Your Japan: First timers, Foodies or Families - We Find your Corner

An intriguing culture rich with tradition and flavour, Japan is a thriving modern nation that honours an ancient past with architecture, food, art, and language. First timers heading to Tokyo can lose themselves in the country’s kinetic and colourful capital, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant atmosphere. Foodies will relish the chance to experience the flavours, textures and delights of Japan’s gourmet food capital Osaka, while families can afford to enjoy the surreal white wonderland of a snow holiday.

First Timers Tokyo
The Tokyo experience is an incredible and even overwhelming adventure for all first timers. Japan’s capital and the country’s largest city buzzes with sleek citizens, bright lights and electricity. A city of 12 million people, Tokyo is a metropolis of many different faces- both literally and figuratively!

Where to go:

• Shopping
  This is the home of the world’s second largest economy- which means there is lots of shopping. Head to the Oriental Bazaar for all your souvenirs, and to Issey Miyaki for some fine designer threads. For the kids (and that’s the big ones too) head to Hakuhinkan Toy Park for an awesome toy experience.
  
• Galleries
  For a good dose of Japanese art head to The Complex, home to several of Tokyo’s best galleries.
  
• Shrines
  Satisfy your spiritual side at one of the local Shrines. Meiji jing is the most splendid of these, made in memory of Emperor Meiji, under whose rule Japan ended its long isolation from the outside world.
  
• Akachochin
  The red lantern restaurants are the best place to immerse yourself in your surrounds over some warm sake.

The Tokyo subway is possibly the most efficient people mover on earth. 5.7 million passengers ride it every day, and delays are rare. It’s the easiest way to make the most of your trip and everywhere you’d like to go feels like its only one stop away. It’s been said that if you conquer the subway, you have conquered Tokyo.

From December 2008 Jetstar will fly direct from Gold Coast Airport to Tokyo five times per week.

Osaka Gourmet Adventure
As Japan’s second largest city, Osaka is recognised as the country’s gourmet food capital. Known as tenka no daidokoro or “the nation’s kitchen”, this is a major port on the South Coast of Honshu Island. The city is in the heart of the Kansai region in central Japan, about 350km west of Tokyo. Here you can wander through literally thousands of restaurants packed away in its alleys, malls and streets. Whether you boast an adventurous or timid palette, you are sure to find cuisine that will please the taste buds. From gourmet dining rooms to rowdy street stalls- this is a city full of flavour.

We’ve picked a handful of culinary must dos from the heart of the region- so why not follow the kuidaore philosophy and ‘eat until you drop’…..

• Okonomiyaki
  A cross between a pancake and a pizza, and sold in many shops and pavement stalls. You cannot truly experience Osaka without trying one of these!
• Kuromon Ichiba Market
  A 400 metre long street with 150 shops; mostly specialising in high quality meat, vegetables, eggs and other Japanese produce. This market has been around for almost 180 years.
  
• Hozenji-Yokocho Street
  Walk down this narrow, stone-paved lane and experience Osaka as it was a few hundred years ago. Visitors can eat at many small food shops and cafes, most selling traditional foods.
  
• Takoyaki
  These tasty octopus dumplings aren’t exactly low calorie but they are flavour full! Seafood at its most delightful.

From October 2008 Jetstar will fly daily direct from Gold Coast Airport to Osaka.

Side Step to Kyoto- Home of the Geisha
Discover the dreamy city made famous in the western world by the novel ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’ by Arthur Golden. Kyoto is the treasure chest of the nation, filled with temples, shrines, museums and Zen gardens. Subtlety and beauty are everywhere- so soak in the atmosphere by bicycle, or stroll the pebbled paths. Japan Railways can take you from Osaka to Kyoto in about an hour. For more information head to www.jnto.go.jp

Family Snow Holiday
A snow holiday in Japan can be an unforgettable, yet affordable, adventure for the whole family. The slopes cater for all levels of skill and fitness, and are easily accessible. From building snowmen to sliding down the slopes all resorts cater for english speakers, provide kids programs, and offer great deals for families on a budget. Find yourself knee deep in a white wonderland without breaking the bank...

Why ski in Japan?
Japan’s northern slopes offer consistent, quality deposits of powder white snow throughout the season, carried on Siberian winds. Plus Japan offers a unique culture and affordable travel options. Spend your days conquering the slopes, and rest up afterward by soaking in hotsprings and enjoying Japanese hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Where to stay
There are literally hundreds of snow resorts throughout Japan, but the cream of the crop include Niseko and Habuka. Located in Japan’s north, both boast excellent, accessible resorts to suit families. Niseko offers the choice of four resorts and Habuka offers a staggering seven. See below

When to go
Japan is in the northern hemisphere so the season can last from the end of November to May. The best time to enjoy the season is between January and March, when you are likely to be spoilt with the thickest fall.

How to get there
From December 2008 you can fly Jetstar direct from Gold Coast Airport to Tokyo. From Tokyo take the first train to Habuka or a domestic flight to Niseko (via Sapporo). Visit
www.goldcoastaiport.com.au/japan to plan your trip.

What you can expect to pay for your ski pass
You can expect to pay far less for your ski pass in Japan, compared to popular slopes in Australia. While an adult will pay around $515 for a six day pass in NSW, you will only pay $352 for the same in Niseko.

*Children under 6 yrs of age are free.

Niseko Powder Capital of Japan
Explore Niseko’s fantastic scenery and hospitable hotels at the resorts of Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Higashiyama, and Niseko Grand. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes to choose from, so whether you are a first timer or old hand, you will encounter just the right challenge.

Niseko Annupuri
Included in the resort package options are Family and Junior courses. Take in the view from the heights of the Gondola, which carries you over the stunning landscape. For something different take the family night skiing, then head into the BBQ house for some sizzle to end a hard day on the slopes!

Niseko Higashiyama Village
With over 15 metres of annual snowfall, the whole family will fall in love with this resort. Niseko Kids is Niseko Village’s full service Indoor and Outdoor Activity Program offering Snow School for ages 4 – 12 as well as the Niseko Kids Adventure Program for ages 18 months to 6 years. Programs are available daily beginning December.

Niseko Grand Hirafu
At this resort children (kindergarten and younger) ride the lifts for free. There is also a Day Care facility and kids ski lessons offered at half day or full day rates- so you can choose what suits your budget. You can also save money by purchasing a 5-hour pair ticket for an adult and child. The Restaurant Piruka is a great place to feed the family, with half portions at half the price for children.

Hakuba 12m of SNOWFALL!
Hakuba boasts the steepest runs of all Japan’s 600 ski resorts. Hakuba combines seven ski resorts centered around the massive Olympic ski jump stadium. You can choose from a wide variety of accommodation in a small village setting. Best of all it so close to Tokyo!

Over 100 operating lifts give skiers access to more than 70 runs, the longest passing 8,000 metres in length. We chose the top three special things to see and do here, and we’re sure you will find something for everyone.

Ski School Evergreen Outdoor Center offers native and bilingual professional instructors for children, adults, advanced, and first-time skiers in the Hakuba ski resort region. The centre also provides special care for young children. For more details visit
www.evergreen-hakuba.com

Hot Air Ballooning Picture this: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the snow-covered Hakuba mountain range in the land of the rising sun. Sure the temperature is 16 degrees below zero, but the experience will be unforgettable! Visit
www. hakuba.lion-adventure.com for information.

Onsen One of the most popular ski activities in Hakuba is soaking away the day’s weariness in one of the many outdoor natural hot springs which also afford magnificent views.

Getting There: From December 2008 you can fly Jetstar direct from Gold Coast Airport to Tokyo. From Tokyo the High speed JR Shinkansen (100 minutes) connects Tokyo to Nagano; from here you can transfer to your accommodation in Hakuba by coach (65 minutes).

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Here are some handy travel tips to help make your holiday in Japan a stress-free one.

Arriving Into Japan
Jetstar will fly daily from Gold Coast Airport to Osaka commencing October 2008, and direct to Tokyo five times every week commencing December 2008

Passport
Australians must have a passport to enter Japan, however no visa is required for Australian passport holders for a stay of up to 90 days.

Language
Japanese is the national language, however most hotels and resorts are equipped for English speaking visitors.

Climate
Japan’s seasons are opposite to Australia- which means the slopes a great place to cool off during our summer months.

Currency
The unit of Japanese currency is yen. $1AUD is equal to about 95JPY. Visit www.xe.com for current conversions.

Japan for Free!
A holiday in Japan will not break the piggybank if you download this useful factsheet of free things to see and do - courtesy of Japan Tourism. (DOWNLOAD 196K PDF)