一期一会. Tradition. Nature. [Ichigo-ichie]

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2 伝統 Tradition Centuries-old traditions are faithfully preserved and deeply engrained in Japanese culture and daily life. This is a land of magnificent wooden buildings dating back over a thousand years yet still in fine condition. From the earliest times, the Japanese continuously repaired and rebuilt their shrines and temples. Because of this, the oldest architectural styles and craft traditions live on today. This spirit of treasuring tradition is found throughout Japan, from high culture and the arts to everyday customs. 一期一会 [Ichigo-ichie] Ichigo-ichie (literally: one encounter, one chance) is a traditional ideal of living fully in the present, based on awareness of the transience of nature. 自然 Nature One of Japan s greatest assets is its abundant unspoiled nature. This is a country surrounded by beautiful seas, with vast areas of lush forest and soaring mountains, natural clear water and invigorating air. The predominantly temperate, four-season climate supports a rich variety of wildlife and vegetation. The Japanese people have always felt deeply rooted in nature, venerating a multitude of spirits or nature deities known as kami. This affinity for nature and respect for its power is expressed throughout Japanese culture and art. The term Ichigo-ichie was used by tea ceremony masters to remind students that they should always perform the tea ceremony with the greatest sincerity, since each such encounter between host and guest may be the only opportunity to meet during their lifetimes. * This belief in treating each meeting as unique and worthy of the greatest respect and attention is a major factor in the renowned Japanese spirit of hospitality. The superb hospitality found in Japan is also based on a tradition of respect for diligence and cleanliness. Needless to say, the level of hospitality is a key factor when choosing destinations for meetings, incentives, conventions or exhibitions. *16th century tea master Sen no Rikyu, quoted by his disciple Yamanoue no Souji in The Record of Yamanoue no Souji. 1

3 Six Reasons for Choosing Japan Japan is an ideal site for international conferences and destination for incentive tours. With a unique combination of professional support, traditional hospitality, ultra-modern convention facility complexes, advanced infrastructure, safe, clean cities, and a richly varied choice of venues, Japan is highly favored by meeting planners worldwide. Wide range of venues, with professional support Each of Japan s distinctive regions has the facilities and infrastructure to host any kind of international conference or event. These are backed by a network of experienced convention bureaus and professional congress organizers. Destination management companies are able to handle all kinds of corporate incentive tours. Japan and Japanese culture in the spotlight worldwide Japan and Japanese culture are hot topics worldwide these days. From centuries-old artistic traditions like noh and kabuki to the cutting edge influences on global pop culture of anime and manga, Japan offers so much that is unique. Tourists are also attracted by Japan s natural beauty and historical legacy, with an ever growing number of World Heritage sites. Japan used to be considered expensive to visit, but this is a thing of the past. Today, it offers great value you can easily find excellent lunches for around US$10 and interesting souvenirs in 100 bargain stores where everything is less than US$1. A warm, bilingual welcome The Japanese are known the world over for their courtesy and consideration of others, and especially of visitors. A nationwide network of tourist bureaus serves the overseas visitor, displays are in English at airports, hotels, department stores and train stations in major cities, and many restaurants now provide English menus. In contrast to the past, today Japan is a country where the visitor can easily get by in English. One of the safest and healthiest destinations Japan is a country where a woman can feel safe walking alone anywhere in the biggest of cities. Honesty is taken for granted - each year in alone, lost items worth over 100 million are handed over to the authorities by their finders. The Japanese are also well known for their love of cleanliness, which has created a society where scrupulous care is paid to hygiene and sanitation in all public facilities. It was this tradition of hygiene that allowed the safe development of unique types of cuisine such as sushi. A range of accommodations to suit any requirement Top class hotels in Japan s major cities naturally meet the world s highest standards, but they also boast the added attraction of Japan s renowned traditions of hospitality and service. There is also an extensive choice of reasonably priced hotels providing safe, clean and comfortable accommodation. And then there are the famous Japanese inns or ryokan, available in a range of styles to match any plans, budgets and interests. World-leading transportation network As one of the main gateways to Asia, Japan has direct flights to most of the world s major cities. Japan can often feel closer than many nearer destinations, simply because it s so quick and easy to get here. Domestic land, sea, and air transportation networks provide smooth and frequent connections to every part of the country, a notable example being the Shinkansen bullet trains, which leave every 3 minutes or so and travel at up to 300 km/h. 2 3

4 Only in Japan From unique cuisines like kaiseki ryori to the tea ceremony and other traditional arts, tatami-mat rooms and kimono there is so much that you can only find in Japan. The ultra-new and the ancient exist side by side in this land where each city and region has its own distinctive history and character. Gastronomic delights Japanese cuisine, from sushi to tempura, is now the choice of gourmets worldwide. But to fully appreciate its delights you should experience it in its birthplace, prepared by Japanese chefs. The rest of the world s cuisines are also expertly represented in Japan s restaurants, over 190 of which gained stars in 2008 in the respected Michelin restaurant guide. Michelin currently gives more stars than any other city in the world. alone has hundreds of thousands of highly diverse dining establishments. From top class gourmet dining to hearty daily fare such as ramen and okonomiyaki, Japan is a never-ending adventure in eating. Relaxation To the Japanese, a relaxing holiday most often means a trip to an onsen, or hot spring resort. With over 3,000 hot spring areas throughout the nation, there s bound to be one close to your destination. The pleasures of an onsen stay include admiring the seasonal scenery from the steaming pool to a deep post-bathe massage and dining at your ryokan inn clad in a traditional yukata. The whole experience is designed to relax the body, to soothe and heal the spirit. Today, many onsen also offer western-style spa facilities. Shopping Japan offers a superb shopping experience. In, for example, the fashionable Ginza, Omotesando, Aoyama and Marunouchi districts are known for world-famous designer and brand-name clothing. Akihabara is the place for cutting-edge electronics from leading Japanese manufacturers. And in the downtown area of Asakusa, you can shop for souvenirs among distinctive old-world surroundings. With everything from luxury brands to 100 bargain stores, outlet malls and regional arts and crafts, Japan s cities are a showcase of Made in Japan quality. Festivals and events From the spectacular traditional floats of the Gion Festival in Kyoto to the giant paper illuminations of Aomori s Nebuta Festival, the Japanese love their traditional parades and festivals. Everyone joins in, and visitors are often welcome to participate too. Many of the exciting performances featured at these outdoor festivals, such as taiko drumming, lion dancing and classical Japanese dance, can be booked for conference sites, hotels or party venues. Japan also hosts numerous international and world-class sporting, technological and cultural events, ranging from F1, WRC and FIFA Club World Cup, to Motor Show, International Anime Fair, Game Show, and International Film Festival. Entertainment and attractions Japan s national sport of sumo wrestling originated in sacred ceremonies where the strongest men offered their power to the gods. Today it is a magnificent and hugely popular spectacle of skill and muscle. In addition to sumo and other martial arts exhibitions, Japan offers the visitor a unique chance to see traditional Japanese arts such as kabuki and noh. And of course, there is a full selection of modern attractions, from Disneyland and many other theme and amusement parks to world class aquariums, fireworks displays and international concerts. Fine art and traditional handicrafts Throughout Japan, you will find unique regional variations on the many traditional arts and crafts for which this country has so long been known. These range from magnificent armor and swords of the samurai period, to tea utensil, lacquer ware, ceramics, calligraphic works, ukiyoe woodblock prints, fine wood and bamboo work, and Japanese-style gardens. Fine art is well represented in a host of art museums and galleries, and there are wellstocked antique stores in every town. 4 5

5 Unique venues A land of enormous variety, Japan has many unique sites available for events, theme parties and excursions. These include facilities connected to historic castles, shrines and temples, subtropical south island resorts, art museums designed by leading modern architects, fine old Japanese-style wooden mansions and gardens, theme parks and sports facilities. World class modern architecture Modern Japanese architecture is highly regarded around the world, and wins many international awards. Spectacular structures such as the glass pyramid in Sapporo s Moerenuma Park, the National Art Center in, or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa combine a traditional Japanese approach to beauty with leading edge architectural innovation. Buildings like these provide a truly unforgettable setting for any event. A trip back in time to the samurai era Mention Japan, and most people think of the samurai warriors, their code of honor and valiant deeds. Your guests will enjoy visiting Kyoto Studio Park, where samurai period dramas are filmed, or attending a reception at the Tokugawa Art Museum, filled with relics of the shoguns. Performances can be arranged to take place at your venue that include demonstrations of arts dating from the samurai period such as tea ceremony, calligraphy and kimono. Feudal era mansions and gardens Many of Japan s lovingly preserved traditional old mansions and gardens are available for receptions and events. Your guests will gain a deeper appreciation of the Japanese sensibility and spirit in these splendid historic venues, built over 400 years ago by the feudal aristocracy. Onsen hot springs and ryokan inns Traditional Japanese ryokan inns and onsen hot spring resorts have many appreciative admirers throughout Asia, and are increasingly well known in the West. These establishments have long been used by the Japanese for meetings, since they are well equipped with large rooms and other facilities. A Japanese-style banquet held in a large tatami-mat room will create a truly memorable impression. Ryokan are well accustomed to handling special events, and have the flexibility to adapt to many plans. World heritage, cultural and historic sites In addition to many natural and cultural world heritage sites, Japan has a vast number of properties and sites designated as national or important cultural assets. Many of these are available for suitable events. For example, meetings and parties may be held at facilities belonging to shrines and temples in Kyoto and Nara, or at the famous floating Itsukushima shrine near Hiroshima. Exotic tours and cruises Many fascinating types of transportation, some unique to Japan, can be hired for short group tours. For example, yakatabune wooden houseboats were traditionally used by groups to enjoy the beauties of Japan s rivers and coasts. On these boats, found throughout Japan, guests will share a banquet while watching summer fireworks displays, cherry blossoms in spring, the red leaves of autumn, or snow-covered winter scenery. Other tour possibilities range from private hire trains with tatami-mat rooms to luxury ocean helicopter cruises. 6 7

6 Sample tours The Japanese islands stretch over 3,000 km with a rich variety of scenery in climates ranging from sub-artic in the north to sub-tropical in the south. Volcanic mountain ranges teem with hot spring resorts, while a history going back thousands of years gives each region a distinct cultural character. In short, Japan is a tourist paradise. On these pages we suggest some examples of incentive tours or excursions centered on major cities. History and onsen hot springs near A taste of Japan s history and tradition, followed by an onsen hot spring resort set in spectacular scenery. Day 1 - Kamakura - Great Buddha, zen temple (shojin monks cuisine or zen meditation) - Hakone (night at onsen ryokan inn) Day 2 Hakone - volcanic crater tour, Lake Ashi cruise, Shinkansen bullet train - World heritages and gourmet dining in Kansai The Kansai region is famed for fine cooking and sake. This is also an area rich in World Heritage sites and beautiful nature. Day trip Osaka - Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, Dotonbori, eat okonomiyaki and takoyaki - Osaka Day trip Osaka - Kyoto Hozugawa River trip, Arashiyama (Togetsu Bridge), Nishikikoji market, Kyoto kaiseki restaurant - Osaka Day trip Osaka - Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara, Horyuji Temple, Yakushiji Temple - Osaka Day trip Osaka - Himeji Castle, Nada (sake brewery), Kobe Chinatown, Kobe beef restaurant - Osaka Ancient and modern Japan near Nagoya The latest in modern Japanese technology and one of its most ancient shrines, night cormorant fishing and a famous old country town. Day 1 Nagoya - Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology - Ise Grand Shrine - Nagoya Day 2 Nagoya - Gifu (cormorant fishing, Shirakawa Village) - Takayama (Historic Relic of the Local Agency of the Tokugawa Shogunate and Festival Float Exhibition Hall) - Nagoya Hiroshima and the Inland Sea From Hiroshima and the famous shrine on the sea at Itsukushima to the castle towns of Shikoku. Day 1 Hiroshima - Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima Castle - Itsukushima Shrine - Kintai Bridge (Iwakuni) - Hiroshima Day 2 Hiroshima - Matsuyama Castle, Dogo Onsen hot spring resort, Uchiko, Shimanami Kaido - Takamatsu Day 3 Takamatsu - Ritsurin Park, Konpira Shrine (Naoshima) - Hiroshima or Kansai International Airport Nature and local specialties in Hokkaido Japan s most northerly island is renowned for spectacular scenery and outdoor sports, and its abundance of fresh seafood makes for great dining. Day 1 Sapporo - Susukino, Sapporo Beer Garden, Biei Hills, Otaru Canal - Sapporo Day 2 Sapporo - Lake Toya and Nise for golf, rafting, hotair ballooning or skiing - Sapporo Resorts in the southern islands From the fine golf resorts in Kyushu to the sub-tropical beaches of Okinawa. Day 1 Miyazaki - golf - Miyazaki Day 2 Miyazaki - Naha - Shuri Castle - Ryukyu-mura - Nago Day 1 Nago - Churaumi Aquarium - Naha Day 2 Naha - Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum - Mabuni Hill - Naha 8 9

7 The Regions of Japan A long string of islands stretching from north to south, the Japanese archipelago has a richly varied climate and culture. Over the nation s 2,000 - year history, the various regions have developed quite distinct and unique differences. What this means is a superb selection of choices for the conference or tour planner. Greater Area Greater Area Akita Tsuruoka Yamagata Asahikawa Sapporo Morioka Sendai Kushiro The Greater Area encompasses the area within 40km or so of. It is home to Japan s largest conference facilities, exhibition halls, accommodation facilities and event halls, making it possible to host international conferences and events of every kind and size. P.15 P.27 P.31 P.35 P.36 P.37 P.38 P.40 P.41 Yokohama Chiba Narita Kisarazu Saitama Tsukuba Hakone Maebashi This is the political, economic and industrial heart of Japan. Outside the bustling modern cities, the region s many attractions include historical castle towns and lush mountain resorts. P.74 P.78 P.79 P.80 P.81 P.83 P.84 P.85 P.87 P.88 P.90 P.91 P.92 P.93 P.94 Nagoya Inuyama Gifu Takayama Shizuoka Hamamatsu Iseshima Niigata Toyama Kanazawa Fukui Fujiyoshida Nagano Matsumoto Ueda Niigata Shimonoseki Kitakyushu Fukuoka Beppu Kumamoto Nagasaki Kanazawa Toyama Nagano Maebashi Takayama Fukui Ueda Tsukuba Matsumoto Saitama Matsue Narita Gifu Yokohama Chiba Fujiyoshida Kisarazu Inuyama Nagoya Okayama Shizuoka Hiroshima Himeji Kobe Kyoto Hakone Osaka Nara Hamamatsu Takamatsu Awaj Iseshima Matsuyama Tokushima Greater Area Kansai area usually refers to the area within 40km or so of Osaka, including Kyoto, Kobe and Nara but this guidebook also includes Awaji and Himeji. In this metropolitan area, international conferences and events of every kind and size can be hosted. P.44 P.48 P.52 P.56 P.58 P.59 Kyoto Osaka Kobe Nara Himeji Awaji First prospering during Japan s medieval period, this was home to the nation s capital for over 1,000 years. Centered around the Inland Sea, it is an area rich in history and traditional culture. P.96 P.98 P.99 P.100 P.101 P.102 P.103 Hiroshima Okayama Shimonoseki Matsue Takamatsu Matsuyama Tokushima Kagoshima Miyazaki Okinawa Hokkaido is famous for skiing and other winter outdoor activities. But there is much to see all year round, from dazzling festivals and onsen hot spring resorts to the region s unique ethnic culture. P.61 P.65 P.66 P.67 P.69 P.70 P.71 P.72 Sapporo Asahikawa Kushiro Sendai Akita Morioka Yamagata Tsuruoka As the closest point to continental Asia, Kyushu has a long history of foreign trade and cultural exchange. The island has much beautiful scenery, including several volcanoes. The southernmost subtropical Okinawa islands boast an exotic history and many splendid resorts. P.105 P.109 P.111 P.112 P.113 P.115 P.116 P.117 Fukuoka Kitakyushu Beppu Nagasaki Kumamoto Miyazaki Kagoshima Okinawa Pictograms Major City Culture & Tradition Resort 10 11

8 International and Domestic Access Access to Japan couldn t be easier, with direct flights from most of the world s major cities. Greater Area Greater Area centered around constantly gathers leading edge information from around the world. It is where the latest in business, fine arts, culture and academic research can be found. Additionally, this great metropolitan area has many faces, both old and new, due to a grand design which aims to preserve the area s greenery, water and the carefully protected rich historical heritage Access from Overseas London New York Km Japan is a major gateway to Asia, with direct flights from more than 100 cities around the world. Most of Asia is just a few hours away, while Japan can be reached from Europe, America and Oceania in around ten hours. Wherever you are, Japan is closer than you imagine. Sydney Domestic Access 2 hours 1hour Greater Area Narita Airport, Chubu International Airport, and Kansai Airport are gateway airports where travelers arriving in Japan can easily access any city in Japan via domestic air flights. Most internal flights take one to two hours, and even the longest intercity flight is less than three hours. The nation is also covered by an extensive rapid rail network, including the famous Shinkansen bullet train, world renowned for its punctuality and efficiency. Major cities are well served by subways and suburban railways. Easy to get to, and easy to travel around in, Japan is a dream for convention and tour planners. 3 hours 12 The 東京13

9 Greater Area MAP The Greater Area encompasses the area within 40km or so of along the Bay, including Yokohama, Chiba and Kisarazu, as well as Saitama and Tsukuba, and with Narita, situated within 70km of the capital, it constitutes the world s largest metropolitan area with a population of about 35 million. In this guidebook, the Greater Area also includes Hakone and Maebashi. With Narita International Airport (as the gateway to these cities, the Greater Area is conveniently home to Japan s largest conference facilities, exhibition halls, accommodation facilities and event halls. It boasts an elaborate transportation network and is also a major source of information and cultural inspiration to the world, making it possible to host international conferences and events of every kind and size. Greater Area TOKYO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Tel. Fax. URL convention@tcvb.or.jp Greater Area Maebashi GREEN DOME MAEBASHI MAEBASHI HOTEL MAEBASHI TERRSA TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM TOKYO BIG SIGHT ANA INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO CERULEAN TOWER TOKYU HOTEL CONRAD TOKYO FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TOKYO AT CHINZAN-SO GRAND HYATT TOKYO GRAND PRINCE HOTEL AKASAKA 4 PRINCE HOTELS IN THE SHINAGAWA STATION AREA HILTON TOKYO HOTEL GRAND PALACE HOTEL NEW OTANI HOTEL NIKKO TOKYO HOTEL OKURA TOKYO IMPERIAL HOTEL, TOKYO INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO BAY KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO LE MERIDIEN GRAND PACIFIC TOKYO LE MERIDIEN PACIFIC TOKYO MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO PALACE HOTEL RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL TOKYO THE RITZ-CARLTON, TOKYO ROYAL PARK HOTEL SHERATON MIYAKO HOTEL TOKYO THE PENINSULA TOKYO THE PRINCE PARK TOWER TOKYO THE WESTIN TOKYO TOKYO DOME HOTEL Hakone THE PRINCE HAKONE YUMOTO FUJIYA HOTEL HAKONE HOTEL KOWAKIEN Saitama PACIFICO YOKOHAMA (PACIFIC CONVENTION PLAZA YOKOHAMA) INTERCONTINENTAL YOKOHAMA GRAND PAN PACIFIC YOKOHAMA BAY HOTEL TOKYU YOKOHAMA ROYAL PARK HOTEL Yokohama OMIYA SONIC CITY PALACE HOTEL OMIYA URAWA ROYAL PINES HOTEL Haneda Airport Chiba Kisarazu Tsukuba TSUKUBA INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS CENTER OKURA FRONTIER HOTEL TSUKUBA HOTEL BESTLAND HOTEL GRAND SHINONOME Narita KAZUSA ARC OKURA AKADEMIA PARK HOTEL NARITA INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CENTER HILTON NARITA RADISSON HOTEL NARITA Narita International Airport MAKUHARI MESSE HOTEL NEW OTANI MAKUHARI APA HOTEL & RESORT (TOKYO BAY MAKUHARI) HOTEL THE MANHATTAN One of the world's great cities, Japan's capital, is a world city equal in sophistication to New York and London. Originally called Edo, the city first began expanding as the power base of the 300-year Shogunate, became the capital and grew into the giant metropolis of today. Japan s transportation networks are centered on, and this is the focus of the nation s politics, economy, business, information, culture, and manufacturing. is a constantly evolving global metropolis, with a culture that has a worldwide influence. The excellent high-speed transportation network of the metropolitan area allows conventions to be planned using any combination of international conference centers, exhibition halls and accommodation facilities throughout the adjacent areas of Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama and Tsukuba. the modern and the traditional is a fascinating contrast of the old and the new: one of the world s most modern cities, it still retains many of its unique cultural traditions and customs from centuries ago. s markets import produce from all over Japan and the world, and the city s huge variety of dining choices ranges from traditional Japanese food to authentic cuisines from many lands, and Michelin currently gives more stars than any other city in the world. Its numerous and diverse shopping areas include such well-known names as Akihabara, Ginza, Omotesando, Marunouchi and Odaiba. Entertainments available range from traditional attractions such as sumo, kabuki and bunraku to the latest musicals and shows. Unique excursion ideas include hands-on activities such as traditional tea ceremony, flower arrangement and kimono wearing. State-of-the-art facilities and a wide choice of attractions has major international conference facilities such as International Forum, large-scale exhibition centers including Big Sight and a wide range of accommodations from 5-star luxury hotels to business hotels. By integrating plans with convention facility complexes in adjacent cities such as Yokohama and Chiba, extremely large-scale international conferences and exhibitions for tens of thousands of participants can be arranged. Numerous famous tourist spots are within easy reach, including Disney Resort, the volcanic scenery and hot springs of Hakone, and the temples and shrines in Kamakura and World Heritage Nikko. Shinjuku Asakusa Kazusa Coast Nikko Yokohama Lake Ashi 14 15

10 Greater Area Greater Area Greater Area TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FORUM As a landmark of, the International Forum (TIF) has a great number of visitors from Japan and overseas. It's one of the best convention and art centers in Japan and comprises 8 halls including the country s largest hall with 5,012 seats, 34 meeting rooms, galleries and others. Its great location right next to the Marunouchi business center and the Ginza, the largest shopping area of Japan, is unsurpassed. TIF will tirelessly support the events of its customers with its cutting-edge facilities and services, and the expertise and hospitality it's accumulated since its opening. TOKYO BIG SIGHT It's the representative exhibition center of Japan with the largest exhibition halls and varied meeting facilities. Located in the waterfront subcenter of, it has great accessibility both domestically and internationally. Its 80,000-square-meter indoor exhibition space is ideal for all types of exhibitions and events. It also has an international conference hall and reception halls with a capacity of 1,000 people, plus meeting facilities for all sizes and purposes. The restaurants in the Big Sight and adjacent hotels will cater any parties in any of the reception halls and meeting rooms. Greater Area Address Tel. Fax. URL , Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, forumpr@t-i-forum.co.jp Address Tel. Fax. URL , Ariake, Koto-ku, sendeng@tokyo-bigsight.co.jp Room Height(m) Area(m 2 ) Theater Classroom Banquet Reception Dividable Simult. Interpr. Cabins Room Height(m) Area(m 2 ) Theater Classroom Banquet Reception Dividable Simult. Interpr. Cabins Hall A 5,012 International Conference Room ,030 1,000 Hall C 1,502 Reception Hall ,700 1, into 2 rooms Hall B ,400 1, into 2 rooms into 2 or 4 rooms Hall B into 2 rooms Other rooms: 40 rooms, 24 to 3,000 persons Other service: Internet access Exhibition halls: 10 indoor exhibition halls in two buildings (total area: 80,880m 2 ) Other conference rooms: 18 rooms, 10 to 1,100 persons Other service: Internet access 16 17