Abstract
Photo-taking may have both positive and negative effects on participants' visual memories and episodic memories. This study aims to explore the significance of photo-taking in the context of guided city walking tours, particularly as a means of conveying local characteristics. We conducted an on-site walking experiment in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and performed statistical analysis on the data collected through questionnaires completed by participants after a simulated guided city walking tour. Research findings revealed that photo-taking did not have a significant effect on visual memory for either photographed or non-photographed streetscapes and was associated with a decline in episodic memory. Nevertheless, there is a possibility that spontaneous photo-taking may have had a positive effect on visual memory.
