Hyatt’s first beach resort in Japan prepares to open – on its own island
The Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa is the first Hyatt beach resort in Japan and it’s slated to open in August this year.
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7 pod hotels to catch some rest on World Sleep Day 2018
Today, 16 March, we celebrate the benefits of good and healthy sleep - it's World Sleep Day!
Good skin, a clear mind and better memory, these are only some of the benefits of a good night’s…
How Carnival’s new partnership will expand tourism in Japan and create Asian cruise hub
This time last year, the Japanese government announced confirmation of their plans to improve and enhance the capabilities of six ports, in order to attract investment from cruise lines and…
Bob Chapek unveils details of new Disney experiences at D23 Expo Japan 2018
D23 Expo Japan 2018: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Bob Chapek (main picture) shared exciting new details about the many ambitious projects underway around the world, from…
Agoda: top destinations for Asians during Chinese New Year 2018
Tokyo has overtaken Bangkok as the number one Chinese New Year (CNY) destination for Asian travellers in 2018, a title held by Bangkok for the last two years, according to global online…
Oakwood says ‘Ohayou’ to Osaka in summer 2018
Oakwood Worldwide is slated to open Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Shin-Osaka, with Yasuko Sugiyama as its GM, on the summer of 2018.
Kansai Airports trial SITA robot KATE to slash queues and reduce wait time
Kansai Airports, the operator of Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (ITAMI), is working with SITA on a trial of KATE – SITA’s intelligent check-in kiosk. KATE…
Hilton achieves landmark performance in APAC region
In 2017, Hilton achieved breakthrough growth and expansion in the Asia Pacific region with 40 new hotels opened. It now has a total of 220 hotels in operation with 415 still in the pipeline.
WATCH: Hotel in Japan introduces self-driving slippers
The ProPILOT Park Ryokan in Hakone combines Japanese traditional hospitality with Nissan’s autonomous driving technology to give guests some quirky amenities. It’s the first of its kind and…
Upgraded and enhanced:Korean luxury masters re-open Lotte Arai Resort
Lotte Hotels & Resorts, the largest luxury hotel group in Korea, opened Lotte Arai Resort in Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture at the end of 2017. The composite ski resort, equipped with…
W Hotels release schedule for Osaka debut
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, have announced the signing of W Osaka, slated to open in 2021. Owned by Sekisui House, a long-standing partner of Marriott International,…
Q&A: Setouchi Tourism Authority
Travel daily catches up with Tomohiro Muraki, director of the Setouchi Tourism Authority.
What is your role and how long have you held it?
Since 2013, I have led the…
Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen on course for early 2018 opening
Located in the centre of Sapporo’s Chuo-ku, or “central ward”, the brand-new Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen is surrounded by shops, leisure attractions, office buildings and the popular…
ANA Holding chairman is first two-time Person of the Year
Shinichiro Ito, chairman of the board of ANA HOLDINGS, was named the Person of the Year 2017 by Orient Aviation magazine, the commercial aviation news magazine in the Asia-Pacific region.…
TAT celebrates 130 years of Thai-Japanese relations with Bon Odori Festival
The Biennial Bon Odori Festival this year marked 130 years of Thai-Japanese diplomatic relations, and joined in the celebrations under the action-packed Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018…
WeChat Pay launches flagship at New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan has the world's first WeChat Pay flagship airport, with two terminal buildings, for both domestic and international services, connected to the payment…
Marriott and YTL Hotels 20 year relationship just got even stronger
Marriott International and YTL Hotels have announced agreements for new hotels across Asia, strengthening both companies’ presence in the world’s fastest growing region.
IHG hotels in Japan earn an incredible fourth Michelin Star
The Stars are shining brightly for IHG’s hotels in Japan with the addition of a record 4th Michelin Star to its restaurant trophy cabinet, recognising the exceptional culinary pleasures…
What exactly is Best Western Hotels & Resorts so pleased about?
Best Western Hotels & Resorts is celebrating yet another successful year in Asia, with multiple new hotels being launched in key business and leisure destinations all across the region.
Blockbusters: Cryptocurrency pioneers OwlTing launch world’s first blockchain hotel management service
OwlTing, a Taiwanese technology company focusing on blockchain & e-commerce, is launching "OwlNest Blockchain Hotel Management Service," an integrated lodging management platform to help…
FIT Ruums arrives in Japan to take advantage of tourism boom
FIT Ruums, Webjet Group’s B2B travel distributor in Asia, has taken a major step forward in its global expansion strategy with the launch of its first Japanese office in Osaka.
Airbus and JAL employ world’s first mixed reality trainer
Airbus, in cooperation with Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering has developed a prototype application supporting new training solutions, taking advantage of the world’s most advanced…
Setouchi: Discover real Japan
Visitors can discover the ‘real Japan’, blending culture, food and adventure.
Created as a new tourism body in 2016, Setouchi Tourism Authority is the largest Destination Marketing…
Pavilions Hotels and Dragon Master maximise Niseko’s “best-kept secret”
Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has secured two new partnerships in Japan to coincide with the launch of the USD100 million-valued The Ginto Residences in Niseko, which will be managed by the…
80 Stays Around the World: Trey Ratcliff tours Japan
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has announced the next phase in the brand’s on going partnership with world-famous photographer Trey Ratcliff.
Tony Fernandes “AirAsia is poised to become an important part of how people fly in Japan”
AirAsia Japan, the Japanese affiliate of the world’s best low-cost carrier, is back in business with its maiden service from AirAsia Japan’s main hub in Nagoya to Sapporo – the capital of…
Narita International installs ‘state of the art people screening’ after national directive
Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection systems, has been selected to supply innovative solutions for people screening and search functions in Tokyo’s Narita International…
Setouchi Tourism Authority’s clever UK strategy
Setouchi Tourism Authority has hired London-based communications agency, Black Diamond, to act as its agency of record in the UK following a competitive pitch process.
ANA InterContinental Tokyo welcomes new club rooms
ANA InterContinental Tokyo has announced the upcoming launch of 59 brand new Club InterContinental Rooms on 1st November 2017
England Rugby Travel appointed as travel agent for Rugby World Cup 2019
England Rugby Travel, the RFU’s own travel company, has been exclusively appointed as Great Britain’s travel agent for Rugby World Cup 2019™, Japan to operate official travel and…
ANA Holdings named “Airline Industry Leader”
ANA Holdings (ANA HD) has announced it has been selected as a member of 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World).
Mango Tree Kitchen’s innovative Tokyo restaurants
Mango Tree Worldwide is breaking new ground in Japan by piloting a series of new Mango Tree Kitchen brands that focus on delivering popular Thai dishes in high-traffic urban centres.
Thai AirAsia X increases flight frequency to Osaka
Thai AirAsia X is to increase the flight frequency of its Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Osaka (Kansai) route to two flights per day, offering travellers the flexibility to fly in the morning…
Pavilions Hotels & Resorts Launch Ginto Residences in Japan
Leading bespoke luxury hospitality brand, Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled The Ginto Residences in Niseko, Japan as the company introduces an elite series of new hotel and…
Air Canada adds new connection to Tokyo
Air Canada has revealed plans to launch a new non-stop service connecting Montreal and Tokyo.
Commencing on 1 June 2018, the flights will operate all-year-round, with daily services…
Tujia, Rakuten join forces for Japanese homestays
Tujia, the Chinese home-sharing company, has formed a new partnership with Rakuten, Japan's e-commerce giant, to encourage more Chinese visitors to stay in Japanese homes.
Details of…
ANA to serve saké in economy class
All Nippon Airways (ANA) will start serving saké to economy class passengers on its international flights next week.
Effective 1 September 2017, the Japanese carrier will include…
Where to Stay: the latest hotels in KL, Nagoya, Colombo and more
Favehotel Tuban
Location: On Basuki Rachmad Road in Tuban, the seaport in East Java, three hours' drive from Surabaya's Juanda International Airport
Grade: Economy
Keys: 105…
Japan sets new monthly tourism record
Japan welcomed a total of 2.68 million international visitors in July 2017, which marks a 16.8% year-on-year increase and a new monthly record.
According to the latest data from the…
Asian air route updates, including connections to Krabi, Chongqing and Hiroshima
Malaysia Airlines to launch Chongqing route
Where? Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) to Chongqing (China)
When? Three times a week, effective 30 October 2017
Who? Malaysia Airlines
Why?…
Guam tourism thrives despite NK bomb threat
Tourists are not being deterred from visiting the Pacific island of Guam, despite North Korean threats to drop bombs close to the US territory.
The island, which forms part of the…
ANA opens Star Wars-themed airport lounge for kids
ANA has opened a unique children's airport lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport.
As part of the Japanese airline's five-year partnership with Disney, the new Star Wars-themed lounge has…
Marriott opens five hotels in Japan
Marriott International has celebrated the grand opening of five new hotels in Japan.
The properties, all of which will operate under the Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand, form part…
Wendy Wu launches new Japan collection
Wendy Wu Tours has launched its new Japan brochure for 2018/2019.
In conjunction with the launch, the operator has partnered with Air China to offer an exclusive business class upgrade…
Singapore gets new connection to Okinawa
Singapore will get a new direct link to the island of Okinawa next year, when Jetstar Asia expands its Japanese network.
Commencing on 17 November 2017, to coincide with the start of…
Asian air route updates from Thai Smile, Lao Airlines, Jetstar and more
Thai Smile flies to Lucknow
Where? Bangkok (Thailand) to Lucknow (India)
When? Four times a week, effective immediately
Who? Thai Smile
Why? Thai Airways' regional subsidiary taps…
Qantas responds to rising Japanese demand
Qantas is responding to rising demand for travel between Australia and Japan with the launch of a new seasonal service to Osaka.
The airline has revealed plans to operate direct flights…
JAL, Vietjet form new Asian alliance
JAL and Vietjet have agreed to join forces, forming another alliance on routes between Japan and Vietnam.
Eighteen months after ANA and Vietnam Airlines first announced plans to become…
Japan’s national parks get connected with Wi-Fi
Visitors to Japan's national parks will soon be able to learn more about the local area by connecting to Wi-Fi.
The Japan Times reports that the country's Environment Ministry is…
New luxury coastal train launches in Japan
Visitors to Japan can now travel along a scenic stretch of the country's Pacific coast aboard a luxury train.
The Japan Times reports that railway operators Tokyu Corp and Izukyu Corp…
Air New Zealand expands in Japan
Air New Zealand has expanded its Japanese operations with the launch of a new service to Tokyo's Haneda Airport.
The flight from Auckland touched down for the first time on Friday…
JAL celebrates Japan’s first PGA tournament
Japan Airlines has introduced a new special aircraft livery to celebrate the PGA Tour's first official golf tournament to be hosted in Japan.
The national carrier is sponsoring the…
Star Cruises sets sail on “Golden Sea Route”
Star Cruises has launched its inaugural “Golden Sea Route” voyage - a week-long cruise that takes Chinese passengers to some of Japan's most popular destinations.
Only 21 sailings…
JAL adds another daily Heathrow flight
Japan Airlines (JAL) will launch a second daily flight between Tokyo Haneda and London Heathrow later this year.
Commencing on 29 October 2017, the new flight will be operated using…
JAL adds another daily Heathrow flight
Japan Airlines (JAL) will launch a second daily flight between Tokyo Haneda and London Heathrow later this year.
Commencing on 29 October 2017, the new flight will be operated using a…
Marriott plans double Edition debut in Tokyo
Marriott International has penned an agreement with Japan's Mori Trust to launch its first two Edition hotels in Tokyo.
Scheduled to open in 2020, the Tokyo Edition Ginza and Tokyo…
Asian air route updates from PAL, AirAsia, Hong Kong Airlines and more
Tianjin Airlines starts flying to Vladivostok
Where? Tianjin (China) to Vladivostok, pictured (Russia)
When? Twice a week, effective immediately
Who? Tianjin Airlines
Why? Connecting…
Japan’s Muji to open first hotel
The company behind Muji, the Japanese retail giant, has confirmed plans to enter the hotel sector.
The Japan Times reports that Ryohin Keikaku will launch the inaugural Muji-branded…
Economic growth drives Japanese air traffic
Domestic air passenger traffic in Japan jumped 10.3% in May 2017, which is close to a five-year high.
According to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA),…
Japan plans faster bullet train
A Japanese rail company is planning to develop a new, faster version of the Shinkansen bullet train, the Japan Times reports.
East Japan Railway (JR East) revealed this week that it…
Japan promotes international travel to regional airports
The Japanese government has launched a new initiative aimed at boosting international flights to regional airports across the country.
The Kyodo news agency reports that Japan’s Transport…
United upgrades Asian routes with new 777s
United Airlines is upgrading three more of its Asian routes with the deployment of its revamped Boeing 777-300ER aircraft to Taipei, Beijing and Tokyo.
On 1 August 2017, the US carrier…
Japan creates new rules for home-sharing
The Japanese government has passed a series of new laws governing home-sharing and short-term rentals.
The regulations, which could have a major impact on companies like Airbnb,…
Where to Stay: new hotels from Nobu, Melia, Swire and more…
The Junei Hotel, Kyoto
Location: Within the grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens West, in the centre of Japan's cultural capital
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 8, all styled on traditional…
Japan Cruise Lines commits to the Philippines
Japan Cruise Lines (JCL) has given a boost to the Philippines by agreement to include the country as a regular port-of-call in 2018.
On the sidelines of the 2017 Philippine Business…
AirAsia arrives in the USA
AirAsia reached a major milestone this week when it touched down in the US for the first time.
Flight D7001, operated by long-haul unit AirAsia X, landed at Honolulu International Airport…
Finnair offers flights to Japanese cities from UK
Finnair has released special Economy and Business Class promotional fares to Japanese cities from the UK.
Customers booking before 11 July this year can fly to popular business and…
ANA goes triple daily to LA
ANA has unveiled plans to launch a third daily flight between Tokyo and Los Angeles.
Effective 29 October 2017, the Japanese carrier will add a new daily departure from Tokyo's Narita…
Japan’s Peach creates new fare types
Peach, the Japanese low-cost carrier, has unveiled three new fare types.
The airline’s former twin fare policy has now been scrapped and replaced with the trio of new fares, called…
Thailand hosts huge Japanese fam trip
Thailand marked the 130th anniversary of its diplomatic ties with Japan by hosting a huge fam trip for members of the country’s travel trade and media.
The event saw 130 Japanese…
JAL upgrades Dreamliner seating
Japan Airlines (JAL) is improving the seating onboard its fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The new "JAL Sky Suites", which have previously been rolled out on the airline's Boeing 767s,…
Where to Stay: new hotels in Bali, Tokyo, Manila and more
Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel
Location: In a residential area of Makati City, 30 minutes from Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Grade: Upscale
Keys: 271, including…
JAL offers free Wi-Fi on domestic flights
Japan Airlines (JAL) has decided to offer complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi to passengers on its domestic routes.
The national carrier first introduced Wi-Fi as a paid service in July 2014,…
Where to Stay: including the new Conrad Osaka, Raffles London and Shangri-La Melbourne
Conrad Osaka
Location: Floors 33-40 of the Nakanoshima Festival Complex, between Osaka's Umeda and Namba districts
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 164
Facilities: Four restaurants, a 40th…
Tokyo bus operator goes multi-lingual
The operator of bus services to and from Tokyo's Narita Airport and Tokyo Disneyland is taking steps to cater for international travellers.
Keisei Bus is now offering signage in multiple…
AccorHotels brings new brand to Japan
AccorHotels has brought its upscale Pullman brand to Japan for the first time, with the signing of a new hotel in central Tokyo.
Scheduled to open in autumn 2018, Pullman Tokyo Tamachi…
MSC unveils plans for Japanese sakura cruise
MSC Cruises will allow travellers to experience Japan's "sakura" cherry blossom season next spring, with a special cruise.
Next May, MSC Splendida will set sail on a nine-night…
Japan “relaunches” quake-hit Tohoku
The Japanese government has used a major travel event in the US to announce that the Tohoku region, which was devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, is now ready to welcome tourists.…
ANA to launch new C-3PO Star Wars jet
ANA has unveiled the routes to be operated by its latest Star Wars-themed aircraft - a Boeing 777-200 with a C-3PO livery.
The aircraft will initially be deployed on the Japanese…
HomeAway pens deal to boost tourism in “Mediterranean of Japan”
HomeAway, the vacation rental site operated by Expedia, has formed a new partnership in Japan.
The arrangement with Setouchi Brand Corporation is aimed at encouraging inbound tourism…
Best Western celebrates triple signing in Japan
Best Western has signed three more hotels in Japan.
The hotel group has secured agreements for the 105-room Best Western Osaka Tsukamoto and 60-room Best Western Sapporo Odori-Koen,…
Japan and Korea create combined tours for Indian holidaymakers
The tourism boards of Japan and South Korea have teamed to create a series of new joint itineraries for Indian travellers.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Korea…
Asian air route updates: new flights from Garuda, KLM, AirAsia and more…
Bali gets another Chinese connection
Where? Bali (Indonesia) to Chengdu (China)
When? Three times a week, effective 22 May 2017
Who? Garuda Indonesia
Why? Part of the Indonesian…
Marriott brings new lifestyle brand to Japan
Marriott International has unveiled plans to bring its new lifestyle brand, Moxy Hotels, to Japan.
The hotel giant has penned agreements for two Moxy properties in the country, which…
JNTO launches Middle Eastern packages
The Japanese National Tourist Office has launched targeted Middle Eastern packages in collaboration with Cathay Pacific Airlines.
As part of its strategy to welcome travellers from the…
Tokyo unveils new tourism branding
Tokyo has created a new tourist logo and slogan as it prepares for a sharp increase in international visitors arrivals.
Revealed on Monday by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the new…
Where to Stay: New hotels in Bangkok, New York, Melbourne and more…
Mercure Bangkok Makkasan
Location: Next to Makkasan station, the main downtown hub for Bangkok's Airport Rail Link
Grade: Upper-midscale
Keys: 180
Facilities: Outdoor pool with…
Four Points adds another country to Asian portfolio
Marriott International has launched its midscale Four Points by Sheraton brand in Japan, with the opening of a new hotel on the northern island of Hokkaido.
The Four Points by Sheraton…
Japan to exhibit at ATM for first time
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will exhibit at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) for the first time this year, as part of the country's aim to attract more visitors from…
Ginza gets major new tourist attraction
A major new tourist attraction will open its doors in central Tokyo's Ginza district this week.
Kyodo News reports that the brand new 19-storey commercial complex, Ginza Six, will…
Tokyo Disneyland embarks on major renovation
Work has started on a major renovation of Tokyo Disneyland, as the park bids to expand its range of attractions and address declining visitor numbers.
Jiji News reports that the JPY75…
Where to Stay: New hotels in Tokyo, Bangkok and more…
Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo
Location: Connected to Otemachi Station, in the main Marunouchi-Otemachi area of central Tokyo
Grade: Luxury serviced residence
Keys: 130, ranging from…
Japan’s first Legoland opens in Nagoya
Japan's first outdoor Legoland theme park opened in Nagoya on Saturday.
The new Legoland Japan features Lego replicas of several Japanese landmarks, including Tokyo Station, Kyoto's…
Best Western brings upscale collection to Japan
Best Western has launched its newest upscale brand, BW Premier Collection, in Japan.
The former Best Western Premier Hotel Nagasaki has now been rebadged as the BW Premier Collection…
Dusit adds Colours to expand in Japan
Thailand's Dusit International has formed a new joint venture that will allow it to expand across Japan.
The hotel group has teamed up with Colours International, which operates the…
Indo AirAsia X to resume Asia Pacific flights
Indonesia AirAsia X, the long-haul low-cost carrier, will resume flights to destinations in the Asia Pacific region in May 2017.
The airline is planning to launch a direct connection…
UNWTO applauds Japan’s tourism focus
The secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai, met with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently, to discuss the country's tourism development…
Japan sets up first tourism office in Malaysia
Japan's national tourism board has set up its first office in Malaysia.
The Japan National Tourism Organization's (JNTO) latest overseas office launched in Kuala Lumpur this month,…
Asian air route updates: Malindo’s new Australian route, West Air flies to Japan, and more…
New Macau charters for Cambodia Angkor Air
Where? Sihanoukville (Cambodia) to Macau (China)
When? Twice a week, effective immediately
Who? Cambodia Angkor Air
Why? New charter service…
EVA’s latest cartoon jet takes off
EVA Air has unveiled the latest themed aircraft in its partnership with Japanese cartoon creator Sanrio.
Following the previous roll-out of EVA's Hello Kitty jets, the Taiwanese carrier…
Hyatt brings new hotel brand to Japan
Hyatt will bring another of its hotel brands to Japan ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
The company has penned a management agreement with Tokyo Bay Resort Development for a…
Caddy service launches for Japanese golf travellers
A premium travel service dedicated to the needs of golfers has launched in Japan.
DUFL Golf's Japanese operations will launch in May 2017, providing a series of services for business…
Japan draws up new Airbnb rules
The Japanese government has developed new regulations for home-sharing in the country, Bloomberg reports.
While home-sharing companies such as Airbnb already do business in Japan, the…
Asian air route updates: New flights to Bali, Okinawa, Barcelona and more
Another direct Chinese connection between Bali and China
Where? Fuzhou (China) to Denpasar (Indonesia)
When? Daily, effective 26 March 2017
Who? Xiamen Airlines
Why? Fujian province’s…
Haneda hits record 80 million passengers
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport handled a record 80.1 million passengers last year.
The airport's operator, Japan Airport Terminal Co, revealed on Friday (10 March 2017) that the full-year…
Japan urged to prepare airports for Olympic surge
IATA has called on the Japanese government to prepare the country’s airport infrastructure for the 2020 Olympics.
The country has set aggressive targets for increasing its international…
Asian air route updates: Thai Lion Air, SpiceJet, Tigerair and more
Thai Lion Air expands domestic network
Where? Bangkok Don Mueang to Khon Kaen (both Thailand)
When? Twice a day, effective 17 March 2017
Who? Thai Lion Air
Why? Low-cost carrier…
ANA chooses jumbo turtle to fly to Hawaii
ANA will paint one of its double-decker Airbus A380s to resemble a giant sea turtle, following a public competition.
The Japanese airline chose the "Flying Honu" design, created by…
MSC cruises to Japan for the first time
MSC Cruises has unveiled details of its first ever cruise to Japan.
The new 28-night voyage from Dubai to Yokohama will depart on 31 March 2018, aboard the 3,900-passenger MSC…
Asian air route updates: AirAsia, Spring Airlines, Vistara and more
China Eastern expands operations in Sapporo
Where? Nanjing (China) to Sapporo, pictured (Japan)
When? Twice a week, effective 26 March 2017
Who? China Eastern Airlines
Why? Another new…
Airline pulls out of Fukushima over radiation worries
A South Korean airline has decided against launching flights to Japan's Fukushima Airport due to concerns over nuclear radiation.
The Japan Times reports that Jeju Air was planning to…
Asian air route updates: Cathay Pacific, flydubai, China Southern and more
Dubai's LCC adds Bangladeshi route
Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh)
When? Four times a week, effective 15 March 2017
Who? flydubai
Why? Rising trade between two Islamic…
Tokyo Haneda to add international flights
Japan's busiest airport, Tokyo Haneda, will continue to expand its international operations in the coming years, with the opening of Terminal 2 to overseas flights.
At present,…
Princess Cruises announces largest Japan programme ever
Princess Cruises has unveiled details of its bigger ever season of sailings in Japan.
The cruise line's 2018 Japan programme will feature a record number of departures, with a total…
Asian air route updates: Tigerair Taiwan, Sichuan Airlines and more
Jeju gets new budget service from Taiwan
Where? Taipei (Taiwan) to Jeju, pictured (South Korea)
When? Twice a day, effective 28 March 2017
Who? Tigerair Taiwan
Why? Low-cost carrier…
Star adds longer cruises from Shanghai
Star Cruises is adding a series of longer voyages from Shanghai, allowing passengers to include Tokyo and Mount Fuji in their itineraries.
The new seven-night, eight-day voyages will…
Airlines team up on all Japan-Taiwan flights
The national carriers of Japan and Taiwan will start codesharing on all every flight they operate between the two countries.
Effective 21 February 2017, the partnership between Japan…
Singapore targets Japanese tourists with JTB deal
Singapore is targeting a rise in visitor arrivals from Japan, following the signing of a major new agreement with JTB Corp, Japan's largest travel agency.
The Singapore Tourism Board…
JAL to open new airport lounge in Okinawa
Japan Airlines has confirmed that its newly-renovated lounge at Okinawa's Naha Airport will open on 28 February 2017.
The new Sakura Lounge is located in the domestic area of the…
JAL spreads wings in Russia
Japan Airlines has significantly increased its presence in Russia with the expansion of its codeshare agreement with S7, its Russian partner in the oneworld alliance.
Effective today…
Tokyo slashes taxi fares
The starting fare for taxis in Tokyo has been significantly reduced.
Previously, passengers were charged JPY730 (approx. US$6.40) for the first kilometre - well above the…
Dusit exchanges staff with Japan’s Prince Hotels
Dusit International has entered the next phase of its alliance with Japan's Prince Hotels, with the launch of a staff exchange programme this month.
The companies first joined forces…
JAL to open upgraded airport lounge in Bangkok
Japan Airlines will unveil its upgraded airport lounge at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport next month.
Officially due to open on 1 March 2017, the new Sakura Lounge will have been…
AirAsia reveals first ever US destination
Just weeks after it received permission to launch flights to the US, AirAsia has confirmed the details of its first ever route to the country.
On 28 June 2017, the group's long-haul…
Prince Hotels to reopen upgraded Tokyo flagship
Prince Hotels has almost completed a major renovation of its flagship property, the Tokyo Prince Hotel.
The hotel will reopen on 1 April 2017 following a project to upgrade all 462…
Osaka wants casino resort, World Expo on manmade island
Officials in Osaka are moving forward with plans to turn a manmade island into a major leisure tourism and gaming hub, with the eventual aim of hosting the 2025 World Expo.
The Japan…
Japan targets cruise tourism with port upgrades
The Japanese government has confirmed plans to upgrade the facilities at six of its ports, in an effort to take advantage of the Asian cruise boom.
The Japan Times reported the…
Hard Rock sets division for Japanese casino resorts
Hard Rock International has launched a new division to support its expansion in Japan.
The new Hard Rock Japan LLC will be headed up by CEO Edward Tracy, who previously led Sands…
Star Cruises reveals details of Shanghai season
Star Cruises has revealed plans to homeport one of its cruise ships in Shanghai this summer.
From July to October 2017, the 75,300-tonne, the 13-deck SuperStar Virgo cruise ship will…
Free Wi-Fi on JAL domestic flights
JAL will start offering free, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi to passengers on its domestic routes.
At present, the airline provides 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi per passenger, but this offer…
Japanese hotel rates rise in 2016
Japan's hotel sector experienced a steady increase in ADR (average daily rate) last year.
According to the full-year data from STR, the country's ADR climbed 5.2% to JPY15,396…
C-3PO takes off with ANA
He is, famously, fluent in over six million different forms of communication, and now he can fly!
C-3PO, the golden protocol droid from the Star Wars moves, has been painted on one of…
ANA to add third daily Jakarta flight
ANA has announced plans to launch a third daily flight to Jakarta this summer.
Commencing on 1 August 2017, the Japanese carrier will introduce a second daily service from Tokyo's…
Asian air route updates: Saudia, Vanilla Air and more
Pakistan gets new pilgrimmage flights
Where? Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to Multan (Pakistan)
When? Four times a week, effective 1 April 2017
Who? Saudi Arabian Airlines
Why? Trade and…
