Tag Archives: Japan

Japan to charge JYP 2,000 to limit trekkers at Mt. Fuji

Japan will start collecting entry fees of JYP 2,000 per head from people climbing the famous volcano to limit the number of trekkers to Mount Fuji.

A gate is set to be installed at the entrance to the Yoshida Trail, also known as the fifth station, on the Yamanashi side of Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776m.

The gate will begin collecting fees from climbers starting 1 July this year, marking the beginning of this year’s climbing season.

The implementation of this fee collection aims to manage overcrowding near the summit of the mountain, the Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly has said.

Climbers will need to allocate as much as JYP 3,000 per person for their climb, which includes a voluntary contribution of JYP 1,000 dedicated to the conservation efforts of the mountain, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For the 2024 season, up until mid-September, the newly installed gate will operate with limited hours, closing at 4pm and reopening at 3am the next day.

The authorities further added that should the daily influx of climbers surpass 4,000, entry limitations will be enforced. However, climbers who have bookings at mountain huts will not be subject to these restrictions.

Mount Fuji, located at the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, attracted approximately 221,000 climbers last summer, roughly the same level as in 2019, according to Japan’s Environment Ministry. (Source: The Independent)

H2O Hospitality joins Marriott Bonvoy with Luxury Rentals

 

H2O Hospitality has officially incorporated numerous rental properties into the distinguished collection of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. This innovative platform is renowned for featuring upscale and deluxe home rentals, supported by the extensive backing of Marriott International.

Under the umbrella of Homes & Villas by Marriott International, a curated and continually expanding selection of over 100,000 premium and luxury whole home rentals is showcased across 800+ prime destinations worldwide.

Leveraging Marriott International’s rich legacy in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, each residence undergoes professional management, adhering to stringent standards for design, cleanliness, safety, and amenities. As an integral facet of the esteemed travel program Marriott Bonvoy, members have the opportunity to accumulate and redeem points for all their stays.

The collaboration with H2O Hospitality brings forth a showcase of more than 2,000 properties from their esteemed portfolio across two countries: South Korea and Japan. This encompasses highly sought-after destinations such as Seoul, Jeju, Tokyo, and other urban centers.

Through this strategic partnership and the seamless integration of H2O’s offerings, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy is set to present an even more extensive array of rental properties to Marriott Bonvoy members than ever before. This allows members to earn and utilise points when booking an H2O property through the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy platform.

Prior to being integrated into the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, H2O Hospitality’s rental properties underwent a thorough examination and evaluation by Marriott International. This scrutiny ensured alignment with the company’s standards for compliance, design, and amenities.

John Lee, Founder & CEO, H2O Hospitality, expressed delight in the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. We remain committed to contributing to the development of the global hospitality market and the luxury accommodation industry.”

Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy stands out as the premier booking platform for customers seeking premium and luxury rental options that prioritise consistency, quality, and unparalleled loyalty through the Marriott Bonvoy travel program. With a thoughtfully curated selection of homes, the platform seamlessly connects travelers to thousands of rental properties worldwide, providing ample space for cherished travel moments, such as home-cooked dinners with loved ones, backyard lawn games, or celebrating birthdays with family and friends.

Nepal’s Kavya Resort & Spa forays into India; partners with Global Destinations

The newly-opened Kavya Resort & Spa in the Nagarkot area of Nepal is set to offer its lifestyle wellness services to the Indian clientele having appointed Global Destinations as their Representative.

Hitesh Golcha, Managing Director, The Leaf Hospitality Pvt. Ltd, the parent company of Kavya Himalayas, said, “We are keen to tap Leisure & MICE traffic from India. We offer a range of wellness options, medication, yoga, spa, bird watching, mountain biking, hiking, Satvik food, Ayuverdic meals to our guests, with a flexible option of ordering alcohol and non-veg cuisine as well. Corporate movement is a big part of our focus.”

Elaborating on the experiences on offer, he said they can arrange a champagne brunch, meals overlooking the Mt. Everest and chopper driven landing at the resort, all once-in-a-lifetime experience. The all-inclusive rooms start at USD 400 per night, ranging higher depending on guest requirement.

“Because of easy connectivity and proximity, India is key market for us. We also see lot of traction from the Middle East, Europe, the US and Japan,” he added.

Kavya Resort & Spa has tie-ups with charter operators, and is a 45-60 minute drive from the Kathmandu Airport, and three minutes ride by helicopter.

Japan’s tourism rebounds: 2.69mn visitors in January, on track for record year

Japan has started the year on a promising note for its tourism sector, with over 2 million visitors gracing its shores in January, marking the eighth consecutive month of such numbers.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the 2.69 million foreign visitors for business and leisure last month nearly matched December’s figure of 2.73 million, which had set an all-time high for that month.

This sustained momentum comes on the heels of a remarkable pandemic recovery year in 2023, where over 25 million visitors entered the country, surpassing previous expectations.

The Covid-19 pandemic had severely impacted Japan’s tourism for over two years, but the country experienced a surge in visitors in 2023, aided by the yen’s rapid depreciation, making Japan an attractive and economical destination.

In January, despite a minor dip from December, arrivals remained on par with 2019 figures, when Japan had recorded a record-breaking 39.9 million tourists. The month’s statistics were influenced by the major earthquake in Ishikawa on January 1. However, tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia achieved an all-time high for any single month.

While tourism from China remains below pre-pandemic levels, with mainland Chinese visitors once constituting a significant portion, there are positive signs of recovery. Chinese visitors numbered 415,900 in January, representing a notable 33% increase from the previous month. Additionally, Japanese department stores reported robust sales of luxury goods and duty-free items in the first half of February, partly attributed to Lunar New Year celebrations.

Analysts suggest a shift in Chinese travel trends, with a preference for more leisurely trips, termed “chill stay,” in contrast to the frenetic shopping sprees witnessed in previous years. The uptick in visitor numbers and spending bodes well for Japan’s economy, where inbound tourism plays an increasingly vital role. Last year, visitors surpassed the JYP 5 trillion-mark, exceeding the government’s set target, reinforcing the economic significance of tourism to Japan.

France claims top spot on Henley Passport Index for 2024; India drops to 85th position

In the recently released Henley Passport Index for 2024, France has secured the leading position, with its passport granting visa-free access to an impressive 194 countries.

However, India has experienced a slight setback, dropping from 84th to 85th place in the rankings.

This unexpected decline comes as a surprise, considering that Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries, up from 60 in the previous year. Despite recent initiatives from countries like Iran, Malaysia, and Thailand offering visa-free entry for Indian tourists, the overall passport ranking has slipped.

The Henley Passport Index, which evaluates passport strength based on visa-free access, includes other top-performing nations such as Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain.

In the South Asian region, Pakistan maintains its position at 106th place, while Bangladesh has seen a slight drop from 101st to 102nd position. On the brighter side, India’s neighbor, Maldives, continues to hold a robust passport ranking at 58th place, allowing Maldivian passport holders visa-free travel to 96 countries.

The Henley Passport Index derives its rankings from 19 years of data, utilizing the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) specialized data, covering 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations globally. The index, updated monthly, serves as a global standard for assessing the travel freedom of citizens across independent countries.

The data from the Henley Passport Index underscores the significant evolution in global mobility over the past two decades. In 2006, individuals could travel visa-free to an average of 58 countries, a number that has nearly doubled to 111 countries in 2024.

Japan Introduces Six-Month Visa for Digital Nomads Starting This March

 

Japan is set to launch a six-month digital nomad visa in late March, offering remote workers the opportunity to work and stay in the country for an extended period. This move aims to shatter the previous limitation of 90-day stays, making Japan more accessible to remote workers. The visa will be accessible to remote workers earning a minimum annual income of YEN 10 million (approximately USD 66,400) from 49 countries and territories, including the United States, Singapore, and Australia.

The visa isn’t limited to solo adventurers and extends to spouses and children of the recipients. While immediate extensions won’t be granted upon visa expiration, digital nomads can reapply for the visa six months after departing from Japan, fostering the possibility of extended stays. This initiative is part of Japan’s efforts to tap into the economic contributions of remote workers worldwide and position itself as an attractive destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture, nature, and technological innovation. The introduction of this visa provides yet another reason for full-time travellers and expats to consider Japan, a country known for its diverse offerings, from natural landscapes to vibrant urban life and culinary delights.

This initiative is part of Japan’s broader strategy to attract remote workers and boost its tourism economy, which has seen a significant recovery following the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions

By offering a longer-term stay option, Japan aims to harness the economic contributions of remote workers worldwide and position itself as an attractive destination for those seeking a unique blend of culture, nature, and technological innovation

This move by Japan follows a global trend of countries offering digital nomad visas or similar alternatives to attract remote workers and boost their economies.