MEDIAKIT - Japan Online Media Center
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MEDIAKIT
1
Tokyo Skytree
CONTENTS.
Page 2-3 About JNTO
• Profile
• Vision
Page 4-11 Basic Information about Japan
• Population
• Geography
Awa Da
nce
F est
• Climate
i va • National Parks in Japan
l, T
ok
us
him • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• COVID-19 Measures in Japan
a
• Basic Knowledge about Visiting Japan
Page 12-13 The Seven Passions of Japan
Page 14-21 Experiences in Japan
Tradition, Outdoors, Cuisine, City, Nature, Art, Relaxation
Page 22-23 Support for Media
• Japan Online Media Center
• Press Trips
APPENDIX.
Efforts for Rapid Increase of Inbound Tourism Page 26-27
Efforts from all over Japan to promote Inbound Tourism •
Increasingly Relaxed Visa Requirements •
Enhancing international / Domestic air transportation •
, Shizuoka
Increases in the Number of Tax-Exemptions for International • Trees
e rry
C h
Visitors to the Countryside en
og
k
Japan Tourism Statistics Page 28-29
Iz u
Overview of the Number of International Visitors •
Shares in the Number of International Visitors •
Arrivals by Main Purpose •
Breakdown of Type of Travel •
Visit Rate Ranking by Prefecture •
JNTO’s Activities Page 30-31
Headquarters •
International Offices •
JNTO Contact Information Page 32-37
2 1
JNTO.
ABOUT
s hi
ana
Yam
sort,
motosu Lake Re
VISION.
Fuji at Fuji
Japan is located in the eastern An important role of JNTO is to provide detailed
d M t. part of the Eurasian continent, information on Japan in order to meet various
facing the Pacific Ocean, and visitors’ needs. Our websites provide information,
x an
consisting of approximately 7,000 from basic information on visiting Japan for first-
phlo
islands. Japan is blessed with a time visitors, to tourist information for repeaters
who have visited Japan many times. Based on the
ss
rich natural environment two-thirds
Mo
needs of each market, the social media accounts
of its land is covered by forests. The
post seasonal information and the latest tourist
landscape, which stretches from North
information. In recent years, we have been focusing
to South, varies from season to season on promoting the attractiveness of regional areas.
and each region has its own unique culture. In cooperation with the local governments and
Whenever and wherever you are in Japan, you Destination Management Organizations, we collect
will find a country full of contrast, excitement, a wide range of unique experiences from all over
and discoveries that inspire new perspectives. the country and introduce them on our websites
and pamphlets as “Experiences in Japan.”
Japan has multiple activities for visitors, including
seasonable activities, such as skiing at some of the The Japanese government has made inbound
best powder snow in the world and scuba diving tourism an important pillar of its national growth
in Japan’s rich biodiverse sea, which has more strategy and regional development. JNTO will work
than 30,000 species of sea-life, to more traditional closely with the government, tourism/transportation
activities such as Zen experience. In addition, agencies, and other stakeholders, to play a central
visitors can experience a wide variety of food, role in further expanding inbound tourism.
such as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
"Washoku (Japanese Food)", at Michelin starred
restaurants to local izakaya(casual dining).
PROFILE.
ss
o©
oky
Our mission is to effectively promote Japan e r, T
ow
as a travel destination throughout the world. aT
s uy
As a government organization, we have been
t
Yo
e,
ffic
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is a governmental working tirelessly to boost inbound tourism from
rO
our headquarters in Tokyo and our international
ate
organization, which belongs to the same group as the Ministry of
dqu
Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Japan Tourism offices around the world. As a result, the number
Hea
Agency. With international offices in major cities around the world, of international visitors to Japan has quadrupled in
JNTO’s
less than a decade to over 30 million a year, and
JNTO aims to promote inbound tourism to Japan, providing
Japan have become highly regarded by prominent
comprehensive information about the country and the unique
media outlets around the world as an attractive
experiences on offer. travel destination.
Name Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Established April 1964
President SEINO Satoshi
International Offices 24 locations (Including those preparing to open)
2 3
INFO.
BASIC
BASIC
INFORMATION
ABOUT JAPAN.
yo
HOKKAIDO
ok
,T
SAPPORO
ya
u
Shib
t in
ee
Str
POPULATION GEOGRAPHY
Japan’s total population was 126.17 million in 2019, 377,975 km2
ranking 11th in the world and making up 1.6% of the
world’s total.
Located in East Asia, Japan is a curved-shaped
archipelago consisting of 6,852 islands, stretching TOHOKU
3,300 km north to south with the Sea of Japan
along the west coast and the Pacific Ocean along
the east coast. Its closest neighbors are Korea,
Russia, and Taiwan. Japan comprises four major
ochi, Matsumoto City, Nag
islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. HOKURIKU
Kamik ano
The country is divided into 47 prefectures. Japan
(Ho SHINETSU
tak
a Mo is around the same size of Germany, slightly OSAKA KANTO
un
tai
nR smaller than the state of California in USA and TOKYO
an
ge somewhat larger than the United Kingdom.
)
TOKAI
KANSAI
Japan’s topography is made up of dense forest CHUGOKU
and mountainous terrain covering 70% of the
country. The Japan Alps form a series of
mountain ranges that span the central area of FUKUOKA SHIKOKU
the main island of Honshu. Japan’s highest
mountain is Mt. Fuji (3,776m) on the border NAGOYA
of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. KYUSHU
N
W E
S
OKINAWA
4 5
CLIMATE SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER
INFO.
BASIC
(March - May) (June - August) (September - November) (December - February)
Japan stretches from the northernmost island of A welcome break from the winter cold, Since Japan is an island country As the weather cools, the The ski season begins
Hokkaido, close to Russia, to the subtropics of spring is celebrated throughout the country surrounded by the sea, there autumn colors light-up the and the northern region
Okinawa. The weather varies greatly from region with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. are many beautiful beaches that countryside. Starting in the is blanketed in Japan’s
Starting in the south and gradually moving you can enjoy. The mountains northern island of Hokkaido unparalleled powder snow.
to region. north, the blossoms bloom between March are, of course, cooler and and traveling south, the Crisp and cool, the weather
Every season in Japan has its charms, brought and May depending on location. Cool and quieter. Firework displays dazzling autumn leaves blanket remains clear throughout
by the seasonal changes in temperature and breezy with generally sunny skies, spring is explode above the nation’s the country between late winter on the side of the
weather. See what distinguishes one season from a comfortable time to get out and explore rivers and street festivals are September and early December. Pacific Ocean. It is the
the next. the cities and countryside. Leading into held around every corner. Similar to Spring, the autumn is best season for hot sake
summer, the rainy season begins in late May Be aware that from June to perfect for exploring the great and enjoy the hot springs
and early June except in the Hokkaido area. November brings typhoons that outdoors and enjoying the surrounded by snow.
may affect your travel plans. harvest season when you can
enjoy a variety of seasonal food.
NATIONAL PARKS IN JAPAN UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
The national parks encompass all regions of Japan, from the subtropical to the subarctic. You can discover Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Site portfolio covers exceptional cultural and natural sites. These range from
all 34 parks in every region, and the variety of landscapes throughout the Japanese archipelago. the National Parks, to the centrally located temple complexes, and the vibrantly colored castles.
Hokkaido Region Tokai & Hokuriku Shinetsu Regions Site Place Registration Year Category
Akan-Mashu National Park Chubusangaku National Park Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area Nara 1993 Cultural
Daisetsuzan National Park Hakusan National Park Himeji Castle Hyogo 1993 Cultural
Kushiroshitsugen National Park Ise-Shima National Park Yakushima Island Kagoshima 1993 Natural
Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park Joshin’etsukogen National Park Shirakami Sanchi Mountain Range Aomori, Akita 1993 Natural
Shikotsu-Toya National Park Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) Kyoto, Shiga 1994 Cultural
Shiretoko National Park Kansai Region The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Gifu, Toyama 1995 Cultural
Tohoku Region San'inkaigan National Park Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hiroshima 1996 Cultural
Bandai-Asahi National Park Setonaikai National Park * Itsukushima Shinto Shrine Hiroshima 1996 Cultural
Sanriku Fukko (reconstruction) National Park Yoshino-Kumano National Park The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara Nara 1998 Cultural
Towada-Hachimantai National Park Chugoku & Shikoku Regions Shrines and Temples of Nikko Tochigi 1999 Cultural
Source: “The List of World Heritage for Japan”, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
Kanto Region Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park Gusuku Sites & Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu Okinawa 2000 Cultural
Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park Daisen-Oki National Park Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range Mie, Nara, Wakayama 2004 Cultural
Source: “National Parks of Japan”, Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Setonaikai National Park * Shiretoko Peninsula Hokkaido 2005 Natural
Minami Alps National Park Kyushu & Okinawa Regions Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Shimane 2007 Cultural
“Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List (JAPAN)”,UNESCO
Nikko National Park Amamigunto National Park Ogasawara Islands Tokyo 2011 Natural
Ogasawara National Park Aso-Kuju National Park Hiraizumi Town Iwate 2011 Cultural
Oze National Park Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park Fujisan—Sacred Place & Source of Artistic Inspiration Yamanashi, Shizuoka 2013 Cultural
Keramashoto National Park Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites Gumma 2014 Cultural
Ise-
Shi Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki,
ma
Na Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution Kumamoto, Kagoshima, 2015 Cultural
tio Saikai National Park
na Yamaguchi, Iwate, Shizuoka
“World Heritage Sites”, JNTO
l
Setonaikai National Park *
Pa
The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier Tokyo 2016 Cultural
rk
,
Unzen-Amakusa National Park
Mi
Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites
e(
Fukuoka 2017 Cultural
in the Munakata Region
Sh
Yakushima (Island) National Park
ima
Yambaru National Park Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region Nagashima, Kumamoto 2018 Cultural
Penin
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group Osaka 2019 Cultural
la)su
See more details at “National Parks of Japan”, Ministry of the
Environment, Government of Japan : JNTO introduces the World Heritage Site on our website:
6 https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/ https://www.japan.travel/en/world-heritage/ 7
INFO.
BASIC
COVID-19 COVID-19 In addition to employees wearing masks, the
MEASURES
tourism industry is taking thorough measures
MEASURES IN against COVID-19. This includes recommending
IN JAPAN.
social distancing rules; thoroughly disinfecting
THE JAPANESE facilities, equipment, and vehicles; offering
DOMESTIC TOURIST
disinfectant on trains, airplanes and other forms
of public transportation; setting up partitions,
INDUSTRY checking the health of employees; conducting
temperature checks upon entry to facilities and
restricting entry to venues and facilities, and
more.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE OTHER COVID-19
VISITING JAPAN INFORMATION
JNTO INITIATIVES COVID-19 Information in Japan
We provide up to date information about the COVID-19 situation. In • Cabinet Secretariat “COVID-19 Information and Resources” :
addition to our website, JNTO provides information through our social https://corona.go.jp/en/
media channels such as Twitter (in English) and Weibo (simplified
• Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet “Useful Information
Chinese character).
on the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)”:
The Japan Official Travel App is a useful tool for any trip to http://japan.kantei.go.jp/ongoingtopics/coronavirus_info_e.html
Japan. This app will send automatic updates once installed.
Information on Japan’s
JNTO Coronavirus (COVID-19) updated travel restrictions:
advisory information
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Phased Measures for
www.japan.travel/en/2020-TYO-covid-19 Resuming Cross-Border Travel”:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Application for Visa
for Foreign Nationals Eligible for
Phase Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel”:
PICTOGRAM ABOUT https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html
TRAVEL GUIDANCE • Ministry of Foreign Affairs “Border Enforcement
UNDER COVID-19
Measures to Prevent the Spread of
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)”:
PANDEMIC https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html
• Ministry of Justice “Information Related to
JNTO provides pictograms about COVID-19 travel Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from
guidance free of charge via companies and local Immigration Service Agency”:
governments involved in Japanese tourism. http://www.moj.go.jp/EN/nyuukokukanri/kouhou/m_nyuukokukanri01_00003.html
8 9
JAPAN VISITOR HOTLINE
INFO.
BASIC
BASIC JNTO offers the Japan Visitor Hotline which
is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
KNOWLEDGE
These can be used by anyone in need of
emergency help including matters relating
to COVID-19.
ABOUT VISITING • Language Available: English, Chinese,
Korean, and Japanese
JAPAN.
• Service Covered: General tourist information,
emergency guidance (accidents, illnesses, etc.),
disaster guidance
uo ka
• Tel: 050-3816-2787 (from Japan)
Shiz
TRANSPORTATION IN JAPAN +81-50-3816-2787 (from outside of Japan)
ity,
www.japan.travel/en/plan/hotline/
ji C
Fu
Japan’s advanced public transportation network takes you through sprawling cities
CHATBOT (in case of emergencies only)
in
and quaint villages at break-neck speed and with pinpoint punctuality. From the
in
• Language Available: English, Chinese(CS/CT), Korean
ra
sleek Shinkansen bullet trains to the humble local trains, timetables are followed
tt
le
webchat.bebot.io/JapanNationalTourismOrganization
ul
religiously with a service you can quite literally set your watch by. Local buses b
s en
and long-distance coaches follow suit and the taxis running down streets are an
i nk
unreservedly trustworthy. A vast array of discount passes and travel cards are o Sh EMERGENCY NUMBER
k aid
available that offer wallet-friendly options to allow you to travel farther and wider h To
j i wit • Police Tel: 11 0
with convenience and ease. Mt . Fu
www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/02.html
To find more information about transportation: • Fire Tel: 11 9
USEFUL APPS
www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/eng/119/119-01.html
www.japan.travel/en/plan/getting-around/
• Ambulance Tel: 1 1 9
www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/04.html
WI-FI & CONNECTIVITY TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
• JNTO Tourist Information Center
Wireless hotspots are popping up all over Free Wi-Fi Apps (There are several other apps JAPAN OFFICIAL Tel: 03-3201-3331, every day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (from Japan)
major cities and wider areas in Japan, also available.) Language: English, Chinese and Korean
so you should never be too far from a
TRAVEL APP
Contact: info@tictokyo.jp
Wi-Fi connection. However, for guaranteed
The JNTO Official Travel App provides you www.japan.travel/en/plan/tic-tokyo/
access, especially if you are traveling to more TRAVEL JAPAN WI-FI with the latest tourist information including
remote areas, Wi-Fi rental is recommended. • Other tourist information centers
travel guide content, route search, tourist spot
www.japan.travel/en/plan/tic/
information and more. Explore more of Japan
JAPAN WI-FI AUTO-CONNECT through stories that bring to life big cities and
small towns. Helpful basic information and
safety tips are also included.
KANSAI FREE WI-FI USEFUL LINKS
SAFETY TIPS Muslim visitors
www.japan.travel/en/plan/muslim-travelers/
AROUND THE CITY Find out the latest disaster information Traveling with Disability
including earthquake early warning, www.japan.travel/en/plan/traveling-with-disability/
Certain coffee chains, fast food restaurants and tsunami warnings, volcanic activity and
convenience stores offer their own free Wi-Fi. strong weather in the country with this app. Traveling with Children
Like in many places, you can easily sign up for it. www.japan.travel/en/plan/traveling-with-children/
For further information: To find other useful apps: Other basic information on Japanese
customs and culture, and travel support
www.japan.travel/en/plan/wifi-and-connectivity/ www.japan.travel/en/plan/useful-apps/
www.japan.travel/en/plan/
10 11
PASSIONS.
SEVEN
THE SEVEN
yin g the exc
TY Enjo item
en
I ta
n
PASSIONS
C
d
en
ter
tain
OF JAPAN.
m
tdoor activities
ent of large ur
g ou
jo yin
En
S
OR
In addition to the well-known tourism draws such
T
ba
as Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, temples and shrines,
Enjoying art an
R
n
O UT D O
JNTO has categorized Japan’s diverse tourism dd
A
a
es
re
ig
Sh
a
offering into seven “passions.” These include: its n ju s
in
ku
at
abundant nature, outdoor activities, breathtaking nig
ht,
Toky
o
city landscape, relaxing destinations, culinary
delights that go beyond Japanese food, traditional
ATION
arts, and contemporary arts.
A X
E L En
jo
yi
R
ng
s tay
s at
Yos
hino
Unazuki Onsen Yama
resorts and l
gawa,
Tokushima
N
aw
a
Enjoying traditi hik
O
21s Is
rt,
TI
on a tC
ent ry A
NATURE Enjo
lc ury M
useum of Contemp
ora
ult
ur
od
noh
DI
e,
ging
a,
h
yin
ist
Ku
TR A
g
s
ro
e
o
a
b
Ci
rica
ty,
To
bu
yam
E
l site
a
nd
N
Enjoying c
an
SI
uis
in
s, architecture
t
ea
nat
N
n
atio
u
n
d
re
I
al Mus
dr
CU
ink
ashioka Forest Park, Sai
s
a
Ope
d n
n-A
m or
ir T
e
ea
Ce
em
r
Sushi
tam
on
y,
“N
a
od
12 ate
” 13
©Prime Scuba Ishigaki
IN JAPAN.
EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCES AN EXCEPTIONAL
ISLAND PARADISE
IN JAPAN.
Scuba diving in Ishigaki, Okinawa
Sensational subtropical scuba diving in
Ishigaki, less than 4 hours from Tokyo
Ishigaki Island in Okinawa has warm and inviting
JNTO has curated a website of “Experiences in Japan” based on our weather all year round—as you’d expect of a place in
Seven Passions in order to help international visitors enjoy Japan Japan’s far south. Scuba diving fans, you won’t find
and its culture on a deeper level. The website provides information a better spot to watch magical manta rays gliding
on a variety of experience-based ideas and places, including through calm, crystal-clear waters. And Ishigaki is so
peaceful rural villages, temples, and contemporary art museums, accessible: direct flights daily from Tokyo and Osaka,
as well as top restaurants and traditional gardens bursting with as well as hotels to suit all budgets. Cruise among
greenery. In addition to this website, you can also find a catalogue of the coral and discover why Ishigaki is a must-see
“100 Experiences in Japan” online. destination for divers.
OUTDOORS
TRADITION
A TRUE TASTE OF ZEN AT A
MICHELIN-STARRED TEMPLE
Experience the ascetic life at one of Japan’s most historic Zen Buddhist temples
Visitors looking to find themselves are welcome at the “Sanro” Zen practice program at Eiheiji
Temple in Fukui Prefecture, home to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. In majestic yet austere
settings, meticulously preserved since the year 1244, you’ll embrace the life of a monk over two
days and a night. Join the monks for zazen (sitting zen meditation) and sutra transcription, dine
with them on strict vegetarian fare and rise early in the morning to take part in a morning incense-
burning service. All of this takes place in a vast temple complex of 70 buildings set in an ancient
forest, housing numerous historical treasures. Fukui Prefecture is just 2 hours from Osaka by
limited express train, or 3-plus hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet trains and local trains.
Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido
SWOOSH DOWN THE
SNOWY SLOPES OF A
i
ku
u O
em
ple,F
STEP BACK IN TIME uc
VOLCANO
hi
ji T
AT OUCHIJUKU
ju
ei
Eih
ku
,F
uk
u sh
90 minutes from Asahikawa, Mt.Asahidake
im a
Discover a traditional post town setting in Fukushima welcomes skiers and hikers
This Edo-era post town, established around 1640, was once a stop on the road from Mt. Asahidake (2,291 m) may be an active volcano, but it is very much
Nikko to Aizu but it is now a major destination in its own right. The picture postcard open to visitors! Hikers and skiers can enjoy breathtaking views
idyllic row of thatched houses is even more photogenic in the winter, blanketed by of the Daisetsuzan mountain range as they explore an enchanting
snow. Step inside Misawa-ya to warm up by the irori (‘sunken fire pit’) hearth, and don’t snowscape. Just as impressive as the powder snow are the clouds
leave without sampling negi-soba – with a leek in place of chopsticks! of steam rising from the many fumaroles. For a quick ascent, the Mt.
Asahidake Ropeway will carry you 1,600m up the slopes.
14 15
IN JAPAN.
EXPERIENCES
Le
re st a u r
REFINED MACROBIOTIC
ant Haze , Fukuok a
CUISINE IN SURROUNDINGS KICK BACK LIKE A
OVER A CENTURY OLD LOCAL IN THE DRINKING
Treat your taste buds to a vegan feast in MECCA OF SHIMBASHI
this traditional Japanese farmhouse
At the foot of the lush and verdant Mino Mountain on the northern Sup your drink as trains roar overhead for an
Kyushu is Le Restaurant du Haze. Chef Atsushi Hirata uses only the authentic Tokyo nightlife experience
freshest locally grown vegetables along with self-concocted fermented
delicacies to fashion delicious and nourishing meals sure to delight the Glasses of cold beer and warmed sake. Plates
health-conscious gourmet. Set in an idyllic and sympathetically renovated of fresh sashimi and skewered yakitori grilled
120-year-old building, Haze seamlessly unites simple, natural and modern chicken. Laughter all around, interspersed
elements to create a holistic and inimitable dining experience. with the clatter-clatter from the train tracks
above. Head to downtown Shimbashi after
hours and see just why throngs of Tokyoites
come here nightly to drown and laugh their
sorrows away. Brave the overhead noise,
CITY
step into one of the many izakaya (traditional
CUISINE Japanese pubs), order a drink and say
Kampai! (“Cheers!”) to your neighbor — you’re
sure to make friends fast. There’s no better
place to enjoy Tokyo’s world.
INSIGHTS INTO
Jap
A UNIQUE DIVING
ane
se
CULTURE
pu
b(
ak
iz
ay
a)
in
Sh
Meet Ise-Shima’s traditional free- imb
ash
i, Tok
divers and savor seafood delicacies yo
Since times of yore, Ama (“women of the
sea”) have been diving for abalone and other
DISCOVER A NEW OSAKA
O sak a
c a st
le
underwater bounty – and most famously of all,
for pearls. At Ama Hut Hachiman in Ise- Shima,
take the chance for a close-up look at their way FROM ITS WATERWAYS
of life. Try on elegant ama diving garb, join
the divers in a traditional dance and feast Cruise around this vibrant city by cozy houseboat
on freshly caught seafood (vegetarians
Hop aboard the Ofune-Camome sightseeing boat to
also catered for). Their warm hospitality
experience all the wonders Osaka has to offer from a
Female divers at Ama Hut Hachiman, Mie
and tales of the sea will move each and
unique vantage point. Choose from a number of itineraries,
every listener. Ise-Shima, equidistant
taking in sightseeing spots, urban architecture and
between Tokyo and Osaka, is less
bridges, night views and more. A once-weekly sake
than two hours from Chubu Central
tasting course allows passengers to savor Japan’s
International Airport Nagoya.
national beverage while on board, while other seasonal
courses feature cherry-blossom viewing, traditional tea
ceremonies and other uniquely Japanese experiences.
16 17S hir a k a m
i Mo
IN JAPAN.
EXPERIENCES
unt
ai n
s, A
om
or
i
MAGNIFICENT VOTED THE BEST
UNSPOILED JAPANESE GARDEN
BEECH FOREST IN THE WORLD
IN TOHOKU See Japan’s greatest artworks and a
ne
ma
top-rated garden in one
hi
Explore this natural UNESCO World t, S
Ar
of
Heritage Site in northern Japan m Get your cameras ready – for unique and exceptionally photogenic
seu
achi Mu
©Ad gardens within this 41-ac creatively landscaped all-season attraction.
You’ll feel both miles and millennia away from Weave your way through the museum, where pride of place goes to
modern Japan on a trek through the primeval Yokoyama Taikan’s paintings. Originally named Sakai Hidemaro and born in 1868, he
beech forests of Shirakami. This sprawling 130,000 is among the finest exponents of modern Japanese painting and known for having
ha region traces its literal roots back 8000 years painted over 1,500 pictures of Mount Fuji. Alongside, enjoy a wide range of other
ART
and its unspoiled environment remains home to highly renowned Japanese artists and take in Adachi Zenko’s dream of harmonious
such rare species as the Asian black bear and the art and a garden expressed as a single oversized painting. A must-stop on your
black woodpecker. Standing in the emerald glades of Shimane Prefecture itinerary. Shimane Prefecture is located 3 to 3 and a half hours
Shirakami, it’s not hard to see why this magnificent scenery by bus from JR Hiroshima Station, is easily accessible from Kansai, and there are
has enchanted and inspired so many of Japan’s artists and incoming cruises also available from Tottori Prefecture.
creators through the years.
NATURE
A SCENIC EXPEDITION ACROSS A UNIQUE GUESTHOUSE
THE JAPAN ALPS Tateyama Mounta
in
IN JAPAN’S SNOW COUNTRY
Ran
g ea
nd
Marvel at massive snow walls at this
Ku
ro Art, meditation, light and shadows
be
Da
premiere eco-tourism destination East meets West at Niigata’s House of Light: a singular work of
m
art and lodging all in one. Artist James Turrell united skylights
,T
oy
With a total length of 37.2km and a maximum height and fiber-optics with Japanese touches like shoji screens
am
difference of 1,975m, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
a
and outside porches to create an immersive experience
astounds nature lovers with some of Japan’s most dynamic meant to catalyze discussion and meditation amongst
mountain vistas. Your journey begins with a steep cable guests. The facility caters to both stayover guests and
car climb up to a virgin forest of mighty ancient cedars. day-trippers seeking tours of this architectural gem,
Then comes a winding bus ride featuring a massive snow with reservations easily bookable in English online.
corridor with walls as high as 20 m. Next, you’ll board It is home to healing hot spring waters and stunning
an electric trolley bus and tunnel through the heart of scenes of nature, including virgin beech forests,
sacred Mt. Tateyama, emerging to one of the world’s most stunning gorges, and some of the most beautiful
unique ropeways boasting incredible panoramic views of terraced rice fields in all of Japan—and with car rental
a steep alpine gorge. Then comes an underground cable and sightseeing taxi services readily available, it is easy
car to Japan’s highest arch dam, Kurobe Dam, and the to see it all. For supper, why not try the best rice in Japan
beautiful mountain scenery reflected in the waters of Lake and enjoy a sip of Niigata’s sublime sake. Located just over Ho
Kurobe. With hot spring resorts, hiking routes, campgrounds, 2 hours from Tokyo by bullet and local trains, it’s an enchanting us
eo
and cultural and historic sites along the way, there’s truly f Li
destination that’s surprisingly accessible. ght
in To
something for everyone—and snack bars at each station will kamachi, Niigata
ensure that you don’t go hungry.
18 19IN JAPAN.
EXPERIENCES
EMBRACE RURAL
CHARM IN ONE OF
JAPAN’S MOST SCENIC
VILLAGES
Stay at Shirakawa-go: experience life in a
traditional thatched farmhouse
Tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture in
central Japan lie a cluster of 114 or so historic farmhouses PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE FOR MORE
in an alpine valley. Sit cozily under a gigantic thatched roof;
sheltered from winter’s deep snows and summer’s heat.
INFORMATION
This fairytale-like setting is Shirakawa-go, an authentic rural
landscape from a bygone era and those who call it home still keep
ifu the old customs alive. Its beauty and well-preserved traditions earned
a-go, G
w
Shiraka Shirakawa-go UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995. Book a stay at
RELAXATION
one of these farmhouses, whether a home or guesthouse and get a true feel for
Japan’s rustic roots. The remote and unspoiled setting simply adds to the charm, well www.japan.travel/experiences-in-japan/en/
worth the journey from Tokyo by bus and train – just 3.5 hours via Toyama station.
STAYOVER IN
A GARDEN PARADISE
Find peace and serenity at this
Michelin-starred mountain oasis
Adjoining the sacred Mt. Mifune in Saga is Onyado
Chikurintei, a striking Japanese inn set within a
49.5 ha garden of towering trees and beautiful
flowers. There are eleven guest rooms to
choose from, in both Japanese and Western
styles, each uniquely designed with year-round
panoramic views of the surrounding natural
splendor. Soak in the healing waters of Takeo
Onsen beside a bamboo grove— or reserve a
room with a private bath for true tranquility. In the
evening, you’ll dine on a full kaiseki (traditional multi-
course Japanese dinner) course exquisitely crafted
for the season and your surroundings—no two meals
are alike. Whenever you like, step outside to freely
explore the vast garden in all its glory. You’ll never be
more at one with nature.
Ho
t sp
ring
s, Ch
ikurintei,
Saga
20 21Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo
FOR MEDIA.
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
FOR MEDIA.
JAPAN ONLINE
MEDIA CENTER
JNTO has established the Japan Online Media Center,
a website for B to B that provides useful content for
not only media but also tourism companies and public
sectors.
Registering provides access to over 10,000 free
downloadable videos and images, as well as story
ideas to provide inspiration.
JNTO’s regularly updated tourism statistics, press
releases, digital brochures, e-learning materials, land
operator listings and other information is also available.
Among these materials, the Inspiring Articles/Story
Ideas section provides short and pithy descriptions of
seasonal sightseeing spots, travel experiences, and
everyday Japanese culture across Japan. This section
contains stories that could be used as inspiration for
writing articles about tourism in Japan.
PRESS TRIPS
JNTO provides support for media planning press trips or filming in Japan: itineraries and general
travel inquiries. For more information, please contact your local JNTO office. You can find the
International Offices List in the “JNTO CONTACT LIST.”
Japan Online Media Center - Japan Tourism Business Resources
https://business.jnto.go.jp/
22 2324 Miyajima Fireworks Festival, Hiroshima 25
HISTORY.
VISITOR
INBOUND
EFFORTS FOR INITIATIVE FOR The public and private sectors are working together
to strengthen Japan’s meetings and events offering. In
RAPID INCREASE OF
MEETINGS AND 2019 Japan’s share of the number of events held in the
EVENTS five major countries in Asia and Oceania was 30.4%,
INBOUND TOURISM.
hosting 3,621 international conferences, and drawing
approximately 210,000 international participants.
For more information about Japan Meetings and Events:
• Japan Meetings and Events
Japan is rolling out a number of initiatives - on a national level - to promote
www.japanmeetings.org/
the country as one of the top tourist destinations in the world so people from
everywhere will want to visit. In addition to showcasing an impressive array
of unique and inspiring things to see and do that appeal to an international
audience, we are also focusing on making it easier for people to travel to Japan.
1. EFFORTS FROM ALL 2. INCREASINGLY RELAXED
OVER JAPAN TO PROMOTE VISA REQUIREMENTS
INBOUND TOURISM The first hurdle in traveling abroad is to obtain a
In order to increase the number of opportunities for visa. In Japan, visa relaxation measures are being 3. ENHANCING 4. INCREASES IN THE NUMBER
an international audience to visit Japan, Japan is strategically implemented in key priority markets. INTERNATIONAL/DOMESTIC AIR OF TAX EXEMPTION FOR
promoting a variety of measures on a national level. From 2017 to 2019, visa relaxation was implemented TRANSPORTATION INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Not only JNTO, but all of Japan is making full use of in 43 countries and regions in total. In addition, face
the network of international diplomatic missions and recognition gates have been introduced at arrival Since the summer of 2020, we’ve been working
TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
local governments to exhibit at the Tourism Expo and and departure checkpoints, as well as screening to expand our arrival and departure capacity by Japan is increasing the number of flights to regional
promote traditional arts and specialty products from equipment such as body scanners to reduce approximately 40,000 flights per year, with the aim airports, and the number of duty-free* stores for
many different regions of Japan. pressures of immigration. This has resulted in a of improving all airports in the Tokyo metropolitan international visitors by some 20,000, as well as
substantial increase in international visitors to Japan. area. Alongside this, in order to attract greater making efforts to publicize the duty-free system.
numbers of international visitors to Japan, the
government is providing support for new and * for consumption tax only
increased flights to regional airports in areas
other than metropolitan areas such as Hokkaido, Tax Free shop information
Fukuoka, and Okinawa, all of which are increasingly
popular tourist destinations. https://tax-freeshop.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.php
Trends in the Visitor Arrivals to Japan by Year
40m
30m
Ka
Visitor Arrivals
n
sa i
20m
I n te
rn a
10m
tio n
al Ai
0
r port,
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Osa ka
© Japan National Tourism Organization
26 27STATISTICS.
TOURISM
ARRIVALS BY MAIN PURPOSE (2019)
JAPAN TOURISM 35,000,000
STATISTICS. 30,000,000
25,000,000
5.9
5.5
20,000,000
OVERVIEW OF THE NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS (2019) 15,000,000
9.9 88.6
10,000,000
16.2
5,000,000
73.9
0
2010 2019
Tourism Business Others
BREAKDOWN OF TYPE OF TRAVEL (2019)
Travel form Purpose of...
Used a package product for Individual Travel Overall 16.9% 76.6% 6.5%
Separate arrangement
Participated in a Group Tour Sightseeing and Leisure 20.2% 72.6% 7.3%
Business 3.5% 93.0% 3.4%
Source:
https://www.unwto.org/country-profile-inbound-tourism 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
As of March 2021
As the data will be updated regularly throughout the year the rankings therefore will change as well. No data is available for France. Rate
SHARES IN THE NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS (2019) VISIT RATE RANKING BY PREFECTURE (2019)
Tokyo 47.2
Osaka 38.6
Chiba 35.1
Kyoto 27.8
Nara 11.7
Aichi 9.0
Fukuoka 8.7
Hokkaido 8.0
Kanagawa 7.8
Okinawa 6.1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Rate (%)
You can browse and download various inbound data and rankings (CSV and PDF) such as the number of
visitors to Japan, the visit rate by prefecture, the amount of travel, and the number of international visitors
from all over the world.
Japan Tourism Statistics: https://statistics.jnto.go.jp/en/
28 29ACTIVITIES.
JNTO’S
JNTO’S INTERNATIONAL POLICIES FOR TOURISM-
RELATED BUSINESSES
ACTIVITIES. OFFICES • Planning and supporting for travel
products to Japan.
STRATEGIES & PLANNING • Supporting sales promotion of
JNTO is the entity responsible for implementing marketing and promotion of inbound tourism travel products to Japan.
in accordance with the country’s inbound travel policies. With a focus on promoting Japan • Developing strategies to stimulate demand for
travel to Japan in their specified market. • Joint advertising and campaigns.
as a world-leading travel destination to the rest of the world, JNTO provides support for the
planning and sales of travel products to Japan, develops new tourism revenue streams, and • Comprehensive planning, implementation, • Supporting for Japan inspection tours in order to
carries out general on-the-ground activities to attract international visitors, including support evaluation, and improvement of activities related create travel products (familiarization tours).
for local communities in their efforts to promote tourism. to attracting visitors to Japan in their specified • Developing human resources specializing in
market. travel to Japan.
POLICIES FOR THE MEDIA POLICIES FOR
HEADQUARTERS POLICIES FOR TOURISM-
RELATED BUSINESSES
• Providing information to the media. GENERAL CONSUMERS
• Planning and coordinating interviews of visits • Continued sharing of information on Japanese
STRATEGIES & PLANNING • Support for proposing, developing, and selling to Japan and support for interviews (requests tourism through all salient marketing channels:
new sightseeing routes and inbound travel for cooperation from interviewees, liaison and websites, social media, events and travel expos.
• Developing strategies to stimulate demand for products by providing assistance for inspection coordination, cost sharing, etc.).
travel to Japan. tours all over Japan and organizing business • Securing advertising and editorial opportunities
meetings and seminars. • Providing content materials such as images and through our public relations such as TV,
• Comprehensive planning, implementation, newspapers, magazines and guidebooks.
videos.
evaluation, and improvement of activities related • Sales promotions, through collaborations with
to attracting visitors to Japan. travel agencies and airlines. • Advertising and public relations development
using online media.
• Global research and analysis of market trends for • Supporting formation of networks.
inbound tourism.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
• Calculating and announcing the number of POLICIES FOR
international visitors to Japan. • Developing meetings and events offering,
GENERAL CONSUMERS attracting and holding international conferences
• Promotion, data collection, and analysis using
• Continued sharing of information on Japanese and other meetings and events.
digital marketing techniques
tourism through all salient marketing channels:
websites, social media, events and travel expos.
POLICIES FOR THE MEDIA
• Securing advertising and editorial opportunities
• Support for international media visiting Japan for through our public relations such as TV,
press trips and filming. newspapers, magazines and guidebooks.
• Provide the digital resource platform storing a • Advertising and public relations development
variety of digital assets and access to relevant using a wide range of media.
information on Japan’s tourism offerings.
• Provision of information to international visitors
through call centers and chatbots.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
• Developing meetings and events offering,
attracting and hosting international conferences
and other meetings and events.
Dubai office and Mexico office are preparing to open (as of March 2021)
30 31INFO.
CONTACT
JNTO CONTACT INFORMATION.
USA: New York
Address One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 448, New York, NY 10165, USA
Headquarters and International Offices List and Managing Areas Tel +1-212-757-5640
JAPAN Fax +1-212-307-6754
Email infonyc@jnto.go.jp
JNTO Headquarters
URL www.japan.travel/en/us/
Address 1-6-4, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Territories in Charge 1) Following states of the United States (AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD,
Tel +81-3-5369-3342 ME, MI, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WI, WV), 2) Caribbean, and
3) South America
Fax +81-3-3350-5200
Email media_inquiry@jnto.go.jp EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA
URL www.jnto.go.jp/
FRANCE: Paris
Social Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitjapaninternational
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitjapanjp/ Address 4, rue de Ventadour 75001 Paris, France
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/visitjapan/featured
Tel +33-1-42-96-20-29
Twitter: https://twitter.com/japansafetravel
Territories in Charge Japan Fax +33-1-40-20-92-79
Email info@tourisme-japon.fr
NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA URL www.japan.travel/fr/fr/
CANADA: Toronto Territories in Charge Andorra, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Monaco, French-spoken areas of
Switzerland and French-spoken areas of Africa
Address 55 York Street, Suite 202, Toronto M5J 1R7, Canada
GERMANY: Frankfurt
Tel +1-416-366-7140
Address Kaiserstrasse 11, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Fax +1-416-366-4530
Tel +49-69-20353 (09:00-12:30)
Email info_toronto@jnto.go.jp
Fax +49-69-284281
URL www.japan.travel/en/ca/
Email fra@jnto.go.jp
Territories in Charge Canada
URL www.japan.travel/de/de/
USA: Los Angeles Territories in Charge Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany,
Hungary, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania,
Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and German-spoken areas of Switzerland
Address 707 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 4325, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
Tel +1-213-623-1952 ITALY: Rome
Fax +1-213-623-6301
Address Via Barberini 95, 00187, Rome, Italy
Email infolax@jnto.go.jp
Tel +39-06-9444-3407
URL www.japan.travel/en/us/
Email giappone@jnto.go.jp
Territories in Charge 1) Following states of the United States (AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, IA, KS, LA, MN,
URL www.japan.travel/it/it/
MO, MT, NE, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY), and 2) Central America
including Mexico
Territories in Charge Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, San Marino and Vatican
32 33INFO.
CONTACT
RUSSIA: Moscow CHINA: Beijing
Address 3rd Floor, 5, Bryanskaya Street, Moscow, Russia Address Beijing Fortune Bldg., Suite 410 5 Dong San Huan Bei Lu Chao Yang District,
Beijing 100004 China
Tel +7-495-995-0120
Tel +86-10-6590-8568
Fax +7-495-995-0145
Fax +86-10-6590-8851
URL visitjapan.ru/
URL www.japan-travel.cn/
Territories in Charge Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Latvia,
Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan Territories in Charge Following China's cities, provinces and autonomous regions (Beijing, Heilongjiang,
Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Xinjiang Uygur,
Tianjin, Nei Mongol, Shandong Hubei, Henan, Xizang), and Mongolia
SPAIN: Madrid CHINA: Guangzhou
Address Carrera de San Jerónimo 15 – 3, 28014 Madrid Spain Address Room 1310-1311, Tower B, China Shine Plaza, No.9 Linhe Xi Road,
Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510610, China
Tel +34-91-077-0070
Tel +86-20-8759-9759
Email info_madrid@jnto.go.jp
Fax +86-20-8759-9695
URL www.japan.travel/es/es/
URL www.japan-travel.cn/
Territories in Charge Portugal, Spain and Spanish-spoken areas of Africa
Territories in Charge Following China's cities, provinces and autonomous regions
(Guangdong, Hunan, Fujian, Guangxi Zhuang, Hainan)
UK: London CHINA: Hong Kong
Address 3rd Floor, 32 Queensway, London, W2 3RX, U.K. Address Unit 807-809, 8/F., Prosperity Millennia Plaza, 663 King's Road,
North Point, Hong Kong
Tel +44-20-7398-5670
Tel +852-2968-5688
URL www.japan.travel/en/uk/
Fax +852-2968- 1 722
Territories in Charge Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Netherlands,
Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, English-spoken areas of Africa and Middle East URL www.japan.travel/hk/hk/
Territories in Charge China's special administrative regions (Hong Kong, Macau)
ASIA PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA: Sydney CHINA: Shanghai
Address Suite 1, Level 4, 56 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Address Room 2111, Shanghai International Trade Center, 2201, West Yan An Road,
Shanghai 200336, China
Tel +61-2-9279-2177
Tel +86-21-5466-2808
Fax +61-2-9279-3166
Fax +86-21-5466-28 1 8
URL www.japan.travel/en/au/
URL www.japan-travel.cn/
Territories in Charge Pacific
Territories in Charge Following China's cities, provinces and autonomous regions (Shanghai, Jiangsu,
Anhui, Zhejiang, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Yunnan, Sichuan, Chongqing)
34 35INFO.
CONTACT
INDIA: Delhi PHILIPPINES: Manila
Address Unit No. 203, 2nd Floor, East Wing, World Mark 1, Asset - 11, Aerocity, New Delhi - Address 9F, Tower One and Exchange Plaza, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City, 1226,
110037, India Philippines
Email info_del@jnto.go.jp Tel +63-2-5328-2260
URL www.japan.travel/en/in/ Email jnto_ph@jnto.go.jp
Territories in Charge Bhutan, India and Nepal URL www.japan.travel/en/ph/
Territories in Charge Philippines
INDONESIA: Jakarta SINGAPORE: Singapore
Address Summitmas I, 2F, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Kaveling 61-62 Jakarta Selatan 12190, Address 16 Raffles Quay, #15-09 Hong Leong Building, Singapore 048581
Indonesia
Tel +65-6223-8205
Tel +62-21-252-0742
Fax +65-6223-6035
Fax +62-21-252-0743
URL www.japan.travel/en/sg/
URL www.japan.travel/id/id/
Territories in Charge Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste
Territories in Charge Indonesia
KOREA: Seoul THAILAND: Bangkok
Address #202, Hotel President 2F Euljiro 16, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea Address 10th Floor Unit 1016, Serm-Mit Tower, 159 Sukhumvit 21Rd, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel +82-2-777-8601 Tel +66-2-261-3525
Fax +82-2-777-8612 Fax +66-2-261-3529
URL www.japan.travel/ko/kr/ URL www.jnto.or.th/
Territories in Charge Korea Territories in Charge Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand
MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur VIETNAM: Hanoi
Address 1st Floor, Chulan Tower, 3 Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Address Unit 4.09 on the 4th Floor, Corner Stone Building, 16 Phan Chu Trinh
Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel +60-3-2712-4770
Tel +84-24-3719-5950
URL www.japan.travel/en/my/
Fax +84-24-3719-5952
Territories in Charge Malaysia and Brunei
URL www.japan.travel/vi/vn/
Territories in Charge Vietnam
36 37Issue Date: April 2021
JNTO
1-6-4, Yotsuya,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan
Tel: +81-3-5369-3342
www.jnto.go.jpYou can also read
