Western Hokkaido is one of the destinations that offer sports and culture
The Japan Tourism Agency, Japan Sports Agency and Agency for Cultural Affairs have pledged to strengthen the brand of Japan and its regions through collaboration in a newly signed comprehensive partnership agreement.
Building on a cooperation agreement inked in 2016, the partnership will see the three agencies promote emerging destinations that combine sporting, cultural and artistic resources to offer attractions unique to Japan that will enthuse visitors at home and abroad.
“We aim to further increase the number of foreign visitors to Japan and revitalise domestic tourism, thereby realising a virtuous cycle of the economy, with the keywords of ‘sustainable tourism,’ ‘increased consumption’ and ‘promotion of tourism to regional areas,” the Japan Tourism Agency and the Agency for Cultural Affairs said in a joint statement.
Western Hokkaido is one of the destinations that offer sports and culture
Western Hokkaido, for example, offers top-quality skiing and snowboarding as well as an introduction to the culture of the island’s indigenous people through attractions such as the Ainu Culture Promotion Center in Sapporo and the Ainu Culture Museum in Nibutani.
Meanwhile, around the Seto Inland Sea, there are dedicated cycling routes, to and around the many islands including Naoshima, which is renowned for its contemporary art and the Benesse House Museum, and Ikuchi island, home to the culturally rich Kosanji Temple complex.
The agreement also aims to support the creation of opportunities to visit and tour Japan, including through hosting international sporting, cultural and artistic events.
AloJapan.com