Sustainable Destinations Leveraging Nature’s Blessings for Tourism in Yoron Island and Oguni Town
At the southernmost tip of Japan, Yoron Island and Oguni Town are embracing new ways to harness the power of nature and shape a sustainable future for tourism. Yoron Island, known as a subtropical paradise, offers not only pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but also uses its breathtaking starry skies as a unique tourism resource. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences that can only be had under the night sky. Meanwhile, in Oguni Town, nestled in the embrace of the Aso and Kuju mountains in Kumamoto, visitors can indulge in the natural blessings of volcanic hot springs and awe-inspiring landscapes, such as the beautiful Nabegataki Waterfall. These regions continue to envision a sustainable future for tourism, making the most of nature's abundant gifts.
Yoron Island (Kagoshima)
Sea, Stars, and Sustainability in Yoron Island
Yoron Island, part of Japan's southern Amami Island chain, is a subtropical paradise renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Encompassed within Amami Gunto National Park, it offers a haven for marine activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours. Recently, Yoron has gained recognition for its commitment to sustainable tourism, earning a spot among the Top 100 Green Destinations of 2023. This accolade highlights its efforts to preserve the island's unique culture, promote stargazing, and support coral conservation. We visited this remote island to delve deeper into these inspiring initiatives.
Sustainability Spotlight
Yuichiro Fumoto
Business and Tourism Division, Yoron Town Hall
Yuichiro Fumoto was born and raised in Yoron Island. Before joining the Yoron Town Hall’s Business and Tourism Division in 2018, he worked in a department related to agriculture. Now, Fumoto plays a key role in promoting sustainable tourism projects aimed at preserving the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Outside of his work, he enjoys fishing and swimming in the pristine waters that surround the island.
Yoron Town Hall has been actively collaborating with local businesses and residents to advance its sustainable tourism initiatives. We spoke with Yuichiro Fumoto from the Business and Tourism Division to learn more about these efforts.
Chatting with Yuichiro Fumoto
One standout project is the promotion of starry sky tourism. “We realized that the island’s dark skies are a valuable asset—one that can be utilized without major development or strain on local resources,” Fumoto shared. To this end, Yoron partnered with Wakayama University to train stargazing guides and implement measures to reduce light pollution. These efforts also involve the local community, encouraging residents to turn off lights to help preserve the island’s pristine night sky.
Yoron Island is known for its brilliant night skies
Fumoto also emphasized the cultural significance of Yoron's night skies. “Our island’s unique culture is deeply intertwined with the moon and the stars, as reflected in many traditional folk songs and dances.” The local government is now working closely with the community to safeguard these traditions, preserving them as an invaluable part of Yoron's intangible heritage.
Yoron Island is deeply committed to protecting its natural environment, actively organizing daily volunteer beach cleanups and collaborating with experts to monitor and improve its coral reefs, which are under threat from global warming and local impacts.
Yurigahama Island—one of the island’s key attractions
“Sustainability isn’t just about environmental protection—it’s also about enlivening the community and protecting livelihoods,” remarked Fumoto. Guided by this vision, Fumoto has focused on connecting local accommodations with farmers to encourage the use of local produce, fostering a more sustainable and self-reliant economy. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I wasn’t familiar with sustainable tourism before joining this department, but working alongside such diverse stakeholders has shown me just how crucial it is.”
Stargazing tour
During our time in Yoron Island, we joined a guided stargazing tour to experience its stunning night skies. Our guide, a migrant from the city, moved to Yoron captivated by its natural beauty. “I used to be a marine sports instructor, and one night, while out on a boat tour, I became completely mesmerized by the island's starry sky,” he recalled.
Specially-designed street lights to minimize light pollution
We were taken to one of the island's darkest spots, where specially-designed street lights minimize glare and light pollution. Equipped with mats and a telescope, we enjoyed an insightful lecture on stars, planets, and constellations, all beneath a shimmering canopy of starlight—and the occasional shooting star.
Stand-up paddle boarding excursion
Collecting marine litter
Home to beautiful landscapes such as the elusive Yurigahama Island, which only appears during low tide, Yoron serves as a stunning backdrop for marine activities. After an exhilarating stand-up paddleboarding session, our local guide showed us a collection box he had set up in collaboration with the local government so that anyone can contribute to cleaning up marine litter that washes up on the beaches. These collection boxes are placed in various locations around the island—and are continuing to be adopted outside Yoron Island as well. We were also shown some of the keychains and accessories he had crafted by upcycling bottle caps found among the litter.
Collection boxes for marine litter are placed around the island
Keychains made from upcycled bottle caps
The island boasts a rich cultural heritage, including the Jugoya Odori, a traditional dance performed to pray for a bountiful harvest—a practice that has been passed down for centuries. We visited the Yoron Folk Village to explore another of the island’s cultural treasures: bashofu weaving. The fabric is made from fibers of the basho tree, a member of the banana family, and is renowned for its beauty and durability.
Jugoya Odori dance
Yoron Folk Village
The process of creating bashofu is intricate and labor-intensive, taking over a year to complete. It involves harvesting the fibers, spinning them into yarn, tying, spooling, and finally weaving. We had the opportunity to participate in a workshop where we could craft coasters from these precious fibers. Though challenging, the experience was incredibly rewarding. Our instructor, an artisan who learned the craft from her grandmother as a child, shared the deep connection she feels to her creations. “People used to spend so much time making a single piece of cloth, so we’d wear it as long as we could,” she explained. “But with the rise of fast fashion, people have lost that sense of attachment to their clothes and don’t even know where they come from.” As we left, her stirring words lingerd with us: “I cherish each of my creations as if they were my children.”
Bashofu weaving
Handcrafted coasters
Yoron Island’s commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and community involvement offers a glimpse into a harmonious way of life, where both nature and tradition are deeply cherished. From its starry skies and thriving coral reefs to its timeless crafts and local heritage, the island invites visitors to experience not only its natural beauty but also the spirit of a community that strives to protect and nurture its environment and culture.
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Oguni Town (Kumamoto)
Harnessing Nature’s Bounty – Building Sustainable Tourism in Oguni Town
Perched at the northern edge of Kumamoto Prefecture, between the Aso and Kuju mountain ranges, Oguni Town is a haven of natural beauty. This quaint town is known for its numerous hot springs and iconic cedar forests, including the historic Tsuetate Onsen District. Among its crown jewels is Nabegataki Falls, a stunning “curtain waterfall” that visitors can admire from behind. Nearby, the expansive Aso region features one of the world’s largest inhabited volcanic calderas, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences.
A breathtaking view from behind Nabegataki Falls, naturally formed over 90,000 years ago.
Oguni Town’s commitment to preserving its natural wonders has earned it recognition in the Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations for two consecutive years (2022–2023), underscoring its dedication to balancing tourism growth with sustainability.
Sustainability Spotlight
Ryutaro Shinya
Chief of Oguni Town Information Division, Commerce and Tourism Section
To learn more about Oguni Town’s treasured attractions, we interviewed Ryutaro Shinya. Born and raised in Oguni, Shinya brings deep local knowledge and a passion for preserving the town’s natural and cultural heritage. His vision for Oguni Town emphasizes harmony between growth, community, and nature, ensuring that future generations can enjoy its unique beauty.
Through sustainable initiatives, Shinya works to protect key destinations such as Nabegataki Falls. Once a hidden gem known only to locals, Nabegataki Falls gained national fame in 2003 after being featured in a TV commercial. "It used to be just a mountain path that only wild boars could traverse," Shinya shared.
Interview with Shinya amidst the towering cedar forest on Nabegataki Park's scenic boardwalk.
The falls’ ethereal beauty and unique “curtain-like” water flow—10 meters high and 20 meters wide—quickly drew crowds. Visitor numbers peaked at 240,000 annually, with the light-up events drawing the largest crowds.
The annual “Water and Light Fantasy” illumination event
However, this popularity came at a cost. "Traffic jams used to stretch back to the national road," Shinya recalled, causing frustration for everyone caught in the congestion. In response, the town began charging admission fees to manage resources and introduced a pre-booking system for Nabegataki Falls during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors are now divided into 11 daily time slots, with each group having 40 minutes to enjoy the falls during peak season. This system has significantly reduced congestion and improved the experience for both locals and tourists.
Reservations can be made online to streamline the admission process and are verified upon entry.
“By limiting the number of visitors, we’ve preserved the environment while improving the quality of the visit,” Shinya explained, emphasizing that the system was one of the first of its kind in Japan. Despite initial resistance, it has been widely accepted and has inspired other parks to adopt similar measures. Other sustainable initiatives include repurposing old school buildings into satellite offices leased to companies and utilizing geothermal energy to generate electricity, creating jobs and contributing to local economic growth.
Beyond Nabegataki Falls, Oguni Town offers distinctive attractions, including the Former JNR Miyanoharu Line Walking Experience. The route features tranquil landscapes, where cedar trees tower overhead and lush greenery carpets the path, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
This scenic trail repurposes a decommissioned railway line that’s been used for 30 years and connected Oguni with Kusu in Oita Prefecture, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the town’s natural beauty while exploring its history.
Step back in time inside a preserved railway tunnel as a local guide reveals relics like an old railway nail.
The majestic Konogawa Bridge, a centerpiece of the walking trail
The historic Tsuetate Onsen is another must-visit destination, steeped in tradition and charm. Nestled in a valley, the hot spring town exudes a nostalgic atmosphere with its rustic inns and winding streets.
Tsuetate Onsen District
One of the hot springs at Tsuetate Onsen District
In addition to enjoying its mineral-rich waters, visitors can try cooking meals at the Mushiba steam cooking area, using geothermal steam rising from the ground. From vegetables to meat, a variety of foods can be prepared this way.
After a hearty meal, relax in one of the public footbaths in the Mushiba area. Let the warm spring waters soothe your feet as steam rises against the backdrop of retro buildings flanking the river that runs through the valley. This serene moment perfectly encapsulates the essence of Tsuetate Onsen: a harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural warmth.
Oguni Town’s journey toward sustainable tourism demonstrates the power of balancing environmental preservation, economic growth, and community involvement. As Shinya aptly noted, “Sustainability is a combination of economic circulation, and the enthusiasm and dedication of people involved.” By leveraging resources, like Nabegataki Falls and geothermal energy, the town creates opportunities for both residents and visitors.
Shinya also emphasizes the importance of fostering connection between generations, recalling how participating in local festivals as a child inspired his continued involvement as an adult. "If children grow up appreciating local resources and eventually share them after leaving and returning, that could help sustain the town." This vision ensures that Oguni’s cultural and natural treasures will endure for years to come.
Ultimately, Shinya believes sustainability comes down to people: “If we want to attract visitors, the infrastructure must be solid. Both aspects need to be balanced, or it won’t work.” With initiatives like facility expansions and infrastructure improvements, Oguni Town exemplifies a sustainable destination that values its heritage and environment. For travelers, a visit to Oguni is more than just sightseeing—it invites you to connect with a story where nature, culture, and people coexist in harmony. Whether enjoying the serenity of Nabegataki Falls or exploring the Miyanoharu Line walking trail, each experience offers a genuine connection to Oguni’s unique heritage.
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