(5) Promoting the development of waterfront spaces, etc.

The development of rivers conscious of water amenity, landscapes etc. has been driven to allow them to be used as a natural space friendly to anybody through the implementation of such endeavors as “Multi-natural River Development,” “River Community Development Support Program” and “Waterside School Project,” with their indigenous nature, culture, histories, etc. taken into consideration.

Other ongoing efforts directed at regenerating and creating waterside environments from the facility spaces of sewage line and from sewage plant effluents include development of babbling water streams taking advantage of storm sewers and that of facilities for putting sewage plant effluents to use as babbling water. The conservation and creation of excellent waterside environments is also ensured by the implementation of appropriate waste water treatment.

## 2 Community Development Leveraging Nature and History

(1) Developing National Government Parks to contribute to the preservation, utilization, etc. of Japan's indigenous cultures

The development of National Government Parks has been driven to ensure the preservation, utilization, etc. of Japan’s superb indigenous cultures. A total of 17 National Government Parks are already open, including the Asuka Historical National Government Park. In FY2013, the area surrounding the Kitora Tumulus, etc. was refurbished in the Asuka Historical National Government Park (Asuka Zone).

## (2) Preserving historic landscapes in ancient capitals

In Japan’s ancient capital, such as Kyoto, Nara and Kamakura, restrictions are placed on constructing new buildings, etc., making additions and modifications to existing ones, developing housing land and so on under the “Act on Special Measures for Preservation of Historic Natural Features in Ancient Cities (Ancient Capitals Preservation Law).” The Act also provides for the implementation of ancient city preservation projects, such as purchasing land, and publicity, educational and other activities, to help preserve historic landscapes in these cities.

(3) Preserving and utilizing historic public buildings of historical value, etc.

The preservation and utilization of locally long-loved governmental and other public facilities has been promoted. In addition, efforts have been encouraged to turn erosion and sabo facilities of historic significance (as of March 31, 2014, two designated Important Cultural Properties and 177 designated Registered Tangible Cultural Properties) and their ambient surroundings into a new forum of human interaction by positioning these facilities as a core of tourism resources.

## (4) Promoting urban development to take advantage of histories and cultures

To promote urban development that takes advantage of regional histories and traditional cultures, “A plan for the maintenance and improvement of historic landscape plans in 44 municipalities (as of March 31, 2014) have been accredited pursuant to the “Act on Maintenance and Improvement of Historic Landscape in a Community (Historical Urban Development Law) to support activities adhering to the plans.” Further, experimental reviews and surveys have been conducted in 13 regions nationwide towards the resolution of common tasks facing the formation of historic landscape.

Inariyama Erosion Control Dam Mix (Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture)

Tourism and exchange activities are promoted using historic sabo dam facilities that protect the communities

Source) MLIT