The Future of Nature and Communities Connected by Adventure Travel

I first encountered the concept of adventure travel when I was working at the Tsurui Village Office.

Tsurui Village is home to untouched nature, including Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, precious wildlife such as the Japanese crane—a special natural monument—and the lives of people who have lived in harmony with that nature.

Protecting these rich regional resources, sharing their value with many people, and connecting them to the local economy and community development—I felt great potential in adventure travel as one way to achieve this.

At the village office, I was given the opportunity to work on these initiatives together with local residents and related organizations.

After that, I left the village office and established Ashitasu Co., Ltd.

Although my position has changed, my desire to connect the value of the region to the future remains the same. Even this fiscal year, despite my change in position, I am involved in adventure travel projects.

What is Adventure Travel?

Adventure Travel is not just about outdoor experiences or sightseeing trips.

It is a style of travel that combines two or more of the three elements of 'nature,' 'activity,' and 'local culture' to provide a deep experience of the unique charm of a land.

Instead of just 'seeing' a region, you 'get to know' it.

Instead of just 'passing through' a region, you 'connect' with it.

By engaging with the local nature, culture, and people's lives, your journey becomes deeper and richer.

It is a form of tourism that is attracting global attention, and initiatives are underway in various regions across Japan, centered on national parks.

A journey that can only be realized in Tsurui Village

Tsurui Village is home to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, the largest wetland in Japan.

Japanese cranes dance, vast wetlands stretch out, and dairy farming landscapes exist as part of daily life.

Furthermore, there are many other attractions, such as the forests and rivers that support that nature, as well as people's lives, culture, food, and history.

These regional resources do not exist independently; they are connected as a single story.

For example, water born from the forest becomes a river, nurtures the wetlands, and that nature has supported people's lives and industries.

Adventure travel is also a journey that allows you to experience that 'connection' firsthand.

While working in the field again this year

This fiscal year, in addition to coordinating with stakeholders for our adventure travel projects, I am also serving as a through-guide, accompanying the participants.

By actually walking with the participants and guiding them through the region,

'What were they moved by?'

'What kind of experiences left a lasting impression on them?'

'What kind of value did they find in the region?'

I am able to hear these voices directly.

There are many insights that can only be gained on-site, and I feel that these will be utilized in future community development.

What lies beyond tourism

I believe that the purpose of adventure travel is not just to increase the number of tourists.

It is about experiencing the local nature and culture and coming to love the land.

And it is about increasing, even by one, the number of people who think, 'I want to visit again' or 'I want to support this region.'

Isn't it the gradual accumulation of such relationships that leads to the future of the region?

It is not just a one-time visit, but the creation of new bonds with the region.

I believe that is the appeal of adventure travel and a major value that leads to community development.

Toward initiatives that enhance value across the entire region

Adventure travel is not limited to the tourism industry; it is also an initiative where the government, private businesses, and local residents collaborate to enhance the value of the region.

In Tsurui Village as well, efforts are underway to develop projects through public-private partnerships and to promote the region's food, culture, and nature in an integrated manner.

By refining local resources and connecting the unique charms they each possess, new value is created. I believe these efforts also align with the philosophy of 'creating a beautiful village' that Tsurui Village has always cherished.

Conclusion

I believe that adventure travel is not only a 'tourism business' but also a form of 'community development.'

Protecting the region's rich nature and culture, and passing on the livelihoods of the people who live there to the future. And, fostering new connections with those who visit the region, building relationships that make them want to visit again and support the area. Is that not the great value of adventure travel?

Whether I was involved as a government official or in my current position, that belief has not changed.

Tsurui Village and the Kushiro region possess nature, culture, and ways of life that we can be proud of to the world.

I would like to continue to contribute in my own small way so that as many people as possible can learn about these charms and so that these efforts will lead to the future of the region.