It’s a new year, which means new places to see. If you’ve been eyeing Japan but haven’t been able to set aside the time or find flights that work, 2013 may be the year to look again. New means of getting to and around the island nation have recently opened up and cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers.
As of this spring, more airlines will offer nonstop flights to Tokyo from western U.S.cities like San Jose, Denver, and Seattle. All Nippon Airways (ANA) has provided service from San Jose, California to Narita Airport since mid-January. A poll of Silicon Valley tech companies showed that Japan was their top choice for business destinations and that they would prefer flying out of Mineta San Jose Airport than San Francisco International, known for its high percentage of delays and cancellations. In March, United Airlines will begin service from Denver to Narita and Delta from Seattle to Haneda.
The new Shin-Ishigaki Airport in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan’s sub-tropical region with hundreds of islands, will be ready for travelers when it opens on March 7 on the remote Ishigaki Island. Surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise-blue waters, it’s perfect for diving and a bit of tropical fun. You’ll think you’re in Hawaii even when you’re nearly 4,000 miles away.
For those interested in discovering Osaka, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is opening a new property in August, 2013 as part of the Grand Front Osaka building. The Osaka InterContinental Hotel will be outfitted with 215 guest rooms on 17 floors. Osaka’s local sites, such as the famous Dōtonbori area will be easily accessible from the Umeda Station, the nearby train hub, making this new property a prime location for visitors. The hub also provides quick transportation to cities like Kyoto, Kobe and Nara for anyone with a case of wanderlust. Visitors lucky to be there in summer can beat the heat and shop in the Umeda underground mall, the largest of its kind in Japan.
Touring Japan by rail will get a bit more luxurious come this October. Kyushu, Japan’s southwestern island, will be accessible by a unique first class “cruise train” called Seven Stars in Kyushu. The word “seven” is significant here and not just for the class of service: there are seven prefectures of Kyushu, seven principal attractions like its well-known hot springs, and seven cars in the train. Unlike Japan’s speedy bullet train, the cruise train combines traditional and modern styling and features the finest woods and fabrics. Though we have just an idea of what the interiors will be like from concept illustrations on their site, it’s clear they are deluxe. Guests will be able to enjoy live piano performances in the Lounge car while sipping champagne and relaxing in one of the rotating chairs to view the dramatic scenery through panoramic windows. The highest grade of rail service in Japan offers a four day, three night itinerary or a two day, one night itinerary including Kyushu’s prime attractions. This is a type of rail vacation that harkens back to the bygone days when time almost stood still while the world rolled by.
So if Japan is still on your wish list, move it to the top. There’s no better time to say sayonara to America.