Japan Tourism Topics

1. A Taste of Tradition and Futurism at Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport, November
With a blend of Japanese and European aesthetics, Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport offers a memorable stay in a convenient location near Haneda Airport, a gateway for business and travel in Asia. Opening on 26th November 2023, the concept of the hotel's TOKYO ECLECTIC initiative is to showcase the city's unique balance of tradition and futurism, inspired by Japan's rich culture such as traditional crafts from the past and present. Direct access to many of Tokyo's greatest attractions makes Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport the ideal hub for travelers coming to Japan for both business and/or pleasure. Whether at the beginning or end of an exciting journey around the country, guests can enjoy a modern take on a traditional Ochaya teahouse and indulge in local flavors in the upscale dining area any time of day. Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport is a 10-minute drive from the airport.
Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport

2. Learn from the Shogun lifestyle with a premium experience at the historic Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi
About 2 hours away from Tokyo by train, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built about 400 years ago in dedication to legendary Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate (1603-1867), is renowned for its intricate woodwork and serene natural surroundings. A new tour offering goes beyond the typical sightseeing trek through Nikko. The My Shogun Story tour package explores the shrine plus the philosophies of Shoguns and their successors. Experience the samurai etiquette and martial arts, including archery, horsemanship, and swordsmanship, within Butokuden (Hall of Butoku), a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. In addition to those activities, a traditional Kaiseki meal with an Ogasawara-Ryu lecture, and an exclusive Shogun Seating Room prayer service, the overnight Deluxe My Shogun Story itinerary offers a stay at prestigious Nikko Kanaya Hotel, opened way back in 1873. An exclusive cocktail party plan is also available at the British Embassy Villa Memorial Park on the shores of Lake Chuzenji.
My Shogun Story

3. Astonishing illuminations World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, November 22-December 11, Hyogo
Himeji Castle, also known as "White Heron Castle" for its striking white exterior, will be celebrating its 30th anniversary of its World Heritage Site registration with a dazzling light-up event (500JPY general entrance fee) from November 22nd to December 11th after sunset. The title of the event "kyoukasuigetsu," which consists of four characters and directly translates to "Mirror, Flower, Water and the Moon," refers to an old idiom with a deeper meaning, implying the ephemeral beauty of the castle reflected on the large water mirror at San-no Maru Square that sprawls out in front of the castle. An array of lasers and spotlights emanating from the towers will illuminate the night sky creating a spectacular effect. Projection mapping will transform the castle throughout the evening, emphasizing Himeji Castle's power and beauty. Illuminations are planned to extend down Otemae Street from the station to the castle.
30th of Himeji Castle History "kyoukasuigetsu"

4. Taste of Japan's Unique Food Stall Culture at Kuramoto Street, Hiroshima
Under the gentle glow of festive lanterns and golden ginkgo trees in the cool autumn atmosphere, visitors to Kure City, a scenic seaside city 30 minutes from Hiroshima, can stroll down Kuramoto Street while savoring the area's tastiest treats, available at a variety of popular Yatai (Japanese food stalls). With a long history as a traditional Yatai street, the area continues to attract visitors with quick, delicious food and an open, cheerful atmosphere. Folks will feel warm and cozy in the crisp autumn evening with a hearty bowl of Ramen noodles or Oden, a kind of Japanese fish cake stew with a variety of ingredients. Of course, other staples of Japanese soul food like Teppanyaki, Yakitori and more are available, ensuring constant foot traffic from hungry visitors. 
Kuramoto Street

5. The Alluring Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine surrounded by nature, Shimane
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, one of the world's largest silver producers in the 16th to 17th centuries, now appears on the World Heritage List resting within the lush landscape of Oda City, Shimane Prefecture in a rural area undisturbed by massive crowds encountered in one of the Japan's major tourist hotspots. Cutting through the dense mountain forest, the prosperous town preserves the remains of winding transportation routes, historic loading ports and old mines renowned for easily extractable Fukuishi silver ore, derived from rocks formed by the region's volcanic activity. Even after such an industrial past, nature has reclaimed the area, surprising visitors with stunning scenery, especially in autumn as the old silver mine is surrounded by walls of gold and crimson hues. A major attraction still open to the public is Rygen-ji-mabu, an impressive 600-meter-long tunnel. Visitors can participate a silver ring making experience on a walking tour of the town.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Notes: 
・ Items 4 and 5 are based on information from JNTO Partners. 
・ The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change. 

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