Another winner from the Top 100 – Every year, Green Destinations organizes the Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories competition, which invites submissions from around the world – a vetted collection of stories spotlighting local and regional destinations that are making progress toward sustainable management of tourism and its impacts. As previously, we’ve selected two more stories from the winners, this one from Japan. In the small city of Tono, a system that promotes community collaboration has helped save unprotected heritage sites from neglect. Synopsis by Ailin Fei. Top 100 submission by the Tono Furusato Shosha Co., Ltd.
A Mountain Town Preserves Its Heritage Through Community Power
Tono is a small mountain city in northeastern Japan, known for its rich folktale tradition and strong commitment to preserving traditional culture. Its landscape is marked by shrines, temples, stone monuments, giant trees, and waterfalls and reflects a deep harmony with nature and features many sites tied to local legends. These cultural treasures, cared for by residents of 11 small districts, are deeply woven into the identity of each community.
In Tono City, heritage sites not protected by the government were initially preserved by residents without support. However, with population decline and lifestyle changes, their efforts became limited. In response, the city launched the Tono Heritage Recognition Ordinance, in 2007. This allowed citizens to apply to the city to recognize local assets as Tono Heritage sites to be preserved for the future. This system promotes protection through community collaboration. So far, 169 heritage assets and sites have been recognized, boosting local participation, tourism, and regional pride.
There are four recognition categories: tangible cultural heritage, intangible cultural heritage, natural heritage, and composite heritage. The nomination process includes annual submissions, investigations by the Recognition Investigation Committee consisting of experts and citizens, and final recognition by the mayor. Once recognized, sites are promoted through guidebooks and standardized signage. For recognized heritage sites, the city provides subsidies to support protection and usage. Over 200 cases have been supported this way, including repairs, maintenance of paths, and documentation of traditions. Recognized heritage sites have become tourist attractions, deepening visitor’s travel experience.
The regional heritage recognition system empowers municipalities to autonomously protect local cultural assets, rather than relying solely on national directives. The partnership between citizen-led initiatives and administrative support enhances both preservation and use of heritage, fostering community pride and responsibility.
