The relationship between Shrines and Temples of Nikko and Higashimachi in tourism

Tourism experiences in Higashimachi, the traditional town adjacent to Nikko's shrines and temples, significantly enhance visitors' appreciation of the sacred landscape at Shrines and Temples of Nikko. This contrast between daily and spiritual environments fosters deeper engagement with the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study analyzed travelogues and paintings, revealing that as transportation developed, tourist routes shortened, reducing time spent at each location but also diminishing recognition of Higashimachi's cultural elements. However, when visitors encountered numerous objects in Higashimachi, their perception of Nikko's shrines and temples improved, indicating a positive correlation between the two areas' tourism experiences.

TASHIRO, K., & ITO, H. (2020). The relationship between Shrines and Temples of Nikko and Higashimachi in tourism. Journal of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture, 83(5), 697–702. https://doi.org/10.5632/jila.83.697