Iwate’s “10 Ways to Welcome Tourists” Website – Point 10: Say Thank You to Taiwanese Visitors

Reported by Reporter Yout□ru / Comprehensive Reporting

To better accommodate foreign tourists, Iwate Prefecture has created a dedicated website to help local residents and business owners understand how to interact and get along with international visitors. The guide includes 10 key points of attention, ranging from signage and smartphone camera functions to helping with luggage. The most touching part isPoint 10 of the website, which specially features a “Thank You Card for Taiwan,” stating: “Nowadays, many chartered flights from Taiwan come to Iwate. If you see Taiwanese people around, feel free to express your gratitude.”


▲ Point 10 of the website specially features a “Thank You Card for Taiwan.” (Photo / Screenshot fromhttp://www5.pref.iwate.jp/~hp1010/)

Iwate Prefecture is actively promoting tourism and has created an illustration-themed website titled “10 Ways to Welcome Foreign Tourists.” It covers detailed everyday practices such as ensuring clear signage, having the courage to speak English, adding foreign tourists as Facebook friends, preparing small notebooks for translation assistance, and explaining how foreign guests can enjoy local cuisine.

Point 10, titled “Don’t Forget Those Who Have Helped Iwate,” further states: “Many countries have extended a helping hand to Iwate, especially Taiwan. Nowadays, many chartered flights from Taiwan come to Iwate. If you see Taiwanese people around, feel free to express your gratitude.” The website provides both an English version of the thank-you message and images of the flags of both countries, allowing Iwate residents to print them out and thank Taiwanese visitors at any time.

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10 Ways to Welcome Foreign Tourists:
1. Clear Signage- For example, use symbols instead of Japanese characters for male/female restrooms.
2. Make Visitors Feel Welcome- Put up signs saying “Welcome to Our Town” so that visitors know they will be treated kindly.
3. Have the Courage to Speak English- Although Japanese people may feel shy about speaking English, making the effort can help many confused foreigners.
4. Prepare Smartphones — Not Just for Taking PhotosBecause we want more foreigners to learn about Iwate, when taking photos, take both vertical and horizontal shots. The latter are easier to share and will make visitors very happy.
5. Welcome More Repeat Visitors- If locals in Iwate befriend foreign tourists, more visitors will want to return. Suggest adding them as Facebook friends or taking photos together as a first step to building a connection.
6. Guide Lost Visitors in the Right Direction- If asked for directions and you can’t explain clearly, try to at least accompany them to a nearby spot—even if it’s just roughly the right way.
7. Help Tourists Understand How to Eat Local Food- Many Japanese dishes are “mysterious foods” to foreigners. Even using gestures, be sure to explain how to enjoy them—such as how to eat or what sauces to use. If restaurant staff aren’t around, locals can step in to help.
8. Prepare Small Notebooks- Since Japanese names and place names are hard for foreigners to remember, having a notebook on hand to say “Please write it down!” can be a great communication tool.
9. Help Carry Luggage- Tourists from Europe and America often carry a lot of luggage. After long-haul flights to Japan, they’ll want to see as much as possible. If you see foreigners struggling with heavy bags at bus stops or taxi stands, be sure to lend a hand.
10. Don’t forget to thank those who helped Iwate.- Many countries extended a helping hand to Iwate, especially Taiwan.There are now many direct flights from Taiwan to Iwate. If you meet Taiwanese people along the way, you can always express your gratitude. The website provides English thank-you notes and flag graphics for both countries, which you can use at any time.