Japan reopened its doors to international travelers earlier this month, and U.S. tourists are already flooding back. During the two years of the pandemic, much has happened in Japan, and visitors can experience new hotels, the return of some major annual festivals and exhibitions. Here are a few highlights.
Taking over the top seven floors of a new skyscraper, the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is expected to open in 2023. It will be located within walking distance of popular attractions in Tokyo, including Nihombashi, Ginza and Tokyo Station. In addition to its 98 guestrooms and the staples of Bulgari Hotels, such as the Bulgari Bar, Il Ristorante and Il Cioccolato, the hotel will house a Bulgari Spa and an 82-foot-long indoor pool.
Aman Resorts’ sister brand, Janu, will open its affordable luxury hotel Janu Tokyo in 2023. Located within the same complex as the new Aman Residences Tokyo, Janu Tokyo will have 120 rooms. The property also will be home to a spa, six restaurants, a café and bars.
KAI, a brand of hot-spring Ryokans, is set to open in three new locations in November. KAI Izumo will have 39 rooms, views of the Japan Sea and Hinomisaki Lighthouse. It is located just 20 minutes from Izumo-taisha, one of the most ancient and important shrines in Japan. The 24-room KAI Tamatsukuri in the Shimane Prefecture has its own onsen experience using local spring water known for beautifying the skin since the 8th century; guests can also book a “Sake Bar Stay.” KAI Unzen, located in Unzen-Amakusa National Park, is known for its hot springs.
A hotel and entertainment complex, the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower will open in April 2023. It will comrprise two luxury hotels—the Hotel Groove Shinjuku and the Bellustar Tokyo. The complex will also house the Bandai Namco amusement center, the concert venue Zepp Tokyo, two floors of live theaters and cinemas, and an entertainment food hall.
The last phase of a massive exhibition tracing 30 years of the animated Sailor Moon is on display at the Roppongi Museum in Tokyo from November 12 through December 30, 2022, focusing on original illustrations from the fifth arc of the popular franchise. The exhibition of Sailor Moon includes original illustrations in color—old and new from creator Naoko Takeuchi—and more than 600 archival exhibits. The additional theater and holographic illustrations provide an immersive experience for Sailor Moon fans.
In addition, the “Sapporo Snow Festival” will be held from February 4-11, 2023. The festival features huge, intricate snow sculptures and competitions. Guests can enjoy ice-skating, snow rafting and local cuisine. Entry is free; events take place at three locations in Odori, Tsudome and Susukino.
For more information, visit www.jnto.go.jp.
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