Tourism is one of the mainstays of Japan’s economic recovery. Japan’s tourism sector has undergone major changes since the Covid-19 pandemic
Tokyo, First Published Jul 14, 2022, 1:59 AM IST
This is the seventh wave of Covid in Japan. But like any other country in the world, Japan is also learning to survive with the Covid era. Tourism is one of the mainstays of Japan’s economic recovery. Japan’s tourism sector has undergone major changes since the Covid-19 pandemic. Japan is an example of how rice and rice can revitalize a country’s tourism.
Art in the grain of rice
Tourists are most attracted by the views from the village of Inakatate today.
It is estimated that more than two lakh people have come to see the paddy field here. More than 20,000 of them are foreign tourists. The paddy fields here are like a vast canvas. The beautiful pictures of rice stalks and grains of rice will attract everyone.
These pictures are made in the field by interplanting rice plants with ears in purple, yellow and white colors. Since the country is Japan, technology has also helped this art form. Innovative images were designed in the field using techniques such as computer modeling. Even the figures of Star Wars characters were prepared in the paddy field.
Rice and value added products
A walk through the paddy field, cooking of local dishes, making rice wine, and staying at a homestay. Such packages are also active in Japan’s agritourism today. Rice farming and harvesting excursions, food tours where participants make onigiri (rice balls) or pound mochi (rice cakes) all make these packages attractive. Tourists are avoiding the busy urban areas and moving to the vast countryside to reduce the risk of getting infected with Covid-19. Realizing this potential, the Japanese expanded organic farming and the market for organic rice.
Today, organic rice produced in Japan is exported to eight countries, including five major cities in Australia. The main attraction is that you can buy online. According to figures from Japan’s government departments, about 17,400 tons of Japanese rice were exported, compared to only 7,600 tons in 2015. Recommendations on Japan Railways’ website for rail passes include the Oto Rice Planting Festival in the Kansai region and the Shiroyon Senmaida in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Reports say that along with foreign tourists, domestic tourists also enjoy rice and rice dishes.
Last Updated Jul 14, 2022, 1:59 AM IST
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