Clients’ looking for a quick trip to see a hidden side of Japan? Try Kawagoe, just a short 1-hour direct train trip from Tokyo Ikebukuro, it is a destination to immerse oneself into the true history of Japan. Kawagoe is most famous for its many traditional buildings, which have earned it the nickname Koedo (literally “Little Edo”).

Start in Tokyo and experience the local spring attractions (Asakusa, Sumida River & Sumida Park) before heading off on a scenic, non-stop train journey to Nikko, a great short-stay destination only 2 hours from Tokyo.

Dorchester Collection will expand its stable of ultra-luxury hotels to Asia for the first time, having been selected to manage a new property in Japan’s highest building, the ‘Torch Tower’ in Tokyo.

Japan is open to tourism again, and what better time to host the first famil visit to Okinawa in three years. Antonio Khattar, The Walshe Group’s Account Manager for Okinawa Tourism, has just returned from escorting a small group of travel product managers to the region, and shares his experience here with LATTE.

Abercrombie & Kent is responding to demand for Japan as the country’s border restrictions eased this week, offering a suite of luxury journeys and cruises.

Captain’s Choice has released its 2023 international itineraries, offering journeys across Asia and the return of two iconic journeys, Safaris & Spices of Sri Lanka and Heart of Ancient Japan.

As Japan welcomes the rest of the world, delve deeper into the country’s cultural and natural wonders with an expanded Scenic Eclipse 2023 voyage collection to explore the iconic East Coast and historic West Coast. Visit more than six new ports including Hachinohe, Shimizu, Muroan, Sakai Minato and the spectacular ports across the Aleutian Islands.

Hyatt Corporation is entering the Japanese hot spring ryokan market with a new hospitality brand called ATONA. The joint venture between a Hyatt affiliate and Kiraku plans to introduce a collection of modern-styled onsen ryokans in Japan targeting global travellers.

Swire Hotels has unveiled plans for a new luxury hotel in Tokyo under The House Collective brand. Set in the neighbourhood of Shibuya, the as-yet-unnamed House – due for completion in fiscal year 2027 – will be the first outside China for The House Collective; a notable milestone for the brand which marks the start of a new phase of expansion.

Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures welcomed wholesalers, tour operators and travel advisors for an evening of Japanese taste sensations and to discover more about the prefectures at an event in Brisbane last week. The function was held in anticipation of a full reopening of Japan in the near future.

Accor will debut its luxury Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand in Japan with its first property earmarked to open in 2025 in Tokyo.

The 31st of January 2022 not only turned out to be a significant day in the career of Rafael Nadal’s tennis career, winning his second Australian Open in the early hours that Monday morning. It was the same date on the calendar that Fiona Dalton, the then freshly appointed General Manager of Virtuoso for Australia and New Zealand, says was a turning point in the confidence of Australian travellers’ to venture abroad again.