Kyoto, one of Asia's most sacred sites, is "magnificently preserved and managed," and honors the "serenity and charm of ancient Japan." It showcases a "rich legacy of living cultures and festivals, immaculate gardens, a variety of crafts and cuisines, all within a modern city."
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"Pristine environment, high standards of conservation, and exceptional management skills make Kyoto one of the finest destinations in the East. Its rich legacy of living cultures and festivals complements a vibrant sacred center. The large numbers of visitors are well managed, and ritual practices mesh with the tourist pressure. A wealth of diversity, immaculate gardens, pure water, crafts, and cuisines are located within a vibrant and modern city."
"The serenity and charm of ancient Japan can still be found in Old Kyoto. Japan takes this site very seriously and does a good job in maintaining its integrity despite accelerating numbers of tourists."
"Strong emphasis on Japanese culture. The geisha quarter is very well restored in ancient style. The old spa was a real Japanese experience. The landscape is amazing, with temples and shrines. Environmentally, the pollution and traffic jams are challenges. Sometimes difficult to manage daily activities without Japanese language. Local people are very friendly and helpful."
"Tourists, local people, and the authorities show great respect for the monuments—the degree of care for them is high."
Japan: Fujisan (Mount Fuji)
Score: 74
Tourist over-load is inevitable at this world-famous peak, but "the Japanese people give it great respect," which has helped with campaigns to reduce trash and protect the mountain's natural qualities.
Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:
"One of the main sacred destinations of Japan. Seeing Fuijsan without clouds is one of the great celebrations of this sacred journey. Its visibility is well preserved and the setting is protected as one of Japan's iconic sites. Several temples, large and small, define the pilgrimage and are still used by Japanese for private rituals."
"Climbing Fuji is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Needs better interpretation about historic meanings. Area around base of mountain is losing the quality of the original small communities, and becoming very commercialized."
"Many of the human waste and trash problems on the upper slopes of Fuji have been addressed and improved. The local people and national figures are very concerned with improving the environment of the mountain so it can be accepted as a World Heritage nomination."
"Certain areas of Fujisan are prepared for medium to large-scale popular tourism, with highways, parkways, and fast railroad services from the Kanto plain containing greater Tokyo. The area is losing the stock of traditional Ryokans inns it used to have, under competition from modern spas and full-service hotels. The environmental management appears to be of very high standard. However, the tiny hamlets, with their local restaurants and ryokans, seem to be bypassed by the younger tourists."
