NIIGATA -- Hoping to use the travels of 19th-century British writer Isabella Bird to promote tourism, a number of local organizations are actively researching her journey to Niigata Prefecture in the early Meiji era (1868-1912). Some members of those organizations have launched the Niigata Isabella Bird Kenkyukai (study group) to expand the scope of their activities around this year's 140th anniversary of her visit to the prefecture and elsewhere in Japan.
"Bird's travelogue is packed with the charms of Niigata. It could be used to plan tours that connect related sites," said Takahiro Nouchi, a 50-year-old self-employed man from Chuo Ward, Niigata, who supervises the group.
Bird came to Niigata in July 1878. From Tsugawa in what is now the town of Aga, she traveled by boat down the Agano River. After staying in Niigata, she visited Nakajo in what is now Tainai city and other places for about 10 days before heading to Yamagata Prefecture.
After returning home, Bird published "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan," which described the Agano River as "more beautiful" than the Rhine. This was the origin of Aga's Agano River Rhine Boat Tours.
Bird called Niigata a "handsome, prosperous city" and "the capital of the wealthy province of Echigo," and described its scenery and culture in detail.
Nouchi, who served as a guide on NHK's popular "Bura Tamori" (Tamori's Stroll) program and is engaged in local walking activities, became interested in Bird's trip several years ago and has been gathering historical materials.
"Yamagata Prefecture also has been active in creating tourist routes based on Bird. There could be opportunities for growth under frameworks like the [Cultural Affairs Agency certified] Japan Heritage program," he said.
Thirty-six members of the Niigata study group and others took an Agano River Rhine Boat Tour on March 17, rode the Shinanogawa water shuttle and participated in other activities in which they gave thought to Bird's journey.
"I feel like I made new discoveries by taking on the viewpoint of a traveler from the past," said Yoriko Ito, 52, who joined the study group through an organization that holds walks in Konan Ward, Niigata.
The study group is working with an organization in Niigata to plan an event in July to learn more about Bird's route and the history contemporary to her visit.
"If Bird becomes more widely known, it would be good publicity for Niigata. We need the whole region to work together," Nouchi said.
-- Isabella Bird (1831-1904)
Bird arrived in Japan in May 1878. She departed from Yokohama and spent about seven months traveling mainly by horse in Tohoku, Hokkaido and elsewhere. Her book about the trip -- "Unbeaten Tracks in Japan" -- was published in Britain in 1880 and became a bestseller.
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