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Dear ,
Welcome to the June edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter.
June is known as the rainy season in Japan. This is called
tsuyu, (or 'plum rain') and refers to a period when plums ripen on trees, and rice fields around rural Japan are immersed in rain. As June is a time of year that determines the rice harvest, it can indeed be seen as the lifeline of Japan's populace.
This month's newsletter features the all important 2024 JNTO Roadshow registration link, Mt Fuji updates, and lots of travel inspiration as Japan enters the summer season!
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Harriett Bougher
Business Development & Senior Assistant Marketing Manager
JNTO Sydney Office
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2024 JNTO Japan Roadshows
Registrations for the 2024 JNTO Roadshows for the below cities and dates are now open! Do not miss on on the opportunity to connect with Japanese suppliers from across Japan!
Sydney: Monday 26th August
Brisbane: Tuesday 27th August
Auckland: Thursday 28th August
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Insider Tip
#35: Tax-Free Shopping in Japan
As those that have travelled to Japan before may know, there is a 10% consumption tax on all items except groceries, take-away food and drinks which is 8%. It is worth getting to know the following Japanese characters on price tags:
- 税抜 Zei-nuki: Excluding tax (the 8 or 10% tax will be added at the register)
- 税込 Zei-komi: Including tax
For foreign tourists or non-residents visiting Japan for less than six months, there is a tax-exemption scheme whereby you can purchase consumable goods (such as cosmetics, packaged food, liquor) or general goods (such as electronic appliances, clothing, artifacts) tax-free! There are a few things to be aware of with this scheme:
- You will need to find a shop that has the below logo. Common places include drug stores, department stores, souvenir stores.
- Minimum purchase is 5,000 JPY, maximum purchase 500,000 JPY in one day at a single store.
- Upload your required documents via Visit Japan Web prior to travelling to Japan. Non-residents of Japan will need different documents.
- The retailer at the tax-free store will advise about the tax refund. You will either receive the refund on the spot, at the airport or seaport upon departure of Japan, or at a dedicated tax refund counter found in large shopping areas or malls.
There is also now an online tax-free shopping service in Japan! Click here for more details.
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Travel Inspiration & Updates
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Be transported back in time in Kurashiki. Take a stroll, or cruise the river through the historical quarter with large traditional houses, stores, and warehouses dating back as far as the 16th century. Or find the perfect pair of jeans at this quaint 'denim capital' of Japan.
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Mt Fuji Climb Updates
From earlier this year, a daily limit of 4,000 hikers and a mandatory 2,000 JPY fee per person has been put in place for those wishing to climb the main Yoshida trail. An online reservation system is now available to secure spots for hikers. The option to hike overnight (4pm to 3am) has been discontinued due to safety and conservation reasons (individuals with mountain hut reservations exempt). For equally stunning and less populated hiking ideas check out the National Parks of Japan website.
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The 400 year old traditional summer dance festival Gujo Odori (dance) festival takes place from July to September each year and includes a total of 30 nights of dancing. There are 10 different dances each year. Check out this year's dance schedule here. |
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Unique Accommodation Highlight- Nara Hotel
Step back in time at the Nara Hotel. The beautiful wooden structure and design has stood the test of time. Stay in the preserved 'main building' built in 1909, or the equally stunning 'new building' with a choice of traditional Japanese or western rooms.
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Due to comparatively little rainfall compared to the rest of Japan, June is seen as a optimal time to visit national parks in Hokkaido. Highlights include Rishiri and Rebun islands off Hokkaido's most northern point. There, you can experience stunning costal views, a majestic mountain rivaling Mt Fuji, quaint fishing villages, and fresh delicacies like sea urchin. |
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Resources for you and your clients
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Osaka World Expo 2025
The World Expo will be held 13th April to 13th 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 and tickets.
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Travel Trade Resources
Find e-learning programmes and webinars by JNTO & our partners; JNTO's photo and video library; brochures, maps and posters; inbound travel suppliers and more!
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Advise your clients to complete their immigration and customs forms on ‘Visit Japan Web’ prior to departure to streamline their entry into Japan. |
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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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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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