Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 4 May, 2017 2:25 am |

s part of its strategy to proactively reach out and welcome travellers from the Middle East region, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) in collaboration with Cathy Pacific has launched “Journey to Japan” packages during recently held Arabian Travel Market 2017. These packages come just in time as part of the new visa waiver programme which allows UAE Nationals to have visa free entry to Japan.

Says Ms. Akiko Yoshida, Executive Vice President of JNTO “Japan offers plethora of unique cultural experiences in a cosmopolitan setting. Unique not only to region but also by seasons, there is always something new to be discovered in Japan. The “Journey to Japan” packages are crafted in such a manner to make the best of Japan’s many offering.”

Curated exclusively to highlight country’s unique heritage, modern pop culture, luxury experiences, tax free shopping and Japan’s traditional ‘washoku’ cuisine, “Journey to Japan” packages allows travellers to enjoy the nature and culture the country has to offer.

The Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto route takes revellers for a taste of Japan’s cosmopolitan   culture while also uncovering ancient culture in the city of Kyoto. Included in the package are return flights from Dubai with Cathay Pacific, a one way Bullet Train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto, three night accommodation with breakfast at each of Shinagawa Prince Hotels in Tokyo and Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Tokyo city tour, Mt. Fuji & Hakone tour, Kyoto city tours and airport transfers by English speaking drivers. The price starts at AED 9,950 per person with twin / double sharing basis, and subject to seasonal surcharges. These special packages including this will be available through local UAE travel agents and valid until the end of December 2017.

In an effort to make Muslim and Middle Eastern guests as welcome and comfortable as possible, many hotel, hospitality and restaurant partners throughout Japan have made extensive efforts to learn the cultural and religious needs of Muslim guests, including making available various services and offerings that are Halal or Muslim-friendly. All this information can be easily accessed through the dedicated Muslim Guide website at: http://muslimguide.jnto.go.jp/eng/ 

In three years since 2013, the number of international visitors to Japan has more than doubled, resulting in over 24 million visitors travelling to Japan in 2016 compared to the 10.3 million experienced in 2013. 2016 also marks first time Japan has welcomed more than 20 million visitors in one year. Having achieved this milestone result, the target of welcoming 40 million visitors before the country hosts the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 seems an ever more realisable goal for the Japanese tourism industry.

Japan offers unique experiences not only by region, but also by season. For those visiting Japan for the first time you will warmly be welcomed for a holiday experience like no other, and for those that have visited Japan before, it is encouraged to visit Japan again in a different season to re-enliven the senses with different seasonal sights, tastes and encounters.     

For further information regarding travel to Japan visit: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/