|
Japan Travel Updates January 2025
|
|
|---|
|
|
Educational Tools & Resources |
|
|---|
|
|
Explore Shizuoka – Early Blooming Cherry Blossoms!
|
|
|---|
|
Shizuoka’s renowned green tea culture is an experience you can’t miss! Dive into Matcha Calligraphy, a unique fusion of tradition and creativity where matcha replaces ink. Guided by a master, you’ll craft your own Kanji scroll at the cozy MARUZEN Tea Roastery, just a short walk from Shizuoka Station. It’s the perfect way to create a memorable souvenir while soaking up the essence of Japan’s tea heritage!
|
|
|
|
|
Fukui Prefecture – Echizen Craft Experience |
|
|---|
|
The Echizen Sabae area makes up a critical production area for traditional crafts in Fukui. It produces Echizen lacquerware, washi, knives, chests, pottery, glasses and textiles. It's an extremely rare area where seven industries have gathered within just a 6-mile radius.
On Craft Invitation tours, travelers can spend time interacting with craftspeople in their factories. You can spend a day creating a knife, making washi, or lacquering a bowl with local artisans. By the end, you'll have crafted something yourself, as well as have a memory to carry home.
|
|
|
|
|
Kochi Prefecture – Yosakoi Festival |
|
|---|
|
Yosakoi Dance is an energetic style of group dancing that originated in Kochi. Performance with music based on folk-songs and dancers in elaborate, colorful costumes, transforms any place into a vibrant stage anytime! Although there are many occasions to watch this dance throughout the year in Kochi Prefecture, the biggest in scale and the most popular one is the
Yosakoi Festival held in Kochi City from August 9-12 every year.
If anyone wants to join in the fun, there are teams which accept walk-ins so why not try and be part of the vibrant atmosphere!
|
|
|
|
|
Kyoto City Tourism – Hidden Gems of Kyoto: Yamashina in Spring
|
|
|---|
|
Nestled on the east side of Kyoto, Yamashina offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty just a short 5-minute train ride from Kyoto Station! Step back in time to over 25,000 years of history while cruising along the scenic Biwako Sosui canal, built in 1890. This hidden gem also boasts secret cherry blossom spots, offering a serene and unforgettable experience away from the crowds. Whether you're a history buff or nature lover, Yamashina is an exciting and accessible destination! Learn More |
|
|
|
|
Visit Kinosaki – 50 Minutes from Kinosaki Onsen, Private Izushi Castle Town Tour (with English-speaking guide)
|
|
|---|
|
Experience the rare chance to tour a Kabuki theater in Izushi Castle Town with a local guide. Go on a backstage tour of Eirakukan Kabuki Theater, and explore behind, under, and above the stage! Izushi is Toyooka City's quiet castle town home to retro stores, memorable attractions, and unique specialties. In Izushi, you will also have the chance to explore the Izushi Castle Ruins, Shinkoro Clock Tower, Samurai House Karoyashiki, and more! Pick up and drop off to and from Kinosaki Onsen included.
|
|
|
|
|
Yokohama City Visitors Bureau – OTABISHO Yokohama Nohgakudo |
|
|---|
|
OTABISHO Yokohama Nohgakudo is a cultural venue dedicated to the traditional Japanese performing art of “Noh and Kyogen”. This classical form of theater, with its distinctive costumes, wooden masks, and stylized movements, is an integral part of Japan’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the tools of Noh and Kyogen, and also purchase souvenirs such as Tenugui (a multipurpose cloth printed with traditional Japanese designs) and Kinchaku (a drawstring bag). Additionally, the venue hosts occasional workshops, offering international audiences a journey into this traditional art form. It opens until March, 2026. Learn More or Contact for details.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Pagoda in the Clouds: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Celebrates 100 Years of a Historic Landmark |
|
|
|
|
|
Enjoy all things Strawberry at
Hotel Granvia Kyoto |
|
|
|
|
Family-Friendly 2-Bedroom Suites in the Asakusa Area |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Explore More of Japan for Less with ANA’s Discover Japan Fare! |
|
|
|
|
JAL Expands Inflight Wi-Fi Service
to All Cabins |
|
|
|
|
|
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP |
|
|
|
|
|
Friendly Planet Travel
Best of Japan
Commissionable, inquire for full details
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
THE FINE PRINT/LEGAL STUFF
Information is provided in this Japan Travel Update as a courtesy to readers of this newsletter. Though JNTO endeavors to ensure the information is accurate, users of the information are to act on such using their own judgment and at their own risk. Neither JNTO nor any holder of a copyright to the information shall be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any loss or misunderstanding, either direct or indirect, that is incurred as a result of utilizing the information. |
|
|---|
|
Publisher: Japan National Tourism Organization
URL: www.japan.travel/en/us
New York Office (in even months)
250 Park Avenue, Suite 1900, New York, NY 10177
email: infonyc@jnto.go.jp
Los Angeles Office (in odd months)
6100 Center Drive, Suite 925, Los Angeles, CA 90045
email: infolax@jnto.go.jp |
|
|
|
|
|
|  |
|
|
|
|
