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“Redefining Travel in Japan”

Instead of the conventional approach to sightseeing or tourism that merely involves visiting famous landmarks, we propose a new form of travel infused with values inspired by liberal arts—interweaving the cultural threads of Japan in a meaningful way. This concept goes beyond the traditional notions of “travel,” “tourism,” or “journey.” To articulate this idea, we propose redefining travel in Japan with the creation of two new terms: “Takuryo（拓旅）” and “Keiryo（啓旅）.”

What is “Takuryo（拓旅）“?

Takuryo refers to a journey that “opens up a place.” Instead of visiting landmarks as isolated “points,” this form of travel immerses the traveler in the background, history, spirituality, and sensibilities of a place. For instance, if one wishes to journey to Mount Fuji, Takuryo does not start by immediately visiting sites with direct views of the mountain.

Rather, the journey might begin at the base of Mount Kinpu, a sacred peak located to the north of Mount Fuji. From there, one would pay homage to Mount Fuji from a distance, following a historical tradition over 1,200 years old when frequent eruptions rendered Mount Fuji inaccessible. This ancient practice, rooted in reverence, forms the cornerstone of the Takuryo philosophy.

Through linking places based on their historical, spiritual, and cultural narratives, Takuryo gradually leads travelers closer to Mount Fuji, ultimately culminating in a profound and intimate encounter with its essence. The difference in clarity and depth between mere “sightseeing” and Takuryo is unmistakable.

What is “Keiryo（啓旅）”?

Keiryo is a journey of “seeking people”—an inwardly enlightening journey of self-discovery through the threads of human history.

While Takuryo focuses on the concept of “place,” Keiryo seeks the essential connections in human lives, particularly through historical figures. Tourist destinations can often be broadly categorized as either “place-based” or “person-based.” Keiryo redefines travel centered on the latter.

For example, consider Takeda Shingen, a renowned warlord of the Sengoku era, as the focal point of a Keiryo journey. Traditional tourism might involve visiting Takeda Shrine, his tomb at Erinji Temple, or even exploring Kofu Gozan (the Five Mountains of Kofu: Enkoin, Chozenji, Tokkoji, Noshin-ji, and Hosonji).

However, Keiryo places greater emphasis on the spiritual and emotional foundations of Shingen’s life. This might include exploring his deep reverence for Yasuda Yoshisada of the Kai Genji clan or his faith in sacred sites such as Onjoji Temple in Shiga Prefecture and Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. Designing a journey befitting Shingen’s legacy often requires transcending the boundaries of Yamanashi Prefecture and organically connecting multiple regions.

The Interrelationship of “Takuryo（拓旅）” and “Keiryo（啓旅）”

Takuryo and Keiryo are not distinct categories but rather intricately interwoven, mutually enhancing the quality of the journey. Together, they represent a new paradigm in travel—one that transcends conventional tourism by interweaving the cultural, historical, and spiritual threads of Japan.

Through these concepts, “Takuryo” and “Keiryo” embody the essence of a profound, warp-threaded way to experience Japan—one that goes beyond mere travel or sightseeing to redefine what a journey truly means.