Rakuten Travel, a leading Japanese online travel agency (OTA), is on a mission to introduce international travelers to the hidden treasures of Japan beyond its popular tourist destinations. Recognizing the growing interest in exploring lesser-known regions, Rakuten Travel is leveraging its multilingual platform to provide a comprehensive travel resource for global visitors. This initiative aligns with the Japanese government’s plan to capitalize on the increasing interest in secondary destinations among repeat travelers.
Jeremy Bek, Rakuten Travel’s global head, emphasized the potential of Japan’s less explored areas, stating, “There are still many undiscovered gems, and I believe travelers will continue returning to explore Japan on a deeper level.” Bek further noted that approximately 30 percent of the agency’s international bookings involve trips to secondary areas, often focused on outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain climbing.
Rakuten Travel’s website currently supports nine languages, including Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. The platform offers a wide range of travel resources, including guidance on car rental, a customer support hotline for addressing travel issues, and a diverse selection of authentic accommodation options. This includes traditional ryokan inns, architecturally rich machiya houses, and cozy family-run minshuku guesthouses.
By providing comprehensive travel information and resources in multiple languages, Rakuten Travel aims to empower global travelers to discover the unique beauty and experiences that Japan has to offer beyond its well-known attractions.
