Take a Sustainable Tour of Japan’s Kansai Region and Discover a Tapestry of TraditionsWakayama / Nara / Shiga / Tottori / Tokushima

Longline fishing for tuna is a sustainable practice that contributes to the preservation of stocks of this precious, highly-sought-after seafood by targeting specific species and minimizing bycatch. Nachi-Katsuura boasts the largest catch of fresh tuna caught by longline fishing in Japan. In Japan, fish market culture is deeply ingrained. As an island nation, Japan’s people have been enjoying the fruits of the sea for thousands of years and when you visit a fish market in Japan, you'll witness their unwavering dedication to the finest seafood. In Nachi-Katsuura, tuna fishing plays an incredibly important role in local customs and traditions. You can witness it yourself on a guided tour (Japanese only) of the Nachi-Katsuura tuna auction. Of course, no visit to the town would be complete without sampling the local catch. For that, you can check out local restaurants and marketplaces for the chance to taste a variety of local dishes.

The Nara temples are some of the most well-known temples in Japan. On this stunning pilgrimage route, you'll journey back more than 1,000 years as you discover a quartet of spiritual monuments representing the diversity of Japanese temple design. The four sites, Hase-dera Temple, Murouji Temple, Oka-dera Temple, and Abe-Monjuin Temple, each have distinct treasures and scenic areas to explore. The Nara-Yamato Four Temple Pilgrimage is a truly inspiring and memorable experience, from ancient Buddha statues and rich forest canopies to iconic seasonal flowers, like the world-famous cherry blossom. Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of Japanese Buddhist traditions as you wander from temple to temple surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Nara-Yamato, which was known at the time as the "Center of the Nation" in Japan, in recognition of its historical claim as the origin of imperial rule. Exploring these temples in Japan not only offers a profound cultural experience but also serves as a sustainable means to preserve this rich cultural heritage for generations to come.

One of the most popular activities in Japan is to take part in a food-related experience. With a number of iconic dishes, cooking classes in Japan are incredibly popular because they offer insight into how some of the most iconic dishes are created and also preserve cultural and environmental heritage. If you want to experience a food tour or try a cooking class, Japan is the perfect place for it, thanks to the sheer variety of options available. Visitors to Kinomoto can partake in a cooking experience where they will try their hands at food traditionally made in temples of the True Pure Land Sect, known as “otoki ryori.” These cooking lessons help contribute to the local community by using local ingredients and fermented foods, like sake, soy sauce and miso. Afterwards, visitors are taken on a tour through a couple of local family-owned sake and soy sauce breweries to learn about production methods and try samples of products, which are among the highlights of this region known for its fermented food culture. There are also shops along the same street as the breweries that offer traditional confectionaries and baked goods, providing a delightful opportunity for visitors to explore the local atmosphere.

In Japan, temple visits have become one of the most popular excursions for tourists and one of the most impressive temples in Japan is Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple. Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple is perched on the slopes of Mt. Mitoku. The most impressive part of the temple is Nageiredo, a prayer hall built from wood that edges out from a cave to a sheer drop below. Away from the temple, you’ll find a traditional Japanese onsen. Misasa Onsen was first discovered in 1164. Since then, the tremendous quality of its hot spring water has made the site famous, and today the onsen collects entrance fees to utilize for mountain conservation while coordinating with local businesses for accommodations and meals to promote more sustainable tourism. After exploring Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple, relaxing in Misasa Onsen’s natural waters, which contain some of the highest radon levels in the world, is a great way to unwind. With its beautiful scenery, warm waters and delicious, locally grown food, a visit to Mt. Mitoku will relax your six senses.

The Iya Valley in Tokushima is a remote area that is celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty. From steep slopes to deep ravines once criss-crossed with vine bridges, this dramatic valley is like a scene from a fairy tale. Along with its natural wonders, the Iya Valley is also rich in cultural heritage. One element of traditional Japanese history that still lives on in this remote valley is Samurai culture. Many Samurai sheltered in this hidden valley and today it’s still possible to visit a medieval Japanese house that once served as a Samurai residence. Bukeyashiki-Kita Clan (Old samurai residence) was built in 1763 and as well as admiring the residence, visitors to the mansion can enjoy home-cooked dishes made using ingredients farmed in the traditional way on the Iya Valley’s precarious sloping plots.