If you are thinking about traveling to Japan but are concerned about your environmental impact, you are not alone. A survey published by the World Economic Forum established that 4 out of 5 worldwide consumers say that sustainable traveling is essential.
The good news is that you can easily travel around Japan without feeling any ecological guilt. But how can you do this? Below, we’ll provide you with several practical eco-friendly tips that you can use to travel sustainably in Japan.
How to reduce your environmental footprint in Japan
There are several ways that you can use to reduce your environmental footprint while in Japan. One way you can do this is by minimizing your waste. Japan is a country that’s well known for its clean environment.
So, you can contribute to this by reducing your waste during your travels. Make sure you have a refillable water bottle with you, as there are many safe water fountains in the country that you can use to top up your water.
Also, use reusable shopping bags to reduce your plastic waste. Another thing that you can do to reduce your environmental footprint in Japan is to engage in eco-friendly activities, like hiking, kayaking, or cycling.
Use eSIMs to reduce carbon footprint
eSims provides a simple and great way to reduce your carbon footprint. This is because they don’t require you to have a physical sim card. A physical SIM card often comes with plastic packaging. Also, they contribute to electronic waste.
But an eSIM is completely digital. This means that using it while traveling in Japan will ensure that you eliminate your plastic usage. Visit this website, and learn about the digital eSIM.
Eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable stays
Source: Pexels
Before you travel to Japan, make sure that you organize eco-friendly accommodations. Japan has a wide selection of sustainable guesthouses, hotels, and traditional ryokans that emphasize eco-conscious practices.
These accommodations promote waste reduction among visitors and they frequently implement energy-efficient methods, like solar energy. For instance, Hoshinoya Tokyo is one of the best luxury eco-conscious accommodations you can consider.
It combines modern sustainability practices, like waste reduction measures and energy-efficient building design, with traditional hospitality.
In addition, there are other family-run accommodations, such as traditional guesthouses (minshukus), that offer an eco-conscious environment. One example is the “Sasayuri-ann,” a guesthouse that emphasizes organic farming and nature conservation.
These practices ensure that the guesthouse has a lower carbon footprint because they use local or organic products. Also, they rely on natural resources for heating. So, when you choose such accommodations, you will reduce your carbon footprint.
Tips for supporting local businesses during your trip
Another eco-friendly way to travel around Japan is by supporting local businesses. You can do this by supporting local businesses that practice social and environmental stewardship.
So, when you’re looking for tour bookings, dining options, and keepsakes, go for those businesses that emphasize eco-friendliness.
For example, support stores that sell handcrafted products made from sustainable Japanese materials. Or choose to eat at hotels or cafes that use locally and organic sourced produce.
You can also participate in eco-conscious activities and tours that give you an excellent opportunity to support sustainable businesses. You can do this by going for guided walks through Japan’s museums or national parks.
Also, you can attend cultural classes that teach about culinary skills or traditional Japanese arts. These activities will help you to reduce your carbon footprint. At the same time, they will ensure that you have a great relationship with the local communities.
Best eco-tourism experiences in Japan’s rural areas
Japan’s rural areas will give you a great eco-tourism experience. It combines natural beauty, culture, and sustainable practices to ensure eco-friendly living. And you, too, can engage in this.
The best thing is that there are several activities in rural areas that you can engage in and that are eco-conscious. Some of these include;
- Farm stays at traditional houses. For example, the 200-year-old Furamaya House is a great place to stay. Staying in this house will give you an opportunity to enjoy green living in the countryside.
- A visit to Shirakami Sanchi. This is a UNESCO world heritage site that offers an incredible forest tour. During your visit, you can learn about the sustainable forest practices used and conservation efforts. At the same time, you’ll get to enjoy a scenic view.
- A visit to the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. During your visit, you can enjoy eco-tours that support local sustainable tourism practices. For example, you can visit historical fishing ports, enjoy bicycle rides along coastal roads, and eat at eco-friendly rural restaurants that serve local seafood.
Navigating Japan using public transit and cycling
One of the most efficient ways to get around Japan is by using its public transport network. So, if you want to travel sustainably in Japan, use the available subways and buses. Japan’s trains, especially the Shinkansen, are very popular for their environmental benefits, dependability, and speed.
These trains are powered by electricity. This means that some like the Shinkansen produce less carbon emissions compared to air travel. The best thing is that urban centres, such as Oska, Kyoto, and Tokyo, have an extensive subway network.
This allows you to travel easily without a vehicle. In addition to the trains, you can consider using buses for shorter trips instead of domestic flights. Also, use bikes if you want to explore a certain region in Japan.
The good thing about this country is that there are several areas that offer bike rental services. This gives you a good opportunity to reduce your environmental impact as you experience Japan’s parks and streets.
How Japan blends tradition with sustainability practices
Japan has found a way to combine tradition with sustainable practices. It aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Therefore, the country is committed to living sustainably.
Some of the ways Japan blends tradition with sustainable practices include the following;
- It uses natural materials, such as clay, wood, tatami mats from rice straws, and shoji screens to make traditional houses.
- Its people follow the traditional philosophy of “Mottainai”. This philosophy encourages people to respect resources and minimize waste.
- They practice a circular economy. This means that they ensure efficient resource allocation and reduce waste.
So, given that Japan is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, you should also respect that decision. Travel as sustainably as you can afford to.
