Welcome to the Japan Travel Planning fortnightly newsletter for 15 July 2018, which includes information to help you plan your trip to Japan, top travel deals and articles about Japan.
In light of the tragic events in western Japan over the past couple of weeks I would like to express my sadness. If you are interested in trying to help the victims, this article on Medium has a good overview of options for how you can help. We have personally chosen to make a donation through the Rakuten donation option as we are already familiar with the company.
For the many of you who have been travelling in this area during these events I hope that you are safe and that you were able to make other travel arrangements.
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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Key Japan Planning Information
Major Upcoming Events in Japan
Japan has a great tradition of many summer festivals with the major events detailed below. Note that for the Voyagin ticket options below that you may also be able to get coupon code discounts after clicking through to their website.
- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto – 17 and 24 July 2018 – more details further below. Click here to book reserved seating through Voyagin.
- Mitama Matsuri festival in Tokyo – 13 to 17 July 2018
- Tenjin Matsuri festival in Osaka – 24 – 25 July 2018
- Fuji Rock Festival in Niigata (north of Tokyo) – 27 – 29 July 2018. Click here to book tickets through Voyagin.
- The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo – 28 July 2018
- Aomori Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori – 2-7 August 2018. Voyagin offers a great 3 day 2 night deal to visit both the Nebuta Festival and the Kanto Festival in Akita, which includes accommodation, other sightseeing, most meals, entry and reserved seating for both festivals, all transport starting and finishing in Tokyo. Click here to see the package price and make your booking through Voyagin.
- Awa Odori Matsuri in Tokushima (between Hiroshima and Osaka) – 12 – 15 August 2018. Click here to book tickets through Voyagin.
- Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka – 18-19 August 2018. Click here to book tickets through Voyagin.
Japan also has a great range of music concerts available. Voyagin also offers a concert ticket booking service for a very large range of events. Click here to go to the Voyagin concert booking page, to see the options click the ‘Book Now’ button, then click on the Option section and the very large list of current options will appear for your consideration and to make your booking.
Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto – 17 and 24 July 2018
If you are going to be in Kyoto on either 17 or 24 July 2018, as well as the few days leading up to each date, you should check out our new FAQ article on Everything You Need to Know about the Gion Matsuri Festival.
Voyagin offers a great option to reserve your seat for either date, which includes an audio guide and an optional lunch package. Click on this link to see the details and to make your booking.
The Mt Fuji Climbing Season – 1 July to 10 September 2018
The Mt Fuji Summit Climbing Season is open over 1 July to 10 September 2018. Voyagin has a great affordable climbing tour package with prices starting from $US 204 per person and you can also add on hire of essential equipment, Click on this link to see the details and to make your Mt Fuji Climb Tour Booking through Voyagin.
Voyagin is also offering a discount coupon code for Mt Fuji Climb tour options – use code pretravellerfuji at checkout to get a $US10 discount on your trip.
Everything Sumo!
For more information about how to purchase your sumo wrestling tickets check out my article on How To Buy Sumo Wrestling Online Tickets In 2018.
Additional Information When Pre-Ordering Sumo Wrestling Tickets.
Note that we have had some group members not be successful in pre-ordering tickets through Voyagin - to give yourself the best option for success I recommend that you pre-order as soon as possible through Voyagin to be at the top of their list for tickets for your preferred day. Also be aware that in the event that Voyagin is unable to secure your pre-ordered tickets, they will quickly provide a full refund.The upcoming Grand Sumo Tournaments are as follows.
- 8 – 22 July 2018 is currently on in Nagoya. Click here to order tickets through Voyagin. You may also be able to order tickets through Viator.
- 9 – 24 September 2018 in Tokyo. Click here to pre-order tickets through Voyagin. Official ticket sales commence on 4 August 2018.
- 11- 25 November 2018 in Fukuoka. Click here to pre-order tickets through Voyagin. Official ticket sales commence on 6 October 2018.
Featured Japan Tours – Ghibli Museum
A really popular option for visitors to Japan is go to see the Ghibli Museum, which is located on the western side of Tokyo. Tickets can be really difficult to obtain, as they only release tickets for a very short period before they sell out. You may not realise that there are easier options to both pre-order and to purchase last minute tickets, noting that they are more expensive than purchasing directly.
How to Pre-Order Ghibli Museum Tickets
The best option to pre-order your Ghibli Museum tickets is through KKDay, which is a Korean travel company with a large range of Japan travel options. You must pre-order between 10am on the 1st day of the month and 6.30pm on the 5th day of the month prior to when you plan to visit. e.g. book your ticket between 1 – 5 August for admission between 1 – 31 September.
You can choose to have your tickets delivered either to your Japan address ($US 17.80 per ticket) or to pick up at a Japan airport on arrival ($US 26.70 per ticket). Click here to check out price and availability and to make your booking through KKDay for Japan Delivery or for Japan airport pickup. Note that if you check out these links on any date other than 1-5 of the month it shows as Sold Out, you need to click during those specific dates and times to place your pre-order.
How to Purchase Last Minute Tickets to the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo
If you are not as organised, the only option is to make a last minute ticket purchase, noting that not every date will be available so get in as early as possible. The best option to make a last minute Ghibli Museum purchase is through the Voyagin website. Note that Voyagin regularly offers coupon codes so you may be able to get a discount when purchasing your tickets. The Voyagin Ghibli Museum tickets are available for $US70 per ticket. Click here to check out availability of tickets and to make your booking through Voyagin.
Top Japan Travel Deals This Week
Ninja Wifi Coupon Code Deal
- Ninja Wifi is a very popular option to rent a pocket wifi for your trip to Japan. You can book Ninja Wifi through Voyagin to get a 30% discount off the standard price.
- You can receive an additional 5% off by using the coupon code wifipretraveller. Click here to check out the prices and to make your booking.
Amazon Prime Day!
- If you are planning to purchase travel equipment or guide books, be aware that Amazon Prime Day starts at midday on 16 July and finishes at 3pm on 17 July. Amazon is offering a great range of deals and offers for Prime Members. Click here to check out the Prime Day deals.
- For more information about Luggage for Japan, Cameras for Japan, Best Guide Books for Japan or Gifts for People Who Love Japan click through to my articles.
Tour Radar – Ready Set Travel Competition
- Tour Radar currently has a great option to enter to win a free tour for two people to India, Sri Lanka, Turkey or Egypt. Entries close on 24 July 2018. Click here to enter!
Top Articles This Week From the Facebook Group
25 Do’s and Don’ts in Japan by Contented Traveller
We are sharing the 25 Do’s and Don’ts in Japan so that you have some insight into what you should and shouldn’t do in this country of the rising sun. Of course, some are tongue in cheek, but others are quite a straightforward.
It has a rich and intriguing history and is a society bound by etiquette, or rules of behaviour. One of the reasons for this is that Japan has a very large population. This population of 126 million on a land mass of 377,944 km² means that there need to rule that to ensure that entire fabric of this society does not break down. These rules of conduct are also intrinsically linked to its very rich history. However, you can also experience how the Japanese break out of the well-behaved modes of conduct, and how they push the boundaries. Regardless, Japan is one of those countries that you do need to visit, and to experience. Click here to read more…
Japan on a Budget – An Insider’s Guide to Saving Like a Boss by The Blessing Bucket
Want to know how you can enjoy Japan on a budget? Well you’ve hit gold! Your friendly insider, AKA yours truly, is here today to dish all the best secrets! I want to crack the myth that “Japan is expensive” and teach you all the tricks I’ve gathered in my two years living in Japan. So if you are ready, pop open a Japanese beer and read on! Click here to read more…
10 Must-see Places in Asakusa, Tokyo by Tsunagu Japan
Asakusa is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Tokyo. This article tells you some of the attractions and the must-see sites in the district. See if there are any you’ve never heard of! Click here to read more…
Top 25 Easy Day Trips from Tokyo by Tokyo Cheapo
Tokyo is great, there’s no doubt about that, but sometimes you just want to escape and see another side to Japan. And we’re here to help you do just that with these easy day trips from Tokyo. Click here to read more…
Thanks Anne.
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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
