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Japan Travel Updates May 2025
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Educational Tools & Resources |
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(Fukui) Katsuyama DMO – Echizen Daibutsu Sea of Couds Special Viewing
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Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture is home to Daishizan Seidaiji Temple, which happens to feature the Echizen Great Buddha, one of Japan’s largest Buddha statues. Visitors to the temple in mornings or late afternoons from April to late November can encounter a rather unique sight after passing through the main gate, an artificial sea of white clouds enveloping the area before the Great Buddha Hall. This transforms the temple grounds into a mystical landscape, creating an otherworldly atmosphere reminiscent of ancient hermit dwellings. The sea of clouds is generated daily from 8:00-9:00 and 16:00-17:00, and depending on the season and time of day, the scenery creates very different impressions.
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Visit Kinosaki – Enjoy Art and Hot Springs at the Toyooka Theater Festival |
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The Toyooka Theater Festival is one of the largest events of its kind in Asia. Hosting performances in various languages, the festival provides a sense of belonging and community among fellow art lovers who visit the area, regardless of language. The beauty of Northern Hyogo Prefecture serves as a stage for artists during the Theater Festival’s fringe programs. In addition to Director’s program multilingual performances, the Toyooka Theater Festival continues to make accessibility to art a main priority of its mission by holding public fringe programs around Northern Hyogo. Coupled with the natural and dramatic beauty of locations such as Takeno Beach and Kinosaki Onsen, visitors can enjoy performances ranging in diversity from interpretive dancing to traditional plays.
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Kochi Prefecture – Niyodo Blue Tourism |
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Transportation can be one of the concerns traveling in rural Japan, especially for those traveling solo or who are not confident in driving in the unfamiliar area. Don’t make it the reason to change your itinerary! Niyodo Blue Tourism Council is offering various sightseeing taxi plans with fixed or customized course and the reservation site in English now available! Plans include not only popular spots to enjoy the miraculous clear stream of Niyodo River but also cultural activities such as sake tasting, washi paper making and visit to one of Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
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Kyoto City Tourism Association – Hidden Gems of Kyoto: Ohara
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Escape to Ohara, a tranquil mountain retreat just outside central Kyoto, where centuries-old temples, mossy gardens, and fresh mountain air await. Wander through the serene grounds of Sanzen-in and Jakko-in, or head up to Mt. Hiei to explore the sacred Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with panoramic views. In autumn, catch the Ohara Women’s Historical Parade, and don’t miss a peaceful moment in Ruriko-in, where maple leaves frame one of Kyoto’s most photogenic temples.
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Yokohama City Visitors Bureau – ZOU-NO-HANA TERRACE: A Cultural Gateway |
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Located in Zou-no-hana Park—named after the pier’s elephant trunk-like shape—Zou-no-hana Terrace is a hub where Japanese and international cultures meet. Throughout the year, it hosts diverse programs in art, music, and performance that foster creativity and connection. The adjoining café offers stunning harbor views and original dishes made with local ingredients, including craft beer. As an “artist café,” it blends food and cultural exchange in unique ways. Don’t miss the whimsical Zou-no-hana soft serve, shaped like an elephant’s trunk. Experience a modern take on cultural exchange in this historic and creative waterfront space. Learn More or Contact
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Traditional Experiences Exclusively for
Staying Guests |
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Celebrate Expo 2025 with Gourmand Expo at Hotel Granvia Osaka & Hotel Vischio Osaka! |
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Experience Pokémon in a Unique Stay
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Discover Japan’s Ancient Capitals – Kyoto & Nara |
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Redefining Passenger Comfort
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New A350-1000 Service from Los Angeles Starting June 30 |
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Enjoy Special Fares to Tokyo for a Limited Time |
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THE FINE PRINT/LEGAL STUFF
Information is provided in this Japan Travel Update as a courtesy to readers of this newsletter. Though JNTO endeavors to ensure the information is accurate, users of the information are to act on such using their own judgment and at their own risk. Neither JNTO nor any holder of a copyright to the information shall be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any loss or misunderstanding, either direct or indirect, that is incurred as a result of utilizing the information. |
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