International Green Tourism to be Recommended / Yamato-cho, Kumamoto-Pref. & Gokase-cho, Miyazaki-Pr

Model area
Experiential programs
Facilities
Model plans

Yamato-cho town office, Kumamoto-Pref.

Basic information for model area

1.Overview of accepting organization

Regions handled	Kumamoto PrefectureYamato-cho
Name of accepting organization	Yamato-cho town office, Kumamoto-Pref.
Name of contact organization	Tourism Division, Chamber of Commerce
Department in charge	Touism Office
Name of person in charge	Fumihiko Shibata	Title	Member of the Chamber
ZIP code	861-3663	Means of contact	886 Shinko, Yamato-cho, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto-Pref.
Address	Organization
TEL	0967-72-1158	FAX	0967-72-4085
Hours available	8:30-17:30
E-mail	y-shokan@mx35.tiki.ne.jp
Homepage	http://www.town.yamato.kumamoto.jp/
Organizational structure	・Yamato-cho ・Niji no Tuzyun-kan (Rainbow Tuzyun-kan) ・Seiwa Bunraku no Sato (Association) ・Aobanse Management Association "Aobanse" ・Tuzyun Brewers Co., Ltd. ・Farm Restaurant Co., Ltd. ・Ryokusenkyo Development Association "Ryokusenkyo Fishing Park"
Characteristics of organization	・Administrative agency ・Local government-run inn Tuzyun-Sanso ・Michi-no-Eki Tuzyunkyo designated manager (3 sectors) ・Soyokaze Park, Fukukakematsu Camp Site designated manager (3 sectors) ・Seiwa Bunraku Mura (Village) /Astro Seiwa (Astrophysical Observatory) designated manager (3 sectors) ・Aobanse designated manager (local organization) ・Sake brewery management for tourism (private entity) ・Farm inn (private entity) ・Seiryu-kan, Ryokusenkyo Fishing Park designated manager (local organization)

2.Overview of accepting region

Introduction to accepting region	Geographical conditions Yamato-cho is situated in an upland plain at altitudes between 300 and 900 meters above sea level in eastern Kumamoto and at its border with Miyazaki. Surrounded in the north by the southern somma of Mt. Aso and in the south by the Kyushu Mountains, a greater part of the region has many valleys covered with trees and bushes. It is relatively cool. While the Midorigawa (Midori River) and its tributaries have gouged out the valleys, the upland plain has many uphills and downhills as well as waterfalls. Mt. Memaru ranging to Mt. Kunimidake, the highest mountain in Kumamoto, and the Naidaijin Valley have a lot of broad-leaved forests and famous for the beautiful colored leaves. In the north, 1000 meter-level hills roll. The Gokasegawa (Gokase River), while the Midorigawa and their tributaries run throughout the eastern part. A 200-meter cliff eroded by the Gokasegawa ranges about 10km. With clear streams, valleys and forest-clad mountains, Yamato-cho is in a nature-rich environment with beautiful seasonal changes. Natural resources Due to its mountainous climates and geographical traits, the region's main industry is agroforestry combining forestry with the cultivation of rice, highland vegetables and tea together with livestock raising. In February 2005, Yabe-machi, Seiwa-son and Soyo-machi merged to form Yamato-cho, which has an area of 544.83m2, the third largest in Kumamoto. Because of the falling birthrate and the aging population, however, Yamato-cho now suffers from depopulation and the estimated decrease in population is almost 19,000. Further efforts will be made to revitalize the region making best use of its resources in agroforestry and tourism. Cultural resources In medieval times, the Aso clan of Kumamoto origin dominated an entire region of Kyushu. In the Edo period, a trans-Kyushu road called Hyuga-okan was built and the region flourished with lively traffic as a town for accommodation called shukuba-machi. A group of stone bridges including the Tuzyunkyo, one of Japan's largest channel-bridges, is a reminder of ancient wisdom and culture. Hassaku-sai (Harvest Festival) is a cultural inheritance in which rural and commercial lives are in harmony. Bunraku, a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater, has a history of 150 years and Seiwa Bunraku-kan provides performances. Processed agricultural products are sold under the name of local brands. Jomon and Yayoi ruins and cultural properties are dotted over the Soyo area, where rows of old inns are also preserved and the traditional Hibuse Jizo Matsuri (festival) is celebrated.
Introduction to surrounding tourist sites and facilities

Introduction to accepting region

Geographical conditions: Yamato-cho is situated in an upland plain at altitudes between 300 and 900 meters above sea level in eastern Kumamoto and at its border with Miyazaki. Surrounded in the north by the southern somma of Mt. Aso and in the south by the Kyushu Mountains, a greater part of the region has many valleys covered with trees and bushes. It is relatively cool. While the Midorigawa (Midori River) and its tributaries have gouged out the valleys, the upland plain has many uphills and downhills as well as waterfalls. Mt. Memaru ranging to Mt. Kunimidake, the highest mountain in Kumamoto, and the Naidaijin Valley have a lot of broad-leaved forests and famous for the beautiful colored leaves. In the north, 1000 meter-level hills roll. The Gokasegawa (Gokase River), while the Midorigawa and their tributaries run throughout the eastern part. A 200-meter cliff eroded by the Gokasegawa ranges about 10km. With clear streams, valleys and forest-clad mountains, Yamato-cho is in a nature-rich environment with beautiful seasonal changes.
Natural resources: Due to its mountainous climates and geographical traits, the region's main industry is agroforestry combining forestry with the cultivation of rice, highland vegetables and tea together with livestock raising. In February 2005, Yabe-machi, Seiwa-son and Soyo-machi merged to form Yamato-cho, which has an area of 544.83m2, the third largest in Kumamoto. Because of the falling birthrate and the aging population, however, Yamato-cho now suffers from depopulation and the estimated decrease in population is almost 19,000. Further efforts will be made to revitalize the region making best use of its resources in agroforestry and tourism.
Cultural resources: In medieval times, the Aso clan of Kumamoto origin dominated an entire region of Kyushu. In the Edo period, a trans-Kyushu road called Hyuga-okan was built and the region flourished with lively traffic as a town for accommodation called shukuba-machi. A group of stone bridges including the Tuzyunkyo, one of Japan's largest channel-bridges, is a reminder of ancient wisdom and culture. Hassaku-sai (Harvest Festival) is a cultural inheritance in which rural and commercial lives are in harmony. Bunraku, a form of traditional Japanese puppet theater, has a history of 150 years and Seiwa Bunraku-kan provides performances. Processed agricultural products are sold under the name of local brands. Jomon and Yayoi ruins and cultural properties are dotted over the Soyo area, where rows of old inns are also preserved and the traditional Hibuse Jizo Matsuri (festival) is celebrated.

Introduction to surrounding tourist sites and facilities

3.Access from nearby major cities to the excepting region

Closest city	Kumamoto City	Assembly point in accepting region	Michi-no-Eki Tuzyunkyo Parking
By a car (bus)	70 min.	Route	Kumamoto City---Route 445 via Mifune-cho---Hamamachi---Michi-no-Eki Parking or Kumamoto City---Route 218 via Misato-cho---Hamamachi---Michi-no-Eki Parking
By train, plane, boat	100 min.	Route	Kumamoto Station---Traffic Center---Hamamachi (90min.), Kumamoto Airport---car (rent-a-car/taxi, 45min.), or Kumamoto Airport---Traffic Center (Airport bus)---Hamamachi (120min.)

Closest city	Uki City	Assembly point in accepting region	Michi-no-Eki Tuzyunkyo Parking
By a car (bus)	80 min.	Route	Kumamoto City---Kyushu Expressway (Matsubashi interchange)---Misato-cho---Michi-no-Eki Parking
By train, plane, boat		Route

Closest city		Assembly point in accepting region
By a car (bus)		Route
By train, plane, boat		Route

4.Maximum number of overnight guests in accepting region

Maximum number of overnight guests	250

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Overview of experiential programs

Overview of outdoor experiential programs

Main outdoor experiential programs
Genre	Agricultural experience		Program name	Blueberry harvesting
Content	Pick blueberries, bring them to home jam making (optional)
Location	Soyokaze Park		Response to rainy weather	Not to be postponed/cancelled in case of light rain
Capacity (number of persons)	30	Charge per person (including tax)	2,000	Time needed (minutes)	120
Name of providing organization	Soyokaze Park		Times available	Early July - mid-December
Notes

Main outdoor experiential programs
Genre	Sports & leisure experience		Program name	Ground golf games
Content	Ground golf games with a local group
Location	Astro Seiwa (Astrophysical Observatory)		Response to rainy weather	Cancelled in case of rain
Capacity (number of persons)	20	Charge per person (including tax)	1,500 including lunch	Time needed (minutes)	150
Name of providing organization	Seiwa Bunraku no Sato (Association)		Times available	Early March - mid-December
Notes

Main outdoor experiential programs
Genre	Sports & leisure experience		Program name	Kayaking experience
Content	Kayaking in fresh water with masu salmon (yamame)
Location	Aobanse		Response to rainy weather
Capacity (number of persons)	10	Charge per person (including tax)	1,000	Time needed (minutes)	60
Name of providing organization	Aobanse Management Association		Times available	Early July - late August
Notes

Main outdoor experiential programs
Genre	Experience in natural environments		Program name	Fishing experience
Content	masu salmon & trout fishing at Ryokusenkyo Fishing Park
Location	Ryokusenkyo Fishing Park		Response to rainy weather
Capacity (number of persons)	30	Charge per person (including tax)		Time needed (minutes)
Name of providing organization	Midori River Ryokusenkyo Development Association		Times available	All year
Notes

Main outdoor experiential programs
Genre	Experience in natural environments		Program name	Astronomical observation
Content	Astronomical observation at Astro Seiwa
Location	1238-14 Imuta, Yamato-cho		Response to rainy weather	Cancelled in case of rain
Capacity (number of persons)	30	Charge per person (including tax)		Time needed (minutes)
Name of providing organization	Seiwa Bunraku no Sato (Association)		Times available
Notes	Restaurant Seiza no Mori (forest of constellation) at Seiwa Koge Inn

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Indoor hands-on learning programs

Main indoor experiential programs
Genre	Craftwork experience		Program name	Pottery class
Content	Creation of ceramics (glazed & unglazed) under the guidance of the staff; delivered after being fired in a kiln
Location	Aobanse
Capacity (number of persons)	10	Charge per person (including tax)	1,500	Time needed (minutes)	120
Name of providing organization	Aobanse staff		Times available	All year
Notes	Completed ceramics are delivered about 20 days after being fired in a kiln

Main indoor experiential programs
Genre	Eating experience		Program name	Sake brewery tour
Content	Sake brewery tour with sake tasting
Location	54 Hamamachi, Yamato-cho
Capacity (number of persons)	30	Charge per person (including tax)	Free of charge	Time needed (minutes)	30
Name of providing organization	Tuzyun Brewers Co., Ltd.		Times available	All year
Notes

Main indoor experiential programs
Genre	Sports & leisure experience		Program name	Off-road & motocross riding experience
Content	Off-road bike & car riding in wilderness-like areas
Location
Capacity (number of persons)		Charge per person (including tax)	1,500	Time needed (minutes)
Name of providing organization	Koji Ban		Times available	All year
Notes

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Overview of accepting facilities

Overview of accommodation facilities

Guest houses run by farming, forestry, and fishing families (homestays)
Type of facility	Guest houses run by farming, forestry, and fishing families
Number of houses
Total number of rooms
Total capacity
Overview of expenses per child	Lifestyle experience charge (including preparing dinner)
Overview of expenses per child	Lifestyle experience charge (without preparing dinner)
Overview of expenses per adult	Lifestyle experience charge (including preparing dinner)
Overview of expenses per adult	Lifestyle experience charge (without preparing dinner)
Notes	Participants prepare meals with the host family.

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Guesthouses run by farming, forestry, fishing families/Public accommodation facilities
Type of facility	Guest houses run by farming, forestry, and fishing families
Number of houses	2
Total number of rooms	4
Total capacity	15
Overview of expenses per child	Lifestyle experience charge (including preparing dinner)	4,000
Overview of expenses per child	Lifestyle experience charge (without preparing dinner)
Overview of expenses per adult	Lifestyle experience charge (including preparing dinner)	6,000
Overview of expenses per adult	Lifestyle experience charge (without preparing dinner)	4,000
Notes

Type of facility	Public accommodation facilities
Number of houses	3
Total number of rooms	40
Total capacity	200
Overview of expenses per child	Lifestyle experience charge (including preparing dinner)
Overview of expenses per child	Lifestyle experience charge (without preparing dinner)
Overview of expenses per adult	Lifestyle experience charge (including preparing dinner)	10,000
Overview of expenses per adult	Lifestyle experience charge (without preparing dinner)	5,400
Notes

Possibility of billeting	Impossible

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Introduction to model plans for spring, summer, fall, and winter

Introduction to model plans for two-day, one-night international green tours in spring, summer, fall, and winter

Introduction to model plans for two-day, one-night international green tours in spring
Plan name	Mountain cottage plan with a hot spring and food	Periods available	April 1st-May 31st

First day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Afternoon	12:00 Tuzyunkyo water-discharge tour & Gorogataki promenade	12:00 Regular water-discharge (free of charge) promenade
Lodging	Refresh yourself with a natural hot spring & relax in your room with a view of the Kyushu Mountains.	Local goverment-run inn Tuzyun-Sanso (Japanese- & Western-style rooms)
Dinner	Dinner with local specialties like horse sashimi, grilled masu salmon and wild edible plants
Notes	Tuzyun-Sanso: 5-minute walk from the Tuzyunkyo

Second day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Breakfast
Morning	Enjoy the view of Ayunose Ohashi (bridge) and fresh greenery.	Bunraku box lunch at 'Shiki no Furusato'
Lunch	Bunraku show	1,260
Afternoon
Notes

Highlight of this model plan
Plan fees
Comment to participants

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Introduction to model plans for two-day, one-night international green tours in summer
Plan name	Aobanse Plan	Periods available	July 10th-August 31st

First day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Morning	Playing in clear streams, paper making and pottery	Seiwa, Yamato-cho: canoeing on the clear river in front of Aobanse & other projects
Lodging	Room with an irori (traditional sunken hearth)	Cool room without an air-conditioner; sleep listening to the sound of insects
Dinner	Dishes with masu salmon and other rustic specialties	Dinner at a restaurant listening to the murmurs of the river
Notes	Lodge comprised of 6 buildings: 0967-82-3511

Second day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Breakfast	Dinner on the cool riverside
Morning	Canoeing & fishing
Lunch	Rice ball box lunch
Afternoon	Trekking & masu salmon fishing (optional)
Notes

Highlight of this model plan	Quiet lodge on the riverside with birds singing and a view of a beautiful valley
Plan fees	Accomodation: 5,000 yen; Paper making: 1,500 yen; Pottery: 2,000 yen
Comment to participants

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Introduction to model plans for two-day, one-night international green tours in fall
Plan name	Soyokaze Park Overnight Plan	Periods available	Early July

First day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Afternoon	Bamboo craftwork, blueberry harvest	Make your own chopsticks and use them at dinner
Lodging	Stay at a quite room overlooking the Aso Five Mountains.	3-type accomodation: hotel, cottage and lodge
Dinner	Specialties using local products & blueberry dessert
Notes	Sports and promenade in spacious premises overlooking the Aso Mountains

Second day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Breakfast
Morning	Excursion for viewing autumnal leaves at Ryokusenkyo & Funanokuchi water sources
Lunch	Lunch at Farm-Restaurant Mori: handmade tofu & masu salmon dishes	Budget-priced
Afternoon	Unokotaki (waterfall) tour
Notes

Highlight of this model plan	Clear your mind in nature.
Plan fees
Comment to participants	Soyokaze Park: 0967-83-0880

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Introduction to model plans for two-day, one-night international green tours in winter
Plan name	Gokase Skiing Plan	Periods available	December 10th-March 10th

First day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Afternoon	Tuzyun Brewers tour
Lodging	Local goverment-run inn Tuzyun-Sanso
Dinner	Stews & specialty miso tofu
Notes

Second day (hours)	Program name	Content in parentheses (location, cost, etc.)
Breakfast
Morning	Gokase Highland Skiing Ground	40-minute drive from Tuzyun-Sanso to Skiing Ground (discounts available)
Lunch
Afternoon
Notes

Highlight of this model plan
Plan fees
Comment to participants

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