Japan Tourism News
Unmissable Autumn Events in Subtropical Okinawa
Here, the team at Visit Okinawa summarises some of the must-visit events in the region during the season… September/ October 2024: Record-breaking tug-of-wars Large-scale tug-of-war events are a traditional hallmark of Okinawan festivals and the Itoman Great Tug-of-War, taking place on the 17th of September, is a spectacle not to be missed.
SOWAKA Hotel Unveils Gion Loka: A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Kyoto
SOWAKA Hotel is thrilled to introduce its newest dining masterpiece, Gion Loka, led by the esteemed executive Chef Takaaki Kato. Nestled within the luxurious confines of SOWAKA Hotel, Gion Loka promises an unparalleled dining experience that intertwines tradition, innovation, and exquisite flavours.
Hyatt Announces Plans for Park Hyatt Sapporo
Hyatt Hotels Corporation have announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Heiwa Real Estate Co. Ltd., for a new Park Hyatt hotel in Sapporo. Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will be situated in the economic and cultural center of the Hokkaido Prefecture in northern Japan. It will be the fourth Park Hyatt branded hotel in the country and will complement the award-winning Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, a luxury mountain retreat located in Hokkaido’s leading ski resort.
Banyan Group debuts Banyan Tree brand in Japan with Grand Opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality leader, proudly announces the debut of its flagship Banyan Tree brand in Japan with the grand opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama Ward. With 52 luxurious guest rooms, the renowned Banyan Tree Spa, the natural Onsen, and two distinctive dining experiences, the intimate retreat is the only hotel in Kyoto with a Noh stage
Hotel GrandBach Kyoto Select Reopens on 1st September
Hotel GrandBach Kyoto Select will reopen on 1 September 2024 at Shijo, Kyoto, hometown of the hotel brand. The opening arrives after completed renovation of public areas, including first two floors and partially the third. The hotel will relaunch as a lifestyle destination based on the concept of wellbeing and mindfulness defined as “Unwind in Kyoto with tranquil music and wellness inducing breakfast.”
Pan Pacific Hotels Group Extends Presence in Japan through continued Strategic Partnership
Pan Pacific Hotels Group debuts in Kyoto with the signing of a strategic partnership with Tokyu Hotels following the launch of BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel and HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel, both located in Shinjuku, Tokyo last year.
Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo Debuts
The 321-Room Hotel Welcomes Trailblazing Business and Leisure Travelers to Northernmost Island of Hokkaido, Famous for its Picturesque Landscapes, Skiing and Spellbinding Annual Snow Festival
Japan’s Travel & Tourism Sector to Surpass Previous Records in 2024
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts a record-breaking year for Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector, with its economic contribution, job numbers, and visitor spending, all set to reach historic levels. The sector’s contribution to Japan’s economy is expected to reach nearly ¥44.6TN in 2024, marking a 5.7% increase over the 2019 peak demonstrating the vital role of Travel & Tourism, accounting for 7.5% of Japan’s GDP.
Banyan Tree debuts into Japan with its first property in Kyoto
Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company with purpose, proudly announces the opening of Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto in the third quarter of 2024, which marks the debut of the Banyan Tree brand in Japan. Located in the historic Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto City, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto will feature 52 guestrooms, the signature Banyan Tree Spa and two distinctive dining experiences.
Subtropical Okinawa Welcomes New Hotels
Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, has welcomed the opening of four new hotels with a premium villa resort on Irabu, a well-located beachfront property on Senaga, a coastal escape on Ishigaki and a secluded luxury resort on Miyako.
Travel sector calls for Japan to reduce restrictions to boost tourism
Japan has maintained some of the strictest entry regulations throughout the pandemic, but now there are calls to lift restrictions to boost tourism.