From the perspectives of architecture, urban planning, and tourism studies, my work focuses on community-based development and the preservation of cultural heritage through public–private collaboration. By engaging closely with local communities, I aim to advance the management of tourism and cultural heritage in ways that ensure their continuity for future generations.
Throughout my career, I have worked together with local communities on the management of historic landscapes, heritage, and tourism, drawing from the perspectives of architecture, urban planning, and tourism studies in both Japan and abroad.
The deep collaborations I have had with municipalities, prefectures, national ministries, and international organizations—through committees, commissioned research, and entrusted projects—have been invaluable experiences for me.
This website serves as an archive of the projects and research outcomes I have been involved in to date. My hope is that it will provide useful information for those interested in the management of tourism and cultural heritage, as well as for those engaged in community development.
All of the activities and results presented here have only been made possible through the trust and cooperation of many people. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to them.
I sincerely hope that this website will inspire new insights and creativity among those with an interest in tourism studies and cultural heritage.
Thank you for your continued support.
Noriaki Nishiyama
Both natural and cultural heritage derive their value through their relationship with human life. The term living heritage refers to heritage in which tangible elements—such as villages, townscapes, or architecture—are inseparably intertwined with intangible aspects such as ways of life and livelihoods (①). Cultural landscapes and groups of traditional buildings are typical examples. By recognizing all forms of heritage, including World Heritage sites, as living heritage, they become resources that integrate with community life and support sustainable development.
Living heritage also refers to heritage safeguarded within active, living relationships involving stakeholders such as indigenous peoples and local residents (②). Whether World Heritage or citizen-led heritage, preservation and utilization should follow this principle, seeking ways to build sustainable relationships between heritage and tourism. The ecomuseum has attracted attention both in Japan and abroad as an effective approach that combines community-based heritage protection with tourism development.
Tourism has the potential not only to bring economic benefits but also to directly address diverse local challenges. Managing a community as an attractive tourism destination can help draw not only domestic and international visitors, but also new residents, businesses, and investors. Issues such as promoting settlement, creating employment, conserving the environment, and protecting heritage need not be left solely to public authorities; they can be addressed within the framework of destination management. Tourism development at the local level should be pursued as a form of public good.
Creating and conserving the value of local landscapes as living heritage
Creating and conserving the value of historic
settlements and townscapes as living heritage
Explaining and safeguarding the universal value of humanity’s heritage
Safeguarding heritage as a universal value for communities
Community-based tourism development for heritage protection
Addressing regional challenges through public–private collaboration in tourism development
Supporting sustainable community development through the “Japanese-style Ecomuseum”
・Growth Management Policies in the United States ・Conservation, Design, and Exhibition of Architecture and Facilities ・Singing Sands (Naki-suna / Nari-suna)
I have been active in various academic associations in Japan and abroad, including: Member, Architectural Institute of Japan (since 1986) Member, City Planning Institute of Japan (since 1990) Member, ICOMOS Japan (since 2006) Member, Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage (since 2006) I have also contributed to academic governance, serving as: Board Member, City Planning Institute of Japan (2017–2019) Deputy Branch Director, Hokkaido Branch, City Planning Institute of Japan (2013–2017)
I have served as an expert member on numerous government committees related to the protection and utilization of cultural properties, including: Expert Member, Council for Cultural Affairs, Agency for Cultural Affairs (2011–2021) Expert Member, National Land Council, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (2015–2022) Member, Agency for Cultural Affairs Committee on Cultural Property Conservation and Utilization Plans (2019–present) At the regional level, I have also served as: Member, Hokkaido Landscape Council (2016–2020) Member, Kumamoto Prefecture “Expert Committee on the World Cultural Heritage Inscription of Aso” (2017–present)
I have worked closely with municipalities across Japan on cultural heritage preservation and utilization, including: Member, Hagi Machiju Museum Promotion Committee (2003–present) Chair, Sapporo City Urban Landscape Council (2017–2020) Member, Iwakuni City Bandai Bridge World Cultural Heritage Expert Committee (2009–present)
My international contributions include: Course Leader and Lecturer, JICA training programs Dispatched Expert to Jordan, Fiji, and other countries Special Advisor, UNWTO Asia-Pacific Center (2013–2015) Through these activities, I have been engaged in international cooperation for cultural heritage preservation and tourism development.
In the course of my research and practice—spanning cultural heritage preservation, urban planning, and tourism promotion—I have compiled the insights I have gained into books and articles. I hope these works will serve as a useful reference for those interested in community development that draws on historic buildings and local cultural assets.
Through my publications, I aim to share my perspectives and experiences, and I would be delighted if readers find ideas that resonate with them. If any of these titles catch your interest, I encourage you to explore them further.
For requests related to joint research, lectures, or workshops, please feel free to contact me via the form or by email. I am happy to tailor my contribution to the specific issues and needs of your community.
Questions regarding research topics or placement in my laboratory are welcome at any time. I look forward to hearing from students interested in tourism studies and cultural heritage.
I also accept requests for interviews and commentary on tourism and cultural heritage. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require expert insights or explanations.
