World heritage and cultural tourism in Japan

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine a conflict between local élites and local forest workers in relation to the designation of Kumano Kodo in Japan as a World Heritage site. Aesthetics of landscapes are highly politicized, which creates conflicts for forest workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines two concepts of “heritage” and “authenticity,” that World Heritage emphasizes. Types of authenticity are compared, and a post‐structuralist's model of authenticity is developed. The study uses empirical research data to show a process of authentication of tourist sites.

Findings

The value associated with World Heritage, while proclaimed as “universal value”, represents a Eurocentric hegemonic power that local élites use symbolically. The construction of Kumano Kodo as a World Heritage site entails masking local histories and memories.

Originality/value

Many scholars discuss heritage sites from the viewpoint of a conflict between nationalism and globalism. This paper, however, views heritage tourism from multiple perspectives, such as globalism, cosmopolitanism and localism.

Citation

Yasuda, H. (2010), "World heritage and cultural tourism in Japan", International Journal of Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Research, Vol. 4 No. 4, pp. 366-375. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506181011081532