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J A P A N
Travel Trade News
August 2025 |
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【JNTO】Chasing Colours: Autumn Leaves on a Budget |
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In Japan, as summer draws to a close, a long-awaited cool breeze begins to blow, bringing a sense of relief to everyone. Around late October, a stunning natural phenomenon takes place as the leaves change colour. Known as "kōyō" (autumn foliage) in Japanese, this season, alongside cherry blossom viewing, is one of the most popular times to travel in Japan. However, the high demand means prices often soar, and both international and local tourists find it challenging to secure reservations.
Fortunately, Japan offers many lesser-known hidden spots where visitors can fully enjoy the autumn colours without the crowds. These tranquil places provide the perfect setting to appreciate the beautiful fall scenery at a relaxed pace, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape. Read more. |
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【Takachihogo-Shiibayama, Miyazaki】Stay on a Sustainable Farm |
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Nestled in rural Kyushu, Takachihogo-Shiibayama in Miyazaki Prefecture is a region where towns and villages thrive through a sustainable blend of agriculture and forestry. Visitors can enjoy a Nohaku stay, working alongside farmers to learn the rural culture and traditions that have sustained harmony with nature for generations. Guests may join in preparing local dishes, making bamboo chopsticks, or assisting with the Goemon bath, heated over an open fire. Other activities include grilling fish, crafting traditional Kagura tools, and experiencing Kagura—a sacred performance rich in history and prayers for divine blessings. The area also offers stunning landscapes, from some of Japan’s most beautiful terraced rice paddies to vast, well-preserved forests. More than just activities, the experience fosters meaningful relationships between visitors and hosts, offering a deep connection to the community’s way of life and the natural environment that supports it. |
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【Regent Holidays】Anime Japan Group Tour |
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Step into the world of anime with this unique Tokyo tour, designed for fans who want more than just a glimpse of their favourite stories. Timed around Anime Japan March 2026, it includes full access to the two-day event plus exclusive experiences with translators and industry insiders. Explore iconic neighbourhoods like Akihabara and Ikebukuro, join a voice acting workshop, and spend a day in a recreated Japanese school with themed lessons and retro charm. Led by anime fans, this tour blends expert insight with shared enthusiasm. It’s a hands-on, behind-the-scenes dive into the heart of anime culture. For any inquiries, please contact Regent Holidays.
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【Osaka】The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection |
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The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection, is proudly celebrating its first anniversary. With guest rooms starting from the 30th floor, the hotel offers sweeping views of Osaka’s skyline, creating a stunning backdrop for your stay. Guests can choose from six room types: Allure King, King/Twin, Corner King/Twin, Speciality Suite (King/Twin), and “THE SUITE.” Guests staying in suites and specialty rooms enjoy exclusive access to the 38th-floor Specialty Salon, where meals and drinks are served alongside breathtaking views. For a moment of calm, unwind in the serene bathing area with a dry sauna, or join guided meditation sessions offered twice weekly. THE OSAKA STATION HOTEL continues to set a new standard for hospitality—refined, restorative, and unforgettable. |
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【Sapporo】The InterContinental Sapporo is opening on 1 October |
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InterContinental Sapporo aims to provide a luxury stay for both leisure and business travellers, combining urban convenience with Hokkaido’s beautiful landscape. Located in the Nakajima Park area, the hotel is only one subway stop from the city’s popular Susukino entertainment district, and its upper floors offer beautiful views of the city, park, and Toyohira River. It has a total of 149 rooms and suites. The new hotel– the 11th InterContinental brand hotel in Japan and the first in the nation’s northernmost prefecture –should serve as a retreat offering serenity and sophistication in the Sapporo city centre, complemented by the natural beauty of Hokkaido. |
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【Osaka】Stay at the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the Epitome of Luxury Hotels |
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Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts opened its first hotel in Japan in April 2025. Founded in New York in 1893, Waldorf Astoria is part of the Hilton family, with 34 hotels worldwide. The new Waldorf Astoria Osaka is located on the upper floors of the Grand Green Osaka South Park Tower, across from JR Osaka Station, offering easy access to public transportation. The hotel features 252 spacious guestrooms, most of which are around 50m², with views of Osaka’s cityscape. Room options include the Deluxe Room, which blends traditional Japanese “Kumiko” woodwork with the brand’s iconic art deco style. The hotel also offers restaurants and other facilities. |
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【Nara】Stay at the Lavish Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel |
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Enjoy a luxurious escape at the Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nara. The building was designed by Japanese architect Kuma Kengo, who blended the City's rich heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Nestled amidst the lush greenery, the hotel is located in the enchanting Nara Park, which is famous for its free-roaming deers, as well as many notable temples and other attractions, making it the ideal hub for an exclusive stay in Nara. Within the hotel premises is the Yoshiki-en Garden, a traditional Japanese garden where guests can take a break to stroll among the mossy landscapes and picturesque ponds while touring the ancient capital of Nara, a city whose history is even older than Kyoto’s. |
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【Mashiko, Tochigi Pref.】Make your one-of-a-kind ceramicware |
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Mashiko, a rural town in Tochigi about two and a half hours from Tokyo by train, is renowned for its pottery and art culture. Its spring and autumn pottery fairs attract many visitors, showcasing works by Japanese and international artists who live there. Pottery-making workshops are popular, with studios like Furuki Mashiko Tougei Club offering English instruction on techniques such as clay wedging and wheel throwing. Lessons vary from 45 minutes to full-day courses. Modern Mashiko pottery (Mashikoyaki), originating in the mid-19th century, uses local clay without additives, creating a distinctive plump shape and rustic texture. The town also hosts pottery museums, including the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art. This year’s Mashiko Autumn Pottery Fair will be held from the 1st tot the 4 th of November, offering unique ceramic art and cultural experiences.
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【Naoshima】The Latest Tadao Ando designed art museum |
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The Naoshima New Museum of Art, designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, opened in May. This is Ando's 10th project at Benesse Art Site Naoshima, a famous island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its world-class contemporary art. The museum building has three above-ground and two below-ground floors, and blends seamlessly into the hillside near the main village. It has four gallery spaces and exhibits works by leading artists from Japan and Asia. The new museum collaborates with existing arts venues on the island to create a cohesive cultural experience that resonates with the natural environment and local community. Set against the tranquil backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, the museum's design reflects Tadao's signature style, which emphasises light, space and harmony with the environment. |
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By 7 Sep
4-9 Sep
21 Sep
10, 11 Oct
15-19 Oct
18,19 Oct
By 9 Nov
14-16 Nov
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The Expo is on in Osaka until 13th October 2025. The total number of visitors exceeds 10 million! The site is accessible by direct train from JR Shin-Osaka Station on the Shinkansen line. For information on tickets and pavilions, check 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) or Hankyu Travel International Europe UK. |
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