With a record number of 36.8 million people visiting Japan last year, a whopping 47% increase from 2023, the number of queries we have been receiving about the Land of the Rising Sun has also been at an all-time high. Recently, our Senior Account Manager in the UK, Matt Bangma, hosted a group of UK travel agents on a 10-day familiarisation trip to Japan, which explored some of the classic sites like Tokyo and Kyoto but also showcased more of the “off the beaten track” stops like Niigata and Yoshino.
According to Matt, “The trip highlighted Discova’s ability to show travellers more than just the golden route and expected experience, by taking them to new and exciting places, all while seamlessly ensuring their transportation and accommodation needs were taken care of.”
Along with temple visits and city tours, the itinerary included less familiar experiences like a metal workshop in Sanjo and a sushi and rice masterclass in Tokamanchi. Even though this was not Matt’s first time in Japan, his last trip was 18 years ago. A lot has changed since then, especially when it comes to the influx of smartphones and other technology. But the hospitality and politeness of the Japanese people and the country’s culinary delights continue to remain as traditionally captivating as ever.
Matt feels that even for travel agents visiting Japan for the first time, seeing the Tokyo Skytree, riding the bullet trains, or even a night of wild Karaoke, all these diverse experiences contributed to the appeal of this itinerary.
“Agents were able to experience firsthand the logistics and nuances of travelling around Japan and returned to the UK with a revitalised ability to speak confidently about the country. By ensuring that the itinerary included some lesser-known destinations and experiences like the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art and welcome prayers at Kinpusenji Temple, in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yoshino, agents were able to broaden their knowledge of Japan,” he adds.
Discova guides Erik and Yuki played a key role in bringing these destinations alive through their own stories and a wealth of information, both practical and historical. The agents never felt rushed and were always cared for, giving them a firsthand experience of the impeccable service and attention that Discova can provide to clients in Japan. A memory that particularly comes to Matt’s mind was an impromptu ramen restaurant experience in Kyoto, which was organised by Erik.
“The clients had dined well over the previous days, but several of them were excited to partake in an authentic local–style meal. And as many had not yet sampled ramen, Erik, a Kyoto local, took us for lunch at a fantastic and highly authentic local restaurant. This was truly the best ramen I have ever eaten. All clients left with bellies full and beaming smiles,” he recalls.
Apart from the inspection trips and meetings, no FAM tour is truly complete without meaningful excursions that positively impact both travellers and local communities. And one of our activities in Niigata did just that.
Matt informs, “Our visit to the metal workshop of Mr Tsuiki Makoto Susa, a master of copperware, was not just informative, but also hands-on, allowing our agents the opportunity to create and bring home a souvenir from their visit. The experience taught us not only how incredibly difficult it is to master this skill but the importance of keeping these crafts alive for future generations. By supporting a local craftsman, he, in turn, is able to continue the preservation of his craft.”
With Discova increasingly spreading its wings to include trips that explore the pristine and less trodden parts of the country, we are committed to not adding to the problem of over-tourism in Japan. Having experienced this himself, Matt adds, “From the tranquility of shrines contrasted by the neon signs and noises of Shinjuku, Japan appeals to multiple nationalities and personality types. Discova is well positioned to provide services from the northernmost and relatively tourist-free Hokkaido to the far-reaching Mie Peninsula with its world-famous Ama female free divers.”
As for the travel agents who enjoyed multiple kaiseki meals (traditional multi course dinner), visited numerous UNESCO-listed temples and immersed themselves in Japan’s culture and traditions, it has been an invaluable experience to explore key sights and scenes that their guests would be familiar with.
“The agents loved this trip and were able to return home, reassured in their ability to speak confidently about Japan’s food, traditions, transportation, people, cultural expectations, and destinations,” concludes Matt.
Want to book this itinerary for your clients?
Connect with a Discova agent to book this trip today!
and stay at the forefront of new product offerings, Discova behind-the-scenes, destination news, travel trends and thought leadership articles from our on-the-ground experts.
© 2024 Discova. All rights reserved.
and stay at the forefront of new product offerings, Discova behind-the-scenes, destination news, travel trends and thought leadership articles from our on-the-ground experts.
