Abstract
This study aims to explain the site conditions and location for “nature experience activity” to promote it at the surrounding residential areas of metropolis. We asked to the people (first grade students, forth grade students, their families and senior citizens) living in the suburbs of Saitama prefecture, an urban sprawl which still retains a rich natural environment, what kind of place they usually use for “nature experience activity”. As a result, “nature experience” is classified under eleven types of activities and the sites of those activities are classified under fourteen types. On each activity type, waterfronts are frequently used. Our results show that children play around their home or at the recreation facilities in the city area besides they play “experience with artifial facilities”. They play cheerfully being in contact with the natural environment. Adults often use the waterfronts, natural parks and mountain areas. Their activities seek commune with the natural environment, are compounded by many factors and involve movement from place to place. In the future, it is essential for regional planning purposes to arrange space for various activities in order to achieve “nature experience activity” around residential areas. As for the waterfronts, it is necessary to investigate the details of their utilization among children, their families and senior citizens.
