Australian travel agents recently gathered in Sydney to learn more about the cultural experiences of Japan’s Ehime Prefecture during an intimate industry dinner event.
Held at Sokyo at The Darling Hotel on Thursday 5 March, the evening brought together around 20 Australian travel agents and travel industry representatives for a closer look at the destination’s historic towns and regional experiences.
Throughout the event, guests were introduced to the heritage towns of Ōzu and Uchiko, known for their preserved streetscapes, traditional architecture and authentic cultural experiences. The presentation highlighted how these destinations offer travellers a deeper connection with regional Japan and off-the-beaten-track experiences beyond the country’s major cities.
Representatives from Ehime Prefecture travelled to Australia to meet directly with local travel industry partners and share insights into the region’s growing appeal among international visitors.
Special guests from Japan included Hanako Aono from the Ehime Prefecture Tourism Authority, Fan Hsieh from the Kita Management Association (Ozu DMO), and Michiko Miyoshi from the Uchiko Tourism Association.
Rebecca George, Hanako Aono, Michiko Miyoshi, Fan Hsieh, Kate Sorensen and Kanae Omote at the Ehime Prefecture travel trade event in Sydney.
The evening concluded with a presentation from Rebecca George of SLC Representation, who introduced a series of new suggested itineraries tailored for the Australian market.
The proposed routes showcase how travellers can connect Ōzu, Uchiko and surrounding destinations through two- to five-day itineraries, encouraging visitors to slow down and explore Ehime’s castle towns, local cuisine and cultural heritage.
The event forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade awareness of Ehime as a compelling addition to broader Japan itineraries for Australian travellers.
