The Japan National Tourism Organization released a 360° interactive video titled “JAPAN -Where tradition meets the future” back in January which won the 2018 Good Design Award.
The project began in response to the increasing number of foreign visitors to Japan. It combines elements of Japanese culture including tradition, nature and the modern into one video that viewers can experience in 360°.
Below is the latest video in the series which incorporates “lesser known nature spots throughout Japan outside of Tokyo and Kyoto.”
[360°VR] JAPAN – Where tradition meets the future | JNTO
It is rare for a promotional video to win the Good Design Award. It received high praise for the following reasons:
“There’s a lot of VR content out there, but this video features unique ways of presenting VR. It captures the charm of Japan from a foreign perspective and is enjoyable right through to the end.”
*Translated from Japanese
This videos feature lesser-known areas of Japan including Okoshiki Beach in Kumamoto Prefecture, Hakusui Dam in Oita Prefecture and Senpirono Falls on Yakushima island as well as more famous spots like Dotonbori in Osaka, Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto and more for a total of 29 locations.
A useful new service has also launched from the project creators called Travel Plan Maker for travellers in Japan where you can pick up to 10 places from 122 locations to create your own ideal travel plan.
Information
Travel Plan Maker Website: https://visitjapan-europe.jnto.go.jp/en/plan/
[360°VR] JAPAN – Where tradition meets the future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR_Y7vj66PU
[ver.2] JAPAN – Where tradition meets the future | JNTO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqYzEv_AqYM
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TripAdvisor have announced the top 30 best attractions across Japan in 2018 as voted by international travelers. The list features the regular line-up of famous spots like shrines, temples and castles to more niche locations that even Japanese people aren’t familiar with.
This marks the 10th time this ranking has taken place. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto has clocked in at number one for the 5th year in a row. As of June 2018, the TripAdvisor page for the shrine has over 20,000 reviews, 70% of which are in languages other than Japanese. More than 25 languages have been recorded on the page, proving the shrine’s popularity overseas as a representative spots in Japan. Moving from 3rd place to 2nd place this year is Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and in 3rd place is Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine).
There are several newcomers to the list this year, including Byodoin Temple which people may recognise as being printed on the back of 10 yen coins.
Sanzen-in Temple has a gorgeous garden that is beautiful throughout all four seasons.
Nezu Museum in Tokyo also made the list this year which is home to many national treasures and cultural assets. It first ranked last year for its entertainment facilities, but this year it’s earned popularity amongst foreign tourists for its greenery and tranquillity.
7 places ranked in Kyoto, as well as 6 in Tokyo, and 2 each in Hiroshima, Nara and Kanagawa. 1 place ranked in each Ishikawa, Wakayama, Hyogo, Chiba, Kagoshima, Tochigi, Kagawa, Aichi, Gifu, Toyama, and Nagano.
Check the list for yourself, and why not use it for reference when you come to Japan?
Top 30 Attractions in Japan by International Travelers 2018
Numbers in brackets denote the location’s ranking last year. Asterisks denote newcomers to the list.
1st Place (1) – Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Kyoto)
2nd Place (3) – Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (Hiroshima)
3rd Place (4) – Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine) (Hiroshima)
4th Place (5) – Todai-ji Temple (Nara)
5th Place (7) – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Tokyo)
6th Place (14) – Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa)
7th Place (10) – Koyasan Okunoin (Wakayama)
8th Place (8) – Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto)
9th Place (9) – The Hakone Open-Air Museum (Kanagawa)
10th Place (13) – Himeji Castle (Himeji)
11th Place (30) – Sanjusangendo Temple (Kyoto)
12th Place (11) – Nara Park (Nara)
13th Place (26) – Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple (Chiba)
14th Place (-) – Samurai Museum (Tokyo)
15th Place (-) – Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley (Kagoshima)
16th Place (-) – Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo)
17th Place (-) – Nikko Tosho-gu (Tochigi)
18th Place (-) – Ritsurin Garden (Kagawa)
19th Place (25) – Ryogoku Kokugikan (Tokyo)
20th Place (12) – Eikando Zenrinji Temple (Kyoto)
21st Place (16) – Hase-dera Temple (Kanagawa)
22nd Place (-) – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings (Tokyo)
23rd Place (-) – Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology (Aichi)
24th Place (-) – The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses (Gifu)
25th Place (29) – Kyoto Station Building (Kyoto)
26th Place (-) – Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Toyama)
27th Place (*) – Byodoin Temple (Kyoto)
28th Place (*) – Nezu Museum (Tokyo)
29th Place (-) – Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (Nagano)
30th Place (*) – Sanzen-in Temple (Kyoto)*Taken from reviews, numbers of posts and unique algorithms on TripAdvisor between April 207-March 2018.
■Information
Top 30 Attractions in Japan by International Travelers 2018
Webpage: http://tg.tripadvisor.jp/news/ranking/best-inbound-attractions
TripAdvisor Gallery: http://tg.tripadvisor.jp/news/ -
When you’re in Tokyo, the main method of transportation for getting around the city’s 23 wards is via the subway – specifically, via JR, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. Each of these services offer their own affordable 1-day travel tickets that can be used across all lines, making them a useful tool to have. Let’s take a look at some of the questions regarding 1-day passes.
5 Must-Haves For Tokyo Sightseeing!
To make the most of your Tokyo trip, we recommend one of the following five 1-day passes for efficient travelling. You and board and get off as many times as you like, so there’s no need to worry about extra fees – you can tour all of the sightseeing spots at your own leisure.
- JR East Japan – Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (“Tokunai Pass”)
The “Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass” is a day ticket that allows unlimited rides on local and rapid JR East trains around the 23 special wards of Tokyo. You are free to sit in any seats excluding reserved seating, and can even board the shinkansen within the designated area. The Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass can be purchased inside JR East Japan stations, ticket windows, the Travel Service Center (View Plaza), and travel agencies. It’s ￥750 for adults and ￥370 for children.
- Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket
This ticket enables unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro lines. Costing just ￥600 for adults and ￥300 for children, tickets can be bought in advance or on the day at ticket vendors located in all stations. Not only can you visit Tokyo’s 23 special wards, but the ticket also covers the commuting distance of Saitama and Chiba too, making it convenient for amusement and business. With this in hand, you can travel to any of the major areas.
- Toei One-Day Pass (“Toei Marugoto Kippu”)
A Toei One-Day Pass gives you unlimited access to the Toei Subway, Toei buses, Toei Streetcar (Toden), and Nippori-Toneri Liner. It’s ￥700 for adult and ￥350 for children. An additional fee is required for night buses to make up the difference – ￥210 for adults (￥206 with IC Card) and ￥100 for children (￥103 with IC Card). Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day at a ticket vendor located inside all stations.
- Common One-Day Ticket for Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro
The Common One-Day Ticket allows unlimited use of the Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro Subway Lines for an entire day. It costs ￥900 for adults and ￥450 for children. Tickets are available to purchase from automatic ticket vending machines at all Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro Subway stations, as well as Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. This ticket allows free travel from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport to Tokyo’s 23 special wards and the commuting distance of Saitama and Chiba. This one’s a real bargain!
- Tokyo 1-Day Ticket
As well as the Toei Subway, Toei buses, Toei Streetcar (Toden), Nippori-Toneri Liner, and all Tokyo Metro lines, the Tokyo 1-Day Ticket can also be used on the JR Lines around Tokyo. You can ride and get off at all the major locations in Tokyo for one whole day. At just ￥1,590 for adults and ￥800 for children, this ticket is very affordable. Available at automatic ticket machines at all stations. We recommend this one for people looking to travel across a wide distance.
Tokyo Sightseeing With Private Railways? Take These 2 With You!
Private railway free passes are a super handy tool to have if you’re heading somewhere JR and subway tickets don’t cover. They’re convenient for access from the inner city to the Shitamachi areas, and are pefect for exploring those hidden, tucked-away gems.
- Tokyo Exploratory Ticket (Tokyo Tansaku Kippu)
Not only does this ticket give discounts on round-trip ticket fares from Keio Line, Inokashira Line, Tobu Isesaki Line and Tsukuba Express to the inner city, it also offers unlimited rides with Toei all day. That includes Toei buses, Toei Streetcars (Toden), Nippori-Toneri Liner, and of course the Toei Subway. If you hold a Tokyo Exploratory Ticket, you can also receive discounts and gifts from facilities along each Toei line. These services are located at all manned stations on all lines. Please be aware that prices and the system changes depending on which station you purchase the ticket from.
- Tokyo 1DAY Kippu
This ticket comes as a set: a round-trip ticket from all stations on the Keikyū Main Line to Shinagawa, and unlimited rides with Toei. If you hold a Tokyo 1DAY Kippu, prepare to receive discounts and gifts at popular facilities and spots around Tokyo. This ticket can be purchased at all stations on the Keikyū Main Line barring Sengakuji Station and costs ￥900 from Shinagawa, ￥1,130 from Yokohama, and ￥1,700 from Yokosuka-Chūō.
Was this article helpful? Be sure to get the most out of your Tokyo trip by getting the right ticket for you.
MMN will continue to answer your questions about Japan in our “Japan Q&A” series. If you have any questions regarding Japan, then please be sure to get in touch with us on Facebook♪
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TripAdvisor have compiled their 2017 list of the best free tourist spots to visit based on comments and ratings on the service’s website over the past year. The list tallies 20 must-visit locations, all of which will have people baffled that they are actually free.
Coming in at number 1 this year is the “Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.” Comments pointed towards the building’s observation deck being free as one of the highlights of the building. This has resulted in many tourists making their way to the building for a look themselves. A few years ago you would never see people lining up at the elevators, but now it’s not uncommon to see rows of people close to 50 meters on weekdays at noon.
Some other remarkable locations that ranked on the list are facilities related to beer brewery, specifically in Hokkaido, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kyoto and Osaka. This includes the Asahi Beer factories in Hokkaido, Suita (Osaka), Nagoya (Aichi), as well as “Baird Brewery Garden Shuzenji” in Shizuoka and “Suntory Kyoto Beer Factory” in Kyoto, all of which can be toured for free. At three of the Asahi Beer factories and the Suntory Beer Factory you’re allowed to sample up to three beers for free after the tours, so there’s often a lot of people! “Baird Brewery Garden Shuzenji” underwent reconstruction in 2014. There are free tours available on weekends and national holidays. You have to pay to try the samples here, but there’s a beer garden encased in the bliss of nature and you’re free to take snacks!
The Nozawa Onsen Public Baths (soto-yu) made its first ever appearance on the list. The people of the village offer the hot spring town’s 13 open air baths as community property. One comment said “You can enjoy 13 open air baths. There are many hot spring sources so I’m also thankful for that. Each of the baths have their own charm too you can enjoy each one of them individually. The water is pretty hot, but that’s what hot springs are all about!” (translated from Japanese)
Another new entry to the ranking is the “TOTO MUSEUM” which exhibits the history of the toilet company. TOTO was established in 1917 making this year the company’s 100th anniversary. To celebrate, the company opened the museum at its headquarters in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka in 2015. At the museum you can learn about the history of the business and the development of its products as well as how TOTO became architects of the plumbing industry.
Ranking List (names marked with * have made the list for the first time)
1st Place – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
2nd Place – Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims* (Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima)
3rd Place – Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
4th Place – Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
5th Place – Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
6th Place – Okichan Theatre (Motobu, Okinawa Prefecture)
7th Place – Air Park (Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Hall) (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture)
8th Place – Hotel New Otani – Japanese Garden (Chiyoda, Tokyo)
9th Place – ANA Kitai Kojo Kengaku* (Ōta, Tokyo)
10th Place – Tokyo Camii – Turkish Culture Center* (Shibuya, Tokyo)
11th Place – Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Hokkaido (Sapporo, Hokkaido)
12th Place – Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Museum (Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture)
13th Place – Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Suita* (Suita, Osaka)
14th Place – Nozawa Onsen Public Baths (Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture)
15th Place – Baird Brewery Garden Shuzenji* (Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture)
16th Place – Bunshokan* (Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture)
17th Place – Suntory Kyoto Beer Factory (Nagaokakyo, Kyoto)
18th Place – TOTO MUSEUM* (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture)
19th Place – Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Nagoya* (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture)
20th Place – JAL Kojo Kengaku Sky Museum (Ōta, Tokyo)With such a big list, there’s plenty to be enjoying during your trip in Japan, whether it’s the government building, TOTO MUSEUM, a beer factory and even the hot springs. Be sure to bookmark this list as reference during your travels.
■Information
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.jp/
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[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture.
Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area.
By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.
Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.
[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku
・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023
・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas
■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event
Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)■Snow Miku Photo Spot
Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths.
・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App
A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center,
Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,
Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video
The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!
・On Air: December 1, 2022~
・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)
■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc.
A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities
■Snow Miku Filters Using AR
When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
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Mizu to Takumi, a company associated with the Toyama West Tourism Promotion Association, has teamed up with SKYTREK to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit the area via private jet. Reservations for the incredible experience began on June 17, 2022.
Offering an entirely new tourism experience in Toyama Prefecture, visitors can see the area’s natural wonders from miles above the Earth. The program also aims to share local culture and more about traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.
Toyama Prefecture boasts dramatic topography, from the massive peaks of the Northern Alps and the Tateyama Mountains to the deep waters of Toyama Bay. To better allow visitors to see the sights, these private jet tours will be chartered on special courses different from standard airlines.
After the flights, guests will be welcomed to explore Takaoka’s deep history and culture. Kane no Sanzun, a restored and preserved inn, will welcome visitors, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating time.
Visitors can also book optional excursions to further explore the area, such as a Zen meditation experience at a famous temple in Takaoka, a traditional crafting workshop, and a tour and tasting of the only whiskey distillery in the Hokuriku region.
Come enjoy a trip to Toyama with a whole new perspective!
Information
Travel to Toyama by Private Jet
Available: June 17 – October 26, 2022
Travel Period: June 22 – October 31, 2022
Details: https://www.skytrek.co.jp/tours/toyama-private-jet-plan
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Airbnb boasts one of the largest travel communities in the world, filled with users offering up lodging and those eager to visit somewhere new. The Japanese subsidiary of the company has revealed the top spots added to Japanese users ‘Favorites (Wish Lists)’ from May 1 to May 17, 2022. Where will travelers in the country be headed this summer?
Golden Week is long gone and users are starting to think about where to visit during the hottest part of the year. This national ‘Wish List’ might make it easier to pick a spot, with many locations highlighting lesser-known areas!
Gujo Hachiman Villa, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Gifu)
This completely private rental villa was made for sauna enthusiasts. One lucky pair per day can book this suite along the Yoshida River flowing through Gujo Hachiman, known as the “City of Water and Dance.” Currently booked through the end of August, reservations for September and beyond will be available in early June. Book a stay to enjoy the gorgeous autumn foliage!
A House Surrounded by Lush Greenery in the Countryside (Tottori)
Hosted by a family of musicians and architects, this guesthouse invites guests to enjoy gorgeous Nordic-inspired interiors and the serene quiet of the countryside. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect spot.
Hoshina Satomachi, Limited to 1 Couple Per Day (Nagano)
There’s nothing like spending the summer in a traditional Japanese home. Enjoy a barbeque on the terrace and relax on the massive lawn. This is the perfect spot for families with children or pets!
Coastal Cabin (Chiba)
You can’t have summer without a pool. This luxurious coastal retreat boasts a 15-meter pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, bonfire space, and a barbeque. Relax by the pool while listening to your favorite songs or soak in the outdoor bath as you watch the waves crash along the shore.
An Elegant and Peaceful Log Cabin (Nagano)
Located at 1,300 meters above sea level on the Iizuna plateau, this log cabin is situated in the midst of a dense forest. A perfect space for couples, families, or small groups of friends, guests are welcome to enjoy hiking through this gorgeous landscape in the center of Japan!
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JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.
Original Stickers
The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.
Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.
Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.Information
Laid-Back Camp Season 2 Model Trip Plan
Release Date: May 16, 2022
Trip Dates: May 23 – June 29, 2022 *Some dates are excluded.
Shop: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/plan/shizuoka/yurucamp/Official Site: https://www.jrtours.co.jp/
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The EMOCAL project aims to support small-town areas of Japan. As a new initiative in the project, specific soundscapes only found in certain areas of the country have been combined with music to create some unique tracks. A selection of musical artists have collaborated with the project to bring these songs to life!
EMOCAL was created by ZOWA’s original label, CatchyStuck. The project supports local regions and communities by using ASMR soundscape videos recorded in each region to convey their particular charms to all of Japan. The sounds recorded in each place are considered to be very valuable and are intended to serve two purposes: to bring tourism back after the pandemic and to provide fans of ASMR a way to experience these areas from afar.
Check out each of these unique ambient tracks created by four up-and-coming musicians! Each song is available on viviON’s ASMR platform ZOWA and on Spotify.Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture / Ikkyuu x Hige Driver, I Love Ikkyuu
Beard Driver created this ambient track with sounds recorded inside of Ikkyuu, a ramen shop.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20019
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1RP4RcpJwMrFzoYQbnfDYm?si=f1f1e816adb14db0
Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture / Miyuki no Hama x Powerless, Seiren
Powerless created this track, inspired by the sounds of waves crashing at Miyuki no Hama, a seaside recreation area 20 minutes from Odawara Station.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20016
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DkQ9FeM7jQBacUf7Nbuxc?si=c7d771e73ddd44b6Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture / Wasabi Field x baker, On the silent hill
Utogi in Shizuoka city is surrounded by incredible nature. Known as the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, baker used sounds recorded in the area to create this ambient track.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20017
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0oIU4x7MjVKmpouRwEPaXZ?si=04dcb805cea540b7Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture / Cape Tara x SeA0, Akushu
Cape Tara is a popular spot featuring an 800-meter-long sandbar at low tide. The sounds captured here were used by artist SeA0, and this track is sure to make you miss the water.
ZOWA: https://zowa.app/play/20018
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Utz5j0oB4GmSDOMVdUcXU?si=eafa1949b3ea44d0 -
The Banyan Tree Rooftop Bar, located at Hoshino Resort Risonare Kohamajima on Japan’s southernmost island, is holding a special stargazing event until April 20, 2022. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail as they gaze at the countless twinkling stars overhead.
Kohama Island is located within the Yaeyama Islands. With a warm climate, it’s comfortable to spend long hours outside, even at night. Kohamajima was also the first island in Japan to be protected by the IDA (International Darkness Association), meaning that no bright manmade lights can interfere with stargazing. Visitors can see 84 of 88 constellations!
Enjoy a Boundless Starry Sky
The Banyan Tree Terrace will bring guests together to feel the sea breeze and taste colorful mojitos as they enjoy the pleasant weather. Why not spend a relaxing time in a fantastic space lit with faintly glowing candles as you stargaze?
Taste Colorful Mojitos
A limited number of colorful mojitos will be available at a bar counter set up on the terrace for this event only. You can also enjoy Okinawan original mojitos with made with Okinawa lime, brown sugar instead of sugar, non-alcoholic mojitos for children, and tropical fruit mojitos with pineapple and passion fruit.
Munch on Snacks Perfect to Pair with Cocktails
Guests can also enjoy a snack set with salty nuts perfect for enjoying with alcohol!
Information
Banyan Tree Rooftop Bar
Open: March 1 – April 20, 2022
Hours: 19:00-20:00
Location: Banyan Tree TerraceOfficial Site: https://risonare.com/kohamajima/
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Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is staying active in 2022. In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the “LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project” was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities, and has been attracting major attention. Kyary’s tour made it to Shimane on March 12, and the details of her next collaboration have been revealed!
Kyary will be teaming up with Nakaura Foods and their delicious local delicacy Dojou Sukui Manju. Known as the representative treat of the San’in region, the name is a reference to the mask worn during local performances of the Yasugibushi folk song. The steamed buns were developed by Nakaura Foods in 1967 and have been loved by locals ever since. In the 2000s, the company began experimenting with new flavors by teaming up with other local creators.
The company’s logo is being reimagined for the project, inspired by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 2013 Furisodeshon music video.
The name of the popular product has also been changed to Kyary Sukui Manju! Each box has a pop design and would make a perfect souvenir for Kyary fans.
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. A special LINE collaboration is also underway, and 50 people who order the new Kyary-themed treats from the official Nakaura Foods online store will be entered to win a shirt!
Information
Dojou Sukui Manju (Shimane) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Sales Period: March 12 – April 8, 2022
Where to Buy:
Nakaura Foods Official Online Store
https://www.sanin-nakaura.jp/products/detail/1269
Nakaura Foods Stores in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture and Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture
Collaboration T-shirt
Where to Purchase: LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online Shop
Available until March 25 at 23:59
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/
Commemorative Kyary Sukui Manju T-shirt Gift Campaign
Application Period: April 8, 2022
How to Enter:- Add Nakaura Foods as a friend on LINE and get the campaign keyword.
- Enter the keyword when purchasing Kyary Sukui Manju from the Nakaura Foods online store.
- 50 winners will be selected by drawing to receive a special collaborative T-shirt!
Official Site：https://localpowerjapan.com
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Booking.com Japan has revealed its top four picks for the Japanese accommodations with the best outdoor baths and snow views!
Zao Kokusai Hotel (Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture)
Located 900 meters above sea level and surrounded by the gorgeous natural beauty of the Zao mountains, this resort has long been renowned for its spectacular view of seasonal scenery. During winter, guests can enjoy a fully spring-fed open-air bath while gazing at the snow-capped mountains. The milky white waters of the Zao Hot Springs have high sulfur content which will improve the texture of your skin. The resort also has a bath large enough to accommodate up to seven people at a time and a private bath for families or lovers.
Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa (Date, Hokkaido)
The Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa is surrounded by nature and contains one of the largest open-air baths in Japan, along with 20 unique fragrant baths for guests to enjoy. In winter, the surrounding trees seem to glisten with snow, and visitors are sure to find plenty of peace and relaxation while lounging beneath the grey skies.
Akakura Kanko Hotel (Myoko, Niigata Prefecture)
This highland resort sits on a 1,000-meter peak, offering unmatched views of Niigata Prefecture. The natural hot spring flows from the inside of Mt. Myoko, with healing waters perfect for soaking in during the cold winter months. The large baths are also equipped with a sauna and deck, and those wanting to view the scenery from their room can enjoy guest accommodations with private baths as well!
Satoyama Jujo (Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture)
Winning a design award for its facilities, Satoyama Jujo has a different feel when compared to most hotels and ryokan. Booking.com recommends it for travelers looking for new experiences! In the open-air bath, visitors can relax while enjoying a panoramic view of Mt. Makihata, one of Japan’s 100 most famous peaks. Guests can also enjoy the starry skies at night. This is a perfect location for couples!
Each season in Japan offers uniquely beautiful scenery. How would you like to enjoy winter in one of these luxurious baths?
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The pandemic has changed our lives forever. People have spent the last two years missing travel as they spend more and more time at home, and while many are ready to travel again, it can be difficult to know if it’s the right time to return to normalcy. To make the situation a little easier, many local tourism associations in Japan are posting images on Instagram to inspire people to give traveling another try. These three Instagram accounts are our personal favorites, and once Japan opens to tourists again, you won’t want to miss visiting these areas!
[Official Kumamoto Tourism Association] Motto, motto, Kumamoto!
Instagramでこのプロフィールを見るDiscover the charms of Kumamoto on this local Instagram account featuring photos from four unique local photographers. Many will know the area as the home of the character Kumamon. The images capture the daily lives of Kumamoto residents and include local food and gorgeous scenery. The postings also include the location of the photo and comments from the photographers, making things feel more personal.
[Official Hokkaido Tourism Association] GoodDay Hokkaido
Instagramでこのプロフィールを見るHokkaido is an area rich in gourmet seafood and dairy, but its spectacular landscapes are reason enough to visit. GoodDay Hokkaido shows off both the common and uncommon elements of Hokkaido life, often introducing little-known areas. Each photo is vividly colored, and followers can see different seasons at every time of day as they scroll through the feed. See the best images from Japan’s northernmost island each and every day on your smartphone!
[Ome / Okutama] Umetama
Instagramでこのプロフィールを見るUmetama is an account that introduces places of interest in Ome and Okutama, two of Tokyo’s most scenic towns. Each can be reached in about an hour by train from Shinjuku Station. Visitors can enjoy a gorgeous day trip from the Tokyo center, with the area featuring plenty of campsites and hiking trails. There are tons of stargazing spots, and visitors are often surprised that such incredible nature is so close to Japan’s hectic capital. Those with kids will find plenty to do here, so start taking notes while you scroll through the Umetama page!
More and more young people are finding the appeal of Ome and Okutama, and the area has become the perfect relaxation spot for those seeking refuge from their busy lives. In addition, the craft beer bar Ome Beer, located near Ome Station, sells local alcohol, including Okutama’s popular craft beer ‘Vertere.’ See the lesser-known side of Tokyo on this picturesque account.
Remember how wonderful it is to travel? Hopefully, Japan opens for tourism again soon, and you can visit all of these gorgeous locales.
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Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is back in the news. The artist will perform at this year’s Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States, and recently released her first full-length album in three years ‘Candy Racer’ in October 2021. On January 16, Kyary embarked on the largest tour of her career, ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 CANDY WAVE,’ which will see the singer performing 30 shows across Japan.
In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the “LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project” was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. The 30 stops on the new tour include many that Kyary has not visited before, and were chosen based on the singer’s desire to perform for fans who may not typically be able to attend one of her shows.
This initiative aims to bring attention and support to local industries and to inspire more tourism to rural areas.
This project is a new attempt to enliven local communities by collaborating with companies that have roots in the rural locations where these concerts will be held. These company’s logos have been reimagined, paying homage to the artwork associated with Kyary’s previous song releases. T-shirts designed with each of these collaborative logos will be on sale for a limited time, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the local community for development and social contributions.
For the encore of the first live show, Kyary wore a collaboration logo T-shirt inspired by Suzuhiro Kamaboko, a company in Kanagawa Prefecture. The artist also introduced the project and its aim to the excited audience. More collaborations will be announced through July 2021.
Check out the ‘LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project’ website for more details!
Comment from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
“This tour is to commemorate my tenth anniversary, and as I travel all over Japan to express my gratitude to those who have supported me over the past decade, I also want to do something for everyone else. I’m happy to support these local companies and I’d like to work with them to revitalize the entire country. We’ll be engaging in all sorts of collaborations around Japan, so look forward to it!”
January 16, Kanagawa Performance: Suzuhiro Kamaboko
Suzuhiro Kamaboko, a long-established fish paste store in Odawara that has been in business for 156 years, has agreed to take part in the project. Their normally navy blue brand logo has received a major makeover in colorful pink, green, and purple hues.
The T-shirts featuring the new collaboration logo on the front and the Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th anniversary logo and ‘LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project’ logo on the back are now available for purchase!
*Otono Kuni (From 4th Album ‘Japamyu,’ 2018)
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/otonokuniJanuary 29, Gunma Performance: Oginoya Kamameshi
Oginoya, the largest Ekiben shop in Japan, was established 136 years ago in Yokokawa, Gunma Prefecture.
Their main dish, Touge no Kamameshi,’ has been sold for over 60 years and often makes appearances at events all over Japan. The company’s logo has been reborn through the lens of Kyary’s popular song Tsukematsukeru. A special kamameshi dish will also be prepared for the project, and will be sold in limited quantities at the Gunma concert venue on January 29, Kyary’s birthday!
*Tsukematsukeru (1st Single, 2012)
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/tsukematsukeruMay 20, Fukushima Performance: Kourakuen
Kyary will appear in commercials for Kourakuen as part of the project. The company started as a small diner in Aizuwakamatsu and is now is a national chain of ramen restaurants serving over 54 million people a year! The new logo and collaboration details will be revealed at a later date, so keep an eye out!
Information
LOCAL POWER JAPAN project
Maybe Baby (Written and Composed by Yasutaka Nakata)
Streaming Links: https://lnk.to/KPP_MaybeBaby5th Full Album ‘Candy Racer’ (Produced by Yasutaka Nakata)
Buy the CD: https://nippon-columbia.lnk.to/CANDYRACER
Streaming: https://va.lnk.to/CANDYRACER
LIVE TOUR
Tour Details: https://kpp10.jp/japantour2022/
Ticket Sales:
Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.com/kpp10th/
Pia: https://w.pia.jp/t/kyary-10th/
e+: https://eplus.jp/kyary/ -
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is introducing potential travelers to the charms of Tomakomai, Hokkaido in a new two-part tourism video on her YouTube channel.
In the new videos, fans can see Kyary in a new light very unlike her onstage persona. Along with her tour guides, she travels for two days around this gorgeous city on Japan’s northernmost island.
The first video begins with her visit to a Red Eagles Hokkaido hockey game, quickly followed by tons of outdoor activities like canoeing and horseback riding. The singer enjoys plenty of local dishes and captures some spectacular views of Lake Utonai.
Who is the one who invited Kyary to Tomakomai anyway? Fans will have to watch to find out. Whether living in Japan or dreaming about visiting someday, these videos are sure to inspire a future trip.
Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu presents Around Japan
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Tomakomai Tour ~A Beautiful Trip to Tomakomai~
Release Date: December 16, 2021 (Part 1) ／ December 23, 2021 (Part 2)
Where to Watch: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Official YouTube ChannelPart 1:
https://youtu.be/opiLwd1Zaf0
Tomakomai City Tourism Website:
https://www.city.tomakomai.hokkaido.jp/kankojoho/
