JNTO Newsletter August Issue 2021

JNTO Newsletter August 2021 Issue

Sustainable Tourism in Japan

The summer games have shone a spotlight on the spirit and excitement of Tokyo and we're on the edge of our seats for renewed travel to Japan. When tourism resumes, trends show that sustainable tourism will be a high priority.

For tourists seeking socially distanced and socially conscious outdoor activities, Japan offers a wide range of exciting off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Akita Prefecture:

Image Courtesy - Akita inu tourism

Step back in time with a traditional farm stay in Akita Prefecture. This is the best way to experience Old World Japan. In the remote Odate region, you can experience a day in the life of a rural Japanese farmer. Plant rice, harvest apples, and dine on hearty local stews for memories to last a lifetime.

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Cycling in Japan:

Cycling Japan allows you to travel to so many hidden gems. The Tour du Lac Biwa in Shiga offers beautiful scenic views around Japan’s largest lake, followed by lunch and rice-cake pounding in century-old homes with locals.

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Yamagata:

Image Courtesy - Yamabushido

Japan’s forests are magical, and there is no better way to experience them than with mountain mystics from the Dewa Sanzan (three sacred mountains) in Yamagata. The local yamabushi, white-robed ascetic monks, guide your training through waterfall-meditation to reconnect with nature and replenish your mind and body.

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Shirakawa-go:

Image Courtesy - Shirakawa Village Office

The best way to recharge is to unplug. Journey to Shirakawa-go in the mountains of Gifu and stay in one of the cozy alpine-style, thatched-roof farmhouses. The deep winter snow keeps the village pristine and looking like something out of a fairytale. Book a stay here to immerse yourself in the rustic traditions of a bygone era.

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Sasayama - Japanese Castle Town:

Have you ever dreamed of staying in an old Japanese castle town? Sasayama in Hyogo is certified as one of Japan’s 100 most beautiful historic towns. Nine Edo-style residential villas by Hotel Nipponia offer traditional comfort with modern touches and local cuisine for an unforgettable experience.

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Hakuba Valley:

Hakuba Valley in Nagano is renowned for its powder skiing, but in the off season it is also an oasis of cuisine and culture, with a range of hands-on experiences that attract foodies from around the world. Here you can plant and harvest rice, join a sake brewery tour, harvest and cook mountain vegetables into tempura, soup, mixed rice and dumplings, make miso and learn the special techniques involved in making soba noodles. There is something for every taste.

Hakuba Valley is easily accessible from Tokyo in just under three hours, via shinkansen and express bus. Learn more about access here. Follow Hakuba Valley! Stay up to date by following @hakubavalley on Instagram and Facebook.

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Travel Advisory

On the top of everyone’s mind is where and how to 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 to meet and exceed international safety protocols. 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.

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'Safe Travels in Japan' video

For more information, please contact:

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) directly, Email: info_toronto@jnto.go.jp

Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/ca/