A Nigerian travel consultancy, Videm Legacy Consulting Partners, has partnered with a Japanese travel firm, Eduvel, to introduce Nigerian travel and tour operators to Nara City, one of Japan’s oldest and most culturally significant destinations, in a move aimed at expanding outbound tourism and cultural exchange between both countries.
Speaking during a webinar session to intimate tours operators of the immense potentials of the ancient city, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Eduvel, Kengo Tosho, said Nigerian travel businesses have the opportunity to explore differs world heritage sites in Japan and visit serene sites on a 7-day immense cultural retreat careful curated to endear tourists to the historic allure of the Japanese people.
He said the 7-day programme is designed to give Nigerian tour operators fresh products they can offer clients seeking immersive, high-value travel experiences in Asia especially the city of Nara.
“Nara is not just a destination; it is a place to unplug, reset and experience Japan in the most meaningful way,” the organisers said, describing the city as a unique blend of wellness, spirituality and heritage.
Kengo said the experience is expected to include meditation sessions with monks, temple bell rituals, traditional tea ceremonies, flower arranging and incense practices.
Located in Japan’s Kansai region, Nara is the capital of Nara Prefecture and was the country’s first permanent capital. It is home to some of Japan’s most treasured historical sites, including the Tōdai-ji Temple, which houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), the ancient Kōfuku-ji Temple, the Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the Nara National Museum.
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Beyond its temples and shrines, Nara also offers strong nature and outdoor attractions that will form part of the tourism package. These include Nara Park, known for its free-roaming deer, Mount Wakakusa, and the scenic Isuien, Asuka Village regarded as the origin of Japan and Yoshikien gardens, which showcase traditional Japanese landscaping.
The programme will also introduce Nigerian tourists to Nara’s traditional crafts and cultural industries. Visitors are expected to explore the historic Naramachi district, take part in calligraphy and washi paper-making sessions, observe sake brewing, and learn about the production of ink sticks, known locally as sumi.
By bringing Nigerian tour operators into direct engagement with Japanese travel providers, the partnership hopes to stimulate demand for Japan as a premium destination among Nigerian travellers while giving local agencies the tools to design distinctive, culturally rich itineraries.
Kengo added that the company is delighted to bridge the gap between Japan and Africa, especially Nigeria adding that although it has operations in other continent, this is the first time it is planning on making inroad into Africa.
Responding to the concerns raised by tours operators on access to visa, and familiarization trip to better sell the destination to Nigerians, consultant for Videm Legacy Consulting, Victor Ikpe, although the firm does not process visa for tourists, it will be willing to assist tour operators in facilitating the process by endorsing an official letter to the Japanese embassy in Nigeria to fast track the visa process once client sign up for the 7-day cultural and wellness programme.
On familiarization trip for tour operators in Nigeria to Nara City, he said the firm will be looking forward to do this in the nearest future.
The Nara initiative could pave the way for deeper tourism ties between Nigeria and Japan, opening new pathways for cultural exchange and business in the global travel market.
