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J A P A N
Travel Trade News
April 2025 |
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Expo 2025 Osaka began and continues until 13 October |
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The Expo has opened in Osaka, and access is easy. If you are using the JR Shinkansen, simply get off at Shin-Osaka Station and take the direct train to the venue. If you are arriving at Kansai Airport, take the underground to the Expo site. Osaka can easily be added to a travel plan, for instance, if your client's itineraries include Kyoto, Nara, the Kumano Kodo, Kobe, Himeji, and Hiroshima, which are all connected with regular and frequent train services. Please watch some suggestions here. For more general information, please visit the official website.
For full package group tour arrangements for 15 or more people, including EXPO tickets, hotel, English-speaking guide and transportation, please contact DMC Japan by Knt (Kinki Nippon Tourist).
Hankyu Travel International Europe UK is also welcoming inquiries for a total package arrangement including Expo tickets.
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"PASONA NATUREVERSE Go"
High-Speed Vessel to Connect Expo 2025 Site with Awaji Island |
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Pasona Group Inc. is planning to launch the "PASONA NATUREVERSE Go", a high-speed boat that will sail between Yumeshima, the site of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, and Awaji Koryu no Tsubasa Port on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture. The vessel will sail during the duration of the Expo, primarily to attract domestic and international visitors to Awaji Island. The PASONA NATUREVERSE Go is scheduled to begin service on the13th April 2025, and will make round trips between the Expo 2025 site on Yumeshima, Osaka, and Awaji Koryu no Tsubasa Port in Hyogo Prefecture during the period of the Expo. Read more. |
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Kyushu Basho Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka
Group & FIT Tickets for Travel Agents |
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Hankyu Travel International UK, in collaboration with Fukuoka Prefecture, will sell tickets for the Kyushu Basho sumo tournaments to be held in Fukuoka from the 9th to 23rd November 2025 and 8th to 22nd November 2026. Watching sumo live is an unforgettable way to immerse in Japan's traditions and witness the dedication of its athletes. Whether you're booking for groups or FIT clients, Hankyu Travel is ready to assist with tailored arrangements to suit your agency's needs. For any inquiries, please contact Hankyu Travel International UK. |
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"Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect"
An app that automatically connects to free Wi-Fi in Japan |
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NTT Broadband Platform, Inc. has been providing the smartphone application "Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect" since December 2019. This application automatically connects users to free Wi-Fi available at locations such as local governments, public transportation, commercial facilities, and tourist sites nationwide. The app, which already enjoys widespread use among international visitors, will integrate with "LIVE JAPAN PERFECT GUIDE". Read more. |
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Setouchi Triennale 18 April 18 – 25 May 25 2025
Marvel at World-Class Contemporary Art Set Amongst Serene Islands |
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The Setouchi Triennale is one of Japan's most famous international contemporary art festivals, attracting approximately a million visitors from Japan and overseas. It takes place once every three years across 17 areas on small islands that dot the Seto Inland Sea, which are known for their idyllic sceneries and tranquil atmospheres. During the approximately 100-day event, divided into three seasons—Spring (18 Apr -25 May), Summer (1-31 Aug) and Autumn (3 Oct - 9 Nov ) —visitors can experience captivating exhibits and thought-provoking installations that stand out against the calm surrounding nature, while seamlessly blending in with the townscapes. Read more. |
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Wellness in the Wildness
Relaxing 2-night forest therapy in Iiyama, Nagano |
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The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is the therapeutic act of spending time in a forest. Nabekura Hights (Iiyama city, Nagano) was the first place in Japan to be certified as a forest therapy base, offering a unique relaxation journey in a beautiful "SATOYAMA" beech forest. Easy access from Tokyo to Iiyama takes just about 2 hours by bullet train. This 2-night tour offers the opportunity to experience the Japanese forests, where you will feel truly relaxed. Read more.
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Incontro Mondo
DMC specialised in the Seto Inland Sea |
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Incontro Mondo is a land operator specialising in the Seto Inland Sea, providing regional tourism advice, itineraries, transport, hotels and guide arrangements. They offer attractive content and arrangements for fantastic holidays, working with local people and businesses. Whether hiking with an experienced guide, chartering a boat for a stunning sunset cruise, or cycling along the coast on an e-bike, they ensure that the local culture and hospitality enrich every moment. They also have programmes you can apply to. Please explore their range of products here. For any inquiry, please contact Incontro Mondo. |
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The Learning Adventure
Specialises in delivering tailor-made educational tours across Japan |
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The Learning Adventure offers customised services, handling everything from bespoke itineraries through to all logistical details, from co-ordinating transportation to securing accommodation and providing reliable on-the-ground support. All itineraries curated by The Learning Adventure centre on engaging, culturally-rich interactions and immersive experiences, whether it be exchange days with local schools or creative workshops that teach students about Japan's traditional heritage. Alongside this, we provide visits to Japanese landmarks, creating a comprehensive programme that combines academic development with exciting travel experiences. With a local team bringing specialist knowledge and connections, tailored travel solutions, and an unwavering commitment to quality, The Learning Adventure deliver unforgettable educational experiences to Japan. For any inquiry, please contact The Learning Adventure. |
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This summer, Finnair, the national airline of Finland, reclaims its position as the leading European airline connecting Europe to Japan, offering an impressive 25 weekly flights from its home hub in Helsinki to Japan. This surpasses any other European airline, and highlights Finnair’s sustained growth in the region. Finnair has been flying to Japan for over 40 years and this summer the airline will serve four key Japanese destinations: Tokyo-Haneda with daily flights, Tokyo-Narita with daily flights, Osaka with daily flights, and Nagoya with up to four weekly flights. Finnair is the only European airline to fly directly to Nagoya. The daily flights to Osaka support Osaka’s growing global profile as it is hosting the World Expo 2025. Finnair flies to Japan in co-operation with Japan Airlines, British Airways and Iberia. For any inquiry, please contact Finnair. |
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FUFU Resorts
New Opening in Ginza Tokyo and Jogashima Miura Peninsula |
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Between late 2025 and early 2026, two new FUFU resorts will make their debut. FUFU Tokyo Ginza is located in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo; this small luxurious resort offers a taste of Japan’s rich traditions. Enjoy hot springs in every guest room, exquisite Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and a serene garden filled with lush greenery. FUFU Jogashima, Melody of the Sea Breeze (pic) is just an hour and a half from Tokyo, this seaside resort is situated at the southernmost tip of the Miura Peninsula. Relax in ocean-view guest rooms, soak in warm hot springs, and savour fresh seafood delicacies. Indulge in a luxurious moment as you sip champagne while watching the sunset with Mount Fuji over the vast ocean. |
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