Unpacking Japan The challenges of tourism for a small Japanese town
Dec 19, 2025
Victoria shares her journey from a working holiday in Hiroshima to becoming a tourism ambassador in Bizen, Okayama. She discusses the unique charm of Bizen, including its pottery and heritage, while navigating the challenges of promoting tourism in a small town. The impact of COVID-19 on her plans, the slow pace of local government, and her efforts to build trust in the community are highlighted. Victoria also reflects on her passion for sustainable tourism and her future plans to launch freelance tours, focusing on authenticity and respectful visitor experiences.
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Serendipity Changed Her Path
- Victoria arrived on a working-holiday visa and stayed because COVID blocked plans to return.
- That unplanned extension let her shift from short-term travel to deep cultural work in Japan.
Hired Via Local Connections
- Victoria applied for a city-run rural revitalization role after hearing about it via family connections.
- The casual interview ended with them handing her a French pamphlet to confirm she was actually French.
Promote By Showing Up And Posting
- Create local English social accounts and promote events to attract foreigners.
- Use on-the-ground reporting: attend events, film, photograph, and post consistently.