Japan : Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park Unveils a Unique Eco-Tourism Destination Featuring Scenic Coastlines and Historic Fishing Traditions

In an effort to preserve and showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Japan’s Sanpoku region, the Sanpoku Revitalization Council has announced the launch of Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park in May 2025. This ambitious initiative is set to redefine eco-tourism in northeastern Japan, offering visitors an opportunity to experience pristine landscapes, unique traditions, and natural biodiversity in an immersive way.

Located in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, the park aims to preserve the region’s deep-rooted connection between nature and local communities, while simultaneously boosting sustainable tourism. Stretching across the coastal and mountainous areas of Kuwagawa, Ogoto, and Fuya, the park will introduce visitors to some of Japan’s most breathtaking natural wonders, including its rugged coastline, ancient fishing techniques, and renowned natural spring waters.

This initiative is expected to bring a surge in domestic and international visitors looking for an authentic, eco-conscious travel experience that diverges from Japan’s more commercialized tourist hubs.

Eco-Tourism Experiences: Exploring the Unspoiled Sanpoku Region

The Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park has been designed to provide a multi-layered eco-tourism experience, blending coastal exploration, forest-based traditions, and encounters with some of Japan’s most celebrated natural springs.

1. Blue Tourism: Coastal Beauty and Scenic Wonders

One of the most striking features of the Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park is the Sasagawa Nagare coastline, a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. This 11-kilometer coastal stretch, extending from Hamashinbo (Mt. Torigoe) to Samukawa (Kitsunezaki), is known for its dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and sculpted cliffs, all shaped by centuries of coastal erosion.

Visitors will have the chance to:

• Hike along breathtaking coastal trails, witnessing rugged rock formations meeting the crashing waves.
• Engage in marine biodiversity tours, learning about the delicate balance of Japan’s coastal ecosystems.
• Explore traditional seaside villages, where fishing traditions and maritime culture remain deeply ingrained.

By incorporating marine-based experiences, the Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park offers a compelling alternative to Japan’s more mainstream beach destinations, creating opportunities for slow tourism, environmental education, and ocean conservation efforts.

2. Green Tourism: Discovering Japan’s Famous Springs and Mountain Ecosystems

For travelers seeking rejuvenation and nature immersion, the park will feature Niigata’s renowned spring waters, including Kichijou Shimizu in the Ogoto district and Karei-zan Shimizu in the deep mountains. Both springs have been recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters, renowned for their purity, mineral content, and health benefits.

The region’s unique geographical setting—where mountains seamlessly connect to the sea—creates an ideal environment for nature lovers, offering:

• Serene forest trails, perfect for meditation, photography, and birdwatching.
• Cultural tea ceremonies, incorporating natural spring water for an authentic Japanese wellness experience.
• Hands-on eco-experiences, such as traditional spring-water farming techniques that have sustained local communities for generations.

With wellness tourism on the rise, this segment of the park is expected to attract travelers seeking relaxation, mindfulness, and immersive nature experiences.

3. Forest Tourism: The Ancient Art of Kodo Fishing

Perhaps the most intriguing cultural experience offered within the Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park is the opportunity to witness or participate in “Kodo fishing,” a traditional fishing method that has been practiced for over 350 years. This method is unique to the Okawa River and Gatsugi River in the Sanpoku district, and it continues to be an integral part of the local identity.

Between late autumn and early winter, schools of salmon return to these rivers, creating an electric atmosphere as local fishermen eagerly anticipate the seasonal catch. The riverside becomes a hub of cultural activity, providing visitors with:

• Live demonstrations of Kodo fishing, offering a glimpse into centuries-old techniques that have been passed down through generations.
• Opportunities to learn from master fishermen, gaining insights into the challenges and rewards of traditional Japanese fishing practices.
• Fresh, locally sourced seafood tastings, allowing visitors to indulge in regional flavors straight from the river.

This experience aligns with the global trend of heritage tourism, where travelers seek to engage with authentic, time-honored traditions that are disappearing in modernized societies.

How This Initiative Impacts the Global Travel Industry

The launch of Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park is expected to have a significant impact on Japan’s eco-tourism sector and attract a new wave of international visitors looking for alternative experiences beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

• Revitalization of rural tourism: By highlighting lesser-known regions, the park supports rural economies, reducing over-tourism in Japan’s most visited cities.
• Sustainability at the core: The park emphasizes eco-friendly tourism practices, ensuring that travelers engage responsibly with the environment.
• New market for adventure tourism: With hiking, fishing, and nature-based activities, the park appeals to adventure seekers and those looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
• Cultural preservation: By promoting traditional fishing and water conservation practices, the initiative ensures that local heritage remains a central part of Japan’s tourism industry.

The Future of Travel in Japan: Beyond the Cities

Japan’s tourism landscape is evolving, with more emphasis on regional travel, sustainability, and immersive cultural experiences. The Sanpoku Bio-Regional Park reflects this shift, offering an eco-conscious destination that honors nature, heritage, and adventure.

For travelers looking for more than just urban experiences, this initiative provides an exciting opportunity to engage with Japan’s natural wonders in a meaningful way. As the park gears up for its launch in May 2025, it is expected to set a new benchmark for eco-tourism in Asia, influencing other destinations to follow suit in preserving their natural and cultural assets.

By creating a model that merges conservation with sustainable tourism, Japan is demonstrating how travel can be both enriching and responsible, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the untouched beauty of regions like Sanpoku.