Enjoy the journey, feel the charm, and pass it on to the future
JAL's ecotourism started in 2019 on Amami Oshima with the cooperation of the Japan Ecotourism Association. What kind of trip comes to mind when you hear "ecotourism"? In fact, JALPAK's tour does not use the word "ecotour" in the title, but describes it as "traveling to attractive lands rich in nature and culture."
"When people hear the term 'eco-tour,' they are likely to be intimidated, thinking, 'Are we going to study?' or 'Are we going to participate in nature conservation activities on-site?' However, at JAL, we hope to see our tour as a more casual way to experience nature, and to get as many customers interested as possible to participate."
Another key point is that the title includes not only "nature" but also "culture." JALPAK ecotours not only allow you to experience the attractive nature unique to each region, but also introduce meals and activities that bring you closer to the culture that has been cherished in that region, and the tours incorporate recommended sightseeing spots that allow you to fully experience nature and culture.
"Generally, when people hear the word 'eco,' many of them think of 'nature,' but the ecotourism that JAL proposes allows people to experience the charms of a place through its 'nature' and 'culture.' In addition to enjoying the trip itself, we hope that you will have the opportunity to experience the local majestic nature and traditional culture that has been passed down through the generations, and to think, even just a little, about the importance and rarity of nature and culture."
Each activity will be led by an "interpreter," an essential part of ecotours; a guide with specialized knowledge who acts as an intermediary between people and nature.
"Interpreters are there to continue to convey the charms of the land. We ask for the help of local interpreters so that we can provide experiences and impressions through tours that will make people fall in love with the land and want to return."
Another important aspect of ecotourism is to ensure that nature and culture are not damaged by tourism and that they remain sustainable. For this reason, the tour price includes a donation of 500 yen per person, which is used for local environmental conservation activities through the Japan Ecotourism Association.
Not only do you experience the rich nature and culture of the region, but traveling also helps to pass on that nature and culture to future generations.
Enjoy the nature of Yanbaru, a treasure trove of globally precious creatures
Let's take a look at an example of an ecotour: JALPAK's "3-day tour of Okinawa's main island, a journey through attractive lands rich in nature and culture." This tour allows you to fully enjoy the nature of Yanbaru, located in the northern part of Okinawa Island.
Yanbaru is a precious region on a global scale, home to many plants and animals that are designated as natural monuments. Okinawa may have a strong image of marine resorts, but if you step into Yanbaru, you will discover a new side to Okinawa.
The tour has two courses to choose from, "Canoeing in the largest mangrove forest on Okinawa's main island - River and Culture Course" and "Strolling through the Yanbaru forest while listening to the chirps of wild birds - Mountain and Culture Course" (※Travel period applies for departures from October 1st onwards), so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style.
The "River and Culture Course" includes a walk through Mount Daisekirin, which was formed when 250 million year old limestone was eroded by rainwater and other factors, and a mangrove canoe experience on the Gesashi River, which is home to mangroves that are a nationally designated natural monument.
When exploring Daisekirinzan, you can choose from four trekking courses: the strange rocks and boulders course, the Churaumi Observatory course, the barrier-free course, and the banyan and forest course.
Mangroves are a general term for plants that grow in places where fresh water and sea water mix, such as estuaries in tropical and subtropical regions. If you canoe into the Gesaji River, where they grow in abundance, at high tide, you can observe the mangroves up close from eye level close to the water. As it is a short course, even small children can participate, and it is recommended for families, those who want a casual canoeing experience, and those who like to exercise.
Repeat visitors will spread the word and ecotourism will become even more widespread.
The Yanbaru forest is home to many endemic and endangered species, including the Okinawa rail, Noguchi's woodpecker, long-haired rat, Okinawa spiny rat, Ryukyu forest turtle, and Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle, creating a diverse ecosystem. If you would like to learn more about these plants and animals and the Yanbaru forest, we recommend the "Mountain and Culture Course."
The "Mountain and Culture Course" (travel period applies to departures from October 1st onwards) is a plan that includes a walk on Mt. Daisekirinzan and a guided tour on the "Yanbaru Kugani" environmentally friendly electric bus that emits zero CO2. You will travel deep into the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest, where rare plants and animals live and grow, and enjoy a forest walk along the way. A local guide who is familiar with the Yanbaru forest will accompany you on the ride and talk about the ecosystem of the Yanbaru forest and life in harmony with the forest.
All tours include a rental car during your stay. You will also receive a 500 yen Yanbaru coupon that can be used at the Yuiyui Kunigami Roadside Station. At the Yuiyui Kunigami Roadside Station, you can enjoy the local food culture, such as Okinawa soba and juushi (Okinawan-style seasoned rice), as well as wild boar Okinawa soba (※). Kunigami Village's specialty products are also appealing, including fresh vegetables and fruits, locally produced sweets, and woodwork that makes effective use of wood that would have been thrown away.
*This may change depending on the availability of ingredients.
"Customers who have experienced JALPAK's ecotours have said things like, 'We were able to sightsee and experience things efficiently in three days. Next time, I'd like to find a different sightseeing spot on my own,' and 'I was able to experience the grandeur of nature.' The sightseeing on this tour is geared more towards first-time participants. If you are able to experience the charm of the area and think, 'Next time, I'd like to go a little further and visit this place,' or 'This has become my favorite spot and I'd like to go again,' then we hope you will plan your own trip next time and return. We hope you will spread the word about the charms of the area yourself, tell your family and friends, and further spread the word about eco-travel. We believe that this is the significance of JAL developing ecotourism."
Currently, in addition to Okinawa, we are selling tours for Hokkaido, "Traveling in attractive areas rich in nature and culture: Shiretoko and Akan 3 days" and "Traveling in attractive areas rich in nature and culture: Amami Oshima 3 days". We are considering expanding to various attractive regions in the future. Why not experience nature and culture firsthand and rediscover the charm of Japan through ecotourism proposed by JAL?
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JAL Dynamic Package Travel to attractive places rich in nature and culture
A fulfilling trip with experiences recommended even for first-time visitors.
Why not try a fascinating trip that offers experiences that can only be felt and gained by visiting the area?
JAL World Natural Heritage Special Page
To celebrate the registration of Amami-Oshima, Tokunoshima, Northern Okinawa and Iriomote Island as a World Natural Heritage Site, the JAL Group will be implementing various initiatives based on two themes: "Connecting Japan's World Heritage Sites, which have evolved from local treasures into global treasures, with the world" and "Connecting Japan's World Heritage Sites to future generations through coexistence and conservation of nature."
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Now is the time to visit the islands that are World Heritage Sites and experience the natural beauty that Japan is so proud of. Our editorial team has carefully selected the most representative natural spots in each area, as well as the gourmet food and souvenirs that you should also check out.
*Some content was revised on September 10, 2021.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
