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Dear ,
Welcome to the July 2022 Edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter!
This month’s newsletter highlights include a look at contemporary art festivals across the country, craft breweries that promote inclusion and sustainability as well as an ancient trade route that offers a glimpse of Japan from a bygone era.
Travel restrictions
The resumption of guided package tours to Japan started from 10 June 2022. Please refer to our Travel Trade page for more information on the process, visa application procedures and entry requirements.
Further easing of restrictions is expected to follow, but we do not have a timeline on when. Keep checking on the above page as we will keep you, our valued trade partners, updated of any developments.
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Insider Tip
#23: Restaurant Service Etiquette
After hearing how excellent Japanese service is, first-time visitors to Japan may be a little befuddled by the way restaurant servers seem to ignore you. This is actually out of respect for your time and space - they don't want to bother you unless you need something. So, instead of hovering around your table and asking you repeatedly if you want a top-up, they wait to be summoned.
Some restaurants will have a button on the table for you to call your server. If there is no button, then call out ‘sumimasen’ (excuse me) loudly enough to be heard, and someone will come to take your order, top up your drink, or bring you the bill.
In terms of paying the bill, at higher-end restaurants you may pay at the table, but for most casual restaurants you take the bill up to the front register and make payment there. If in doubt, ask your server where you should pay - you can use this phrase: ‘Okaikei wa doko desu ka’.
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Travel Inspiration & Updates
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Japan offers an array of adventures year-round, but travelling in the ‘off-season’ can be a great chance to uncover a different side to popular destinations while avoiding the crowds.
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What’s better than a refreshing pint of craft beer? Craft beer that gives back to their communities! Here are four innovative breweries doing just that, from supporting marginalised individuals to participating in reconstruction efforts after a disaster.
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Japan’s art festivals are a great opportunity to engage with art beyond the traditional confines of a museum. Discover eight festivals across the country that art-loving clients won’t want to miss.
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Take a step back in time at the Saba Kaido, a trade route that connected the seaside town of Obama in Fukui Prefecture to Kyoto for over 1500 years. Experience what life was like in ancient Japan at four historical inns along the ancient road.
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Located off the coast of Shimane Prefecture, the Oki Islands are a UNESCO Global Geopark and are part of Daisen-Oki National Park. Home to rugged coastlines, clear waters and unspoilt mountains and forests, this is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Sustainable Travel Experiences spotlight: #25 SUIDEN TERRASSE hotel
Stay in a unique hotel surrounded by acres of rice paddies in Yamagata Prefecture. Designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, SUIDEN TERRASSE boasts a minimalist light-filled interior built with natural materials, natural hot spring baths and dishes celebrating local vegetables.
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Cycle past verdant rice paddies, explore castle towns and enjoy spectacular views on Biwaichi, a 193km-long cycling route around Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. There are courses to suit a range of fitness levels, and even a train along the lake's eastern side that lets cyclists take their bike on the train!
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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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Access travel advisories and the latest information on countermeasures the government and companies and facilities such as airlines, airports, railway companies and accommodation providers have implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.
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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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Designed to make your trip to Japan smooth, safe and comfortable.
Features:
- Tourist information articles
- Restaurant listings
- Public transport guidance
- List of hospitals with foreign language services
- Natural disasters alerts
- Find duty-free shops, luggage-forwarding spots and ATMs
- Search for Wi-Fi access points and Tourist Information Centers offline
Available in the App Store and Google Play.
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Copyright © 2022 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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Image of white deer statue ©White Deer (Oshika) by Kohei Nawa, photo by Takehiro Goto |
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