Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
cultural properties.” Responses to questions with relatively low scores included “it
would be nice to have souvenir stores” (68.4 points), “stamps, pilgrim routes, and
accommodation facilities are required” (77.2), and “signs, lavatories, and so forth
should be established” (76.0).
These data show the participants had a high level of interest in the aesthetic value
of the architecture and history of the churches on Kami-Goto, and they appeared to
value the churches as tourism resources that should be preserved as cultural proper-
ties. However, they had less interest in the establishment of accommodation facili-
ties, souvenir stores, and tourist gimmicks, such as pilgrim stamps, indicating a
rather negative stance on tourism developments.
The survey also asked for feedback on the Walk & Cruise. Participants from off
the island valued the Kami-Goto environment highly. Example answers included
“The blue sea, the sky, and the green land,” “Everything was fi rst class,” “I was
impressed by the beauty of the sea,” and “It was a good opportunity to experience
the beauty of nature.” Another person answered “I was a little disappointed that I
had to concentrate on walking and therefore could not fully enjoy the great nature
of Kami-Goto”.
Many participants positively evaluated the experience of touring the churches.
Typical responses include “Though I am not a Christian, the churches had a calming
infl uence and the beautiful church buildings were a feast for my eyes,” or “The
period we spent at each church was too short.” Some people considered the tour
around the churches as a pilgrimage to sacred places, although they were not
Catholic. They stated, “There was a strong impression that the churches were a part
of the people's lives” and “I was impressed by the Christian people who blended it
in their daily lives.” The focus appeared to be on the fact that the churches were a
part of life on the island while also being a religious space.
Feedback from the local residents indicated the opinions of the host community.
They included opinions on providing participants with the opportunity to taste the
specialties of the island, such as “How about offering Udon noodles, whale meat,
potatoes, and so forth for lunch,” “…enabling them to learn about the history, indus-
try, and life on the island, such as landing at the Christian cave, touring more of the
churches, explaining the history of the churches and the local islands in more detail,”
and “including a tour of farm-raised young yellowtail while dining during the sea
cruise”. Some of the people touring the islands were revisiting their home and stated
that they had rediscovered the attractions of the island's scenery and history. One
person wrote, “I returned to the island after retiring from work and wanted to know
more about the life and thinking of our ancestors. I had never visited the sites in the
area.” He noted that he had left the island after graduating from high school and
returned after retiring, and that he now had renewed interest in the history and life
of the island. After the tour, some of the locals who were not Christians and were
not particularly interested in the churches stated “I saw the interior of some of the
churches for the fi rst time and it was rather interesting.”
These types of events can be developed in a sustainable fashion. Attractive proj-
ects need to be planned and provided after identifying the needs of tourists from
both on and off the island. The Walk & Cruise has proved successful, and a third
event was held in 2008.
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