Mt Iwate, Iwate Prefecture’s highest peak, is nicknamed ‘Nanbu Fuji’ for its resemblance to Mt Fuji. In late spring and early summer, the mountain is beautifully reflected in the rice paddies.
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Welcome to the May and June edition of the Japan Travel News Updates. 


Late spring is a great time to enjoy Japan’s gardens and outdoor spaces, with mild weather and plenty of fresh greenery. As June rolls in, the scenery becomes even more vibrant, with blooming hydrangeas and fireflies adding to the early summer charm.


From exciting new openings to historical stays, there’s lots to explore in this edition—read on for more inspiration for your next trip.  

Snow Travel Expo 2025


Get inspired for your next snowy adventure in Japan at the Snow Travel Expo. We will be exhibiting along with ski resorts and destinations from across the country to help you plan your next trip.  


Melbourne: Sunday 18 May
Sydney: Sunday 25 May

Japan’s breweries and distilleries celebrate UNESCO Heritage Listing


The traditional knowledge and skills required to make sake have recently been added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Learn more about this centuries-old brew and where you can experience it next time you visit.  

 

Image © Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan. All Rights Reserved.

Stay in the residence of a former samurai family 


Once home to the Tachibana family, Ohana is now a beautifully preserved retreat in the canal-lined town of Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture. The ryokan reopened in January, making it an ideal option for travellers seeking heritage, beauty and a touch of luxury. 

 

Image ©RYOKAN OHANA

Immerse yourself in nature and art at teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces 


Wander through a forest transformed by light and sound at teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces. This unique outdoor exhibition near the Izura Coast invites visitors to explore a captivating art installation set on former rice terraces in northern Ibaraki Prefecture. 


Image of teamLab, Resonating Secret Valley and Forest © teamLab

New art museum opening  

 

Experience art in new ways at the newly opened Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art. From historical Japanese works to global icons like Warhol, its opening exhibition explores how artists across cultures and eras have redefined reality in their creations.

 

Image: Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art

A unique cultural experience awaits in Hiroshima


Kagura is a traditional performing art that blends dance, acting and music, with many stories rooted in Japanese mythology. A regular performance with English language support will be held each Wednesday evening in Hiroshima until 24 December 2025. 


Partners Information 

See hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple

 

Each summer, Unshoji Temple in Akita Prefecture transforms into a sea of blue, where over 2,000 hydrangeas bloom across the temple grounds. Set against the port town of Kitaura and the sea of Oga, the flowers create a serene landscape both during the day and at night when they are illuminated.

 

Partners Information 

New rules for climbing Mt Fuji in 2025 

 

Are you planning on climbing Mt Fuji this summer? There are new rules for the 2025 season to help preserve the famous peak and ensure safety. Be sure to check the official website before your trip for the latest information. 

Useful resources

Osaka World Expo 2025

 

The World Expo will be held from 13 April to 13 October in Osaka. Don't miss out on your chance to witness the latest  technology, world knowledge and sharing of ideas with leading global specialists!  See the official website for more information.

 

The Expo 2025 Official Experiential Travel Guides site also offers a wide range of activities and tours across Japan that connect to the expo’s theme of 'Designing future society for our lives'.

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

Visit Japan Web 
 
Complete the immigration and customs forms on Visit Japan Web prior to your departure to streamline your entry into Japan. There are two forms: immigration (the digital equivalent of a disembarkation card) and customs.  

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. 

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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Japan National Tourism Organization
Suite 1, Level 4, 56 Clarence Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

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Suite 1, Level 4, 56 Clarence St, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia


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