Lucknow: On the second day of their visit to UP, the Japanese delegation will embark on a four-day cultural and tourism journey across UP to experience the state’s living traditions, cuisine, Buddhist heritage and spirituality, with the visitors particularly looking forward to their visit to Sarnath and Ganga Aarti in Varanasi.Led by Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, the delegation will travel through Agra, Lucknow and Varanasi. The tour has been curated to showcase UP beyond its monuments, with experiences spanning Braj traditions, Buddhist heritage, wellness and cuisine.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh will interact with the delegation in Lucknow on Aug 21 to discuss expanding tourism cooperation between UP and Japan, including Buddhist tourism, wellness and experiential travel.The delegation will visit Sarnath on Aug 22, strengthening the Buddhist tourism connect between the two regions. Sarnath’s recent UNESCO World Heritage recognition is expected to add further momentum to UP’s outreach to Japanese travellers.UP is home to several destinations associated with Lord Buddha, including Sarnath, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Kapilvastu, Kaushambi and Sankisa.Singh said the shared Buddhist heritage could strengthen tourism and people-to-people ties, while UP’s cuisine, wellness offerings and living culture could broaden the relationship beyond pilgrimage.The delegation will conclude its visit in Varanasi, where it is scheduled to witness Ganga Aarti before departing on Aug 23.
