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This five-storey pagoda sits atop Mt Haguro, one of the mountains that forms part of the Dewa Sanzen, a trio of sacred mountains in Yamagata Prefecture. |
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Hi ,
Welcome to the first 2025 edition of the Japan Travel News Updates and Happy Year of the Snake!
Winter is in full swing in Japan, with January and February marking the peak of the ski season. Illuminations across the country brighten up the nights, while festivals offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich traditions and culture. The cool weather also makes it the perfect time to enjoy the relaxing warmth of an onsen bath.
From February, plum blossoms begin to bloom, along with early blooming varieties of sakura in Kawazu, hinting at the warmer spring days ahead.
In this month’s newsletter there’s the chance to win a free flight to Japan with All Nippon Airways (ANA), along with winter festival highlights, a special art exhibition celebrating Hello Kitty, and many more ideas for your winter adventures in Japan.
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Get off the beaten track with All Nippon Airways (ANA) |
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To celebrate the return of direct flights from Perth to Tokyo, we have partnered with ANA to give you the chance to win a trip for two to Japan! Simply fill in this form for your chance to win (T&Cs apply). There are two sets of tickets to be won. Entries close on 13 Feb 2025. |
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All Nippon Airways (ANA) Offer
Explore Japan for less with ANA’s free domestic flights within Japan. When you book an international flight to Tokyo, you can add a free flight to anywhere on ANA’s domestic network. Choose from over 40 destinations, from bustling cities to hidden gems. Click here to book.
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Celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary at the Tokyo National Museum
2024 marked the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, one of Japan’s most iconic pop culture figures. To celebrate, the Tokyo National Museum is hosting an exhibition showcasing her evolution, featuring special merchandise and new renditions by various artists.
Exhibition dates: 1 Nov 2024 to 24 Feb 2025
Image ©2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP650123
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Cosy up in a
kamakura with hot pot and traditional sweets (Nagano)
Warm up at Restaurant Kamakura Village with a hearty
nabe (hot pot) meal or traditional treats inside a
kamakura (snow hut). In the evenings the
kamakura are illuminated, adding to the charm. The experience is available from 24 Jan to 28 Feb 2025 and reservations are essential.
Image ©︎Shinshu-Iiyama Tourism Bureau
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The Yamaga Garden Lantern Roman Hyakka Hyakusai is an annual festival in Yamaga City that celebrates Yamaga Onsen’s past as a major producer of traditional
wagasa (Japanese umbrellas). Wander the streets, illuminated by thousands of handmade
wagasa and bamboo lanterns, and unwind in the rejuvenating waters of Yamaga Onsen.
Festival dates: Every Friday and Saturday from 7 Feb to 1 Mar 2025 |
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Ouchi-juku is known for its traditional thatched-roof buildings and offers a glimpse into Japan from bygone times. The annual Ouchi-juku Snow Festival transforms the village into a winter wonderland, with handcrafted lanterns lighting up snow-covered streets and fireworks colouring the crisp night sky.
Festival dates: 8 and 9 Feb 2025 |
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Snowy views and soothing baths at Tsurunoyu Onsen (Akita)
Tsurunoyu Onsen in Akita Prefecture is known for its milky waters and is especially picturesque when blanketed with snow. It's one of seven hot springs that make up Nyuto Onsenkyo, a picturesque onsen village nestled at the foothills of Mt Nyuto in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Enjoy the baths on a day trip or stay overnight at a ryokan for the full experience.
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Nagasaki Bio Park
Take the family to Nagasaki Bio Park for a day of nature and interactive animal experiences. With over 200 animal species and 1,000 plant species, the park aims to replicate the natural environment of the animals, with many of them roaming freely. A popular attraction is the capybaras, who love soaking in the open-air bath during the winter months.
Image ©Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association
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Plum blossoms: an early spring delight (Hyogo)
Hirota Bairin Fureai Park on Awaji Island boasts some 300 plum trees that bloom from mid-February to early March, heralding the arrival of spring. The Plum Festival celebrates this seasonal bloom, inviting visitors to enjoy the fragrant flowers during the peak blooming season.
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JNTO Sydney Office services
If you have any Japan travel questions, please contact us using our enquiry form. Our self-service brochure room is open Monday to Friday* from 10am-4pm (AEST). You can also find a wide selection of digital brochures online.
* Please note we are closed on some Japanese public holidays. See the latest list here.
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Visit Japan Web
Register immigration and customs information on Visit Japan Web prior to your departure to expedite airport arrival procedures in Japan. There are two forms: immigration (the digital equivalent of a disembarkation card) and customs.
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Virtual backgrounds
Transport yourself to Japan, virtually, and brighten up your video calls with our collection of virtual backgrounds featuring beautiful sights from across Japan.
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Monthly event calendar
Find out what festivals and events will be on during your visit. The monthly calendars are released around the middle of the month and cover events across the whole country.
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Japan Visitor Hotline
Open 24 hours, 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 © 2025 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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