Spring 2021 Issue

Off the Beaten Path in Japan As we look towards the spring with hope and optimism, we are making a bucket list of hidden gems that we'd like to visit in Japan. These are off-the-beaten-path experiences to rejuvenate us with wonder and excitement. In Japan, there are countless opportunities to do just that. Here are five different types of unique Japan travel experiences that are trending now. Please also enjoy our webinar linked below which provides details for more off-the-beaten-track places to visit across Japan.

Castles in the Sky Most castles in Japan are located within cities, but the Takeda Castle, known as “Japan's Machu Picchu”, is high up in the mountains of rural Hyogo Prefecture. Arriving early in the morning enables a fantastical experience of strolling the ruins above the clouds when it appears as a floating fortress.

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A River Runs Through It Flowing from the mountains of Japan are rushing rivers that mercilessly crash downstream with august force. Hunkering down in a raft while navigating the river system in Gunma Prefecture is one of the most refreshing and adrenaline-pumping experiences one can have in Japan. River rafting and tubing through unspoiled lush verdant nature in Gunma is the height of exhilaration.

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The Cycle of Birth and Death The Yamabushi are Japanese Mountain Aesthetic Hermits believed to possess supernatural powers. Clad in white and saffron robes, and carrying conch shell trumpets, they make their pilgrimage in the sacred mountains of the Dewa Sanzan of Yamagata. Journeying with them is a spiritual practice of forest bathing, meditation, and rebirth into rejuvenation.

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Planting Ahead The best opportunity to experience old Japan is through a farm stay. These exist across the country. The most unique is in Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, because the fields drape the steep mountainside of the Iya Valley. Harvesting vegetables with Japanese farmers, and enjoying the fruit of your labour along with your own freshly caught river fish of the day is an immersion into the simple, pure and authentic agritourism that Japan has to offer.

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Paradise Island As ecotourism becomes increasingly popular, there are so many relatively untouched islands off the coast of Japan that offer a bounty of experience a world away. Yakushima, in Kagoshima Prefecture, is home to snowy mountain peaks, misty rainforests, and warm sunny beaches. Thousand-year-old trees are scattered across this UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" reserve which boasts subtropical evergreen forests and coral reefs. From forest bathing to diving, this is an eco-paradise.   For more information Webinar on Japan Discussion Panel In January, JNTO Canada hosted an informative webinar with travel industry experts highlighting “off the beaten path” places to travel in Japan. Please click the link below to hear the expert panel discussion on new tourism marketing initiatives post-COVID. Link to the webinar

Wakayama voted as sustainability destination winner in "Best in Travel 2021” of Lonely Planet’s Reader’s Choice Awards Wakayama Prefecture is highly coveted for its profoundly unique destinations of spectacular natural beauty and spiritual energy including the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage and Koyasan mountain, as well as countless experiences offered from invigorating stand-up river rafting to exploring the origin of soy sauce. Besides dynamic primeval forests and mountains, revitalizing hot springs, the rocky isthmus of Kushimoto and the marble white limestone shores of Shirahama, the fact that tourism resources have been maintained in a sustainable manner is the reason why this region continues to inspire travellers and is recognized with this distinct honour.

Read the Lonely Planet Announcement

Local Governments and Destination Marketing Offices take Initiatives in COVID-19 Pandemic

Sado Tourism Association, Niigata Prefecture The Sado Clean Certification system was implemented in May 2020 and involves certification stickers that are issued to accommodations, restaurants and tourism facilities on the island that have been certified, and sharing the information on their website. The Live Together video demonstrates how to enjoy Sado Island and encourages visitors to act responsibly.

Watch the video

Suruga Marketing & Tourism Bureau, Shizuoka Prefecture  CHA NO MA private tea terraces have been installed in six locations including Nihondaira and Makinohara. These wooden deck terraces offer scenic views of the tea fields and provide private spaces where visitors can enjoy themselves safely and responsibly. The local tea farmers are able to provide local delicacies and tea for all to enjoy.

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Travel Advisory On top of everyone’s mind is where and how we can travel safely. For the most up to date information on travel to Japan, we encourage you to visit our Coronavirus Advisory page. Japan is taking this issue seriously and adhering to its responsibility. Follow this link to learn the latest measures being taken by the Government of Japan, travel and safety tips, and closures and resumptions of attractions and events. We want everyone to feel safe. Access for updated information

For more information, please contact: The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/