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The Keishouan Tea house in Kakko No Mori Echo Land, Aomori Prefecture, is a stunning place to view vibrant autumn leaves. |
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Hi ,
Welcome to the final edition of the Japan travel news updates for 2024!
November and December are a wonderful time to explore Japan, as the beauty of autumn transitions into the magic of winter.
The vibrant autumn colours that adorn Japan’s landscapes peak in many parts of the country during November (see our 2024 forecast for more information). They are not only breathtaking to see in the daytime, but also celebrated through stunning light-up events that illuminate parks and temples after dark.
In December, the first month of winter, snow resorts start to open. Japan offers an exceptional winter sports experience, complete with breathtaking mountain views and cozy après-ski activities.
As we approach the festive season, it’s interesting to note how celebrations differ between Japan and Australia. Christmas in Australia is typically a family-orientated occasion filled with outdoor fun, while in Japan it’s commonly a more romantic celebration characterised by beautiful illuminations and cosy meals. New Year’s in Japan however is marked by traditional customs and family gatherings, contrasting with Australia’s lively fireworks and celebrations.
In this month’s newsletter we feature a unique place to see cherry blossoms in autumn, art festivals on far-flung islands, a Godzilla projection mapping in Tokyo and much more.
Happy holidays from all of us at Sydney Office, JNTO, and we look forward to sharing more Japan inspiration with you next year!
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Dreaming of spring in Japan? Here's your chance to make them come true!
We have partnered with JAL to giveaway one free ticket to Japan! Just navigate to the Instagram or Facebook post, and tell us tell us in 50 words or less what you want to do in Japan during spring and why.
The competition closes on 20 November 2024. We can't wait to read your answers, good luck!
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See cherry blossoms in autumn (Aichi)
Marvel at pink cherry blossoms set against fiery autumn colours at Ohara in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The area boasts some 10,000 shikizakura - special cherry blossom trees that bloom in both spring and autumn. Enjoy delicious treats and special events while surrounded by this unique seasonal backdrop during the Obara Shikizakura Festival from 16 Nov to 1 Dec 2024.
Image ©TOURISM TOYOTA
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Japan Airlines update
Exploring Japan just got easier! Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced free domestic flights within Japan. When you make a reservation for a JAL international flight to Japan, you can now add a free connection to anywhere on JAL’s domestic network. Click here to book.
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Ever wanted to see Godzilla in real life? To celebrate the iconic monster's 70th anniversary this November, Godzilla will be projected on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building hourly from 5:30pm to 9:30pm on weekends and public holidays. The event is part of the ‘Tokyo Night & Light’ event which aims to honour Tokyo's rich cultural heritage with a dazzling array of visuals.
Image © TOHO CO., LTD. |
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Osaka Castle is a symbol of Osaka, and its yagura (turrets) are an Important Cultural Property. On weekends and public holidays from 14 Sep to 24 Nov 2024, a number of the turrets will be open to be public. This limited-time access provides a rare opportunity to explore the striking towers that were imperative for the castle's defence in the feudal era. |
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Tanegashima Light Festival 2024 (Kagoshima)
Find beauty in the unknown on the island of Tanegashima, Kagoshima Prefecture. This popular beach destination is home to Japan’s space program and is the venue for the Tanegashima Light Festival. The festival will take place at night, with Tanegashima’s dark starry skies providing the perfect canvas for the stunning light installations.
Festival dates: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 1 Nov to 8 Dec 2024.
Image © ︎Satfes2024
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Get cosy on a scenic boat ride (Iwate)
Enjoy a serene boat ride amongst towering limestone cliffs at Geibikei Gorge in Iwate Prefecture. Visit in early November to witness the breathtaking autumn foliage, or warm up on a kotatsu boat from December to February. Kotatsu are low, traditional tables covered with a quilt, and the experience includes a warming hot pot meal.
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Dive into Japan’s thermal treasures
Japan is a treasure trove when it comes to onsen (hot springs), with over 27,000 onsen sources across the country. Onsen have long been used to refresh tired bodies and relax the mind, and many are believed to offer health benefits. From naturally carbonated baths to hot spring waters as black as the night, discover Japan’s diverse range of onsen.
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Witness the fastest drivers in Japan (Mie)
The 2024 All Japan Super Formula Championship Round 8-9 23rd JAF Suzuka Grand Prix will be held on 9 and 10 November at Suzuka Circuit, Mie Prefecture. In addition to thrilling races, get an up-close look at the powerful cars in the ‘Pit Walk’. Young fans can even try out various roles within the motorsports industry in the ‘Out of KidZania in SUPER FORMULA’ event, a collaboration with the career experience theme park ‘KidZania’.
Image © ︎Suzuka Circuit Japan
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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 © 2024 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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