Event Organiser and Venue
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) — the official tourism promotion body of Japan — organised the Japan Travel Fair 2026 in Gurugram (Haryana) at Ambience Mall. The two-day event was held on 31 January and 1 February 2026, running from 11 AM to 9 PM each day. Entry was free for all visitors, making it easily accessible to travel enthusiasts and families alike.
🎯 Purpose and Focus
Unlike a business-only trade show, this fair was consumer-focused and designed to inspire and educate Indian travellers about visiting Japan. Its main objectives were to:
- Showcase Japan’s diverse tourism attractions and experiences — from traditional culture and seasonal highlights to natural scenery and modern travel options.
- Provide on-ground trip-planning resources and expert guidance to visitors.
- Promote flight connectivity, travel packages, and curated itineraries tailored for Indian outbound travellers.
🛫 Exhibitors and Participants
The fair brought together major partners from both Japan and India, including:
- Major airlines such as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.
- Rail and transport companies like East Japan Railway Company.
- Travel platforms and tour operators such as MakeMyTrip, SOTC Travel, Thomas Cook India, and Pickyourtrail.
- Shopping and experience brands like Bic Camera and JR Central Hotels.
Together, they provided visitors with detailed information on flight options, tour packages, seasonal itineraries, and regional highlights across Japan.
🎎 Cultural Experiences & Activities
To create an engaging and inviting atmosphere — not just a standard expo — the event was themed around “Japanese Ennichi”, a concept inspired by traditional Japanese festival fairs. Visitors were able to enjoy:
- Traditional festival games such as Wanage (ring toss), Omikuji (fortune slips), Super Ball Sukui, and Shateki (target shooting).
- Decor and photo zones, including cherry blossom-themed backdrops for memorable pictures.
- Cultural performances and demonstrations, such as Taiko drum displays and ninja-themed showcases.
- Souvenir giveaways and interactive booths to make the experience fun and informative for people of all ages.
💡 Visitor Benefits
For attendees — especially those considering travel to Japan — the fair offered:
✅ Free access to expert planners and on-site travel advice
✅ Brochures and itinerary ideas covering Japan’s major regions
✅ Direct contact with airlines, rail services, and tour operators
✅ Cultural interactions that illustrated Japanese traditions and travel highlights
📈 Impact on Tourism
The Japan Travel Fair 2026 played a role in strengthening India-Japan tourism engagement by:
- Increasing awareness of seasonal trips and authentic travel experiences in Japan.
- Encouraging more Indian travellers to consider Japan as a preferred international destination.
- Helping local travel businesses and operators build partnerships and package offers that could result in higher outbound tourism from India in 2026 and beyond.