Ancestral Tourism in Japan

－Issues and Possibilities for Expansion in Japan－

Abstract

Ancestral tourism is flourishing across Europe—in countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and Germany—and its economic benefits are increasingly recognized. Most visitors originate from the United States and choose to explore rural areas linked to their forebears rather than conventional tourist hotspots. Because these travelers approach their journeys with a strong sense of respect for their ancestry, ancestral tourism is generally considered less prone to overtourism. In Japan, however, the phenomenon has yet to gain comparable traction. While certain municipalities have introduced initiatives, a nationwide surge remains elusive. This study examines the contrasts between overseas and Japanese ancestral tourism to identify the challenges and potential pathways for expanding this niche in Japan.