▼ Click here for new applications ▼
*Before applying, please ensure you review the audit process, criteria, and fees listed below.▼
About Blue Flag
The Blue Flag is the world's most historic international eco-label for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats, administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It is awarded exclusively to sites that successfully meet all strict criteria across four core categories: Water Quality, Environmental Education, Environmental Management, and Safety & Services.
JARTA is the sole National Operator in Japan officially appointed by FEE. Holding full authority over the certification audits and compliance standards within Japan, JARTA upholds the integrity and value of the Blue Flag through rigorous and impartial evaluations. Furthermore, for public awareness and educational initiatives, JARTA operates in close partnership with the Japan Blue Flag Association.
Visions
The Blue Flag program promotes sustainable development forbeaches, marinas, and tourism boatsthrough strict criteria (Note 1) across four key areas: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services
.*(Note 1: Required criteria are set according to the characteristics of each category.)
To obtain the Blue Flag, local municipalities and the managers or operators of beaches and marinas must take the lead in fulfilling the required criteria established in these four core categories: Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, and Safety and Services.
Missions
As the National Operator, JARTA advances the following missions.
1. Promotion of environmental programs: Encouraging the implementation of high‑quality environmental education programs for users of beaches, marinas, and tourism boats.
2. Establishment and evaluation of management systems: Supporting and assessing administrators and stakeholders in deepening their understanding of environmental management systems and safety and service standards, and ensuring their effective implementation.
3. Minimizing environmental impact and monitoring: Ensuring continuous monitoring and providing appropriate information to minimize the impact of visitor activities on the natural environment.
4. Promoting understanding of coastal environments: Supporting activities that deepen awareness of the coastal environment and ecosystems surrounding beaches.
5. Contributing to sustainable tourism development: Working in collaboration with local communities to promote tourism development that balances environmental protection with economic vitality.
6. Integrating environmental perspectives into governance: Promoting the incorporation of environmental considerations as an essential element in the decision‑making processes of municipalities and stakeholders.
Benefits of Blue Flag Certification
Blue Flag is a certification that indicates beaches and marinas meet international standards for safety, environmental protection, education, and management systems. However, its value goes far beyond simply proving that the water is clean. Blue Flag serves as a powerful driver for shaping the future of local communities.
1. Fostering civic pride within the community
Beaches and marinas recognized internationally become symbols of the community, strengthening residents’ pride and sense of attachment. As people grow more conscious of protecting their local coastline, this awareness becomes a driving force for sustainable community development.
2. Creating opportunities for education and learning
Blue Flag places strong emphasis on environmental education, providing opportunities for people of all ages—from children to adults—to learn about ocean safety and the natural environment. When local schools and organizations incorporate the coast into their learning activities, it helps nurture the next generation of ocean stewards.
3. Strengthening local collaboration and governance
Obtaining certification requires collaboration among local government, businesses, and residents. This process itself strengthens community partnerships and builds a foundation for community development centered around the coast.
4. Promoting sustainable tourism
Because Blue Flag is trusted worldwide, it enhances the reputation of a destination as an environmentally responsible tourism site and attracts high‑quality visitors. This, in turn, brings long‑term benefits to the local economy.
Blue Flag not only protects the beauty of the coastline but also serves as a shared goal for shaping the future of the community. Obtaining certification is not the finish line—it is the starting point for the entire region to grow together with the sea.
The Role of JARTA, Audit Independence, and the Division of Roles with the Japan Blue Flag Association
To ensure the credibility of the Blue Flag program, JARTA operates in accordance with the following principles.
・Authority as the National Operator: JARTA is the sole organization in Japan authorized to conduct the final evaluation and submit recommendations to the international headquarters.
・Independence of the evaluation: Assessments are conducted objectively by a national evaluation committee that includes external experts.
Ensuring fairness: Whether or not an applicant uses the support services provided by the Japan Blue Flag Association has no influence on the evaluation results. By separating the evaluation body (JARTA) from the support organization (the Association), a high level of transparency and governance consistent with international standards is maintained.
JARTA, which is responsible for the evaluation process, and the Japan Blue Flag Association, which handles promotion and support, work in cooperation; however, their roles and authorities are clearly distinct.
| Responsible organization | Cost categories | Description |
| JARTA | Review and application fees | Official evaluation fees based on international rules |
| Japan Blue Flag Association | Support and consulting fees | Costs incurred when requesting specialized support or educational activities for obtaining certification |
Audit and Certification Process
※For those considering applying for beach certification: Beaches often involve a wide range of stakeholders. To ensure a smooth certification process,please conduct sufficient discussions and coordination within the community in advance, determine the “applicant organization (the primary contact),” and then contact JARTA.
The applying municipality considers pursuing Blue Flag certification
and submits a request to begin the application process to JARTA, the national operating organization.
to advance their preparations
JARTA provides procedural guidance
as needed.
(for those who wish to do so).
・Applicants can receive specialized support in outreach, education, and certification assistance.
・Support fees are independently set by the Association.
(This is separate from the evaluation fee.)
*Held every January.
Following the recommendation from the National Jury, the International Jury makes the final decision.
A certificate and the Blue Flag are presented by JARTA, and the site is listed as a certified location on both the JARTA and international headquarters websites.
Fees
To ensure transparency in the evaluation process, the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining the Blue Flag are completely separated as follows.
*All prices listed below include tax.
※In principle, payment is made after the submission of the application (in November).
330,000 JPY per year
330,000 JPY per year
FAQ
- Is it impossible to apply without receiving support from the Japan Blue Flag Association?
-
No, you can. All applicants may submit their application directly through JARTA, the national operator, regardless of whether they use support services or not.
- Does receiving support give any advantage in the evaluation process?
-
No, it does not. The evaluation is conducted independently based on international standards set by FEE. Information regarding whether support was used is completely excluded from the review process, ensuring a strict separation of information.
▼ Click here for new applications ▼
※お申し込みの前に、必ずの審査の流れ、基準、費用等をご確認ください。
