Abstract
This paper analyzes selected cases of the guest-house business (minpaku) sector, which is regarded as an experience-based educational tour, and identifies the patterns used by tour operators in the local community. Fields survey were conducted in Iejima (Okinawa prefecture), Ajimu (Oita prefecture), and Akiota and Osakikamijima (Hiroshima prefecture) during the period from July to October 2014. The authors researched the relationship between the organizational operation of minpaku and the social-economic conditions of the selected cases. It was found that socio-economic conditions had a positive impact on the purpose of operation, organizational form of operation, and changes in operation among minpaku tour operators. Findings indicate that tour operators should harmonize with participating farmers, taking into account local conditions and requirements for the sustainable development of minpaku.
