Participating in Tourism EXPO Japan 2025: Avoiding Kyoto's Overtourism

Japagrit
10月5日
読了時間: 5分

We recently attended Tourism EXPO Japan 2025, the world's largest travel festival, held in Aichi Prefecture. The event was a hub where tourism professionals from around the globe gathered for meetings and events focused on further boosting Japan's tourism industry.

The venue was buzzing with activity, as local Japanese municipalities actively showcased unique projects targeting inbound travelers. Furthermore, the global presence was striking; not only were there booths from Asia and Europe, but also from nations in Africa and the Middle East, underscoring the growing diversity and expansion of the global travel market.

Our participation in the Tourism EXPO had two main objectives:

Business negotiations with overseas travel agencies focusing on outbound travel to Japan.
Building a network with Japanese municipalities eager to plan business tours (corporate visits, training programs) in addition to cultural experiences.

Regarding the second point, we firmly believe that collaboration with local authorities is essential for developing MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition/Event) initiatives, where tourism and business merge, and for creating themed tours focused on addressing specific regional challenges.

Through our interactions at the EXPO, we were particularly captivated by the charm of "The New Kyoto." Today, we are excited to introduce you to three exceptional areas we highly recommend for your next trip.

Discovering the Real Kyoto: 3 Areas to Avoid Overtourism

While Kyoto remains a world-renowned destination, the overcrowding in the city center can often detract from the quality of the travel experience. To combat overtourism and offer a deeper, more authentic experience, we recommend these three hidden gems:

1. Keihoku & Miyama: The Soul of Rural Japan for Kyoto Aficionados

Located just about 50 minutes by car from central Kyoto, Keihoku is geographically part of Kyoto City yet boasts a timeless Satoyama (traditional rural landscape). It’s often considered the ultimate destination for true Kyoto connoisseurs.

Venturing a little further, you’ll reach Miyama, famous as the “home of Japan” due to its charming clusters of traditional thatched-roof houses. The Keihoku and Miyama areas are perfect for a day trip by private car or rental car from Kyoto Station, allowing you to easily avoid crowds. Why not spend a weekend enjoying a leisurely drive and discovering a landscape straight out of a Japanese folk tale?

＜Our Exclusive Program Offerings＞

We arrange private transportation from Kyoto City to Miyama. Upon arrival, you’ll switch from the car to an E-bike (electric bicycle) to explore the natural surroundings with an exhilarating ride. The experience includes a regional lunch featuring a hot pot with local specialty chicken and Kyoto vegetables, as well as gelato made with fresh Miyama eggs.

2. Fushimi & Uji: The Journey of Pristine Water

Uji is famous for “Uji-cha” (green tea), and Fushimi is known for its Sake (Japanese rice wine). What connects these two traditions? The abundant "water" provided by the area's unique geography. This perfect water source allowed tea fields to thrive, producing Uji-cha, and created the smooth, palatable sake.

Gokonomiya Shrine is the source of "Fushimizu," designated as one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters. Sake brewed with this water is renowned for its soft texture, earning it the nickname "Onna-zake" (Lady’s Sake), making it highly accessible even to those who aren’t sake experts. With historical sites like the World Heritage site Byodo-in Temple and Manpuku-ji Temple, this journey tracing the historical and culinary significance of the region's water will surely pique your intellectual curiosity.

＜Our Experiential Program Offerings＞

Travel from Kyoto Station to Fushimi by train for a guided sake brewery tour. You'll delve into the history of how the exceptional water of Fushimi has allowed brewers to continuously craft delicious sake for generations. Additionally, you can enjoy a food-hopping tour through the nostalgic streets of Fushimi.

3. Yamashina: Quiet Historical Exploration at Kyoto's East Gate

Yamashina is incredibly accessible, located just one stop (about 5 minutes) from Kyoto Station by JR train. Historically, it served as the gateway to the east and the final challenge on the historic Tokaido Road.

Dotted with ancient, historic temples (Kozanji, etc.), Yamashina is ideal for a peaceful temple-hopping walk. Highlights include Bishamondo Temple, famous for its "shikimomiji" (fallen maple leaves carpeting the grounds), Zuishin-in Temple connected to the poet Ono no Komachi, and Kajuji Temple, a special temple of the Emperor Daigo. The Lake Biwa Canal (Yamashina Sosui), recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2020 for its role as the "Waterway of Hope connecting Kyoto and Otsu," is also a must-see.

＜Our Special Experiential Program Offerings＞

This unique program begins with a special meditation experience at Mii-dera, a Zen temple in Shiga Prefecture. Afterward, you will board a Lake Biwa Canal boat and journey to Kyoto via the waterway. This allows you to experience the path of the water—essential for life in Osaka and Kyoto—from the very surface of the canal.

Crafting Unique and Customized Journeys

During the Tourism EXPO, we were able to deepen our connections with numerous local artisans and chief priests across these regions and beyond. Moving forward, we will collaborate with these local partners to plan even more in-depth, highly customized experiences.

If you require corporate training, themed business tours, or extraordinary cultural experience programs that your competitors can't offer, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are dedicated to working closely with our regional partners, artisans, and business owners to create a truly unique and unparalleled experience tailored to your clients' needs.

Are you interested in planning a unique MICE or business tour in one of these distinct Kyoto areas? Contact us today to start designing your customized itinerary!

Contact：

office@miit-info.com

Why Do Business Elites Choose Japagrit?

Japagrit offers a unique travel experience that transcends mere sightseeing, incorporating a keen understanding of the business landscape.

* A Bridge for Business: We aim to spark future business opportunities through your travels in Japan, fostering connections within local communities to explore new avenues for growth.

* A Distinctive Network: Led by our representative, a founding member and current mentor at "BSJ" (Business Support in Japan), we leverage collaborations with experts across various fields, including accountants, immigration lawyers, real estate developers, and more, to provide comprehensive business support.

* Deep Local Connections: Beyond our marketing alliances with travel agencies, we maintain strong ties with local traditional artisans and those involved in cultural industries, enabling us to offer unparalleled and authentic experiences.

* A Global Perspective: Our experience in fostering B2B collaborations with marine travel companies in Italy, Portugal, Australia, and our membership in the Indian Chamber of Commerce Japan and the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan provide us with invaluable insights into the needs of international travelers, allowing us to propose the most suitable plans.

* Experience in Supporting Foreign Entrepreneurs: Our origins lie in providing business Japanese lessons to foreign entrepreneurs in Japan. This history has equipped us with a rich understanding of the challenges and success stories of doing business in Japan, which we apply to crafting insightful business travel itineraries.