February in Japan brings a brief moment of calm before the much-anticipated Sakura season. The start of the year has already been remarkable, with unprecedented snowfall in some regions marking the heaviest in the last 50 years. While winter landscapes continue to enchant visitors, our team has been actively exploring and enhancing our services.
This month, our staff took part in two FAM trips, one in Kanazawa and one in the Kyoto area, visiting some of our preferred hotels and experiencing key activities firsthand. These inspections allow us to develop our skills, fine-tune our offerings, and ensure we provide the best possible recommendations for our clients.
We are also incredibly proud to share that two of our guides were recognized at the prestigious Chikyu no Arukikata Guide of the Year award ceremony, with one taking home the nationwide title and the other receiving a special prize.
Destination News
- Kanazawa Named a Top Destination for 2025 by National Geographic
Kanazawa has been featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025, recognized as a top destination to visit this year. The city is praised for offering a classic Japanese experience without the crowds, making it an ideal alternative to busier spots like Kyoto. With its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, the renowned Kenrokuen Garden and a thriving contemporary art scene, Kanazawa continues to captivate visitors looking for a blend of tradition and modernity.
- Nationwide Credit Card Ticketing for Public Transport Planned for 2026
Japan is preparing to introduce credit card-based ticketing for public transportation nationwide by 2026. This move aims to enhance convenience for both residents and international travelers. The Kansai region, particularly Osaka, is leading the expansion of touch payments ahead of the 2025 World Expo (April 13 – October 13), which is expected to attract around 28 million visitors. This development will not only make travel across Japan’s extensive transport network even more convenient, but it will also solve the issues of IC Card shortages which will no longer be required.
- Digital Ticketing Introduced for Matsumoto Castle
From March 2025, visitors to Matsumoto Castle in Nagano will be required to purchase digital tickets with assigned entry dates and times. This new system aims to streamline entry, reduce congestion and enhance the visitor experience at one of Japan’s most iconic historical landmarks. Travelers are encouraged to book in advance to secure their preferred visiting slots.
- New Amusement Park ‘Junglia Okinawa’ Opens in July
A brand-new nature-inspired amusement park, Junglia Okinawa, is set to open in July 2025 in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture. The park will offer a unique blend of adventure and eco-tourism experiences, immersing visitors in Okinawa’s lush natural landscapes while providing thrilling attractions and interactive exhibits. More details on specific attractions and features are expected to be announced in the coming months.
- Asian Games in Nagoya between September and October 2026: The Asian Games will be held in Nagoya this autumn, which may pose problems with hotel availability in the area over these dates.
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