The Japan National Tourism Organization or “JNTO” provides information about Japan to promote travel to and in the country. JNTO is an Independent Administrative Institution of the Government of Japan with its headquarters located in Tokyo. JNTO maintains 13 offices in key cities around the world, through which a wide range of tourism-related promotions are carried out. Each overseas office is responsible for promoting travel and tourism to Japan; one of the most important functions is to help the travel industry encourage their clients to visit Japan.

Visit the Japan National Tourism Organization Website

Kyoto is the most traditional city in one of the world’s most advanced countries. It was the centre of Japan’s culture and the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. Kyoto boasts over 2,000 shrines and temples and numerous seasonal festivals and celebrations. It remains home to roughly 20% of Japan’s National Treasures and approximately 14% of its Important Cultural Properties; 17 of which have been registered as World Heritage Sites. Much of Kyoto’s traditional culture, which flourished during the Heian period, has been passed on and preserved, creating a repository of cultural excellence that cannot be experienced elsewhere.

Here in Kyoto, the art of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi takes on many forms, each tempered by time and symbolic ultimate refinement. From days of old, every kind of heart-felt expression of hospitality, resonating with the true spirit of omotenashi in an austere and humble setting, has been deemed by worldwide travelers familiar with life’s real treasures to be the ultimate luxury. Come to Kyoto and feel for yourself the roots and true essence of Japanese omotenashi.

Visit the City of Kyoto Website

Tokyo is one of the most exciting and modern cities in the world. With over 400 years of history as the capital of Japan, Tokyo has a rich cultural heritage originating in the Edo period. The juxtaposition of the historical with the modern in terms of architecture, customs and trends make Tokyo unique and very different from any other city in the world.

Modern architectural masterpieces exist side by side with historic temples, beautiful gardens, shrines and shops that have been in business for generations where kimono clad customers mingle with clientele wearing the latest in designer fashions. The beauty of Tokyo lies in its individual neighborhoods and in many ways Tokyo is the largest, most exciting village in the world. One can undoubtedly appreciate the fusion of traditional, modern and natural elements of the city.

Tokyo’s world-leading list of Michelin-starred restaurants will undoubtedly spoil you for choice with the most ingenious fusion dishes on earth, and a plethora of world-class cuisine options not easily found elsewhere. Indulge in exquisite international-inspired culinary delights or sample the best of the best of Japanese cuisine at the very core of this cosmic center of the finest food on earth.

The Metropolis’ exclusive 5-star hotels are citadels of luxury towering high above some of Tokyo’s most impressive and plush of neighborhoods far below and there are over 3600 hotels of all varieties to choose from throughout the city. Tokyo has an abundance of the finest in performing arts and 240 museums to see. Tokyo’s outstanding transportation system allows one to travel throughout the city with ease and to connect with all other major areas within Japan.

The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit foundation with the goal of attracting tourists and conventions to Tokyo and acts as a bridge between the government administration and the private sector.

You will find more than what you expect, and you will love Tokyo!

Visit the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau Website

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Website

Okayama Prefecture, the Land of Sunshine, is located 45-minutes by Shinkansen from Osaka at the center of western Japan. We are full of local charm, from Michelin 3-starred Korakuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical District. Relax at the Mimasaka Hot Springs or at Hiruzen Heights. Taste our muscat grapes, white peaches and fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea. See our Bizen ware pottery, and try our made-to-order jeans. Visit the art island of Naoshima, close to Okayama. Our motto is “warm hospitality”, we want to welcome you.

Visit the Okayama Prefecture Website

From the east, Shizuoka Prefecture is divided into four areas Izu Area, Fuji Area, Central Area and Western Area.
Eastern Area (Izu)
From long ago the Izu Peninsula has been known throughout Japan as a hot spring area and is home to many traditional and prestigious hot spring ryokans. It has a varied and rugged coastline. Looking out over the vast ocean while enjoying a soak in a hot spring bath is one exquisite way to enjoy the breath-taking scenery.
Eastern Area (Fuji)
Spread around the foot of Mt. Fuji, this area enjoys all the blessings of Japan’s most famous mountain with natural scenery such as volcanic caves and waterfalls created by the spring water of melted snow.
Central Area
Located around Shizuoka City, Shizuoka’s Central Area is rich in both culture and history. With historical sites related to the famous Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and art museums displaying ukiyo-e, it is the perfect place to experience Japanese culture.
Western Area
This area is the birthplace and home of world-class companies such as Yamaha and Honda and boasts many top brands leading the way with cutting edge technology.

Visit the Shizuoka Prefecture Website

Established in 1952, ANA (All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.) is a leading Japanese provider of air transportation services, carrying almost 50 million passengers every year to 50 destinations in Japan and 27 cities throughout Asia, Europe and the US. It is the tenth largest airline in the world by passenger load, according to IATA rankings and the largest domestic carrier in Japan. ANA has won awards in all categories for its products and services and was voted Airline of the Year for 2007 by Air Transport World Magazine.

ANA joined the Star Alliance in 1999, an airline alliance that offers more flights to more destinations than any other network. ANA, United Airlines and Continental Airlines are currently executing a trans-Pacific joint venture under which they intend to jointly develop flight schedules and sales activities.

ANA offers a variety of Premium Member Services and Benefits targeted to high-end travelers. Cabin service is of the highest Japanese quality with space designs providing a private and comfortable environment allowing each passenger to enjoy a wonderful journey and delicacies from a distinguished menu.

Visit the ANA Website

Asia Jet, the only company dedicated to providing a private jet card program for the luxury travel market in Asia, offers a range of services to suit both regional and worldwide requirements. Through its exclusive alliance with Metrojet, Asia Jet Card members enjoy convenience, quality, safety and one of the largest charter fleets in the region. Asia Jet strives to make each flight an extension of its esteemed members’ home or office. Each flight is tailor-made and uniquely designed to the specific client requirements. With a portfolio of complimentary services that cover every facet of luxury and lifestyle, the Asia Jet Card membership assures an extraordinary experience in the sky.

Visit the Asia Jet Website

Benesse House opened in 1992 as the core facility of Benesse Art Site Naoshima*. It was conceived as a coexistence of nature, art, and architecture. The main building, Museum, was designed by Tadao Ando and is located on a plateau on the south side of the island facing the Inland Sea. It has a structure that is broadly open to the outside so that guests can always feel the presence of nature from inside its rooms. Here works produced by artists specifically for this site are on permanent exhibition in combination with the natural surroundings of Naoshima and the architecture of Tadao Ando. Artists visit Naoshima, select their own space, and create works. The works of art are exhibited not only in the formal exhibition spaces, but throughout the building and also along the coastline and within the forest around the museum. The exhibition spaces feature permanent displays grouped by specific themes. Benesse House includes guest rooms, as well as a restaurant and cafe. It is a facility where visitors can leisurely appreciate the art amid the time and space of Naoshima Island. Oval, designed by Tadao Ando, is opened in 1995.

Two new buildings, Park and Beach, opened along the seashore beneath the plateau on May 20, 2006, provide a total of 49 guest rooms. These two-story buildings are among the few wooden buildings designed by Tadao Ando. They meld into the surrounding forest. They were created with consideration for the natural environment, and utilize laminated wood that can easily be recycled. These facilities include a restaurant and spa that are open to day visitors.

*“Benesse Art Site Naoshima” is the collective term for the art activities that Benesse Holdings, Inc. and Naoshima Fukutake Art Museum Foundation develops in Naoshima,Teshima and Inujima in the Seto Inland Sea.

Visit the Benesse House Website

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi (The Four Seasons) is prominently placed in the Marunouchi central business district, the commercial heart not merely of Tokyo, but of all of Japan. Four Seasons offers a striking, contemporary setting within the landmark glass-clad tower of the prestigious Pacific Century Place, a prestigious office and retail development neighboring Ginza shopping district and directly connected to Tokyo Station.

A small jewel in Tokyo with 57 rooms, The Four Seasons offers a boutique luxury hotel experience that focuses on providing the best-personalized service. The Four Seasons attends to the special needs of each guest with Japanese-style sincerity, ensuring that guests feel at home and want for nothing. The Spa at The Four Seasons offers a quiet and relaxing setting away from the bustle of the city. Choose ekki BAR & GRILL for an international breakfast or elegant evening dining. Relax and enjoy fine spirits in a beautiful setting. All guest rooms are equipped with 3D televisions with blu-ray and Bluetooth, making the guest room atmosphere richly comfortable and cutting edge.

Times change, but The Four Seasons dedication to perfecting the travel experience never will. Its highly personalized 24-hour service, combined with authentic, elegant surroundings of the highest quality, embodies a home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. Its people have built an unrivalled depth of reliability, trust and connection with its guests. At The Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi, you can enjoy a convenient location and unique vantage point from which to explore the sights, sounds and experiences around you.

Visit The Four Seasons Website

On the Hozu River, deep in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, HOSHINOYA Kyoto stands like an aristocrat’s retreat from the Heian Dynasty from over a thousand years ago. Guests arrive by boat, traveling along the river surrounded by lush mountains whose trees change color with the seasons. Arriving at HOSHINOYA Kyoto is entering a different world and a different time.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto promises an extraordinary Kyoto experience. It has traditional yet stylish Japanese rooms with river views and beautiful serene gardens. Here, you can relax with fluffy futons on an elevated platform and elegant couches facing the river. Or enjoy the creative Japanese cuisine at HOSHINOYA, which includes a dynamic demonstration of soba noodle making. If you wish to explore the Kyoto experience further, HOSHINOYA Kyoto offers various cultural activities such as incense and tea ceremonies, kimono rentals, Zen meditation, and guided private tours.

Visit the HOSHINOYA Kyoto Website

Japan Airlines (JAL), a member of the oneworld alliance, was awarded the most punctual major airline in 2009 and 2010, has a global network reaching more than 221 airports and 40 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners. JAL also has an expansive domestic network covering 50 airports throughout Japan. With its international fleet, including 777s from the continental U.S. and Canada, JAL is a perfect choice when traveling to destinations throughout Asia including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.

Visit the Japan Airlines Website

Since its international debut in 1981, Kodo has been the world’s premier Japanese drumming and traditional performing arts group, delivering over 3300 performances on five continents. Kodo spends about a third of each year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third at home in a village of its own creation, resting and preparing new material. Its many recordings are available throughout the world.

Located in the Sea of Japan, and graced with exceptional natural beauty, Kodo’s home of Sado Island has been a crossroads of traditional culture for centuries. Its living and unusually rich traditional heritage has given Sado the nickname: Island of the Performing Arts.

The Kodo Cultural Foundation was established in 1997 with a mission to not only preserve Sado’s cultural and environmental treasures, but to develop unique ways for visitors to experience them directly. From the conservation of local habitat to the revitalization of rare craft traditions and Noh theaters throughout Sado Island, the Kodo Cultural Foundation oversees many vital projects; including the Earth Celebration International Music Festival, the Kodo Apprentice Centre, and the Sado Island Taiko Centre.

Visit the Kodo Cultural Foundation Website

Kyo-Shin-An Arts is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the integration of Japanese classical instruments – specifically shakuhachi, koto and shamisen – into Western classical music. It is commissioning, developing and producing new works and concerts, working with great composers to bring forth the outstanding virtuosity of these instruments within the context of chamber ensembles and orchestras. The effort is international in scale, currently with performing partners in the US and the UK, and with Japan, Australia and other European locations on the horizon.

Visit the Kyo-Shin-An Arts Website

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s visionary design and award-winning service have been recognised as the epitome of sophisticated luxury in the city. Superbly located in the prestigious financial district within the historical and cultural centre of Tokyo, the first Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group property in Japan embodies the best of contemporary and time-honoured architectural splendour. The hotel features 178 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites, Michelin-starred dining, innovative bar concepts and a 1,180 square-metre holistic spa all situated within the top nine floors of the soaring, Cesar Pelli-designed Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, a site offering spectacular views of the city skyline while also providing access to stately banquet and conference facilities within the adjacent Mitsui Main Building, a Japanese cultural-heritage property.

Frequently acknowledged as the top luxury hotel in Japan, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has received accolades including being rated the World’s Best Hotel by Institutional Investor magazine in 2010, awarded the Michelin Guide’s highest honour of Five Red Pavilions, ranked Top Hotel in Japan by the Zagat Travel Guide, and has received Condé Nast Gold List classification. The hotel likewise is the only recipient in Asia of a Six Star Diamond award by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

Visit the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Website

Far from crowded cities, the Miho Museum is nestled among the verdant Shigaraki Mountains approximately one hour outside of Kyoto. 80% of the museum’s structure is beneath the earth so as to preserve its natural environment and to assimilate it into the surrounding scenery. Only after taking a gently sloping path lined with beautiful cherry trees, passing through a tunnel and crossing a bridge can the Miho Museum be found. The museum’s unique design and location clearly demonstrate the intention of its architect, I.M. Pei to create a paradise on earth. When he first visited the site he was moved to declare, “This is Shangri-La.”

The Miho Museum contains an extraordinary collection of ancient Near Eastern art and sculpture and Japanese art including ceramics, Buddhist art, lacquerware, calligraphy and paintings. The beloved possessions of the museum’s founder, Mihoko Koyama, the collection was gathered over a period of 40 years. Works housed in the Miho Museum have been displayed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Los Angeles County Art Museum and the British Museum. In addition to its permanent displays, the Miho Museum also conducts a variety of wonderful special exhibitions throughout the year.

Visit the Miho Museum Website

TAI Gallery, located in Santa Fe New Mexico, is one of the world’s finest galleries featuring Japanese bamboo art and contemporary photography, and museum-quality textiles from Indonesia, India, Japan and Africa. Since 1978, gallery founders Mary Hunt Kahlenberg and Robert T. Coffland have hosted this selective gallery, combining her renowned knowledge in the field of textiles with his contemporary art sensibility to offer visually dazzling textiles and Japanese bamboo baskets and sculptures. In 2006 TAI added the field of contemporary Japanese photography to its collections. TAI Gallery exhibits at art fairs in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas and London. There are special shows of bamboo art and photography in the gallery throughout year.

Visit the TAI Gallery Website

At The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, you can take in the city’s international culture from high atop a dramatic skyscraper, the tallest in Tokyo where the city views are just fantastic. Occupying the top nine floors and the first three levels of the 53-story Midtown Tower, this luxury hotel features elegant rooms and suites, panoramic vistas, wonderful dining options, and much more. At The Ritz-Carlton hotel, you can absorb the international culture of Tokyo’s Roppongi District, the city’s entertainment, diplomatic and business hub along with the latest trends in food, fashion and luxury retail. The spacious rooms with panoramic views are well layed out and beautifully appointed. The Ritz-Carlton is by far one of the finest properties in Tokyo. The Midtown complex is a contemporary mecca replete with beautiful and luxurious shops and fine cuisine.

Visit The Ritz-Carlton Website

The International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) is the American arm of IATA, the global community of officially accredited travel professionals and travel business entities. IATAN endorses bona fide travel sales professionals and travel business entities that are engaged in the sale or brokerage of travel-related services to the general public. Its mission is to promote professionalism, administer meaningful and impartial business standards, and to provide cost effective products, services and educational programs that benefit the travel industry. Through the use of its informational and other resources, IATAN provides a vital link between the supplier community and the U.S. travel distribution network.

IATAN endorses Airline Appointed and Travel Sales Intermediary (TSI) agency locations, registers the personnel who work in these agencies, and produces the IATAN Travel Agent ID Card as a method of identifying bona fide travel professionals and travel business entities. JapanQuest Journeys is officially accredited as an IATAN Travel Sales Intermediary (TSI) Agency whose principals hold the IATAN ID Card.

Visit the IATAN Website

Want to share your amazing travel experiences with friends and fellow travelers more easily? Now you can! Come check out whereRyou.com today!

Visit the whereRyou Website Featuring JapanQuest Journeys

The fun way to help friends, build referrals & grow your business. Tap into the largest referral network.

Visit the Referral Key Website Featuring JapanQuest Journeys