2024 September Vol.1

1. The Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is Within Walking Distance From OsakaLandmarks, Opened September 6

Only a short walk from Osaka Station is the new Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda. The Canopy byHilton brand follows a “neighborhood” concept, incorporating the local scenery and culture into
its design and services. This new hotel location offers easy access to Osaka Castle, Universal
Studios Japan, the Umeda Sky Building, and more iconic sightseeing destinations. It highlights
many unique aspects of Osaka, which can be seen in charming interiors throughout the hotelsuch as using “river blue” to represent Osaka, the “City of Water” and the “Takoyaki” octopus
ball griddle-shaped light fixture in the entrance hall. The hotel is equipped with 308 modern
rooms with wooden accents and natural tones that create inviting spaces, and 19 of these rooms
can be connected. Guests who do not feel like venturing far for food need not fret, as thebuilding hosts a cafe that faces a park, a bar & lounge with terrace, and an all-day dining with adesign that was inspired by Osaka's local cityscape and culture.
Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda

2. The New Hilton Kyoto Blends the Traditional and Modern, Opening September 12©︎Hilton Kyoto

The new Hilton Kyoto is opening in the Kawaramachi Sanjo area of downtown Kyoto, popularwith both tourists and locals alike due to its numerous restaurants and eateries serving up
delicious local fare. It is in a neighborhood known for its charming townscape that blends
traditional Japanese and modern aesthetics and is 15 minutes by car from Kyoto Station,
allowing easy access to and around the city. With a design concept centered around “ORIMONO”(textiles), features that encapsulate the beauty of interwoven threads can be seen throughout
the hotel. There are 313 guest rooms that feature traditional Japanese accents, bringing thebeauty of the ancient city to the interior. The flora in the hotel's courtyard offers different
scenery that changes with the seasons, and the breathtaking Kyoto cityscape can be enjoyedalong with a drink at the rooftop bar.
Hilton Kyoto

3. Get Your Fill of Food and Shopping with the New Mitsui Garden Hotels Ginza Tsukiji,Opening September 30, Tokyo©︎Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd.

The popular Ginza and Tsukiji areas in downtown Tokyo are frequented by both locals andtourists who are eager to enjoy good food and shopping while enjoying the city's unique blendof past and future. The new Mitsui Garden Hotels Ginza Tsukiji will be opening later this monthright by Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple and the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, making it the perfectplace for exploring the neighborhood's most iconic sightseeing spots and getting mouthwatering
seafood dishes that Tsukiji is known for. It is also within walking distance from the glitzy Ginza
shopping district, where you shop till you drop at high-end department stores, luxury brandretailers, and more. Each guest room is equipped with appliances such as microwaves, washerdryers, and refrigerator-freezers. There are even rooms with work desks and kitchens, so thedifferent types of rooms can accommodate a wide variety of guests, from single travelers tofamilies and those looking for long-term lodging. The hotel also has facilities such as a gym, alarge public bath, and a relaxation space, as well as a stylish restaurant and cafe that can bevisited even if you are not staying at the hotel.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Tsukiji

4. Reserve the Spectacular View of Lake Toya from a New Luxury Hotel, OpeningDecember, Hokkaido

The hot spring area of Toyako Onsen near the idyllic Lake Toya will soon become the home tothe new BOUROU LAKE TOYA, a small luxury hotel opening in winter 2024. Approximately a 1.5hour drive from New Chitose Airport, the 20-room hotel aims to offer its guests the epitome ofJapanese hospitality, ensuring a luxurious stay in every aspect. Not only can guests explore thestunning nature of the nearby Lake Toya, but its beautiful blue waters can also be seen from thehotel itself, including from both guest rooms and an outdoor lounging area. The calm
atmosphere offers an escape into the nature of Hokkaido. Guests who are interested inpartaking in mindfulness practices will certainly enjoy meditating on the outdoor patio andindulging in the hotel's spa services. Reservations open in early September, so be one of the firstto enjoy the hotel’s opportunities for “rest, relaxation, recreation, retreat, and release!”BOUROU LAKE TOYA

5. Art in a Mountainous Setting at the Northern Alps Art Festival, September 13 –November 4, Nagano©︎目[mé]《Tangible Landscape》 2017
Photo by Hongo Tsuyoshi©︎Aleksandra Kovaleva & Kei Sato / KASA
(Russia,Japan)
Memories of Water
Image of Artwork

The Northern Alps Art Festival features works by artists from both Japan and abroad. Locatedamong the 3,000-meter-high peaks of the Northern Alps in northwestern Nagano Prefecture,
visitors can enjoy thought-provoking art exhibits while basking in the picturesque nature of theregion, which this year's concept is based on. The site-specific art installations are divided up
among five different areas around the city based on their characteristics, utilizing the uniquecharacteristics of their locations and creating eye-catching pieces that simultaneously blend inwith their surroundings. The rich nature further emphasizes the effects of the pieces, as thesounds of rustling leaves, chirping birds, and rushing water can be heard while observing the art.
There are also weekend performances held during the festival. Tickets for the Northern Alps Art
Festival are now available for purchase, so check the official site for more information.
Northern Alps Art Festival

6. Dynamic Dance Performances That Mix Tradition and Modernity at the Dream
Yosacoy Matsuri, November 2 – 3, Tokyo©Dream Yosacoy Festival Global Promotion Foundation

The Dream Yosacoy Matsuri is a lively dance festival held in the Odaiba and Marunouchi areasin Tokyo. During the festival, dozens of dance groups clad in vibrantly colored costumes moveand sway along to songs that incorporate both traditional and modern elements, and several
dance groups include performers who provide live music with traditional Japanese instruments.
Many groups also accessorize their performances with massive flags that create flowing
backdrops for their dynamic movements. The festival has even been held overseas in New York,Singapore, and Malaysia, acting as one of Japan’s representative dance festivals. It is a wonderful
way to enjoy captivating dance performances and witness an impeccable blend of traditionaland contemporary culture. There are paid seats at the Odaiba venue that allow you to view theperformances from up close.
Dream Yosacoy Matsuri (Dance Festival) *The website will be updated by the end of September.

7. Watch a Parade of Awe-Inspiring Festival Floats at the Karatsu Kunchi, November 2– 4, Saga

The Karatsu Kunchi is the largest festival in Saga Prefecture, with a history that dates backapproximately 400 years. Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, the festival
is known for its massive, striking "hikiyama" floats that represent creatures from Japanese
mythology and folklore, traditional armor, and more. The tallest measure around 7 meters inheight and are decorated with lacquer and gold and silver leaf. It is said that they can take up to2 to 3 years to complete, and currently, the oldest surviving hikiyama is over 200 years old. Thesestunning works of art are paraded through the old castle town along with the reverberating
sounds of traditional “taiko” drums, flutes, and bells. Each day of the festival offers a newspectacle, including the hikiyama being illuminated by lanterns on the first day and lion danceson the second, entertaining the locals and the tens of thousands of visitors who come to witness
the festivities.
Karatsu Kunchi

8. Tokyo Will Become a Contemporary Art Haven During Art Week Tokyo, November
7 – 10©Courtesy Art Week Tokyo

Art Week Tokyo is an annual contemporary art event that showcases and celebrates
contemporary art scenes from all around the world. This year, 53 institutions and galleries acrossthe city will participate, hosting exhibitions, symposiums, and other contemporary art-related
events including multilingual talks. The event can be enjoyed by people of all ages, as there arealso workshops open for children. There will even be a free “AWT Bus” service available,
connecting the different venues and making it easy to visit the different spaces and variousunique experiences provided during the art festival. The pop-up “AWT Bar” designed by an
innovative architect will also appear during the festival, serving food by an up-and-coming chefand cocktails created by select artists. Those who want to take a piece from the festival homewith them should also certainly visit “AWT Focus,” an exhibit where all the artworks on display
are for sale.
Art Week Tokyo

9. Make Your Own Traditional Japanese "Washi" Paper, Ehime©Uchiko Tourism Association"Washi" is a traditional Japanese paper with a history of about 1,400 years. Made with the same
traditional materials since ancient times, washi is known for its durability and pliability, making
it perfect for preserving old materials such as books and artworks. Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture isparticularly known for its washi, and with this experience, you can try your hand at making thisbeautiful Japanese craft. To start, you will visit the factory to learn about and watch themasterful techniques of the skilled washi craftsmen. Afterwards, with English guidance, you will

be led through the steps of washi papermaking, and you can even use the washi paper you justmade to create the covers of your own one-of-a-kind notebook that you can use and treasurefor the rest of your life. In addition to the paper-making experience, this tour will also bring you
to an origami vending machine and the Ikazaki Kite Museum to fully appreciate the wonders ofJapanese paper. This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with friendly locals while learning
about a treasured Japanese craft.
Washi and Paper craft Tour

10. Quintessentially Japanese Scenery and Culture in the Kunisaki Peninsula, Oita

The Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture is home to bountiful nature and traditional culture thatpaint vivid images of ancient Japan. A tour through this region will allow you to delve into thewonders of the pristine Japanese countryside, including exploring untouched natural sceneries
such as the Minemichi Long Trail where “Shugendo” (mountain asceticism) practitioners once
traveled, visiting historical shrines and temples including Fuki-ji Temple, and interacting withhospitable locals while learning how to make local cuisine. In addition to spending time in thegreat outdoors, interactive activities such as traditional craft workshops and tasting delectablelocal cuisine offer deep insight into the relatively unexplored Japan. Such areas and experiences
are perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path and provide unforgettable memories fora one-of-a-kind Japan trip.
Experience Primeval Nature and the Traditional Way of Life in Kunisaki Peninsula

Get Your Super Early Bird EXPO2025 Ticket Now!

The opening of EXPO2025 OSAKA KANSAI, JAPAN is fast approaching, and under the slogan"EXPO2025 in your pocketbook," we are asking you to plan your visit to the EXPO2025 as soon
as possible. Have you already made your plans to visit the EXPO2025?
There are a wide variety of tickets available for the EXPO2025, but we recommend the "OneDay Ticket - Super Early Bird Ticket," which will be on sale until October 6 of this year. This ticket
has the following two major advantages:(1) Get a 20% discount – A one-day ticket that is normally priced at 7,500 yen during the event
period can be purchased for 6,000 yen(2) Get an extra lottery entry – Receive one more entry than other tickets for the special lottery
for admission to the most popular pavilions (held from 9/25 to 10/6 this year)
At present, there are three ways to purchase EXPO2025 tickets:
1. Direct purchase from the Exposition Association's official website
2. Direct purchase from the Ticket Department of the Exposition Association(large purchases of 100 tickets or more per case from companies and organizations)
3. Purchase through a travel agency
There are many types of Expo tickets, and the reservation system may seem like a hassle, but infact it is not.
By making reservations, the waiting time at the EXPO site could be greatly reduced.
For more information, please visit the official website.
https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/tickets-index/information/

Notes:・ The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change.
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For media inquiries, including requests to use photographs, please contact the JNTO Press atmedia_Inquiry@jnto.go.jp

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