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 on CH9 Getaway:
The final Japan episodes will air on Nine Network’s Getaway on Saturday 5th and 19th March. Check local TV guides for details.

Record visitor numbers to Japan in 2015:
Japan welcomed over 19 million visitors last year! By the end of December 2015 this number reached 19,737,400, a 47.1% increase compared to 2014 and the highest ever recorded. A total of 376,200 Australians travelled to Japan in 2015, a 24.3% increase from 2014.

The Magic Sakura:
Thank you to everyone who has been playing The Magic Sakura for your chance to win an exciting trip to Japan and Lonely Planet e-book spot prizes. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Instagram for upcoming competitions.



JNTO Sydney’s New Website:
Have you checked out our new website yet?! We’ve made it easier for you to find the information you’re after. Other features include an interactive map and optimisation for mobile, tablet and desktop users.

Canterbury Japan Day 2016:
JNTO Sydney will be exhibiting at Canterbury Japan Day on Saturday 6th March in Christchurch. This year’s theme is winter in Japan. Kiwi friends come and say hi!

Snow Travel Expos 2016:
JNTO will exhibit at the Snow Travel Expos to be held in Melbourne on May 22nd and Sydney on May 29th. There will be a large representation from the various ski resorts in Japan. Come along and learn about what the various ski regions can offer and consider Japan for your next ski holiday. Venue information can be found on the Snow Travel Expo website here.

 
Festivals & Events
Fuji Shibazakura Festival (April 16 to May 29):
The only thing more impressive than seeing the magnificent Mt Fuji itself is to see it during the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. More than 800,000 shibazakura, known as moss phlox or simply pink moss, carpet an expansive site near Lake Kawaguchi, at the base of Mt Fuji, providing spectacularly colourful photo opportunities.

Takayama Festival (April 14 – 15):
Splendid parades and artisanship of the 15th Century are revived at the Takayama Festival, which is held in April and October each year. It’s considered one of the most beautiful festivals of Japan.

National Holidays in Japan (March - May)
March 20 (Sun) Spring Equinox
March 21 (Mon) Spring Substitute Holiday
April 29 (Fri) Showa Day
May 3 (Tues) National Constitution Day
May 4 (Wed) Greenery Day
May 5 (Thurs) Children’s Day
 
Golden Week
Golden Week is the group of the four above-mentioned national holidays in April and May which fall within a seven day period. It is one of Japan’s three busiest holiday seasons (along with Obon in August and New Year) with trains, planes and accommodation in tourist areas getting booked out well in advance.
 

 
Welcome to the Autumn 2016 issue of Japan Travel News, dedicated to bringing you the latest on destination Japan. This issue we focus on enjoying autumn in Japan.
 
 Spring in Japan

The cherry blossoms, known in Japan as sakura, are usually only in full bloom for around one week. After the period of full bloom the small, round shaped flowers start to flutter gracefully from their trees and the blossoms are said to be the most beautiful in this final stage as the white and pink petals gently float to the ground.

Are you planning a trip to Japan in cherry blossom season? Read more on some famous spots across Japan for viewing the beautiful cherry blossom trees.
  

Tourism Briefs

Gunkanjima2016 Cherry Blossom Forecast:
JNTO has released the 2016 Cherry Blossom Forecast – an interactive map showing the date of expected first bloom of the cherry blossoms in major tourist cities around Japan. Clicking on each city will also show trends over the past 10 years. Cherry blossoms bloom for only a very short period and their blooming time is very weather dependent.

JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass:
To commemorate the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen on 26 March, JR Hokkaido and JR East are launching the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass from 1 April. This product can be used on trains including the Shinkansen and Limited Express in the East Japan area, including the Tohoku region, and South Hokkaido area, including Sapporo, Hakodate, and the New Chitose Airport.
Read more about the Hokkaido Shinkansen here.

Launch of JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) and JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area):
From April 2016, the JR East Pass is being relaunched as two separate passes: the JR East Pass (Tohoku area) and JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area).


Tohoku Expressway Pass: 
The Tohoku Expressway Pass, launched November 2015, allows unlimited use of Tohoku expressways through the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system at a flat rate for overseas visitors to Japan. This is an economical option for visitors planning to drive through the Tohoku region, which includes areas like Sendai, Akita, and Aomori.

Adventures & Tours
Here you can find some great tours to Japan. For more tours visit this page. 


Connect Sport Japan
Connect Sport Japan will host small groups of 10-15 on a truly breathtaking cycling adventure in one of the most beautiful cycling countries in the world. People have been going to Japan for years to enjoy amazing snow skiing on some of the best mountains available. Where there’s mountains and ski fields there are roads! What’s even better is that Japan is only a short flight from Australia and is in the same time zone so you don’t get any jetlag getting there or coming home.  The perfect cycling getaway!
 
The Japan Cycling Experiences will not only provide you with some of the best cycling you will ever experience but you will also be immersed in the beautiful Japanese culture. Each tour is different and we have something for everyone. DON’T MISS OUT! Secure your spot today connectsport.com.au/japan


Experience Japan
Experience Japan has some great autumn tours on offer, with the first-hand knowledge of what to see and do from experienced staff that take a trip to Japan at least once a year and travelled the country extensively. Refer to their website for more information on their Sacred Mountains – UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Autumn Tour 2016 and Ancient Roads Beyond Japan Autumn Leaves Tour 2016. 



Sachi Tours/Nippon Travel Agency
Sachi Tours presents their 10 days Japan Beginner Guided Tour B. Package includes the cost of the guides, accommodation, admission to most attractions and transportation. For further information please refer to their website or email japan@sachitours.com.au. 
 
 
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We send the latest travel information on destination Japan.

Our mailing address is:
Japan National Tourism Organization
Suite 1, Level 4, 56 Clarence Street
Sydney, NSW 2000, AUSTRALIA
Tel: (02) 9279-2177
(2:00 - 5:00 pm Tuesday & Thursday)

Holiday Notice:
Please note that JNTO Sydney office and the self-service brochure room will be closed on the following days:
March 25 (Fri) Good Friday
March 28 (Mon) Easter Monday
April 25 (Mon) Anzac Day