The Land of the Rising Sun conjures an array of captivating images: snow-capped Mt Fuji, the sleek bullet train racing past the countryside, the vibrant lights of the Ginza District, the serene cherry blossom gardens, and the tranquil presence of Ushiku Daibutsu. In an exclusive conversation with Neha Pranay Nath, Director, I Love Japan, we delve into the lesser-known marvels of this fascinating destination.
The Passion Behind I Love Japan
The inspiration behind launching ‘I Love Japan’ is as heartfelt as its name. Neha passionately shares, “I truly love Japan. The country captivates me in so many ways. From its deep-rooted mindfulness to the vibrant experiences it offers, every visit feels invigorating. The warmth and respect in every interaction, whether through a bow, a greeting, or the genuine hospitality extended in even the smallest corner store, are simply extraordinary. The humility, politeness, and kindness woven into the fabric of this remarkable nation leave a lasting impression.”
With this deep-rooted admiration, Neha endeavors to promote tourism to Japan by curating itineraries and creating enriched, unique experiences for travellers to carry back home.
Neha notes that Indian tourists often associate Japan with Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, and the cherry blossom season. “We get a lot of mixed inputs from Indian tourists,” she explains. “Many have a limited perception of Japan, but we want to take it to the next level. Japan has so much more to offer, and that is where our expertise helps travellers discover new possibilities.”
Japan’s Hidden Destinations
When asked about lesser-known yet must-visit destinations, Neha enthusiastically suggests the beautiful town of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. “This town is like stepping into Japan’s Edo Period. Everything about Takayama touches your soul, from the beautiful float festival to its temples and shrines. It pairs well with Toyama and Kanazawa.”
Ise Shima National Park in Mie is known for its rich tradition of freediving, fishing, and pearl farming, where visitors can extract pearls from real oysters. Beyond Hiroshima, places like Fukuyama and Etajima remain unexplored but have much to offer.
In Northern Japan, the Tohoku region offers breathtaking beauty with fewer crowds. Destinations like Fukushima, Sendai, Aizu Wakamatsu, and Niigata provide an authentic slice of Japan. Further north, Aomori, Hakodate, Sapporo, and the canal town of Otaru are equally mesmerising and await Indian travellers to experience their charm.
Exclusive Cultural Experiences
Beyond destinations, I Love Japan curates immersive experiences that bring Japan’s traditions to life. A stay at a Ryokan, the traditional Japanese inn, offers a deep dive into Japan’s cultural heritage, with tatami mat rooms and kaiseki meals.
Guests can meet a real samurai, learn the art of using a katana, and even try their hand at ninja dart-throwing. For those seeking a spiritual retreat, temple stays in Koyasan provide an opportunity to live like a monk. Awaji Island is a dream for anime lovers, with attractions themed around Japanese manga comics. Traditional tea ceremonies and kimono dressing further offer a glimpse into Japan’s refined aesthetics and hospitality.
MICE & FIT: Growing Travel Segments
Japan is attracting a balanced mix of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and FIT (Free Independent Traveller) tourism. “We have had a 50-50 business mix between MICE and FIT travel. While we have handled groups of up to 40 guests, we recommend an ideal group size of 20-24 for a more personalised experience. Over the years, we have been educating travel agents about Japan, resulting in a three-digit year-on-year growth in tourism from India,” Neha shares.
Japan is a land of contrasts, seamlessly blending the ultramodern with the deeply traditional. Yet, beyond the famed Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka circuit lies a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored.
