Yokoso means welcome in Japanese, and the Japanese government has designated 20 January to 20 February 2006, the…
Yokoso means welcome in Japanese, and the Japanese government has designated 20 January to 20 February 2006, the Yokoso! Japan Weeks. During the Yokoso! Japan Weeks campaign visitors to Japan will be able to enjoy a wide range of special offers and special events to make their Japanese winter holiday extra special.
Yokoso! Japan Weeks activities will include:
Japan Winter Sale 2006
Numerous shopping centers in Japan offer the biggest bargain and clearance sales in January and February. Hottest styles can be purchased at remarkable discount prices. Select shops holding sales during the Yokoso! Japan Weeks will be offering free gifts or further reductions on already discounted items to international travellers.
Special Discounts at Museums
Many museums will be offering discounted admission fees during Yokoso! Japan Weeks and some will be holding special exhibitions including “Master Swords from Temples and Shrines in Kyoto” from 2 Jan till 21 Feb at Kyoto National Museum.
Unique Chinese New Year Celebrations
January 29 marks the New Year (Lunar New Year) for many Asian nations. From 20 January till 11 February 2006 the cast of gPeanutsh will be putting on a special Snoopy show to welcome in the Chinese New Year at Universal Studios Japan, the first Universal Studios outside the US. There are 18 attractions, 20 theme restaurants, and lots of stores in the large park. It`s located in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan. Even if you have visited the Universal Studios in the US, this one won`t bore you. Some attractions, such as Snoopy Studio and Universal Studios Motion Picture Magic, are Universal Studios Japan`s original.
On 1 February, Fujikyu Highland theme park will be hosting a celebration of the local Yamanashi areas performing arts, and exhibits and holding giveaways of regional specialties to welcome in the Chinese New Year. There will be a fireworks display during the grand finale. Fujikyu Highlands has perhaps one of the most amazing settings of any theme park in the world. At the foot of Mt. Fuji its roller coaster rides offer amazing views of Japanfs iconic mountain.
Spectacular Winter Festivals
The Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan`s most famous winter festival, runs from 6 to 12 February. Visitors are greeted by over 300 works, from giant snow and ice creations rendered in minute detail to snow statues. Other spectacular winter festivals taking place during Yokoso! Japan Weeks include the, Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Tokachi River Swan Festival and the Asahikawa Winter Festival, where you can stand on the world`s biggest balcony made of ice and snow – as high as a five-story building!
Relax in Traditional Japanese Spas
Every trip to Japan should include a visit to an onsen (natural hot springs). Each region and inn has something unique, and while a long soak in just one spa is still a treat, touring several onsen is another kind of pleasure. Some regions have a convenient system called the “Onsen Pass” that allows you to visit all the designated hot springs.
Snow Resort Special Events
After a relaxing interlude in the hot springs, try a visit to the slopes. The snow and ski resorts of Japan contain world-class slopes that have hosted Winter Olympic Games and World Championships, and are known for their ease of access, dazzling array of scenery and excellent powder quality, brilliant for snowboarding and skiing. During this special time period, snow resorts throughout Japan will enhance your stay with special events and presents as well as major discounts. One of the highlights will be a giant kamakura (snow house) built in Akakura Onsen Ski Resort where visitors will be served hot “ski soup” (tonjiru – a hearty pork miso soup) and drinks on 18 February.
Low-cost Transit Tours
Passengers in transit at Narita and Kansai Airports will be able to take advantage of special transit tours to help make the most of their brief stop in Japan. The transit tours take in such sights and activates as temples, hot springs and shopping.
Hotel Discounts
A number of hotels on Japan`s northernmost island of Hokkaido will be offering up to 30% off normal room rates during the campaign, including Misono Hotel in Hokkaido, Jozankei Grand Hotel and Kussharo Prince Hotel. ANA Hotels throughout Japan will be offering 20%-40% discounts from the end of January till the end of March.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
