Peace Boat is a Japan-based international nongovernmental and nonprofit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment. Hamdi Hassan bin Harbi, a travel agent, said the Japanese team will visit heritage locations such as Abdul Raouf Khalil Museum and the historic center (Balad) in addition to the Center for Scientific Creativity and Al-Maarifa International schools. They will also visit the office of the Islamic Guidance and Dawa Center. The visitors will also be taken to the Corniche.

“We are impressed by the historical character of Jeddah,” Yoshika Tatzmo, leader of the Peace Boat team, said, adding that they were touched by the warm reception and generous hospitality of the Saudis.

He said the aim of the visit was to strengthen the bonds of friendship and peace between the people of the Kingdom and Japan. He also said his organization supported the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for interfaith dialogue.

“This visit represents a rare opportunity for the Japanese to know this country, which contains the most important holy sites of Islam and the seat of one of the oldest civilizations, which is manifested in the conduct of the people here,” he said.

The voyage, which will come to an end in June, will travel on to India, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia, he said. The boat has visited 22 countries, he said.