Category: Japan

This is the first time in 1200 years that Japanese cherry trees have bloomed so early. Sakura is the most popular cherry blossom in Japan. The cherry spring season is usually in full swing in mid – April. But on March 26 this year, the cherry blossoms bloomed in Kyoto. March 26, 10 days faster than average, was the first event since government recording began in 1953. The previous record was set on March 27, 1409. This time on March 26, 2021, with the clusters of cherry blossoms, the record of 1200 years was changed. That is, at least a ... Read more

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) helps travellers to keep dreaming and not lose hope in future travel to the island destination JNTO has revealed a new portal to inspire people around the world to look ‘beyond the clouds’, utilising its vast library of content that allows people to travel without leaving home. As many international borders continue to stay closed and travelling is limited to relatively short distances, JNTO has collated a series of compelling content to ensure potential visitors from around the world can still be inspired by the offerings found in Japan. The new portal showcases content that inspires ... Read more

Travel Japan has introduced a new range of ‘Discover Japan within Australia’ experiences to help Australians stay connected to Japan. Experiences are available in locations throughout Australia and cater to a range of interests. Japan was Australia’s fifth largest inbound market for visitor arrivals, and for total visitor spend and sixth for visitor nights. Through this initiative the participants can: ·       Take part in online virtual tours  ·       Learn and practice the art of traditional dance ·       Enjoy the beauty and refinement of the Japanese tea ceremony ·       Learn how to wear a Japanese kimono or yukata while enjoying time to pose and take photos ... Read more

Starting 2021 with a fresh mind, it’s time to take a look inside our ‘tabigokoro’ or our ‘travel hearts’ and see what’s been hiding. According to a recent survey, in 2021 we will be more likely to go to places which have been on the top of our bucket lists for years, and for many people that is nowhere else than Japan! However, once we’re there we shouldn’t feel rushed and pressured to visit as many places as possible. Japan is all about celebrating those small experiences and little joys. The 100 soundscapes of Japan, understanding your ‘ikigai’ reason for living, ‘kuidaore’ self-indulgence, observing ... Read more

The spread of the coronavirus may have slowed down economies and closed many businesses worldwide, but it doesn’t seem to be a dampener for the newly opened Tokyo sauna that caters to solo customers. The customers can relax in solitude and enjoy the heat from water over hot stones, in the Finnish-style sauna rooms at Solo Sauna Tune, which has become so popular they are completely booked up within hours. Daisuke Kawase, Co-founder said that although the idea for the business was already in place before the spread of the coronavirus, the pandemic and the social distancing it brought have ... Read more

More than a century old and Japan’s oldest zoo, unveiled the first baby elephant to be born there since its founding, and have sought help from the public for naming it. The choices are Arun, which means “dawn” in Thai, Atsadong (sunset), or Tawan (sun). The winning name will be announced on Dec. 15. The male calf was shown to the public for the first time this week since his birth at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoological Gardens on the 31st of OCT. The baby was about 100 centimeters tall and 120 kg at birth, but he has grown considerably since. His ... Read more

Despite the spike in COVID 19 infections, Asian superpower Japan plans to keep fund provisions to promote domestic tourism and dining out in its next stimulus package, according to a draft of the government’s upcoming stimulus package. There have been some concerns raised though, about the campaigns as there is a surge in the Covid cases. Japan’s economy has been gradually recovering from its worst post-war slump caused by the coronavirus earlier this year. But it is likely to take years before the economy returns to pre-pandemic levels. The draft stimulus package mainly aims to set up a fund to ... Read more