Water-based recreation

Water and waterfronts of Tokyo Bay had long provided good opportunities for bathing, shell-gathering, fishing, pleasure-boating, and outings to scenic seaside areas. Locations for these popular outdoor recreational activities were very close for many people living in the Tokyo Bay area. However, opportunities for, and participation in, these activities declined beginning in the 1960’s because of: (1) land reclamation; and (2) deterioration in environmental quality in the bay during the years of rapid economic growth. By the mid- 1980’s, people had become much more concerned about the value of nature than in the past. In the future they may appreciate it even more, because the demand for recreational opportunities will increase when people have more leisure time, and new types of water-related recreation, e.g., surfing and wind-surfing, are attracting participants, particularly those of younger generations.