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Dear ,
Welcome to the July 2023 Edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter!
Correction: There was an error in the direct flight overview included in last month's newsletter. Please see correction below:
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MELBOURNE
- Qantas: 4x / wk to Tokyo
Narita Haneda
(daily from 26 Nov and will change to Haneda Narita)
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Invitations will be going out next week for our Japan Roadshow, so keep an eye on your inbox. As a reminder, the planned dates are:
- Monday, 21 August - Sydney
- Tuesday, 22 August - Brisbane
- Thursday, 24 August - Auckland
We hope to see you all there.
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Japan Rail Pass updates
On 26 July, the Japan Rail Group as well as the individual JR companies announced further information relating to upcoming price changes for the nationwide Japan Rail Pass as well as regional passes offered by each individual company.
(*Note: The Japan Rail Group includes 6 independent rail companies: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu. See further below for information on regional passes.)
The price change for the nationwide Japan Rail Pass (known as the JR Pass) as well as the individual regional passes will go into effect for sales from 01 October 2023.
Passes may be purchased a maximum of 3 months prior to the first date of use, so passes purchased by 30 September 2023 (at the current price) must be activated by end December 2023 (*our understanding is that activation must be by 29 December; for usage on or after 30 Dec you would need to purchase the pass on or after 01 October).
The new prices for the nationwide Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) are as noted in this image:
Passes for children under the age of 12 years old, as of date of purchase, are at a reduced rate. Enquire with your wholesaler for details.
From 01 October, JR Pass holders will be able to use Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen routes if they purchase a designated ticket. Details about this system will be published on the Japan Rail Pass website in September.
JR Pass holders will also be eligible for discounts at tourist facilities from 01 Oct, and further details on this will also be published on the Japan Rail Pass website in September.
As of 27 July, the above information has been published in Japanese only, in a press release on the Japan Rail Pass website. English information is expected soon. This is all of the information that we have available at this time.
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Regional JR Pass updates
Prices of most regional JR Passes (such as the JR East Nagano-Niigata Pass) will also be changing from 01 October. For details please refer to the following press releases from each individual JR company's website. English releases have been linked where available.
- JR East (*press release only available in Japanese at this time, but pass names and prices are listed in English in this release) - JR Central (*press release only available in Japanese at this time)
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Insider Tip
#10: ''Conbini', or Convenience Stores
Convenience stores, known as “conbini” in Japan, are truly as convenient as they are ubiquitous. Even small country towns will have at least one conbini, whether it’s a “Seven” (711), “Famima” (Family Mart), or one of the seemingly dozens of other chains. Not only can you get snacks, drinks, and basic toiletries, you can also get hot food (either from a warming tray, or they will offer to heat it up in a microwave for you).
In addition, you can often find an ATM, a copy machine, a ticket booking machine (for sporting events, concerts, museums, and the like), and free wi-fi. Conbini that sell alcohol will usually have a lit-up sign with the Chinese character for alcohol, 酒, outside, and those that sell cigarettes usually have one reading たばこ (tobacco).
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Travel Inspiration & Updates
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With many Insta worthy spots in Japan being displayed all across social media, it can be hard to find hidden locations to tour and observe. Still, there are many unique, lesser-known places that remain unshared, such as Arita and Imari, said to be a couple of the greatest porcelain towns in Kyushu!
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As the temperature rises in Japan, so do the crowds as the summer holidays and seasonal festivities begins. Avoid the crowds these holidays and explore lesser known destinations, such as Hida Furukawa in Gifu, or the Amakusa Islands.
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Engaging with and appreciating the etiquette is both a respectful and fun way to immerse yourself in Japanese life and culture. Learn the basics of manners in Japan and interact with the locals, like a local!
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The city of Furano in Hokkaido is famous nationwide for its lush lavender. It begins blooming from late June, reaching its peak by mid-July. Patrons can stroll through the flowering fields and enjoy the soothing aroma in the northern island of Japan.
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Explore the culinary world of Ama (diving fisherwoman) in Ise-Shima. Visiting Amagoya huts where the Ama rest in between dives gives individuals the opportunity to enjoy and learn about the lives of Ama, all the while eating freshly caught seafood.
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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 2 forms: immigration (the digital equivalent of a disembarkation card) and customs.
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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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Nebuta Festival image: Unsplash |
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