(Source : Sanpuku Co., Ltd.)
The year 2024 has been called “the year of recovery for overseas travel,” with inbound tourism for April to June expected to increase by 7.4% compared to the same period in 2019, which saw the highest numbers before the pandemic. This suggests a strong recovery trend in the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan, with further growth anticipated. One notable feature of inbound demand in 2024 is the growing interest not only in traditional tourist destinations along the Golden Route but also in lesser-known areas with rich natural environments and opportunities for outdoor activities. As a result, there is a rising demand for tourist destinations that highlight the unique attractions and characteristics of each region.
In Tokorozawa City, this growing demand for inbound tourism has brought attention to its potential as a tourist destination. While Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture has gained popularity and ranked high on tourist lists, Tokorozawa City also boasts several appealing spots. Mikajima, home to the Belluna Dome, Totoro’s Forest, and Sayama Lake, is an area where the convenience of a direct train ride from the city center is paired with beautiful natural surroundings. This gives Tokorozawa significant potential as a hub for inbound tourism.
In the Mikajima district of Tokorozawa City, a series of accommodation facilities leveraging local resources have opened recently. One such place, Yado Engawa, was created by renovating an unoccupied apartment that had been vacant for 20 years and opened in July of last year. It offers guests the chance to experience traditional Japanese living with tatami rooms, making it ideal for medium- to long-term stays as a base for sightseeing. Another facility, Sabo Wahoan, offers a stay experience provided by the Wadaen tea farm, which grows and sells Sayama tea. Guests can take part in activities such as tea picking, hand-rolling, and roasting, providing an immersive experience in Japanese culture. Starting in October this year, it will begin accepting reservations under the name Kominka Minpaku Wahoan. Additionally, Casual Auberge Juju, a restaurant-equipped lodging facility created by repurposing an abandoned hotel, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy modern French cuisine while surrounded by the natural beauty and traditional rural landscape of Tokorozawa. These facilities each provide services that allow visitors to fully enjoy the local charm in distinct ways.
Furthermore, these accommodations make use of previously unutilized resources such as vacant homes and abandoned hotels, contributing to sustainable local development. In the Mikajima district of Tokorozawa City, these lodgings are working together to offer experience programs to tourists, aiming to revitalize the local community and promote tourism. By tapping into inbound demand, there are high expectations for the revitalization of the local economy and the promotion of Tokorozawa’s appeal. The district is expected to continue its development as a sustainable tourist destination, enhancing its attractiveness by utilizing its natural environment.