vacation

Miyagi hot spring inn offering free sleep analysis as part of relaxing, health-focused stay

Three Japanese companies are working together to help show the importance of a good night’s sleep. Read More

Have a refreshing summer night’s stay in Kyoto with the Yojiya Pretty Girl Room Stay in Gion

Cooling beauty products, minty fresh sweets, and a beautiful hotel–what else could you want?

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Seven Airbnb rentals that are perfect for couples, families, and friends vacationing in Japan this summer

With summer vacation just around the corner in Japan, here are seven accommodations in five different areas to spend your dream getaway.

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Experience super accessible glamping in a seaside park at Fukuoka’s INN THE PARK

Luxurious oceanside camping just got a lot more accessible.

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Take a Korean vacation in Japan with Tokyu Hotels and Shibuya 109’s newest themed hotel plan

K-pop fans will love this budget-friendly staycation!

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Reserve your own spot on an uninhabited Japanese island for an unforgettable camping experience

This isn’t just camping. This is advanced, survival-mode camping.

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Government plan has everyone talking about a 17-day-long New Year holiday

Suga administration hopes everyone doesn’t party quite like it’s 1999 this year.

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Hankering for a vacation? Try these pseudo-vacations offered in Taiwan and Japan

Whether digital or just a taste of travel, these experiences might help sate a little bit of your wanderlust!

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The top 10 hot springs Japanese travelers want to visit this fall

Nothing’s nicer on a cold autumn day than a hot outdoor bath while gazing at the changing leaves.

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Japanese “Exorcism Holiday Plan” for dogs helps rid them of bad spirits in their unlucky years

Have your pet feeling rejuvenated both physically and spiritually after a getaway in Japan.

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Traveling to Japan on a budget – the best FREE places to visit in the country

Vacationing can be an expensive endeavor, so save a bit of yen by visiting these fantastic free locations!

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We’ve found your next vacation spot at the luxurious Chillma Villas in Okinawa

Take in the beach, sea, and sky for the perfect vacation. This is what dreams are made of.

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Japan Tourist Bureau unveils new “Japanese wedding-themed” vacation packages

The JTB corporation, established in 1912, has been planning and booking vacations for hundreds of thousands of Japanese citizens and foreign visitors for decades. Although many in the west now prefer to book online, in Japan it’s still quite common to call up your local travel agent and have them book your vacation on their behalf.

With the constant exportation of culture through anime and manga, more and more people are looking to make their Japanese vacation dreams come true. And now, JTB is excited to introduce a brand new tour package that includes all the things newlyweds and betrothed couples are looking for in a vacation: exotic locations, cultural immersion and even a wedding.

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New Japanese luxury bus tour seats only 10 passengers, tickets cost over US$1,200 each

How do you picture being transported to your fantasy vacation spot? A giant cruise ship? A seat in the first-class section of a jumbo jet? How about… a bus?

Not quite sure about that last one? Well the Japanese company Isetan Mitsukoshi Travel is trying to change your mind by offering luxury bus rides from Tokyo to all over Japan. And we’re not exaggerating with the use of the word luxury here: each bus seats only 10 people, and the ticket will cost you around 150,000 yen (US$1,211).

Can such a price tag possibly be worth it? Read on to find out!

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YouTube fashion vlogger goes on tour of Japan – and so can you! 【Video】

Does taking an eight-day vacation across Japan sound like a dream come true to you? Well then the first thing you should do is apply to have RocketNews24 make that dream actually come true.

The second thing you should do is watch the video recently posted by YouTube fashion vlogger Inthefrow which documents an eight-day vacation she and nine other bloggers were invited to go on. The best part of it all though: the exact trip they went on is available to anyone (even you!), and it’s good to have a backup plan just in case you don’t get picked in our own contest.

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Sun, sea, and sumo: Fans of Japan’s oldest sport can soon book their dream vacation

Rikishi, oyakata, tokoyama, and Yokozuna. If these Japanese words mean anything to you, then you are likely a super sumo fan. Like any popular sport, it’s expensive to see your favorite athletes compete – and actually meeting and chatting with them seems like a distant dream. This is not so different for Japan’s national sport of sumo, with 13,000 fans at each tournament cheering for their favorites, you are just one in the crowd.

But, of course everyone wants more – more chances to take pictures and more chances to meet your favorite stars. Well, if you have nothing else planned for December, right now is your last chance to sign up for the Grand Sumo Cruise! Just be ready to open up your wallet!

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Japanese airline rolls out its summer 2014 Pokémon-themed travel deals!

Pikachu invites you to create wonderful memories with your family this summer as part of All Nippon Airways (ANA)’s 2014 Pokémon-themed travel campaign! The summer campaign has proved popular with families with small children in the past (and with the adults, too…), and 2014 promises to be no exception. Some of the notable features include the chance to fly in a one-of-a-kind Pokémon jumbo jet, a special in-flight animated video, hotel rooms decked out in Pokémon paraphernalia, and other cool surprises! If you’re a Pokémon fanatic, this might just be the perfect vacation plan for you.

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Hokkaidō’s “Sea of Clouds” Terrace now open, just a 13-minute chairlift ride away! 【Photos】

Nope, the above image isn’t a production still from a live-action version of The Pilot’s Love Song or Zelda: Skyward Sword. Rather, this glorious view can be seen from the popular “Sea of Clouds” (unkai) Terrace on Mount Tomamu, which is entering its ninth year of service.

Such a magnificent vista is generally the sole privilege of determined hikers, but this resort attraction in the heart of Hokkaidō delivers you to it in a mere 13 minutes, and you don’t even need an ounce of upsidasium! Whether you’re a nut for Laputa, a hardcore Bioshock Infinite cosplayer, or just a nature lover like me, you’ve got to check out this unique mountaintop experience.

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“Siri, my champagne’s getting warm!” Stunning Thai villa combines technology and beach living

Recent studies have warned that, for all their convenience and the social interaction they allow, our mobile devices and anywhere, any time wireless internet access could potentially be hazardous to our health. But what if you just can’t bear to power down your iPhone, tablet, laptop or games console?

If you’re in need of a getaway, and want to assure yourself that the negative effects of your array of gadgetry will be entirely offset by your relaxing surroundings, there’s probably no better place than this luxurious beach villa on the Thai island resort of Ko Samui, which is fitted with pretty much every modern convenience from iPad-controlled shutters to remote-operated pool thermostats and top-of-the-range cooking equipment – available to rent for a cool US$650 a night.

Join us after the break for a photo tour.

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Survey shows Japanese workers least likely to take vacation time, most likely to hate their job

With the abundance of public holidays and an average of 18 vacation days per year, the stereotype of the overworked and exhausted Japanese worker may seem like a relic of the past. But a recent survey by Expedia Japan comparing the vacation schedules of 24 countries proves yet again that the stereotype is alive and well.

For the sixth year in a row, Japan came in dead last as workers are only taking an average of 39% of their annual paid leave. And perhaps unsurprisingly, Japan ranked last in worker satisfaction.

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