Japanese Tourists Show Growing Interest in Solo Rajasthan Trips, Palace on Wheels

September 28, 2026

Jaipur: Rajasthan is seeing growing interest from the Japanese tourism market in travel experiences beyond the state’s traditional forts, palaces and desert attractions, with solo travel, wildlife, rural tourism and the Palace on Wheels emerging as key areas of interest.

The trend was highlighted at Tourism Expo Japan, held in Tokyo from September 24 to 27, where Japanese tourists and travel trade representatives sought information about independent travel to Rajasthan, safety arrangements, luxury rail journeys, handicrafts and local cuisine.

The Rajasthan Tourism Department participated in the four-day expo, with Tourism Secretary Shuchi Tyagi and Joint Director Ajay Kumar Sharma representing the state.

Japanese Women Show Interest in Solo Rajasthan Travel

Several Japanese women visitors expressed interest in travelling to Rajasthan independently and sought information about safety and travel arrangements.

According to Rajasthan Tourism officials, visitors were briefed about tourist assistance mechanisms available in the state, including police support, the Tourist Assistance Force and women police personnel.

The enquiries from the Japanese market are increasingly moving beyond Rajasthan’s traditional tourist attractions, with travellers showing interest in experiences that combine heritage, culture, wildlife and local life.

Japanese travel agents and tour operators also sought details about package tours, including itineraries connecting Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ranthambore and Shekhawati.

They discussed road, rail and air connectivity, travel times, hotel options and overall travel costs.

Palace on Wheels Draws Japanese Visitors

The Palace on Wheels emerged as one of the major attractions at the Rajasthan Tourism pavilion.

Japanese visitors sought information about the luxury train’s royal ambience, interiors, travel experience and booking process.

Tourism officials said Japanese travellers were showing interest not only in Rajasthan’s royal heritage but also in experiences associated with the state’s culture and lifestyle.

Visitors also showed interest in wildlife, rural life, folk culture, handicrafts and local cuisine, reflecting a wider range of tourism experiences being explored by the Japanese market.

Japanese Travel Industry Explores Rajasthan

Rajasthan Tourism also held discussions with representatives of Japanese travel companies about promoting the state and strengthening cooperation with Japan’s travel industry.

Japanese travel professionals, content creators and influencers expressed interest in producing video and digital content showcasing Rajasthan.

Kiyotaka Kobayashi, a representative of a Tokyo hotel, expressed interest in strengthening ties with Rajasthan’s hospitality industry, while Takahiro Sato of the Japan Association of Travel Agents visited the Rajasthan Tourism pavilion and sought information about the state’s tourism offerings.

Rajasthan Tourism has also been inviting Japanese travel agents and tour operators to participate in the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB). Several Japanese tour operators and influencers expressed interest in attending GITB 2027.

Japanese Tourist Visits to Rajasthan Rise

Rajasthan has recorded a substantial increase in Japanese tourist visits over the past four years.

The number of Japanese visitors to the state increased from 4,659 in 2022 to 16,229 in 2023, before rising to 25,748 in 2024. In 2025, the state recorded 25,250 Japanese tourist visits.

The 2025 figure was approximately 5.4 times higher than the 2022 figure, indicating a significant increase in Japanese tourist arrivals to Rajasthan over the period.

Tourism cooperation between India and Japan has also expanded through initiatives covering Buddhist tourism, student travel, exchanges between tourism institutions, familiarisation visits for travel trade and media, and improved air connectivity.