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Monday, 3rd October 2016
In Japan Travel News,
New programme to boost travel to Japan's hot spring resorts
A new project is to be launched by Japan’s Environment Ministry in the 2017 fiscal year that will help to promote travel to the country’s hot spring resorts.
Known as onsen in Japanese, these natural phenomena are a big draw for tourists, but it is thought more could be done to capitalise on this and add in other attractions in areas where there are hot springs.
This could include outdoor activities and local cuisine experiences, further revitalising economies in parts of Japan that don’t normally see high levels of tourism, reports The Japan Times.
In order to put such plans into place, the ministry has requested 102 million yen (£781,012) from the government for the fiscal 2017 period, which begins on April 1st.
There are 94 national hot spring resorts designated by the environment minister and a selection of these will be chosen for the model project.
With high yields of hot water, stunning natural environments and an abundance of history and culture, they are perfect for an extended stay.
Host municipalities will be aided under the scheme in drawing up travel plans that offer a well-rounded trip with healthy living at their core.
Once launched, it is thought that the model project will have a duration of three years, seeing it come to an end as fiscal 2019 draws to a close.
The aim is that model resorts will see a 30 per cent increase in overnight stays by fiscal 2020, providing a boost to local tourism figures.
It is hoped that should the project be a success, more hot spring resorts across the country will create such travel plans.
In total, Japan is home to some 1,400 onsen resorts and many of them are situated in national parks, making wellness breaks an obvious option.
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