May 2012 Edition (As you can see we have changed the format of the short version newsletter. Let us know what you think!) Lady Gaga Visits Tokyo Sky Tree On May 16th, her last evening in Japan, Lady Gaga visited the soon to be open Tokyo Sky Tree. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Open The 2012 tourist season has begun on the famous route through the "roof of Japan". Fukuoka City Expands Free Wi-Fi A trial program has started in Fukuoka city offering free Wi-Fi at some city bus stops. New Asakusa Tourism Center Open Check out this new Tourist Information Center just across from Kaminari-mon, trust me you won't be able to miss this building! New Publication: Shibuya Tatsujin Magazine New informational tourist magazine for foreigner published by the Tokyu Corporation. New Buildings Open in Tokyo Spring and Summer have brought a host of new building and mall openings in Tokyo, check out our list. New Android App - Ishikawa Ishikawa Prefecture has released a new free tourism app for Android smart phones. Yokohama Starts English Facebook Check out the new Yokohama Visitors Guide fan page on Facebook. JNTO April Webmagazine Up Check out April's travel destination feature! Daily Updates on JNTO Websites As always be sure to keep watch on the JNTO North American and Global webpages for daily or weekly updates of Japan Travel news. This month's feature aims to explain the varied wonder that is the many JR passes available throughout Japan. Each pass' information and sample trip is laid out in a table for easy reference. Click here for the full feature or go right to the individual passes using the table below. JR Whole Country Pass JR Hokkaido Pass JR East Pass JR East Kanto Area Pass JR Central (No Pass) JR West Kansai Pass JR West Sanyo Pass JR West Kansai Wide Pass All Shikoku Pass JR Kyushu All Kyushu Pass JR Kyushu Northern Kyushu Pass JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Pass Event Calendar Festivals, Events and Conventions taking place in Japan from June till August. Tours from JNTO Partners It's summer time so check out these timely vacation offerings from our tour partners. New Hotel Information Hotels are gearing up for the summer season and some old favorites are back and better than ever! Airline Deals and Press Releases New routes and planes all over the place! Also new deals just in time for summer vacation. JNTO and Japanese Community Events in America A couple of community events in the next coming months, be sure to check with your local Japan Consulate or Community Association for events in your area. JNTO Staff Corner The Spring brought with it new Staff for the JNTO Los Angeles office. Click through to meet our two new staff members who are as always here to help you and your clients with their Japan travel needs!