"With uncrowded tourist spots and an extra warm welcome, now's the time to see the country"
Japan
ON A FIRMER FOOTING A
It’s been a tough year for tourism to Japan but with great travel deals, empty tourist spots and an extra warm welcome guaranteed, now’s the time for visitors to put some colour into autumn and beyond, says Nicki Grihault
beguiling archipelago of four main islands in Northeast Asia where ancient tradition rubs
shoulders with modernity, Japan's tourism was growing before the world's fourth largest earthquake hit the northeast's Tohoku region this March. Unsurprisingly, the natural disaster and consequent nuclear crisis lead to thin pickings in Japan’s Spring cherry blossom season: UK visitors declined by 57% in April compared to 2010, although by July the fall off was down to 23%. Containment of the Fukushima nuclear
power plant problem, affordability of flights, great deals on hotels and a sense of normality being restored to Tokyo has resulted in returning visitors. Good autumn tour sales are reported – with colourful leaves to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to Spring – and forward bookings for Spring 2012. "Japan has had a tough year so far, but
the sun is definitely rising again," says James Mundy, PR and marketing manager for InsideJapan Tours, which
46 October 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
offers a great range of Japan experiences. “Contrary to sensationalised media
reports, most of the country was unaffected by the earthquake and is running as efficiently as ever,” he said. “Japan remains one of the world's
safest countries to visit and popular holiday destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Mt Fuji, Nagasaki, Hokkaido and Okinawa are waiting to welcome visitors,” said Kylie Clark, the JNTO’s senior PR and marketing manager. A 'once in a lifetime' destination for
most, the classic east coast 'golden route' - from Tokyo to Kyoto via Hakone National Park and sometimes Miyajima island - remains a top seller. The tropical beaches and pristine islands of Okinawa attract honeymooners and some of the world's best powder ski resorts are found on Hokkaido. Western Japan, far from the tsunami
zone, is now being promoted and Magical Japan has introduced the Yaeyama Islands, a pristine eco tourism destination with snorkelling and diving
John Telfer, product and operations director at Explore, whose post- tsunami visit resulted in plans for a tour linking China, Korea, Japan and Russia. “Bookings are still slow, despite an
overall trend of strong Asia sales, but there's no reason not to visit,” he said. The anticipated November 2012 film
release of 47 Ronin – a 3D samurai legend starring Keanu Reeves, should boost interest in samurai sights. And the Tokyo Sky Tree viewing tower, the world's second highest, which opened in May, is a striking symbol of Japan's revival.
for 2012. Orion Expedition Cruises has added five departures, including culinary and art themed voyages. The expansion of Costa Cruises Far East programme mean new Japan destinations: Hososhima/Miyazaki, Wakayama and Osaka. New hotels include the 238-room Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel which opened in March and the modern 172- room Royal Park Hotel, Kyoto, opening October 8. “Japan is unusual and intriguing," says
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