Abstract
This study compares the image structures of tourist cities by analyzing vocabulary from open-ended keywords for the Kurashiki City Bikan historical quarter and Onomichi City. Intercity differences were quantified with word frequencies and likelihood ratios, and clusters were visualized via co-occurrence networks. In Kurashiki, frequent terms—“white-plaster walls,” “river,” “boats,” “willows,” “storehouses,” “history,” “atmosphere,” “calm”—indicate stay-oriented appreciation centered on watersides and historic design. In Onomichi, “slopes,” “sea,” “temples,” “mountains,” plus “ropeway,” “cherry blossoms,” “cats,” and “ramen” point to mobility-based viewing focused on hillside movement, seascapes, and shrines/temples. “Beautiful,” “streetscape,” “old,” and “scenery” were shared between the two cities. Co-occurrence comparisons revealed city-specific tourism resources. Policywise, Kurashiki should prioritize pedestrians and tranquility, conserve white walls and willow avenues, and use wayfinding and loop/combination tickets to link museums, shopping, and boat rides. Onomichi should support hillside mobility (e.g., display step counts and times, add rest spots) and engage residents sensitively when leveraging everyday cultural assets such as popular eateries and cats.
