{"id":192668,"date":"2025-09-17T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=192668"},"modified":"2025-09-16T17:51:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T08:51:39","slug":"sustainability-and-tourism-apu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/sustainability-and-tourism-apu\/","title":{"rendered":"Why APU\u2019s sustainability and tourism degree is perfect for global-minded students"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Study sustainability and tourism at APU: a degree for the future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>sustainability and tourism in Japan<\/strong> might be exactly what you\u2019re looking for.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, the tourism industry has been shifting toward sustainability and recognizing the important role it plays in the future of the field. <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/schools\/universities\/oita\/ritsumeikan-asia-pacific-university-apu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)<\/a> realized that early, and was the <strong>first university in Japan<\/strong> to merge its environmental science programs with its tourism and hospitality program into one single program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At APU, you\u2019ll acquire more than just a degree. You\u2019ll join a vibrant international community, gain real-world experience in one of Japan\u2019s most unique regions, and prepare yourself for a career that\u2019s centered around creating a brighter, more sustainable future for travel and tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why choose APU?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>APU isn\u2019t just another university in Japan \u2014 it\u2019s one of the most international campuses in the entire country. Around half of APU\u2019s student body comes from overseas, representing <strong>more than 90 different countries and regions<\/strong>. This means that your friends and classmates will bring perspectives and experiences from every corner of the globe. It\u2019s a chance to truly learn in a multicultural environment that mirrors the international career you\u2019re working toward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The location also makes APU special. The campus sits in <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/live-in-oita\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Beppu, Oita<\/strong><\/a>, a charming coastal city on the southern island of Ky\u016bsh\u016b. Beppu is famous for its <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/etiquette-at-a-japanese-hot-spring\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hot springs<\/a> \u2014 more than 2,000 of them! \u2014 and its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Classes at APU are taught in both English and Japanese, so you don\u2019t need advanced Japanese skills to start your studies. At the same time, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes APU even more special is its international recognition. The program holds the <strong>UNWTO TedQual accreditation<\/strong>, a rare achievement worldwide. This stamp of quality proves that you\u2019ll be studying in a program that not only meets global standards, but also prepares you to thrive in the future of tourism and sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"491\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-4.png\" alt=\"three signs on APU campus about the different colleges of sustainability and tourism and asia pacific studies\" class=\"wp-image-192680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-4.png 898w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-4-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-4-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 898px) 100vw, 898px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why study sustainability and tourism?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tourism is one of the most powerful industries in the world \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where <strong>sustainable tourism<\/strong> comes in. It\u2019s about creating travel experiences that are responsible, inclusive, and beneficial \u2014 not just for visitors, but for the communities and environments they interact with. Travel should benefit both the people and the planet. Whether it\u2019s eco-friendly hotels and cultural preservation projects or policies that protect natural resources, sustainability is at the heart of tourism\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/further-education-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studying in Japan<\/a> gives you a front-row seat to see how a country can grow its tourism industry while respecting both its people and its environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you\u2019ll learn in APU\u2019s program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>APU\u2019s Sustainability and Tourism degree is designed to give you a strong foundation while letting you dive deep into the areas you\u2019re most passionate about. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences, so you\u2019ll graduate with both knowledge and practical skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the areas you\u2019ll explore include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tourism management and planning<\/strong> \u2014 Learn how to create tourism strategies that are sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cultural heritage and community development<\/strong> \u2014 Discover how to protect local traditions while supporting communities through tourism.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Environmental policy and global sustainability<\/strong> \u2014 Study how governments, NGOs, and businesses are tackling the world\u2019s biggest environmental challenges.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business and entrepreneurship<\/strong> \u2014 Gain insight into how sustainable business practices can reshape the travel and hospitality industry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes APU stand out is the way learning extends beyond the classroom. You won\u2019t just read about sustainability \u2014 you\u2019ll experience it. Students take part in internships, research projects, and fieldwork in the local community. Beppu itself is a major tourist destination, so you\u2019ll be able to see how tourism works on the ground and even contribute to local projects. It\u2019s a chance to apply what you learn directly to real-life situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes APU special?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lots of universities offer tourism programs, but here are a few factors that truly make APU stand out:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A global campus<\/strong> \u2014 With half the students coming from abroad, you\u2019ll be part of one of the most international learning environments in Japan.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The perfect location<\/strong> \u2014 Beppu is both a major tourist destination and a beautiful, safe city surrounded by nature. It\u2019s the ideal place to live and learn.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical learning<\/strong> \u2014 You will build real experience through projects, internships, and community work. From internships to community projects, you\u2019ll graduate with experiences that make your CV stand out.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Language learning<\/strong> \u2014 Start your degree in English while learning Japanese at your own pace. By graduation, you\u2019ll have skills that set you apart in the global job market.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supportive community<\/strong> \u2014 APU is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong student support systems, so you\u2019ll never feel alone in your journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"491\" src=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-3.png\" alt=\"student walking on the APU campus in beppu\" class=\"wp-image-192677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-3.png 898w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-3-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-3-768x420.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 898px) 100vw, 898px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can this degree take you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduates of APU\u2019s Sustainability and Tourism program go on to exciting and meaningful careers all over the world. Some paths include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tourism and hospitality management<\/strong> \u2014 Managing tourism destinations and hospitality businesses with a focus on sustainability.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eco-tourism and cultural preservation projects<\/strong> \u2014 Working on projects that protect the planet and heritage sites.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>NGOs and international organizations<\/strong> \u2014 Joining organizations focused on development and sustainability.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Government and policy work<\/strong> \u2014 Contributing to government policy and community development projects.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Corporate sustainability roles<\/strong> \u2014 Leading corporate sustainability initiatives in global companies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why apply now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The future of tourism is sustainable, and the world needs leaders who can guide the industry in that direction. By joining APU\u2019s program now, you\u2019ll place yourself at the cutting edge of a growing field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On top of that, you\u2019ll gain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International friendships and networks that last a lifetime.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A chance to live and study in one of Japan\u2019s most welcoming and unique cities.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language skills and cross-cultural experiences that employers worldwide value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Opportunities like this don\u2019t wait \u2014 so if you\u2019ve been considering studying in Japan, this is the perfect time to take the leap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Go! Go! Nihon can help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We know that applying to universities in Japan can feel overwhelming \u2014 but don\u2019t worry, that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re here for. At Go! Go! Nihon, we help students from all over the world apply to APU without any cost to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll guide you through every step of the process, from preparing documents to <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/studying-abroad-in-japan\/how-to-apply-for-a-japan-student-visa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">handling visas<\/a> and finding a place to live. Our team has years of experience helping international students make their <a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/studying-abroad-in-japan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japan study abroad<\/a> dreams a reality. With our support, you can focus on getting excited about your new adventure at APU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready to start your journey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re passionate about travel, culture, and making the world a better place, APU\u2019s Sustainability and Tourism degree is perfect for you. You\u2019ll gain the knowledge and experience to succeed, while enjoying an unforgettable experience as a student abroad in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get in touch<\/a> with Go! Go! Nihon today and start your application for APU. Your future in sustainable tourism begins here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":192669,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[401],"tags":[2331,690,680,2332],"class_list":["post-192668","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-japan","tag-apu","tag-living-abroad","tag-study-in-japan","tag-sustainability-and-tourism"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192668","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=192668"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192668\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":195752,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192668\/revisions\/195752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/192669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=192668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=192668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=192668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}