Japan's Unique Towers

Japan has a number of unique towers which can accommodate your desire to enjoy a bird's eye view of some the most famous cities in Japan. Let's take at look at four of these.

The most recently completed tower is the TOKYO SKYTREE^®. Reaching a height of 2,080 feet, it is the world's tallest broadcast tower, with observation decks at 1,148 and 1,476 feet above ground. It is also the second tallest structure in the world.
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Ever since Japan Airlines launched its Narita-Boston flight service in April this year, other airlines have jumped on the bandwagon and announced new flight services directly connecting various cities in Japan and the U.S. Below are a list of the newly available services.
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In 2013, both Tokyo and Kyoto will once again host marathons. The 2013 Tokyo Marathon is scheduled for February 24, 2013. Official entry application begins August 1, 2012 and authorized runners will be selected by a lottery.
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The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, held in Niigata Prefecture, is the largest international contemporary art festival in Japan, and is holding its fifth triennale from July 29th - Sept. 17th, 2012.
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JAPAN

Yabusame at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine Festival
Yabusame is the ancient Japanese martial art of mounted archery. Seen at many festivals across Japan, the most well-known performance is held at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine festival in Kamakura, and will take place this year on Sept. 16th.
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Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, October 7 – 9, 2012
The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival will be held Oct. 7th -9th, 2012 in Nagasaki city. This spectacular festival, held every autumn, had its beginning over 370 years ago as an offering at Nagasaki's Suwa Shrine. Since then, it has grown into a marvelously flamboyant and exotic festival that earned the title of Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

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Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), October 20 - 28, 2012
From October 20th through the 28th, 2012, the Tokyo International Film Festival will be marking its 25th year, with famed director and producer Roger Corman serving as the Jury President for the International Competition.
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U.S

JapanFest Atlanta
JapanFest Atlanta, September 15th –16th, 2012, is celebrating its 26th year. It began in 1981, and while the name has changed (it began as Japan Week but has been JapanFest since 1986), it has become the largest Japanese festival in a major area of the southeast. In 2011 over 19,000 people attended, a record that is sure to be broken this year!
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Las Vegas Animegacon
The world's largest anime convention will be holding its premier event August 17th-19th, 2012 at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton). Animegacon is the entertainment branch of the Japanese Anime Association whose goal is to gather all anime and manga fans, young and old, from all over the world to enjoy themselves at this supersized anime convention! For More >>

FUN VACATION, A DREAM LAND, TOKYO PACKAGE
(Daily, 6 days / 5 nights) (From $1,155.00～)

Enjoy your vacation with this fun-filled package to Tokyo! Visit famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo and experience popular theme parks and museums dedicated to Japan's famous cartoon characters in this special package.

Discover the Ghibli Museum, planned by Japan's top animated film director, Hayao Miyazaki, famous for "Spirited Away","Princess Mononoke", "My Neighbor Totoro", and "Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea". The museum managed by the Tokuma Memorial Culture Foundation for Animation. And of course, you cannot miss experiencing the Tokyo Disney Resort, which includes Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Plan your trip now ! Tokyo is waiting for you!!
For more, please visit here.

*If you mention that you saw the tour information on JNTO website, and purchase this package, you will receive a Don Quijote Yokoso Discount Passport (non Japanese Nationals only).

Tokyo Maximum Tour
(September 19th through 26th, 2012) (From $1045.00～)

Tokyo Maximum Tour is officially designated as the official tour for the 2012 Tokyo Game Show. Participants will receive front-of-line privileges, a Tokyo Game Show Original Mug, and a 10% discount coupon on official goods. Take local public transportation and visit Tokyo Game Show, Akihabara, Gundam Front Tokyo, Joy Police, Square Enix, Shibuya, Escorted Tokyo tour, and more!

*Mention "JNTO" and receive a $50 discount with check or cash payment.

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel with 1Day tour
(Now - October 30th, 2012) (16,000 Yen / person for Twin)

Includes lunch and a one day tour of Kyoto with English Speaking Guide Service (8:45am-6:30pm). For more, please visit here.

Historic Japan 10 Days including Air/Hotel/Tours
(September 3rd, 2012 - March 31th, 2013) (From $4,575.00～)

Embark on a journey to the historical sites of Japan. Start your trip in Tokyo,see the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower. Drive to Hakone, with a stop at Mt. Fuji, and cruise Lake Ashi. Next, take a bullet train to Nagoya, through the Japanese Alps into Takayama, also known as Little Kyoto. Later, travel to Kanazawa, visiting Shirakawago, a World Heritage Site. Finally, travel to Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, where you see the Golden Pavilion and the Nijojo Castle before returning to the US. For more, please visit here.

Quiz: Where in Japan?

What is the name of the Temple featuring the oldest existing wooden structures in the world.

Hint: Please review Japan's Unique Towers.

Prize: Five lucky winners will be chosen from among all correct answers submitted to receive a pair of chopsticks with a charming chopstick bag.

How to enter: You can enter by August 28, 2012, at
http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22GAKBXGSP2/

Let's review the quiz answers from previous newsletters.

The answer for the Newsletter Vol. 21 (March issue) is Matsushima (Matsushima Bay and Matsushima Zone are also correct answers.) Out of 198 replies, 175 (88.4%) had the correct answer.

Thank you for your hard work!

Japan Travel News Letter Quiz Official Rules

The year 2012 marks the 60th anniversary of Japan's tourism office in New York City. Founded in New York City's Rockefeller Center in 1952, JNTO's New York office is commemorating the event on July 21st.

In 1952, the number of people travelling from the US to Japan was 13,746. Jumping forward to 2010, the number has increased to 727,234. The significantly increased cultural exposure between the people of the US and Japan has surely enhanced the friendly relations between the two countries.

More recently, according to the latest statistics, the number of tourists visiting Japan from US in June of this year surpassed the number of the same month in 2010 (pre-earthquake) for the first time. We are very happy to see such a quick recovery and really appreciate your continued interest in and support of Japan.

As many of you may have read, many airlines will add additional routes between the US and Japan. We hope that this added level of convenience will enhance your ability to plan a trip to visit Japan to enjoy its beauty and hospitality.