Japan Tourism Topics

1. Located just 3 minutes from the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Comfort Stays at Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya, Opens February 26

The ever-evolving Shibuya cityscape has added its newest dazzling complex adjacent to the station, Shibuya Sakura Stage. Opening on February 26th, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya welcomes guests to enjoy a comfortable, modern stay in the heart of the city. Conveniently connected to the pedestrian deck that leads to the station, nearby attractions, and shopping centers (including Shibuya Stream), the new hotel serves as an excellent hub from which to explore the bustling metropolis. Ideal for long-term stays, each of its 126 guest rooms, including the 18 suites, boasts a generous 32 m2 or more of space along with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and other convenient amenities that create a relaxing, home-like atmosphere. Situated in the heart of the area, visitors can easily access a variety of entertainment spots and enjoy the exciting nightlife. Shibuya has become a popular destination for foreign tourists visiting Tokyo. Be sure not to miss this beloved district.
Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya

2. Indulge in Local Cuisine and Cast Your Vote at the Kitakyushu Ramen Championship on March 16-17, Fukuoka

The Ramen Championship will be held again this year, right in the heart of the "holy land" of Ramen, Kitakyushu. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a half bowl of Ramen from select Ramen stores in the city and its suburbs that serve a variety of ramen flavors such as Tonkotsu. For just ¥500, participants will be able to sample the very best offerings from this famous Ramen region in popup stores gathering in a single place. Upon enjoying the various ramen options, vote for your favorite to see which will become the Ramen King of 2024! The event will take place on March 16th and 17th, at Mojiko Retro Central Square. After filling up with ramen, explore the legendary port town, famous for its red brick buildings and fascinating history as an important international commercial and entertainment hub.
Kitakyushu Ramen Championship 2024

3. Symbiotic Living at Sumu Yakushima on an Outdoor Eco-Friendly Adventure, Kagoshima

Born out of a desire to create a place where people can live in harmony with nature, Sumu Yakushima, an experimental accommodation built on the concept of symbiosis between people and the environment, offers a three-day escape called "Sumu Regenerative Program" in the World Heritage site of Yakushima curated by expert guides and academics eager to share their love of the nature-rich area. On the first day, visitors immerse themselves in the regenerative lifestyle of Yakushima's Odakumi River estuary beach and waterfall basin. The second day unfolds with a wilderness breakfast, exploration of the headwaters forest and a bonfire gathering under the stary sky with local Sake. Day three includes a watershed workshop in which participants engage with nature and explore the local area even further. Sustainably constructed, Sumu Yakushima provides an eco- and family-friendly accommodation. Besides Sumu Regenerative Program, regular plans and accommodation plans are available, including overnight stays, with reservation by email. Visitors can relax, learn through workshops, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, standup paddling, and more among the untouched nature of Yakushima. Prospective attendees are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter and Instagram feed for updates on this unique, nature-soaked retreat.
Sumu Yakushima

4. Breath in the Spring Air among Vibrant Flowers in the Mountains at Hanamiyama Park, Fukushima
The famed Hanamiyama Park in Fukushima City is a beloved flower-viewing destination which has been carefully cultivated over 70 years by the late flower farmer Abe Ichiro and his family. Every spring, the area bursts with a panorama of colors as over 20 varieties of flowers including cherry blossoms, forsythia, Japanese quince, magnolias, and flowering peach provide a vibrant seasonal display. Beyond the puffy pink clouds of cherry blossom petals, the spectacular Fukushima landscape stretches far into the distance to the snow-capped mountains; on a clear day visitors can admire the majestic Mt. Azuma and Mt. Adatara from the flower-covered mountainside, heralding the spring season in northern part of Japan. Throughout the year, various kinds of flowers bloom, transforming the awe-inspiring landscape each season, making this colorful park and charming rural farming neighborhood among the rolling hills a scenic destination any time.
Hanamiyama

5. Scenic Cycling Routes Circling Lake Biwa on Biwaichi, Shiga
Japan's largest freshwater body, Lake Biwa (10 minutes by train from Kyoto to the nearest Otsu station), is a marvelously scenic destination for outdoor activities of all kinds. Embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure on Biwaichi, a well-maintained cycling route stretching approximately 200km around the majestic lake. Officially designated by the government as a National Cycle Route, the high-quality, picturesque trail offers a spectacular journey for cyclists of all levels, showcasing captivating landscapes and unique attractions along the way. At least two days and nights stay are recommended to enjoy plenty of areas at a leisurely pace if you'd like to complete the whole routes. Cyclists can choose any part of the course to enjoy including the heritage trail featuring the Hikone Castle, Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine and numerous other fascinating sites. The cherry blossoms around Lake Biwa paint a mesmerizing picture from mid-March to late April, offering a perfect backdrop for cycling. Rent a bike from local shops and relish the beauty of the blossoms while cycling along the shores of this world famous, blissfully tranquil freshwater spot.
Biwaichi Cycling around Lake Biwa Japan

Notes: The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change.

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