by Sachin Murdeshwar
JNTO Delhi Office continues its efforts to promote Japan as a Honeymoon and Wedding destination to Indian Outbound wedding market. From 19-25^th January, JNTO organized a familiarization (FAM) trip to Okinawa (Southern Islands of Japan). During the FAM course, participants surveyed top key factors to sense the potential and scope of capacity and necessary supplies in order to host the large celebrations of Indian weddings in Okinawa, Japan.

Flight connectivity between India to Okinawa via Hong Kong is an extra edge. Wedding guests from India can depart from all Metropolitan cities of the country and arrive at the final destination “Okinawa” all together on the same day via Hong Kong. Post arrival in the afternoon, celebration mood could be immediately set-in be it the mehndi or cocktail evening.

Participants visited the luxury beach resorts that are perfect for Indian weddings. They toured ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island, The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, Okinawa Kariyushi Beach Resort Ocean Spa, Okinawa Spa Resort EXES, Okinawa EXES Naha, Rizzan Sea Park Hotel, Tancha-Bay, Shigira Seven Miles Resorts and Hotel Nikko Alivila Yomitan Resort Okinawa.

Spontaneous reaction by one of the wedding experts was: “Rooms are spacious with great sea view and many choices of indoor restaurants, big garden and banquet areas, nice weather is a perfect blend for an outdoor cocktail evening, which is an important part of the three-day-long Indian wedding celebrations.” Resorts are loaded with unique indoor and outdoor activities like SPA, Whale watching, Coral reef cleaning tours, Watersports, Glass boat ride, etc.

They also experienced tasteful and authentic Indian food and generous Okinawa hospitality by visiting local Indian restaurants like Bollywood Jewel and Surya Shokudo. Besides this, they enjoyed a sunset dinner cruise by West Marine and Italian food at Verde Mare (Italian in Miyako Jima Island).

One of them mentioned, “Indian Food is very important for targeting Indian wedding and availability of Indian restaurants, chefs and authentic Indian cuisine are key favorable factors enticing Indian wedding planners”.

Experts examined almost everything by themselves and closely, however; JNTO organized a meeting sessions with local prefecture government and hotels to figure out more details on both sides.

Additionally, Okinawa is a destination with the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan. Flowers begin blooming in mid-January and are last viewed by the mid of February. Least to say, this makes “Okinawa” a perfect and suitable luxury honeymoon destination for Indians since it comes exactly after the peak Indian wedding season (Oct-Nov-Dec).

They further added, “It’s a paradise for honeymooners and couples who want to renew their VOWS. The couples can spend romantic and cozy moments by watching the endless ocean or enjoy top-class hospitality. Also, being on private beaches will be a good experience along with a lot of other local sightseeing attractions”.

Experts were mesmerized by the clear pristine beaches of Okinawa and endlessly cherished the white sand and the emerald green shining sea. Japan, in fact, witnessed 13,900 Indian tourist arrivals in January, posting 11.5% SPLY hike.