The Winds of Exchange in Satoyama - Progress of Minami-Shinshu Green Tourism Special Zone - December 2003 - March 2025

The Winds of Exchange in Satoyama - Progress of Minami-Shinshu Green Tourism Special Zone - December 2003 - March 2025

Outline of Minami Shinshu Green Tourism Special Zone - December 2003

In 2003, the government granted the third round of approval for special zones for structural reform, designating the Minami Shinshu region of Nagano Prefecture as the "Minami Shinshu Green Tourism Special Zone. The purpose of this special zone is to promote exchanges between urban and rural areas and to revitalize agriculture and tourism in the region.

In the special zone, farmer's inns and agricultural experience programs have been developed, allowing visitors to experience the nature and traditional culture of the region. In particular, experience-based tourism utilizing local agricultural products has been enhanced, attracting visitors from urban areas. Furthermore, the area has been recognized as a "doburoku special zone" that takes advantage of the local food culture, and some farmers are now able to offer homemade doburoku. This has led to a re-evaluation of the traditional sake brewing culture and contributed to the improvement of the region's attractiveness.

In addition, efforts are being made to promote eco-tourism, and an environmentally friendly tourism program has been developed. Efforts are being made to create a sustainable community through activities such as satoyama conservation and organic farming experiences. With the cooperation of local residents, the project aims to achieve both local economic development and environmental conservation by promoting the integration of tourism and agriculture.

The success of this special zone has led to the introduction of green tourism in other regions of Japan, attracting attention as a sustainable tourism model.

Minami Shinshu Green Tourism Special Zone Today - March 2025

The Minami-Shinshu Green Tourism Special Zone covers the entire area of Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, and is working to promote agriculture and revitalize the local economy through the acceptance of simple firefighting equipment for farmer's inns, the entry of joint-stock companies and others into farming, and the establishment of citizen farms. In particular, local farmer's inns are merging with the tourism industry to provide urban residents with rural experiences.

Currently, the Minami-Shinshu Tourism Organization is taking the lead in developing a variety of experience programs that take advantage of the region's nature and culture. Plans that fuse tourism with local resources, such as satoyama trekking tours, traditional craft experiences, and cooking classes utilizing local ingredients, are gaining popularity. These efforts are contributing to the revitalization of the local economy and the establishment of a sustainable tourism model, and are attracting nationwide interest.

Related Information
- Nagano Prefectural Government - Minami Shinshu Green Tourism Special Zone Accreditation Information
- Minami Shinshu Tourism Organization - Experience Program Information