Jetsettersblog

IsramWorld launched a new dedicated brochure for Japan, showing programs operated by its Orient Flexi-Pax subsidiary and produced in cooperation with Japan National Tourism Organization and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The tours span from three to nine days with varying destinations and themes, such as classic city tours, family fun, heritage and history. Though previous IsramWorld brochures have included Japan, this is Isram’s first brochure for Japan only.

For high-end clients, IsramWorld offers Japan by Private Car. Private tours are led by specialists with in-depth knowledge of Japan and are customized to suit the traveler’s interests and preferences. Highlights of the new program include a private tour of the Tsukiji Market with a culinary expert, a visit to a Zen temple with a Buddhist monk, a fashion and trend-spotting tour in Tokyo, dinner with a geisha, a sake tasting with rice wine experts, and a private Japanese calligraphy lesson. For more information, call 800-223-7460 or email info@isram.com

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The 290-room Palace Hotel Tokyo, which has been closed since January 2009, will reopen May 17 after a $1.2 billion renovation. The hotel, located near the Imperial Palace in the Marunouchi district on a moat-side location, will begin accepting reservations on Feb. 1.

The property succeeds two previous hotels, the Hotel Teito and Palace Hotel, which occupied the same site from 1947 and 1961, respectively. Like its predecessors, Palace Hotel Tokyo will preserve its independence and a distinct commitment to homegrown hospitality. “This hotel is Japanese through and through, from its ownership and management, to its service protocols and its picture-perfect location by the Imperial Palace gardens and moats,” said Palace Hotel Tokyo President, Takashi Kobayashi. The hotel’s Evian Spa Tokyo is only the second Evian Spa outside of France, and offers views of the city from its fifth-floor location.

The French restaurant Crown opens as collaboration with Patrick Henriroux, who runs two-Michelin-starred La Pyramide in Vienne, France. Within the hotel’s Japanese restaurant Wadakura, the sushi operation will be managed by Shinji Kanesaka, who also owns the landmark, two-star Sushi Kanesaka in Ginza. And the Chinese restaurant Amber Palace will be operated by the Chugoku Hanten Group, which also operates Tokyo’s two-star Fureika. In a city better known for its density of construction, the 23-story Palace Hotel Tokyo takes in long sight lines from every room and nearly all of the hotel’s public space.

The hotel will have 12 suites and six categories of guest rooms, the smallest of which will be 45 square meters. Beyond the four destination restaurants, an additional six restaurants and bars round out the hotel’s food and beverage opportunities. The uppermost of four basement levels will feature 17 retail outlets. The same level will also provide underground passage to the Otemachi subway station, which will be completed in the spring of 2013. The city’s landmark Tokyo Station is within easy walking distance of the hotel.

The Imperial Palace, next door, is a 3.5-square-kilometer green space in the heart of the city. The area figures prominently in the city’s heritage, dating back to 1603 when the Tokugawa Shoguns founded their capital here and established their residence at Edo Castle. The hotel’s main entrance is located across the street from Otemon Gate, once the main gate of Edo Castle. One of the hotel’s distinguishing architectural features is at its main entrance, where Aji stone walls echo the same stonework that lines the imperial moats. Palace Hotel Tokyo has secured a spot in the Leading Hotels of the World portfolio.

InsideJapan Tours recommends when to go to Japan for new openings, festivals and fun in the Year of the Dragon.

January: See ancient sites, such as Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion Temple, sparkle with a dusting of snow or head to the Alps to watch snow monkeys bathe in hot spring pools; on Hokkaido, see the graceful Japanese red cranes perform dances as the orange sun sets over the pure white snowfields of Tsurui.

15 January – Nozawa Fire Festival, Nagano
This intense celebration of health and growth brings heat to the snowy slopes of Nozawa, the country’s oldest ski resort. Fireworks and bonfires light up the village and the skies above whilst large amounts of sake are consumed by the locals and visitors alike.

How to get there:
The ‘Alpine Winter Culture’ self guided adventure heads from Tokyo to the Japanese Alps for a 9 night trip taking in the exciting Fire Festival, visits the ‘Snow monkey’ of Yudanaka, stays in the atmospheric Zenkoji temple and the alpine castle town of Matsumoto. Costs £1,450pp (two sharing), departs 9th January.

February: In the north, after a day in the sublime snow, relax in outdoor hot spring pools, surrounded by snow-covered rocks; meanwhile, in the southern sub-tropical Okinawa islands, bathe in warm sea waters as the cherry tree blossom awakens.

6-12 February – Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido
One of the country’s most sense-assaulting festivals with spectacular snow sculptures, bright lights, traditional and pop music, and a vast array of food, beer and sake.

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Winter Highlights’ small group tour incorporates the excitement of the snow festival and a host of winter wildlife-watching opportunities including dancing Japanese cranes and sea eagles on the remote Shiretoko Peninsula. Costs £3,250 pp (two sharing), departs 3 February

March: Plum tree blossom provides the first sign of the transition to spring and is a pretty prelude to the more celebrated cherry tree blossom.

11 March – first anniversary of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami

24-25 March – Tokyo International Anime Fair
This quirky fair brings some of the most famous artists, film studios, manga characters and creators from the animation world together and is visited by fanatics in their hordes.

How to get there:
The 13-night ‘Spring Elegance’ small group tour takes in pulsating Tokyo, followed by time in the Alps to appreciate pristine nature and to see the cherry blossom. Costs £2,650 pp (two sharing), departs 25 March

April: As the country looks pretty in pink, the country enters the ‘hanami’ season, when the nation gathers in groups under the cherry blossom to drink, eat and be merry.

14-15 April – Takayama Festival
The ancient castle town of Takayama hosts this most popular celebration of spring. The streets are lined with magnificent floats (yatai) crafted by local artisans and are crowded with people carrying colourful portable shrines (mikoshi).

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Traditional Japan’ self-guided adventure winds through the heart of the Japanese Alps and includes a stay in a traditional ryokan in Takayama. Costs £2,370 pp (two sharing

May: The ideal time to see Japan, when the temperature is perfect for sightseeing. The foliage in temple gardens, castle grounds and vast public parks is stunning at this time of year.

22 May – opening of The Tokyo Sky Tree
This 643 metre-tall structure will ensure a seamless transition to digital broadcasting. The Tokyo Sky Tree will be one of the tallest towers in the world, providing unforgettable views over and beyond the metropolis.

How to get there:
A new signature tour from InsideJapan Tours’ guide Tom Orman, the 11-night ‘Emperor’s Footsteps’ itinerary takes participants into the mountains, along the parts of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path and to ancient shrines, with stays in traditional Japanese ryokan and dips in hot springs along the way. Costs £2,150 pp (two sharing), departs 22 May

June: As the snow melts away across Hokkaido, this remote wilderness, unaffected by the rainy season, becomes a little-known haven for hikers, cyclers and campers. Walk amidst tulips, pink moss and lavender, and savour local seafood dishes and Hokkaido cheeses.

1-2 June – Takigi Noh
Head to the Heian Shrine in culture-rich Kyoto to see graceful Takigi Noh theatre performances taking place by flaming torch-light

How to get there:
The 16-night ‘Hokkaido Fly Drive’ self-guided adventure is highly recommended for those who wish to appreciate the panoramic beauty of Hokkaido. Costs £2,830 pp (two sharing)

July: As the level of humidity soars during the Japanese summer, head to fresh air at altitude with a climb up Mt Fuji. The official climbing season is from 1 July – 31 August, and is popular with pilgrims who aim to reach the sacred mountain’s summit of 3,776 metres in time for sunrise.

27-29 July – Fuji Rock festival
Japan’s answer to Glastonbury – without the litter-strewn surroundings – takes place in the mountains of Niigata. 2012′s line-up includes The Stone Roses.

How to get there:
The 7-night ‘Fuji Rock’ self-guided adventure starts in Tokyo and includes the Fuji Rock festival experience. Costs £902 pp (two sharing), including accommodation in Tokyo, festival ticket, tent and transfers. Departs 24 July,

August: Matsuri (festival) madness sets upon Japan in August with the Aomori Nebuta, Akita Kanto and Sendai Tanabata Festivals in the Tohoku region. Fireworks, kimonos, takoyaki (fried octopus), taiko drummers, flute players and floats create an unforgettable and kaleidoscopic picture of Japanese culture.

29 July – 17 September – The triennial Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival
A sprawling display of modern art covering 760km2 across the Echigo region in the mountainous Niigata prefecture – nearly 600 artists from 40 countries scatter their works across terraced rice fields, amidst forested hills and throughout tiny rural villages.

How to get there:
The ten-night ‘Festivals of Japan’ self-guided adventure is designed to give travellers a taste of Tohoku’s summer extravaganzas and more. Costs £1,254 pp (two sharing), see details here*. Meanwhile, the 14-night ‘A Northern Soul’ small group tour heads up through the rural Tohoku region at £2,650 pp (two sharing), departs 12 August,

September: Stay in the samurai castle city of Matsumoto and spend time in the mountains, where you might catch a glimpse of the rare Asiatic black bear that inhabits the forests of central Honshu.

22-23 September – Tokyo Game Show
Welcoming a record number of visitors last year (over 222,668), the Tokyo Game Show is an awesome forum for computer gamers and geeks to try out the latest innovations, including products for smart phones, future phones and PCs.

How to get there:
A new signature tour from InsideJapan Tours’ guide Liam Chawdhary, the 14-night ‘Hands on Japan’ itinerary includes a plethora of cultural experiences from kimono-wearing, pottery-making and the tea ceremony, to a trip to a wasabi farm, taiko-drumming and the chance to see a Sumo wrestling match, plus foodie experiences. Costs £2,700 pp (two sharing), departs 9 September,

October: The ‘koyo’ (autumn leaf viewing) season sees Japan ablaze with colour. Steeped in history and home to the Toshu-gu-shrine, the national park of Nikko, located at 1,269 metres above sea level, boasts glorious ‘koyo’ opportunities near the Chuzenji Lake.

23-30 October – Tokyo Fashion Week
A feast for the eyes but in a completely different format – the world’s top designers and fashionistas descend upon the capital city for this week of global glamour.

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Essential Honshu’ small group tour heads to the stunning Kamikochi National Park for an appreciation of autumnal aesthetics, to the hot springs in Hakone National Park plus Osaka and then Tokyo, in time for fashion week. Costs £2,400pp (two sharing), departs 13 October,

November: The district of Arashiyama is one of the most cultural parts of Kyoto and, in the autumn, the most colourful, too, as the mountain-covering maple trees turn red, gold and yellow.

1-10 November – Gion Odori (autumn dances)
Tickets to these enchanting performances by Kyoto’s geisha are highly sought after.

How to get there:
The nine-night ‘Tokaido Trail’ incorporates the classic sights of Tokyo and Kyoto, including ‘Gion Odori’, Mt Fuji, the Hakone National Park and the coastal temple town of Kamakura, with smooth transfers by shinkansen. Costs £1550pp (two sharing), departs 3 November, see details here.*

December: Join the Japanese as they wind down for the most important annual celebration – New Year. Bonenkai (literally translated as ‘parties to forget the year’) are held amongst colleagues and friends, and on New Year’s Eve itself, families eat buckwheat noodles symbolizing longevity and visit temples at midnight.

31 December – shogatsu (Japanese New Year)
New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together.

How to get there:
The ’7 Night Price Cruncher’ covers the classic sights of Japan on a budget taking in Tokyo, the Hakone national Park and the cultural capital of Kyoto on a self guided adventure. Costs £648pp (two sharing) departing throughout the year.

* Prices exclusive of flights

For further information: InsideJapan Tours; www.insidejapantours.com;  tel: 0117 370 9733

Japan Rail East’s new Kanto Area Pass offers unlimited rides on the Bullet Trains and all other Japan Rail Trains in the Kanto Area. The pass works well for clients visiting Tokyo and the surrounding areas. The pass not only gets you around Tokyo but also to many of the top sightseeing stops nearby, such as Mt. Fuji, Ise and Nikko. The pass is also valid for travel to and from both Narita and Haneda Airports.

DUBAI, UAE – Emirates welcomed its 20th Airbus A380 to its rapidly expanding fleet by announcing Melbourne and Tokyo as two new destinations for its flagship aircraft in 2012.

Melbourne joined the Emirates network in 1996 and the airline now operates three daily flights from Dubai, one non-stop, one via Singapore and the other via Kuala Lumpur. The A380 will operate as EK406, the non-stop flight from Dubai to Melbourne and on to Auckland from 1st October 2012.

Melbourne’s A380 service will be Emirates’ second A380 operation in Australia and New Zealand, following the introduction of the aircraft on the Dubai-Sydney-Auckland route in 2009.

In 2012, Emirates will be celebrating its tenth year of services between Dubai and Japan, and its third year of operating to Narita International Airport. Demand on the Dubai – Tokyo route has continued to grow, prompting the need for the daily service to be operated by an A380 from 1st July 2012.

Emirates’ A380 service to Tokyo will operate as EK 318 departing Dubai at 0250hrs and arriving at Narita International Airport at 1735hrs the same day. The return flight of EK 319 departs Narita at 2200hrs and touches down in Dubai at 0415hrs the following day.

“This announcement demonstrates our commitment to the Far East and Australasian region, as Emirates takes delivery of its 20th Airbus A380 aircraft,” said Richard Jewsbury, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East & Australasia.

“Emirates not only offers a world-class in-flight experience but a superior global network. The announcement of enhanced services into Melbourne and Tokyo comes as we introduce flights from Dubai to Dublin, our 29th European destination and Dubai to Buenos Aires, via Rio de Janeiro, our latest South American destinations,” added Mr Jewsbury.

Emirates took delivery of its first A380 in July 2008 and since that date the number of A380 destinations on the Emirates network has grown and will reach 17 on 1st January 2012 with the addition of Kuala Lumpur.

About the Emirates A380
Set in a three-class configuration (14 First, 76 Business and 399 Economy Class seats), the Emirates A380 offers a level of comfort and space never seen before on a commercial airliner. Spread over two levels, the entire upper deck is dedicated to Premium Class passengers.

Towards the front, First Class passengers can relax in flat-bed, massage-equipped Private Suites and refresh by enjoying one of the onboard Shower Spa’s. Complete with all the luxuries you would normally expect in a five-star hotel, from heated flooring and leather seating to special little touches, such as fresh exotic flowers, Emirates’ Shower Spa is an experience unmatched by other commercial airlines.

Business Class passengers can enjoy a new generation of intelligent seating designed to ensure all 76 flat-bed seats have aisle access. The upper deck also features an onboard lounge for First and Business Class passengers, which provides the opportunity for passengers to stretch out, socialise and enjoy a gourmet selection of on-demand beverages and canapés.

Passengers in Economy will appreciate the straight walls throughout the cabin that lend to a more spacious ambience, enhanced by generous seats and wider aisles. Emirates’ bespoke and award-winning in-flight system ‘ice’ (information, communication and entertainment) offers over 1000 channels of on-demand entertainment on the A380 – the largest selection of programming in the sky.

The Emirates’ A380 sets a new milestone in environmental conservation, offering better fuel economy per passenger mile than most hybrid passenger cars. Emirates A380 Destinations Emirates’ A380 currently operate services from Dubai to London Heathrow (double-daily, triple daily from 24th January 2012 and four times a day from 25th March 2012), Manchester, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Rome, Munich, Toronto, Seoul, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, Jeddah, New York, Hong Kong, Sydney, Johannesburg and Auckland. From 1st January 2012, the A380 will be deployed on the Kuala Lumpur route.

American Airlines and Japan Airlines, who have a joint business agreement over the Pacific, are holding a fare sale for travel on continental United States routes to Japan as well as select cities in China. The offer is valid for roundtrip travel originating and ticketed in the United States on select Economy Class fares booked online. Outbound travel is allowed between Jan. 23 and April 1, and all travel must be completed by April 30.

In addition, to celebrate Japan Airlines’ new service between Boston and Tokyo Narita, scheduled to begin April 22 (subject to government approval), customers can earn double AAdvantage miles or JAL Mileage Bank miles every time they fly the new nonstop service using qualifying Business Class and most Economy Class fares between April 22 and June 30. Both carriers belong to the oneworld airline alliance.

There are many ways to experience the beauty of Kyoto, and now there’s a new one — by marathon. Japan specialist travel agency KIE/Kintetsu International was selected as one of the travel agencies in the U.S. to offer travel packages to the Kyoto Marathon in 2012. The city’s first full marathon will be held on March 11, 2012. This date also marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.

The event’s goal is to raise funds for the reconstruction of the affected areas as well as revitalization of Kyoto and Japan. The marathon will start from the Nishikyogoku Sport Park and finish in front of the Heian Shrine. Runners will run along the Kamo River, past seven World Heritage sites, and along the five hills famous for their August festival bonfires. About 15,000 runners are expected to attend this event. KIE’s Exclusive Kyoto Marathon Land Package includes three nights hotel accommodations, shuttle bus from hotel to starting point, guaranteed entry into the marathon and a donation to charity. For more information, call 800-422-3481 or email info@japanforyou.com

Hilton Niseko Village today is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the 53rd annual ski competition, “World Airlines Ski Championship (WASC)” as the official hotel from 4 to 8 March, 2012.

WASC is an annual ski and snowboard competition organized by IASF, International Airline Ski Federation, and has been held annually for over 50 years.

Founded in 1960, this will be the second time that the WASC is held in Japan, having held it in Naeba in Niigata prefecture in 1978. In 2012, 600 attendees including competitors from more than 30 airline companies including Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines and Qantas Airwaysand supporters are expected to gather in Niseko for three race disciplines; Alpine, Snowboard and Nordic. Darryl Marsden, General Manager of Hilton Niseko Village says, “Hilton Niseko Village has always been renowned to be a perfect base to enjoy the beauty Niseko has to offer. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase sports tourism in Japan and also to present Niseko as an international resort to over 600 key airline personnel, colleagues and travelers.”

Hilton Niseko Village is now inviting sponsorship locally and internationally to be part of this high profile international sports event. Additional information about WASC in Niseko is also available at http://wasc-japan2012.com

Cruise specialists ecruising.travel have released savings of more than $6000 per person on their Ultimate Asia cruise/tour for 2012 which travels through China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong including a 12-night cruise on-board the luxury Azamara Quest, now available from $7549 per person.

There is also the bonus of a free night stop over at the historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore on the way back to Australia if you book by December 31.

The 23-night package begins in Beijing China, where you will visit the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall before travelling to the UNESCO World Heritage site- the Summer Palace. From here you will fly to Xian for the famous Terracotta Warriors first discovered by a local farmer in 1974, from there continue to Shanghai to visit the highlights of the city before boarding your vessel.

The cruise has port stops in Busan, Hiroshima, Kobe, Kagoshima, Taipei and Hualien before arriving at Hong Kong.

Departing Australia on March 5, 2012 the package includes return economy airfares with Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, domestic flights within China, two nights’ accommodation at Raffles in Beijing, Aman Resort at the Summer Palace Beijing, The Sofitel in Xian, The Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, eight days of fully escorted sight-seeing with an English speaking guide through-out China and all entrance fees, most local meals whilst in China including famous Dim Sum dinner and Peking duck specialities, 12 nights cruise accommodation with full board and entertainment and all transfers.

For more information on the ship and itinerary contact ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out their new website www.ecruising.travel

St. Regis attains coveted Five Pavilions Award in new Michelin
Red Guide Kyoto Osaka Kobe Nara 2012

OSAKA (November 24, 2011) – General Manager Mr. Tetsuya Ishihara, is delighted to announce The St. Regis Osaka has been awarded the highest rating possible for a hotel by Michelin, the Five Pavilions Award, in their new Michelin Red Guide for “Kyoto Osaka Kobe Nara 2012″ which was published on October 21, 2011.

The internationally renowned Michelin Guides are famous as being the premium gourmet guides to the finest restaurants around the world. As well as evaluating restaurants, Michelin also inspects hotels. The Five Pavilion Award is given to hotels by local, professional, anonymous inspectors, who carefully evaluate service level, quality, appearance and the overall pleasure derived from their experience at the hotel. The Five Pavilion Award is the highest rating attainable.

Far from being a simple listings directory, the annually updated Michelin Red Guide only selects the most decadent and high-class hotels to appear and The St. Regis Osaka is proud to be the newest entrant into the coveted book. The esteemed guide employs the same impeccable standards to classify hotels in 23 countries around the world. The guide sells approximately 10 million copies annually, is published in nine different languages and is on sale in 70 countries worldwide. The St. Regis Osaka will debut in the 3rd Michelin Red Guide to be produced specifically for Western Japan.

“This Five Pavilion Award is very gratifying,” proclaimed Mr. Tetsuya Ishihara, the general manager of The St. Regis Osaka, “working with all our associates, we will continue to provide wonderful hotel experiences in the tradition of the first St. Regis, the timeless St. Regis New York.”

The St. Regis Osaka, the highest standard of Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. opened on October 1, 2010 and is the first St. Regis to be opened in Japan, bringing the enduring legacy of this uncompromising brand to the heart of Osaka’s commercial and cultural district. The hotel offers cosmopolitan living and elegant dining at exquisite restaurants Rue d’Or and La Veduta, with The St. Regis Bar offering an artful, luxurious destination with a view for sophisticated cocktails and small plates. The St. Regis Butler Service, available any time, day or night, completes and enhances the bespoke service experience.

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About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first property, The St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, the St. Regis brand of hotels and residences is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance in the best destinations worldwide. Plans for the brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis US and Latin American hotels and resorts in Bal Harbour, Buenos Aires and the Riviera Maya. In Asia, St. Regis has also announced plans to open hotels in Changsha, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Lijiang, Sanya Yalong Bay, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Zhuhai. In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the St. Regis brand will continue to expand in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo, Doha and Mauritius. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention to detail through signature St. Regis Butler Service, coveted locations and luxurious design. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts please visit www.stregis.com and for the privilege of residential ownership please visit www.stregis.com/residences