Plans include boosting language services and including the site on tours
TOKYO — Himeji Castle, widely considered the finest surviving example of Japanese castle architecture, is about to get a little more friendly to guests from overseas. Management of the UNESCO World Heritage site and Japanese national treasure in Hyogo Prefecture will be handed over to travel agency Kinki Nippon Tourist, a company that knows a thing or two about what tourists want.
KNT Kansai, which handles the company’s travel business in Japan’s western region, landed a three-year contract to manage the historic castle starting in March. Measures will be taken to enhance the castle’s appeal to foreign visitors, including deploying about 50 foreign-language-speaking staff members.
The centuries-old castle will also get a website.
Visits to Himeji Castle will feature more prominently in KNT’s package tours.
City of Himeji has expanded the scope of companies that it entrusts.
