They came to this tourist resort from far off Japan on a jaunt but all their plans of enjoying the trip were shattered as their homeland was hit by a killer earthquake followed by a devastating tsunami.

Over 30 Japanese tourists, including 11 students, six of them women, of Keio University at Tokyo are a worried lot as they remain glued to TV sets in their hotel in this sea side town watching the devastation that hit Japan on Friday.

One of the students Katsube Saori said frantic attempts to call her parents in Tokyo over phone failed yesterday. She came to know of their safety through some friends back home.

Similar was the tale of Iino Ryoko, another student, who said, “We are worried about our near and dear ones and making all out efforts to know about them“.

Seya Kensuki said, “We panicked on watching the devastation. Unable to contact our parents, we have sent e—mail message. We don’t know if they can access Internet“.