~OCTOBER 2011 Extra Edition~

Japan Travel Updates is a publication of the Los Angeles Office of the Japan National Tourism Organization.
For more information, or for promotional opportunities, e-mail: info@jnto-lax.org

JNTO Welcomes New President
The JNTO has announced the selection of Mr. Ryoichi Matsuyama as its new President, following the departure of previous President Tadatoshi Mamiya. Matsuyama, a graduate of Tokyo University and Harvard Business School, arrives at the JNTO after a three year assignment as Japan's first ever Ambassador to Botswana. Before his placement in Africa, he worked for numerous International offices of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in locations all over the world. Matsuyama began his appointment on October 1; his message to the international community is featured in this issue.

Kyoto Wins "Best Asian City" Honors from Condé Nast Traveler Readers
Travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler awarded Kyoto with the distinction of "Best Asian City" following a reader survey. The award was presented during Condé Nast's Readers Choice Awards Gala, held October 10 in New York City. The award was presented to JNTO New York Executive Director Yuki Tanaka by Masaharu Morimoto, one of the star chefs on the Food Network program Iron Chef America. Tanaka thanked the Condé Nast Traveler readers for the award and for helping convey the message that Japan is a safe, enticing destination for visitors.

Japan Airlines Announces In-Flight WiFi; Boston-Tokyo Nonstop Flight Details
If the long flight across the Pacific gives you the urge to reach for your netbook, Japan Airlines (JAL) has some news that will make you smile. The airline has announced a partnership with Panasonic to bring "eXConnect" wi-fi service to select international flights beginning in Summer 2012. The initial rollout of wi-fi service will begin on JAL routes operated with Boeing 777 aircraft between Japan and North America and Europe, and service will eventually extend to all JAL international flights.

JAL has also announced updates on their brand new route between Boston Logan International Airport and Tokyo-Narita International Airport. Service between Boston and Tokyo will start on April 22, 2012, with 4 flights a week, and become daily from June 2012. The airline will utilize the highly-anticipated Boeing 787 "Dreamliner" aircraft released by Boeing just last month. The flights will be configured with business and economy class cabins and will make Boston the first JAL-announced U.S. destination served by its new Dreamliners. For more info, visit the JAL homepage here.

JNTO Tourist Information Center in Tokyo Moves; Gets Makeover
JNTO's Tourist Information Center (TIC) in Tokyo is moving - and getting a facelift in the process. The new center, which will open its doors on January 2, 2012, will include all the services travelers have come to expect from the TIC, including brochures and a help desk. In addition, the new center adds space for seminars and workshops, a corner where travelers can access the internet for free, and even a café. The center will be located on the first floor of the Shin Tokyo Building, just a short walk from Yurakucho and Tokyo stations in Tokyo.

Ise Shikinen Sengu Ceremony Schedule Announced
Shrines in Japan often play host to some of Japan's most vibrant, captivating festivals and ceremonies. The Shikinen Sengu, held once every twenty years for the past 1,300 years, is a little different. During a year-long period, the two main structures of the shrine are disassembled, moved, and reassembled on the shrine grounds. Considered one of the most important rituals in the Shinto faith, the next Shikinen Sengu is scheduled to begin in 2012, concluding with a ceremony in 2013. Japan's Emperor is expected to be in attendance for six different parts of the move. For more information, click here.

This December, come visit us at the 2011 Luxury Travel Expo! Japan Specialist Partners such as Japan Airlines/American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Shizuoka Prefecture, Hiroshima / Okayama Tourism, Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo, JTB USA, IACE Travel, Japan Quest Journeys, InsideJapan Tours, Tokyu Hotels Co., Ltd, Prince Hotels and Resorts, and The Okura Group will be joining us at our booth, which we'll be operating on behalf of Japan Tourism Agency.

Come visit us at Booth #501!
We'll also be holding a special 90 minute Japan seminar, starting at 11AM on Tuesday, December 6 in the Islander H Room!

The Expo will be held from December 6-8, 2011 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Come meet with us and find out how Japan can be your client's next luxury destination!

A word from new JNTO President Ryoichi Matsuyama

My name is Ryoichi Matsuyama, newly appointed as the president of JNTO on the 1st of October 2011. First of all, on behalf of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the support for Japan from all over the world after the 3.11 Earthquake this year.

Since March, strong efforts have been put into recovering from the damage caused by the earthquake. The number of visitors to Japan has been picking up over the past few months and those who have come have found Japan is safe and still a fabulous place to visit. I appreciate those who understand and support Japan.

Japan's tourist attractions are open and functioning well, just as they were before the earthquake. During the last seven months, we have heard many comments from people who visited Japan saying Japan stands unchanged and full of incredible things to see and do. JNTO will work hard to spread those words to the world.

Autumn is coming, temples and shrines, Japanese gardens, and castles will be full of beautiful coloured leaves all over Japan. We are ready to greet travellers from all over the world with unparalleled hospitality to all parts of Japan - from the popular destinations of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto to the lesser-known Tohoku area, with hits stunning natural onsen spas and beautiful autumn foliage.

I, as the president of JNTO, would like to take the lead and to do my best to present Japan as a country of endless discoveries with my deepest appreciation to all the people who supported Japan after the earthquake. Please do visit Japan and do not miss out on our beautiful autumn season in Japan.

Ryoichi Matsuyama, President
Japan National Tourism Organization

Kumamoto and Kagoshima (Kyushu Island)

Located over 500 miles southwest of Tokyo, the Kumamoto and Kagoshima area is a place that represents so much of what makes Japan a wonderful destination - not to mention that the area played a big role in defining how modern Japan looks. This is a land where the cherry blossoms bloom early and the seaside is never far away; a place that saw the beginnings of Japanese and western culture integrating over 400 years ago. This is a land where castles and volcanoes are part of the scenery and waterfalls share mountainsides with hot springs. Furthermore, regardless of what brings you to the region, the memories you take home will last a lifetime.

Our look at this area begins in Kumamoto!

Komezuka, one of the caldera in the Mt. Aso area

The Basics: Visitors to Kumamoto often gravitate towards historic attractions or hiking, but find numerous other reasons to stick around. Hikers and hot spring ("onsen") fans will find a lot to love here; the hiking trails and outdoor activities surrounding Mount Aso welcome over 18 million people to the region each year. To the west lie the lush Kikuchi Gorge area and the cosmopolitan Kumamoto City area - the prefecture capital. Across the sea from the capital is where you'll find the Amakusa Islands, which are known for their picturesque vistas and their ties to the history of Christianity in Japan (see below). From there, head to the sea on a traditional four-masted Utase-bune fishing boat, or unwind at a seaside onsen, including one where the baths are found inside caves in the landscape.

See:

• Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most famous castles
• Sakitsu Catholic Cathedral, on Amakusa Island. This is where the Christian faith took root in 1556 and saw an uprising of persecuted Christians revolt against the shogunate when Japan's leaders banned the religion. Visitors to Amakusa can not only see cathedrals and churches, but religious tokens created by Christians who practiced their beliefs in hiding.
• Tsujunkyo Bridge, a magnificent waterway bridge built in 1854. The aqueduct on the bridge is occasionally opened to spill into the river below, creating a spectacular photo opportunity.
• Mount Aso, one of Japan's finest outdoor leisure destinations
• Suizenji Park, a 300 year-old landscape garden in Kumamoto City (featured on the front of the September newsletter)
• Kuma River Rapids, one of Japan's most thrilling river rides
• Utasebune Ships, where guests can experience traditional fishing

Tsujunkyo Bridge at night

Eat:

• Taipi-en, a chicken and vermicelli dish served in broth with seafood, vegetables, and more
• Higo Beef, a low-fat meat raised locally in Kumamoto
• Karashi Renkon, fried lotus root stuffed with spicy mustard. If your palate likes spice, this is what you'll want to order.
• Kuma Shochu, locally produced rice spirits with a lot of body
• Mikan, a variety of mandarin orange beloved across Japan

Only in Kumamoto
If the last time you saw a puppet show was at a birthday party for some guy you knew in elementary school, you might want to check out Seiwa Bunraku. Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppet theater, where ornate dolls perform in plays that first appeared over 150 years ago. If you're looking for a fresh perspective on what theatrical productions can entail, look no further.

More Information:
See our Guide to Kumamoto or visit the Kumamoto Tourism Divison website.

We now head south, to the southernmost prefecture on the main Japanese islands.

Sakurajima

The Basics: With a collection of islands that stretches towards Okinawa and over 1,600 miles of coastline, it's tempting to call Kagoshima a tropical destination. While the weather can be warm and welcoming, there are numerous mountain towns as well, along with Sakurajima's active volcano across the bay from southern Kyushu's largest city. Add to that museums dedicated to the region's role in leading the Meiji Restoration, and you can see why Kagoshima can feel like the tropics at one moment and a traditional samurai village the next. Visitors will likely begin their journey in Kagoshima City, where shopping and food options are abundant and there's always a view of the volcano on Sakurajima. Those that want to get a closer look can take a quick ferry to Sakurajima itself to hike or visit the lava observatory. Nature lovers can visit the Kirishima Mountains, flower gardens, and island forests, while those who just want to relax can take their pick from a number of different Onsens - or the world's only natural steam sand bath in Ibusuki.

See:

• Museum of the Meiji Restoration, a museum dedicated to Saigo Takamori and the Satsuma Clan who led Japan's Meiji Restoration
• Sogi Falls, called the "Niagara Falls of East Asia", near Isa
• Ibusuki, the famed resort town where visitors can experience the world's only sand bath. The area also features numerous outdoor baths, many of which have ocean and bay views, along with many resort hotels.
• Chiran Samurai Residences, a group of traditional samurai houses for visitors to explore
• Forest of Uenohara, which features the ruins of a large settlement from the Jomon period
• Yurigahama Beach, a gorgeous sand beach with star-shaped sand (on the cover of the July newsletter)
• Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active - and scenic - volcanoes

Hiking the Kirishima Mountain Range

Eat:

• Unagi, or Eel. Kagoshima produces much of Japan's eel catch, and if you adore this delicacy as much as the locals do, prepare to have your mind blown.
• Shirokuma Shaved Ice, ice with condensed milk and fruit
• Kurobuta Pork, locally farmed pork with a rich, bold flavor
• Sweet Potato Products. Whether you like them fried, candied, boiled, or barbecued, you'll find it here.
• Satsuma-age, a fried fish and tofu cake

Only in Kagoshima
Here in the USA, we make travelers take off their shoes at the airport to go through security. In Japan, there's no such requirement, but there is one airport where travelers are encouraged to remove their shoes for other reasons: Welcome to Oyattosa, the world's only foot bath at an airport. Sourced from local hot springs, travelers are encouraged to set their luggage aside and let the soothing waters soothe their tired feet. It's the best reason to remove your shoes at an airport, and don't worry - there's not a foul-tempered TSA agent in sight.

More information
See our Guide to Kagoshima or visit the official Kagoshima Travel Guide.

The slate of 2012 tours is coming into view - including the tours for next year's busy Cherry Blossom Festival season. Here comes the list:

All Japan Tours
Winter Highlights Tour and Japan in Depth Tour - 10% commissionable!

Destination Japan
Homestay in Japan Program - Mention JNTO and get $200 off selected homestay packages!

Globotours
Explore Japan by Rail and Tokyo Four Seasons Special

Globus Journeys
Discover Japan Tour - Save $400 per couple on 2012 air-inclusive Asia tours!

InsideJapan Tours
Winter Highlights Tour and Japan Unmasked Tour

Jack's Countryside Japan Tours
Kyoto Temple Flea Markets Tour, March 2012. 10% commission for agents; limit 8 participants.

JTB USA
Flex Japan + Split Stay and Hokkaido Snow Festival Tour

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Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is currently offering special promotional rates until December 30, 2011 - Save 20% on 2 nights stay, 30% on 3 night stay, and 40% on 4 night stay!  For further details about this promotion or reservations, please contact the Keio Plaza Hotel Los Angeles Office at 1-800-222-5346 or reservation@keioplazahotel.com

The Peninsula Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo is showing its support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October with "Peninsula in Pink" - a new Peninsula Hotels groupwide campaign to raise both awareness and funds, with signature pink-themed promotions including afternoon tea and a specially designed pink ribbon pin, with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to local breast cancer-related charities. For more information, please visit the Peninsula website!

Will your customers be able to find you when they click on that link from our website? If you have registered as a Japan Travel Specialist, the answer is yes. Just watch a few educational videos and take three short quizzes to become part of our JTS Program. See the website for details.
You can also contact our office for travel brochures and language handbooks.  Please e-mail info@jnto-lax.org for more information.
* A CD-ROM containing JTS educational material is available by request. Please contact JNTO's Los Angeles office at 213-623-1952 or email info@jnto-lax.org for your copy.
 

JNTO is here to help! We can provide you with updated information, advice, brochures, and more to make yours a trip to remember. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office between 9AM and 5PM Pacific Standard Time. We look forward to assisting you!

JNTO Hotline: (213) 623-1952

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