Japan Tourism News
Up to 215,000 Japanese in shelters following earthquake
Some 215,000 Japanese are in emergency shelters following a devastating earthquake and tsunami which hit the country yesterday. Hundreds are feared dead with thousands still missing as a huge relief operation swings into action.
Tsunami strikes Japan following massive earthquake
As many as 250 civilians are feared dead after an earthquake sent a tsunami crashing into the north of Japan earlier. Many more are missing, with extensive damage reported across the region. Pictures from local television stations show buildings toppling under pressure from a huge wave of water, with cars, boats, and even roads also swallowed up.
Blossom set to shine in Japan
Only 4 days in Tokyo, boasting some 180 international and Japanese buyers, Blossom Japan for the first time, welcomes some of the finest luxurious brands, destinations and DMC‘s from all over the world and Japan to come together.
Japanese tourism hit as China issues travel warning
China has issued a travel warning for Japan after a group of Chinese tourists were attacked on a trip to the port of Fukuoka in the wake of a bitter territorial dispute between the two countries.
Japan Tourism Agency extends its support to Blossom Japan
As Blossom Japan gears up for its debut in Tokyo early next year, the Japan Tourism Agency has extended its support to the event identifying the opportunity it brings to Japanese tourism.
Japan relaxes Chinese visa restrictions
Japan has relaxed financial criteria for Chinese travellers seeking individual visas to enter the country. In an effort to boost visitor numbers, the Japan Tourism Authority has also increased the number of Chinese locations at which applications can be made.
Japan suffers heaviest tourist losses in nearly 40 years
Foreign visitor numbers to Japan slumped at the fastest rate in nearly four decades due to the global downturn, swine flu fears and a strong yen, according to new data released by the JNTO.
Unravelling the mystery of Japanese luxury travel
In January 2011, a new travel exhibition is being launched to target Japan’s luxury market. BTN met up with Blossom Japan’s organiser Jay Martens to find out more.
New event targets Japanese luxury travel
A new travel trade event is being launched to target Japan’s luxury market. Blossom Japan will be held in Tokyo in January 2011 as an invitation-only, and will be run by Lucioles, the new company headed by Jay Martens, Co-Founder of the Asia Luxury Travel Market.
JAL: Banks reject bail out, government to step in
According to the latest reports in Asia, Japan’s three largest banks have decided to reject the Transport Ministry’s rehabilitation plan for the troubled JAL but the country’s new centre-left government is set to bail the company out.
Japan prepares to host three world-class sporting events
With Japan now confirmed as hosts for the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup (announced on 28 July), and with a strong proposal for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cups well under way, BTN Asia Pacific Editor Daniel Rourke is in Japan to investigate its next major bid. The hosts for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be announced by the XXXI Olympiad Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark on 2 October, with Tokyo tipped as the city to beat.
BTN spotlight: Westin Miyako, Kyoto
The 120-year-old Westin Miyako is one of Kyoto’s oldest and best loved hotels. As Japan welcomes a new government and Prime Minister to power, BTN’s Daniel Rourke spoke to Junko Funakoshi, Westin Miyako’s Manager of Advertising and Public Relations, about growing markets and changing ideas in Kyoto and Japan.