Tokyo: Not a minute to lose, which seems to be the priority of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he began his four-day bilateral visit to Japan. Within a couple of hours of their arrival, an agreement was signed between the cities of Kyoto and Varanasi, two cities that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says will be partners in equity.

The Varanasi-Kyoto agreement, which was signed by Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe came a day before the long day of Mr. Modi effort to understand what makes it tick Kyoto. Under the agreement, both cities will seek to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, arts, academic, heritage preservation and modernization of the city.

An ancient city and a center of ancient Buddhist traditions, Kyoto has been able to effectively combine their culture and heritage with technology. Modi for Prime Minister, the Kyoto model could be essential in the process of rejuvenating Indian cities, a priority mission for this government.

Tomorrow, besides visiting the old Toji temple, the PM is scheduled to meet with city leaders to learn about governance and effective management of a historic city. It is also expected to learn about the progress made in Japan in stem cell research. He flies to Tokyo tomorrow afternoon.

The Prime Minister's visit to Japan Modi began a strong personal note - Prime Minister Abe, who enjoys a friendly relationship with him personally chose to travel to Kyoto to meet Mr. Modi but delegation level talks between the two countries remain two days. The two leaders also dined together.

Prime Minister Modi has attached great importance to this visit, his first bilateral visit outside the subcontinent. India and Japan already enjoy a comprehensive strategic partnership, but both sides now want to improve that equation.