JOMC Newsletter
Japan Tourism Topics
1. Dramatic autumn leaves blanket the mountains of Iya
Iya Valley in Tokushima prefecture, surrounded by mountains and with rivers flowing through it, is one of Japan's less-explored regions. The scenery changes its hues dramatically with the seasons, and the best time to view the autumn leaves is in November. A sea of clouds can sometimes be seen as fog rolls in from the mountains and flows through the valley, creating a fantastic spectacle. Farm stays in old houses in the mountains give travelers a unique chance to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Iya Valley
2. Spectacular festival taking place on Ishigaki island in November
The Ishigaki Island Festival takes place during the first weekend of November. This year's festival, on the 5th and 6th of the month, will be held at Shin'ei Park on Ishigaki, which is part of Okinawa prefecture. It will include live music and dance performances, and a firework display. The event is free of charge and the park is located right next to the ocean, offering visitors magnificent views.
Ishigaki Island Festival
3. Enjoy a getaway at the quaint and picturesque Tsuta Onsen Ryokan
Tsuta Onsen Ryokan is an inn located near a tributary of the Oirase mountain river in Aomori prefecture. The inn features a rare example in Japan of a secluded hot spring gushing out from the foot of a mountain; a new detached house with its own half-open-air bath with free-flowing hot-spring water is being opened there this autumn. Enjoy a time of spiritual refreshment at this tasteful inn surrounded by a beech forest, which shares a border with the World Heritage Site Shirakami.
Tsuta Onsen Ryokan
4. Dotonbori Travel Cafe Pivot BASE opens in Osaka
Pivot BASE is a tourism exchange cafe that has recently opened in the famous Osaka entertainment district of Dotonbori. It provides a wealth of digital information about the local community and allows residents and visitors to meet and mingle with each other. Visitors to the cafe can learn about specific Osaka attractions selected by a travel concierge, including the latest information on the hottest topics on social media, and watch videos featuring city walking experiences. Why not stop by next time you are in town?
Pivot BASE, Travel Café＠Tonbori
5. Dive into Japan's world-class snow!
It's time to plan your winter holiday! Japan contains some of the snowiest regions on Earth. Numerous ski resorts are scattered throughout Hokkaido, Nagano and Niigata prefectures, and slopes usually open in early December. The quality of snow in Japan is excellent; the smooth dry powder is a dream for advanced skiers. After enjoying a full day on the slopes, submit your cold body to a soak in a hot spring - a traditional soothing Japanese experience.
Notes:
• Items 1 is based on information from JNTO Partners
• The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and may be subject to change.
If you'd like to download photos and videos of Japan's tourist attractions, please visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC).
For media inquiries, including requests to use photographs, please contact the JNTO Press office at media_inquiry@jnto.go.jp
