Japan Tourism News Page 3
New Nature-Immersive Theme Park to Open in Okinawa, Japan
A new nature-immersive theme park, JUNGLIA OKINAWA, is set to open in Okinawa this July (25th) offering visitors the chance to experience cutting-edge attractions and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of the prefecture’s Yambaru Forest – the northern part of the Yambaru area is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage status and breathtaking natural landscape.
World Famous Snow Festival Held in Sapporo Strives for Sustainability amid “Unprecedented Challenges
The 75th Sapporo Snow Festival will be held on February 4 - 11, 2025, in the City of Sapporo, Japan’s Northern Capital. As one of the world’s largest snow sculpture festivals, the city will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring over 200 snow sculptures, some towering over 12 meters tall. With 2 million people from around the globe attending each year, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events on Japan’s calendar.
IHG Hotels & Resorts launches Garner brand in Japan with three new openings in Osaka
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues the rapid international growth of its newest midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, with the opening of its first three hotels in Japan, marking a significant milestone as Garner expands into the Asia Pacific region. The three new hotels - Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Station, Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Midosuji, and Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba, are now open to guests in Japan’s second largest metropolitan city, Osaka. Guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the city, all while experiencing the brand’s ethos of ‘easy going stays that get you on your way’.
Make Fukuoka City Your ‘Detour Destination’ for 2025
Fukuoka City, Japan’s sixth largest city, is located in the southwest of the country and a five-hour Shinkansen ride from the capital. Cited in Expedia’s recent Unpack 25 – The Trends in Travel as the ideal ‘Detour Destination’* from Tokyo, it is steeped in history, has a highly regarded food culture which includes seafood, ramen, Amaou strawberries and a buzzing outdoor food scene, and organically blends natural and urban environments. Below are three reasons to add this ‘oasis in the city’ to your go-to list for the year ahead.
Japan Unveils Powerful New Tax-Free Policy: Here’s What Tourists Need To Know
Japan is introducing a revamped tax-free system that changes the way international visitors can enjoy shopping savings.
2025 to be the Year of Cycling in Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa’s local government is stepping up its efforts to promote cycling in the prefecture in 2025, aiming to attract bike enthusiasts from around the world to explore the subtropical islands’ routes that offer year-round accessibility
Japan asks Australian tourists to be more adventurous and travel out of season
With the number of Australian tourists visiting Japan surging, officials in the island empire have made a plea to their Pacific neighbours to be more adventurous when choosing among Japanese destinations.
Must-See Events and Festivals for 2025 in Shizuoka
Just one hour by bullet train from Tokyo and home to majestic Mount Fuji, the Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka will welcome an array of must-see events next year – from early cherry blossom, giant kites and doll festivals to spectacular firework displays and green tea celebrations. Here, the team at Tourism Shizuoka Japan summarises some of the unmissable events in the region for each season…
IHG reignites relationship with Berjaya Land Berhad with first hotel agreement in Japan
IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan (IHG) today announces a management agreement with BHR Okinawa Management GK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berjaya Land Berhad, which in turn a subsidiary of Berjaya Corporation Berhad – one of Malaysia’s largest conglomerates – to return the ANA Crowne Plaza brand to Okinawa. The 123-room ANA Crowne Plaza Resort Okinawa Uruma Hills will join the IHG system early in 2025 and undertake a thoughtful renovation to embed Crowne Plaza brand hallmarks throughout.
Japan prepares for Osaka’s World Expo 2025
Preparations are underway for the highly anticipated World Expo 2025 that is set to take place in Osaka, Kansai from April to October next year. One of the oldest and largest international events since 1851, the World Expo is held every 5 years and is expected to attract an influx of visitors to Japan’s second-largest city and culinary capital.
1 Hotels To Debut in Japan with 1 Hotel Tokyo: a New Nature-Inspired Urban Icon
SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable hotel brand management company founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, is proud to unveil plans for 1 Hotel Tokyo. Set to open in 2025, 1 Hotel Tokyo represents a longstanding collaboration with Mori Trust, one of Japan’s leading property developers. After years of planning, the two companies are creating a true 1 Hotels experience that’s deeply rooted in nature and sustainability.
Watch the Kairos Rocket Launch from a Japanese World Heritage Site: 3-Day Luxury Tour Packages
Social design company and community builder USP Japan Co., Ltd. has begun sales for its first exclusive rocket launch tour packages for December 13, 2024. The three-day package includes a rocket launch viewing, hands-on rocket building, and cultural experiences on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, all alongside luxury accommodation and cuisine. The tours and launches are set to continue into 2025, with plans for over 20 launches per year.