Located in the central-western part of Hyogo Prefecture and approximately 90 minutes by car from Kyoto and Osaka, Shiso City (Hyogo Prefecture, Japan) is gaining attention as a new destination for nature-based tourism. Built around its extensive forests, deep-rooted fermentation culture; and a heritage forest railway revived by local residents, the city is emerging as a compelling place for sustainable travel.
Due in part to the difficulty of reading its name, Shiso City remains relatively little known even within Japan. However, this very sense of being "undiscovered" is increasingly attractive to domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful and sustainable tourism experiences. This release introduces the new tourism resources originating from Shiso City.
A "Forest Kingdom" Where Forests Cover 90% of the Town
Approximately 90 percent of Shiso City's total land area is covered by forests. For generations, forestry has supported the local economy and daily life. From the Taisho era through the late Showa period (up to the 1960s), forest railways once ran through mountain valleys, playing a vital role in transporting timber.
Today, these forest resources are no longer viewed merely as scenic landscapes but have been reimagined as experiential tourism assets.
A Forest Railway Experience Revived by the Community
In the summer of 2023, a community-based organisation restored a tourist forest railway at Forest Station Haga, using a diesel locomotive that had previously been employed in erosion control and forestry-related projects. The railway features approximately 678 meters of track and a station building, and it operates regularly on weekends.
This experience allows visitors to physically engage with the history of Shiso City's forestry industry - to truly "ride through" the city's past. The facility also includes hot spring baths and accommodation, while a nearby roadside station offers opportunities to purchase local specialty products.
Shiso City has developed model itineraries that combine forest therapy, gorge walks, heritage forest railway rides and Japanese sake and fermentation-based cuisine. These itineraries offer flexible options ranging from day trips to overnight stays.
In 2025, Shiso City marks the 20th anniversary of its municipal establishment. As it does so, the city is strengthening its outreach to domestic and international travelers as a sustainable tourism destination centered on nature and culture.
Rather than mass tourism, Shiso City offers travel focused on meaning and experience. Quietly yet convincingly, it presents the essential appeal of Japan's regional landscapes and traditions.
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