Property Adjacent Episode 2 – Canyons Founder Mike Harris on Adventure Tourism in Japan
- Adam German
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 11 minutes ago
Japan-based adventure tourism firm Canyons Founder Mike Harris recorded a video call with Adam German earlier in June for a wide-ranging discussion covering Canyons humble beginnings to the trailblazing, all-season adventure tourism company it is today.
Property Adjacent by Patience Realty is a podcast dedicated to zooming out from the confines of just residential real estate to see a general view of the economy to give property buyers and sellers a sense of what could be on the horizon that can affect property decisions here in Japan.
Wage growth, corporate health, government policies and demographic trends are some examples, but not all, of what can move the dial price-wise in the residential sector of the property market.
Key Topics Covered in Mike’s Podcast
From Tokyo's Pulse to River Rapids: Discover how a thrilling rafting trip fundamentally reshaped Mike Harris's trajectory, leading him to leave the big city and establish Japan's very first canyoning company, Canyons, starting from a modest garage.
A Year-Round Adventure Powerhouse: Learn how Canyons, initially a green season venture, strategically expanded into ski schools, creating year-round employment and shifting its business model so that winter activities now account for a large part of operations.
Pioneering Safety in an Unregulated Frontier: Hear how Mike, drawing on New Zealand's rigorous standards, became a leading advocate for safety, even lobbying the Prime Minister to implement critical industry guidelines.
The Pandemic's Silver Lining for Rural Japan: Explore how the COVID-19 pandemic, despite initial disruptions, spurred an increase in domestic outdoor activity and a new appreciation for rural living, ultimately contributing to the current boom in Japan's adventure and nature-based tourism.
A Vision for Sustainable Regional Tourism: Mike shares his ongoing work consulting with regional municipalities across Japan, from major cities to remote towns, to develop tailored tourism experiences. Discover how this strategic focus aims to diffuse over-tourism from popular spots, highlight unique local cultures, and drive economic and social benefits to rural areas.
