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J A P A N
Travel Trade News
March 2026
Check out the 2026 Cherry Blossom Blooming Forecast here 🌸
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East Japan Railway Company (JR East) |
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JR East announced a series of updates to its rail pass products for inbound visitors. These measures are intended to provide greater convenience and flexibility for international travellers exploring Japan.
From Saturday, 14 March 2026, new rail passes will be available, and the service areas covered by some passes will be expanded. Prices for rail passes will also be revised. From Wednesday,1 April, a JAPAN RAIL PASS that has been reserved through JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation can also be picked up/exchanged at some JR East reserved seat ticket vending machines equipped with passport readers. Read more.
From Sunday, 1 March 2026, a new feature will be available on Welcome Suica Mobile, allowing the purchase of Suica Green Car Tickets required for travel in Green Cars on local trains operating within the Tokyo metropolitan area. This addition further supports comfortable and seamless travel for inbound visitors. Going forward, they will continue to enhance Welcome Suica Mobile features to ensure inbound visitors experience both greater peace of mind and enjoyment during their time in Japan. Read more. |
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Tricolage: Japan’s Leader in Sustainable Luxury Travel |
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Tricolage is a Japan-based luxury travel design company specialising in tailor-made journeys for discerning individual travellers, couples, and families seeking meaningful, high-quality experiences.
As Japan's first GSTC-certified tour operator, Tricolage is a recognised leader in sustainable travel and responsible tourism. They design journeys that go beyond sightseeing, connecting travellers with local communities, artisans, and nature while minimising negative environmental and social impacts. Sustainability is embedded throughout their planning from partner selection and route design to carbon management and community engagement. Operating across all regions of Japan, they curate experiences along the classic Golden Route as well as in lesser-known destinations such as Tohoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Setouchi region. More than half of the destinations their travellers visit are off the beaten path, offering a deeper and more authentic local perspective. Their services include private, expertly guided experiences; access to cultural masters and artisans; and distinctive accommodations such as onsen ryokan, machiya, temple stays, and refined glamping—crafting journeys that are authentic, elegant, and future-focused. For inquiries, please contact Tricolage.
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Tokyo Monorail: A Scenic Journey from Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo |
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Tokyo Monorail, which connects Haneda Airport with central Tokyo, introduced its new nickname, the “Tokyo Panorama Line”, in November 2025. The name reflects the dynamic and varied scenery along the bay area. From the station directly linked to the airport, passengers can board the train and enjoy a wide range of views as they travel towards the heart of the city. Along the route, you can take in Mount Fuji set against a clear blue sky, a racecourse where exciting competitions take place, canals where small boats navigate, green parks where local residents unwind, and the striking skyline of central Tokyo. The line offers everything from impressive landmarks to calming everyday scenery. The Tokyo Panorama Line is sure to build anticipation for your journey through Japan. The JR EAST PASS and the JR TOKYO Wide Pass are valid on this line, making it a convenient option for international travellers. Tickets can also be purchased online. |
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Keisei Group: Useful Information for Travelers Using Narita Airport |
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Community Keisei Co., Ltd., a member of the Keisei Group, has launched a new Baggage Delivery Service to enhance travel convenience. With this service, baggage dropped off in the morning at the baggage counter inside Keisei‑Ueno Station will be delivered directly to Narita Airport, where customers can collect it in the evening. The Keisei‑Ueno Station counter is already popular with overseas visitors and other travellers for its baggage storage services. Many customers leave their luggage there in the morning, enjoy sightseeing around the Ueno area, and then travel by train to Narita Airport in the afternoon. By introducing this new delivery service, Keisei aims to promote baggage‑free sightseeing and make travel even more comfortable. Read more. |
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Keio Plaza Hotel: Wins Grand Prize at Eco Mark Award 2025 |
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Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo, received the highest award, the Grand Prize, at the Eco Mark Award 2025, an awards program hosted by the Japan Environment Association, a public-interest foundation. This program has been held annually since 2010, and the company has become the second hotel to receive this highest honour. And this marks the first time a participant from the hotel industry has received this distinction since the award was renamed the "Grand Prize" in 2017. This award recognises Keio Plaza Hotel's multifaceted endeavours, including its establishment of a company-wide SDGs Promotion Committee centred around its "SDGs Promotion" newly created in June 2024, and its efforts to reduce food waste by transforming "mottainai" (the Japanese term for "too good to waste") into "delicious" food products, and measures to promote resource recycling through the installation of unnecessary clothing collection boxes, an idea originating from its employee. The Keio Plaza Hotel will continue to contribute to the development of a sustainable society as part of its efforts to maintain its position as a hotel chosen by its guests. Read more. |
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BicCamera: A Convenient Tax‑Free Shopping Destination Across Japan |
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BicCamera is a major tax-free retailer with over 40 stores across Japan. Shops can be found in popular districts such as Akihabara, Ginza, and Yurakucho in Tokyo, as well as in central locations in Osaka (Namba), Sapporo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. Most branches are situated close to major train stations, allowing travellers to stop by with ease. The stores offer an extensive range of products, from cameras and the latest electronics to gadgets, toys, games, cosmetics, Japanese sake, and uniquely Japanese souvenirs. This wide selection makes it possible to purchase a variety of items all in one place.
In addition to tax‑free shopping at checkout, delivery services are available to hotels and major international airports, supporting a smooth and convenient shopping experience for visitors. Travellers can enjoy efficient shopping at BicCamera, and partnerships with travel companies enable access to exclusive benefits such as tax‑free discount coupons for inbound visitors. For further details, please contact BicCamera. |
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