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Dear ,
Welcome to the June 2023 Edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter!
This week, Virgin Airlines launched their highly anticipated Cairns-Haneda route, which will operate daily. Read on to learn about their special launch sale, and see below for an overview of all current direct flight routes from Australia and New Zealand.
This month's newsletter also includes updates on a newly opened apartment hotel in Kyoto, featured wholesale tour products and general Japan inspiration to fuel your and your clients' curiosity about the land of endless discovery.
OTHER JNTO NEWS
Kitazawa-san (who we introduced in last month's issue) has now arrived safely in Sydney and has taken up the helm as executive director. He looks forward to meeting all of you at our events this year.
VISIT JAPAN WEB (Reminder)
As of 29 April, all border control measures to Japan have been lifted and there is no vaccine requirement to enter the country. However, the Visit Japan Web service remains active and is a great way to expedite your clients' entry into the country. We strongly recommend that all travellers register immigration and customs information on Visit Japan Web a minimum of 1 day before departure.
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DIRECT FLIGHT OVERVIEW
Last month we announced the capacity increases announced by Qantas, effective 26 November, for their Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane routes; and as noted above Virgin Australia has just launched their Cairns route. ANA has also announced the resumption of their Perth-Narita route, initially running 3 times weekly from 29 October. Jetstar has also been in the news recently with updates on upcoming changes to their schedule.
With all of these changes, this overview of direct flight routes may be helpful as reference:
SYDNEY
- All Nippon Airways (ANA): double daily to Tokyo Haneda
- Japan Airlines (JAL): daily to Tokyo Haneda
- Qantas: daily to Tokyo Haneda
(double daily from 26 Nov)
MELBOURNE
- Japan Airlines (JAL): 4x / wk to Tokyo Narita
- Qantas: 4x / wk to Tokyo Narita
(daily from 26 Nov and will change to Haneda)
BRISBANE
- Qantas: 3x / wk to Tokyo Haneda
(daily from 26 Nov and will change to Narita)
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Jetstar: 5x / wk to Tokyo Narita from 31 Oct, and daily from 3 Dec
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Jetstar: 4x / wk to Osaka (Kansai International) from 2 Feb 2024
GOLD COAST
- Jetstar: 6x / wk to Tokyo Narita
(ends 29 Oct 2023)
CAIRNS
- Virgin Australia: daily to Tokyo Haneda (launched 28 June!)
- Jetstar: daily to Tokyo Narita
- Jetstar: 5x / wk to Osaka (Kansai International)
PERTH
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All Nippon Airways (ANA): 3x / wk to Tokyo Narita from 29 Oct
AUCKLAND
- Air New Zealand: daily to Tokyo Narita
*Routes and frequencies are current to the best of our knowledge as of the date of this email and are subject to change. Please check with each airline for the most up to date information, including flight times and flight numbers.
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JAPAN ROADSHOW: SAVE THE DATE
JNTO's acclaimed trade event, the Japan Roadshow, is returning to Australia and New Zealand this August. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for further information. The planned dates are:
- Monday, 21 August - Sydney
- Tuesday, 22 August - Brisbane
- Thursday, 24 August - Auckland
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Insider Tip
#25: Mt Fuji is best viewed in...
When your client says they want to "go to" Mt Fuji, they probably don't actually want to go to Mt Fuji itself (unless they're avid hikers - in which case be sure to read our climbing guide!). There isn't much to actually do on the mountain. You can visit the fifth station of one of the hiking trails (the highest point reachable by car or bus) to buy souvenirs and enjoy the view from halfway up the mountain, but what most people actually want to do is
view Mt Fuji from up close in all its glory.
There are two main places that people choose to visit for this excellent view:
- Hakone, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is on the southeastern side of the mountain and is a very popular onsen (hot spring) resort area.
- Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi), one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is in Yamanashi Prefecture on the northern side of the mountain.
(There are other areas, of course, but these offer the most activities.)
You can find more information on these areas on our website, but here's one very useful tip: Even on an otherwise clear day, the top of Mt Fuji (sometimes even from halfway up) often is hidden behind clouds. Your best chance of having a clear view of Mt Fuji is to visit in the morning, before the clouds have a chance to come in. Also, winter has more clear days than summer.
However, do note that the hiking season runs from early July to early September.
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Travel Inspiration & Updates
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Experience award-winning service and great value on Virgin Australia's new daily return flights between Cairns and Tokyo Haneda. Fares begin from $699! Promotion runs until 4 July.
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To celebrate the launch of the new apartment hotel MIMARU SUITES Kyoto Central, Mimaru is offering free luggage transfer services between the Kyoto property and their MIMARU SUITES in Tokyo, as well as a free taxi from Kyoto Station.
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The inland sea that lies between western Honshu and Shikoku is quite well known for the island of Naoshima and the Shimanami Kaido cycling road, but the region has much, much more to offer, from beaches to breweries and boat tours.
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Japan's arts and culture offer incredible experiences for the luxury traveller. Learn to appreciate how each encounter is once-in-a-lifetime, and the value (and beauty) in repairing broken ceramics so that they may continue serving you, through customs such as tea ceremony.
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Whether your idea of a summer holiday is beaches, festivals or sport, there are tons of things happening in the warmer months in Japan. Plus, don't forget summer specialty foods!
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If you equate 'getting outdoors' with lush green mountains, consider hiking the Kumano Kodo, or if water sports are more your speed, why not kayak on the clearest waters in Japan?
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Featured Wholesale Products
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Save up to 35% off accommodation when you book Rusutsu Resort, Rusutsu by 31st July. With Ski-in, Ski-out access, you can book a 7 night package including 6 day lift pass and breakfast from $2,240*pp.
*Enquire with Travelplan (link above) for full details.
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Experience Japan's seamless blend of ancient customs, ultramodern living, rich culture and arts, cuisine, gardens and wildlife-filled national parks aboard the luxurious, 140-guest expedition flagship
Heritage Adventurer.
Book by 31 August 2023 to save 20% on all 2024 Japan voyages.
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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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