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J A P A N
Travel Trade News
June 2026
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Vote for Japan in the 2026 Travel Bulletin Star Awards |
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The nominations for the Travel Bulletin Star Awards have been counted, and the finalists for 2026 have now been announced. We are delighted to share that Japan has been selected as a finalist in the Star Touring and Adventure Destination category. Casting your vote couldn’t be easier. Simply visit the voting website and select your choice from the drop-down menu. We would truly appreciate your support. Please take a moment to vote for Japan by Friday, 26th June! |
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Be Part of the Action: 20th Asian Games & 5th Asian Para Games |
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ASUKA CRUISE Announces New Sailings: October 2026 to April 2027 |
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ASUKA CRUISE, a Japanese-operated luxury cruise line sailing from ports across Japan, is proud to announce its upcoming sailings from October 2026 through April 2027 aboard ASUKA II and the newly launched ASUKA III. Sailing primarily along Japan's coastline, the new programme offers itineraries ranging from 2 to 10 days, allowing guests to explore the country's most scenic ports at a relaxed, unhurried pace. Onboard, guests are immersed in an authentically Japanese world. Menus are crafted by Japanese chefs using carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, bringing the depth and artistry of Japanese cuisine to every meal. The ships also feature original artworks created in collaboration with the Japan Kogei Association, showcasing the finest traditions of Japanese craft, from lacquerware (urushi) and ceramics to textiles, transforming each voyage into a floating cultural experience. For travel professionals seeking to offer clients a genuinely distinctive luxury experience, ASUKA CRUISE brings the essence of Japan to life at sea. For further information or reservation enquiries, please contact ASUKA CRUISE.
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Secrets of Hokkaido – A New 13-Day Escorted Journey by Wendy Wu Tours |
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Hokkaido’s summer landscapes offer flower-carpeted hills, lake-studded national parks and wild, rugged coastlines brushed by cool ocean breezes. Northern Japan: Secrets of Hokkaido is a new 13-day escorted group tour exploring the island’s untamed north, from the wetlands of Kushiro Marsh to the remote Shiretoko Peninsula. Highlights include scenic walks through four national parks, a bear-spotting coastal cruise, and immersive experiences uncovering the traditions of the indigenous Ainu people. Along the way, travellers discover local flavours ranging from Sapporo-style ramen to Hokkaido’s renowned dairy produce. For enquiries, please contact Wendy Wu Tours or request a copy of the brand-new brochure here. |
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Azuma Farm Koiwai: An Authentic Luxury Retreat in Iwate
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Azuma Farm Koiwai is a new boutique nature retreat developed through a collaboration between Azumi Japan and East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Rooted in over 130 years of agricultural heritage, the property is conceived as an intimate countryside escape set within Koiwai Farm in Iwate Prefecture, one of Japan’s most historic farmstead landscapes. This is the first destination under the new Azuma Farm brand.The property features 24 thoughtfully designed villas. Architecture incorporates locally sourced materials, including about 100-year-old cypress and red pine. At the heart of Azuma Farm Koiwai is a culinary program underpinned by an ingredient-driven approach rooted in the landscapes and agricultural richness of Tohoku. Wellness offerings center around its Forest Springs, featuring three private bathing pavilions available by reservation. Beyond the property, guests are offered the opportunity to reconnect with nature, culture, and craft through a variety of curated experiences, including horseback riding, hiking, fresh wasabi harvests and Nambu Tekki ironware workshops. For inquiries, please contact Azuma Farm Koiwai. |
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Nagoya Through “SAMURAI” Eyes: The Art of Authentic Japan |
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Nagoya, located between Tokyo and Osaka, quietly preserves its distinctive history and culture. While modern skyscrapers and lively shopping districts shape the city’s urban landscape, historic castles and carefully preserved streets evoke a sense of refinement and understated elegance. At the heart of Nagoya lies a spirit of craftsmanship. From traditional arts passed down through generations to its world-renowned automotive industry, a dedication to precision and excellence continues to define both its culture and way of life. The dignity and aesthetic sensibilities cultivated by the samurai still linger here. Castles once admired by warriors, shrines enveloped in a serene atmosphere, and the enduring legacy of skilled artisans all speak eloquently to the profound depth of Japanese culture. This is where a journey beyond surface-level sightseeing begins, offering an experience that reveals the true essence of Japan. Through “The Nagoya Through ‘SAMURAI’ Eyes” developed by Meitetsu World Travel, invites you to discover a deeper, more authentic side of the country. View the concept book here. For inquiries, please contact Meitetsu World Travel. |
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Wrapped in Blue Magic : Unshoji Temple, the Miraculous Hydrangea Garden
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The hydrangeas of Unshoji Temple, lovingly cultivated over more than 15 years by monk Sooun Furunaka, have grown from a single plant to over 1,500 blooms, painting the temple grounds in vivid shades of blue. Nurtured with the dream of achieving "Japan's finest blue," the flowers spread like a breathtaking azure carpet, captivating all who visit. Set against the backdrop of the port town of Kitaura and the Sea of Oga, the scenery here is truly one of a kind. The peak blooming season runs from early June through mid-July, with illumination events held at night, offering an enchanting, dreamlike atmosphere unlike anything seen in the daylight hours. Across Japan, there are many beautiful temples and shrines where hydrangeas and traditional architecture come together, each with its own unique character. Notable examples include Meigetsuin Temple in Kamakura, Hakusan Shrine in Tokyo, Mimurotoji Temple in Uji (Kyoto), and Yatadera Temple in Nara.
In contrast to the vibrant and fleeting brilliance of cherry blossoms, hydrangeas evoke a quieter, more contemplative beauty. They are especially enchanting on rainy days, when their colours appear even more vivid. Although June marks the rainy season in Japan, it is also a wonderful time to experience this lesser-known, yet equally captivating, aspect of the country’s seasonal charm.
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A mystical boat ride into fantasy at Mugen Gorge Crossing |
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On the Tadami River, which flows along the border of Kaneyama and Mishima towns in Fukushima Prefecture, the hand-pulled ferry “Mugen Gorge Crossing” glides across waters swollen with snowmelt. On summer mornings and evenings, river mist rises and envelops the valley in a magical atmosphere. Scattered shrines and Kannon statues make the area a well-known spiritual power spot.As the boat moves forward, the only sounds are the creaking of the oar and the gentle splash of water, creating a silence that feels like stepping into another world. The scenery, woven with mist and light, reveals a different expression each time you visit. |
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Register Now : Connect and Discover Central Japan in London |
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Central Japan will host a networking event for UK-based travel trade professionals on Friday, 26 June 2026, from 16:00 at Japan House London. Tourism representatives from across the region, including Aichi Prefecture and Shizuoka, will be in attendance, offering an opportunity to connect with them while also introducing the appeal of new destinations and unique travel experiences. For full event details, please click here. If you wish to attend, kindly register via the application form by Wednesday, 24 June. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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