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Destination intelligence from the ground.
Routing guides, seasonality strategy, festival briefings and honest selling notes — written by the operations team that runs your clients’ programs, for the agents who sell them.
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Selling notes for travel agents and tour operators: Japan seasonality and lead times, entry rules, rail and routing between regions, events, air access and supplier news — written by the trade desk that operates the programmes.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
Tokyo
27 Oct
Dispatch No. 398
Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi: Opening Autumn 2027
Nara
26 Oct
Dispatch No. 397
Asuka-Fujiwara World Heritage: Planning Nara Groups
Okinawa
Featured · Dispatch No. 399
JUNGLIA OKINAWA: Planning Group Days in Northern Okinawa
“Every dispatch is written by the desk that runs your ground program — not a content team guessing at Japan.”
Talk to the trade desk
Kyoto
26 Oct
Dispatch No. 396
Songtei Kyoto: Shangri-La's New Hotel by Nijo Castle
Full dispatch archive
Hokkaido
26 Oct
Dispatch No. 395
TRUNK(HOTEL) SAPPORO Opens 17 September 2027: Group Notes
Osaka
26 Oct
Dispatch No. 394
Universal Cool Japan 2027 at USJ: What Groups Need to Know
Tokyo
25 Oct
Dispatch No. 393
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo Joins LXR in 2027: Notes for Groups
Tokyo
25 Oct
Dispatch No. 392
Japan Inbound Spending, July–September 2026: Taiwan Leads
Tokyo
25 Oct
Dispatch No. 391
THE NEXTT HOTEL Tachikawa: A New MICE Venue in West Tokyo
Shikoku
24 Oct
Dispatch No. 390
Mandarin Oriental in Setouchi: Takamatsu and Naoshima 2027
Tokyo
24 Oct
Dispatch No. 389
Tokyo's 3% Hotel Tax from April 2027: What Groups Pay
Tokyo
24 Oct
Dispatch No. 388
Tokyo Disneyland's New Tomorrowland in 2027: Group Notes
Hokkaido
23 Oct
Dispatch No. 387
Red Star and Blue Star: Hokkaido's New Trains for 2027
Kyoto
23 Oct
Dispatch No. 386
Nijo Castle After Dark: Evening Visits for Groups
Ishikawa
23 Oct
Dispatch No. 385
Noto's Pokémon Airport: Flying Groups to the Noto Peninsula
Fukuoka
22 Oct
Dispatch No. 384
Meiji Park Hakata: Fukuoka's New Park by Hakata Station
Rail
22 Oct
Dispatch No. 383
Nozomi All-Reserved Peak Days: Rail Planning for Groups
Tokyo
22 Oct
Dispatch No. 382
Tap-to-Ride Tokyo: Contactless Card Fares for Groups
Tokyo
22 Oct
Dispatch No. 381
TOKYO DREAM PARK: Ariake's New Concert and Theatre Hub
Hakone
22 Oct
Dispatch No. 380
WAKAN Hakone Gora by Laforet Opens 10 November 2026
Takayama
21 Oct
Dispatch No. 379
Hilton Takayama Resort: The First Hilton in Gifu
Nara
21 Oct
Dispatch No. 378
HOSHINOYA Nara Prison: A Meiji Prison Turned Hotel
Hakone
21 Oct
Dispatch No. 377
HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE: Onsen in Every Room
Tokyo
21 Oct
Dispatch No. 376
Musée d'Orsay Masterworks in Tokyo: Group Planning
Pilgrimage
21 Oct
Dispatch No. 375
Sacred Journeys: Three Pilgrim Routes by Air and Rail
Tokyo
20 Oct
Dispatch No. 374
Edo-Tokyo Museum Reopens: A Ryogoku Visit for Groups
Kyoto
20 Oct
Dispatch No. 373
Imperial Hotel, Kyoto: A New Luxury Stay in Gion
Tokyo
20 Oct
Dispatch No. 372
MoN Takanawa: Tokyo's New Museum of Narratives for Groups
Tokyo
20 Oct
Dispatch No. 371
PokéPark KANTO: Planning a Visit for Family Groups
Chubu
20 Oct
Dispatch No. 370
Shirakawa-go Tour Bus Reservations: What Groups Need
Nagano
19 Oct
Dispatch No. 369
Hakuba Valley for Groups: Ten Ski Resorts, One Valley
Food
19 Oct
Dispatch No. 368
Japan's Destination Restaurants: Dining Worth the Trip
Wellness
19 Oct
Dispatch No. 367
Japan's Sauna Culture: A Guide for Groups
Rail
19 Oct
Dispatch No. 366
The New JR East Pass: Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata by Rail
Rail
19 Oct
Dispatch No. 365
Shinkansen Supreme Class: Private Cabins for VIP Clients
Tokyo
18 Oct
Dispatch No. 364
ARTE TOKYO 2026: Tokyo's New Arts Festival for Groups
Visas
18 Oct
Dispatch No. 363
Japan's New Visa Fees: What Group Agents Need to Know
Nagasaki
16 Oct
Dispatch No. 362
Goto Islands for Groups: Churches, Access and Etiquette
Hokkaido
16 Oct
Dispatch No. 361
Rishiri and Rebun: Hokkaido's Northern Islands for Groups
Chugoku
16 Oct
Dispatch No. 360
Tsuwano and the SL Yamaguchi: A Guide for Groups
Hokkaido
15 Oct
Dispatch No. 359
F Village: Baseball and More for Groups Near Sapporo
Hotels
15 Oct
Dispatch No. 358
Apartment Hotels in Japan for Families and Small Groups
Onsen
15 Oct
Dispatch No. 357
Onsen Water Quality in Japan: What Groups Should Know
Okinawa
15 Oct
Dispatch No. 356
Okinawa's Smaller Islands: Kerama, Kudaka and Beyond
Nagano
15 Oct
Dispatch No. 355
Zenko-ji Gokaicho 2027: Planning Nagano for Groups
Kyushu
14 Oct
Dispatch No. 354
Ashiya Sand Sculpture Exhibition: Fukuoka's Autumn Show
Hotels
14 Oct
Dispatch No. 353
How Japan's Hotels Reach Overseas Buyers in 2026
Destinations
14 Oct
Dispatch No. 352
JNTO's Five Prefectures for 2027: A Trade Read
Tokyo
14 Oct
Dispatch No. 351
Tokyo's Conveyor-Belt Sushi Bus: Does It Work for Groups?
Tohoku
14 Oct
Dispatch No. 350
Tsuruoka and Shonai: Japan's First City of Gastronomy
Tohoku
13 Oct
Dispatch No. 349
Digital Sightseeing Passes in Japan: Do They Suit Groups?
Cruise
13 Oct
Dispatch No. 348
Japan's Own Cruise Ships: A Guide for Agents
Hotels
13 Oct
Dispatch No. 347
Hotel Cleanliness in Japan: What Reviews Tell Agents
Kyoto
13 Oct
Dispatch No. 346
Kyoto's Two-Tier Bus Fares: What Agents Need to Know
Okinawa
13 Oct
Dispatch No. 345
Miyakojima for Groups: Bridges, Beaches and Reefs
Middle East
12 Oct
Dispatch No. 344
JNTO and Emirates: Selling Japan to Gulf Groups
Hokkaido
12 Oct
Dispatch No. 343
Furano and Biei: Hokkaido's Flower Country for Groups
Kanto
12 Oct
Dispatch No. 342
Ibaraki for Groups: Hitachi Seaside Park, Mito and Kairakuen
Air
12 Oct
Dispatch No. 341
JAL's NDC Rollout: What Agents Selling Japan Should Know
Chubu
12 Oct
Dispatch No. 340
Noto Peninsula Reopening: What Groups Can Plan Now
Kansai
11 Oct
Dispatch No. 339
Amanohashidate and Ine: Kyoto's Tango Coast for Groups
Hokkaido
11 Oct
Dispatch No. 338
Kushiro and Lake Akan: Eastern Hokkaido for Groups
Shikoku
11 Oct
Dispatch No. 337
Tokushima for Groups: Iya Valley, Naruto and Awa Odori
Chugoku
11 Oct
Dispatch No. 336
Tottori Sand Dunes and Sakaiminato for Groups
Tokyo
10 Oct
Dispatch No. 335
Izu Oshima and Hachijojima: Tokyo's Volcanic Islands
Shikoku
10 Oct
Dispatch No. 334
Kochi and the Shimanto River: Shikoku's Pacific Side
Shikoku
10 Oct
Dispatch No. 333
Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen: Shikoku's Castle and Bathhouse
Shikoku
10 Oct
Dispatch No. 332
Takamatsu and Kagawa: Ritsurin, Konpira and Udon for Groups
Okinawa
9 Oct
Dispatch No. 331
Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands for Groups
Tohoku
9 Oct
Dispatch No. 330
Iwate for Groups: Hiraizumi, Morioka and Geibikei
Nagano
9 Oct
Dispatch No. 329
Karuizawa: Tokyo's Highland Resort for Groups
Kansai
9 Oct
Dispatch No. 328
Shirahama: Onsen and Coast in Southern Wakayama
Kyushu
9 Oct
Dispatch No. 327
Unzen and Shimabara: Nagasaki's Volcano Peninsula
Kansai
7 Oct
Dispatch No. 326
Awaji Island: A Day Beyond Kobe for Groups
Kyoto
7 Oct
Dispatch No. 325
Nintendo Museum in Uji: Tickets and Group Reality
Osaka
7 Oct
Dispatch No. 324
Osaka IR on Yumeshima: What the Trade Should Know
Hokkaido
7 Oct
Dispatch No. 323
Shiretoko: Planning Groups in Hokkaido's Wild East
Tokyo
7 Oct
Dispatch No. 322
Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo: Planning Groups
Kansai
6 Oct
Dispatch No. 321
Himeji Castle's New Fees and Resident Pricing
Sports
6 Oct
Dispatch No. 320
Japan Cup and Horse Racing in Tokyo for Groups
Kyushu
6 Oct
Dispatch No. 319
Saga Balloon Fiesta: Planning Groups in Kyushu
Hokkaido
6 Oct
Dispatch No. 318
Upopoy: Ainu Culture in Hokkaido for Groups
Sports
6 Oct
Dispatch No. 317
World Masters Games 2027 Kansai: Trade Guide
Families
5 Oct
Dispatch No. 316
Japan's Aquariums for Family and School Groups
Special interest
5 Oct
Dispatch No. 315
Bonsai and Nishikigoi Tours in Japan for Hobby Groups
Motorsport
5 Oct
Dispatch No. 314
Japanese Grand Prix 2027: Dates and First Sprint
Luxury
5 Oct
Dispatch No. 313
Japan's Michelin Key Hotels 2026: A Trade Briefing
Okinawa
5 Oct
Dispatch No. 312
Shuri Castle Reopens: Okinawa's Main Hall for Groups
Seasons
4 Oct
Dispatch No. 311
Fruit Picking in Japan: Seasons and Formats for Groups
Kyoto
4 Oct
Dispatch No. 310
Japan's Imperial Palaces and Villas: Reservations for Groups
Nature
4 Oct
Dispatch No. 309
Stargazing in Japan: Dark-Sky Places for Tour Groups
MICE
4 Oct
Dispatch No. 308
Technical Visits and Factory Tours in Japan for Groups
Transport
4 Oct
Dispatch No. 307
Taking a Group on the Tokyo and Osaka Subway: A Practical Guide
Culture
2 Oct
Dispatch No. 306
Goshuin, Omamori and Ema: Temple and Shrine Customs for Groups
Seasons
2 Oct
Dispatch No. 305
Japan's Summer Heat: Planning Group Tours Around the Heatstroke Alerts
Seasons
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 304
Christmas in Japan: What Inbound Groups Should Expect in December
MICE
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 303
Team-Building in Japan: Formats That Work for Corporate Groups
Hotels
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 302
Hotel Check-In Times in Japan: Planning Early Arrivals and Late Departures
Operations
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 301
Smoking Rules in Japan: What to Tell Groups Before They Travel
Culture
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 300
Japan's Stage Arts for Groups: Kabuki, Noh, Bunraku, Takarazuka and Rakugo
MICE
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 299
Unique Venues in Japan: Gala Dinners at Castles, Gardens and Temples
Rail
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 298
JR Group Tickets: How Rail Groups Travel in Japan Without a Rail Pass
Kyoto
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 297
Kyoto's Special Openings: Seeing Temples That Are Normally Closed
Ryokan
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 296
The Ryokan Evening: Dinner Times, Meal Plans and What to Tell the Inn
Tokyo
1 Oct
Dispatch No. 295
Yakatabune: Selling a Tokyo Dinner Cruise to Groups
Destinations
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 294
Fuji Five Lakes: Kawaguchiko and Beyond, for Groups
Destinations
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 293
Hakodate: A Trade Guide to Southern Hokkaido's Port City
Experiences
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 292
Ninja Experiences in Japan: Iga, Koka and Beyond
Accommodation
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 291
Vacation Rentals in Japan: The Minpaku Rules Agents Need
Rail
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 290
Les Saveurs Shima: Kintetsu's New French Dining Train
Experiences
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 289
Geisha and Maiko Experiences in Kyoto: A Trade Guide
Destinations
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 288
Niseko Beyond Snow: Selling the Green Season to Groups
Destinations
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 287
Noboribetsu: Hokkaido's Onsen Town Beside Hell Valley
Destinations
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 286
Otaru: Canal, Glass and Sushi on a Sapporo Day Trip
Events
30 Sept
Dispatch No. 285
Tourism EXPO Japan: A Guide for Overseas Agents
Central Japan
29 Sept
Dispatch No. 284
Gifu for the Trade: Cormorant Fishing, Gujo Hachiman and Craft Towns
News
29 Sept
Dispatch No. 283
Japan's 2030 Tourism Plan: What a 'Strategic Industry' Means for the Trade
Tokyo
29 Sept
Dispatch No. 282
Kawagoe and Chichibu: Saitama's Easy Escapes From Tokyo for Groups
Central Japan
29 Sept
Dispatch No. 281
The Kiso Valley and the Nakasendo: Walking Japan's Old Post Towns
Kyushu
29 Sept
Dispatch No. 280
Selling Kyushu After the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake: What Agents Need to Know
Events
28 Sept
Dispatch No. 279
GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama: A Planning Guide for Agents
Trends
28 Sept
Dispatch No. 278
Japan Arrivals Fell 9.6% in August 2026: Read the Market Mix, Not the Headline
Destinations
28 Sept
Dispatch No. 277
Kurobe-Unazuki Canyon Route: What Agents Need to Know
Sports
28 Sept
Dispatch No. 276
Sports Hospitality in Japan: Packages Beyond the Ticket
Destinations
28 Sept
Dispatch No. 275
Michinoku Coastal Trail: Walking Tohoku's Pacific Coast
Operations
27 Sept
Dispatch No. 274
Earthquakes, Typhoons and Snow: What a Japan DMC Owes a Group When Things Go Wrong
Trends
27 Sept
Dispatch No. 273
Overtourism in Japan: Selling the Country Without Adding to the Problem
Trade Guide
27 Sept
Dispatch No. 272
Deposits, Balances and Cancellation: How a Japan DMC Contract Actually Works
Planning
27 Sept
Dispatch No. 271
Sustainability in a Japan Programme: What Agents Can Claim Honestly
Experiences
27 Sept
Dispatch No. 270
Wildlife Japan: Cranes, Eagles, Whales and the Seasons That Make Them Bookable
Experiences
24 Sept
Dispatch No. 269
Hands-On Japan: Booking Craft Workshops That Are Taught, Not Performed
Experiences
24 Sept
Dispatch No. 268
Screen Tourism in Japan: Selling Film and Drama Locations Without Overpromising
Trade Guide
24 Sept
Dispatch No. 267
Educational Travel to Japan: A DMC Guide to School and University Groups
Transport
24 Sept
Dispatch No. 266
Japan's Overnight Trains: What Is Left, What It Sells For, and Who It Suits
Destinations
24 Sept
Dispatch No. 265
Kamikochi and the Northern Alps: Selling Japan's High Country to the Trade
Transport
23 Sept
Dispatch No. 264
Why Japanese Addresses Do Not Work, and What to Give a Driver Instead
Source Markets
23 Sept
Dispatch No. 263
Selling Japan to the Chinese Market: What Mainland Agents Need From a DMC
Source Markets
23 Sept
Dispatch No. 262
Selling Japan from Germany, Austria and Switzerland: A DMC Guide for the DACH Trade
Source Markets
23 Sept
Dispatch No. 261
Selling Japan from France: A DMC Guide for French Agencies and Tour Operators
Planning
23 Sept
Dispatch No. 260
Japan's Public Holidays: The Calendar That Moves Your Inventory
MICE
22 Sept
Dispatch No. 259
Bleisure and Workation in Japan: Selling the Extended Business Trip
Hotels
22 Sept
Dispatch No. 258
What a Japanese Hotel Star Rating Actually Tells You (Not Much)
Planning
22 Sept
Dispatch No. 257
Three Generations, One Itinerary: Multi-Generational Japan
MICE
22 Sept
Dispatch No. 256
Japan's Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: The Business-Visitor Booking Agents Underestimate
Operations
22 Sept
Dispatch No. 255
Working With Japanese Suppliers: What Overseas Agents Get Wrong
Itineraries
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 254
Japan's Game Centres: The Evening Nobody Books
Food
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 253
Depachika: The Department Store Food Hall as an Itinerary Component
Rules
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 252
Drone Filming in Japan: The Rules Before You Promise It
Food & Drink
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 251
Food Allergies in Japan: The Brief Every Agent Should Take
Accommodation
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 250
Glamping in Japan: The Outdoor Stay That Groups Can Book
Planning
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 249
Selling Japan to LGBTQ+ Clients: An Honest Trade Briefing
Culture
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 248
Martial Arts in Japan: Watching, Training and Getting It Right
Transport
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 247
Michi-no-Eki: The Roadside Stations That Make a Japanese Self-Drive Work
Culture
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 246
Sento: The Neighbourhood Bath, and Why It Is Not an Onsen
Food & Drink
20 Sept
Dispatch No. 245
Japan's Wine Country: Selling Koshu and the Kofu Basin
Events
19 Sept
Dispatch No. 244
Hanabi: Selling Japan's Fireworks Season
Culture
19 Sept
Dispatch No. 243
Karaoke, Game Centres and the Japanese Night: The Entertainment Layer Agents Skip
Wellness
19 Sept
Dispatch No. 242
Zazen and Zen Retreats: Selling Stillness in Japan
Destinations
19 Sept
Dispatch No. 241
Shiga and Lake Biwa: Kyoto's Quiet Neighbour
Destinations
19 Sept
Dispatch No. 240
Yamaguchi: Hagi's Samurai Streets, the Tsunoshima Bridge and Japan's Largest Cave
Events
18 Sept
Dispatch No. 239
Hard-Ticket Japan: How Event Inventory Actually Works, and Why Clients Cannot Self-Serve
Events
18 Sept
Dispatch No. 238
Running Japan: The Tokyo Marathon Ballot, the February Races, and How Agents Package Them
Destinations
18 Sept
Dispatch No. 237
Kumamoto and Aso: The Castle, the Caldera and the Best Drive in Kyushu
Destinations
18 Sept
Dispatch No. 236
Miyazaki and Takachiho: Japan's Mythology Coast
Destinations
18 Sept
Dispatch No. 235
Saga's Porcelain Towns: Arita, Imari and Karatsu for the Trade
Motorsport
17 Sept
Dispatch No. 234
Japan's Racing Circuits: Where They Are, How to Reach Them, and Where Clients Stay
Events
17 Sept
Dispatch No. 233
The Six Sumo Tournaments: Japan's Fixed Sporting Calendar and How to Get Seats
Motorsport
17 Sept
Dispatch No. 232
Super Formula: The Fastest Cars in Japan After Formula 1
Motorsport
17 Sept
Dispatch No. 231
SUPER GT: Japan's Best Racing Series, and the Easiest Motorsport Trip to Sell
Motorsport
17 Sept
Dispatch No. 230
The Suzuka 8 Hours and the Suzuka 1000km: Japan's Great Endurance Races
Trends
16 Sept
Dispatch No. 229
Japan's Domestic Travel Boom: Why Japanese Travellers Shape the Inventory Your Clients Get
Planning
16 Sept
Dispatch No. 228
The Golden Route: What It Is, Why It Sells, and When to Sell Something Else
Operations
16 Sept
Dispatch No. 227
Group Air for Japan: How Series and Ad-Hoc Group Fares, Domestic Add-Ons and Name Deadlines Work
Planning
16 Sept
Dispatch No. 226
The Language Question: How Much English Is Spoken in Japan, and What Actually Bridges the Gap
Sports
16 Sept
Dispatch No. 225
Japan Motorsport Beyond Formula 1: Fuji Speedway, Motegi, Suzuka's Other Races and the Manufacturer Museums
Destinations
15 Sept
Dispatch No. 224
Akita for Travel Agents: Kakunodate's Samurai Streets, Nyuto Onsen and Lake Tazawa
Destinations
15 Sept
Dispatch No. 223
Fukui for Travel Agents: Zen at Eiheiji, the Tojinbo Cliffs and Japan's Dinosaur Coast
Destinations
15 Sept
Dispatch No. 222
Kusatsu and Gunma: Japan's Most Famous Hot Spring, Three Hours from Tokyo
MICE
15 Sept
Dispatch No. 221
Japan's Convention Centres and MICE Venues: Choosing the City and the Hall
Destinations
15 Sept
Dispatch No. 220
Yamagata for Travel Agents: Zao's Snow Monsters, Ginzan Onsen and the Thousand Steps of Yamadera
Destinations
14 Sept
Dispatch No. 219
Aizu and Fukushima for Travel Agents: Samurai Castle Town, Thatched Post Road and the Bandai Highlands
Source Markets
14 Sept
Dispatch No. 218
Japan's Largest Source Market: Selling to Korean Clients
Source Markets
14 Sept
Dispatch No. 217
Selling Japan to Taiwan and Hong Kong Repeat Visitors
Source Markets
13 Sept
Dispatch No. 216
Selling Japan from Canada: What Canadian Clients Book
Transport
13 Sept
Dispatch No. 215
Shinkansen Seat Classes Explained: Ordinary, Green Car and GranClass for the Trade
Planning
13 Sept
Dispatch No. 214
Travel Insurance and Medical Care in Japan: The Briefing Agents Owe Every Client
Planning
12 Sept
Dispatch No. 213
Japan's 2026 Autumn Colour Is Running Late — Kyoto's Maples Now Forecast for 11 December
Trends
12 Sept
Dispatch No. 212
Character Japan: Themed Stays, Bathhouses and Retail Floors as Itinerary Components
Trends
12 Sept
Dispatch No. 211
Japan-Side Inventory: Why the Best of Japan Lives in Domestic Booking Channels
Trends
12 Sept
Dispatch No. 210
Selling Record-Volume Japan: What Monthly Arrival Records Mean for Booking Horizons
Transport
11 Sept
Dispatch No. 209
Hop-On Hop-Off in Japan: Where City Sightseeing Buses Fit an Inbound Programme
Wellness
11 Sept
Dispatch No. 208
Sleep Tourism in Japan: Selling the Best Night's Sleep of the Trip
Transport
11 Sept
Dispatch No. 207
Taxis, Ride-Hailing and the Robotaxi Pilot: Door-to-Door Transport in Japan Itineraries
Transport
10 Sept
Dispatch No. 206
The Japan Layover, Sold Properly: Transit Programs and the Free Stopover
Trade Guide
10 Sept
Dispatch No. 205
Fuel Surcharges and the Japan Quote: What Actually Moves the Price Between Proposal and Ticketing
Transport
10 Sept
Dispatch No. 204
Hands-Free Japan: Luggage Forwarding, Same-Day Shinkansen Delivery and the Rail Day Without Suitcases
Transport
9 Sept
Dispatch No. 203
Japan's Widening Direct-Flight Map: New Routes Into the Cities Beyond Tokyo
Transport
9 Sept
Dispatch No. 202
Power Banks and Batteries on Japanese Flights: The Carry-On Rules Clients Hit at Security
Planning
9 Sept
Dispatch No. 201
Silver Week 2026: Japan's First Five-Day Autumn Holiday Since 2015
Planning
8 Sept
Dispatch No. 200
Japanese Hotel Rooms: The Accommodation Types and Room Configurations Travel Agents Get Wrong
Transport
8 Sept
Dispatch No. 199
Japan's Low-Cost Carriers: What They Save, and What They Quietly Cost You
Destination Guide
8 Sept
Dispatch No. 198
Niigata and Sado Island: Snow Country and Gold for Agents
Trade Guide
7 Sept
Dispatch No. 197
Coach Hire in Japan: Capacity, Driver Hours and What They Mean
Motorsport
7 Sept
Dispatch No. 196
Japan's Motorsport Calendar 2026–2027: Every Race Weekend, and How to Package It
Experiences
7 Sept
Dispatch No. 195
Japan After Dark: Night Views and Observation Decks for Groups
Destination Guide
7 Sept
Dispatch No. 194
The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage: A Trade Guide
Motorsport
7 Sept
Dispatch No. 193
MotoGP at Motegi: The Japanese Grand Prix Race-Weekend Guide (2–4 October 2026)
Food and Drink
6 Sept
Dispatch No. 192
Ekiben: Japan's Station Bento Boxes, and How to Use Them
Trade Guide
6 Sept
Dispatch No. 191
Booking Restaurants for Groups in Japan: What Agents Should Know
Destination Guide
6 Sept
Dispatch No. 190
Kagoshima and Yakushima: Southern Kyushu for Travel Agents
Destination Guide
5 Sept
Dispatch No. 189
The Izu Peninsula and Atami: Tokyo's Coast for Travel Agents
Trade Guide
5 Sept
Dispatch No. 188
Japan Hotel Allotments: How Contracting Really Works
Destination Guide
5 Sept
Dispatch No. 187
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: A Trade Planning Guide
Destination Guide
4 Sept
Dispatch No. 186
Aomori and Hirosaki: Japan's Far North for Travel Agents
Trade Guide
4 Sept
Dispatch No. 185
Selling Japan to European Clients: A DMC Guide for Agents
Planning
4 Sept
Dispatch No. 184
Visit Japan Web: The Pre-Arrival Step Every Client Should Complete Before Landing
Trade Guide
3 Sept
Dispatch No. 183
A Short History of Japan for Travel Agents: The Eras Behind the Itinerary
News
3 Sept
Dispatch No. 182
Japan Travel Trade News: September 2026 Briefing
Destinations
3 Sept
Dispatch No. 181
The San'in Coast: Matsue, Izumo and Japan's Quietest Great Sights
Trade Guide
3 Sept
Dispatch No. 180
Selling Mid-Market Japan: Great Trips Between Backpacker and Aman
Markets
2 Sept
Dispatch No. 179
Selling Japan from Latin America: A DMC Guide for the LatAm Trade
Experiences
2 Sept
Dispatch No. 178
Japan's Speciality Shopping Streets: Kitchen Knives, Books, Denim and More
Seasonal
2 Sept
Dispatch No. 177
Japan's Spring and Autumn Matsuri: The Shoulder-Season Festival Calendar
Experiences
1 Sept
Dispatch No. 176
The Japanese Grand Prix 2026 at Suzuka: What the Race Weekend Taught the Trade
Events
1 Sept
Dispatch No. 175
Japanese Grand Prix 2027: How to Plan Suzuka Before the Dates Are Even Announced
Events
1 Sept
Dispatch No. 174
Japanese Grand Prix 2028: The Long-Lead Window for Groups and Incentives
Experiences
1 Sept
Dispatch No. 173
Farm Stays and Rural Japan: Nōhaku for the International Trade
Trade Guide
1 Sept
Dispatch No. 172
The Konbini Briefing: Why Convenience Stores Belong in Every Japan Pack
Destinations
1 Sept
Dispatch No. 171
Tokyo Beyond the Landmarks: The Neighbourhoods That Make a Free Day
Experiences
26 Aug
Dispatch No. 170
Modern Architecture in Japan: Ando, Kuma and the Buildings Worth a Detour
Experiences
26 Aug
Dispatch No. 169
Hands-On Japan: Traditional Arts Workshops That Work for Groups
Destinations
26 Aug
Dispatch No. 168
Okayama and Kurashiki: The Sunny Gateway Agents Route Straight Past
MICE
25 Aug
Dispatch No. 167
CSR and Community Programmes for Incentive Groups in Japan
Food
25 Aug
Dispatch No. 166
Japan's Craft Beer Scene: Breweries, Taprooms and Where to Send Clients
Trade Guide
25 Aug
Dispatch No. 165
Running a Japan Fam Trip: What to Show Agents and What to Skip
Trade Guide
24 Aug
Dispatch No. 164
Pre-Wedding Photography in Japan: Permits, Seasons and Running the Shoot
Transport
24 Aug
Dispatch No. 163
Japan's Scenic Railways: The Local Lines Worth Building a Day Around
Transport
24 Aug
Dispatch No. 162
Japan's Secondary Gateways: Flying Clients Through the Regional Airports
Experiences
23 Aug
Dispatch No. 161
Japanese Baseball and Sports Tourism: An Overlooked Sell
Outdoors
23 Aug
Dispatch No. 160
Cycling Japan Beyond Shimanami: Routes, Rentals and Rail Logistics
Wellness
23 Aug
Dispatch No. 159
Forest Bathing and Wellness in Japan: Shinrin-yoku for the Trade
Outdoors
22 Aug
Dispatch No. 158
Hiking and Trekking in Japan: Seasons, Huts and the Fuji Climb
Trade Guide
22 Aug
Dispatch No. 157
Selling Japan Responsibly: Overtourism, Dispersal and What Agents Can Actually Do
Experiences
22 Aug
Dispatch No. 156
Digital Art in Japan: teamLab and the Immersive Museums, for Agents
Planning
21 Aug
Dispatch No. 155
Booking Terms in Japan: Deposits, Cancellation Windows and Why They Are Tighter Than You Expect
Culture
21 Aug
Dispatch No. 154
Omiyage: Japan's Gift Culture and What It Means for Your Clients
Food
21 Aug
Dispatch No. 153
Japan's Seasonal Seafood Calendar: What's Good, Where, and When
Transport
20 Aug
Dispatch No. 152
Beyond the Rails: Highway Buses and Ferries in Japan
MICE
20 Aug
Dispatch No. 151
Japanese Business Etiquette for MICE Delegates: The Brief That Prevents Problems
Onsen
20 Aug
Dispatch No. 150
Tattoos and Onsen in Japan: What Has Actually Changed
Trade Guide
19 Aug
Dispatch No. 149
Duty of Care for Groups in Japan: Medical, Insurance and Incident Planning
Destinations
19 Aug
Dispatch No. 148
Japan's Other Islands: Yakushima, Sado, Amami, Oki and the Ogasawara
Trade Guide
19 Aug
Dispatch No. 147
Licensed Guides and Interpreters in Japan: What Agents Need to Know
Seasonal
18 Aug
Dispatch No. 146
Beyond Cherry Blossom: Japan's Flower Calendar Month by Month
Experiences
18 Aug
Dispatch No. 145
Japan's Museums and Galleries: A Trade Guide to What's Worth the Half-Day
Seasonal
18 Aug
Dispatch No. 144
Japan's Winter Festivals: The Snow-Country Event Calendar for Travel Agents
Food
17 Aug
Dispatch No. 143
Japan's Coffee Culture: Kissaten, Third Wave and Where to Send Clients
Experiences
17 Aug
Dispatch No. 142
Screen Tourism in Japan: Building Film and TV Location Itineraries That Work
Planning
17 Aug
Dispatch No. 141
Japan Travel Glossary: The Trade Terms Every Agent Selling Japan Should Know
Planning
12 Aug
Dispatch No. 140
What to Pack for Japan: A Trade Packing Guide by Season and Itinerary
Planning
12 Aug
Dispatch No. 139
Japan's Peak Travel Periods: Golden Week, Obon and New Year Explained for the Trade
Transport
12 Aug
Dispatch No. 138
Self-Drive Japan: A Trade Guide to Road Trips, Car Rental and Where Driving Beats the Train
Culture
3 Aug
Dispatch No. 137
Kimono Experiences in Japan: A Trade Guide to Rentals, Dressing and Where to Wear One
Culture
3 Aug
Dispatch No. 136
Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Trade Guide to the Country's Great Icons
Planning
3 Aug
Dispatch No. 135
Second-Time Japan: A Trade Guide to Where to Send Repeat Visitors
Food
24 Jul
Dispatch No. 134
Japan Fine Dining: Sushi, Kaiseki and Michelin
Planning
24 Jul
Dispatch No. 133
Solo Travel in Japan: A Trade Guide
Planning
24 Jul
Dispatch No. 132
Japan Typhoon Season, Weather and Safety Planning
Kyushu
23 Jul
Dispatch No. 131
Beppu and Yufuin: A Trade Guide to Kyushu's Great Onsen Towns
Food
23 Jul
Dispatch No. 130
Japan After Dark: A Trade Guide to Izakaya, Bars and Nightlife
Nagano
23 Jul
Dispatch No. 129
Jigokudani Snow Monkeys: Nagano's Winter Wildlife
Planning
22 Jul
Dispatch No. 128
Staying Connected in Japan: SIM, eSIM and Pocket Wi-Fi for Groups
Planning
22 Jul
Dispatch No. 127
Money and IC Cards in Japan: Suica and Cashless
Destinations
22 Jul
Dispatch No. 126
Kobe: Beef, Bay Views and the Easy Kansai Add-On Agents Miss
Seasonal
15 Jul
Dispatch No. 125
Japan Plum Blossom Season: The Quiet Prelude to Cherry Blossom
Experiences
15 Jul
Dispatch No. 124
Japan's Pottery and Craft Towns: Selling the Handmade Country
Destinations
15 Jul
Dispatch No. 123
Nagasaki: History, Harbour and Japan's Most International City
Food
14 Jul
Dispatch No. 122
Japan Regional Ramen Guide: Nine Bowls That Map the Country
Experiences
14 Jul
Dispatch No. 121
Japan's Tea Regions: Uji, Shizuoka and Matcha
Destinations
14 Jul
Dispatch No. 120
Nagoya and Central Japan: The Gateway Agents Keep Overlooking
Transport
13 Jul
Dispatch No. 119
Shinkansen Classes: Ordinary, Green Car, Gran Class
Luxury
13 Jul
Dispatch No. 118
Private Jet and Helicopter Charters in Japan
Food
13 Jul
Dispatch No. 117
What to Eat in Tokyo: A Trade Food Guide
Planning
12 Jul
Dispatch No. 116
Haneda vs Narita: Japan Airports and Transfers
Planning
12 Jul
Dispatch No. 115
Japan Shopping Guide: Tax-Free from Nov 2026
Food
12 Jul
Dispatch No. 114
Toyosu Fish Market: Tokyo's Tuna Culture
Destinations
10 Jul
Dispatch No. 113
Fukuoka Travel Guide: Yatai, Hakata and Kyushu
Food
10 Jul
Dispatch No. 112
Vegetarian and Vegan Japan: How Groups Eat Well
Food
10 Jul
Dispatch No. 111
Wagyu and Kobe Beef in Japan: A Trade Guide
Destinations
9 Jul
Dispatch No. 110
Best Day Trips from Tokyo: Kamakura to Hakone
Destinations
9 Jul
Dispatch No. 109
Fushimi Inari and Japan's Great Shrines
Destinations
9 Jul
Dispatch No. 108
Japan Winter Illuminations: The Best Displays
Destinations
8 Jul
Dispatch No. 107
Japan's Bamboo Forests: Arashiyama and Beyond for a Quieter Grove
Destinations
8 Jul
Dispatch No. 106
Japan Castle Towns: Himeji, Matsumoto, Kanazawa
Destinations
8 Jul
Dispatch No. 105
Japan Waterfalls and Nature Escapes
Itineraries
7 Jul
Dispatch No. 104
Japan 7-Day Itinerary: The Best One-Week Route
Itineraries
7 Jul
Dispatch No. 103
Japan Itinerary Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide
Itineraries
7 Jul
Dispatch No. 102
Japan 2-Week Itinerary: The Ultimate 14-Day Route
Seasonal
6 Jul
Dispatch No. 101
New Year in Japan: Programming Oshogatsu
Seasonal
6 Jul
Dispatch No. 100
Japan in June: Why the Rainy Season Is a Secret Worth Selling
Experiences
6 Jul
Dispatch No. 99
Japan Senior Travel: Slow Programs That Sell
Destinations
5 Jul
Dispatch No. 98
Ise-Shima: Japan's Most Sacred Shrine and the Pearl Coast
Experiences
5 Jul
Dispatch No. 97
Japan Photography Tours: Built Around the Shot
B2B
5 Jul
Dispatch No. 96
Japan School Trips and Educational Tours
Source Markets
4 Jul
Dispatch No. 95
Selling Japan in Southeast Asia: Singapore to Manila
Experiences
4 Jul
Dispatch No. 94
Japan Golf Tours: Courses, Caddies and Culture
Luxury
4 Jul
Dispatch No. 93
Japan Luxury Train Journeys: Seven Stars and More
Experiences
4 Jul
Dispatch No. 92
Kumano Kodo & Forest Bathing: Japan's Wellness Travel Product
Destinations
4 Jul
Dispatch No. 91
Matsumoto & Nagano: The Japan Alps Circuit Agents Overlook
Destinations
4 Jul
Dispatch No. 90
Sendai Tours and Matsushima Bay: Tohoku's Gateway
Experiences
3 Jul
Dispatch No. 89
Japan Onsen Etiquette: Preparing First-Timers
Destinations
3 Jul
Dispatch No. 88
Yokohama Day Trip: Japan's Second City in Half a Day from Tokyo
Accessibility
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 87
Accessible Japan Tours: A Trade Guide
Cruise
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 86
Japan Cruise Shore Excursions: Port Days
Source Markets
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 85
What British Clients Book in Japan: A UK Agent Guide
Events
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 84
Japan Events 2026 and 2027: The Trade Calendar
Experiences
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 83
Japan Garden Tours: Kenrokuen, Ritsurin, Adachi
Luxury
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 82
Japan Hotel Openings 2026 and 2027: The Pipeline
News
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 81
Japan Tourist Tax and Rules 2026: A Reference
Visa
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 80
Japan Visa Policy 2026 and JESTA Explained
Destinations
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 79
Shikoku Travel Guide: Iya Valley and Dogo Onsen
Luxury
2 Jul
Dispatch No. 78
Top Japan Luxury Hotels and Resorts 2026
Source Markets
1 Jul
Dispatch No. 77
What American Clients Book in Japan: A US Agent Guide
News
1 Jul
Dispatch No. 76
Japan Travel News July 2026: Tax, Fuji and More
Seasonal
1 Jul
Dispatch No. 75
Japan Winter Tours: Snow Monkeys, Onsen, Festivals
Destinations
1 Jul
Dispatch No. 74
Kamakura Day Trip: Great Buddha and Enoshima
Experiences
1 Jul
Dispatch No. 73
Koyasan Temple Stay: Selling the Shukubo Night
Destinations
1 Jul
Dispatch No. 72
Takayama & the Hida Region: Old Japan in the Alps for Tour Groups
Source Markets
30 Jun
Dispatch No. 71
Selling Japan to Australians: Products, Gateways, Rates
Experiences
30 Jun
Dispatch No. 70
Japan Honeymoon Tours: Programs Couples Love
Seasonal
30 Jun
Dispatch No. 69
Japan Summer Festivals: Matsuri for Groups
Destinations
30 Jun
Dispatch No. 68
Kyoto Private Tours: The Complete Agent Guide
Destinations
30 Jun
Dispatch No. 67
Kyushu Japan Tours: A Region Guide for Agents
Destinations
30 Jun
Dispatch No. 66
Nikko: The Day Trip That Completes Every Tokyo Itinerary
Experiences
30 Jun
Dispatch No. 65
Shimanami Kaido: Japan's Best Cycling Tour
Destinations
29 Jun
Dispatch No. 64
Hiroshima & Miyajima: How Agents Sell Japan's Most Powerful Day
Seasonal
29 Jun
Dispatch No. 63
Japan Cherry Blossom Tours: Planning Hanami
Experiences
29 Jun
Dispatch No. 62
Japan Family Tours: Building Trips with Kids
MICE
29 Jun
Dispatch No. 61
Japan MICE & Incentive Travel: A Complete DMC Guide for Planners
Destinations
29 Jun
Dispatch No. 60
Kanazawa Japan Tours: The Underrated City
Seasons
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 59
Best Time to Visit Japan: A Travel Agent's Season-by-Season Guide
Groups
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 58
How to Plan a Japan Group Tour: A Step-by-Step Guide for Agents
Itineraries
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 57
Japan 10-Day Itinerary: The Golden Route and Beyond for Agents
Trade Guide
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 56
First-Time Japan Travel Tips to Brief Clients On
Itineraries
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 55
Japan Multi-City Tour Packages: Planning Client Journeys
Experiences
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 54
Japan Samurai and Sumo Experiences to Sell
Trade Guide
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 53
Japan Tour Operator vs DMC: What's the Difference for Agents?
Culture
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 52
Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience: A Trade Guide
Destinations
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 51
Mount Fuji Tours: How Agents Sell Japan's Most-Wanted View
Destinations
25 Jun
Dispatch No. 50
Nara Day Trip: The Easy Half-Day Between Kyoto and Osaka
Destinations
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 49
Hokkaido Tours: Selling Japan's Two-Season North for Agents
Seasons
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 48
Japan Autumn Foliage Tours: Selling the Second Peak Season
Weddings
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 47
Destination Weddings in Japan: A Guide for Travel Agents
Luxury
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 46
Japan Luxury Travel: Selling the High End for Travel Agents
Rail
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 45
Japan Rail Pass for Groups: Getting the Rail Maths Right
Culinary
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 44
Japan Sake Tasting Tours and Whisky Experiences
Trade Guide
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 43
Japan Visa Requirements by Country: What Agents Should Know
Destinations
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 42
Okinawa Beach and Diving Tours: Japan's Subtropical Counterpoint
Destinations
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 41
Osaka Tours: How Agents Sell Japan's Kitchen and Kansai Base
Tokyo
24 Jun
Dispatch No. 40
Tokyo Private Guide: Why It Transforms a Client's First Day
Pop Culture
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 39
Anime Tours Japan: Pop-Culture Itineraries
Experiences
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 38
How to Entertain Clients in Japan: Signature Ideas
Theme Parks
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 37
Japan Theme Parks: Universal, Disney and Beyond
Culture
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 36
Japanese Culture Experiences Agents Can Sell
Trends
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 35
What's New in Japan 2026: Openings to Watch
Adventure
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 34
Japan Adventure Tours: Outdoor Activities
Private Tours
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 33
Private Tours of Japan: One-of-a-Kind Itineraries
Tokyo
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 32
Things to Do in Tokyo: A Travel Agent's Shortlist by Interest
Experiences
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 31
Beyond the Golden Route: Unique Japan Activities That Sell
Culinary
23 Jun
Dispatch No. 30
Unique Restaurants in Japan: Unforgettable Tables
Destinations
19 Jun
Dispatch No. 29
Hiroshima and Miyajima: A Travel Trade Guide
Destinations
18 Jun
Dispatch No. 28
The Seto Inland Sea: Art Islands and Setouchi
Inbound
17 Jun
Dispatch No. 27
Japan DMC vs Booking Direct: Why Agents Need One
Trade Guide
16 Jun
Dispatch No. 26
How to Choose the Best Japan DMC: A Travel Agent's Checklist
Inbound
15 Jun
Dispatch No. 25
Inbound Travel Japan 2026: Demand and Trends
MICE
14 Jun
Dispatch No. 24
Japan MICE DMC: Operating Incentive Groups
Trade Guide
13 Jun
Dispatch No. 23
Why Japan? The Complete Japan DMC Guide for Travel Agents
Cherry Blossom
12 Jun
Dispatch No. 22
Selling Japan's Cherry Blossom Season: A DMC Guide
Food
11 Jun
Dispatch No. 21
Japanese Food Tourism: A DMC Guide to Culinary Japan
Temples
10 Jun
Dispatch No. 20
Japan's Temples & Shrines: A DMC Guide to Heritage Tours
Ski
9 Jun
Dispatch No. 19
Selling Japan's Ski Season: A DMC Guide to the Powder
Itineraries
8 Jun
Dispatch No. 18
The Japan Golden Route: A DMC Guide for Travel Agents
Pricing
7 Jun
Dispatch No. 17
Net Rates Explained: How a Japan DMC Prices Your Inbound Programs
Destinations
6 Jun
Dispatch No. 16
Tohoku Region Guide: Festivals, Onsen and Culture
Rail
5 Jun
Dispatch No. 15
Japan Inbound Rail: Transfers and the JR Pass
Destinations
4 Jun
Dispatch No. 14
Day Trips from Osaka: Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Koyasan and Kinosaki
Luxury
3 Jun
Dispatch No. 13
Luxury Japan DMC: Ryokan, Onsen and Private Touring
Destinations
2 Jun
Dispatch No. 12
Kansai Region Guide: Kyoto, Osaka and Nara
Destinations
30 May
Dispatch No. 11
Shirakawa-go and the Japan Alps: A Trade Guide
India
28 May
Dispatch No. 10
Japan for the Indian Market: Weddings, Groups and FITs
Destinations
26 May
Dispatch No. 9
Hokkaido Group Tours: Powder, Lavender and Seafood at Net Rates
Middle East
22 May
Dispatch No. 8
Halal-Friendly Japan for GCC Travellers: A Trade Guide
Destinations
20 May
Dispatch No. 7
Chugoku Region Guide: Hiroshima, Okayama and the San'in Coast
Off-Season
15 May
Dispatch No. 6
Off-Season Japan Inbound: Tohoku and Kyushu
Food
12 May
Dispatch No. 5
What to Eat in Osaka: A Food Guide for Selling Japan's Kitchen
FAQ
8 May
Dispatch No. 4
Japan DMC FAQ: What Travel Agents Ask Before Booking Inbound
Planning
5 May
Dispatch No. 3
Where to Go in Japan by Month: A Seasonal Guide
Groups
30 Apr
Dispatch No. 2
Group Travel to Japan: How a DMC Handles 20–200 Pax Inbound
Destinations
25 Apr
Dispatch No. 1
Kinosaki and Hakone: Japan's Classic Onsen Towns
FAQ
Questions agents ask about the blog.
How often does Explera publish new trade articles?
Most days. Every article is published in nine languages — English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and Russian — and announced in the blog RSS feed.
Who writes the Explera trade blog?
The Japan trade desk that quotes and operates the programmes, not a separate content team. Each article carries its publish date, and a revised article shows the date it was updated.
Can I get a quotation for a programme an article describes?
Yes. Email b2b@explera.jp with your travel dates, group size and the article you read, and we return a net-rate quotation, white-label, usually within 24 hours.