The Ainu Culture of Sakhalin Island - How has tourism affected the Ainu and their way of life?

THE AINU CULTURE OF SAKHALIN ISLAND

Travis Jordan

How has tourism affected the Ainu and their way of life?

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY

UNIT: TOURISM

TOPIC: MOUNTAIN TRIBES

EXAMINER: Mrs LENORE KANARIS

DUE DATE: 22nd OCTOBER, 2006

NASA Satellite Image of Japan Captured March 11, 2...

Japan Fisheries cooperative

Figure 1

The rivers Tym and Taranai run in the valley, both of which are known for their excellent fishing (Sakhalin Island 2006) and, specifically the Tym, rapids. Russia's highest waterfall, Illija Muromets, is also located on the island. The island in the north experiences similar conditions to much of southern Siberia with long winters lasting up to 8 months whereas the southern stretch of the island experiences definitive seasons and regular monsoons (SAKHALIN.RU 2004). The island is covered in a dense coniferous forest with under-foliage dominated by edible berries like cloudberry, cranberry and raspberry. Much of the island is non-arable, although river valleys like the one Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is located in are fertile. The rivers are abundant in trout, salmon, and otters, while the forests can be hunted for reindeer and musk deer.

The Ainu are benefiting from the tourist trade as tourists, especially...