While Osaka and Tokyo have been Indonesians favorites, Japan also has six other attractive regions for tourists who want to experience the countrys four seasons, he added in a press conference in Jakarta.
The growth of Indonesians travellers to Japan has soared by 31.2 percent with 271,000 visitors recorded last year, Tomiyoka pointed out that the rise was much contributed by Muslim travelers.
Japans tourism organization has taken more serious actions to promote the country as a moslem-friendly destination, mainly for Indonesians.
"There are many restaurants in Tokyo, for example, which have already put halal labels on their food products, Tomiyoka noted.
The halal certification is yet to be regulated by the government. However there has been a Muslim association in the country that has already been engaged with the issue, Tomiyoka added without giving further details.
Halal is a label refered to any product, mainly foods and drinks allowed for Muslims.
The number of Indonesias "free independent traveler" (FIT), a term referred to tourist not accompanied by travel agent, is recorded to increase every year, Susanti, the organizations manager said.
The rise has proven that Indonesia is a potential market for Japans tourism.
Not only by the organizations executive director and manager Kristiana Susanti, the launching was also attended by representatives from airlines, including Garuda Indonesia, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
A deputy division head of Indonesias national bank, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Okki Rushartomo also showed up at the event.
Affiliated with Japan Tourism Agency and Ministry of Land, Infrastucture, Transport, and Tourism, the organization has set up its official representative in Indonesia since 2014. The organizations main mission is to promote Japans tourism destinations to Indonesians.
The launching event is also used to promote this years Japan Travel Festival which is held in Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta, starting from March 3 until 5. The three days festival will feature four Indonesian bloggers. including Travel Junkie and Febrian also prominent performers such as Afghan and Sandra Dewi.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
