Australian Travel Agents were given the opportunity to explore a new and upcoming part of Japan as part of a recent famil with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
JNTO’s Sydney Office invited eight retail consultant from Australia to go on a five-night fully hosted and completely inspiring tour of Japan from 6-12 November.
The group was one of two groups visiting as part of the Japan E-Learning Top Scorers Familiarisation Trip.
As part of their trip, Agents visited the Tohoku region, located on the northeastern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu, in peak autumn colour.
Highlights of the tour included a shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Tokyo to Sendai, a 1,000 step pilgrimage to Yamadera mountain temple, a cruise of Matsushima Bay and a visit to a traditional castle town. The Agents also enjoyed painting their own kokeshi dolls to take home as souvenirs.
Accommodation varied along the way, and included stays at a family resort, ski resort, city hotel and ryokan (a Japanese-style inn), complete with a kaiseki meal and natural hot-spring baths.
The trip was supported by Japan Airlines, Hilton Hotels, Prince Hotels and Hoshino Resorts.
The next group departing 27 November will visit the southern region of Kyushu, which KarryOn will also be on – so keep an eye out for updates!
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