YANGON- With the aim to attract more Japanese visitors, the Sakura Flower Festival will be held in Yangon Region from January 27th to 28th, says Naw Pan Thinzar Myo, Kayin Ethnic Affairs Minister.

The festival will be held at the three designated places: People’s Square Park, in front of Yangon Region Government Committee’s Office and Maha Bandula Park with 300 Cherry trees to be showcased in those places.

“In collaboration with the Japan Sakura Foundation and Japanese Embassy, about 300 Cherry flower species will be grown in Myanmar. Those species are suitable for Myanmar climate. Moreover, the Sakura tree planting aims to promote the friendship between Myanmar and Japan and to attract more Japanese visitors. The government had also allowed Visa free to Japanese visitors. That’s why we are going to promote tourism industry through Sakura Flower Festival,” said Kayin Ethnic Affairs Minister Naw Pan Thinzar Myo.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism said that the arrival of Japanese visitors reduced comparing last year.

Myanmar already allowed visa-free entry for Japanese and Korean tourists and arrival visa for foreign tourists including Chinese citizens starting from October 1st.