India and Japan Strengthen Tourism Cooperation: Promoting Buddhist Heritage and Enhancing Connectivity

New Delhi / Bodh Gaya, April 2025

India and Japan are taking significant steps to deepen their cultural and tourism cooperation by promoting India's iconic Buddhist heritage sites to Japanese travelers. As part of this initiative, both countries are working to highlight sacred destinations such as Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar, while also exploring ways to enhance direct air connectivity between key cities to facilitate smoother travel.

Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya

In a symbolic move, Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono, accompanied by Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Naoya Haraikawa and senior embassy officials, visited the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on April 11, 2025. The delegation offered prayers and meditated under the sacred Bodhi Tree, the site where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. Ambassador Ono described the experience as "truly memorable" and emphasized the Mahabodhi Temple's spiritual importance to both nations. He mentioned in his social media post "A truly moving visit to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple. Witnessing heartfelt prayers offered by pilgrims from around the world, I was deeply touched by the quiet power of faith that transcends borders and speaks to the soul."

Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono, accompanied by Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Naoya Haraikawa at Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh

As part of the diplomatic visit, the delegation also toured the Prema Metta School in Bodh Gaya, which provides free education to local children and runs an affiliated Japanese language school. Many graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in Japan. Sharing his reflections, Ambassador Ono stated:

“Visited Prema Metta School in Bodhgaya, where local children receive free education. Young people study Japanese at the attached language school, and some graduates are now working in Japan. I felt great hope for the futures of India and Japan through their smiles and ambition.”

Amb. Ono also mentioned in his Social media post "Bodhgaya is home to four Japanese temples. They serve not only as places of prayer but also actively provide opportunities for education and cultural exchange to the local community. These temples play an important role as bridges connecting the hearts of Japan and India.

The visit highlights ongoing efforts to deepen people-to-people ties, cultural exchange, and mutual appreciation between India and Japan. With a shared reverence for Buddhist heritage, both countries aim to foster greater tourism flow and strengthen their longstanding friendship.

Officials from both sides have expressed optimism that improved air connectivity and targeted cultural promotion will significantly boost tourism, offering Japanese travelers a meaningful spiritual journey while strengthening bilateral relations.

Through initiatives like this, India and Japan continue to build bridges of understanding, education, and shared history — a friendship rooted in peace and mutual respect.