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Study sustainability and tourism at APU: a degree for the future
Do you want a career that opens up the world even more to you? That lets you travel, connect with people from around the globe, and make a positive impact on the planet? If so, then pursuing a degree in sustainability and tourism in Japan might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Recently, the tourism industry has been shifting toward sustainability and recognizing the important role it plays in the future of the field. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) realized that early, and was the first university in Japan to merge its environmental science programs with its tourism and hospitality program into one single program.
At APU, you’ll acquire more than just a degree. You’ll join a vibrant international community, gain real-world experience in one of Japan’s most unique regions, and prepare yourself for a career that’s centered around creating a brighter, more sustainable future for travel and tourism.
Why choose APU?
APU isn’t just another university in Japan — it’s one of the most international campuses in the entire country. Around half of APU’s student body comes from overseas, representing more than 90 different countries and regions. This means that your friends and classmates will bring perspectives and experiences from every corner of the globe. It’s a chance to truly learn in a multicultural environment that mirrors the international career you’re working toward.
The location also makes APU special. The campus sits in Beppu, Oita, a charming coastal city on the southern island of Kyūshū. Beppu is famous for its hot springs — more than 2,000 of them! — and its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You’ll be surrounded by stunning nature, with your pick of the mountains and the sea, and experience a side of Japan that most tourists never get to see.
Classes at APU are taught in both English and Japanese, so you don’t need advanced Japanese skills to start your studies. At the same time, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn the language, which can open up even more doors for your future career. Add to that a lively campus life filled with clubs, events, and cultural exchanges, and APU quickly feels like a home away from home. You will get to join a welcoming community and connect with people from all around the world.
What makes APU even more special is its international recognition. The program holds the UNWTO TedQual accreditation, a rare achievement worldwide. This stamp of quality proves that you’ll be studying in a program that not only meets global standards, but also prepares you to thrive in the future of tourism and sustainability.
Why study sustainability and tourism?
Tourism is one of the most powerful industries in the world — it connects people, supports communities, and drives economies. But it also faces big challenges. Climate change, overtourism, and the need to protect cultural traditions are forcing destinations everywhere to rethink how tourism works.
That’s where sustainable tourism comes in. It’s about creating travel experiences that are responsible, inclusive, and beneficial — not just for visitors, but for the communities and environments they interact with. Travel should benefit both the people and the planet. Whether it’s eco-friendly hotels and cultural preservation projects or policies that protect natural resources, sustainability is at the heart of tourism’s future.
Japan is an ideal place to study this balance. It is both a country with deep cultural traditions and heritage sites that must be protected and a global leader in innovation and sustainability. Japan plays an important role in this industry with its forward-thinking initiatives in eco-tourism, rural revitalization, and environmental policies. Studying in Japan gives you a front-row seat to see how a country can grow its tourism industry while respecting both its people and its environment.
What you’ll learn in APU’s program
APU’s Sustainability and Tourism degree is designed to give you a strong foundation while letting you dive deep into the areas you’re most passionate about. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences, so you’ll graduate with both knowledge and practical skills.
Some of the areas you’ll explore include:
- Tourism management and planning — Learn how to create tourism strategies that are sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.
- Cultural heritage and community development — Discover how to protect local traditions while supporting communities through tourism.
- Environmental policy and global sustainability — Study how governments, NGOs, and businesses are tackling the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
- Business and entrepreneurship — Gain insight into how sustainable business practices can reshape the travel and hospitality industry.
What makes APU stand out is the way learning extends beyond the classroom. You won’t just read about sustainability — you’ll experience it. Students take part in internships, research projects, and fieldwork in the local community. Beppu itself is a major tourist destination, so you’ll be able to see how tourism works on the ground and even contribute to local projects. It’s a chance to apply what you learn directly to real-life situations.
What makes APU special?
Lots of universities offer tourism programs, but here are a few factors that truly make APU stand out:
- A global campus — With half the students coming from abroad, you’ll be part of one of the most international learning environments in Japan.
- The perfect location — Beppu is both a major tourist destination and a beautiful, safe city surrounded by nature. It’s the ideal place to live and learn.
- Practical learning — You will build real experience through projects, internships, and community work. From internships to community projects, you’ll graduate with experiences that make your CV stand out.
- Language learning — Start your degree in English while learning Japanese at your own pace. By graduation, you’ll have skills that set you apart in the global job market.
- Supportive community — APU is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong student support systems, so you’ll never feel alone in your journey.
Where can this degree take you?
Graduates of APU’s Sustainability and Tourism program go on to exciting and meaningful careers all over the world. Some paths include:
- Tourism and hospitality management — Managing tourism destinations and hospitality businesses with a focus on sustainability.
- Eco-tourism and cultural preservation projects — Working on projects that protect the planet and heritage sites.
- NGOs and international organizations — Joining organizations focused on development and sustainability.
- Government and policy work — Contributing to government policy and community development projects.
- Corporate sustainability roles — Leading corporate sustainability initiatives in global companies.
With the world paying more attention than ever to sustainability, professionals with expertise in this area are in high demand. An APU degree gives you not just the knowledge, but also the international perspective and practical experience to step into these roles with confidence.
Why apply now?
The future of tourism is sustainable, and the world needs leaders who can guide the industry in that direction. By joining APU’s program now, you’ll place yourself at the cutting edge of a growing field.
On top of that, you’ll gain:
- International friendships and networks that last a lifetime.
- A chance to live and study in one of Japan’s most welcoming and unique cities.
- Language skills and cross-cultural experiences that employers worldwide value.
Opportunities like this don’t wait — so if you’ve been considering studying in Japan, this is the perfect time to take the leap.
How Go! Go! Nihon can help
We know that applying to universities in Japan can feel overwhelming — but don’t worry, that’s exactly what we’re here for. At Go! Go! Nihon, we help students from all over the world apply to APU without any cost to you.
We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from preparing documents to handling visas and finding a place to live. Our team has years of experience helping international students make their Japan study abroad dreams a reality. With our support, you can focus on getting excited about your new adventure at APU.
Ready to start your journey?
If you’re passionate about travel, culture, and making the world a better place, APU’s Sustainability and Tourism degree is perfect for you. You’ll gain the knowledge and experience to succeed, while enjoying an unforgettable experience as a student abroad in Japan.
Get in touch with Go! Go! Nihon today and start your application for APU. Your future in sustainable tourism begins here.
