Tourism

Hotels & Venues

[Report] The appeal of MICE in Mie Prefecture lies in “mobility, cuisine, and experiences” – Strengths of Mie MICE revealed through a trial tour organized to develop new model tours

In December, I joined a trial tour conducted as part of Mie Prefecture’s “Model Course Development Project for Corporate MI Programs.” Within the prefectural government, the International Tourism Promotion Division has staff dedicated to MICE and high value-added tourism, and the prefecture is making a concerted effort to attract MICE events. This article introduces the...

Hotels & Venues News

Sanrio, known for Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, unveils a basic plan to turn Oita’s Harmonyland into an “entertainment resort,” reimagined as a “Sky Park”

Sanrio Co., Ltd. and Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. have announced a basic development concept to transform Harmonyland, a theme park in Oita Prefecture, into a resort. Under the “Sky Park” concept, the project will embark on large-scale upgrades, including an all-weather grand roof and the potential construction of a new hotel. In collaboration with Oita...

Hotels & Venues News

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura rebrands as “Uzumasa Kyoto Village”; Phase 1 opens March 28, 2026 — a full renewal into an immersive park for adults

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura Co., Ltd. has announced a full renewal of the entire “Toei Uzumasa Eigamura” facility as it marks its 50th anniversary this year. Phase 1 is set to open on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and the facility will be renamed “Uzumasa Kyoto Village (UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE)” in conjunction with this launch. Under the...

Hotels & Venues

Exploring the Appeal of Aichi Sky Expo: Just a Five-Minute Walk from the Airport and 30 Minutes by Train from NagoyaInterviews with Meitetsu and Chubu Centrair International Airport Reveal Why Tokoname, Aichi—Home to Aichi Sky Expo—is an Ideal MICE Destination

Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center) is a leading MICE venue located in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.In this feature, we take a closer look at the venue’s outstanding accessibility through interviews with Chubu Centrair International Airport Co., Ltd. and Nagoya Railroad Co., Ltd. (Meitetsu). We also highlight Tokoname’s unique appeal as a destination that...

Art & Culture

On-site Preview: “teamLab Biovortex Kyoto” Opens October 7 — How long does a visit take? What can you experience? Knowing the works’ background can change the way you see the world

On October 7, 2025, a new permanent art museum by teamLab—“teamLab Biovortex Kyoto”—will open in the Higashikujo area of Minami Ward, a short walk from Kyoto Station. Ahead of the public opening, a media preview held on September 29 offered an early look at the newly completed venue. What is “teamLab Biovortex Kyoto”? “teamLab Biovortex...

Art & Culture

Waves of art in motion across the lake country — “International Art Festival BIWAKO BIENNALE 2025” opens September 20 through November 16 in Omihachiman, Shiga

Set against the living history and nature of Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, the International Art Festival BIWAKO BIENNALE 2025 will run from Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, November 16, 2025. Now in its 11th edition and curated by General Director Yoko Nakata, the festival will invite around 70 artists from Japan and overseas under the theme...

Japan Events

Cruise EXPO 2025 Tokyo to be held on December 5–6 at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal; Japan’s largest cruise event expects 5,000–10,000 attendees

One of Japan’s largest cruise-focused events, Cruise EXPO 2025 Tokyo, will take place on Friday–Saturday, December 5–6, 2025, at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. According to the organizer, expected attendance is between 5,000 and 10,000. While detailed programming has yet to be fully announced, here is what has been shared so far. Cruise EXPO 2025 Tokyo...

Columns

[On-Site Report] Hakodate, Hokkaido Is One of Japan’s Top Cities for Workations: An In-Depth, Hands-On Look at Workation and Coworking Options

Hakodate, one of Hokkaido’s premier travel destinations, is also well suited to business travel and events such as MICE and workations. Our editorial team carried out an on-site workation and, from that perspective, reports on Hakodate’s appeal and practical information.All photos in this article were taken by our editorial team. 160 Years Since Opening to...

Exhibitions & Events

[Report] APEC 2025 Will Be Staged in Korea’s Ancient Capital, Gyeongju — An Easy Day Trip About 30 Minutes by KTX from Busan; What Kind of Place Is Gyeongju, and Why It’s Worth a Visit for Business Travelers

When people in Japan hear “ancient capital,” they may think of Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, or Kanazawa. In Korea, Gyeongju, Kaesong, and Buyeo are renowned ancient capitals. Unlike Japan, each of these cities served as the capital of a different dynasty. From Busan, Korea’s high-speed KTX takes only about 30–40 minutes one way; in no time,...

Japan Events

Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 Aichi, Chubu & Hokuriku: Japan’s Largest Travel & Tourism Event—History and the First Aichi Edition at a Glance

Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 Aichi, Chubu & Hokuriku will be held for the first time in Aichi at Aichi Sky Expo from September 25–28, 2025. As Japan’s largest and one of the world’s leading comprehensive tourism events, this year’s edition adopts the theme “Rediscovering the Wisdom of Travel.” Positioned to drive tourism across the wider...

Hotels & Venues

Overseas Report: Busan’s Ocean-View Workation Center — A Business Base That Shows the City’s Potential Beyond Tourism (Location, Facilities, and User Feedback)

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city. From Japan it’s an easy trip by air or ferry, which makes it a popular overseas destination. Yet its role as a stage for business is less well known. Our editorial team visited a workation center in Busan—a place you can use as a first step for doing business—and...

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