Train tourism--going to Japan *primarily* to ride trains, and *primarily* to ride those routes which don't get many riders.
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Most tourism promotion done by Japanese railways these days is targeted at Japanese retirees, not foreigners
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There's obviously nothing wrong with this, but the thing about successful retirees is that they have certain preferences...
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...specifically, they go for luxury and are willing to spend lots of money. Hotels, deluxe treatment, etc etc...
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These are things that are tough to find in dying rural villages along mostly empty railways.
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But what about young foreign tourists, with plenty of energy but not much cash? Who want to rough it a little, get lost in the countryside?
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What I'm thinking of is a network of AirBnb-ish accommodations near rural railways...ride from town to town, wander down country roads...
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...and never be far from a simple, humble place to spend the night. Could open up positions for English-competent young adults...
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...who don't want to be stuck working in Tokyo or Osaka, and would rather live between the mountains guiding visitors from the USA.
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Meanwhile, those visitors from the USA get to enjoy time in Japan without being overwhelmed by urban energy, and when they come home...
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...they'll have a much better idea of the possibilities and appeal of trains. Just a thought; will develop further in time.
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