4 Cities for Incentive Travel in Japan
With its unique culture and history, safe and clean environment, Japan is a popular destination for incentive travel. The depreciation of the yen also makes now the perfect time to travel to Japan. In this issue, we introduce four recommended destinations for incentive travel. If there is a city that interests you, we hope you will use it as a reference when selecting your next destination.
Setouchi area: Japan’s Mediterranean
Setouchi, the largest inland sea in Japan, is located in the center of western Japan and has long served as an economic and cultural hub. The landscape, dotted with islands, is reminiscent of the original Japanese landscape and is popular among the Japanese.
The Setouchi area is home to three World Heritage sites of different ages and styles, including the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine. The Setouchi Art Festival, held every three years, is one of the largest art festivals in Japan, attracting one million visitors each time. Cycling along the Shimanami Kaido is also a popular activity.
Since the Setouchi area has a long history as a tourist destination, accommodations of all sizes are located along the coastline. We recommend that you reserve at least 4 or 5 days. The charm of the Seto Inland Sea may be that you can enjoy various aspects of Japanese culture and history while touring the islands and harbors.
Key Contacts in the Setouchi area:
Shimanami Japan
Hiroshima Tourism Convention Bureau
Learn more about Setouchi here.
Umeda, Osaka: The Heart of Western Japan
Umeda, located in the center of Osaka, is another city recommended for incentive travel due to its excellent location. It is only 10 minutes from the Shinkansen (bullet train) station and 60 minutes from the airport, and Kyoto can be visited in 30 minutes. It is a convenient place to stay whether you are deep in Osaka or touring the Kansai area.
As the largest city in western Japan, there are of course many tourist spots and commercial facilities. However, it should be noted that "Grand Green Osaka," one of the world's largest urban parks (4.5 ha) directly connected to a large-scale terminal station, will open in the summer of 2024. The balance between the skyscrapers and green parks is exquisite.
Gourmet food is another attraction of Umeda. Tasting Osaka's famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki is a good choice, and Umeda's abundance of Japanese and international restaurants and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) should provide dining options to suit the tastes of all visitors.
Furthermore, Umeda is also home to a variety of luxury hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton. Relaxing in a comfortable room or spa after enjoying a daytime stroll will make for a superb incentive trip.
Key Contacts in Umeda,Osaka:
DMO Osaka Umeda
Learn more about Umeda Osaka here.
Hokkaido: Experiencing the Deep Natures of Japan
Hokkaido" is an area blessed with breathtaking seasonal beauty and abundant nature. In winter, resorts around Niseko offer amazing snow for winter sports, while summer provides opportunities for hiking, rafting, farm visits, and horseback riding.
For spectacular scenery, the World Heritage Site of the Shiretoko Goko (5 Lakes) and the lavender fields of Furano are recommended. Mount Hakodate Observatory, known for its "million-dollar night view," is another popular spot. In Sapporo, the center of Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival showcases stunning ice sculptures.
Hokkaido is also a treasure trove of fresh and delicious food. Seafood is especially famous, and sushi and kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl) are exquisite. Hokkaido's vegetables and dairy products are also highly reputed, so be sure to enjoy gourmet foods made from freshly harvested ingredients. Yoichi, the mecca of Japanese whiskey, is also located in Hokkaido.
There are a variety of luxury hotels surrounded by nature for relaxing stay. With the most hot springs in Japan, places like Yunokawa Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen offer spa hotels to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
Key Contacts in Hokkaido:
Sapporo Convention Bureau
Niseko Promotion Board
Learn more about Hokkaido here.
Mt. Fuji & Izu Region: Enjoy Mt.Fuji and Hot Springs
The Fuji and Izu area, located at the base of World Heritage Site Mount Fuji, is a destination within an hour's Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. The harmony of beautiful nature and artistic culture makes these areas popular among foreigners and Japanese alike.
Shizuoka is also famous as the largest producer of green tea in Japan, and delicious tea leaves are grown here. When visiting, we recommend taking a tour to experience tea picking, where you can learn about the process of green tea production and taste the tea. Visitors can also taste fresh seafood at the fishing port, especially tuna, Sakura shrimp, and baby sardines.
Visitors can also experience the arts at a variety of museums scattered throughout the area, ranging from traditional Japanese crafts to contemporary art; the MOA Museum of Art and the Kawana Stained Glass Museum are popular. If you have a little extra time, visit the Enoura Weather Station, located in the neighboring prefecture, by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto.
The Atami area along the coastline is a hot spring resort, and there are many luxury ryokans (Japanese inns) that offer hot spring baths. Bathing in a hot spring with an ocean view, especially after climbing Mount Fuji, is an unparalleled experience.
Key Contacts in Mt. Fuji & Izu Region:
Shibuoka Tourism Bureau
Izu Peninsula Tourims Association
Learn more about Mt. Fuji & Izu Region here.
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