As the vibrant green of summer gives way to the fiery hues of autumn, Japan enters one of its most anticipated seasons. The crisp, clear days of September signal the end of the climbing season on Mount Fuji and a period of preparation across the country’s tourism industry for the influx of visitors eager to see the spectacular fall foliage. At EXO, we are ready for the bustling season ahead, and we spent September ensuring our teams and our operations are in top form.
This month, our commitment to on-the-ground knowledge and community were key focuses. We are proud to have held our latest guide training session in Hiroshima. These seminars help our guides deepen their expertise and provide them with the tools to offer truly moving and insightful experiences for our guests.
In the spirit of giving back to the places we operate in, a number of our staff also participated in a volunteer beach cleanup on Enoshima Island near Kamakura. It was a wonderful opportunity to work together, enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery and help keep Japan’s natural wonders clean for everyone to enjoy.
Destination News
- Future-proofing Japan’s travel network: Japan is making major investments to enhance its travel infrastructure. By 2031, a direct train is expected to connect Haneda Airport and Tokyo Station, providing a more efficient alternative to the current monorail. Additionally, a new express train–faster than the current one–is being developed to run between Narita Airport and the Tokyo Skytree, further shortening transit times and improving convenience for international arrivals.
- New hotels coming soon: The hospitality sector continues to expand to meet growing demand. A new Tokyu Stay hotel is set to open in Hiroshima in May 2026, adding a comfortable and convenient option for travellers to the city.
- Setouchi Triennale – autumn schedule: For those seeking unique cultural experiences, the autumn session of the Setouchi Triennale is set to begin soon, running from 3rd October to 9th November. This renowned art festival transforms the islands of the Seto Inland Sea into an incredible outdoor gallery, making it a must-see for art lovers visiting Japan this fall.
The next Triennale will be held in 2028. - Museum Reopening: After a major closure for large-scale renovations that began in April 2022, the highly anticipated reopening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum is scheduled for the spring of 2026. This extensive overhaul, the first since its opening in 1993, addresses the aging of the entire facility, including a complete renewal of equipment and exhibition displays. Visitors can look forward to a refreshed experience exploring the rich history and culture of Tokyo, from its origins as Edo to the modern metropolis it is today. The museum’s iconic, life-sized replica of the Nihonbashi Bridge and detailed dioramas will return, enhanced by upgraded infrastructure to better preserve and showcase the vast collection for future generations.
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
