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Dear ,
Welcome to the March edition of the Japan Travel Trade Newsletter for 2026.
With the peak of winter past, the stage is set for new beginnings as Japan eases into spring and temperatures slowly rise.
This month's newsletter is jam-packed with new resources like accessibility information for those with disabilities, and our round-up of cherry blossom viewing spots around Japan. Also featured are some new wellness and regional Japan inspiration, and other itinerary ideas for your clients.
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Harriett Bougher
Business Development & Senior Assistant Marketing Manager
JNTO Sydney Office
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JNTO February 2026 AIME Wrap-Up
This year's AIME 2026, saw a BIG Japan presence! The JNTO stand was bigger and better than ever with JNTO staff in attendance from multiple overseas office and eight co-exhibitors ranging from MICE-specialist DMCs, accommodation, and up-and-coming MICE destinations.
In addition to a constant stream of buyer appointments, JNTO also hosted a 'Happy Hour' on the first day of appointments. Buyers enjoyed fresh sushi prepared by a highly skilled Japanese chef and some delicious sake brought all the way from Japan.
For more information on organising your client's next meeting, conference, or incentive trip to Japan, our JNTO Meetings and Events website is a great resource. Australian and New Zealand MICE specialists are also welcome to reach out to tradeau@jnto.go.jp.
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Training & Trade Resources
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You can view the recording of this webinar and other webinars in the Japan 101 series here.
Keep tuning into our trade newsletters for webinars happening later this year. |
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Accessible Japan Website
Founded by in 2015 by a wheelchair user, Accessible Japan is a English-language comprehensive online platform where people can find accessibility information for destinations, hotels, public transportation, and more in Japan. Click here to see our 2021 interview with the founder, Josh Grisdale, and here to access the website.
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Travel Inspiration & Updates
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Japan’s sakura season is a fleeting yet unforgettable celebration of spring, with blossoms appearing across the country in a stunning variety of hues and forms. This special edition showcases standout destinations and hidden gems across every prefecture, equipping you with fresh ideas for crafting unique spring journeys. Look beyond the classic hotspots and help your clients uncover new sakura experiences.
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Luxury Accommodation Highlight: The Old Soma Residence Kazeno Heritage (Hokkaido Prefecture)
Opened at the beginning of this month as an exclusive heritage accommodation with just three rooms, the Old Soma Residence was made a designated National Important Cultural Property in 2018. Your clients now have the chance to stay in this beautiful property that previously belonged to important historical figure Soma Teppei, and showcases the Japanese-Western architectural style of the Meiji Period. The property is also an important symbol of the picturesque streets of the Motomachi district in Hakodate.
JNTO Partner Information
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Wellness Highlight: Misasa Onsen & Mt Mitoku (Tottori Prefecture)
One of the very first heritage sites to be recognised in Japan, Misasa Onsen’s origins can be traced back to the 12th century. The onsen town serves as the gateway to the spiritual Mt Mitoku. With breathtaking mountain valley views, Mt Mitoku is one of three sacred mountain asceticism sites in Japan and an important pilgrimage spot for travellers. Misasa Onsen town preserves the tradition of bathing in its hot springs before entering the sacred Mt Mitoku. Why not try this spiritual cleansing tradition yourself?
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The largest hot spring town in Hokkaido, and located just an hour away from down town Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen is a great place to base yourself for the perfect mix of natural beauty, relaxation, and convenient access to Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort. There are also other winter activities on offer like snow river rafting, snow shoeing, and horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy a rich array of activities all year around, with each season revealing its own striking landscapes and natural beauty. Click here for more information.
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Responsible Travel Guide
Help your clients deepen their understanding of local tradition, customs and travel etiquette in Japan. Our responsible travel guide contains useful tips on respectful photography, proper rubbish disposal, hands-free travel, as well as thoughtful actions and simple gestures of respect that create positive and memorable encounters.
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Travel Trade Resources
Find e-learning programmes and webinars by JNTO & our partners, a Japan photo and video library portal, digital 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 24 hours a day, 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 © 2026 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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