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Hi ,
Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu! Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition of the Japan Travel News and Updates for 2026. As we step into the Year of the Horse, we look forward to another exciting season of travel.
The new year also brings an important update: from February, visitors to our brochure room will be required to pre-register online. Please see the details below and plan ahead.
Winter in Japan is in full swing, with powder snow, charming festivals and cultural treasures waiting to be explored. Japan was recently recognised in multiple Readers' Choice Awards, taking out first place for Best Destination for Skiing and Snowboarding, Best Destination for Solo Travel and Best Destination for Immersing in Culture.
In this edition, discover snowy celebrations, useful resources for winter road trips, and ways to explore Japan closer to home.
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Travel News, Inspiration and Updates |
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JNTO Sydney brochure room update
From Monday 2 February 2026, visitors to the JNTO Sydney brochure room will need to pre-register online. Same-day bookings will not be available, so please plan ahead. You can continue to browse a range of digital brochures on our website.
This update is part of a global change across JNTO offices. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
* Please note we are closed on some Japanese public holidays. See the latest list here.
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New Tokyo Night Story e-brochure
The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau has released a new comprehensive guide to enjoying Tokyo at night. It includes information about family-friendly light illuminations, night art, Instagram-worthy spots, night cruises and more, all in one handy booklet. The new Tokyo Night Story website also has some great ideas and information on recommended night-time routes, events and more.
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Safe travels in Japan’s winter wonderland
If you’re planning to drive in Japan, make sure to familiarise yourself with Japan’s traffic rules before setting off. Conditions can differ from those at home - especially in snowy regions like Hokkaido - and accidents involving international visitors have been increasing. Useful resources include the Japan Automobile Federation website, and the National Police Agency’s Traffic Safety Rules and International Drivers brochures.
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Travelling between Noboribetsu Station and the popular Noboribetsu Onsen area just got easier. A paid shuttle has been launched to help meet demand during peak evening hours and will run until 20 February 2026. For details and reservations, visit the website. |
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Regional & Seasonal Highlights |
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With easy access from Nagoya, Gifu is a compact, modern city famed for its refined crafts and rich history. Hike or take a ropeway to Gifu Castle and witness stunning views. Or, check out the architecturally impressive Minna no Mori Gifu Media Cosmos cultural complex and relax in the charming library. Combine with a trip to the nearby ceramics town of Tajimi for the unique Mosaic Tile Museum Tajimi. |
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Free talk event series: Tradition and modernity in Kyoto
Discover the rich heritage and culture of Kyoto in this free talk series at The Japan Foundation, Sydney. Learn from experts about the city’s historical significance, its 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and how religious traditions like Shintoism and Buddhism can be found in everyday life today. It’s perfect for anyone planning a visit or wanting deeper insight into Japan’s ancient capital.
Event dates: 13 and 20 February 2026
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Visit Japan Web
Complete the immigration and customs forms on Visit Japan Web prior to your departure to streamline your entry into Japan. There are two forms: immigration (the digital equivalent of a disembarkation card) and customs.
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Monthly event calendar
Find out what festivals and events will be on during your visit. The monthly calendars are released around the middle of the month and cover events across the whole country.
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Japan Visitor Hotline
Open 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Call for tourist information, if you need assistance in case of emergencies (accidents or sickness) or for support during natural disasters.
Ph: +81 (0)50-3816-2787
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Copyright © 2026 Japan National Tourism Organization | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Japan National Tourism Organization
Suite 1, Level 4, 56 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
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Winter festival spotlight, Safe travels in Japan's winter wonderland and Gifu content are from Partners Information. |
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