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Dear ,
Welcome to the April 2023 Edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter!
The first cherry blossom season since Japan reopened its borders has just about wrapped up, with the flowers just about to reach full bloom in the northernmost parts of Hokkaido. The pent-up demand for travel to Japan finally found an outlet this season, with Australian visitation in March 2023 exceeding numbers from the same month in 2019 for the first time since the pandemic began.
BORDER UPDATE:
The Japanese government has announced that from 29th April 2023 all remaining border control measures will be lifted, including the requirement for proof of vaccine status or a negative PCR test. Check the latest requirements on our website. It will still be highly recommended for travellers to use Visit Japan Web to register immigration and customs information to expedite airport arrival procedures.
*As of the sending of this newsletter the official announcement has only been published on the Japanese version of the MOFA (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan) website.
JAPAN RAIL PASS CHANGES:
JR Group has announced changes to the Japan Rail Pass, scheduled to take place around October this year (exact date is yet to be announced). Limited details have been released yet, but the information announced so far includes the following (extracted from this Japanese press release):
- JR Pass users will now be able to use Nozomi and Mizuho trains for an extra fee (how much the extra fee will be, and how users will purchase tickets, has not been announced).
- JR Pass users will be able to use automatic ticket gates (as opposed to always going through staffed ticket gates).
- Prices will be revised. The 7-day adult ordinary class JR Pass will increase to 50,000 yen, regardless of whether it is purchased online or through a designated travel agent. Prices for the 14- and 21-day ordinary class JR Pass, and 7-, 14- and 21-day green class JR Pass, will also be raised (see the press release linked above).
- Additional discounts on domestic travel will be available to JR Pass holders.
These changes only apply to the national Japan Rail Pass; no major changes have been announced for regional passes.
JNTO does not have any further information than the above at this time. We will share further announcements as we receive them.
SNOW TRAVEL EXPO:
Come see us at the Snow Travel Expo in Melbourne (Sun 21 May) and Sydney (Sun 28 May). We'll be providing general information on Japan and there will be a number of Japanese resorts and destinations exhibiting as well. Don't miss this opportunity to get the latest info from ski and après ski suppliers across the country.
SUSTAINABLE AWARD:
Read on for further updates and inspiration on Japan travel.
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Insider Tip
#1: Golden Week
Golden Week refers to a string of four public holidays in Japan from 29th April to 5th May and adjacent weekends. As many offices close for about a week or more, it is one of the peak seasons for domestic travel. Expect trains, airports and tourist attractions to be more crowded than usual.
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Travel Inspiration & Updates
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Go off the beaten path in Kyoto Prefecture
A stop in Kyoto is on most visitors’ Japan bucket list for good reason, but many never venture beyond the city centre. Consider venturing off the beaten track to explore picturesque port towns, landscapes with mythological connections and more.
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Did you know you can still go skiing and snowboarding in Japan? Mt Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture is known for its heavy snowfall, with the ski resort open from April until as late as July depending on the season. The runs are advanced so are more suited to experienced skiers and snowboarders.
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With 34 stunning national parks spread across the country, outdoor lovers are spoilt for choice in Japan. What’s more, the country’s varied climates and contrasting seasons make for diverse scenes, ranging from snow-clad mountains to coral reefs. Here’s a round-up of four scenic national parks to get you started.
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Delight the tastebuds on a trip around Shodoshima, one of hundreds of small islands that dot the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Enjoy the flavours of Shodoshima’s three key food industries -
somen (thin wheat noodles), soy sauce and olive production - in between exploring its stunning coastal and mountainous landscapes.
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There are countless opportunities to embrace art in Japan, including traditional art galleries, open-air museums and of course, art festivals. Experience a diverse range of contemporary artworks at these much-anticipated art festivals this year.
Image credit: MARUO Ryuichi (Artwork name: Statue of Hainuwele)
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Discover old-world traditions on an overnight stay in the ancient castle town of Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture. Each refurbished traditional Japanese house boasts a unique history, and guests can also experience pottery workshops and dine on meals created with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
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Climbing Mt Fuji is an unmissable experience for hikers when visiting Shizuoka, with Aussie travellers able to summit the iconic peak for the first time in years this upcoming season. Take a look at our 6-day model route to discover the myriad adventures to be had in Shizuoka in addition to this quintessential experience.
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Resources for you and your clients
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Travel Trade Resources
Find e-learning programmes and webinars by JNTO & our partners; JNTO's photo and video library; brochures, maps and posters; inbound travel suppliers and more!
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Advise your clients to complete the forms on ‘Visit Japan Web’ prior to departure to streamline their entry into Japan. There are 3 forms: quarantine (upload a valid vaccine certificate or negative PCR test result), immigration (digital equivalent of a disembarkation card) and customs.
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JNTO has worked with local governments and travel suppliers in Japan to highlight off-the-beaten-track experiential travel. The handpicked experiences are separated into 7 passions - Tradition, Outdoors, Cuisine, Cities, Nature, Art, Relaxation - allowing you to find activities suited to your clients' interests, all across the country. Visit the microsite to find an experience for any type of traveller.
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Open 24hrs, 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 © 2023 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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