This issue provides information on the exciting traditional and unique summer festivals that will be held in Gunma this July and August. From festival floats to amazing fireworks displays, Gunma’s festivals are not to be missed!

G-Now June 2013 (English) by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office

Standing at 3776m, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and recently, Mt. Fuji is on the verge of becoming registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing Mt. Fuji would be a once in a life time experience and the sunrise views from the top are magnificent.

This English-guided tour  (available late July- August), is perfect for those who love a challenge, but are more comfortable to climb with a guide.

A travel blog by Douglas, 10 years old, about his recent family trip to Japan.

Day 1

Today I arrived at this unique location and was in intense anticipation to observe these breathtaking sites, first visiting the Senso-ji temple in Tokyo.

The sacred gates leading to the temple contained two large statues and one colossal lantern with elaborate and delicate carvings. The sheer scale of the gates and statue astonished me truly surpassing my expectations. The divine architecture of the gates seized your attention making you realize the tremendous labor it would require to meticulously carve it. Contained inside the courtyard of the temple were merchants selling goods of diverse varieties, from mythical samurai swords to serene rice paper illustrations and exotic food. The courtyard also contained a magnificent five story pagoda with a majestic spiral of gold on top looming above us. The temple itself was an astounding sight, a huge structure of complex architecture; it had huge pillars supporting a large ceiling depicting dragons and various gods. Outside incense slowly burned for eternity veiling the temple in mysterious smoke. Contained inside the temple were various objects made out of solid gold, one of them was a golden Buddha perched inside an inclosed area.

We then went to the electronic town Akihabara. I was dazzled by a new and frantic world surrounded by spectacular neon lights and large electronic billboards. We had a sumptuous dinner of chicken hotpot and delicious fish and salad.

Day 1: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa

Day 2

Today I visited the Imperial Palace East Garden and we were lucky enough to see the remnants of the famed cherry blossoms, only occurring once a year. Outside of the Imperial Garden there was a shallow moat bearing carps. At the front a daunting, studded gate guarded the garden restlessly. Inside the garden there were ancient buildings scattered around the grounds, each unique, some depicting carvings of dragons and demons on the circular roof tiles. I was taken aback by height of a few distinctly aged buildings.

We then went to Ginza, where we walked along a long subway that stretched for eternity; it held an ocean of people. My dad’s boss who was over 6 foot tall would have had a difficult time in the subway since the ceiling was quite low. Height would not be an advantage here. Ginza with its broad sidewalks and its elegant shops attracted hoards of shoppers. After exploring a few shopping complexes we had a delicious lunch. We then entered the Sony building stocked with electronic consumer goods ranging from the latest and the most advanced models to relics of the past. I was very impressed by a goggle that projected very realistic 3D images.

Day 2: The Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Day 3

Today our day started before dawn in intense anticipation and concluded abruptly with all our hopes dashed. We had planned to see the gigantic fish in the Tsukiji Fish Market auctions but this ended in frustration and fury. The system was extremely disorganised. The merchants and security guards led us in loops until we ended up where we started and finally found out that no more people could be admitted because the maximum number of people had been reached. We went back to the hotel to sleep off the disappointment.

After that huge disappointment we navigated our way through the labyrinthine subway of Shinjuku Station to arrive at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. We took the elevator to the observation deck on the 45th floor. The view was breathtaking. These unique perspectives of Tokyo were just spectacular, revealing the metropolis in all its grandness.

Keio Department Store was a huge store containing everything you could possibly desire – shoes, sports equipment, plants, anything. In the large food court there was a diverse variety of foods to satisfy all taste buds. But there are no seats to sit on and enjoy your meal and we had to eventually resort to go to MacDonald’s to find some seats. The chaos of this department store would certainly be 10 times more chaotic than a typical busy market.

At night I again visited the government building. Observing Tokyo in the night was just mind blowing, the neon lights fitting the description of a veil of true brilliance blanketing Tokyo in a startling urban Aurora.

Day 3: View from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Day 4

Today I went to Roppongi. On arrival I was met by a colossal spider with long, thin legs and a large pouch containing eggs. We then went to the National Art Centre. The Art Centre was truly a symbol of modern architecture featuring elegant curves with evenly distributed slim, light green tiles. At the entrance was a sleek long spire and was truly a wonder if you looked directly up it.After that we had lunch then we went to Tokyo Tower. Outside of Tokyo Tower a performer with a monkey performed tricks. We had to endure a nauseous elevator ride to the top. Being above Tokyo at terrifying heights was just phenomenal. The tower commanded a truly panoramic view of Tokyo’s famous sights. The revered the Zojo-Ji Temple dominated a large portion of the landscape with its sacred structures. Some bizarre structures were also visible as well as the Fuji Television HQ with its iconic ball linking its twin towers. There was a transparent glass floor; while I stood upon the glass it paralysed me in terror while my father did not even approach it.We went to Zojo-Ji next and we were greeted by the tranquil chanting of monks and the deep echo of a bell. At the front of the temple was an immense gate. The temple was about two stories high with an incense burner at the entrance with a delicate carving of a lotus plant.

Day 4: The National Art Center, Tokyo

Day 5

Today we saw an excellent basking performance in Yoyogi Park in Harajuku and went to the Meiji Jingu Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoke.

Meiji Jingu is a popular location for Japanese weddings. At the front was a colossal Shinto gate faithfully guarding the entrance. I observed a Japanese wedding where the groom and bride and his relatives marched solemnly following a monk conducting a religious ceremony. I think Japanese weddings are formal and serious affairs unlike western weddings.

After that we went to Yoyogi Park. There were many basking shows but one that impressed me most was an entertaining show featuring a mixture of tricks, hilarious acting and borrowed various movie scenes from the Matrix. In one of the acts I was gestured by a man to come and participate in an act to lift a suitcase when all performers had failed. The suitcase was in fact light and it was the performers acting that had convinced the crowd otherwise. I also witnessed another boy participating in a trick where a man held a performer suspended in the air, the boy then held on to the man’s legs and they revolved rapidly around. The rest of it was comical and amusing acting. I particularly enjoyed the Matrix segment when the performers strived to acquire a long coat which was repeatedly stolen by other performers. A performer then fired a fake gun and the bullet was guided by another performer in slow motion until it hit the performer who had possession of the coat and multi-coloured streamers burst out. There was also another skit where all performers get into a car and pretend to shoot down stuff. Halfway through this a teddy flew out of the imaginary car and died infuriating a performer who produced a cardboard chainsaw and proceeded to cut off a performer’s hand which turned out to be a prop. He immediately grew a new hand and the trio fled. Overall I enjoyed it thoroughly, the timing and acting was supreme and the tricks employed in my opinion were of a high standard.

Day 5: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku

More to come!

SYDNEY May 15, 2012 – Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) together with Japan’s best snow fields will be on show at the annual Snow Travel Expos in Melbourne (19^th May) and Sydney (26^th May).

Japan’s three main ski regions – Hokkaido, Nagano & Niigata, and Tohoku-which are home to the vast majority of the country’s 600 ski resorts, will be well represented with local tourism boards, resorts, accommodation properties and travel companies showcasing their snow travel products.

Exhibitors from Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and home to Japan’s powder capital, Niseko, include Hokkaido Tourism Organization, Central Hokkaido Ski Promotion Council, Furano Ski Resort, Hilton Niseko Village, Niseko Hanazono Resort, Rusutsu Resort, Kiroro Associates and Hoshino Resort Tomamu.

“On behalf of the businesses in Hokkaido, we would like to thank Australian travellers for their continued patronage. Many of the ski resorts in Hokkaido offer attractive discounts as well as promotions for kids, such as free lift passes. The quantity and quality of the light and dry snow we receive each season certainly won’t disappoint you, so visit us in Hokkaido for an unforgettable winter experience!”, said Michiko Nakamori from Hokkaido Tourism Organization.

The Nagano & Niigata region, nestled in the Japan Alps and home to Japan’s famous snow monkeys, will showcase the resorts of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Myoko and Nozawa Onsen. Madarao Mountain Resort will be present as well.

“Only 300km away from Tokyo, Nagano is a rooftop of Japan, with magnificent ski resorts offering a variety of runs among mountains over 3,000m high. Please come and enjoy various experiences in Nagano, including skiing in the abundant natural and powder snow; get acquainted with Japanese culture and traditions in historic towns, and be greeted by Snow Monkeys, the only wild monkeys in the world that bathe in hot springs”, a representative from Classic Resorts JAPAN (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko) commented.

With mountain ranges running from north to south and heavy snowfall in winter, Tohoku, located in the northern Honshu (Japan’s main island), offers picturesque resorts and great snow conditions. The resorts of Zao Onsen, APPI, Hakkoda and Inawashiro, along with the Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization will be featured at the expo.

Kanji Saito from Tohoku Tourism Organization extended a warm welcome to Australians saying: “Whether you are after some quality time with the family and want to explore the family friendly APPI; want to ski through the ice monsters (frost-covered trees) in Zao; are after an adrenaline rush by skiing through untouched powder snow in the forests of Hakkoda or want to unwind enjoying the spectacular panoramic lake views of Inawashiro, the ski resorts in Tohoku can accommodate your winter fantasies. Please come to Tohoku!”.

While consistent quality powder snow falls and the variety of ski runs are at the top of the list of reasons to visit Japan’s snowfields, attractions like natural hot springs, snow and ice festivals, snow monkeys and local cultural experiences (including the cuisine and sake) are also major draw cards for Australian visitors. Recently, the weak yen makes Japan an attractive and cost effective travel destination for Australians, where they can get the most for their dollar.

“The 2012/2013 ski season saw nearly perfect ski conditions with quality powder snow and an increased demand for skiing in Japan by Australians. January 2013 alone saw a total of 31,700 Australian tourists visit the country, which is the highest number on record. We have high hopes for next ski season. Those interested in Japan should drop by and speak to us at the Japan booth at the Snow Travel Expos in  Sydney (booth #17) and Melbourne (booth #71)”, said Hiroshi Kuwamoto, JNTO Executive Director.

Following the Snow Travel Expos, JNTO will host a Japan Snow & Adventure Seminar in Melbourne (May 20^th) and Sydney (May 27^th) for outbound travel agents and media. There will be presentations from the Japanese representatives* on skiing in Japan and other adventures and activities which can be enjoyed by families and travellers throughout the seasons.

-Ends-

Snow Travel Expo: http://www.snowtravelexpo.com.au/

* Snow resorts to be present:

• Hokkaido area (attending only in Sydney): Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Tomamu
• Nagano & Niigata area: Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Madarao Kogen
• Tohoku area (attending only in Sydney): APPI, Zao Onsen, Hakkoda, Inawashiro

As part of Australia-Japan Tourism Exchange Year 2013, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) would like to invite Australians who have lived in Japan to share their experiences on our dedicated AJ2013 website: www.jnto.org.au/2013. As verified Japan experts, we welcome you to introduce a part of Japan you know and love to Australian travellers as part of our ‘Voices from Japan’ section (pictured).

Voices from Japan

We would like to feature standout entries on our Facebook page as well: Visit Japan Down Under. Please let us know if you give us permission to upload parts of your entry as well as some of the images you provided on JNTO’s Facebook.

Submission format:
Please answer the following 10 questions in English (providing as much detail as possible) and submit your entries  to travelinfo@jnto.org.au with the subject line ‘AJ2013′. Be sure to include 2-3 medium-high resolution photos that showcase the area you are introducing and also include a photo of you, which will be used as a thumbnail image.

1. Where were you living in Japan?
2. What made you decide to go to Japan?
3. What experience in Japan left a lasting impression on you?
4. What do you find most appealing about Japan?
5. What is your favourite place in Japan?
6. Please tell us which tourist spots you’d recommend to a first-time visitor.
7. What’s your favourite Japanese food?
8. Which is your favourite season in Japan and why?
9. Where in Japan would you like to go next?
10. If you have any other comments about Japan, please let us know. (free comment section)

As a token of our appreciation, we will send each contributor a copy of the ‘Luxury Travel Magazine Destination Japan’ Guide (pictured). Please include an Australian postal address with your contribution to receive your gift.

LTM Destination Japan Guide

We thank you for your support in promoting Japan as a travel destination.

Kind regards
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office

Discover the Spirit of Japan is a new website aimed at showcasing the beauty and wonder of Japan. The website presents a selection of  videos on various topics focusing on things that are of particular interest to foreign visitors to Japan, including traditional temples and gardens, bustling urban centers and nightlife, hot springs, delicious cuisine, spectacular natural landscapes, shopping and more. More than 160 videos, complete with subtitles available in English, Korean and Chinese offer a warm welcome that makes Japan feel very accessible to the viewer and entices them to visit. Viewers can vote ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’, and can post on Facebook and Twitter.

Have a look at the videos here: http://www.visitjapan.jp/en/

In summer, Hokkaido’s Furano and Biei regions are known for the variety and the beauty of the flowers that decorate the hills. This mail magazine offers useful information on efficient transportation options in the region as well as attractions and some itinerary suggestions.

JR Hokkaido Mail Magazine- Flowers Galore in Biei and Furano

There is much to see and do around Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Take a dip in the lake; or explore Mt. Hakodate Lily Garden. A hot air balloon ride offers a unique way to experience Lake Biwa’s panoramic views.

Shiga Newsletter- Swim in Lake Biwa

The “Is Japan Cool” website is part of ANA’s Visit Japan Campaign, introducing visitors to traditional and modern Japanese culture. Earlier it featured Traditions, Kawaii, Cosplay, and cities like Tokyo and Okinawa. The newest feature is ramen, showcasing a vast collection of tasty ramen dishes from throughout Japan. Viewers can vote for their favourite ramen on the website as well! Go on and find which ramen you want to try on your next trip to Japan: https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/ramen/

JNTO’s Calendar of Festivals and Events to be enjoyed in May 2013 for both Kanto & regional areas of Japan is now available for download in PDF. Download them here.

May is an excellent time to view Japan’s spectacular spring flowers such as wisteria, azaleas and tulips while taking part in a lively festival.

Notable events in May include Sanja Matsuri of Tokyo’s Asakusa Shrine (17th-19th May, 2013), considered one of Tokyo’s grandest festivals. See fantastic traditional costumes, Shinto dances and over 100 towns’ mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded throughout town.

More information on Sanja Matsuri:

• JNTO Information on Sanja Matsuri
• Asakusa Shrine