Historical & Natural Tourism: Rediscovering Lost Japan

Monday, May 11, 6:30 PM

Alex Kerr.

While tourism has become the world’s largest earner of foreign exchange, famed author and Japan expert Alex Kerr argues that Japan has largely missed a great opportunity. Through extensive photographs, Kerr illustrates how poorly planned development has degraded much of Japan’s natural environment and destroyed many old towns and natural scenery – key attractions for tourists.

However, Japan has recently discovered the power of tourism to revive depressed rural communities. This is bringing with it a new-found interest in preserving traditional buildings and protecting the natural environment. Using examples of successful historic renovation and new approaches to managing tourist sites in both rural and urban Japan, Kerr offers an innovative vision for the future of international tourism in Japan.

Moderated by Robert Fish, Director, Education and Lecture Programs, Japan Society.

Tickets:
$10/$8 Japan Society Members/$5 Senior & Students

Buy Tickets Online or call the Japan Society Box Office at (212) 715-1258, Mon. - Fri. 11 am - 6 pm, Weekends 11 am - 5 pm.