Shiso City, Japan: Reviving Tourism Through Forests, Fermentation, and Heritage Railways

Forest-Covered Landscape:: Approximately 90% of Shiso City is covered in forests, which have historically supported the local economy. These forests are now being reimagined as experiential tourism assets.

Revived Forest Railway:: A community-based organization restored a tourist forest railway at Forest Station Haga, allowing visitors to engage with the city's forestry history.

Forest Therapy Base:: Shiso City is certified as a Forest Therapy Base, featuring Akasai Gorge, often called the 'Western Oirase Gorge,' offering tranquil and restorative environments.

Birthplace of Japanese Sake:: The city is recognized as a birthplace of Japanese sake, with fermentation culture rooted in the area since ancient times. Visitors can experience brewery tours and tastings in the historic Yamazaki district.

Forests:: The city's vast forests are not only a scenic backdrop but also a resource for therapeutic experiences. Akasai Gorge, with its waterfalls and clear streams, provides a tranquil environment for forest therapy. Trails that once served as forest railway routes have been developed into therapy trails.

Fermentation Culture:: Shiso City is actively promoting its heritage as a birthplace of Japanese sake. The Yamazaki district, with its historic sake brewery street, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about and taste local sake. One brewery, dating back to 1768, features a dining venue focused on fermented foods, integrating local cuisine and culture.

Heritage Forest Railway:: The restored forest railway at Forest Station Haga offers a unique way to experience the city's forestry history. Visitors can ride the railway and explore the surrounding area, which includes hot spring baths, accommodation, and a roadside station offering local specialty products.

A:: Shiso City offers a blend of nature-based experiences, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism practices, centered around its forests, fermentation culture, and heritage forest railway.

A:: Visitors can explore Akasai Gorge, known as the 'Western Oirase Gorge,' which features therapy trails along former forest railway routes, surrounded by waterfalls and streams.

A:: The Yamazaki district features a historic sake brewery street where visitors can take brewery tours and tastings. One brewery even offers a dining venue focused on fermented foods.

Shiso City offers a unique and sustainable tourism experience focused on nature and culture.

The city's key attractions include its vast forests, restored heritage railway, and sake breweries.

Visitors can enjoy forest therapy, explore local cuisine, and learn about the history of forestry and fermentation in the region.