Boosting domestic tourism via cultural and human connection

As we're all acutely aware, Japan is having its moment in the spotlight with tourism, but that's really focused on international visitors. Domestic travel by local residents has been on the decline, though, with the number of folks planning trips down 8.2 percent compared to 2019.

That article I linked above mentioned that one of the initiatives to try and promote repeat travel from Japan nationals and residents is to have them connect with the local community, and one of those concepts is happening right here in Niigata! It involved a rice planting experience where lodging was free in exchange for a little manual labor. One of the participants said they loved the rice planting experience so much that they want to return for the harvest season in autumn.

I do wish they'd linked the program, but we often have rice planting experiences out here in Minamiuonuma -- there was one outside Uonuma Jozo, a local amazake brewer, in the last week.

Not the same program in the NHK article, but our local area often hosts rice planting experiences. 

When I think of my most memorable experiences both here in Japan and during other travels in my life, those local connection moments have always been standouts. I think promoting these kinds of initiatives, especially when they can both help a local community and save a traveler on lodging costs, is absolutely worthwhile.