AGP Executive Report

Seasonal Attractions: Awaji Island’s Dragon Quest Island will run a New Year and Lunar New Year event from Dec. 26 to Feb. 14, with a monster-themed fortune experience for visitors. Fuji Getaways: Lake Yamanaka, about 90 minutes from Tokyo, offers camping, watersports and village stays, with views of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. Japan’s Appeal: Japan retained the top spot in the 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index for a fourth consecutive year. Cruise Travel: Japan’s cruise sector is courting younger visitors with shorter, more affordable trips. Tourism Trends: Japan’s visitor-spending gains are facing a headwind as Chinese arrivals fall.

Rail Travel: Japan’s Shinkansen is adding a touch of luxury: new Supreme Class cabins offer private, heated reclining seats and views of the countryside between Kyoto and Tokyo. Outdoor Safety: Hikers on Mount Takao should watch for highly poisonous kaentake mushrooms, which can cause severe skin damage on contact; warning signs are posted around the trails. Cruise Tourism: Japan is courting younger travellers with shorter, cheaper cruises, as operators expand options around the country. Visitor Trends: Korean visits to Japan are on track to top 10 million for the first time, while a sharp drop in Chinese visitors is weighing on tourist spending. Okinawa Heritage: Shurijo Castle’s rebuilt main hall is set to open on November 23, offering a major new reason to visit Okinawa.

Travel Safety: A survey found vehicles became trapped in floodwaters at 80 underpasses across Japan’s prefectural capitals over the past decade. Warning systems cover fewer than half, and automatic or remote barriers are rare. Getting Around: JR East launches teppay, a QR-code payment service in its Suica app, on Oct. 20; its ¥300,000 limit could cover larger purchases, including accommodation. Cruises: Japanese operators are adding shorter, cheaper domestic sailings to attract younger travellers, with one- to three-night trips planned aboard the new Mitsui Ocean Sakura. Mount Fuji: A feature highlights a pilgrimage route through ancient forests and shrines on the mountain’s lower slopes, offering an alternative to climbing to the summit. Festival Safety: Two people died and 16 were injured at danjiri float festivals in Osaka, raising concerns for visitors attending local events. Visitor Demand: South Korean trips to Japan are on track to top 10 million for the first time, while Lufthansa Group is expanding Japan services.

New Japan Trails: A 350-kilometer walking route linking six cities and towns has opened, with its starting point less than two hours from Tokyo—offering hikers a new way to explore beyond the usual stops. More Flights: Lufthansa plans expanded Japan service for summer 2027, including Nagoya and daily Tokyo flights, while Air Astana is launching direct Almaty–Tokyo flights. Korean visits to Japan are on track to top 10 million for the first time. Sustainable Stays: THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO TOKYU has become the first TOKYU HOTELS property to receive GSTC certification. Culture in Osaka: A Kintsugi workshop at the Four Seasons Osaka gives visitors a hands-on introduction to the Japanese art of repairing pottery while embracing its cracks. Tourism Pressures: Tokyo is tightening short-term rental rules, while a popular resort town plans a hotel-stay tax as Japan grapples with concentrated visitor numbers and crowding.

Visitor Boom: South Korean arrivals are on pace to top 10 million in Japan for the first time. JNTO counted 7.42 million visitors from January to August, up 21.2% year on year, with repeat travelers increasingly exploring regional cities. New Experiences: Tokyo’s sightseeing bus serving conveyor-belt sushi began running Oct. 10, while a new 350-kilometer walking trail linking six cities and towns offers another reason to venture beyond the usual route. Greener Stays: Kyoto’s Hotel Higashiyama Kyoto Tokyu became the first Tokyu Hotels property to earn GSTC sustainability certification. More Flights: Lufthansa Group plans up to 50 weekly flights to Japan in summer 2027, including a resumed Frankfurt–Nagoya service and an extra daily Tokyo–Narita flight.

Destination Growth: Nakatsugawa in Gifu is courting visitors to the Samurai Road with new hotels and eateries, betting on a future maglev station despite construction delays. A new 350-kilometer walking trail links six towns less than two hours from Tokyo. Travel Ideas: Tokyo’s conveyor-belt sushi sightseeing bus is now running. October’s cooler weather suits city walks, though rain and late typhoons remain possible. Air Links: Lufthansa Group plans more Japan flights for summer 2027, including Nagoya and daily Tokyo service. Palau is promoting tourism following the launch of direct Narita–Koror flights. Visitor Trends: Japan was named the world’s top travel destination for a fourth straight year, but a sharp drop in Chinese visitors is weighing on tourism spending. Coming Up: Okinawa’s rebuilt Shurijo Castle main hall is scheduled to reopen November 23.

Food Tourism: Kobe and Awaji Island will get their own MICHELIN Guide, as local partners look to draw visitors with the region’s distinctive food culture. Air Links: Lufthansa will resume Frankfurt–Nagoya flights in March 2027 and increase its Frankfurt–Tokyo service to daily, expanding options for trips to Japan. Tourism Trends: Japan remains a top global destination, but its tourism spending windfall is shrinking as Chinese visitor numbers plunge. Outdoor Travel: The 350-kilometre Hitachinokuni Long Trail in Ibaraki is now complete, linking six cities and towns through countryside, mountain and coastal scenery. Tokyo Experiences: A sightseeing bus serving conveyor-belt sushi is set to offer visitors a novel way to pair city touring with a meal.

Inbound Tourism: Japan’s tourism spending windfall is losing steam as Chinese arrivals plunge. Foreign visitor numbers fell 2.7% in January–August, and China’s Golden Week travel rankings showed no Japanese city among its top overseas destinations. Travel Links: New and returning flights will widen access: United adds daily Chicago–Narita service on Oct. 24, while Philippine Airlines restores Saipan–Manila flights on Oct. 26, with onward connections to Tokyo, Osaka and other Asian cities. Okinawa Landmark: Shurijo Castle’s rebuilt main hall is set to reopen on Nov. 23, giving visitors a major reason to add the historic site to their plans.

Travel Trade: Tokyo-based XPERISUS has redesigned its advisor platform around building Japan itineraries, while Unforgettable Travel has launched an Asia collection that includes Japan. New Stays: Hyatt Centric Sapporo has opened, and Aman’s sister brand has debuted its first Tokyo hotel in Azabudai Hills. More Ways In: Lufthansa plans expanded Japan service for summer 2027, including Nagoya and daily Tokyo flights; Air Astana is set to begin direct Almaty–Tokyo flights in November. Beyond the Golden Route: New data points to travelers exploring more of Japan, with a new 350-kilometre walking trail linking six cities and towns. Visitor Costs: A resort town of 10,000 people that hosts 20 million visitors is considering a hotel tax, while Nagoya has doubled its castle entry fee. Travel Alert: H.I.S. says it is investigating a possible passport-data leak.

Hokkaido Stays: A new four-unit container hotel in Bihoro will offer sauna access, barbecue and breakfast, aiming to turn day trips to nearby Bihoro Pass into overnight stays. Its trial run starts Oct. 10, with regular-season rates planned at ¥18,000–¥20,000 per night. More Flights to Japan: Cebu Pacific will launch four weekly Cebu–Nagoya flights on Nov. 19. Lufthansa Group plans 50 weekly Japan flights next summer, including resumed Frankfurt–Nagoya service and daily Frankfurt–Narita flights. Air Astana will begin direct Almaty–Tokyo service on Nov. 30. Haneda Update: JAL’s renovated domestic lounges at Tokyo Haneda are set to reopen Oct. 8. Visitor Pressure: A resort town of 10,000 that hosts 20 million visitors is moving to tax hotel stays. Walking Japan: A new 350-kilometer trail linking six cities and towns offers another way to explore beyond the main tourist routes.

Traveler Data: H.I.S. says passport details for up to 627 customers may have been exposed in a breach at its Thai subsidiary. The affected records include passport numbers and dates of birth; the agency says it will contact identifiable customers. Visitor Costs: Hakone plans a ¥350-per-person nightly lodging tax from April 2028, pending national approval. The town of about 10,000 draws more than 20 million visitors a year, straining services such as waste collection and road maintenance. New Experiences: A 350-kilometer walking trail connecting six cities and towns has opened in Japan, offering visitors a route beyond the main tourist hubs. Awaji Island: Nijigen no Mori will add eight family-themed Naruto collectible cards from October 31, as its birthday festival continues at the anime park near Kobe and Osaka. Air Links: Air Astana is set to launch direct Almaty–Tokyo flights in November, while Lufthansa plans to add Nagoya and increase Tokyo service for summer 2027.

Philippines Travel Demand: VFS Global says Filipino visa applications rose 20% year-on-year in Jan–Aug, with a faster 28% jump for non-Schengen destinations—led by Australia, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia and the UK—despite earlier travel disruptions and high fuel surcharges. Japan Economy & Travel Mood: Japan’s real wages climbed 1.5% in August for the eighth straight month, supporting the case for further Bank of Japan rate hikes and hinting at steadier consumer spending. Cycling Tourism in Japan: Onomichi, Hiroshima is drawing more foreign visitors thanks to the Setouchi-Shimanami Kaido cycling route, with the ONOMICHI U2 warehouse hub spotlighted as a key base for travelers. Travel Disruption at LAX: Delta and Air Canada aircraft collided on a taxiway at Los Angeles International Airport; no injuries were reported, but both planes were taken for inspection, affecting a Delta flight to Tokyo (Haneda). Japan Visa Tech Trend: Visa survey finds growing stablecoin interest for travel and cross-border money movement across Asia Pacific, though understanding and trust gaps remain. Local Governance Watch: Japan’s land ministry says it felt no pressure from farm minister Kazuo Yana over road budget cuts to municipalities that didn’t back him—an issue that’s been in the headlines.

Anime & Theme Parks: “Attack on Titan” is teaming up with Awaji Island’s Nijigen no Mori for Armin’s birthday, with limited original stickers starting Nov. 3. Luxury Hotels in Tokyo: Aman’s more youthful brand, Janu Tokyo, has opened in Azabudai Hills, adding another high-end stay option in one of the city’s trendiest districts. New Direct Flights: Air Astana will launch Almaty–Tokyo direct service from Nov. 30, boosting Central Asia–Japan connectivity. Cruise Growth in Okinawa: Construction begins on a new Naha cruise terminal as MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean expand Japan itineraries. Travel Tech & Borders: Manchester Airport will upgrade e-gates so returning UK passengers won’t need to scan passports at the gate if their face is recognized. Business Travel Impact: A GBTA study says business travel generates major local economic activity worldwide, with Tokyo among key destinations. Cyber & Retail Caution: ASOS is investigating after app users received “ASOS hacked” notifications. Tourism Recovery (Regional): Dinagat Islands in the Philippines reports over 1 million arrivals since its post-typhoon recovery push.

Airline Deals for Japan Travelers: Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia launched limited-time fare sales, including Jetstar’s “Japan & South Korea Return for FREE” promo and Qantas/Jetstar discounts that can open up Japan trips from Japan and South Korea. New Routes to Japan: Air Astana will start Almaty–Tokyo Narita direct flights from late November 2026, boosting Central Asia–Japan connectivity. Cruise Growth in Okinawa: MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group began construction on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port, signaling more ship calls for the island. Shikoku Pilgrimage Gets a Lonely Planet Guide: Lonely Planet released a dedicated Shikoku pilgrimage guide covering the 88-temple route, aiming at travelers seeking quieter, culture-rich Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Asian Games Aftermath in Japan: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games closed with Japan’s record medal haul, but the week also highlighted accommodation and transport snags that could shape future event planning. Tokyo Visitor Experience: A new café inside Keiō University’s historic Old Library spotlights how Japan’s university spaces are becoming more visitor-friendly.

Japan–Okinawa US Forces Tensions: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi called an alleged Okinawa hotel killing by a U.S. Marine a “heinous crime,” with Tokyo lodging a strong protest and demanding strict discipline and full cooperation as outrage grows on the island. Tokyo Travel Culture: In Akihabara, maid cafés are adapting for foreign visitors, with staff learning English phrases and offering themed gifts—another sign Japan’s niche tourism is getting more global. Fukushima Tourism & Art: British photographer Michael Kenna’s “Beautiful Fukushima” opened in Vancouver, spotlighting Fukushima’s post-2011 recovery through 50 images—an arts-and-travel hook for visitors planning autumn trips. Foliage Road Trip: Bandai-Azuma Skyline in Fukushima (Japan’s first mountain road) is being promoted for fall drives, with highlights like Fudosawa Bridge and Jododaira hiking views. Japan–China Diplomacy: In parliament, Takaichi said China is an “important neighbor,” pledging stable ties while also stressing Japan will “firmly assert” its positions. Travel Safety Watch: Typhoon Choi-wan has moved away from Guam and the Marianas, but some flights remain disrupted due to lingering hazardous marine conditions.

Asian Games Handover: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games closed with Qatar receiving the OCA flag for Doha 2030, as Japan’s sports spotlight shifts west. Travel Disruption Watch: The same Games faced heavy criticism over accommodation and transport, with athletes reporting long delays and poor lodging—an image that could affect Japan’s future event bids. Tourism & Culture: An Evangelion Unit-01 statue returned to Yamaguchi Ube Airport to kick off the “Evangelion All Over Ube City” event, turning arrivals into a fan photo stop. Japan-Overseas Travel Perks: Citi ThankYou Rewards added Japan Airlines as a transfer partner, with a limited 30% bonus through Oct. 24—good news for points travelers planning Japan trips. Immigration & Living in Japan: New population data shows Japan’s decline accelerating, while tougher residency rules for foreigners are raising the stakes for would-be residents. Safety & Diplomacy: A U.S. Marine was arrested in Okinawa over the alleged murder of a Japanese woman, prompting Japan to lodge a formal protest with the U.S.