Not far from Vithalapur's factories, Mizuki Ryokan and Midori are among half a dozen highway hotels that are thriving, home to Japanese staff now in India on multi-year contracts. But coming to Gujarat, Modi's home state, can pose a major cultural shock for many Japanese. The state is also one of a small number of Indian states that ban alcohol, making only a few tightly regulated exceptions for foreigners. Early efforts by Japanese expats to acclimate in regular housing in nearby cities did not pan out, with the lack of easy access to meat and fish often proving too much. To enjoy liquor, Gujarat requires foreigners and hotels to obtain special government permits, which are issued after a lengthy process and need to be renewed often.