All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, five-star-rated for seven consecutive years, is bringing its revamped Boeing 777-300ER to the Tokyo-New York route. The plane was designed in collaboration with famed architect Kengo Kuma and leading British design firm Acumen. The first flight from Tokyo will be NH110 (Tokyo/Haneda-New York) and the first out of New York will be NH9 (New York-Tokyo/Narita). Both flights will be departing on November 8th in their respective local time zones.

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has launched its Oriental Wonders of China, Japan, South Korea and India 2020/2021 brochure, which features a new program in South Korea and a range of new Scenic Enrich experiences in Japan and China.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, together with Taisei Corporation and Kanden Realty & Development, announced a landmark agreement to bring the Centara brand to Japan. The three companies signed an Investor Agreement for Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, an upscale property that will occupy a gleaming 34-storey tower on a prime site in Osaka’s Namba district, the centre of leisure tourism for the city. The property is scheduled to open in mid-2023.

A select group of agents and media was invited to experience pure wonder on a journey through Gifu, the Centre of Japan, last Friday [13 September, 2019] at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Hotel.

JNTO recently hosted an Izu, Shimoda, luxury famil with seven travel partners escorted by Stephanie Sng from JNTO Sydney Office.

Qantas is adding new direct seasonal flights between Sydney and Sapporo, meeting a growing demand from Australians wanting to travel to the popular Japanese ski holiday destination.

A happy group of Botanica World Discoveries’ guests have recently returned from a 12-day small-ship cruise of Japan, delighted to have seen the cherry blossom as it hit peak bloom.

Halekulani Okinawa, the second Halekulani hotel, has this week opened for reservations for guests arriving 26 July, 2019.

Railbookers has introduced a new selection of train holidays to Japan. From the ultramodern, neon-lit skyscrapers of Tokyo to the tranquil temples, cherry blossoms (March to May) and historic geisha district in Kyoto to Hiroshima’s historic sights and thriving food scene, these train holidays have great stories behind them.

Aman has revealed plans to open its third property in Japan, with the launch of Aman Kyoto scheduled for 1 November 2019. Situated in a hidden garden close to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), the resort, with 24 rooms and two two-bedroom villas, draws on the country’s ryokan (traditional inn) and onsen (hot spring) concepts to provide an authentic yet contemporary Kyoto sanctuary surrounded by nature.

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has completed a comprehensive renovation of its guestrooms and suites to create new levels of luxury, that confirms the hotel’s five-star hotel status.