Japanese delegation gets grand welcome in Kashi, visits Sarnath, Namo Ghat

A 75-member Japanese delegation, led by Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, visited Varanasi and Sarnath, praising India's rich Buddhist and cultural heritage.

A 75-member Japanese delegation, led by Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture, was accorded a grand welcome on their arrival in Varanasi on Saturday. Later, the delegation, which is on a two-day visit to the temple town, visited Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon.

Japanese delegation being accorded a warm welcome on their arrival in Varanasi on August 22. (HT photo)

During the visit, they were briefed on the historical and religious significance of the museum, the archaeological site and the Buddha Stupa. Later, the delegation members visited Namo Ghat, where they watched the Ganga Aarti. They praised Kashi’s spiritual and cultural heritage, said the Varanasi administration in a communique.

Sarnath’s Buddhist heritage and Kashi’s Ganga Aarti introduced the visitors to the rich tradition of Indian culture. The guests gained first-hand insight into the historical and spiritual heritage of key sites associated with Buddha, including the Dhamek and the Chaukhandi Stupas.

Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the Japanese delegation’s visit to Sarnath presents a significant opportunity to further deepen the centuries-old Buddhist and cultural ties between India and Japan. It will also help introduce more Japanese tourists to Uttar Pradesh’s rich Buddhist heritage, historical sites and spiritual traditions, he added.

Yumi Saito, a member of the delegation, described her visit to Sarnath as a truly special experience. She remarked that setting foot on the sacred soil of Sarnath—now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—felt particularly significant.