JNTO hosted a FAM trip for travel professionals from key Indian cities
In order to promote different areas of the country, Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Delhi, recently hosted a familiarisation trip for six Indian travel agents, with the aim to spotlight the Hokuriku region, presenting it as the ‘New Golden Route’ connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.
In a press statement, JNTO states that trip was hosted for travel professionals from key Indian cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Kolkata, offering them first-hand experience of Japan’s rich culture on the Hokuriku route covering Yamanashi, Nagano, Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui prefecture.
According to the statement, the group began the tour in Yamanashi with a lunch on Fujiyama Terrace, a restaurant offering delectable food and captivating views of Mount Fuji, which was followed by a visit to the Fujisan World Heritage Centre and its observatory.
‘New Golden Route’
They then travelled to Takaoka City, visiting the majestic Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the most famous Great Buddhas and the Amaharashi Coast, an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
The statement adds that the travel agents had the opportunity to embark on a culinary journey, indulging in authentic Japanese cuisine such as Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal, Teppanyaki, where food is prepared right in front of diners on a hot grill, and Robatayaki, which is skewered food grilled over hot charcoal at the table.
The itinerary also included a visit to Kanazawa City, where the agents explored the historic Nagamachi Samurai District and toured the beautifully preserved Nomura Samurai House, gaining valuable insights into the lifestyle and traditions of Japan’s samurai era.
The fam trip also included a to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, strolled through Higashi Chaya-gai (Geisha Street), and the agents also took part in a unique gold leaf crafting experience, a signature craft of Kanazawa celebrated for its long-standing gold leaf production.
The group then took a bullet train to Fukui Prefecture, after witnessing the vibrant autumn foliage at the Kenrokuen Garden. In Fukui Prefecture, the participants immersed themselves in a series of hands-on cultural experiences, including soba noodle-making, washi paper crafting, and a visit to the renowned Takefu Knife Village.
JNTO says that the tour was part of its ongoing efforts to promote Japan as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists.
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