Buzz
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route will reopen starting April 16, 2014; the Ainokura village with its traditional Gassho Zukuri thatched-roof houses has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; sea tours to observe the magical blue light emitting firefly squid Hotaru Ika,... Explore the latest travel information about Japan with Mytour below!
1. Grand Reopening of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in April
After a temporary hiatus in business operations during the winter season, the Tateyama route – where you can admire the stunning natural landscapes blending with the radiant sun and the brightly colored clouds at an altitude of 2,450 m above sea level – will officially be reopened for traffic and activities from April 16th. The most attractive destination this spring will be the snow-covered Otani area. Here, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of spring sunlight shining on the white snow, like a warm welcome to the visiting tourists.
2. Destinations
2.1. Toyama Prefecture
Toyama Prefecture is a place with many tourist attractions that you can't miss. Among them, Himi area stands out with its bustling wholesale seafood market open to visitors, and Ainokura village with its traditional Gassho Zukuri thatched-roof houses recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the region hosts tourism events focusing on sea tours to observe the mesmerizing blue light emitting firefly squid, a sight only visible during their spring spawning season from April to May each year.
2.2. Toyama City
Toyama is a city located right in the middle of the Honshu island coastline. To the east, visitors can admire the majestic Northern Alps of Japan, the Tateyama range. To the north lies the prosperous city overlooking Toyama Bay – known as the 'treasure trove of the sea', always blessed by nature with abundant seafood and agriculture. When here, you must try the specialty Masu Sushi made from rice grown in this fertile land with a type of salmon called Sakura Masu.
2.3. Nanto City
The city of Nanto is situated southwest of Toyama Prefecture, formed by the merging of 8 small towns into one. Forests cover about 80% of the area, with the Sho and Oyabe rivers flowing abundantly – precious gifts bestowed by nature upon this land. These 8 small towns with their unique cultures and traditions warmly welcome visitors.
3. Opening of New Air Routes
New Flight Route: Noi Bai (Hanoi) – Haneda (Tokyo)
Starting from March 30, 2014, ANA (All Nippon Airways) will operate a new flight route from Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi to Haneda Airport – Tokyo.
Flight Schedule: Daily.
Flight NH858 departs from Hanoi at 14:00, arrives at Haneda at 21:05. Details at www.ana.co.jp
New Flight Route: Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) – Haneda
Starting from March 30, 2014, Japan Airlines (JAL) also begins operating direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Haneda. This flight utilizes Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft used in JAL's international flights, with all passenger cabins newly refurbished.
Flight Schedule: Daily.
Flight JL070 departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 13:55, arrives at Haneda at 22:00
Flight JL079 departs from Haneda at 01:25, arrives in Ho Chi Minh City at 05:15
Exciting Events
Tokyo Disneyland® Easter Festival
Experience the special event called “Tokyo Disneyland® Easter Festival” at Tokyo Disneyland® Theme Park, from April 2 to June 23, 2014. Let's welcome spring with Disney characters at the festival!
Spring Events at Huis Ten Bosch® Theme Park
Starting from this season onwards, Huis Ten Bosch® Park will host numerous events allowing us to enjoy the splendid display of various spring flowers. Among them, the most prominent is the Shibazakura (Pink Moss) season in early April, which has made the reputation of this region.
Visit UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN ® Film Set
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN ® Film Set is built to recreate the scenes from famous world movies using cutting-edge entertainment technology. Among them, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man™ – The Ride, has been voted the world's most exciting ride for 7 consecutive years thanks to the application of the world's most advanced 4K-HD image technology.
Cherry Blossom Viewing at Edo Wonderland Cultural Park
Edo Wonderland is a cultural park located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, Kanto (Japan). It's time to relax and admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in a space steeped in history. The best time to view the cherry blossoms this year is from April 5th to April 15th.
Hakone Sweets Collection Festival
A festival of sweets showcasing the skilled hands and passion of Japanese pastry artisans at a beloved pastry shop in Hakone. Surely, this will be a truly captivating event with cakes full of customer love.
The event runs until April 6, 2014.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization and JPNT (www.jnto.go.jp)
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
TravelBuddy.comJune 18, 2014
