News
JTB and Taiwan-based travel tech work together to establish a cross-border digital base for local activities in Japan
JTB, Good Fellows JTB and Taiwan-based Fontrip Technology Japan are collaborating in accelerating cross-border tourism. ‘TOHOKU FunPASS,’ a digital sightseeing pass for the Tohoku region, was launched.
Rakuten Travel Xchange connects Japan with the world in distributing hotel inventories
Rakuten Travel Xchange distributes the world’s hotel inventories through global OTAs and whole sellers as well as Rakuten Travel and Rakuten STAY inventories in Japan. CEO James Park talked about its innovative B2B distribution.
Tourism EXPO Japan 2026 welcomed 183,270 visitors in total, more than the last EXPO in Tokyo
Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, held for four days from September 24 to 27 2026, welcomed 183,270 visitors in total. Tourism EXPO Japan 2027 will be held at Tokyo Big Sight for four days from September 23 to 26 2027.
Japan National Tourism Organization signs MOU with Emirates to increase travelers from Middle East to Japan
JNTO and Emirates have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at further promoting tourism exchange between Japan and the Middle East.
JAL starts selling NDC international air tickets via Amadeus for 26 countries and regions
JAL is launching the global rollout of NDC (New Distribution Capability) contents for international air tickets via the Amadeus Travel Platform.
145 Michelin Key Hotels, including seven 3 Michelin Keys, are selected in Japan with 19 new entries
‘Michelin Key Hotel Selection 2026' was announced. In Japan, seven 3 Michelin Keys, 23 2 Michelin Keys and 115 1 Michelin Keys were awarded.
WTTC, JATA and Tourism EXPO Japan form a partnership to strengthen global competitiveness of the Japan’s travel industry
WTTC, JATA and the Tourism EXPO Japan (TEJ) Executive Committee signed a new MOU to strengthen collaboration between Japan's travel and tourism industry and the global tourism industry.
Japanese Prime Minister says that tourism should be a ‘strategic industry’ in Japan at Tourism EXPO Japan 2026
The 12th Tourism EXPO Japan (TEJ) 2026 with a theme of ‘The Changing Nature of Travel’ opened at Tokyo Big Sight on September 24 2026. Japanese Prime Minister says that tourism should be a ‘strategic industry’ in Japan
The Japan’s first ‘complete unmanned taxi’ will be commercialized in Tokyo by the end of 2027
Taxi app GO, US-baed auto-driving mobility Waymo under Alphabet and taxi operator Nihon Kotsu aim to start the Japan’s first complete unmanned taxi business under the auto-driving level 4 by the end of 2027.
JTB tests AI Smart Glasses for International guests at hotels and tourist information, eyeing the future commercialization
JTB Inbound Trip (JIT) and ThinkAR Japan signed an agreement on expansion of AI wearable solutions in the tourism and hospitality industry of Japan.
GREEN×EXPO 2027 overview was unveiled 6 months before opening, featuring National Days for 59 countries and organizations
‘GREEN×EXPO 2027’ with a theme of ‘Scenery of the Future for Happiness’ will open on March 19 2027 in Yokohama City. Outlines of the event was unveiled.
Japanese international travelers were down 3.6% to 1.59 million in August 2026
The number of Japanese international travelers in August 2026 was down 3.6% year on year to 1,588,600. Compared to May 2019 (2.1 million travelers), the number was still down 24.7%.
International arrivals in Japan in August 2026 were down 9.6% to 3.1 million, despite record-high in 14 source markets
The number of international arrivals in Japan in August 2026 decreased by 9.6% year on year to 3,098,900, while arrivals from 14 source markets reached record-high for August.
Tourism Australia promotes tourism marketing ‘Chosen by AI,’ expecting further growth of the Japan market
Catherine O'Brien, Executive General Manager of Global Markets at Tourism Australia talked about the 10-years ‘Tourism 2035’ strategy and AI adaptation.
Uber Japan works together with Fujiyoshida City, a gateway for Mt.Fuji, to tackle the over-tourism challenge
Uber Japan and Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, signed a comprehensive partnership agreement for countermeasures against over-tourism.
Luggage storage service Bounce launched its service at convenience stores in Tokyo
Bounce launched its luggage storage services at three Lawson stores, which allows a traveler to enjoy sightseeing or shopping without carrying large suitcases.
JTB new CEO talks about the company’s growth strategy from the restructuring of its global operations to the inbound travel
Tomo Aomi. who took office as President and CEO of JTB on June 30 2026, talked about the company’s growth strategy from the restructuring of its global operations to the inbound travel.
Live ‘Pokémon GO’ events will be held in Sendai, Japan and Mexico City as great opportunities for local tourism
‘Pokémon GO Wild Area,’ a live event for ‘Pokémon GO,’ will be held simultaneously in Sendai City and Mexico City over three days from November 6 to 8, 2026.
HIS, a leading Japanese travel agency, acquires a US-based inbound travel agency to strengthen its businesses in North America
HIS has decided to acquire shares in American Ring Travel, Inc. (ART) based in California, USA to strengthen the company's business foundation in North America.
Four major Japanese travel agencies launch a new organization to promote higher-valued sports hospitality tourism
KNT, JTB, Pia and Tobu Top Tours launched Sports Hospitality Promotion Council (SHPC) to develop the sports industry and activate local economies in Japan.
