Japan is a destination rich in unique traditional and historical ambience. Every one of Japan's four seasons is luxuriant in colour, adventures and can offer many unforgettable experiences. Come and explore Japan's diversity and discover your own journey!
 
Local News
Japan to feature on CH9 Getaway
JNTO Sydney supported a recent trip to Japan by Nine Network's Getaway and host Jesinta Campbell. The second of the Japan stories will air on Nine Network at 5.30pm on Saturday 21st November. Check local guides for details. Additional broadcast dates for the Japan stories in 2016 are yet to be announced.
 

We are now on Instagram!
From November we have launched our own instagram account VisitJapanAU. For your daily dose of Japan and inspiration follow us here. 


 
Festivals & Events
Nozawa Fire Festival (Jan 15): Dating back to 1863, Nozawa Onsen’s Dosojin Matsuri is one of Japan’s three famous fire festivals. The highlight of the festival is the battle between the 25 year old villagers who attempt to burn down a wooden shrine they have built and the 42 year old villagers whose job is to protect the shrine. Held annually, Dosojin Matsuri was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 1992.

Chichibu Yomatsuri (Dec 2 & 3): Chichibu Yomatsuri is a festival of Chichibu Shrine which has a history of more than 2,000 years. It is one of Japan's three greatest hikiyama (float) festivals. The main attraction of this festival takes place on the 3rd. It is held in Saitama prefecture, just outside of Tokyo.

Sapporo Snow Festival (Feb 5-11):
Rows of small and large snow statues are on display at three sites in Sapporo City during this festival, which is visited by two million people including overseas tourists. Here you can discover unique works using Hokkaido delicacies such as crab, cuttlefish and salmon frozen inside the ice. 


 
National Holidays in Japan (Dec-Feb)
December 23 (Wed) Emperor’s Birthday
January 1 (Fri) New Year’s Day
January 12 (Tues) Coming of Age Day
February 11 (Thurs) National Foundation Day


 
Welcome to the Summer 2015 issue of Japan Travel News, dedicated to bringing you the latest on destination Japan. This issue we focus on enjoying winter in Japan.
 
Enjoying Onsen in Winter

A trip to Japan in winter is not complete without a visit to onsen (hot springs), especially after a day of hitting the slopes. With so many onsen to choose from it can be hard to choose just one, but Snow Action’s Owain Price has shared some of his favourites and insider tips with us. Read about them here.
 

Tourism Briefs

Gunkanjima

Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2016:  Have you heard the news?! Japan has been selected as the number two country in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2016. If you haven't been to Japan yet now is the time to visit!


JR Tokyo Wide Pass: On 19 November JR East launched the “JR TOKYO Wide Pass” for tourists visiting Japan. This new pass will replace the existing “JR Kanto Area Pass” that provides unlimited access to reserved seating on limited express trains and shinkansen (bullet trains) within the Kanto area for a three-day period.


Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass: JR East and JR West will launch the Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass to provide overseas tourists more economical travel from Osaka and Tokyo to the Hokuriku area from 1 April 2016.


 

Deals

Here you can find some great deals to Japan. For more tours visit this page. 
 
InterAsia Japan Cherry Blossom Time 14 Day Luxury Tour: Explore the traditions, cuisine and culture of the land of the samurai warrior, the exquisite geisha and the tea ceremony, against a backdrop of glorious cherry blossoms. Beginning in Kyoto on Saturday 26 March 2016, including flights with Singapore Airlines from Australia and visiting Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji, Kawaguchiko and Tokyo. For bookings contact InterAsia Tours on 1300 133 001 or 03 9873 7466; email info@interasia.com.au.

 

World2Cover Travel Insurance: A new travel insurance cover from international provider and Japan's largest non-life insurance company, Tokio Marine, is now available to all Australian travellers. They are offering a 20 per cent discount until the end of December 2015. For more information visit the World2Cover website.

 
Webjet: Grab some great hotel and flight deals to Japan in Webjet's Japan Sale. Check the Webjet Japan page for further information and sale dates.  
 
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We send the latest travel information on destination Japan.

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Japan National Tourism Organization
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Holiday Notice:
Please note that JNTO Sydney office and the self-service brochure room will be closed on the following days:
December 23 (Wed) Emperor’s Birthday
December 25 (Fri) Christmas Day
December 28 (Mon) - January 1 (Fri)
Wishing you all a very happy festive season!