Japan's 3 Great Gardens
Dear , 
 

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2021's first Dreaming Edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter!

 

No one could have anticipated what 2020 would bring, and likewise we cannot predict how 2021 will go. Our thoughts are with all of our industry friends and colleagues who have encountered huge challenges and drastic changes to their circumstances, and we hope that this next year brings brighter and better times for all.

 

In 2020, we kept in touch with you by continuing to send monthly newsletters with inspirational content, and we also increased our consumer-facing newsletters from bimonthly to monthly to ensure that travellers would continue to keep Japan in mind as the best destination to visit when the time is right.

 

Also, for the first time JNTO Sydney released a Travel Trade Webinar series available to all. With 17 episodes, going from overall Japan basics to regional exploration and special interests like art, wellness and pop culture, we've still barely scratched the surface of Japan and we hope to bring you more episodes periodically going forward.

 

Thank you for sticking with us and staying engaged as we continue to bring you inspiration and information so that when the time is right and travel begins to open back up, you will be fully equipped to send your clients to Japan, the land of Endless Discovery. 

 

This month’s newsletter highlights include a new portal for luxury travel in Japan, a new teamLab museum opening and a collection of some unique island stays. 

 ~Insider Tip~

 #17 Kairo

 
When travelling in Japan in the colder months, especially if you travel to snowy areas, you may find that you need a little more than just thermals and gloves to keep you warm. Enter kairo – portable heat packs.
    
These come in different styles, from disposable ones with adhesive backing so you can stick them to your clothes and keep your back or stomach warm, to USB-powered rechargeable bricks that you can keep in your pocket to warm your hands. There are even kairo that are designed specifically to slip into your shoes to keep your toes from freezing off!
 
Read more about kairo on our head office’s webpage here.

Travel Inspiration & Updates

The luxury side of Japan 

 

Introducing our new portal for luxury travel in Japan! Revel in a journey of discovery of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage by exploring the luxurious offerings across the country, from exclusive travel options to gastronomic delights and much more.

Japan in January

 

January, in particular the latter half of the month, is a great time to enjoy winter sports. There are also New Year celebrations at shrines, and sales at many departments stores. Read our January guide for more information or discover what’s on in February here.

Small islands big on luxury 

Are your clients looking for experiences away from the main islands? Read on to discover six unique islands offering five-star seclusion and luxury. Experiences include glamping on an island paradise, Zen-inspired beachfront villas and a private island ryokan.

Umekoji Potel Kyoto Opening 

JR West’s new ‘Potel’ brand hopes to be a gateway for exchanges between people from inside and outside Japan. This is evident from the name, a combination of the words ‘port’ and ‘hotel’, but also in the thoughtfully designed spaces that inspire exploration, interaction and relaxation.  

 

https://www.japan.travel/en/au/news-blog/new-teamlab-museum-at-boss-ezo-fukuoka/

New teamLab museum at BOSS E∙ZO FUKUOKA

teamLab has launched teamLab Forest, a new digital art museum in Fukuoka. Located in the BOSS EZO FUKUOKA entertainment complex, visitors can also enjoy a range of other activities such as outdoor rides and virtual experiences.

Japan’s local treasures 

Looking for ideas from a local perspective? Our new webpage is a collection of recommendations from local tourism boards throughout Japan. Narrow your search to a specific region, or simply browse the extensive collection for inspiration. 

 

https://www.japan.travel/en/au/news-blog/new-teamlab-museum-at-boss-ezo-fukuoka/

New playlist – JNTO partners travel trade webinars 

Deepen your destination knowledge with this new collection of travel trade webinars from our partners. Discover lesser-known attractions, itinerary ideas and more from Ishikawa, Kochi and Ibaraki Prefectures with more to come periodically.  

Travel Trade Training Webinars  Japan Basics 

 

Our webinar series has wrapped up, but if you have missed any you can still access them on our dedicated YouTube playlist. Topics covered in the 17-part series include various regional areas, family travel, cycling destinations and much more.

Partner Sites

Saga Prefecture's Karatsu is an amazing place for Japanese history buffs as it embodies a rich samurai culture and is also one of the most prominent places for Japanese ceramics. Discover the historical wonders, crafts and must-try local food of this charming castle town. 

 

Animated movies by the director Hayao Miyazaki are classics that are popular not just in Japan, but all around the world. This article introduces places in Japan that closely resemble scenes in five of his most famous animated movies.



Resources for you and your clients

Access travel advisories and the latest information on countermeasures the government and facilities such as airlines, airports, railway companies and accommodation providers have implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19. 
    100 Experiences in Japan Brochure

    JNTO has worked with local governments and travel suppliers in Japan to create a brochure highlighting off-the-beaten-track experiential travel. The 100 handpicked experiences are separated into seven passions - Tradition, Outdoors, Cuisine, Cities, Nature, Art, Relaxation - allowing you to find activities suited to your clients' interests.
      Japan Visitor Hotline

      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

        Japan Official Travel App


        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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