On December 10, a model tour was held by Ehime Prefecture and Matsuyama City government, in cooperation with the Ehime International Tourism Support NPO operated by Japan Inbound. The NPO planned and implemented the tour for foreign nationals, focusing on the history and culture of the Kōno Clan who were based in Hōjō. Japan Inbound’s Rod Walters served as guide and interpreter.
We gathered at Hōjō Port and took a boat around Kashima Island to see the rapid currents of the Seto Inland Sea. From the observation deck on top of Kashima, we looked down on Hōjō. After eating a lunch of sea-bream rice, a local specialty, at an onsen with unique saltwater hot springs, we visited a café with a view over the sea and stepped rice fields. Then we went to Zenōji Temple which has a strong association with the Kōno Clan, and heard from the priest about the culture of the area. Finally, we held a workshop at Fuwari Road Station, discussing and evaluating the experiences of the day.
The participants from Asia, Europe and America were fascinated by the natural environment, history and culture of rural Hōjō. We learned from this model tour that many of Japan’s small, country towns that are regarded as insignificant can become destinations, if only there’s someone with the ability to explain their interest and attractions.