Japan Tourism Topics

1. Ghibli Park opened its doors this November!
The much-anticipated Ghibli Park has finally opened! Built on the grounds of the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Aichi prefecture, Ghibli Park is designed to allow visitors to experience the world of Studio Ghibli and discover its secrets in a unique setting with no rides or loud attractions. Whether you are a Ghibli fan or a newcomer to the genre, this is a new attraction not to be missed! Pre-booking is required, and information regarding overseas ticket sales will be provided in due course!
Ghibli Park

2. Apartment-style hotel MIMARU SUITES to debut in Tokyo!
MIMARU offers apartment-style hotels with spacious living and dining areas and fully equipped kitchenettes - perfect for families. MIMARU SUITES come with two bedrooms and are designed for larger families or small groups. A new MIMARU SUITES facility has now opened in Tokyo's Nihombashi district; a second will open in Asakusa in December. Further properties will open in Ikebukuro, Tokyo and Shinsaibashi in Osaka in the near future.
MIMARU

3. New package tour offerings from JTB Global Marketing & Travel
Excited about returning to Japan but not sure where to go or how to arrange your trip? The leading tour operator JTB Global Marketing & Travel is offering its package of Sunrise Tours for 2023 including overnight stays and day trips to a number of different destinations across Japan. To find your perfect travel itinerary, please visit the following websites:
Sunrise Tours
- Tour information for travel agents
- Booking website for customers

4. Enjoy an early ski season at Snow Park Yeti, Shizuoka!
The Yeti resort, located at the second station of Mt. Fuji, allows skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes early! In recent years, Yeti has often been Japan's first winter sport resort to open at the start of the season. It commenced operation this year on October 21 already!
snowpark Yeti

5. Stay in a luxury villa in the historical village of Hida Takayama
The Kusakabe Family Residence is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property located in the old town of Takayama in Gifu prefecture. This magnificent and historical building was built in 1879; today, it is open to the public as the host facility of the Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum. TANIYA is a renovated 100-year-old annex adjacent to the main residence, available for exclusive hire by a single group each night. A stay at this architectural masterpiece will allow you to enjoy the charm and authentic culture of the local town and relive the rich history of the period.
TANIYA

6. See the magical lights at the Bamboo Lantern Festival in Azumino, Nagano
This year, the annual Bamboo Lantern Festival, also known as Azumino Kamiakari, will be held from on December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16 and 17 in the town of Azumino in Nagano prefecture. When the sun sets, around 10,000 lanterns are lit up at 4 pm to welcome visitors at the local Hotaka Shrine, creating a mysterious warm atmosphere in the early winter evenings. Visitors can also light up their own bamboo lantern if they bring their own lighters!
Bamboo Lantern Festival

7. Take part in a spiritual festival at Futa-arayama Shrine in Utsunomiya, Tochigi
The end of the year is a wonderful time to experience Japanese traditions in many parts of the country. Otariya is a nighttime festival held at the Futa-arayama Shrine in Utsunomiya city. The festival rituals are held twice; once on December 15, allowing residents to bid farewell to the old year, and once again on January 15 to signal the arrival of the new year.
Futaarayama Shrine Otariya

8. See the winter stars from Mt. Komagatake in Hakone
In the autumn and winter, the sky is especially clear in Japan, making it a perfect time of the year to gaze at the stars. The ropeway to Mt Komagatake operates after dark during this period, offering visitors the opportunity to see the magnificent night views from the top of Mt Komagatake. Why not take your loved ones on a special star viewing date?
Komagatake Ropeway

9. Experience a unique light show at Saga Light Fantasy
For those seeking winter illuminations outside the major cities, Saga city in Kyushu puts on its own unique light shows during the festive season. The Saga Light Fantasy will be staged on the city's main streets from November 1 thru January 9. Shop owners and residents join in with their own light-ups, making it a truly local event!
Saga Light Fantasy

10. Paint your face at the Oshiroi Matsuri
The Oshiroi Matsuri (Face Paint Festival) will be held this year on December 2 in Asakura city, Fukuoka prefecture. Newly harvested rice is ground into powder and made into white face paint, which is then smeared on the faces of worshippers in an attempt to foretell whether they will have a bountiful or lean harvest. It's a local festival enjoyed by people of all ages. It is even said the new rice powder can make your skin smoother!
Oshiroi Matsuri Festival

Notes:
• Items 2-3 are based on information from JNTO Partners
• The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and may be subject to change.
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