The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Avanti Destinations have just launched a 36-page educational e-brochure for travel agents, Japan: A World Apart, available on Avanti’s agent portal.
Designed to be passed along to clients, the new e-brochure introduces agents to many less-touristed destinations, the advantages of visiting Japan in each of the four seasons, as well as the range of experiences Japan offers to clients interested in local food specialties, beer, sake, cooking, nature, adventure travel, gardens, history, culture and wellness.
The e-brochure includes videos and resources from JNTO, such as a Tokyo city map and guide to attractions, as well as an explanation of Japan’s highly efficient train system and recommendations on using the subway.
Wide Range of Authentic Experiences
“Japan is our number one selling country in Asia,” said Paul Barry, Avanti’s CEO, in press material. “Most of the bookings are only for Tokyo and Kyoto, so the objective of this e-brochure is to show travel advisors how many other fascinating places and experiences the country offers.
“Even in the high seasons of sakura when the cherry trees are in full bloom and fall when the trees change to vivid colors, it is possible to find many places with far fewer tourists, where your clients can have a wide choice of memorable encounters with the real Japan. These range from having a private dinner with a geisha, hot spring (onsen)-hopping in Kinosaki, visiting the snow monkeys in Yudanaka, hiking along the shrine-dotted Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, or trying your hand at traditional crafts in Kanazawa. Even in Toyko, we suggest places and experiences that most travelers miss,” added Barry.
Early booking is strongly encouraged for clients wishing to travel at peak tourist times. Agents should note that because of the Summer Olympics, Avanti will not be taking new bookings for travel to Tokyo between July 17 and Aug. 16, 2020.
Highlighted destinations besides Tokyo and Kyoto include but are not limited to Fukuoka, with a shrine dedicated to an ancient Japanese poet-politician (deified as the god of literature and learning), as well as world-class street food; Hakone, home to an open-air museum of art (over 300 works by Picasso) and sculpture; Kanazawa, a well-preserved Edo-era town with historic castle, stunning gardens, art museums and handicrafts; Obuse, small charming town where famed woodblock artist Hokusai lived, near the snow monkey park and hot springs (onsen); and Sapporo, home to a beer museum and annual snow festival, as well as an ideal place to ski.
New Experiences
Among the new experiences which may be added to any custom itinerary: a snorkeling tour (with guide) in Okinawa; private tea ceremony; traditional crafts tour in Kanazawa where clients will learn how to apply gold leaf to chopsticks or a small plate and how to dye cloth in the same manner used to make kimonos; evening food safari in Okinawa with private guide; a private tour of Osaka’s street food culture; and sushi-making in a private home after a tour of Tsukiji in Tokyo, where clients can sample fish and seafood in a multitude of restaurants and shops delivered directly from Toyosu, the world’s largest wholesale fish market.
For more information, visit book.avantidestinations.com.
