Japan Tourism Topics

1. A Glimpse into the Future: Admission Tickets on Sale for Expo 2025 in Osaka, November 30

Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which will cover an area of approximately 155 hectares in the city's Yumeshima district, is scheduled to last 184 days, from April 13th to October 13th, 2025. A total of 153 countries/regions have pledged to participate in the event which will focus on the theme of "Designing Future Society for Our Lives", it will be a space where 8 billion people from around the world will not only view exhibits but will co-create our future society. Various advance tickets will be on sale from November 30th, 2023 (500 days before opening), through the official Expo 2025 website. Opening ticket allows one entry from the opening day through April 26th, 2025, while the First-half Period ticket allows one entry from the opening day all the way up to July 18th, 2025. They have two types of One-Day ticket which allows a single entry at any time during the course of the event. One of them named "Super Early Bird" will be sold for a limited time, from November 30th, 2023, to October 6th, 2024, and the other one named "Early Bird" is now on sale until April 12th, 2025. JNTO also starts to offer information regarding Expo 2025 on the special site at https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025.
Expo 2025

2. Explore a Modern Urban Oasis for Business and Lifestyle at Azabudai Hills, Opening November 24, Tokyo

Tokyo's Minato Ward, known for its affluent, international atmosphere, hosts some of Tokyo's most famous landmarks, including Tokyo Tower. Azabudai Hills will make its mark when it opens on November 24th in a green space covering 8.1 hectares in the heart of Tokyo. With the concept "modern urban village," Azabudai Hills consists of facilities that foster both commerce and culture including international offices, gourmet restaurants and a 4,000-square-meter food market, public art galleries, and a luxury hotel by Aman-based group Janu, debuting as the first hotel in Tokyo. Azabudai Hills will also be the new home of the teamLab Borderless Museum, a global hit for its innovative art installations, which will feature many new works to Japan when it opens in February next year. Azabudai Hills aims to be a space that encourages wellness and harmony with nature in living, working, and visiting.
Azabudai Hills

3. Sapporo's All-in-One Hotel and Entertainment Hub, Cocono Susukino, Opens November 30, Hokkaido

Sapporo is a vibrant and modern metropolis in Hokkaido with plenty of local charm that's known for its fresh seafood and unique blending of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Cocono Susukino, a new 18-story addition to the city's skyline opening November 30th, aims to attract visitors with a Cinemas complex, a lifestyle space called Sapporo Stream Hotel, amusement centers, dining facilities and a total of 85 up-scale shops. Directly connected to the subway station in the city's lively Susukino district, Cocono Susukino is a convenient gateway and entertainment hub day and night for visitors to Hokkaido's exciting capital and offers quick access to the region's myriad other attractions like popular ski resorts.
Cocono Susukino

4. Breathtakingly Scenic at Akame 48 Falls in Ninja Training Village, Mie

Just over an hour from Osaka by train or bus is The Akame 48 Falls in Mie Prefecture, discover a seemingly endless natural work of art covering about 3.3 kilometers of a lush valley that represents the chain of scenic waterfalls flowing through the Akame area. Though the number 48 seems specific, actually it isn't because it means "many" in colloquial Japanese. In fact, there are more than just 48 waterfalls across the stunning seasonal landscape, which visitors can explore on special eco-tours. One of the major attractions in autumn and winter is the "Yugen no Takeakari" light-up event, which illuminates the valley with more than 2,000 intricate lanterns carved from bamboo and is held until January 28th, 2024. Historically, Akame was a strategic area and, according to many historians, it's where Ninjas originated and trained. Visitors can take part in Ninja training, including the art of stealth and climbing, and can rent Ninja suits to help maximize the thrill and authenticity of the experience.
Akame 48 Falls

5. Creating Tangible Memories with Craft Tours in Echizen, Fukui 

The scenic Echizen area in Fukui prefecture clings proudly to its heritage of skilled craftsmanship. Celebrating its impressively productive past, craft tours explore a wide variety of actual workshops where visitors can talk with dedicated craftspeople as they work and share their expert knowledge with the help of interpreters. Echizen Washi, a traditional Japanese papermaking with a history of over 1,500 years, is a national treasure that visitors can learn all about on craft tours. They can also explore historical landmarks such as the Okamoto Shinto Shrine and Otaki Shinto shrine, which showcase Echizen's rich crafting heritage. Meals featuring local dishes like Echizen's iconic Oroshi Soba (Soba noodles served with grated radish) are included on these programs. One dining experience is even interactive, as guests have the rare opportunity to make their own Nigiri Sushi before tasting the quality of those masterfully prepared by a skilled chef. Beyond the typical tour, these high-end tailor-made programs that can accommodate two to four people are truly unique experiences that allow visitors to pursue their personal interests and require booking through a travel agency.
Craft Tourism Echizen

Notes:
• Items 4 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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