Published on
January 23, 2026
Shiso City is located in the central western part of Hyogo Prefecture and is evolving to become a hub of sustainable tourism practices. The city provides a blend of nature-based tourism and cultural diversity. Shiso City boasts an expansive forest cover of 90% of its landmass. Therefore, it presents an opportunity for tourists interested in eco-tourism and those interested in visiting Japan while engaging in sustainable practices during their stay in Shiso City. It is also close to other major towns such as Kyoto and Osaka and is only 90 minutes away by car.
The emphasis on sustainability in Shiso City finds expression in various initiatives to combine environmentally friendly tourism with local culture, such as revitalizing historic forest railways, supporting forest therapy, and engaging in the promotion of environmentally friendly food culture. These are all aspects that combine to create a package for enhanced and increased growth in tourism with concomitant economic growth for the country at large.
A “Forest Kingdom”: Nature-Based Tourism as a Key Focus
Shiso City’s extensive forests are at the heart of its sustainable tourism model, which prioritizes nature-based experiences. These forests have supported the local economy for generations through forestry, and now, they serve as a vital component of the region’s eco-tourism offerings. Shiso City’s “Forest Kingdom” designation highlights the importance of the forests not just as scenic landscapes but as key assets for eco-conscious travelers looking to experience nature tourism in its purest form.
Visitors can enjoy walking trails, nature hikes, and outdoor activities that engage with the natural environment while promoting conservation and sustainability. The city has harnessed its rich forestry history to create eco-tourism opportunities that provide both economic and environmental benefits, ensuring that nature remains at the center of its tourism development.
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Forest Railway Revitalization: A Community-Driven Sustainable Tourism Initiative
One of Shiso City’s most unique and sustainable tourism initiatives is the restoration of a heritage forest railway at Forest Station Haga, revived by the local community in 2023. This historic railway, which once transported timber in the early 20th century, has been transformed into a tourist attraction, allowing visitors to ride through the forests and learn about the city’s forestry industry. The railway, with its diesel locomotive, offers a scenic, educational journey while fostering eco-friendly tourism through a low-impact experience.
In addition to the heritage railway, visitors can enjoy hot spring baths and stay in nearby accommodations, all designed to enhance the sustainable travel experience. The project is not only preserving local history but also creating a sustainable tourism model that benefits the community and promotes responsible travel to the region.
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Forest Therapy and Eco-Friendly Wellness in the “Western Oirase Gorge”
Shiso City has also emerged as a key destination for forest therapy, with areas like Akasai Gorge being certified as a Forest Therapy Base. The gorge, often referred to as the “Western Oirase Gorge,” is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls, clear streams, and towering trees, making it a perfect setting for eco-tourism and wellness travel. The trails, once used as forest railway routes, are now developed into therapy trails that offer visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and benefit from the healing properties of the forest environment.
By offering forest therapy, Shiso City not only attracts tourists seeking relaxation and restoration but also promotes sustainable wellness tourism. The combination of nature immersion and eco-conscious wellness experiences aligns with growing global trends in eco-tourism, encouraging visitors to prioritize health and sustainability during their travels.
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Promoting Sustainable Gastronomy and Sake Culture
In addition to its nature-based tourism offerings, Shiso City also leverages its rich fermentation culture, particularly its connection to Japanese sake. The city’s Yamazaki district, known for its historic sake breweries, provides a glimpse into the region’s long-standing sake production heritage. Visitors can experience brewery tours, sake tastings, and explore fermented food culture, integrating sustainable culinary tourism into their travels.
The promotion of sustainable gastronomy—highlighting locally sourced ingredients and traditional brewing methods—supports the eco-tourism growth of the region. Shiso City’s focus on sake and fermented foods also encourages visitors to engage with the local food culture, making it an essential part of the sustainable tourism experience.
A New Sustainable Tourism Model for Shiso City
Shiso City’s development of sustainable tourism resources presents a new model for rural tourism in Japan. By combining eco-tourism, wellness tourism, cultural heritage, and gastronomy, Shiso City is creating a tourism ecosystem that promotes both economic growth and environmental conservation. Through its innovative itineraries, such as forest therapy hikes, sake experiences, and heritage railway rides, the city is offering tourists a diverse range of sustainable travel experiences that encourage responsible exploration of its natural landscapes and local traditions.
With Shiso City’s focus on sustainability and its commitment to preserving local culture and the environment, it is positioning itself as a leading destination for eco-conscious travelers. This approach ensures that tourism development in the region benefits both visitors and the local community, fostering long-term sustainability and economic resilience.
Shiso City’s Role in Sustainable Tourism Growth
Shiso City is located in the central western part of Hyogo Prefecture and is evolving to become a hub of sustainable tourism practices. The city provides a blend of nature-based tourism and cultural diversity. Shiso City boasts an expansive forest cover of 90% of its landmass. Therefore, it presents an opportunity for tourists interested in eco-tourism and those interested in visiting Japan while engaging in sustainable practices during their stay in Shiso City. It is also close to other major towns such as Kyoto and Osaka and is only 90 minutes away by car.
The emphasis on sustainability in Shiso City finds expression in various initiatives to combine environmentally friendly tourism with local culture, such as revitalizing historic forest railways, supporting forest therapy, and engaging in the promotion of environmentally friendly food culture. These are all aspects that combine to create a package for enhanced and increased growth in tourism with concomitant economic growth for the country at large.
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