ANA's latest promotion offers an excellent opportunity to explore beyond Tokyo. Travellers departing from Europe can enjoy a free stopover in Tokyo and include one Japan domestic flight in each direction at no additional airfare, giving them easy access to more than 40 destinations across Japan through ANA's extensive domestic network. This makes it easier than ever to combine iconic destinations with lesser-known regions in a single itinerary. Autumn is an ideal time to discover the vibrant seasonal colours of regions such as Tohoku and Hokuriku, while winter brings world-class skiing and legendary powder snow to Hokkaido. The campaign provides greater flexibility and value for travellers looking to experience more of Japan and extend their stay beyond Tokyo. *Taxes and other fees may apply. For further details, please visit the dedicated page.

Walk Japan has launched the new Salt Road Wayfarer tour exploring the Japan Alps in Nagano and Niigata Prefectures. Salt Road Wayfarer is a self-guided, six-day tour that ventures through the central and northern sections of the historic Salt Road, once vital for trade between the Sea of Japan and the landlocked castle town of Matsumoto. The tour follows in the footsteps of "bokka" porters through remote, little-visited countryside, past sleepy hillside villages and woodlands, beside lakes and over mountain passes, from Omachi to Itoigawa on the Sea of Japan coast. Along the way, walkers pass through the UNESCO-recognised Fossa Magna Park, part of a wide geological rift dividing Japan east to west, and enjoy relaxing onsen hot spring bathing each day, alongside hearty local mountain cuisine and fresh seafood sourced from the Sea of Japan. Salt Road Wayfarer is a six-day, five-night self-guided walking tour, suitable for stronger walkers, with daily walks of 17 to 21.5km (10.5 to 13.5 miles). For further details, click here. For enquiries, please contact Walk Japan. 

For over 40 years, Showa Travel Service has been creating memorable journeys across Japan, specialising in individual tours and group tours, including educational travel programs. While Japan's Golden Route remains a favourite, they believe the most meaningful travel experiences often begin with "one more destination." That's why they encourage travellers to go beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and discover a deeper side of Japan. Their recommended "Golden Route +1" experiences include the historic streets of Kanazawa, the traditional culture and heritage of Gifu, the stunning natural scenery of Nagano, and authentic countryside experiences where travellers can connect with local communities and lifestyles. Backed by decades of industry experience, their team helps develop customised programs tailored to different travel needs. Through their long-standing relationships with local partners, they are able to deliver quality experiences that remain flexible and offer great value. They look forward to working with travel professionals who want to share a richer, more authentic Japan with their clients. For enquiries, contact Showa Travel Service.

Join Sandra for the next session in our Okinawa webinar series as she delves into the islands’ rich history and vibrant cultural heritage that is so different to mainland Japan. She’ll trace the story of the Ryukyu Kingdom—from ancient gusuku fortresses and UNESCO World Heritage sites to the traditions that continue to shape Okinawan life today. Learn about some of the unique history and cultural experiences that your clients can enjoy, only in Okinawa.  There will also be an opportunity to hear from Halekulani Okinawa, a luxury resort hotel located on the Main Island. Our guest speakers will include:⁠ Okinawa Dento Karatedo Shinkokai - History and Experiences in Okinawa: The birthplace of Karate. Halekulani Okinawa - Experience Okinawa’s only Forbes Five-Star luxury resort, where exclusive oceanfront sanctuaries and bespoke services create unforgettable moments for your most valued clients. Oku Japan KK/ ⁠Okinawa JTB Corp. - Okinawa is widely recognised as one of the five Blue Zones in the world, and the destination of their new upcoming guided tour, which will focus on the intricacies of the Okinawan way of life. Register here.

JNTO's new Japanese Cruise Ships webpage, launched on 7 September, showcases a range of distinctive cruise experiences that offer a unique way to explore Japan. Featured cruise lines include ASUKA Cruise and MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES, alongside the luxury floating ryokan guntû in the Seto Inland Sea and the yacht-style SEFU, scheduled to launch in 2027. Travellers can enjoy exceptional Japanese hospitality, fine dining and scenic coastal journeys while discovering historic ports, beautiful landscapes and lesser-known regions across the country. The page also provides useful information on cruise ports throughout Japan, making it a valuable resource for itinerary planning and inspiration.