The Ministry of Tourism and the Department of Tourism have launched a new initiative to highlight the  beauty of Udaipur, to a global audience. Famous Japanese travel blogger Mayo Japan was invited to Udaipur and she stayed for two days.

Mayo Japan is known for her captivating storytelling and fluent, lively Hindi. These photos and videos will be uploaded on her social media. With over 30 lakh followers worldwide, she will promote the city's culture, heritage, cuisine, and other specialties, encouraging people to visit Udaipur.

Mayo visited City Palace and Saheliyon ki Bari, and she also visited other tourist spots such as Lok Kala Mandal, Bagore ki Haveli, Pichola Lake, Sajjangarh Fort, Jagdish Temple, and other major attractions.

Naresh Kumar Serin, a language interpreter, is touring with her and guiding her through the city.

Mayo, a Hindi graduate from Osaka University in Japan, remarked that Udaipur is different from Jodhpur and Jaipur. She noted that Saheliyon Ki Bari is surrounded by fountains, making it feel like the monsoon season year-round. According to Mayo, Udaipur is a complete package of Rajasthan tourism.

During her visit, Mayo also explored Shilpgram, where she promoted local handicrafts and Rajasthani artists. At Nagar Van Udhyan (Valley of Flowers), she enjoyed activities such as a swing similar to Bali's and a zip line ride.

Shikha Saxena, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, mentioned that honourable MP Manna Lal Rawat directed Tourism Department to introduce Mayo to Udaipur’s Pari Auto (e-auto) team at Lok Kala Mandal. Mayo took a ride in a Pink Auto, which she praised as a good initiative for providing employment to women.

She mentioned that she tried Rajasthani food and loved Dal Batti and Gatte ki Curry. She also enjoyed the Ghoomar dance and traditional Rajasthani music. She was impressed by the history of City Palace and said that this is her first visit to Udaipur.

Mayo has been in Rajasthan since July 24. After visiting Jaipur and Jodhpur, she came to Udaipur on July 27, 2024. The Ministry of Tourism had arranged for Mayo's accommodation, food, travel, and other needs. 

Japanese Tourists decling during Covid

The number of Japanese tourists visiting Lake City has declined since the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, especially from Japan. Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, Shikha Saxena said that this initiative will increase visits from South Asian countries to Udaipur and other parts of the state.

Last year, 1,049 tourists came from Japan. Before that, 436 in 2022, and only 92 in 2021. In 2019, a record 2,414 Japanese tourists visited.

Tourists from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Italy, the United States, Switzerland, Spain, China, Canada, and other countries also visit Udaipur every year.