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Japan travel guide: Everything you need to know

From the bright lights of high-tech mega cities to the peace of rural temples; from onsen culture to ski slopes stacked with light, dry powder – japan is as diverse and dynamic a holiday spot as they come, article bookmarked.

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Neon lights and all-night karaoke. Tranquil temples and bowing geisha. Steaming hot springs and soaring Mount Fuji. Japan is brimming with evocative moments, and delicious contrasts. Where else can you spend the morning shopping in a skyscraper and the afternoon chilling in the forest with snow monkeys?

The question, for most visitors, isn’t why go – but how to put it all together. The good news is that it’s easier than you may think. From excellent transport links (the bullet train is world famous) to cheap dining and plenty of English-language signage, Japan is very user friendly. It’s clean, safe and suitable for everyone from solo travellers to young families. And, despite a pricey reputation, it’s doable on a budget.

Travel restrictions and entry requirements

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Japan has been slow to open its borders. While tourists may now enter the country, changes to entry requirements are still ongoing depending on your reason for visiting, vaccination status and recent travel history. Before booking a trip check gov.uk for the latest details.

While most Covid-related restrictions have been eased within Japan, in practice social distancing and mask-wearing is still commonplace. Visitors should take their steer from locals. If you have even the slightest sniffle – whether it’s a cold or hay fever – it is considered polite to mask up.

Best time to go

Japan is a proper all-seasons destination. Traversing 25 degrees of latitude – from northerly Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa – it has diverse climates and landscapes, so the best time to visit depends on what you plan to do.

Generally speaking, summers are warm and humid (with typhoons in August and September), and winters mild. Some areas, including the Alps, see substantial amounts of winter snow. Spring is famous for its country-wide explosion of cherry blossom, but prices can be high and bloom dates variable. October and November’s autumn leaf colour is equally dazzling, longer and a bit quieter. If you’re strapped for cash, the cheapest time to visit much of the country is mid-January to early March.

Top regions and cities

Most visits begin in Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, and so they should – this neon-drenched, swallow-you-whole metropolis contains all the frenetic energy you’re expecting from urban Japan. Hop from 24/7 karaoke bars in Shinjuku to epic shopping in Shibuya or Ginza, and quirky gaming arcades in Akihabara. Feast on £5 ramen from a tiny train station eatery, or £300-a-head omakase (chef’s choice) sushi in a tranquil tatami-mat-lined restaurant. Getting overwhelmed? Easy day trips to seaside Kamakura, mountainous Nikko or nearby Hakone, famous for its onsen (hot springs), can break up the city intensity. Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, is only a speedy train ride away too.

• Best hotels in Tokyo: where to stay in style for all budgets
• Tokyo city guide

Kyoto, a three-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo, is the country’s other essential must-see city, and it couldn’t be more different. Ancient temples and shrines, cobbled streets stuffed with atmospheric tearooms and darting geishas – it’s a proper historical throwback. Rather than just tick off the busy headliner stops like Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji and Fushimi Inari, try to strike out to some of the quieter, lesser-known temples and shrines. There are around 2,000 within the city, and the smallest, sleepiest ones often feel the most magical.

• Kyoto guide: Where to eat, drink shop and stay in Japan’s temple-filled city

Hiroshima is synonymous with the devastating 1945 nuclear bomb attack, but today this low-key cultural city has plenty for visitors. Both the haunting figure of the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum are essential – if difficult – stops. Most travellers also come here to see one of Japan’s most iconic shrines: Unesco-listed Miyajima. Its ‘floating’ red torii gate has graced many a postcard. Active types also enjoy the nearby 70km-long Shimanami Kaido cycling trail, which sews up six islands in the Seto Inland Sea, ending in lush temple-studded Shikoku.

Beyond this classic trio of stops, where you should head in Japan depends on your individual interests and time scale.

Osaka, less than 30 minutes from Kyoto, is another major city with a thrumming restaurant scene and plenty of museums. In contrast, nearby ancient capital Nara is like a mini Kyoto with oodles of old-world charm and historic temples – plus a cheeky population of free-roaming deer.

• 10 things to do in Osaka

Art lovers often head to rural Naoshima, one of the Seto islands, for its internationally acclaimed contemporary galleries, sculpture by Yayoi Kusama and boundary-pushing architecture by Tadao Ando.

Nature fans can’t go wrong with Shikoku, where remote temples, rope bridges and waterfalls are cloaked in dense greenery.

Japanese Alps

If visiting in winter, don’t miss the Japanese Alps. Wooden villages in Gifu prefecture look plucked straight out of Switzerland; Tayakama’s quaint old town is filled with the aroma of brewing sake. There are steaming onsens set in view of white-capped peaks and frolicking snow monkeys. Ski bunnies, meanwhile, have the Olympic slopes of Nagano, blanketed in reliable powder, to keep them busy.

Best under-the-radar destinations

Few first-time visitors make it to the southern island of Kyushu. Fewer still visit its remote north-eastern Kunisaki Peninsula, far from the (elsewhere comprehensive) train network. But they’re missing out. This hilly volcanic peninsula is an ancient religious centre, stuffed with timewarp temples and large-scale Buddhist carvings, and cloaked in bamboo groves and forest. To experience it properly you’ll need to be comfortable self-driving, or visit with an operator such as Walk Japan (walkjapan.com), which can arrange transport.

Okinawan islands

In Japan’s far southern reaches – closer to Taiwan than Tokyo – the subtropical Okinawan islands have a culture, food scene and landscape all their own. The main isles are largely host to holiday resorts, but the Yaeyama chain is still relatively rustic and untouched. Mangrove-covered Iriomote Island, recently named a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a tropical wilderness of peaks and waterfalls, and home to a petite endangered wildcat. Taketomi Island, in contrast, is villagey and beachy, with water buffalo and weaving centres turning out lovely handmade crafts.

Tohoku, the northern section of Japan’s main Honshu island, fell somewhat off the tourist circuit following 2011’s tsunami. But it has everything you could want in a Japanese break: atmospheric old towns, epic scenery, great food and buzzing matsuri (festivals). In Yamagata, Ginzan Onsen is the picture of a romantic hot springs town, with cosy historic inns and a 22m-high waterfall. Miyagi’s Genbikei Gorge, meanwhile, is a brilliant destination for hikers. In winter, you can visit ski resorts Appi Kogen and Zao, and in spring, stroll under rows of weeping cherry trees in samurai town Kakunodate. All without the tourist crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto.

Best things to do

Karaoke in tokyo.

Karaoke in Tokyo is iconic for a reason. It’s plentiful, cheap and discreet – with private booths, rather than onlooking crowds. What you’ll pay will vary depending on the location, karaoke chain, time of day and number in your party. Daytime midweek prices can sometimes be as low as £1-2 per 30 minutes.

Stay in a ryokan

You haven’t really experienced old-world Japan until you’ve stayed in a ryokan, a traditional inn. You’ll sleep on a roll-out futon mattress in a tatami-mat-lined room, lounge about in comfy yukata robes and sample traditional multi-course meals (sometimes served inside your room). Many ryokans also come with onsen, Japanese hot springs – another must-try. Do note: bathing is strictly in the buff, sexes are separated and, in most cases, tattoos are banded.

Eat from a kaiten

Japan has one of the richest, most diverse food cultures in the world. But if you have one culinary ‘must’, it’s visiting a kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi bar. Inexpensive yet good quality, it’s a self-serve experience, with each plate clearly colour-coded according to its price. At the cheapest outposts in Tokyo, you can have a feast for £10-15 a head.

Getting around

Unless you’re going to sub-tropical Okinawa, internal flights don’t make much sense in Japan – the high-speed rail network is just too good. Unless you’re sticking to Tokyo, buy a Japan Rail Pass (japanrailpass.net), which allows unlimited travel on most major lines throughout the country. A seven-day pass costs about £186 and must be purchased before you travel to Japan.

For those rare parts of the country not covered by rail, there are usually good, regular coach services. Or you can hire a car; roads are well-maintained and driving is, like the UK, on the left side of the road.

How to get there

Direct flights land into one of Tokyo’s two airports, Haneda and Narita. The former is slightly closer to the main city districts you’ll want to explore, including Shinjuku and Shibuya. Before the pandemic it was also possible to fly direct to Osaka; time will tell if this route is revived. Try British Airways, Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA for nonstop flights.

If you don’t mind a stopover, you can often save cash by flying via the likes of Dubai (with Emirates) or Finland (with Finnair).

Money-saving tip

Depachika, the underground food halls typically found under major department stores, are a wonderland for cut-price eats. You can get gourmet sushi, onigiri (rice balls), yakitori (skewers) and more for a bargain. Conbini (convenience stores) such as Family Mart, 7-Eleven and Lawson have great (if slightly less premium) options too.

• Japan travel: Eight ways to save money when visiting this pricey tourist favourite

What’s the weather like?

Tokyo weather ranges from mild winters to hot summers. Alpine regions get lots of snow in winter, whereas the southern Okinawa islands are subtropical. Pack according to your itinerary.

What time zone is it in?

GMT+9 hours. Japan does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

What currency do I need?

Japanese yen. Cash is still widely used. Convenience store ATMs usually accept foreign cards.

What language is spoken?

Japanese. In cities and other major visitor destinations, English is widely spoken.

Are there any cultural taboos?

Japan has a complex culture and visitors often worry about accidentally offending. In truth, you’re not expected to know the ins-and-outs, so try not to panic. But a few points to note: don’t talk on your phone on public transport. Don’t eat or smoke while walking. And never pass food between pairs of chopsticks or leave your chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice; both mimic traditional Japanese funerary customs.

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Before you go

Researching practical information ahead of your trip will likely make your journey smoother and more enjoyable, and possibly save you some money.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

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Japan Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Japan.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Japan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Japan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Japan is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet, avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Japan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Japan is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Japan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Japan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Japan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Japan.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Japan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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• 86° Partly Cloudy

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio and Guam Visitors Bureau General Manager Carl T.C. Gutierrez with industry executives at the Haneda opening reception in Tokyo.

• Courtesy of Guam Visitors Bureau
• Copy article link

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio greets Haneda Airport Chairman and CEO Isao Takashiro.

Guam Visitors Bureau General Manager Carl T.C. Gutierrez and United Airlines Director of Japan and Micronesia Sales Ken Kiriyama make a toast to the new Haneda-Guam route.

At the Haneda opening ceremony in Tokyo.

GVB: Guam delegation leads Japan travel mission

Pacific daily news.

• May 15, 2024

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio joined the Guam Visitors Bureau in leading a Japan travel mission to Tokyo on May 8 to 11 to bolster Guam’s commitment to Haneda and the Japanese market.

The mission follows the opening of the new Guam-Haneda flight by United Airlines on May 1.

Joining Tenorio and GVB were members of the 37th Guam Legislature, members of the Mayors Council of Guam, CNMI government officials, and some Guam media for the events, bringing a combined effort and a “One Marianas” spirit to support relations with Japan, according to a press release from GVB.

GVB General Manager Carl T.C. Gutierrez and his management and staff in Guam and Japan called upon the lieutenant governor to support the mission and invited a conglomerate to include Vice Speaker Tina Muña Barnes and Sen. Telo Taitague; Inalåhan Mayor Anthony Chargualaf; CNMI Sens. Celina Babauta and Donald Manglona; CNMI House of Representatives Floor Leader Edwin Propst and Rep. John Paul Sablan; Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog; and Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor Edwin Aldan, GVB said.

Also in attendance were Guam International Airport Authority Deputy Executive Manager Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, GIAA Marketing Administrator Rolenda Faasuamalie, GIAA marketing coordinator Elfrie Koshiba, Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency Director Ike Peredo and CQA Capt. Frank Taitague, GVB said.

The mission began with a Haneda trade seminar and industry mixer on Thursday at Azabudai Hills hosted by United Airlines and GVB to showcase the new route and all that Guam has to offer to over 80 agencies and industry partners.

GVB said the delegation had the opportunity to discuss strategies on building the travel market and meet key players in the industry, including keynote speaker Ken Kiriyama, United’s director of Japan and Micronesia sales.

In turn, travel agencies were able to learn more about Guam and the Marianas through the visiting delegates.

On Friday, the delegation was given a firsthand tour of Haneda Airport, which is a part of Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation, before branching off into groups to pay visits to Chiyoda and Kashiwa cities.

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Guam has built sister-city relationships with these cities and aimed to learn about travel trends, sports, senior activities, culture, and receive feedback on the rebuilding of tourism and student exchange programs to Guam and the CNMI.

Finally, GVB hosted a reception at the Happo-en Garden on Friday evening to commemorate the inauguration. Sharing in the celebration was award-winning Chairman and CEO Isao Takashiro and his executive team at Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd, operator of the Haneda Airport.

Top Japan travel agency H.I.S. Tours Executive Officer Kozo Arita, Ken Hotel and Resort Holdings, Ltd. Chairman Shigeru Sato, United Airlines’ Kiriyama and multiple industry executives also attended the event.

Tenorio thanked Takashiro and Kiriyama.

“It has been decades that we have been looking for this opportunity and we will show you that this is the best decision you have made,” Tenorio said.

The event featured the CHamoru culture through music and dance by cultural dance instructor Asami and her students from Japan, who closed out the event with a unique version of “O Saina” in both CHamoru and Japanese.

“What you’re seeing here tonight is not just about corporate profits. It’s about brotherhood..trusting one another that it’s not all about money, but about the friendship and what we have to put together between Guam, Northern Marianas, and Japan,” Gutierrez said in his reception speech, according to GVB.

GVB also said the gratitude and reference to partnership inspired a formal bow from Arita, standing ovation,and victory handshake from Takashiro.

Plans to further develop the Haneda route with additional flights and connections to the CNMI were discussed, along with a new marketing strategy to promote Guam and the CNMI together as “One Marianas,” GVB said.

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(3) comments.

GVB should be turning into IA. Get rid of the ole man let him retire to spend what he has been able to loot

GVB has to be one of the best waste of money on Guam

The weak yen is triggering a currency devaluation for Japan's neighbors which means everyone's currency weakens in order to prop up their exports. All the while, Guam continues to be a more expensive destination with limited value. Even if they show up in droves, they will be spending less.

I just spent 3 days in Honolulu breaking up a long trip home. Gas was cheaper. Food in restaurants was cheaper. It was cleaner and it felt much safer. Why would anyone choose to visit here?

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