The government has embarked on a project to make Japan a major travel destination in the 21st century, hoping this not only boosts the domestic tourism industry but offers other windfalls as well.
As part of this effort, eco-tourism is expected to play a significant part, not only by putting people in touch with Japan's areas of unspoiled natural beauty, but also instilling in them a desire to preserve the environment. To this end, such tours will have to take a more minimalist approach than the usual Japanese-holiday mass trample.
In early June, the Environment Ministry will launch a three-year project under which designated municipalities, each receiving subsidies of up to 10 million yen a year, research, develop and manage model eco-tours in cooperation with travel agencies, local residents, public corporations and other entities.