A Study on Visitors' Cognition and Expectation to Provided Information, and Factors Affecting their Attitude in Shiretoko National Park

A significant portion of visitors to Shiretoko National Park, around 30%, only became aware of enforced traffic controls upon arrival, highlighting gaps in pre-visit information dissemination. The study reveals that visitors often lack understanding of critical safety and environmental risk management information, particularly regarding visitor behavior for environmental conservation. Key expectations for both prior and on-site information focused on weather forecasts, brown bear encounters, and traffic control—factors that significantly influence visitor activity and destination choices. Visitors' prior experience in Shiretoko, transportation type, and dwelling location influenced their access to information and cognitive levels. Prior experience also shaped their expectations regarding the content of provided information. The research underscores the need for a well-designed, stage-specific system to deliver environment-friendly information effectively, from planning to arrival.

KOBAYASHI, A. (2010). A Study on Visitors’ Cognition and Expectation to Provided Information, and Factors Affecting their Attitude in Shiretoko National Park. Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture, 73(5), 493–498. https://doi.org/10.5632/jila.73.493