsing it in pristine local water, and letting it dry, we were left with a beautifully warm, yellow hand towel that blended seamlessly with Kamikatsu’s natural palette.

This experience made me realize that we don’t always need to rely on imported products from supermarkets; the plants in our own backyards hold the potential to create the everyday items and food we need. It opened my eyes to how a hyper-local economy—creating and consuming within the community using arumonde—can fundamentally enrich our lives.

Redefining Food Waste: Kagawa’s “Whole Udon Circular Project”

Kagawa Prefecture boasts the highest consumption of udon noodles in Japan, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to indulge in the local food culture. However, behind this popularity lies a harsh reality: an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 tons of udon are wasted annually by factories and restaurants.

In response, Kagawa launched the “Whole Udon Circular Project,” driven by the familiar rallying cry of mottainai. This initiative transforms leftover udon and manufacturing scraps into valuable resources, creating a flawless local loop.

The cycle begins entirely with udon. Food scraps from the manufacturing process are collected and sent to a biogas plant, where they undergo fermentation to generate methane gas. This gas powers a turbine to generate electricity.

Furthermore, the byproduct left over after power generation is transformed into liquid fertilizer. This nutrient-rich fertilizer is then used to cultivate local wheat and scallions. Finally, the harvested wheat is channeled back into making fresh udon noodles. Through this elegant design, a closed-loop system is established: Udon Scraps → Biogas → Electricity → Fertilizer → Wheat & Scallions → New Udon.

The project also seamlessly integrates education and tourism. Local children participate in programs where they plant wheat, harvest it, and mill it into flour, while travelers can join tours that combine hands-on udon-making with a guided visit to the biogas plant.

We experienced this firsthand during an udon-making workshop at “Sanuki Mengyo,” which doubles as an introduction to the project. Kneading the dough made me realize just how physically demanding it is to create noodles with that signature chewy texture. When it came to cutting the dough, achieving a uniform width proved incredibly difficult; my rustic, uneven noodles were far from restaurant quality.

This hands-on struggle made it easy to see why so much scrap material is naturally generated during production, and it made me deeply appreciate the necessity of this recycling project.

At the same time, I realized we must not use this system as an excuse to waste food mindlessly just because “it will turn into electricity anyway.” The ultimate responsibility still lies with factories, restaurants, and us as consumers to make every effort to minimize food loss at the source.

The Rich Rhythm of Sea and Mountain: “Satoumi” in Shimotsui, Okayama

Next, we headed to the fishing port of Shimotsui, located in Kojima in the southern part of Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Sweeping views of the Seto Inland Sea framed our journey as we cycled along a dedicated bike path converted from an abandoned local railway line.
Faced with a declining population, Shimotsui has seen its community and rich seafood culture face a quiet decline. To protect the local fishing industry and livelihoods, residents have rallied around initiatives focused on local consumption and community exchange.
A prime example is “Shimotsui Yokocho,” a beautifully renovated space originally managed by Yoshimata Shoten, a local seaweed merchant. Today, it functions like a lively market where local fishermen sell water products freshly caught that very morning. Visitors can have their purchased fish filleted on the spot to eat right away. This setup creates a wonderful synergy: producers get to see the immediate reactions of their customers, and consumers can look into the faces of the people who caught their food.

Yoshie Yoden, the passionate owner of Shimotsui Yokocho, introduced us to the region’s environmental efforts. In Shimotsui, fishermen take the lead in ocean conservation to ensure a sustainable supply of seafood. Recognizing that a healthy ocean relies on a healthy mountain, they plant trees and manage the upstream forests, which eventually flushes nutrient-rich water back into the sea.
Their seaweed cultivation also plays a vital role in purifying the water. Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide and creates a thriving habitat for plankton, which in turn offers food and sanctuary for small fish.
This holistic approach closely mirrors the concept of Satoumi—a coastal ecosystem where gentle, sustainable human intervention actually enhances biological productivity and biodiversity.
Witnessing Shimotsui’s dedication to this marine-mountain connection forced me to reflect on the impact my own daily choices and meals have on the planet. Moreover, experiencing Ms. Yoden’s warm hospitality allowed me to feel the genuine warmth of the locals and the comforting reassurance that comes from connecting directly with food producers.

How Travel Shifts Horizons and Reshapes Our Daily Lives

In the past, the people of Japan naturally lived out the spirit of mottainai within an inherently circular society. Over time, modernization drastically altered our lifestyles and disconnected us from these rhythms.

Yet, this journey proved to me that this ancient ethos is still vibrantly alive in Japan’s regions. Across Kamikatsu, Shimotsui, and Kagawa, the people I met were not acting out of a rigid sense of obligation. Instead, they were driven by a heartfelt desire to protect their neighbors, preserve their hometowns, and genuinely enjoy a rich, meaningful way of life.

The new perspectives we gather while traveling have a way of quietly reshaping our ordinary routines long after we return home. Travel is undoubtedly an enjoyable escape, but its true magic lies in its power to challenge our assumptions and broaden our horizons.

This is precisely the kind of travel Tricolage strives to create—journeys that invite you to slow down, connect deeply with local wisdom, and discover fresh insights that stay with you for a lifetime.

The post A Circular Society Born from Japan’s Spirit of “Mottainai” appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

Travelling off-season: Sustainable Tourism in Autumn

Victor — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 03:30:00 +0000

Autumn, with its golden leaves and red beauty, is one of the favourite seasons for many people.

Both for its beauty and for the weather, with temperatures halfway between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. In Japan, it also coincides with the end of the typhoon season, largely over by the end of September.

For travelling, autumn is an ideal period. After the peak summer season, when destinations are crowded and it is more difficult to enjoy a quiet holiday, comes this beautiful and pleasant period for travelling.

Benefits of travelling off season

Travelling off season has obvious benefits that every traveller has experienced. Destinations are less crowded, which allows you to enjoy them in a more relaxed way and have a higher quality experience. You have more space and time to appreciate and explore the most attractive destinations in Japan. Also, when travelling out of season the prices are cheaper, which allows any budget to include more amenities or activities for the same price.

But beyond these benefits, travelling in autumn has benefits closely linked to sustainable and responsible tourism that you may not be aware of.

Off-season travel and sustainable tourism

Travelling in autumn is a unique and enriching experience, with many benefits for both travellers and destinations. It allows you to explore Japan in a different way, discover lesser-known places and special events, while contributing to more sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism, which is essentially ” meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (United Nations definition of sustainability), has a lot to do with not saturating the destination, taking into account its carrying capacity and not having a negative impact on its population, its environment or its biodiversity. Indeed, according to the GSTC criteria, we must take account of the capacity and integrity of the natural and cultural surroundings of the site.

As travellers, we can contribute to this much more easily by travelling off season:

1. Avoid overtourism

Overtourism is a major problem for the tourist destinations, the local population and also for you as a traveller. Japan is a country that attracts many international travellers because of its rich culture and tradition, its festivals, its landscapes… especially during the cherry blossom and summer periods. However, Japan has a lot to offer outside these times of the year. By choosing to travel off-season, travellers will avoid congesting locations, often fragile as it is an island nation.

This will avoid negative impacts on the country and allow you to benefit from a much better experience, appreciating the destination with calm, serenity and pleasure. If you want to slow down and enjoy slow travel without being surrounded by people all the time, come and discover the hidden charms of Japan in autumn. If you want to know more about slow tourism, we tell you more about the benefits a self-care vacation in this article.

2. Get deeper connections

As a consequence of the above is the fact of living deeper and more enriching experiences. By travelling calmly, surrounded by fewer travellers, you will be able to experience more quality interactions with the destination and the local population.

Local people will be more open and willing to welcome and share with the tourist if they don’t see their place of life suffocated, and can continue to enjoy an undisturbed routine of life. One of the GSTC’s sustainable tourism criteria takes this factor into account when referring to local livelihoods: tourism activity should not negatively affect local livelihoods. We try to maximize local benefits and visitor fulfilment while minimize the adverse impacts on sensitive sites.

3. Add value to your journey

Live a unique experience and discover an unknown Japan by travelling off-season and getting to know lesser-known aspects of the country. During October and November, you will find in Japan numerous festivals (many of them related to harvest, with colourful parades and processions) and incredible light and illumination events.

Likewise, seasonal products are especially delicious in autumn. Sustainable tourism seeks to boost the local economy, and one way to do this is to consume local products.

The harvest season is an ideal time to try regional products, such as the rice harvested in autumn, called Shinmai (new rice).

Autumn is a time of countless attractions throughout the country. For lovers of culture and the arts, it is an ideal time too, as many major exhibitions are launched in October. By discovering lesser-known local factors, you can add value to your trip and make it unique.

4. Enjoy less-known amazing landscapes

When one thinks of Japanese landscapes, first think of the pink colours of Sakura. Clearly, the cherry blossom is a beautiful and special moment, but it is not the only one. The autumn colours that invade Japan at this time of the year are also beautiful, spectacular and special.

The Japan multi coloured autumn beauty is breathtaking. “One of the wonderful forms of beauty to be experienced in Japan is the way the hues of nature change as the seasons pass. When fall comes, colorful autumn leaves cover the mountains of Japan” (Portraits of Japan, JapanGov).

As it is a less crowded and quieter time, it allows you to experience the luxury of taking time to travel in a mindful, respectful and relaxed manner. However, it is not synonymous with inactivity, as there are plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities in autumn.

Enjoy hiking in Japan’s nature parks at this time of year and be enchanted by the autumn foliage. By hiking these places in the off-season, and therefore making them less crowded throughout the year, we are protecting the place and promoting biodiversity conservation. The leaves change colour in October at higher elevations and in the north, such as Hokkaido, and in November in places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Conclusion

To travel in autumn in Japan is to enjoy a unique atmosphere. The colours of the earth invite you to get in touch with nature by trying seasonal products produced in the region (such as Japanese chestnuts called Kuri, Matsutake Mushrooms or Sake), or to avoid the chilly at the opening of an art exhibition at the museum. It is a perfect time to take advantage of the benefits of travelling off-season and contribute to the wellbeing of the destination.

Indeed, every contribution we can make to sustainable and responsible tourism is a great act that not only benefits the local population, but also our experience as travellers and that of generations to come.

Do you also want to be amazed by the autumnal beauty of Japan?

The post Travelling off-season: Sustainable Tourism in Autumn appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

Easy Tips to Get Ready for a Sustainable Summer Hike

Victor — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:46:13 +0000

It’s summertime – let’s pack our bags!

But, what should you take for your summer hikes in Japan?

A trail that would allow you to make hiking and walking your main activity during your trip in Japan is the Shikoku Henro or Shikoku pilgrimage. This is a circular route of about 1,200 kilometres passing through 88 temples associated with the life of the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). It is important to remember that this kind of spiritual journey, while not necessary for religious reasons, should always be done with respect, awareness and personal purpose.

Sustainable travel needs to be transformative for you, while also advocating a positive impact on the environment and local communities, so if you go on hiking or pilgrimage routes for personal enrichment, remember to always be respectful of other people and their personal motivations. Of course, there is no need to embark on the full tour, as the area is also popular for bird watching and less ambitious exploratory walks can be undertaken.

Hiking in Summer

If you are travelling this summer, you may be wondering: is it ok to hike in the summer? Should I hike in the heat?

Summer in Japan, between June and September depending on the area, is hot and humid, with an average daily high temperature above 26°C. In Tokyo, the hottest month of the year is August, with an average high of 30°C and low of 24°C (for more details on the climatic conditions click here).

Before Hiking

Choose the right backpack: your hiking equipment should be comfortable. Make sure it has a waist belt to ensure that the weight is mostly on your lower back or pelvis, and that it has a good shoulder strap.
Pack light: inadequate luggage weight can make your route tedious and can lead to unnecessary fatigue and injury. Take only the necessary equipment and don’t load yourself with extra weight.
Take the necessary clothing and equipment: choosing the right clothing is essential for a good summer hiking experience. Take light and breathable T-shirts, shorts or detachable trousers, special trekking socks for summer weather without seams and in your right size (too tight or too large can lead to chafing and blisters). As for footwear, light, breathable, low-cut running or trekking shoes, or hiking sandals (depending on where you will be hiking), but above all, don’t wear high boots in summer if you are going to be walking a lot. Other important items include a canteen, hat, sunglasses and sun cream, dried fruit and nuts, and a basic first aid kit. Depending on your destination, a utility knife, torch or walking sticks may be useful. Also plan if you are going to continue outdoors at night, so that you can take some warmer clothing.
Distribute the weight correctly: how to distribute things in your backpack is almost as important as deciding what to carry. You should arrange it so that the heaviest items are at the bottom and closest to your back. To organise things and make it easier to find them later, especially if you are hiking for several days, you can compartmentalise the various items in bags (made of fabric or organic material).
Get physically ready: if hiking is going to be one of the main activities during your trip, it is important to be prepared beforehand. To do this, get in good physical shape before the trip. We recommend working on your cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and coordination in the months leading up to the trip.

During the Hike

Leave at an appropriate time: avoid the hottest hours by leaving early in the morning or in the afternoon. Remember also that Japan has an earlier sunrise and sunset than many European countries. The earliest sunrise in Japan is June 13th at 4:24 AM and the latest sunset is June 30th at 7PM.
Stay hydrated: good hydration is essential to avoid problems derived from physical activity during a hot day. It is advisable to hydrate and avoid alcohol hours before setting off. During the route, due to the heat, perspiration increases, so our body consumes between 1 and 2 litres of water that must be restored. Take enough isotonic drinks (water plus sodium) and drink whenever you feel thirsty. The amount of water needed varies from person to person, to calculate yours, check out this guide from the University of Arizona. To make this sustainable and not generate waste in the environment, carry a refillable water bottle and do not use plastic bottles.
Protect yourself from the sun: wear sunglasses, sunscreen (an eco-friendly one), a hat and appropriate clothing to protect you from the sun’s rays.
Take regular breaks: it is important to take breaks in the shade. This is the ideal time to reapply sunscreen or eat some nuts, which are rich in salt and help restore blood sodium levels.
Watch out for signs of heat stroke or sunburn: be alert to the symptoms of heat stroke (dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, rapid pulse, disorientation, etc.) or skin burns. Prevention is better than cure!

After Hiking

Eat properly: eat nutrient-rich foods such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats and fish, and healthy fats such as olive oil or nuts. It is advisable to consume carbohydrates after physical activity to refuel muscles and recover quickly.
Rest enough: good rest is essential for an effective muscle recovery. Make sure you get adequate rest before and after exercise, especially if you will be hiking several days in a row during your trip.
Stretch: after physical activity, stretching is good for faster recovery. Here are some exercises that are suitable for a post-hiking stretching routine, as they are based on the areas of the body that are most affected during this practice.
Recycle waste: during your route you may have generated some kind of waste (the bag of dried fruit, the bottle of sun cream that has run out, etc.) that you have been saving. Now, back to the nearest town or city, it’s time to get rid of this nuisance by recycling it.

Some Extra Sustainability Tips for your Summer Hiking Trip

As we have already seen, it is important to think about certain aspects before, during and after the route to ensure not only our well-being but also that of our environment. We have talked about the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable sun creams, the importance of using canteens instead of plastic water bottles, of saving the waste we generate and recycling it when we return to the nearest town.

To make our summer hiking as sustainable as possible, we must also think about our impact during the hike. Remember that it is important not to stray from the established trails so as not to damage the flora, and to walk quietly so as not to disturb the wildlife. If you want to know more ideas on how to travel in a sustainable way, take a look at the recommendations in this other article we prepared for you.

Now we want to know about you: what is your must-have item for your summer hikes? Share it with us in the comments!

The post Easy Tips to Get Ready for a Sustainable Summer Hike appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

Sustainable Sushi: Local Gastronomy with a Positive Impact for Your Trip

Victor — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:22:00 +0000

How to enjoy a tasty meal without harming the health of the oceans

On the occasion of World Oceans Day (8 June) and International Sushi Day (18 June), we are taking advantage of this month’s celebrations to talk about sushi, a dish directly associated with Japanese culture, and also about the importance of sustainable fishing and local and seasonal food production.

It is the perfect occasion to address issues of major importance in sustainable travel, such as gastronomy, since a large part of our activity during the journey revolves around food. It is also important to address the challenge of oceans’ health, as it is well known that our oceans are facing major threats.

A little history of sushi

Sushi is a dish closely related to Japanese culture and very popular worldwide. Although today people may pay fortunes for gourmet sushi experiences, Alexander Lee in History Today points out that sushi was at first neither sophisticated nor even Japanese.

Indeed, the origin of sushi goes back some 2000 years, emerging as a way to preserve fish and to avoid wasting food by putting it in fermented rice. This initial form of sushi appeared on the banks of the Mekong River in Southeast Asia as a ‘poor’ food. It later reached areas of modern China and finally Japan (it seems that the first Japanese references appear in the Yoro Code compiled in 718). The combination of fish and rice evolved over time, gradually reducing fermentation and allowing for less time-consuming preparation.

The sushi most similar to today’s is the one that appeared in the 19th century known as Edo-mae and attributed to the chef Hanaya Yohei, which differed from the modern form mainly in size and in the way the fish was prepared. Today’s fast sushi was made possible by the advent of the refrigerator, which allows fish to be served fresh and fast. Alexander Lee says that refrigerators were considered ‘luxury’ items, so sushi became at that time a ‘festive’ food, a refined treat to be enjoyed on special occasions.

Today, there are many different types of sushi and methods of preparation and it is undeniably a tasty meal ideal for sharing with friends or family.

However, since it is a fish dish, when consuming it we must take into consideration questions such as where it comes from, how it has been caught or farmed, the vulnerability of the species served or whether they are being overfished. In addition to this environmental impact, we also should remember that unsustainable practices have an impact on the local community too, as fishermen may see their source of income and employment opportunities reduced.

An overview of fisheries in Japan today

Let’s take a look at Japan’s fishing tradition to understand the context that leads us to talk about sustainable sushi today.

Fisheries are a primary industry in Japan’s coastal areas and are essential not only for food security in the country but also in terms of traditional knowledge and culture. Despite its bad reputation mainly related to whaling, Japan has made some notable contributions in recent years.

Japan is one of fourteen countries members of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy and the government has developed a system that aims to ensure sustainable fisheries (see Catch Shares In Action – Japanese Common Fishing Rights). Some of the goals of this Program are protecting small-scale coastal fishermen and incorporating community knowledge in management decisions. The Fishery Solutions Centre from California notes that the common fishery rights and the co-management arrangement in Japan has stimulated fishermen innovation so far.

However, as the independent Minderoo foundation points out, “overall, Japan shows limited progress to restore fish stocks […] To advance towards SDG target 14.4, Japan needs to take urgent action to rebuild overfished stocks and strengthen science-based management”. Also, the overall Ocean Health Index score for Japan is 68 out of 100, which is a bit lower than the global average score of 69.

The FAO of the United Nations (Food and Agriculture Organization) highlights that in Japan at present “the multi-faced functions, other than just food security, of fisheries and fishing communities, such as conservation of natural environment, national security and promotion and succession of the traditional culture, are also highly recognized and appreciated”.

It is clear that harvesting seafood sustainably, ensuring access to artisanal fishing, preserving coastal habitats and marine ecosystems, and participating in sustainable tourism in coastal regions, are crucial for the sustainable development of the country and the health of the oceans.

Sustainable sushi

In this context, it is important to promote sushi produced in a more environmentally responsible way and to favour consumption in restaurants that ensure a supply chain of sustainable seafood products. Restaurants that respect the closed seasons for seafood products, know the traceability and origin of the fish they use and can ensure that it comes from sustainable fishing.

One way to do this is to check if these restaurants have a sustainability certification, obtained through external and impartial auditors, such as the Marine Stewardship Council blue MSC & ASC eco-label for sustainable fishing.

Another way to eat sushi in a more responsible manner is by following the “Four S Rule”. It is a guide established by Casson Trenor, a frequent commentator on sustainable seafood issues who has been featured in regional, national, and international media outlets, including CNN, NPR, Forbes, New York Times or Boston Globe.

According to this rule, the 4S are: Small, Seasonal, Silver and Shellfish.

As consumers, we should prioritise small fish because they are lower on the food chain, grow quicker and die younger. Likewise, we should favour seasonal fish to reduce our carbon dependency and environmental missteps derived from our out-of-season products demand. On the other hand, it is a good idea to order sushi served with itssilver skin (hikari mono in Japanese), because it contains animals (mackerels, halfbeaks etc.) that can be sourced from well-managed fisheries. Last but not least, shellfish (bivalves and molluscs) not only is good for us but it also entails environmental benefits (low impact farming compared with others as salmon farms, low dependency to marine sources, type of raising that doesn’t require dredging or other types of seabed alteration during harvest etc.).

Ine: a fishing port town

To tell you about places in Japan that are committed to this type of fishing and where you can find local products, we ourselves have travelled to Ine.

Ine is a beautiful fishing village in Japan located in Yosa District (Kyoto Prefecture). Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Japan and unique for its waterfront boat houses (funaya), we bring it up today because of its fishing tradition.

In the past, almost every house in Ine had its own boat because most of them were fishermen, and also because it was their main means of transport. These boats were accessed directly from their houses, which were divided into two parts: 舟屋 (funaya or boat house) and 母屋 (omoya or main house).

The funayas are the ones found on the coastline that had the garage for the boats and the omaya were the buildings where the people lived. In those days, the two were connected. However, over the years the village adapted to the modern way of life and the two were separated by a road that facilitates the transit of cars.

Today, the fishing industry in Ine faces difficulties linked to the ageing population. Many of the houses no longer have boats because there are no longer many fishermen. To solve this, the village of Ine is encouraging young people to come to live in the village as farmers or fishermen, by offering them financial support or fisherie courses.

As for the local products, there is no fixed fish market in the village, but they buy fish directly from the morning market. When they receive notification of the arrival of the fishing boat, which is only available to local people, they go directly to the market.

So it is important to contribute to gastronomic sustainability and the health of the oceans while enjoying tasty food. In Japan, there are ways to do this: enjoy local cuisine and traditional sushi while making a commitment to sustainability.

If you want to know more about sustainable destinations, follow us on linkedin!

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Go Green on Earth Day!

Victor — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:52:31 +0000

Let’s celebrate Earth Day by travelling more responsibly

Lately we hear a lot about Earth Day, but do you know what it is? When did it start? Surely, when you know a bit more about this important event you will want to contribute, but how can you do it as a traveller?

When we travel, we often feel that we would like to make a more positive impact but don’t know how to do so or think it is too difficult. If you’ve been thinking about it but you don’t know where to start, today we bring you some recommendations to make your trip more sustainable in a simple way.

What better day to acquire new sustainable habits than Earth Day? Let’s get started!

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an annual occasion to promote environmental protection held on April 22. Founded in the United States by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, it went global in 1990 and is now celebrated all over the world. The first event was organised by Nelson with the help of Denis Hayes as coordinator, and this first mobilisation contributed to raising awareness of environmental issues and the establishment of new laws to address them. In 1990, Earth Day mobilised 200 million people in 141 countries around these common values, and now is already followed by more than a billion people.

Why is Earth Day important?

Because it is a good way to join forces on the road to a more sustainable future for us and for future generations. The United Nations states that international days are “a powerful advocacy tool [that] promotes international awareness and action”. For us, travellers who are committed to sustainable tourism, this is a wonderful opportunity to resolve to travel more responsibly.

How is Earth Day celebrated?

Earth Day is celebrated with events organised around the globe and coordinated by EARTHDAY.ORG, the Earth Day Network. In 2023, almost 30 of these events will take place in Japan. The event focuses on a different theme each year, and the Earth Day Network has set the official theme for 2023 to be “Invest in Our Planet”.

In some places, this celebration extends to a week or even a month, with activities and events taking place beyond the 22nd. In Japan, for example, we celebrate the Earth Day festival at Yoyogi Park every year in Tokyo, from 15th to 16th April. The perfect place to find your sustainable and eco-responsible travel accessories!

Invest in Our Planet while travelling

Wondering how you as a traveller can contribute? Good news! You can travel and invest in our planet at the same time!

When it comes to travel, there are ways to commit to the well-being of nature, people and culture that we can easily include in our travel routines. As individual travellers we have the opportunity to make sustainable choices, not only on Earth Day but throughout our travels.

Check out these top 6 resolutions and get inspired!

1. In nature, don’t step out of bounds

Contribute to protect the environment and restore nature by not harming the flora and disturbing the local fauna. Be quiet and don’t leave waste – you can carry a recyclable bag in your backpack to store your waste until the end of your hike or activity!

2. Take time

Travel slower and walk more. A breath of fresh air is a luxury that we often cannot afford in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and travelling is an ideal time for it. Not only is it healthy for the planet, but also for you! As claimed by Harvard Medical School, walking entails health benefits such as boosting immune function.

3. Switch off

4. Go local

Eat, drink and shop locally. You will be supporting the local economy and community. You will also help to preserve local culture and environmental protection by reducing transport distances.

5. Use biodegradable sunscreen

And other eco-friendly accessories! When preparing your luggage, prioritise eco-responsible elements, such as bamboo toothbrush or soap bar. This is not only important if you travel to the coast, helping to reduce ocean pollution and marine biodiversity (as it is well known that the chemicals in sun creams damage coral reefs). It is also useful if you travel to the mountains, as you will benefit freshwater species. Reduce, reuse and recycle: that’s a good way to protect the ecosystem.

6. Listen

When you get to know the local community, be respectful of their traditions and listen to them. It is a good opportunity and a big fortune to learn about the customs and habits of the people and the country that welcomes us.

Travelling and take action

All of us can be involved in the conservation of the earth’s natural resources while travelling. Even better, these commitments are not only good for the planet, but also for us. It is a healthy way to travel, taking time for oneself and acting with awareness of the environment and the people around us.

Enjoy the journey even more with these small choices that can generate a better impact. Start today and be a part of the green revolution!

We want to know more about you! Which of these resolutions speaks to you the most? Let us know in the comments!

The post Go Green on Earth Day! appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

Hotel Key Forest Hokuto: planning a sustainable stay plan as part of a Japan Tourism Agency project

Tamas — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 01:51:57 +0000

The tourism consulting service of our company Tricolage Inc. offers consulting services for the promotion of sustainability in tourism.

We have recently supported a project to develop a sustainable accommodation plan at the Hotel Key Forest Hokuto, an accommodation facility operated by the Art Resort Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness (hereinafter ‘KAW’) in the Yatsugatake Southern Foothills area (Kobuchizawa-cho, Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture).

Kobuchizawa Art & Wellness

The plan, which will be launched as the ‘Limited Time Only Sustainable Stay Plan’, is a new service that enables guests to realise a sustainable travel experience throughout their entire journey, featuring a ‘self-guided tour’ of the local area and ‘activity’ experiences offered on each day of the week.

This article introduces this project as an example of our sustainable tourism services as Japan’s first GSTC-certified tour operator.

Reforms to meet all needs for a sustainable hotel

With the growing importance of sustainable tourism due to the Corona disaster, there is nowadays a need for a different strategy to become the ‘tourist destination of choice’. Naturally, this also applies to accommodation operators, and as a consultant, we help accommodation establishments to implement sustainability as a hub for the creation of ‘sustainable’ tourism regions.

The Yatsugatake region is known for all its natural attractions, but in recent years its sustainable community practices have been attracting particular attention. In this context, KAW, the surrounding resort area, was also looking for a way to launch the Hotel Key Forest Hokuto within its facilities as a sustainable accommodation facility in order to be part of sustainable development.

We therefore considered it key to offer a series of sustainable travel experiences, not only within the hotel facilities, but also in contact with the lifestyle of the Yatsugatake region. This not only attracts visitors to the land and people, leading to them becoming fans and repeat visitors, but also gives them the courage and motivation to practice sustainability in their daily lives after their trip by actually seeing and experiencing a sustainable society with their own eyes.

In order to provide such accommodation and travel experiences, we took advantage of the Japan Tourism Agency’s 2022 pilot project ‘Demonstration Study for the Promotion of Travel Services with the Accommodation Industry at the Core through the Introduction of New Business Methods’. We provided support for the project planning related to the application, and after it was adopted, we provided extensive support for the actual creation, production and PR of the new accommodation plan.

Tour planning with local communities in accordance with the international standard ‘GSTC-I’

As the first travel operator in Japan to receive the GSTC Tour Operator Certification, we plan our business thoroughly in accordance with the GSTC Standards, the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism.

GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) is a non-profit organisation led by the United Nations that develops and manages the GSTC Standards: international standards for sustainable tourism. The GSTC standard consists of four main pillars:

A. Sustainable management
B. Socio-economic impact
C. Cultural impact
D. Environmental impact

*An interview with Tricolage about the company’s GSTC certification can be found at Tricolage Becomes the First GSTC-Certified Tour Operator in Japan.

GSTC-I standards focused on in this project:

This project was no different, and we worked closely with local businesses and residents based on the GSTC-I (GSTC Standards for the Tourism Industry), with an attitude of contributing to maximising the social and economic benefits of the region.

Information ‘gathered’ through close interviews with local communities

Local participation is essential to achieving the B. Socio-economic standard among the four GSTC-I pillars. By actively conducting interviews with local communities and businesses, we have succeeded in realising a highly effective plan.

For example, one of the most common comments from the interviews with local people was “I want people to know about the existence of this wonderful spring”. We took such voices and produced an original map – “Yatsugatake to Tsunagaru Map” – including springs that boast famous water and water supply spots that are not listed on Google Maps, with the aim of promoting round-trip tourism by travellers as a concrete measure. In addition, guests using this accommodation plan are given a ‘Nakamura Keith Haring Museum’ My Bottle as a present, providing them with an opportunity to visit the spring and enjoy the region’s recommended Yatsugatake famous water in a more environmentally friendly way.

By visiting the area many times and actually experiencing it first-hand, we have been able to realise effective plans like this that are unique to the area. In the yoga experience (‘Yoga & Lunch Filled with Yatsugatake’), which was created with local businesses as one of the activities, the villa in the KAW Resort, which was previously limited to hotel guests, was opened to local people as a studio, creating a new opportunity for community exchange within and outside the region.

Unlike conventional accommodation experiences that simply provide a place to stay overnight, developing a comprehensive travel experience with local participation in this way can sublimate the experience into a customer experience with added value that is unique to the region.

Story telling and information ‘sharing’

In order to increase satisfaction with our sustainable stay plans, we believe it is important to provide travellers with the necessary knowledge and information, so that they can get to know the area in advance. For this reason, we have focused on producing content that appeals to an understanding of the stories and attractions of the land and its people, including the natural environment and local culture.

One of the objectives of the newly launched Sustainable Stay Special Website for the project is to spread the story to visitors, and the following contents have been prepared:

Sustainable Stay special website (only in Japanese)

Self-guided tours

A tour guide using a two-day stay as an example to enjoy sustainability in the Yatsugatake region from a variety of perspectives. The guide features spots that can be visited to practice and contribute to sustainability, all selected by our staff based on research and scrutiny of the local people and hotels in the area. This practical guide also includes recommendations for local shops and restaurants.

Activity experiences

The aim is to find added value through experiences that enable travellers to build connections with local people in the rich natural environment of the Yatsugatake Mountains. Each activity page introduces the attraction of the experience, the significance of participating, and the stories and personalities of the businesses who support and provide the experience.

Yatsugatake to Tsunagaru map

Through interviews in the region, we produced an original map with comprehensive explanations, which includes unexplored areas and water-drawing spots that are difficult to find on Google Maps, making it a tool that can actually be used in the field.

Interview article

Interviews with key people about the significance and value of participating in this tour. The aim is to help readers understand the deep relationship between the Yatsugatake region and sustainability, and to motivate them to practice “genuine sustainability” that goes beyond superficial actions.

Hotel initiatives & what you can do

Introduces the hotel’s sustainable initiatives, including eco-friendly amenities and donation activities, as well as simple practices for travellers. The aim is to make travellers aware of the mechanisms that allow them to contribute to and practice sustainability in the entire process of our accommodation packages.

In the run-up to the release, KAW made numerous adjustments with stakeholders to ensure that the message they really wanted to convey was correctly guided and well structured.

Building sustainability in hotels

Hotel Key Forest Hokuto, the hub of this sustainable tour, had been involved in social contribution activities for some time, but had yet to develop specific guidelines and measures for sustainability.

Therefore, we provided support to build a system in which travellers can contribute to and practice sustainability simply by staying at the hotel, which is a feature of this project. In tackling sustainable tourism, it is important to create incentives, innovations and mechanisms to eliminate travellers’ uneasiness and promote more sustainable travel. We identified issues and areas for improvement after our staff actually stayed at the hotel and fully understood the hotel service from the guest’s point of view, and after repeated discussions with on-site staff, we came up with new measures, including the following:

Sustainable stay information booklets in hotel rooms
Sustainable Travel Pledge
Guest and environmentally friendly amenity products
Special Keith Haring My Bottle giveaway
Carbon offset scheme
A portion of the room rate allocated to community support donations

The real value for travellers is, of course, the hospitality and responsiveness of the staff and officials who actually welcome them on site. Naturally, we also conducted thorough employee training and meetings and on-site training to establish operations, in order to ensure that the new measures permeate the field.

Conclusion

Sustainability-related strategy formulation and business development must be carried out in full consideration of the characteristics, challenges and initiatives of the region and the business. In the case study presented here, Kobuchizawa Art and Wellness, which already has many elements of sustainability, was helped to further enhance its value as a sustainable accommodation operator by providing a high quality sustainable customer experience.

Tricolage is committed to helping local authorities and tourism businesses create sustainable tourism.

We want to develop policies and plans for sustainable tourism
We want to promote sustainability within our company
We want to create sustainable tours to meet the needs of future travellers
We know where to start

If you have any questions about sustainable tourism, please feel free to contact us! Let’s work together to find the best sustainability solution for your company and your region.

The post Hotel Key Forest Hokuto: planning a sustainable stay plan as part of a Japan Tourism Agency project appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

Blue Economy and Japan

Victor — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 04:27:20 +0000

Japan is working to develop new methods and technologies to deepen and strengthen our relationship with the ocean and ensure that we sustainably enjoy the benefits of it for generations to come.

The seas provide an ocean of resources that we should take care of and preserve, and they should be used appropriately to contribute to the global environment. That is why the “blue economy” is relevant, especially considering that it covers all economic activities dependent on the sea: fisheries, aquaculture and marine biotechnology, tourism, navigation, maritime transport and energy, among others.

Blue Economy is defined by The World Bank as:

“The sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.”

To address this issue, with the cooperation of fishers and coastal communities, Japan and other countries are expanding offshore wind power use. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization, has set a goal of reducing carbon emissions from shipping by at least 40% below 2008 levels by 2030 and 70% by 2050. By 2028, the Japanese government plans to develop zero-emission ships through collaborations with businesses, academics, and the public sector.

Also, interest in the use of electric outboard motors has increased in the fishing and marine tourism industries, for example by creating electric tour boats, and the use of renewable energy for shipping and port facilities is gaining popularity and awareness.

In December 2020, Japan fulfilled a commitment it had made in 2010 to make 10% of the waters under its jurisdiction marine protected areas by 2020. It was achieved by establishing four marine protected areas around the Ogasawara Islands, boosting the ratio of protected areas in its exclusive economic zone to 13.3%.

Taking this into account we can see that Japan is taking considerable steps and is taking seriously the application of this economic model.

We are looking forward to seeing further positive impacts in coastal regions and to contribute from our sector to the protection of our beautiful seas.

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6 Key Concepts in Tricolage’s Blueprint For Sustainable Travel

Victor — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 02:44:01 +0000

Before the pandemic, growth in international travel seemed unstoppable.

Globally, 1.5 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded in 2019, more than doubling the number from two decades ago. In Japan alone, international visitor numbers grew more than 7-fold from 4.4 million in 1999 to 31.9 million in 2019.

Yet much of this growth did not come without a heavy social and environmental cost around the globe: pollution and environmental degradaton, habitat loss, increased carbon emissions accelerating climate change, social inequality, and loss of cultural heritage, just to name a few.

On the other hand, tourism can most definitely be compatible with sustainability, and even be a vehicle for positive change. As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are ample opportunities for the travel industry to set itself on a more conscious path. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a part to play, not only to revive the sector but actually help it thrive to bring positive, equitable benefits to people and the planet.

Here at Tricolage, we’ve chosen six “sustainability themes” that we want to highlight in each of our destinations, and to showcase how luxury travel and business travel can be compatible with sustainability. Of course, each destination would almost always have elements of other themes.

These six themes were chosen based on the fact that it touches on all aspects of sustainable development – economic growth, human well-being, environmental health. They take into account the immediate impacts of today and longer-term impacts that will be felt by future generations. We feel that having this framework gives us a blueprint on how to maximize positive benefits for the cultures, communities, ecosystems of the places we touch.

Tricolage’s 6 Themes for Sustainable Travel

Low carbon, resource-efficient travel options
Environmental conservation
Local socio-economic benefit
Less-visited areas / Off the beaten path
Community Development and Engagement
Preservation of cultural heritage

1. Low carbon, resource-efficient travel options

Travel and tourism contribute to roughly 8% of the world’s total carbon emissions. Transportation makes up the majority of these emissions, followed by food & agriculture, goods & services, and accommodation. When options exist, we should choose to travel on low-emissions modes of transport, stay in hotels that manage their carbon footprint, and dine at restaurants that celebrate local ingredients and reduce food waste. These alternatives often have the added benefit of being a more authentic travel experience!

2. Environmental conservation

Natural heritage sites, national parks, marine sanctuaries, and other protected areas play an important role in protecting the earth’s natural resources, heritage, and biodiversity. Tourist dollars in the form of entrance fees, operator permits, and taxes pay for the maintenance and preservation of these important sites by funding necessary conservation work such as ecosystem monitoring, firefighting, patrolling for poachers. Visiting these places of natural heritage allows visitors to be part of the conservation effort while contributing to the creation and maintenance of local employment, income generation for local communities to improve living standards, and empowering people to keep preserving these ecosystems for generations to come.

3. Local socio-economic benefits

By ensuring spent money stays locally, tourism is a powerful way to empower and support the local economy, contributing to livelihoods for locals and better destinations for visitors. When tourist dollars are spent on locally-owned businesses, resources stay local instead of going to large corporations abroad, and are boosted by the local multiplier effect. This means locally-spent tourist dollars recirculate in the economy, which is essential for creating wider economic benefits through investing in essential infrastructure, education, and supporting small local businesses.

We should support local businesses and entrepreneurs by spending money on locally-owned lodging and restaurants that serve locally-sourced food and learning new skills from local artisans and experts.

4. Less-visited areas / Off the beaten path

Before the pandemic, it was not uncommon to see tourist hotspots being overrun by visitors – a phenomenon now known as “overtourism” which causes environmental and social stress to the places and the people who live there. Traveling to less-visited places reduces the burden on over-visited destinations while spreading tourism benefits to other local communities. Another alternative is to visit popular destinations during the off-season. We can also expect to have a more unique and authentic experience while avoiding the crowds when we get off the beaten path.

5. Community Development and Engagement

Local communities are the lifeblood of tourism. Keeping in mind that “destinations” for travelers are actually “neighborhoods” for local residents, it is important to support projects and developments that prioritize their livelihoods and wellbeing. This allows travelers to connect closely with local communities and learn about local ways of life in a genuine yet respectful way. Such projects usually center around conserving culture and nature, driving rural economic development, and delivering wider community benefits. Travelers broaden their horizons through immersive experiences to learn about a local community’s culture, etiquette, and ways of life.

6. Preservation of cultural heritage

Rapid rural depopulation, urbanization, and modernization are causing the disappearance of invaluable traditional cultures. Monuments are replaced by modern buildings, while lack of successors and the rise in cheap imported products mean traditional arts and craftsmanship is dying with the aging artisans. Similar to environmental conservation, tourism can also help preserve cultural heritage by bringing economic benefits that support the likes of educators, crafts artisans, and organizations working to preserve cultural heritage and support sustainable development.

We started with the theme of Environmental Conservation in this post: How Tourism Is Conserving The Wondrous Forests of Yanbaru, talking about efforts such as local guides and authorities working together to expand areas to take visitors to a sustainable way while preventing over-tourism in concentrated areas.

Similarly, we’ll be covering each of the other topics in-depth, showcasing destinations around Japan that prove how tourism is a force for the greater good.

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The New Luxury: Sustainable, Conscious, And Good For Business

Victor — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 02:31:43 +0000

Search for “Luxury Travel Trends” on Google, and virtually every article will mention the words ‘conscious’, ‘sustainable’ or ‘responsible’ somewhere in there.

Be it surveys or predictions, it is undeniable that there’s a growing demand from luxury travelers for things more than just the typical definition of luxury (expensive, exclusive, indulgent).

According to a survey by Virtuoso:

nearly 70 percent of respondents feel that traveling sustainably enhances their travel experience
82 percent said that the pandemic has spurred them toward more responsible travel
And three-quarters cited the importance of choosing a supplier with a strong sustainability policy.

How is being conscious and sustainable a better form of luxury?

Initially, it might seem like an oxymoron to put ‘sustainable’ or ‘conscious’ alongside luxury. After all, luxury comes with connotations of excess, wastefulness and individualism, while sustainability could give an impression of prudence, anti-consumerism and environmental activism.

Yet sustainability – which essentially is about “meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs” – can go hand in hand with luxury. In the realm of travel, modern luxury is virtually synonymous with travelers’ well-being and having priceless experiences.

Conscious Luxury Minimizes Impacts On The Environment While Maximizing Benefits For Local Communities

Luxury is tasting the difference of ultra-fresh, heirloom, seasonal produce grown nearby in the most natural conditions. It’s not just the best preventative medicine for any discerning diner, it is also least harmful to the environment as opposed to using ingredients that have been flown in by air, wrapped in plastic and sitting in refrigerators for hours or even days.

Luxury is being offered products and amenities that are free from chemicals that harm both the users and the environment, and staying in hotels or resorts that are innovatively designed and built with the utmost care to be integrated into the natural environment, minimizing harm to its surroundings while elevating the guest experience.

Luxury is showcasing to guests the best that nature has to offer in a sustainable way, allowing them to engage with the natural environment and help protect it. Countless scientific research shows that exposure to nature has undeniable benefits to both physical and psychological human well-being.

Still not convinced?

‘Doing tourism sustainably’ often means applying a higher level of innovation and creativity. Take the machiyado concept in Japan, similar to the dispersed hotel notion that every travel site was talking about just before Covid. Machiyado regards the whole neighborhood or town as an integral extension of lodgings, connecting locals’ daily lives with accommodation services. This type of community-based tourism offers a one-of-a-kind experience for guests while bringing new opportunities for local residents and businesses. When tourism is managed in collaboration with the local community, economic benefits brought by visitors seeking a deeper experience are much more likely to remain, while providing resources to vital efforts for preserving natural habitats as well as local traditions and customs.

Seclusion and privacy are hot in the luxury traveler’s wishlist. This could be done sustainably when travelers venture to less-visited places, helping to ease congestion and pollution in crowded destinations while distributing economic benefits to those communities that don’t normally get visitors. In fact, an overwhelming majority of Virtuoso’s survey respondents said they would visit a popular destination during its offseason to curb over-tourism, or opt for alternative, less-visited destinations.

Many are also embracing “slow travel” – settling in at a destination of choice in order to really appreciate the place. Obviously, less moving around means less GHG emissions (less emissions from transportation, from hotel changeovers), but also less stress for travelers.

Imagine getting a taste of rural life in your very own century-old farmhouse, with sturdy pillars and beams that retains the beauty of traditional architecture yet luxuriously renovated to include all the modern comforts and energy-efficient insulation, tucked away in a mountainous hamlet with a private yet panoramic view of a magnificent mountain range.

All These Make Business Sense

We’ve already seen that there’s no doubt that this is what a growing number of customers are demanding. Another survey by ILTM showed that two-thirds of their respondents now expect to see information on sustainability when agents create itineraries.

We’ll dive into why you’ll find plenty of sustainable yet luxurious places in Japan in the next post.

We believe that travel agents and consultants are well-positioned to also be agents of change for a better future for all through travel: by seeking truly sustainable travel solutions, offering them to customers, and communicating effectively why these options are better for them as well as for the greater good.

Tricolage specializes in crafting journeys with conscious luxury in mind to give guests exquisite, unforgettable experiences in Japan that are good for their own wellbeing as well as for the planet. Safety, hygiene and privacy are also our top priorities, while never compromising on transparency and flexibility.

Get in touch to see amazing Japan through a unique, highly personalized, immersive experience.

The post The New Luxury: Sustainable, Conscious, And Good For Business appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

How Tourism Is Conserving The Wondrous Forests of Yanbaru (Sustainable Tourism Series)

Victor — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 02:14:09 +0000

Those who are well-traveled or well-informed will know that Japan is a country blessed with abundant nature, has a long and fascinating anthropological history and houses some of the most advanced infrastructure in the world.

On one hand, tourists often flock to a handful of well-known pockets of Japan, while many other areas – in particular the rural regions – are suffering from the effects of depopulation resulting in decline and abandonment.

Believing that tourism still has great potential to be a driver for positive change, we are dedicated to challenging the status quo, and crafting sustainable journeys that are better for people, for businesses and for the planet.

In our treasure trove of all the wonderful places to visit and things to do in Japan, we have a few favorites that we think speak for the benefits of sustainable tourism in different ways: from environmental conservation to bringing socio-economic value, preserving cultural heritage to empowering local communities.

In this article, we’ll give you a glimpse of one of the most naturally beautiful places in Japan and discover how tourism can help advance its conservation efforts.

Let the sights and sounds of Yanbaru’s nature be a source of relaxation and groundedness

In light of a new Expedia survey showing that “81% of travelers are considering a trip to a remote area, mountain, or small town in the next 18 months”, we are starting the series off with somewhere off the beaten track: Yanbaru in Okinawa.

At the mention of Okinawa, most will picture pristine beaches and manicured resorts. But for those seeking somewhere a bit off the beaten path and a refreshing alternative, Yanbaru ought to be on any nature-lover’s travel list.

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Naha, the Yanbaru region in the northern part of the Okinawa Main Island is home to the country’s largest subtropical evergreen forest, one of only a few in the world. The unique ecosystem of Yanbaru forest, dubbed the “Wondrous Forest”, is a precious habitat for a multitude of rare and endemic flora and fauna. The region was very recently (July 2021) added to the UNESCO Natural World Heritage list for its incredible ecosystem and the importance of protecting its varied biodiversity.

The people of Yanbaru work tirelessly to maintain traditions as well as their natural environment. One of the area’s most culturally significant and spectacular events is Shioya Bay’s “Ungami” in Ogimi Village, a 500-year-old festival of thanksgiving for the harvest and invokes the deities to bless the coming year. In the same village, Hentona High School (the only high school in the region) is one of the few in Japan to have “Environmental Studies” as a subject. Students learn about their local natural environment, go on field trips to observe wildlife, and get involved with real conservation efforts in collaboration with local NPOs, such as transplanting coral or tree-planting to prevent soil run-off into rivers and oceans. And in Higashi Village, the rise in visitor numbers in the region in recent years have resulted in local tour guides working with the authorities to expand areas to take visitors to, in order to prevent over-tourism in concentrated areas.

Yanbaru is a stunning playground for exploring and discovering the abundance of nature’s delights with a local council-approved guide all year round: Kayak through the calm cool rivers of the mangrove forest, while your guide identifies bird calls and points out passing animal life. Get adventurous and go on an exhilarating canyoning tour jumping off waterfalls and swimming in crystal clear rock pools surrounded by lush green forest. Venture into the forest in the moonlight on a guided night walk to discover the fascinating, nocturnal life forms that thrive in the night time. And to fuel all that activity, savor the region’s unique food culture centered on fresh local produce by local people, while listening to stories from locals about Yanbaru being a place of abundant resources, and a home to spirits and many sacred sites.

How does tourism help environmental conservation?

Visiting nature serves to raise awareness and appreciation among tourists of its intrinsic value, thereby creating a desire to help protect the natural environment and biodiversity. Tourism also enhances the protection and preservation of these notoriously fragile ecosystems by funding conservation work such as patrolling for poachers and removal of harmful invasive species. These efforts and national parks create local employment and generate income for local communities to improve living standards. Tourists can learn about how different communities care for their environment, and be inspired to find ways to support conservative efforts in their own countries.

As visitors, we can help by being mindful of our impact when we visit these precious places of nature, taking nothing except memories and photographs, leaving nothing behind but footprints that will wash away (see the Leave No Trace Principles). Being able to visit these places of stunning natural beauty should not be taken for granted. In Yanbaru, rules and protection measures have been put in place by local communities to preserve their natural surroundings, and obeying them not only helps to preserve them, but also helps to instill trust between locals and visitors.

Read our previous blog post on Top 11 Tips for Sustainable Business Travel

We’ll be introducing more destinations like this – ones that aren’t only fascinating for travelers, but serve a purpose for the greater good, so stay tuned.

The post How Tourism Is Conserving The Wondrous Forests of Yanbaru (Sustainable Tourism Series) appeared first on TRICOLAGE.

Sustainable Travel Archives - TRICOLAGE

A Circular Society Born from Japan’s Spirit of “Mottainai”

The Essence of Kamikatsu, Tokushima: A Global “Zero-Waste Town”

The Spirit of “Arumonde”: Making, Using, and Circulating Within the Community

Redefining Food Waste: Kagawa’s “Whole Udon Circular Project”

The Rich Rhythm of Sea and Mountain: “Satoumi” in Shimotsui, Okayama

How Travel Shifts Horizons and Reshapes Our Daily Lives

Travelling off-season: Sustainable Tourism in Autumn

Autumn, with its golden leaves and red beauty, is one of the favourite seasons for many people.

Benefits of travelling off season

Off-season travel and sustainable tourism

1. Avoid overtourism

2. Get deeper connections

3. Add value to your journey

4. Enjoy less-known amazing landscapes

Conclusion

Do you also want to be amazed by the autumnal beauty of Japan?

Easy Tips to Get Ready for a Sustainable Summer Hike

It’s summertime – let’s pack our bags!

Hiking in Summer

Before Hiking

During the Hike

After Hiking

Some Extra Sustainability Tips for your Summer Hiking Trip

Sustainable Sushi: Local Gastronomy with a Positive Impact for Your Trip

How to enjoy a tasty meal without harming the health of the oceans

A little history of sushi

An overview of fisheries in Japan today

Sustainable sushi

Ine: a fishing port town

Go Green on Earth Day!

Let’s celebrate Earth Day by travelling more responsibly

What is Earth Day?

Why is Earth Day important?

How is Earth Day celebrated?

Invest in Our Planet while travelling

1. In nature, don’t step out of bounds

2. Take time

3. Switch off

4. Go local

5. Use biodegradable sunscreen

6. Listen

Travelling and take action

Hotel Key Forest Hokuto: planning a sustainable stay plan as part of a Japan Tourism Agency project

The tourism consulting service of our company Tricolage Inc. offers consulting services for the promotion of sustainability in tourism.

Reforms to meet all needs for a sustainable hotel​

​Tour planning with local communities in accordance with the international standard ‘GSTC-I’​

Information ‘gathered’ through close interviews with local communities

Story telling and information ‘sharing’

Building sustainability in hotels

Conclusion

Blue Economy and Japan

Japan is working to develop new methods and technologies to deepen and strengthen our relationship with the ocean and ensure that we sustainably enjoy the benefits of it for generations to come.

“The sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.”

Taking this into account we can see that Japan is taking considerable steps and is taking seriously the application of this economic model.

6 Key Concepts in Tricolage’s Blueprint For Sustainable Travel

Before the pandemic, growth in international travel seemed unstoppable.

Tricolage’s 6 Themes for Sustainable Travel

1. Low carbon, resource-efficient travel options

2. Environmental conservation

3. Local socio-economic benefits

4. Less-visited areas / Off the beaten path

5. Community Development and Engagement

6. Preservation of cultural heritage

Similarly, we’ll be covering each of the other topics in-depth, showcasing destinations around Japan that prove how tourism is a force for the greater good.

The New Luxury: Sustainable, Conscious, And Good For Business

Search for “Luxury Travel Trends” on Google, and virtually every article will mention the words ‘conscious’, ‘sustainable’ or ‘responsible’ somewhere in there.

How is being conscious and sustainable a better form of luxury?

Conscious Luxury Minimizes Impacts On The Environment While Maximizing Benefits For Local Communities

Still not convinced?

All These Make Business Sense

How Tourism Is Conserving The Wondrous Forests of Yanbaru (Sustainable Tourism Series)

Those who are well-traveled or well-informed will know that Japan is a country blessed with abundant nature, has a long and fascinating anthropological history and houses some of the most advanced infrastructure in the world.

Let the sights and sounds of Yanbaru’s nature be a source of relaxation and groundedness

How does tourism help environmental conservation?

We’ll be introducing more destinations like this – ones that aren’t only fascinating for travelers, but serve a purpose for the greater good, so stay tuned.

Reforms to meet all needs for a sustainable hotel

Tour planning with local communities in accordance with the international standard ‘GSTC-I’