A group of local governments in Japan's Tohoku region is promoting tourism attractions at an event in Thailand's capital.

The governments of the northeastern prefectures of Miyagi, Yamagata, Akita and Fukushima, as well as the city of Sendai, organized the event. It started on Sunday and runs through Monday at a shopping center in central Bangkok.

The local governments set up booths to promote their regions. Officials at the Fukushima Prefecture booth explained to visitors about the Tsurugajo Castle in Aizuwakamatsu city and other tourist attractions.

Sendai Mayor Kori Kazuko lobbied Thai officials to resume regular flights between her city and Thailand, which had been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors were seen taking pictures of a large panel featuring Tadami River in Fukushima Prefecture with a train running in a snow-covered landscape, as well as an Akita dog-shaped object on display. The species is designated as a natural monument by the Japanese government.

One visitor said he had visited Sendai during the cherry blossom season, and found the city beautiful. He said he came to the event to discover new places to visit.

Officials at the Japan National Tourism Organization say Japan is the most popular overseas travel destination in Thailand.

Now that the number of visitors from Thailand to Japan is recovering, Tohoku and other local regions in the country are studying how to cash in on the tourism demand.