Japan’s Sustainable Oases

While the spotlight is currently on Expo 2025 in Osaka, it’s worth turning our gaze to regions of Japan that captivate with subtle charm, heartfelt hospitality, and a profound respect for nature.

In the Land of the Rising Sun, much has been done in terms of sustainability. A journey to four regions where the foundations for a more sustainable tomorrow have already been laid.

Kamaishi – Japan‘s Quiet Strength on the Pacific Coast

Jagged cliffs, dense forests, and the clear blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The natural landscape surrounding Kamaishi, a small port town in Iwate Prefecture, is nothing short of breathtaking. For those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustle of the metropolis, Kamaishi offers more than just a destination – it offers a slice of Japan that touches the soul. Since the devastating triple disaster of 2011, much has changed. Local initiatives have been launched to support small, family-run businesses that prioritize regional character and environmental sustainability. Kamaishi thrives on community spirit. This was clearly demonstrated in 2019, when the town was chosen to host a Rugby World Cup match, not in spite of, but precisely because of its history. The stadium was built on the site of a school destroyed by the tsunami and today stands as a powerful symbol of renewal and hope.

The Sanriku Fukko National Park stretches for about 250 kilometers along the rugged Pacific coast, offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and nature exploration. Another highlight – appealing not only to history buffs and technology enthusiasts – is the Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing on Japan’s early industrialization, it stands as a striking example of 19th-century technological advancement. Here, industrial history and scenic beauty come together in a truly unique way.

Shikoku – Undiscovered Cultural Island

While many travelers to Japan focus on Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, Shikoku often remains a hidden gem. Yet the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, nestled between the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, offers a stunning mix of nature, tradition, and spiritual depth.

Shikoku is best known for the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a roughly 1,200-kilometer route that circles the entire island. Many visitors follow at least a portion of this path to experience the beauty of the landscape and the peaceful atmosphere of its temples – whether on foot or more comfortably by bus or car.

But Shikoku is far more than just a pilgrimage destination: rugged mountains, wild river valleys like the Iya Valley with its historic vine bridges, scenic coastal roads, and hidden hot springs make the island a true natural paradise. A special highlight is a ride along the Shimanami Kaidō, a spectacular cycling route that spans bridges and islands all the way to Honshu.

Culturally, Shikoku shines with vibrant craftsmanship, regional cuisine, and warm-hearted hospitality. In Kagawa Prefecture, you’ll find the country’s best Sanuki udon noodles, while Tokushima is famed for its traditional Awa Odori dance. In Shikoku, visitors can discover the rural, spiritual, and authentic side of Japan – far from the usual tourist trails.

Okinawa – Subtropical Island Paradise

An archipelago that glimmers like an emerald in the southern Pacific. Set apart from Japan’s main islands, this southwestern island group captivates with its unique blend of ancient culture, stunning natural beauty, and a relaxed pace of life. Golden sand beaches meet the shimmering turquoise sea, and centuries of separation from the mainland have given rise to a culture distinctly different from the rest of Japan.

The main island, Okinawa Hontō, entices visitors with its vibrant markets, historic sites like the majestic Shuri Castle, and the lively atmosphere of the capital, Naha. Guests can indulge in the famous Okinawan cuisine, celebrated for its healthy ingredients and the philosophy of the «Okinawa lifestyle» – a way of life that has contributed to one of the highest life expectancies in the world. It’s no surprise, then, that Okinawa is counted among the Earth’s «Blue Zones», where people live exceptionally long lives.

But the former center of the Ryūkyū Kingdom is more than just a place to relax. Its surrounding waters beckon diving and snorkeling enthusiasts with vibrant coral reefs and breathtaking marine biodiversity. On land, hikers can explore dense mangrove forests, hidden waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. Those wishing to delve even deeper into this subtropical paradise should venture to the remote Yaeyama and Miyako Islands, tropical gems that offer even more tranquility, crystal-clear waters, and untouched natural beauty.

Miura – Between Sea and Market

Just over an hour south of Tokyo, the Miura Peninsula offers a setting that in many ways reflects the themes of Expo 2025 in Osaka: a close connection to nature, the sea, and the origins of our food. The region demonstrates how community and innovation can come together to forge new paths toward sustainability.

The peninsula is dotted with projects that seamlessly integrate environmental awareness and social responsibility into everyday life. Fields of organic vegetables thrive alongside permaculture cafés and workshops where recycling and upcycling are not just buzzwords, but a lived reality. Those who explore the area on foot or by bicycle will come across initiatives like Miura Organic Farm, which combines sustainable agriculture with educational outreach.

Yokosuka, once known primarily for its naval base, is reinventing itself: young entrepreneurs and social start-ups are developing concepts for a circular economy, plastic reduction, and shared community spaces. At the fish markets, small art exhibitions, and in conversations with locals, a new image of the region emerges, one rooted not only in tradition but also in a consciously shaped future.

Those who hike along the coastal trails or visit Jogashima Island with its view of Mount Fuji can feel it: in Miura, change isn’t just envisioned, it’s being lived. 

Information: Japan Travel

Don’t miss a thing — we’ll keep you up to date!

Sign up for our newsletter.