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Dear ,
Welcome to the twelfth Dreaming Edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter!
While international travel remains on hiatus, we are seeing some encouraging signs locally in Australia with all state and territory borders currently open and the federal government’s plan to offer around 800,000 half-price flights to 13 domestic regions online from 1 April.
In the meantime, we will continue to bring you inspiration and information so when the time is right and international travel restarts, you will be fully equipped to send your clients to Japan, the land of Endless Discovery.
This month’s newsletter highlights include the official opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Japan, information galore on Japan’s nationally revered cherry blossoms, ANA and JAL receiving outstanding COVID-19 safety credentials and we look at the Tohoku region on the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
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~Insider Tip~
#24: My-Hashi (Personal Chopsticks)
Restaurants and cafes will obviously always provide utensils to eat your food with, and if you pick up a bento from a convenience store (conbini) or supermarket you can get disposable chopsticks for free at the register, too.
But if you'd like to be a bit more eco-friendly and pick up a really unique souvenir, why not buy a set of 'my-hashi'? These are chopsticks made to be taken with you on the go. Simple sets can be purchased from the 100-yen stores and come with a plastic or cloth case.
Fancier sets, made from real wood and inlaid with lacquer designs, can be picked up from souvenir shops or chopstick specialty shops, and even come in a dismantlable type to make them more compact. Some even come with fork and spoon ends so you have a real all-in-one utensil set for your picnic lunch!
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New training and trade resources
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Landing page for Japan training resources
We have collated webinars and e-learning programmes created by JNTO and our partners, such as local governments, so that you can find all of your Japan resources in one place. Some of the new programmes are featured below, but be sure to bookmark this new page as we will be updating it as more resources become available.
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Oita Prefecture's new training program
Oita has recently released a new training module highlighting its key selling points: relaxation, nature, cuisine and culture. Complete the three modules before 7 April and you could win one of four $200 vouchers to your favourite Japanese restaurant or a rare LEGO bonsai tree.
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Discover the highlights of Fukuoka through quizzes, beautiful imagery and videos or browse the new microsite for further inspiration. Complete both modules for your chance to win one of three $100 gift cards or two $250 gift cards. Winners will be drawn at the end of the March. |
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New resources: Kanazawa & Nagano
Take a look at the new agent resource pages for Kanazawa and Nagano or the new six-page destination guide to discover what these two cities have to offer. The guide is full of helpful tips ranging from multi-day stay itineraries, accommodation options, dining and must-sees.
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Travel Inspiration & Updates
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Japan's leading airlines receive 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating from SKYTRAX
ANA and JAL have both received the full 5-Star accolade, a testament to the superior health and safety initiatives implemented by the two airlines. JAL also received the Diamond Certification by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying.
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Japan in March
March is about new beginnings as Japan eases into spring. The colourful Hina Matsuri (Girls’ Festival) is held on 3 March and sakura trees start blooming in Tokyo and other warmer spots. Read our March guide for more details or discover what's on in April here.
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Festivals in March
The Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourism Organization has compiled a list of festivals throughout Japan for the month of March. The list provides details on which festivals went ahead, are scheduled or were cancelled.
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CULTURE GATE to JAPAN
CULTURE GATE to JAPAN is a new art exhibition at seven airports across Japan and Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. A wide range of videos about the artworks and the destinations that inspired them have been created so people can enjoy the works from anywhere in the world.
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Tohoku
This month was the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which devastated Japan's Tohoku region. Local passion and pride have put the region back on its feet - discover all the amazing landscapes and historical treasures it offers.
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Cherry blossoms guide
Sakura in Japan are renowned for their radiant, delicate and transient beauty and are intrinsically tied to Japan’s history, culture and identity. Brush up on your knowledge on these flowers and the best places to view them with our comprehensive guide.
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Resources for you and your clients |
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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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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.
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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
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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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Copyright © 2021 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 courtesy of Universal Studios Japan © Nintendo |
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