Tag Archive for: tourism

Visit Japan – Endless Discoveries | Webinar

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You are invited to join ‘Visit Japan – Endless Discoveries’ webinar on Wednesday, 2nd March at 7 PM. This event is organised on behalf of Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).
Learn about Japan and what this fascinating country has to offer, get useful travel tips if you are planning a trip to Japan, and be in with a chance to win FANTASTIC PRIZES!
Date: Wednesday, 2nd March 2022
Time: 7 PM
Online: Zoom – link will be sent to all registered participants
GUEST SPEAKERS:

Darina Slattery
Owner and Managing Director Unique Japan Tours
Darina is an Alumni of the University of Ulster and the Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business, University College Dublin. She holds an MA in International Marketing and a BA in Business with Japanese. After studying in Japan, Darina developed expertise in Japanese culture, language and traditions. She has lived and traveled extensively throughout Japan. Darina has forged strong cultural relationships and has been the Chairperson of the Ireland Japan Association 2009-2011 & 2016-2020

Paul Murphy
RTE Journalist
A fluent Japanese speaker, his journalism career started in Tokyo in 1998, where he worked as a writer, copy editor for Mainichi Daily News. He worked for the International Herald Tribune/Asahi Shimbun in their Tokyo office. And he was also an English teacher at the Asia University in Musashi Sakai.

Siobhan O’Carroll
Teacher and former JET participant
Siobhan holds a BA in History and English Literature and a Postgraduate Masters in Education from DCU. Previous to this she obtained a degree in Environmental Management from DIT. She lived in Japan for a decade and a half where she passed level two Japanese proficiency from The Japan foundation. Whilst there she was employed as a travel consultant and taught English. On return to Ireland, she instructed Transition year and Leaving Certificate Japanese in a variety of Irish schools. She became a Failte Ireland approved tour guide on return and since then she has enjoyed sharing the beauty of Ireland.

Ronan McCarthy
former JET participant
I grew up in Dublin and went to Trinity College, where I studied Business, Economics and Social Studies (BESS). After graduating I joined the JET program. I lived in Yamagata City. I was a JET in 5-chu for 2 years. I also worked for our local TV station, presenting an intercultural communications show for 3 years. I worked full time at the TV station for my third year. Our show, called Hello Yamagata interviewed foreigners who lived in rural Japan. The show started locally on Yamagata TV but was soon taken up by the Tohoku cable network and eventually went national on NHK. This meant I travelled to every prefecture in Japan learning about each regions food, festivals, dialect and history. It was an amazing three years in my life and I would be honored to tell other Irish people of the fun, adventure, tranquility and modernity that can be experienced in Japan.

Stephen Whelan
former JET participant
I studied History and Politics in college, but specialised in International Relations at MA level. I have worked in universities in Ireland supporting student organisations and community engagement programmes. I also worked as an Irish diplomat. I was lucky enough to spend two wonderful years at Sophia University. When I first went to Tokyo, I did not speak any Japanese and life was difficult. I studied at Gaidai and settled in quickly before moving to Sophia formally. Living in Tokyo was a very new and exciting experience. I very much consider it a second home. I am a person that loves nature, hiking and running. Taking one day trips was always good fun. I visited too many places to name (for example, Kamakura, running from Takao to Jinba etc.). I had always wanted to see a different part of Japan, and JET gave me the chance to return and experience life outside of a big city. Tokushima has a fascinating history and is famous Aizome (traditional indigo dying) and the Awa Odori.

Eddie Hughes
Eddie lived in Japan for 6 years and revisited for multiple business trips. He met the Emperor Akihito twice in the Imperial Palace and the High Priest twice in ISE Jingu. He also enjoyed Kyoto and Nara and so many other places from Hokkaido to a Okinawa. He is a passionate lover of Japanese food sushi and sashima and is a keen festival goer.

To register for this event, please click below!

REGISTER HERE!

Taste Japan | Online Travel Talk

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Our friends at Unique Japan Tours would like to invite you to an online travel talk ‘Taste Japan’. You will learn about different aspects of affordable and higher-end Japanese cuisine and hopefully, pick up some practical knowledge about how to try out experimenting with a taste of Japan in your own home, too. Webinar is free of charge and open to everyone.

Date: Thursday, 10th December 2020
Time: 10 AM (Dublin/London time)
Pre-registration is essential: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O2zYRh1vR4iRN4SPSjkcsw 

GUEST SPEAKERS:

  • Ronnie Lim, Hotel Okura Tokyo

Ronnie represents Okura Nikko Hotels and is based in their London Global Sales Office where he has established a great working relationship with Unique Japan Tours.  During the Taste Japan webinar, Ronnie will provide a summary of the portfolio.  He will be joined by his colleagues in Tokyo to give a live showcase of the flagship hotel; The Okura Tokyo where the hotel re-opened after a full makeover.  In addition to luxurious bedrooms, the tour will also feature Sazanka – a teppanyaki restaurant on level 41, giving diners a captivating experience with views of Tokyo.

  • Frank Striegl, 5AM Ramen

Frank is a Filipino American born in Tokyo and raised on ramen. He consumes over 350 bowls of ramen a year, operates a blog called ‘5 AM Ramen’ and runs ramen tours for visitors to Japan. Alongside the growth of Japan’s inbound tourism, he thought ramen-focused tours would be a lot of fun and a great way to introduce ramen to a global audience.

  • Junko Hamilton, Japanese Cooking Instructor

    With many years of delivering Japanese cookery workshops to English speaking participants, Junko san will enlighten us with some tips that we may be able to try at home even before we get to Japan.

  • Mizuki Kamakura, Japan Travel SpecialistMizuki San will outline the ‘Taste of Japan’ tour itinerary and outline the inclusions and features of this carefully crafted food-orientated tour of Japan.

MODERATOR:

  • Darina Slattery, Managing Director of Unique Japan Tours

Darina will introduce each speaker and facilitate some Q&A from the zoom audience, and also clarify any points made with reference to the services that Unique Japan Tours can offer in Japan.

For more information and to register for this webinar: https://www.uniquejapantours.com/taste-japan-online-travel-talk/

Japan’s Top Gardens and Galleries

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Our friends at Unique Japan Tours would like to invite you to an online travel talk ‘Japan’s Top Gardens and Galleries’. This webinar will give you an insight into where to visit to see Japan’s most spectacular gardens and award winning art galleries, with a few secret spots along the way!

Webinar is free of charge and open to everyone.

Date: Friday, 20th November 2020
Time: 1o AM (Dublin/London time)
Pre-registration is essential: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WAszdq6DQ2i4Vrmm6qRWyw

 

Join special guest speakers from Kamakura and Matsue in Japan as they discuss one of the most popular garden and art tours to Japan – Gardens & Galleries. Both speakers are local to the areas.

GUEST SPEAKERS:

  • Saori Imoto, Japanese landscape designer

Saori is a graduate of Japanese Landscape Gardening from Kamakura, Japan. She spent some time in the UK and studied at a UK Horticultural College. While her career started as a gardener, she has developed into garden design, providing workshops including Bonsai workshops, and preserving forests over the past 7 years. She has been commissioned as a Japanese landscape designer in both Japan and the UK with extensive knowledge and expertise in both English and Japanese garden styles. Saori will discuss the tour covering Kamakura, Kanazawa & Kyoto areas. Her knowledge of hidden gems in these places will certainly be worth the listen!

  • Sachiyo Kusuda, Shimane (Matsue Tour Guide)

Sachiyo is a professional English speaking tour guide based in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is home to the Adachi Museum, a beautiful samurai castle and a lot more hidden gems on this tour. She is a member of the Japanese Garden Club owned by Chisa Shigemori, an expert in the history of Japanese gardens and also a grandchild of Mirei Shigemori, another key figure in Japanese garden design. Sachiyo-san also has a certification in Sake Sommeliere so will be keen to show you the different sake samples while on tour. Sachiyo will invite us to Matsue, a significant place in Japanese history especially for gardens, and will explain what you can see and do while in Matsue, with particular attention given to the Gardens and Galleries tour itinerary.

For more details and to register for this online talk: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WAszdq6DQ2i4Vrmm6qRWyw

Magical Winter Hokkaido | Travel Talk

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Our friends at Unique Japan Tours would like to invite you to an online travel talk ‘Magical Winter Hokkaido’. This webinar will give you a real insight into the incredible beauty and magical winter wonderland that awaits you in Hokkaido, Japan. Webinar is free of charge and open to everyone.

Date: Thursday, 22nd October 2020
Time: 11 AM (Dublin/London time)
Pre-registration is essential: https://www.uniquejapantours.com/magical-winter-hokkaido-japan-travel-talk/

Panel & Topics

  • Paul Haggart, Hokkaido Tourism Consultant, Niseko Town Council Industry & Tourism Division.

Paul will introduce and outline some of the things that make Niseko ski resort one of the most highly acclaimed in the world. Often nicknamed the “Aspen of the East” for its luxurious accommodation options and lively apres ski bar and restaurant scene. And yet unlike Apsen or any ski resort in Europe, Niseko boasts so much more such as an abundance of natural volcanic hot springs to soothe the muscles after dinner at the end of a day’s skiing. Niseko has seen skyrocketing growth in overseas visitor numbers over the last 2 decades with over 200k overseas visitors traveling to Niseko in the 2018/2019 season. One of the key highlights is the abundance of deep, light, fluffy, “powder snow” of which Niseko has become renowned since it receives an average snowfall of over 15m’s a year (compared with about 1.5-2m in many European ski resorts). Paul is a long term resident of Niseko who has a passion for promoting the food, culture, and amenities of the area to prospective visitors and will be able to answer any question you have on the area.

  • Andrew Clarke, Unique Japan Tours Hokkaido Tour Leader & Former Hokkaido Resident for many years.

Andrew will introduce you to the sights and experiences that we have compiled into our most underrated and perhaps “off the beaten path” tour of Japan – Journey to the East. From the bright lights and overwhelming sights, sounds, and tastes of the Sapporo Snow Festival to the peaceful tranquility of observing the mystical and highly endangered Red-Crowned Crane bath in an icy cold flowing river at sunrise. He will outline some of the joys that are to be discovered along our adventurous route through the heartland of a frozen Hokkaido and showcase some of the photography he took along the way. A keen snowboarder and former Niseko resident, Andrew will also outline some of the options for those seeking to try some winter sports in Hokkaido.

  • Darina Slattery, Managing Director Unique Japan Tours

Darina has spent almost 25 years living, working, and breathing Japan! Born in Ireland but has spent half her life working with Japan. Her love for Japan started young at just 17 years old. Considered a unique choice back then, she decided to continue her love of languages and study Business Studies with Japanese!! During this time she spent one year at Meiji Gakuin University in Yokohama/Tokyo which really was the start of her career/love affair with Japan. In 2005, she began welcoming Japanese people into Ireland (Japan Ireland Travel). But soon realised that Japan was a far more interesting destination and the global audience was far greater than just the Japanese traveler so created Unique Japan Tours. Darina is the master mind behind all itineraries and routes developed with her loyal team in Unique Japan Tours. During her discussion, she will give you an insight into Japan today; what Covid changes are in place; and where the future lies for travel to Japan post-covid.

  • Mizuki Kamakura, Unique Japan Tours – Moderator

For more details and to register for this online talk: https://www.uniquejapantours.com/magical-winter-hokkaido-japan-travel-talk/

Discover Japan together with Finnair | Special Offer

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Have you ever wanted to discover Japan – the land of the rising sun? Japan is easily one of the most stunning places in the world with its rich culture, amazing nature, modern cities and endless experiences for each and every visitor.

With so many amazing destinations to choose from, Finnair is currently offering special campaign rates for the flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka.

Campaign fares from Dublin to Japan

Selling period: 29/08/2019 – 09/10/2019

Log on to www.finnair.ie or contact your Local Travel Agent for booking or more information about the fare rules. Campaign fare includes all taxes and surcharges.

Welcome aboard Finnair!

Plan your trip to Tokyo with Finnair now | Campaign Fares

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Finnair is launching its campaign fares from Dublin to Tokyo (via Helsinki) next week, so plan your trip to Japan and don’t miss your opportunity to get your flight tickets right now!

Tickets for selected travel times will go on sale next Thursday, 2nd May, and will start from €579 for Economy Class and €2,099 for Business Class.

Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city’s history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts.*

Log on to www.finnair.ie or contact your Local Travel Agent for booking or more information
about the fare rules. Campaign fare includes all taxes and surcharges.

Welcome aboard Finnair!

 

*Information from: Japan-guide.com

Finnair reveals its fifth Japanese destination – Sapporo

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Irish ski lovers can enjoy a piste of the action in the Far East when Finnair starts twice weekly flights to the stunning Japanese ski resort of Sapporo.

The prestigious new winter route for 2019/2020 is the Finnish flag carrier’s fifth destination in Japan, in addition to Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Finnair also becomes the only European carrier to operate services to Sapporo.

Sapporo is well known as a great winter and skiing destination offering stunning landscapes and fantastic winter-themed activities in a traditional Japanese setting.

Christian Lesjak, Finnair Senior Vice President, Network and Resource Management, said: “Japan is a key market for us, and we are excited about adding Sapporo to our network.”

“With the new route, Finnair is the only European airline to fly a scheduled route to Sapporo. With five key Japanese cities in our network, we are now the largest European carrier flying to Japan.”

It also means customers benefit from extra flights to Tokyo and Hong Kong. Finnair is adding two weekly frequencies on its Tokyo Narita route for the winter, flying a total of nine times a week.

Fabulous flight fares to your favorite cities in Japan | Finnair

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Finnair has just announced fabulous flight fares campaign giving you the chance to fly from Dublin to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka from €599 only.

Treat yourself or your loved ones to a wonderful experience and visit Japan in 2019!

The selling period is between 20th December 2018 – 31st January 2019.

Log on to www.finnair.ie or contact your Local Travel Agent for booking or more information
about the fare rules. Campaign fare includes all taxes and surcharges.

Welcome aboard Finnair!

Fantastic seat sale to Osaka | Finnair

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If you have always dreamt about visiting Osaka – one of Japan’s largest cities – now is the right time to book your flights because Finnair has just launched a massive seat sale to this charming Asian destination!

Osaka, which is known for its history, architecture and delicious food, also offers countless tourism attractions and nightlife entertainment.

You should definitely visit impressive 16th-century Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, Universal Studios at Osaka’s waterfront which is the first Universal Studios to open in Asia, Aquarium or Kaiyukan which offers amazing sea-life experience, and Minami (Namba) district which is famous for entertainment, dining and shopping, and is lit by thousands of neon lights at the nighttime.

Log on to www.finnair.ie or contact your Local Travel Agent for booking or more information
about the fare rules. Campaign fare includes all taxes and surcharges.

Welcome aboard Finnair!

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