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Insider Tips, JR-EAST app now available, New Nohi Bus routes, Narita Airport hospitality program for transit passengers, Hakuba Valley Season Pass, 5 recommended ways to get to Narita Airport from Tokyo and more
Japan. Endless Discovery
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Congratulations to Celeste Arthur of Hoot Holidays who won the Hakuba Pristine Water (unique skin-care product) from our last issue. 
 
This issue's photo is of the Mt Fuji Shibazakura Festival, an annual event held from 18th April - 31 May 2015. Shibazakura (moss phlox), with pink flowers that resemble cherry blossoms, carpet the grounds of Lake Kawaguchi, highlighting the magnificent Mt Fuji in the backdrop. If your clients have missed the cherry blossoms, it's not too late to catch the shibazakura.
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Insider Tip #2:

Withdrawing cash (yen) in Japan
In Japan, not all ATMs accept international debit/credit cards. Only Citibank and Shinsei Bank ATMs will take them, as well as Seven Bank (located at Seven Eleven convenience stores) and Japan Post Bank ATMs found at post offices throughout Japan. Note ATMs in Japan have limited operational hours. Withdrawals are generally capped at 100,000 yen (approx AUD$1087) per day for safety reasons.
 
In this issue:
 
News from Japan
Special feature JR-EAST app now available
JR-EAST app JR-EAST has released an app in English (Android & iPhone compatible). The free app allows users to view service information for major JR EAST lines at a glance, check 150 station maps and station stop information on different routes and much more. A must for any traveller planning to include Tokyo on their itinerary. Read more

New Nohi Bus routes
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route To coincide with the launch of the Hokuriku shinkansen, Nohi Bus has started two new bus routes. 1) Toyama Station to Okuhida Onsengo (everyday from 14 Mar. 15)  2) Takayama -> Okuhida -> Ogizawa (accessing the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, 16 Apr to 22 Jun. 15). 

Narita Airport Hospitality Program for International Transit Passengers
Narita Airport As part of ongoing efforts to become the airport of choice among customers, Narita Airport has further developed their hospitality program for international transit passengers by introducing free use of Traveler's Lounges, 50% off showers and a range of free Japanese cultural events to be enjoyed this April. Read more

2015-2016 Hakuba Valley Season pass
Hakuba Valley Season Pass Hakuba Valley as launched a season pass for the first time, in order to encourage longer visitor stays. The season pass is valid for 10 ski resorts in Omachi City, Hakuba Village and Otari Village. On sale from 1 June 2015 from the Hakuba Valley website. Price: 130,000 yen for adults, 70,000 yen for children aged 6-12. Visit the site or Download the flyer

Tokyo International BarShow WHISKY EXPO JAPAN 2015 
Tokyo International BarShow 2015 This exciting annual event, first held in 2012, features ongoing demonstrations by world famous bartenders. The 2015 BarShow will be combined with WHISKY EXPO JAPAN over 2 days to become the alcohol and bar industry event of the year! 16-17 May 2015 at Tokyo Dome City, Prism Hall. Visit the site or Buy tickets online
 
5 recommended ways to get from Narita Airport from Tokyo
Narita Express What is the best way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo? This is one of the most common questions we get asked. This handy guide shows 5 recommended ways to do it, with travel times and prices for comparison. View the article
 
Give-away: Win a 'Japan. Endless Discovery' bag-hook!
Bag-hook
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Never dirty your handbag by putting it on the floor again with this 'Japan. Endless Discovery' bag hook, which folds up nicely and comes with a drawstring pouch.

For your chance to win one, be one of the first to reply to this email answering this question: "Tokyo is served by which two airports?"

* Entry is open to travel agents residing in Australia and New Zealand
 
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