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Month: January 2024

Tsurugagroup
CategoriesAccessible tourism Others Sustainable travel

Business Alliance with Tsuruga Group, Leader in the Hotel Industry

By ninjakotan

Business Alliance with Tsuruga Group, Leader in the Hotel Industry Our company, EDO KAGURA Corporation, has established a business alliance with four companies of the Tsuruga Group (Tsuruga Resort Co., Ltd., Tsuruga Tourism Development Co., Ltd., Hotel Yamaura Co., Ltd., and Abashiri Hokuten no Oka Co., Ltd., hereinafter referred to as ‘Tsuruga Group’). We have commenced offering our accessible travel service for luggage and language, ‘NINJA KOTAN,’ to guests of the Tsuruga Group from January 1, 2024. Our collaboration extends to 11 lodging facilities of the Tsuruga Group, a top group in Japan’s hotel industry, which is a great honor for us. Today, we are pleased to introduce the Tsuruga Group. The Tsuruga Group was founded in 1955 with the establishment of the Akan Grand Hotel. Since then, overcoming many challenges, their ‘Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga’ won the ‘JTB 2001 Excellent Service Ryokan Hotel’ award, standing at the pinnacle among 4,600 inns nationwide. In 2006, it was ranked first overall in the ‘Top 250 Popular Onsen Ryokan Hotels Chosen by Travel Professionals,’ hosted by the Tourism News Agency, establishing the Tsuruga Group as a top-class lodging group in Japan. In 2009, they launched the ‘Zero Carbon Project’ and wonread moreBusiness Alliance with Tsuruga Group, Leader in the Hotel Industry

Sakura
CategoriesExperience Itinerary Ideas

Our company will start a cherry blossom Hanami tour with a photographer from March onwards!

By ninjakotan

Our company will start a cherry blossom Hanami tour with a photographer from March onwards! While the winter cold still lingers, a heartwarming event that symbolizes the arrival of spring is eagerly awaited in many parts of Japan. Yes, we’re talking about Japan’s cherry blossom season, the “Hanami” season. For foreign visitors looking forward to cherry blossom viewing in Japan, now is the perfect time to start planning. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the blooming of Hikanzakura (scarlet cherry blossoms) and Kanhisakura (cold scarlet cherry blossoms) was announced on Miyakojima Island, Okinawa Prefecture, on January 5, 2024. These early blooms herald the start of Japan’s lengthy cherry blossom season. Additionally, the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu Town on the Izu Peninsula will commence on February 1, 2024. Kawazu cherry blossoms, known for blooming from late January through February, offer an early glimpse of spring. In the heart of spring, Yoshino cherry trees will blossom across Japan. For instance, according to the bloom forecast released by Weather News on January 11th, the blooming of Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo is expected on March 17th. These trees are synonymous with spring in Japan and can be enjoyed in parks,read moreOur company will start a cherry blossom Hanami tour with a photographer from March onwards!

Craftsmen
CategoriesExperience

The Key Attraction for Foreign Visitors to Japan

By ninjakotan

The Key Attraction for Foreign Visitors to Japan: Mastery of Craftsmanship   One special reason why tourism in Japan is unique for foreign visitors, I believe, is the deep-rooted ‘craftsmanship’ that is embedded in various aspects of Japanese culture and daily life. This craftsmanship is evident in many areas, making it an attractive element for those traveling from abroad. The delicacy of Japanese cuisine and the commitment to refining dishes like ramen and curry into a unique Japanese style are prime examples of this craftsmanship. Similarly, traditional wooden buildings constructed without nails and the punctuality of the train schedules illustrate a rigorous commitment to quality, efficiency, and functionality. According to the “Annual Report on the Consumption Trends of Foreign Visitors to Japan 2022,” the number one activity foreign visitors did during their trip to Japan was ‘eating Japanese food.’ This was followed by ‘shopping,’ ‘walking in bustling city areas,’ ‘drinking Japanese sake,’ ‘visiting nature and scenic spots,’ and ‘experiencing Japan’s historical and traditional culture,’ respectively. Excluding ‘visiting nature and scenic spots,’ most of these activities are related to ‘craftsmanship.’ ‘Shopping’ and ‘city walks’ often include buying precision blades and food samples popular among foreigners and visiting temples and shrines. Note:read moreThe Key Attraction for Foreign Visitors to Japan

Travel Divide
CategoriesAccessible tourism

An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (Summary)

By ninjakotan

An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (Summary)   Table of Contents 1: The Cause of the ‘Travel Divide’ Isn’t Money or Time 2: Heavy Luggage Identified as a Key Factor in Reduced Travel Frequency 3: Decreased Travel Leads to Lower Dementia Risk and Significant Economic Benefits 4: Achieving the SDGs’ Goal of Leaving No One Behind in the Travel Industry   The ‘Travel Divide’ refers to the significant reduction in travel frequency among specific groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, and families with infants. This series has explored the background of the ‘Travel Divide,’ its impacts, and strategies for resolution.   1: The Cause of the ‘Travel Divide’ Isn’t Money or Time Data from 2019 shows a 34% decrease in domestic travel and a 72% decrease in international travel for those over 70. There’s also a significant reduction in international travel for people with disabilities and families with infants. The reasons for this decline in travel are intriguing. Source: JTB Travel Yearbook 2020 Source: JTB Travel Yearbook 2020   According to a 2018 survey by the Tourism Agency, the main reasons for not traveling were ‘lack of time’ and ‘household budget constraints.’ However, there is a negative correlation ofread moreAn Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (Summary)

CategoriesSustainable travel

End of Winter Sports: The Climate Change Crisis Threatening Ski Resorts

By ninjakotan

End of Winter Sports: The Climate Change Crisis Threatening Ski Resorts   Table of Contents 1: Snowfall Decline in Hokkaido: Almost 70% Notice the Change 2: Artificial Snow Machines in Hokkaido: A Necessary Response? 3: Solutions to Overcome the Crisis   1: Snowfall Decline in Hokkaido: Almost 70% Notice the Change Reflecting on the Hokkaido Newspaper series “European Climate Change: The Crisis in Ski Resorts,” it’s evident that climate change has a profound impact on ski resorts worldwide. European resorts, particularly in the French Alps, face closure due to insufficient snowfall, which may threaten around 71% of European resorts by century’s end. Hokkaido isn’t immune to this trend. According to a survey, 64.5% of ski resorts in the region report shortened seasons, and 67.7% have observed decreased snowfall, affecting the days with powder snow. The closure of La Sambuy ski resort in France after over 60 years in operation is a stark example, reflecting the significant impact on employees and related industries. The shift toward alternative summer activities and sustainable models is gaining momentum, but the challenges are daunting, underscoring the urgency to act now. 2: Artificial Snow Machines in Hokkaido: A Necessary Response? The Hokkaido Newspaper series highlights theread moreEnd of Winter Sports: The Climate Change Crisis Threatening Ski Resorts

Samue
CategoriesOthers

Courage to Change: Achieving Significant Growth in a Shrinking Market

By ninjakotan

Courage to Change: Achieving Significant Growth in a Shrinking Market Recently, I had the opportunity to visit and learn from a company specializing in Samue, a type of traditional Japanese work clothing which has been gaining attention in the industry. In the past, like many other Japanese garment businesses, they relied on subcontractors for manufacturing and sold their products to traditional kimono stores. However, over the past 40 years, the kimono market has undergone significant changes. According to Yano Research Institute, the market plummeted from its peak of 1.8 trillion yen in 1981 to less than 200 billion yen in 2020. Faced with this drastic market change, the samue company, experiencing a decline in their wholesale clients, was forced to venture into the retail market. Retail required manufacturing tailored to detailed customer specifications. However, their three subcontractors found these changes to be too cumbersome and refused to adapt. As a result, the company was pushed to establish its own manufacturing facility. Selling samue under their own brand and expanding their market overseas, the company now enjoys a steady increase in sales. Eventually, all their subcontractors went out of business. From this visit, I was reminded of the importance of havingread moreCourage to Change: Achieving Significant Growth in a Shrinking Market

inbound visitors
CategoriesAccessible tourism

The economic impact of the increased number of senior inbound visitors: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (7)

By ninjakotan

The economic impact of the increased number of senior inbound visitors: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (7)   This post is the final installment of our “Travel Divide” discussion. We will analyze the economic impact if the senior (elderly) segment of inbound visitors increases the number of trips they make. The proportion of inbound travelers by age group is 10% for those in their 50s and 5% for those in their 60s or older (according to the Japan Tourism Agency’s “2019 Annual Report on Spending Trends of Foreign Visitors to Japan“), a figure that may surprise many in the travel industry. The 85% of inbound travelers under the age of 40 indicate that a serious “travel divide” is occurring among inbound travelers. Sources: JTB Travel Annual Report 2020; Japan Tourism Agency, “2019 Annual Report on Consumption Trends of Foreign Visitors to Japan.   According to the United Nations State of World Population 2023, the percentage of the population aged 65 and over is 10% for the world and 20% for the more developed regions. The rate of inbound visitors in their 60s and over is 5%, which is still relatively small. On the other hand, Japanese domestic travelers inread moreThe economic impact of the increased number of senior inbound visitors: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (7)

lady
CategoriesAccessible tourism

The Significant Economic Impact of Increased Travel Frequency Among Seniors: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (6)

By ninjakotan

The Significant Economic Impact of Increased Travel Frequency Among Seniors: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (6)   Our last post commented on how increased travel frequency can lead to greater happiness, reduced dementia cases, and lower social costs. This time, we will analyze the potential significant economic impact of increased travel frequency among seniors. First, let’s examine domestic overnight trips. Pre-pandemic data from 2019 shows that the average frequency of domestic overnight trips was 1.36 times per year for all age groups. However, this number drops to 1.16 times for people in their seventies and further to 0.64 times for those aged over eighty, according to the Japan Tourism Agency’s “2019 Travel and Tourism Consumption Trends Survey Annual Report.” This highlights a ‘Travel Divide’ among seniors. Source: Japan Tourism Agency “2019 Travel and Tourism Consumption Trends Survey Annual Report”   We analyzed a scenario where the travel frequency of seniors aged 70 and above increases. Based on the average travel expenditure of 57,973 yen for this age group, a 10% increase in their travel frequency could result in an economic impact of 150.2 billion yen, a 20% increase could lead to 300.3 billion yen and a 30% increase couldread moreThe Significant Economic Impact of Increased Travel Frequency Among Seniors: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (6)

seniors
CategoriesAccessible tourism

Increased Travel Frequency May Lead to Happiness and Reduce Dementia: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (5)

By ninjakotan

Increased Travel Frequency May Lead to Happiness and Reduce Dementia: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (5) In this article, we explore how increasing travel frequency among seniors could significantly reduce societal costs. Previously, according to Sony Life’s ‘Senior Living Consciousness Survey 2023,’ we discovered that many seniors wish to travel. But why do people want to travel? Research conducted by Tohoku University’s Institute of Aging Medicine and the travel giant Club Tourism indicates that frequent travelers experience increased happiness. This research involved a survey of about 835 individuals around the age of 60 who participated in Club Tourism’s tours. The study, titled “Curiosity–tourism interaction promotes subjective wellbeing among older adults in Japan,” has been published on Nature’s website. According to this study, the ‘Subjective Happiness Scale (average score)’ was 4.55 for individuals who traveled more than 10 times a year, 4.34 for those who traveled 5-9 times, 4.52 for 3-4 times, 4.13 for 1-2 times, 4.09 for those traveling only once every 2-3 years, and 4.11 for those who hardly traveled at all. Assuming the annual travel frequency of individuals who traveled more than 10 times as 10, those who traveled 5-9 times as 7, 3-4 times as 3.5,read moreIncreased Travel Frequency May Lead to Happiness and Reduce Dementia: An Analysis of the “Travel Divide” (5)