Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Japan Tourism Topics -2024 November Vol.2- by JNTO
2024.12.04
Press release
PDF ver.
1. Experience the Beauty of the Seasons at the Newest Hotel in Niseko’s Famed Ski Resort, Opening December 15, Hokkaido
The winter wonderland of Hokkaido is home to Niseko, one of Japan's premier ski resorts. The Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO will open in the region this December, offering visitors a superb new accommodation option right next to the mountain gondola and ski slope. The hotel's large windows look out upon breathtaking natural scenery that changes throughout the seasons, with pure-white snow as far as the eye can see in the winter. This fluffy, powdery snow is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. The journey from New Chitose Airport to the hotel takes around 3 hours by bus or approximately 2.5 hours by car. From Sapporo, it’s about a 2-hour drive. With a total of 234 guest rooms, each designed with spacious layouts to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Some room types are equipped with amenities such as kitchens, washing machines and dryers, catering to a wide range of travel styles, from solo travelers to groups and families. After a fun day out on the slopes and playing in the snow, relax and warm up while soaking in the hotel's hot springs or dine on delicious cuisine made with local ingredients at the hotel's restaurant.
Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO
Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO
2. Stupendous Mountainous Views from HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA, Opening December 19, Nagano
Nagano Prefecture boasts a majestic mountain range called the Northern Japanese Alps that become even more awe-inspiring in the wintertime when they are covered with pure-white blankets of snow. This magnificent scene can be enjoyed from the HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin, a new luxury resort opening in the village of Hakuba with the concept of a "nature retreat." All of the hotel's 38 rooms are designed to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, each with a spacious layout that includes a kitchen and living/dining room. The hotel's restaurant offers a lively culinary experience where guests can enjoy both teppanyaki and French cuisine, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to highlight the best seasonal flavors. Complementing these dishes, the restaurant also features an impressive collection of over 1,000 bottles of Japanese wine, with a focus on locally produced labels from Nagano Prefecture. Hakuba is also famous for its powder snow, which makes it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and more. Conveniently located in the heart of Hakuba’s “Echoland” district, the hotel is just 3.5 hours away from Tokyo. During the winter season, a shuttle bus service is available to transport guests to the nearby slopes.
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
Nagano Prefecture boasts a majestic mountain range called the Northern Japanese Alps that become even more awe-inspiring in the wintertime when they are covered with pure-white blankets of snow. This magnificent scene can be enjoyed from the HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin, a new luxury resort opening in the village of Hakuba with the concept of a "nature retreat." All of the hotel's 38 rooms are designed to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, each with a spacious layout that includes a kitchen and living/dining room. The hotel's restaurant offers a lively culinary experience where guests can enjoy both teppanyaki and French cuisine, crafted with locally sourced ingredients to highlight the best seasonal flavors. Complementing these dishes, the restaurant also features an impressive collection of over 1,000 bottles of Japanese wine, with a focus on locally produced labels from Nagano Prefecture. Hakuba is also famous for its powder snow, which makes it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and more. Conveniently located in the heart of Hakuba’s “Echoland” district, the hotel is just 3.5 hours away from Tokyo. During the winter season, a shuttle bus service is available to transport guests to the nearby slopes.
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
3. Visit a ONE PIECE Exhibit Like No Other, Until January 13, Tokyo
With over 510 million volumes sold worldwide, ONE PIECE is one of the most famous manga series in Japan, also amassing millions of fans from across the globe during its ongoing 27-year-long run. ONE PIECE lovers will rejoice in this exhibit, held in Tachikawa in Western Tokyo, which focuses on the making of the 1,000th chapter and 100th volume of the series. Visitors will get to learn about the process of making the manga, from drawing the manuscript to building the volumes, with displays of edited drafts, printing plates, original drawings by the author Oda Eiichiro himself, and much more. The impressive layout of the exhibit will immerse fans in the world of the manga, creating a ONE PIECE experience unlike any other. To commemorate your visit and show your pride as a ONE PIECE fan, don't forget to also check out the original merch, such as t-shirts, that are available at the exhibit.
Note: Closed from December 31 to January 2. Please check the official website for more details including ticket information.
ONE PIECE ONLY
With over 510 million volumes sold worldwide, ONE PIECE is one of the most famous manga series in Japan, also amassing millions of fans from across the globe during its ongoing 27-year-long run. ONE PIECE lovers will rejoice in this exhibit, held in Tachikawa in Western Tokyo, which focuses on the making of the 1,000th chapter and 100th volume of the series. Visitors will get to learn about the process of making the manga, from drawing the manuscript to building the volumes, with displays of edited drafts, printing plates, original drawings by the author Oda Eiichiro himself, and much more. The impressive layout of the exhibit will immerse fans in the world of the manga, creating a ONE PIECE experience unlike any other. To commemorate your visit and show your pride as a ONE PIECE fan, don't forget to also check out the original merch, such as t-shirts, that are available at the exhibit.
Note: Closed from December 31 to January 2. Please check the official website for more details including ticket information.
ONE PIECE ONLY
4. Step Into the World of Ukiyoe Through Digital Art at the Upcoming Exhibition, December 21 – March 31, Tokyo
"Under the Wave off Kanagawa (The Great Wave)" by Katsushika Hokusai and other iconic woodblock prints have become some of the most well-known and iconic representatives of the Japanese art world. Known as "ukiyo-e," which translates to "images of the floating world," these pieces vibrantly illustrate their subjects such as landscapes, people clad in kimono, and nature scenes through beautiful linework and captivating composition. Thanks to the use of 3DCG and projection mapping, visitors to the Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition will be able to jump into the scenes and feel as though they are in the artworks. The exhibit will take place in Tokyo after some locations including Milan in a venue that's only a five-minute walk from Tennozu Isle Station. The exhibit will include over 300 pieces by renowned masters including Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Utagawa Hiroshige, and more. Watch as the pieces move and come to life around you, creating an extraordinary art-viewing experience.
Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition
"Under the Wave off Kanagawa (The Great Wave)" by Katsushika Hokusai and other iconic woodblock prints have become some of the most well-known and iconic representatives of the Japanese art world. Known as "ukiyo-e," which translates to "images of the floating world," these pieces vibrantly illustrate their subjects such as landscapes, people clad in kimono, and nature scenes through beautiful linework and captivating composition. Thanks to the use of 3DCG and projection mapping, visitors to the Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition will be able to jump into the scenes and feel as though they are in the artworks. The exhibit will take place in Tokyo after some locations including Milan in a venue that's only a five-minute walk from Tennozu Isle Station. The exhibit will include over 300 pieces by renowned masters including Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Utagawa Hiroshige, and more. Watch as the pieces move and come to life around you, creating an extraordinary art-viewing experience.
Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition
5. Dine on Hot Pot in a Snow Hut, Exclusive Experience in Mid-Winter, Nagano
Easily reachable from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, at the Iiyama Restaurant Kamakura Village, 20 "kamakura" snow huts appear every year from late January to late February. Here, visitors can enjoy the local delicacy "noroshi nabe" hot pot that warms them up from the inside as they enjoy the novelty of eating while being surrounded by walls of snow. At night, lanterns placed in the kamakura glow with a gentle hue, bringing a calming ambiance to the unique spectacle. In addition to the hearty noroshi nabe which is available for lunch and dinner, there is an afternoon option with light fare that includes roasted sweet potato, "shiruko" (sweet red bean soup) and "amazake" (sweet fermented rice drink), with reservations required. The pathway in between the kamakura leads up to a kamakura shrine guarded by a vermilion torii gate, which offers a vibrant contrast against the pure-white snow. Embrace the wonders of the cold season at this heartwarming winter wonderland!
Restaurant Kamakura Village 2025
6. Everything Ski Lovers Need at the Appi Kogen Ski Resort, Iwate
The pristine powder snow at the Appi Kogen plateau is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, making it a popular destination for winter sports lovers. At the heart of the region lies the Appi Kogen Ski Resort, one of the top ski resorts in the Tohoku region, with 21 courses and numerous facilities that ensure a comfortable stay. There are three hotels, one of which is a 5-star accommodation, located right next to the slopes, offering quick and easy access. The ski resort also has a hot spring and sauna which is perfect for warming up your body after a long day of hitting the slopes. Two of the hotels offer delectable cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, adding an extra sense of luxury to your stay. But the adventure doesn't stop there! If skiing isn't on your agenda, immerse yourself in the stunning winter landscape by donning snowshoes or riding the snowcat vehicle offering breathtaking views of frost-covered trees and the majestic mountaintop area (additional charge). For those seeking the ultimate experience, consider the VIP Black Pass, which includes access to the snowcat, ensuring your winter getaway is as exhilarating as it is luxurious. Right by Appi Kogen is Hachimantai, which is known for its extraordinary frost-covered trees that look like white snow monsters towering along the plain. Be sure to give these giants a visit in between your ski runs!
ALL SEASON RESORT APPI
VISIT HACHIMANTAI
7. Witness the Grace of Thriving Red-Crowned Cranes at Kushiroshitsugen National Park, Hokkaido
Once thought to be extinct, the Japanese red-crowned cranes of Kushiroshitsugen National Park were rediscovered and revived through the dedication of the local community and restoration efforts. This year celebrates the 100th anniversary of their rediscovery, with the population now exceeding 1,800—representing nearly half of the world’s total. From late winter to early spring, these graceful cranes can be seen performing their elegant dances on snow-covered wetlands, their striking red-and-black crests vivid against the white landscape. For a unique experience, hop aboard the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train, which runs from January to March between Kushiro Station and Shibecha Station. Passengers can relax in stove-warmed cars and cafe cars as the train winds through pristine landscapes, offering breathtaking views and occasional glimpses of the famous cranes. The Hosooka Observatory provides sweeping views of the iconic Kushiro River, and the national park is rich with cultural heritage, featuring ancient settlements of the indigenous Ainu people. Discover a destination where nature, wildlife and culture come together in an unforgettable journey.
Kushiroshitsugen National Park
Easily reachable from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, at the Iiyama Restaurant Kamakura Village, 20 "kamakura" snow huts appear every year from late January to late February. Here, visitors can enjoy the local delicacy "noroshi nabe" hot pot that warms them up from the inside as they enjoy the novelty of eating while being surrounded by walls of snow. At night, lanterns placed in the kamakura glow with a gentle hue, bringing a calming ambiance to the unique spectacle. In addition to the hearty noroshi nabe which is available for lunch and dinner, there is an afternoon option with light fare that includes roasted sweet potato, "shiruko" (sweet red bean soup) and "amazake" (sweet fermented rice drink), with reservations required. The pathway in between the kamakura leads up to a kamakura shrine guarded by a vermilion torii gate, which offers a vibrant contrast against the pure-white snow. Embrace the wonders of the cold season at this heartwarming winter wonderland!
Restaurant Kamakura Village 2025
6. Everything Ski Lovers Need at the Appi Kogen Ski Resort, Iwate
The pristine powder snow at the Appi Kogen plateau is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, making it a popular destination for winter sports lovers. At the heart of the region lies the Appi Kogen Ski Resort, one of the top ski resorts in the Tohoku region, with 21 courses and numerous facilities that ensure a comfortable stay. There are three hotels, one of which is a 5-star accommodation, located right next to the slopes, offering quick and easy access. The ski resort also has a hot spring and sauna which is perfect for warming up your body after a long day of hitting the slopes. Two of the hotels offer delectable cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, adding an extra sense of luxury to your stay. But the adventure doesn't stop there! If skiing isn't on your agenda, immerse yourself in the stunning winter landscape by donning snowshoes or riding the snowcat vehicle offering breathtaking views of frost-covered trees and the majestic mountaintop area (additional charge). For those seeking the ultimate experience, consider the VIP Black Pass, which includes access to the snowcat, ensuring your winter getaway is as exhilarating as it is luxurious. Right by Appi Kogen is Hachimantai, which is known for its extraordinary frost-covered trees that look like white snow monsters towering along the plain. Be sure to give these giants a visit in between your ski runs!
ALL SEASON RESORT APPI
VISIT HACHIMANTAI
7. Witness the Grace of Thriving Red-Crowned Cranes at Kushiroshitsugen National Park, Hokkaido
Once thought to be extinct, the Japanese red-crowned cranes of Kushiroshitsugen National Park were rediscovered and revived through the dedication of the local community and restoration efforts. This year celebrates the 100th anniversary of their rediscovery, with the population now exceeding 1,800—representing nearly half of the world’s total. From late winter to early spring, these graceful cranes can be seen performing their elegant dances on snow-covered wetlands, their striking red-and-black crests vivid against the white landscape. For a unique experience, hop aboard the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train, which runs from January to March between Kushiro Station and Shibecha Station. Passengers can relax in stove-warmed cars and cafe cars as the train winds through pristine landscapes, offering breathtaking views and occasional glimpses of the famous cranes. The Hosooka Observatory provides sweeping views of the iconic Kushiro River, and the national park is rich with cultural heritage, featuring ancient settlements of the indigenous Ainu people. Discover a destination where nature, wildlife and culture come together in an unforgettable journey.
Kushiroshitsugen National Park
8. Make Your Own Lacquered Tray with a Traditional Craftsman, Fukui
Echizen lacquerware, a renowned traditional craft from Fukui Prefecture, captivates with its lightness and beauty, showcasing a serene luster and elegant brilliance. Its deep, rich colors have often made this exquisite lacquerware chosen for special occasions, but its practicality and ease of use have also made it a day-to-day staple in recent years. With numerous sensible designs, it is now decorating the dining tables of more and more young people. Kinkori is a lacquer shop located in the town of Kawada, an area particularly known for Echizen lacquer. It offers a lacquer experience (approximately 1 hour) led by one of the craftsmen who will show you how to make your own beautifully lacquered tray using traditional techniques. You will choose your favorite tray from the selection available and apply what you learn as the craftsman teaches and guides you until you have a tray you are sure to want to show off. The craftsman will be right there with you every step of the way, ensuring the process goes smoothly and making it an enjoyable experience for people of all skill levels. After you finish making your piece, which will be shipped to you later once it fully dries, do not forget to stop by the adjoining shop to check out the masterful works made by the skilled craftsmen.
Experience lacquering a tray in Echizen
9. Explore a Winter Wonderland Nikko by Bicycle, Tochigi
Just over two hours from central Tokyo, Nikko is a nature and culture-filled region in Tochigi Prefecture that is covered with snow in the winter. While many tourists flock to admire the stunning Toshogu Shrine, the region offers a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be explored. From January to March, you can participate in a half-day tour where you will smoothly travel across snowy trails in Nikko National Park with bikes, breathing in the crisp air and watching the snow-covered trees pass by. Alternatively, you can change into snowshoes for a full day of adventure as you traverse the snowy terrain to reach Iori Falls. This waterfall is known for freezing over in the winter, creating stunning, thick clusters of icicles hanging from the frosty ice that are tinged with blue. With this tour, you will be able to enjoy the fantastic wonders of Nikko that become even more magical in the wintertime!
Nikko National Park Snow Cycling
10. Experience Local Cuisine and the Life of a Fisherman on This Food Adventure Tour, Miyagi
Focusing on the region's mouthwatering cuisine, this tour allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the bounty of Ishinomaki's sea and mountains. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the highlights of the Reborn-Art Festival in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture—a festival held once every two years to showcase and revitalize the region, which was greatly affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake—even outside of the event period. Throughout this immersive 7-hour experience, you will be able to interact with the locals who will share insights into their vibrant food culture, highlighting the abundant fishing grounds of Kinkasan Island and the delectable dishes that can be crafted from the fresh catch. The itinerary includes joining fishermen out in the bountiful Sanriku Sea and having experienced chefs teach you how to use your catch and seasonal ingredients to make delicious local dishes. The tour's lunch will consist of your freshly made fare, energizing you for an afternoon of exploring the lush area.
Ishinomaki Food Adventure
Echizen lacquerware, a renowned traditional craft from Fukui Prefecture, captivates with its lightness and beauty, showcasing a serene luster and elegant brilliance. Its deep, rich colors have often made this exquisite lacquerware chosen for special occasions, but its practicality and ease of use have also made it a day-to-day staple in recent years. With numerous sensible designs, it is now decorating the dining tables of more and more young people. Kinkori is a lacquer shop located in the town of Kawada, an area particularly known for Echizen lacquer. It offers a lacquer experience (approximately 1 hour) led by one of the craftsmen who will show you how to make your own beautifully lacquered tray using traditional techniques. You will choose your favorite tray from the selection available and apply what you learn as the craftsman teaches and guides you until you have a tray you are sure to want to show off. The craftsman will be right there with you every step of the way, ensuring the process goes smoothly and making it an enjoyable experience for people of all skill levels. After you finish making your piece, which will be shipped to you later once it fully dries, do not forget to stop by the adjoining shop to check out the masterful works made by the skilled craftsmen.
Experience lacquering a tray in Echizen
9. Explore a Winter Wonderland Nikko by Bicycle, Tochigi
Just over two hours from central Tokyo, Nikko is a nature and culture-filled region in Tochigi Prefecture that is covered with snow in the winter. While many tourists flock to admire the stunning Toshogu Shrine, the region offers a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be explored. From January to March, you can participate in a half-day tour where you will smoothly travel across snowy trails in Nikko National Park with bikes, breathing in the crisp air and watching the snow-covered trees pass by. Alternatively, you can change into snowshoes for a full day of adventure as you traverse the snowy terrain to reach Iori Falls. This waterfall is known for freezing over in the winter, creating stunning, thick clusters of icicles hanging from the frosty ice that are tinged with blue. With this tour, you will be able to enjoy the fantastic wonders of Nikko that become even more magical in the wintertime!
Nikko National Park Snow Cycling
10. Experience Local Cuisine and the Life of a Fisherman on This Food Adventure Tour, Miyagi
Focusing on the region's mouthwatering cuisine, this tour allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the bounty of Ishinomaki's sea and mountains. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the highlights of the Reborn-Art Festival in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture—a festival held once every two years to showcase and revitalize the region, which was greatly affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake—even outside of the event period. Throughout this immersive 7-hour experience, you will be able to interact with the locals who will share insights into their vibrant food culture, highlighting the abundant fishing grounds of Kinkasan Island and the delectable dishes that can be crafted from the fresh catch. The itinerary includes joining fishermen out in the bountiful Sanriku Sea and having experienced chefs teach you how to use your catch and seasonal ingredients to make delicious local dishes. The tour's lunch will consist of your freshly made fare, energizing you for an afternoon of exploring the lush area.
Ishinomaki Food Adventure
11. <EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai>“Expo + Tourism” Experience Videos Now Available on the Expo Special Page
In October 2024, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) released eight videos on the Expo special page of its website, highlighting tourism experiences and facilities related to the Expo theme. This video series aims to illustrate the connection between the Expo theme and regional tourism, showcasing the appeal of both.
In October 2024, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) released eight videos on the Expo special page of its website, highlighting tourism experiences and facilities related to the Expo theme. This video series aims to illustrate the connection between the Expo theme and regional tourism, showcasing the appeal of both.
■ Features of the Videos
The videos are categorized into eight regions, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, each with its own theme. They are designed to appeal to an international audience, featuring stories from a foreign perspective and produced in a semi-documentary style that immerses viewers in the experience of traveling to these locations. Each video is 5 to 7 minutes long and introduces 3 to 5 tourism experiences or facilities. Additionally, a diverse cast is featured to align with the region and narrative, and the videos are available in English, with subtitles provided in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.
The videos are categorized into eight regions, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, each with its own theme. They are designed to appeal to an international audience, featuring stories from a foreign perspective and produced in a semi-documentary style that immerses viewers in the experience of traveling to these locations. Each video is 5 to 7 minutes long and introduces 3 to 5 tourism experiences or facilities. Additionally, a diverse cast is featured to align with the region and narrative, and the videos are available in English, with subtitles provided in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.
【Video Titles】
Hokkaido: Legends of the North: Exploring Hokkaido's Mythical Landscapes
Tohoku: Enchanted Wilderness: Discovering Tohoku’s Sacred Treasures
Kanto: The Rivers of Life: Navigating Kanto’s Majestic Waterways
Kansai: Timeless Tradition: Unveiling Kansai’s Craftsmanship Through the Ages.
Chugoku/Shikoku: Isolated Scenic Beauty: Revealing Chugoku & Shikoku’s Sustainable Treasures
Kyushu: Soulful Adventure: Traveling Kyushu's Wild Serenity
Okinawa: Tropical Wellness Haven: Celebrating the Joy of Okinawa's Traditions
Hokuriku Shinetsu Tokai: Creativity in Abundance: Hokuriku Shinetsu Tokai - Celebrating Regional Canvases & Artistic Vibes
Hokkaido: Legends of the North: Exploring Hokkaido's Mythical Landscapes
Tohoku: Enchanted Wilderness: Discovering Tohoku’s Sacred Treasures
Kanto: The Rivers of Life: Navigating Kanto’s Majestic Waterways
Kansai: Timeless Tradition: Unveiling Kansai’s Craftsmanship Through the Ages.
Chugoku/Shikoku: Isolated Scenic Beauty: Revealing Chugoku & Shikoku’s Sustainable Treasures
Kyushu: Soulful Adventure: Traveling Kyushu's Wild Serenity
Okinawa: Tropical Wellness Haven: Celebrating the Joy of Okinawa's Traditions
Hokuriku Shinetsu Tokai: Creativity in Abundance: Hokuriku Shinetsu Tokai - Celebrating Regional Canvases & Artistic Vibes
For more details, visit the JNTO Expo 2025 website.
URL: https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/movie/
URL: https://www.japan.travel/en/expo2025/movie/
Notes:
・The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change.
・Item 9, 10 are based on information from JNTO Partners.
・The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change.
・Item 9, 10 are based on information from JNTO Partners.
If you’d like to download photos and videos of Japan's tourist attractions, please visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC)
For media inquiries, including requests to use photographs, please contact the JNTO Press at media_Inquiry@jnto.go.jp
Photos (From the left):
1. ©︎Shinshu-Iiyama Tourism Bureau
2 ©Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO
3. ©︎HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
4. © Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha Inc.
5. ©︎Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition
6. ©︎APPI Resort
7. ©︎Ministry of the Environment
8. ©︎Tsutomu Ogino (TOMART:PhotoWorks）
9. ©︎Nikko National Park Snow Cycling
10. ©Reborn-Art Festival
