A group of Japanese travel company tour planners visited Solvang last week as part of Visit California’s Japan Initiative, designed to showcase California destinations to international markets.
According to organizers, the five visitors stayed at The Hadsten Solvang and experienced a walking tour of downtown led by the Solvang Visitor Center, including a private visit with “Lulu Hyggelig,” the Thomas Dambo troll at the California Nature Art Museum.
Their itinerary also included lunch at peasants FEAST, dinner at Whiskey ’N Rye Smokehouse, a wine tasting at Sunstone Winery, and pastries from Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery.
“Our collaboration with Visit California in welcoming Japan tour operators showed just how special Solvang is, but on a global stage,” said Candice Libera, Solvang’s marketing and events lead. “The authentic connection they felt here speaks volumes about the power of our Danish heritage, hospitality, and small-town charm.”
The visit was organized by SolvangUSA, the City of Solvang, and Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, with a Visit California Japan representative accompanying the group.