The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) presented Japan as a destination for gastronomy tourism at the 7th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism held in Nara, Japan, from December 12 to 15, 2022. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) defines gastronomy tourism as a type of tourism activity which is characterized by the visitor’s experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling.

In promoting Japanese gastronomy tourism to the Forum’s global audience, JNTO provided information on destinations across the country where visitors can explore the depth of food culture. These included the host prefecture of Nara, said to be one of the birthplaces of Japanese food culture, including the use of indispensable ingredients such as sake and dashi (broth made with dried bonito flakes, kombu seaweed and shiitake mushrooms).

The Forum, which was organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Basque Culinary Center, hosted by Nara Prefecture, and supported by the Japan Tourism Agency, brought together more than 450 delegates from 30 countries and over 1,000 online in 125 countries, including stakeholders in the food and tourism sectors.

JNTO will continue to promote Japan as a travel destination for overseas tourists through a variety of activities.