Kyoto Revisited: Heritage Tourism in Contemporary Japan

Kyoto is a city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is an ancient capital, a modern city, and home to numerous cultural heritage sites. In Kyoto Revisited, anthropologist Jennifer Prough examines how the city's history and culture have been mobilized to create heritage experiences for tourists. She explores various aspects of Kyoto tourism, such as promotion plans, heritage neighborhood renovation, the role of the seasons and traditional aesthetics in citywide events, the appeal of sites commemorating the Meiji restoration, and the trend of walking in the heritage district in a rented kimono. Prough's study highlights the interplay between the romantic desire for heritage tourism and the emphasis on personal experience (taiken) in the visitor industry today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: University of Hawai'i Press

Kyoto, a city nestled amidst lush green hills, exudes a captivating charm that blends history, culture, and a vibrant tourist presence. With its ancient capital status, modern metropolis, and abundance of cultural heritage sites, Kyoto holds a significant role in promoting Japanese culture both domestically and internationally. In the aftermath of economic recession and the nation's promotion of cool Japan in popular culture and tourism during the twenty-first century, anthropologist Jennifer Prough embarked on a study to explore how Kyoto's history and culture have been mobilized to create heritage experiences for modern tourists.

The heart of Prough's book, "Kyoto Revisited," revolves around the significance of producing these heritage experiences for visitors. It delves into the reasons why seeing and feeling culture and tradition appeal to domestic and international travelers, as well as the challenges faced by a heritage tourism city. Prough's study reveals that heritage holds multiple meanings, shaped by the narratives told by various stakeholders, including the state and local government, public and private institutions, and tourists themselves. These narratives are crafted in response to the tourists' desire for direct, face-to-face engagement in an experience economy.

Throughout her work, Prough examines several prominent aspects of Kyoto tourism. She explores promotion plans, the renovation of heritage neighborhoods, the role of seasons and traditional aesthetics in citywide events, the appeal of sites commemorating the Meiji restoration, and the trend of walking in the heritage district in a rented kimono. By drawing upon scholarship from Japanese studies, heritage studies, and the anthropology of tourism, Prough highlights the intricate interplay between the romantic desire for heritage tourism and the emphasis on personal experience (taiken) in the contemporary visitor industry.

Experience has always played a central role in tourism, even as the definition of what constitutes an experience has evolved. Prough's study sheds light on how Kyoto's heritage is being repurposed to cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of tourists, who seek immersive and authentic experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing. The city's rich cultural heritage, combined with its picturesque landscapes and traditional customs, provides a unique setting for tourists to connect with the past and immerse themselves in the local way of life.

In conclusion, Kyoto's charm lies in its ability to blend history, culture, and tourism seamlessly. Through the lens of anthropologist Jennifer Prough's study, we gain insight into how the city's heritage is being mobilized to create memorable experiences for visitors. Kyoto's legacy as an ancient capital, modern metropolis, and cultural treasure continues to captivate both domestic and international travelers, contributing to the promotion of Japanese culture worldwide. As the tourism industry evolves, Kyoto remains a testament to the enduring power of heritage and the importance of preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of human history and culture.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780824891671