Connections Beyond Sri Lanka｜Tourism EXPO Japan 2026

Karunakarala at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026

From September 24 to 27, 2026, Karunakarala Ayurveda Resort exhibited at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight.

Tourism EXPO Japan is one of Japan’s largest travel events, bringing together destinations and travel-related businesses from Japan and around the world.

We joined the Sri Lanka booth and introduced visitors to Ayurveda stays in Sri Lanka and the experience of staying at Karunakarala.

Four Days at the Booth

I spent all four days at the booth and had the opportunity to speak with many visitors.

Some were discovering Ayurveda for the first time. Others were already interested in travelling to Sri Lanka or considering a stay at Karunakarala.

We received many questions about the length of stay, daily schedules, meals and Ayurveda treatments.

One of the happiest parts of the event was meeting guests who had previously stayed with us.

Repeat guests came to see us, as did guests who are planning their first stay at Karunakarala.

Meeting in Tokyo with people we would normally welcome in Sri Lanka felt a little unusual, but in a very good way.

Some told us, “I’ll visit again,” or that they were looking forward to their next stay. Hearing those words in person meant a great deal to me.

Connections That Continued After Returning Home

I also learned something during the event that I had not known before.

Some guests who first met at Karunakarala have stayed in touch after returning home. They still meet regularly for meals in Japan.

Their friendship began while spending time together at the resort and has continued long after their stay ended.

I was genuinely happy to hear that these connections had grown without us even realizing it.

Ayurveda treatments and meals are an important part of a stay at Karunakarala. But the time spent with other guests can also become a lasting memory.

Over these four days, we met people who were discovering Karunakarala for the first time as well as those who have supported us over the years.

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth.

We look forward to welcoming you again at Karunakarala in Sri Lanka.

B.K.G. Wataru
Managing Director