Regional Perceptions from the Perspective of Likes and Dislikes

What kind of city will be loved 1,200 years later, through urban planning education?

Abstract

Favorable external perceptions of a region are increasingly recognized as a key factor in cultivating regional experience seekers. This study longitudinally examines university students’ perceptions of cities—specifically, which cities they like or dislike—based on responses collected in an introductory urban planning course. The findings suggest that cities labeled as "disliked" are often chosen based on vague impressions rather than personal experience. Moreover, traditional tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Kamakura are increasingly viewed negatively due to issues like overtourism. In addition, the process of self-questioning the learner's own perceptions about cities would be the foundation of their deeper insight into cities in urban planning education, particularly for beginners.