On July 17, a new airport train began its service. Nicknamed "Narita Sky Access", this brand new Keisei Sky Liner connects Tokyo and Narita Airport and travels at 99.5 miles per hour. More Info >>

Being in the spotlight of contemporary art and design, Naoshima Island, the home of an outdoor modern art museum, is hosting a major international art festival.
More Info >>

Despite the tourist popularity of Kyoto, Japan's first capital was founded in Nara, and Japan is celebrating the 1300th anniversary of its founding this year, taking visitors back in time to centuries ago.
More Info >>

Gundam is one of the U.S.’s favorite anime series. Now you can enjoy Gundam in various ways!
1.See a 54 foot-tall 1/1 Gundam
2.Ride the Gundam Jet
3.Relax in the Gundam Café
More Info >>

One year has passed since the King of Pop fell into eternal sleep. At Tokyo Disneyland, however, you can still meet him in the ride "Captain EO", which was re-introduced after 14 years to commemorate Michael.
More Info >>

JAPAN

Kyo-no Tanabata, Aug 6 - 15

Kyoto is holding the traditional Tanabata festival (star festival) in the name of Kyo-no Tanabata. From August 6 through 15, the event will articulate three elements, rivers, lights and bamboo, to express the traditional beauty of summer in Kyoto.

Kunchi, Oct 7 - 9

Nagasaki Kunchi is held from October 7 to 9. During this festival, each neighborhood dedicates a characteristic performance to Suwa Shrine with its own float.

US

Otakon, July 30 - August 1

July 30 - August 1, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore MD
One of the biggest anime events in the U.S. JNTO will have a booth and there will be a sweepstakes. See you there!

Indiana State Fair, August 6 -22

This year the fair has a Japan Pavilion called "Bridges to Japan" and many Japan-related performances and exhibits. JNTO will have a booth from August 6th to 9th and there will be a sweepstakes to win $1,000 discount air tiket!

Aki Matsuri, September 25 & 26

Every Fall, ENMA presents "Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival)", a 2-day program of Japanese cultural, educational, and fun events for all age groups, to celebrate Japan's rich cultural heritage.

New York Anime Festival, October 8 -10

October 8 -10, Javits Center, New York, NY
This year the festival will be held in conjunction with New York Comic Con. JNTO will have a booth and there will be a sweepstakes. See you there!

More Events >>

How to meet with a Geisha in Kyoto

Fujiyama (Mt.Fuji) and Geisha are two icons that symbolize JAPAN.

Unlike Samurai, Geisha are still alive with their white-painted faces, traditional Japanese hairstyles and fabulous kimonos. If you have a chance to meet one, it will definitely be the highlight of your trip to Japan. So where does one meet them? That's the problem.

Before talking about the ways to meet Geisha, let me explain a little about Maiko and Geiko, the terms used to refer to Geisha in my hometown of Kyoto. Kyoto is known as the historical former capital of Japan which has over a thousand years history. There remain a hundred Maiko, apprentice Geisha, and 200 Geiko, matured Geisha.
Read more >>

JTB USA, Inc. : Life in Tohoku 8 days 6 nights package
Tohoku, northern east part of mainland in Japan await for you with its breathtaking scenery and historical attractions. Explore the land of spiritual culture and the traditional aspect of Japan! Here are some highlights: Gorgeous sceneries and rich nature seen by the beauty of Matsushima Bay, which is considered one of Japan's three big scenic views, Okama Crater Lake, Lake Inawashiro, which is the fourth largest lake in Japan, and Goshiki-numa at the foot of Mt. Bandai. Zuiganji Temple, designated as national treasures and important cultural properties. Experience local cuisines and learn the local specialties. Let's seek new discoveries with JTB Life in Tohoku Tour. For more information and reservation, please contact JTB USA Inc. 1-888-452-5725 or visit our website http://www.jtbusa.com/en/tour/tohoku/default.asp.

Kintetsu International : VIP Tour to Kumamoto on Kyushu Island 11 days 9 Nights Land Package
Want exclusive access to a private tour of Japan? KIE/Kintetsu International is proud to offer an exclusive VIP group tour to Kumamoto on Kyushu Island. What makes this tour special is the personal guidance of world-renowned Kumamoto expert, Mr. Ken Takenaga, the North American representative of this region. With Mr. Takenaga as your guide, you will receive VIP treatment as well as access to unique areas of the island. Experience Kumamoto, the "Heart of Japan", as well as the following highlights; private performances of regional music and dance, a private tea ceremony with a Maiko performance, dolphin watching and much much more. Please call 1-800-422-3481 for more details or visit KIE website japanforyou.com.

Go Ahead Tours: Highlights of Japan
Want to discover the mesmerizing treasures of Japan? You can! From the tranquil gardens of Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, to the bustling streets of Tokyo, from Mt Fuji to the Sumida River’s popular fish market, experience something new—and unforgettable—during your Japan vacation. What’s more, when you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll explore some of the world’s most culturally rich destinations at an incredible value. Go Ahead’s 13-day Highlights of Japan tour includes round-trip airfare, transportation, hotels, a local Tour Director and exceptional sightseeing. Reserve by August 31 to save $400 per couple. Call 866-746-2927 to learn more. And for more information website : www.goaheadtours.com/jpn.

When visiting Japan, you will want to exchange dollars for Japanese yen. You can use your credit card at major stores and restaurants. However, it is good to know how to cash Japanese yen in Japan via ATM.

Cashing Japanese yen in Japan via ATM is easy
With a credit or cash card, you can withdraw Japanese yen at international ATMs, located at major post offices and Seven Banks throughout Japan. The instruction and transaction records are available in English and other languages.

1. International ATM Service at Japan Post Bank ATMs, located at major post offices
The following cards are accepted:
VISA , PLUS, Master Card, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China UnionPay & Discover
Service hours:
Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays:
12:05 am-11:40 pm, from 7:00 am on Monday and the day after a holiday
Sunday and holidays: 12:05 am-8:00 pm
For details: www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/ias/en_ias_index.html

2. Seven Bank ATMs at 7-Eleven stores
More than 14,000 Seven Bank ATMs have been installed in 7-Eleven stores (the most popular convenient store) all over Japan.
The following cards are accepted:
VISA/PLUS, American Express, JCB, China UnionPay, Discover and Diners Club. (Please note that Master Card/Cirrus is no longer accepted.)
Service hours:
ATMs are available almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For details: www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/index2.html

Quiz: In which property is this beautiful Japanese garden located?

Hint: It is located in Shimane Prefecture. It has been selected as the finest Japanese garden in Japan by The Journal of Japanese Gardening. It has also been awarded three-stars by Michelin guidebooks. You can find a hint in our 2010 checklist. http://japantravelinfo.com/2010/checktop.html

Prize: Five lucky winners will be chosen from among all correct answers submitted to receive a sensu (Japanese style fan).

How to enter: You can enter from August 1 to August 28, 2010, at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AXF64Z8JU

Let's review the last quiz. The answer to the last issue's quiz is Shiretoko. Out of 282 replies, 252 (89%) had the correct answer!