Abstract
Landscape is one of the most important resources for tourism in Hokkaido. However, it is not yet clear what kinds of symbols constructing landscape representation are connected with the social construction of Hokkaido. In this study, the combination of a landscape image sketch and a questionnaire of repertory grid method revealed the social construction of Hokkaido through tourist gazes connected with landscape imagery of Hokkaido. The survey among Hokkaido residents, Japanese visitors and Taiwanese visitors was conducted in New Chitose Airport in summer and winter seasons. As a result, the landscape images of rural landscapes were appeared representing ‘vast nature’ common in the Hokkaido residents and Japanese visitors. It implies that the social construction of Hokkaido is affected by tourist gazes through mass media and further penetrates into the residents’ local identity. On the other hand, Taiwanese visitors tended to represent impressive scenes and what they experienced through their sightseeing in Hokkaido. Hokkaido tourisms need to connect the social construction with cultural landscapes including production process and seasonal changes for regional development.
