16 THE INSIDERS GUIDE TO JAPAN


S TRAVEL restrictions begin to ease, as of July 4, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced that Japan was exempt from its advice against all non-essential international travel. This decision was taken based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks, however Japan has suspended its visa waiver system for anyone travelling on a British passport until at least the end of August and arrivals from the UK are currently unable to enter Japan. So for now, all we can do is plan to explore this beautiful country once borders open up, and we have some fantastic ideas of things you can add to your itinerary! Located in the Kansai region on the Japanese island of Honshu, Kyoto offers visitors countless shrines and temples to explore and is just over two hours away from the Olympics Games host city of Tokyo via bullet train.


Intrepid travellers keen to explore Kyoto can experience traditional Japanese hospitality and more during a stay at Kyoto Traveller’s Inn, which is located in the Okazaki area of the Higashiyama district of the city. Along with boasting an on-site restaurant and traditional onsen- style public bath known as a daiyokujo, the English-friendly hotel offers guests the choice to stay in a Western or traditional Japanese room with futon bedding and tatami flooring. Furthermore, the hotel is well-suited for those who want to see the sites of Kyoto, since many are located within walking distance.


Top Insider Tips for Travellers Heading To Kyoto:


Learn the regional lingo: ōkini! It’s always helpful to learn a few basic words before heading off on an international trip and although many will be familiar with the Japanese phrase of ‘arigatō’ for ‘thank you’, just a few may know that in the cities of Kyoto and Osaka only, the phrase ‘ōkini’ can be used. As part of the Kansai region’s local dialect, ōkini is an abbreviation of ‘ōki ni arigatō’ (meaning ‘thank you very much’) and is an easy way to quickly impress local residents with insider travel knowledge. Watch where you step. There are over 1,500 shrines and temples in Kyoto, including the epic 1,300-year-old Fushimi Inari Shrine consisting of 10,000 torii gates, and the five-story pagoda of Toji. Several of the temples and shrines have welcomed famous faces over the years. For example, the tranquil garden of the Zen Buddhist temple of Shodenji was a secret retreat for David Bowie. Before heading off for a day of shrine and temple sightseeing, travellers wearing open-toed shoes may choose to pack a pair of socks, since many buildings will ask that visitors remove their shoes before entering. Likewise, when entering a room with traditional tatami flooring, it is important to remove shoes and not step on the borders of the straw mats as this may cause the mat to lose its shape or become


damaged. Don’t be scared to slurp – and ask for a fork if you need it. There are over 200 ramen shops in Kyoto and like many regional delicacies, every resident of Kyoto will have their own favourite noodle location so it’s worth asking around before settling on a restaurant. Once a bowl of ramen noodles has been ordered and toppings have been decided on, diners shouldn’t be scared to slurp their noodles, even though they may be wary of doing so in the UK in fear of seeming impolite. For those struggling to get to grips with chopsticks, it is also acceptable to ask for forks and knives when eating and the majority of restaurants will be able to provide these. Finally, when eating a bento box or traditional Japanese breakfast with various side dishes, travellers can relax in knowing that there is no particular order in which the items should be eaten.


Navigate Kyoto’s public transport like


a local.Public transport in Kyoto is easy to use and travellers are encouraged to purchase a travel card after first arriving to save money when moving around the city. Kyoto is served by multiple bus routes with most of the major sites easy to navigate and access via green and red buses. For those who want to travel on Kyoto’s subway system like a Japanese resident, the city’s inhabitants use the left side of the subway’s escalators as an express lane in a similar way to London’s underground. Alternatively, the flat and well-maintained roads and cycle paths of Kyoto means the city is particularly cycle-friendly.


Travellers taking to two wheels should make note that cycling while drunk is prohibited, as is cycling at night without using a bicycle light.


Travel trends aside, there are some experiences that are as treasured as they are timeless, and sakura (cherry blossom) season in Japan is one of them. Cloud-like blooms of blossoms in all shades, from white to pale pink to fuschia, set against backdrops of gardens and temples, snow- tipped mountains, or even TOKYO SKYTREE®: this is the Japan of Basho, of Hokusai, of romance, of wonder. While the current travel restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 prevent travellers from physically jetting off to Japan at the minute… it’s definitely worth adding this to your list or must-see and do places and experiences.


Away from the Tokyo hordes are some of the top cherry blossom spots around the Tobu network of Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Tochigi, and Gunma for a sensational, sensory, and sensual springtime experience – and don’t just limit yourself to cherries, the plum and peach blossom are gorgeous too!


Spring at TOKYO SKYTREE and Sumida River


The SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® will be playing a sakura-


Above: Explore the history of this fascinating country


Below: Sample some local delights


August 2020 Travel News


ICONIC, INSTAGRAMMABLE, IRRESISTIBLE - A


Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions are fused with modern life as if it were the most natural thing in the world


inspired program, projected onto the windows of the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck Floor 350. Once you’ve taken in the incredible views of Tokyo from the Tembo Deck and the Tembo Galleria, head down to Sumida River to stroll along its banks while enjoying the gorgeous blossom – the Fukujin Bridge is a great spot to stop for some photos. Neighbouring Sumida Park is another fantastic destination for blossom- seekers.


Night Cherry Blossom Party: Kinugawa Onsen


The hanami vibe doesn’t have to


end at dusk: these night-time blossom illuminations are another reason to visit the hot spring area of Kinugawa. Kinugawa Onsen Gokoku Shrine is lit up nightly from 3 to 7 April. Access to Kinugawa is made easy with the Nikko Pass – and that means you can enjoy the spring blossom backdrop to Nikko’s incredible world heritage sites, too. Another hot spring area worth a visit during hanami season is Ashinomaki Onsen, renowned for its skin-beautifying properties so you’ll leave looking as fresh as the spring flowers.


Rapeseed and Cherry Blossoms at Satte Cherry blossom pink may be spring’s


most iconic colour but the warm yellow of rapeseed flower also brightens the season. So vivid are its blossoms that they recall the light of celestial bodies, as captured by the haiku poet Yosa Buson: “Oh, rapeseed blossoms / the moon is to the east / the is sun to the west”. At Satte City, in Saitama, you don’t need to choose between the two: cherry blossom pink and rapeseed yellow coexist in a springtime harmony that can be enjoyed from late March to early April.


The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, to Open in May


The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, from the world-famous Ritz-Carlton group, will be opening its doors just in time for the early summer travel season. Located in the heart of Oku-Nikko, on the shores of Lake Chuzenji, this luxury retreat hotel will be the first in the Ritz-Carlton group to include hot spring baths supplied by local springs. Each of its 94 guest rooms features a private balcony and a relaxation space modelled on traditional engawa (sunroom). These sophisticated rooms also manage to capture the essence of Japan’s history and culture through local craft details. The expansive natural surroundings of Oku-Nikko and richly atmospheric retreat accommodation aside, guests can also elect to take part in activity tours, divided into the three categories of Nature, Culture, and Spirituality, designed to highlight the rich beauty and heritage of the Oku-Nikko area, and Japan as a whole.


Nikko Passes: No Better Deal for Travel in Nikko


Tobu Railway offers two fantastic passes designed to help you make the most of any trip to Nikko. The Nikko Pass All Area (4,600 yen[20/Apr-30/Nov] or 4,230 yen[01/ Dec-19/Apr] /adult; 4 day validity) covers the whole Nikko area, while the Nikko Pass World Heritage Area (2,040 yen/adult; 2 day validity) is ideal if you plan to concentrate on the incredible world heritage sites that Nikko has to offer. Both passes include a round journey from Tokyo, free bus rides in the applicable area, a 20% discount on express train fares, and discounts and offers at shops and restaurants.


Monthly Highlights: What to Watch Out for in the month of April


April is all about new season vegetables, including Sansai, “mountain vegetables” that are often a rich feature of local dishes. Spring greens, podded peas (sayaendo), broad beans, white and green asparagus, new potatoes; this is a great time to discover Japanese plant-based cuisine—just as delicious if not as universally renowned as sushi. April is also great for citrus: look out for some lesser known varieties such as the dekopon, natsumikan, and sanpokan. April 29th is Showa Day, which honours the birthday of Emperor Hirohito, whose reign—known as the Showa Era—ran from 1926 to 1989. The day is intended to be an opportunity to reflect on the turbulence and momentous change that happened during the Showa Era, as well as the future of Japan.


About Tobu Railway Tobu Railway is the largest private rail


system in the Kanto region, with a 463.3km network extending through five prefectures: Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Tochigi, and Gunma. Tobu Railway offers a range of discount passes exclusively for international travellers, which can be purchased online via their English language website. Tobu Railway also operates Tobu Japan Trip, an English language website providing extensive information about the destinations across its network to inspire and enable visitors to plan their travel in detail.


Tobu Railway is part of the Tobu Group, which also operates health clubs, golf courses, theme parks, and hotels, and develops and manages condominiums, housing developments, department stores, and various other properties along its railways and in Tokyo, most notably Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower. None of us know how long it will be until we can begin to get back to normal. What we do know is that Japan’s timeless stories aren’t going anywhere. The majestic beauty of Nikko, the old-and-new mish-mash culture of Tokyo, the geothermal springs of Kinugawa, and all the other places and stories that have enchanted visitors for centuries aren’t going anywhere. They will be waiting, unchanged, to enchant new visitors just as soon as it’s safe.


In the meantime, check out Tobu Railway’s top trips to explore timeless Japan:


A Gourmet Trip to Kawagoe


Kawagoe is a gorgeous, time-slip town just 30 mins from central Tokyo. Work up an appetite wandering through its cobbled streets, lined with Edo-period warehouse-style buildings, then make your way to Ogakiku for lunch. This restaurant, established in 1807, specialises in charcoal-


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