H.I.S. (Cambodia) Travel Co., Ltd., a Japanese tour agency with locations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, has set up promotions for tourism to Japan for 2015, giving Cambodians an easier pathway to experience the Japanese culture.

By crafting a tour that falls on the biggest Cambodian holidays, the promotions aim to increase the number of Cambodian tourists visiting Japan. The tours are customized on customer preferences in order for them to get the most out of their experience in Japan.

During September, October and November, H.I.S. has customized tour packages to allow Cambodians the possibility of spending their holidays in Japan.

“We chose these dates because they fall on public holidays when Cambodians try to find a place to visit or go on a vacation, so these are the best days for them,” said Chea Molika, assistant manager for H.I.S.

Included in the tours are restaurants, accommodations and outings to the biggest attractions in the most popular cities in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka and Nikko.

“We can see Cambodian tourists going to Japan is still limited for different reasons, such as visas, however we want to release promotions with the cheapest price,” said Chea, adding, “We believe that many want to go to Japan, but it is very expensive. Now we are trying to do the package tours with a reasonable price and assist with visa matters.”

There are two different types of tours that offer different lengths of stay and different dates to travel, which range in prices accordingly.

For first timers in Japan, Yuichi Kawakita, branch manager for H.I.S. recommends The Golden Route Japan- Autumn Tour 2015, which offers a tour of the main attractions in Tokyo, Osaka and Nikko, such as Osaka Castle, Universal Studios, UNESCO World Heritage sites Kyoto and Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Disneyland.

The Tokyo and Nikko Tour offers customers a deeper dive into the Japanese culture by zeroing in on Tokyo and Nikko. This tour offers a more connected experience to Japanese traditions and tourist hot spots.

When the company first started one year ago, tour prices ranged from $2,500 to $3,000, a price that still seemed rather high. However, H.I.S. has tours this year ranging from $1,399 to $2,000. According to Kawakita, their goal was to provide Cambodians with affordable prices.

“Cambodian people want to see the Japanese culture and the seasons. Many people are interested, but maybe the price is very expensive. So, we want to promote Japan tourism by lowering the cost,” he said.

“There are so many people going to Japan, and even now, Japan is very welcoming of [tourists],” said Kawakita said. “Three years ago, there was about 4,000 Cambodian tourists going to Japan; last year, it was 7,000. Maybe this year, it will be 10,000.”

Visit the H.I.S. travel agency at their office at AEON mall on the ground floor or visit their website at www.his.com.kh or www.facebook.com/his.com.kh for more information.