Shiso City unveils new sustainable experiences rooted in forests, fermentation and heritage railways - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Shiso City, situated in the central-western part of Hyogo Prefecture and around 90 minutes by car from Kyoto and Osaka, is gaining attention as a new destination for sustainable tourism in Japan. Drawing on its extensive forest landscapes, long-standing fermentation culture and a community-revived forest railway, the city is developing tourism experiences that focus on depth, authenticity and local heritage.

Although still relatively little known, partly due to the difficulty of reading its name, Shiso City’s sense of being undiscovered is increasingly appealing to travellers seeking meaningful alternatives to mass tourism. New initiatives highlight the city’s natural and cultural resources and frame them as immersive experiences rather than sightseeing attractions.

A forest landscape shaping life and travel

Around 90 per cent of Shiso City’s land area is covered by forests. For generations, forestry has been central to the local economy and everyday life. From the Taisho era through the late Showa period, forest railways ran through the mountain valleys, transporting timber and supporting regional development.

Today, these forests are being reinterpreted as experiential assets for visitors. Rather than serving purely as scenery, they form the basis of activities that connect nature, history and wellbeing.

Community revival of a forest railway

One of the most distinctive projects is the revival of a forest railway at Forest Station Haga. Restored by a community-based organisation and reopened in the summer of 2023, the railway uses a diesel locomotive previously employed for erosion control and forestry work. With approximately 678 metres of track and a restored station building, it now operates regularly on weekends.

The experience allows visitors to engage directly with the history of Shiso City’s forestry industry by travelling along the former transport routes. The surrounding facilities include hot spring baths and accommodation, while a nearby roadside station offers local specialities and regional products.

Forest therapy and gorge landscapes

Shiso City is among the first areas in Hyogo Prefecture to be certified as a Forest Therapy Base. Akasai Gorge, often referred to as the “Western Oirase Gorge” for its resemblance to the well-known Oirase Stream in northern Japan, is a focal point of this programme.

Former forest railway paths along the gorge have been transformed into therapy trails. Waterfalls, clear streams and dense woodland create a setting designed for calm and restoration. Other scenic areas include Fukuchi Gorge, praised by Japanese author Seiko Tanabe, and the Onzui area, where traces of historic forest railways remain visible.

Fermentation heritage and sake culture

Fermentation is another pillar of Shiso City’s identity. Historical records in the Harima Fudoki, Japan’s oldest surviving regional chronicle, note sake production at Niwata Shrine, suggesting that brewing has been rooted in the area since ancient times.

In the Yamazaki district, a historic sake brewery street continues to operate, with two breweries still producing today. Visitors can take part in brewery tours and tastings, gaining insight into traditional sake-making. One long-established brewery, founded in 1768, also runs a restaurant focused on fermented foods, integrating local cuisine with cultural storytelling.

A model for experience-led regional tourism

Shiso City has developed model itineraries that combine forest therapy walks, gorge exploration, heritage railway rides and sake- and fermentation-based dining. These programmes range from day trips to overnight stays and are designed to be flexible and experience-driven.

As Shiso City marks the 20th anniversary of its municipal establishment in 2025, it is intensifying its outreach to both domestic and international audiences. Rather than pursuing volume, the city positions itself as a destination for travellers seeking quiet depth, sustainability and a close connection to Japan’s regional landscapes and traditions.

Through forests, fermentation and living history, Shiso City presents a contemporary model of tourism grounded in place and community.

Image Credit: © Tourism Media Service