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Japanese ski and snowboard tours with an expert touch
With its dramatic landscapes, alpine scenery, and some of Japan’s most reliable snowfall, Nagano offers exceptional conditions for skiers and snowboarders of every level. Wide, flowing pistes, consistent powder, and well-groomed trails create an ideal setting for a day on the slopes. To make the most of these conditions, Destination Asia Japan has developed a […] -
Japan’s top ceramic fair bursts into life this April
In the hills of northern Kyushu, Arita claims a defining role in Japan’s cultural heritage. Widely recognised as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, the town has been shaping and firing its distinctive ceramics for more than four centuries. Each spring, during Japan’s Golden Week, that legacy comes vividly to life as Arita hosts one of […] -
Inside Kyoto’s spectacular new teamLab world
The internationally recognised teamLab arts collective has launched teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, its largest exhibition in Japan to date. The new immersive digital art space spans more than 10,000 square metres and features over 50 new original installations, continuing the collective’s reputation for creating boundary-pushing experiences that attract visitors around the world. Designed to blur the […] -
Autonomous ferry takes to Japanese waters
Travellers to Japan’s Seto Inland Sea will soon have a new and innovative way to explore the region, with the launch of the world’s first fully autonomous passenger ferry. Operated by Kokusai Ryobi Ferry Co., the Olympia Dream Seto will connect Okayama on the mainland with the island of Shodoshima, offering a 70 minute crossing […] -
Super Mario-themed trains take to Japan’s rails
Few characters have achieved the global recognition of Super Mario, and now the iconic video game hero is making an appearance far beyond the screen. A new fleet of Super Mario–themed express services and high-speed Shinkansen trains is taking to Japan’s rails, combining playful design with some of Kyushu’s most scenic routes. The trains connect […] -
A monster development lands at Japan’s Haneda airport
Get ready to meet the king of monsters like never before as the world’s largest Godzilla takes over Tokyo’s Haneda Airport this December. Travellers passing through the international Terminal 3 departure lobby will be greeted by a colossal statue stretching an incredible 40 meters in length and nine meters in height. The statue has been […] -
Table décor with a cultural twist in Japan
The brief: Our Japan team was tasked with curating a seven-day reward trip through Kyoto and Tokyo for 38 delegates from a leading US energy company. The program was designed to showcase the essence of Japan, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, through hands-on experiences, iconic landmarks, and moments of genuine cultural connection. From sushi-making […] -
Nagoya Castle welcomes new luxury hotel
As Japan’s tourism landscape evolves, there is a growing focus on encouraging travellers to explore beyond the country’s most established destinations. Promoters are highlighting emerging areas such as Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, where rich culture, culinary heritage and craftsmanship await discovery. This shift not only eases pressure on hotspots like Kyoto but also helps reveal […] -
Introducing Japan’s newest experiences for 2026
Destination Asia Japan is unveiling an inspiring collection of immersive experiences for 2026, created to meet the growing demand from travellers eager to explore the subtler sides of Japanese culture and history. Thoughtfully designed to go beyond the well-trodden path, these new experiences reveal Japan’s rich diversity and distinctive character. Among the many new programs […] -
Fast ferry expands travel between shores in Japan
Soon, travelers will be able to glide across the Seto Inland Sea in record time, with a new high-speed ferry linking Hiroshima and Matsuyama from April 2026. The launch of this eco-conscious service has inspired the Destination Asia Japan team to introduce a Matsuyama Highlights tour, making it easier than ever to combine Hiroshima’s history […] -
Prestigious new hotel opens its doors in Tokyo
Occupying the upper floors of the striking Blue Front Shibaura Tower South, the Fairmont Hotel Tokyo opened its doors in July and is already setting a new benchmark for luxury in the capital. Spanning floors 36 to 42, all 217 guest rooms offer panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the iconic Tokyo Tower through sweeping […] -
Celebrating centuries of tradition in Takayama
Tucked away in Japan’s mountainous Gifu Prefecture, the town of Takayama offers a rare glimpse into Edo-era Japan. Its beautifully preserved old quarter, lined with wooden merchant houses and narrow streets, becomes even more captivating each year on 9 and 10 October during the Takayama Autumn Festival. First held in the 1600s, the festival is […]