Don't go there; go here: Japan's new tourism campaign

It is well known that Japan's major tourist destinations are overflowing with visitors.

In cities like Kyoto, locals have expressed frustration at the flood of foreigners.

Now Japan Airlines (JAL) and Hoshino Resorts have launched the "All-time Favourite v Hidden Gems" campaign to try to mitigate against overtourism and contribute to regional revitalisation.

In some cases it may be too late. On a recent visit to Kanazawa I saw several signs at restaurants saying that non-Japanese speakers were not welcome.

The two companies aim to attract visitors to regions outside of Japan's major metropolitan areas by promoting the charm of lesser-known destinations where many untapped tourism resources lie.

The annual Accommodation Travel Statistical Survey by the Japan Tourism Agency showed the total number of foreign guest room nights in 2023 reached approximately 117.75 million nationwide, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 2019.

Five prefectures: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Fukuoka accounted for 73% of the total share, with only a small number of inbound tourists travelling to more rural areas.

JAL and Hoshino Resorts have introduced extensive content on a dedicated campaign website, covering themes such as cherry blossoms, festivals, autumn leaves, snow and nature/activities.

It highlights the “All-time Favourite” destinations, that are loved by visitors and “hidden gems” that are yet to be further explored.

Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a “Hidden Gem” where visitors can enjoy strolling along the cherry blossom-lined paths beside the Otozure River. This historical hot spring town is where feudal lords of the Edo period would visit for therapeutic baths.

The companies have also launched both domestic and international Instagram posting campaigns to encourage the sharing of lesser-known yet captivating aspects of Japan's rural regions - places that people want to share with the world or have visited and enjoyed.

Additionally, a package deal combining JAL flights and accommodations at select Hoshino Resorts properties is available for inbound tourists travelling from December 11, 2024, with the end date to be determined.

Here's a link to my recent story on less touristy Hida Takayama.

https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2024/08/hida-takayama-often-known-as-simply.html

Top image: Nagato. ©︎Hoshino Resorts

Another airline with a grog monster pilot

Add JAL to the list of airlines having issues with boozy pilots.

A Japan Airlines flight from Dallas to Tokyo was cancelled over the drunken escapades of a pilot, industry travel portal Travel Mole and the Mainichi Daily newspaper reported.

The JAL captain was on a layover in a Dallas hotel last week when his disruptive behaviour led to police being called by a hotel employee.

The pilot was given a warning for his disorderly conduct.

Japan Airlines then cancelled the Tokyo flight due to the need to assess the captain’s "physical and mental wellbeing". A replacement pilot could not be found in time for the morning departure. 

The airline said the unnamed pilot began drinking during dinner with flight crew colleagues and continued in the hotel bar and then his room until at least 2am.

The 157 passengers booked on the flight were later re-booked on an American Airlines flight to Tokyo. Which might not have pleased them.

See GoTR passim for previous pilots on the piss.  

Asian airlines place major aircraft order

Two leading Asian air carriers have confirmed big aircraft orders over the past week, signalling growing confidence in the sector.

Japan Airlines has signed deals with both Airbus and Boeing to refresh its long-haul fleet,

Travel Mole reports.

JAL is ordering 21 Airbus A350-900 jets and 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

It also ordered 11 Airbus A321neos - a very uncomfortable plane for anything other than short-haul flights. It is a new aircraft model for the airline.

The airline will deploy most of the new A350s on international routes.

Deliveries for the A350s and the Dreamliners are expected to begin in 2027, while JAL will start receiving the Airbus A321neos in 2028.

National flag carrier Korean Air, meanwhile, has ordered 33 Airbus A350s, comprising 27 of the largest version of the aircraft - the A350-1000 and six A350-900s.

These will refresh its long-haul fleet as it gradually retires older jets including Boeing 777s.

 

How to avoid screaming babies on long-haul flights

If you have ever spent a long-haul flight being kept awake by a screaming baby while its parents smile serenely, apparently oblivious to their odious offspring's aural assault, then you may welcome measures introduced by Japan Airlines.

Without going as far as Singapore-based Scoot - which has child-free zones on its planes - the airline has a solution for travellers who would rather avoid sitting near young children, introducing a seat map that highlights seats that have been booked for younger passengers. 

If you use the map before you fly then there is a good chance you might be able to avoid having the back of your seat kicked nonstop for 14 hours, or being hit by projectile vomit at 30,000 feet, as nearly happened to me recently. The child missed me by millimetres but did colourfully decorate the centre aisle. 

If course you could still end up sitting next to someone with horrific body odour, or even a world-class snorer. 

And Japan Airlines has not made it clear what would happen if someone with a late booking and a baby or two chooses a seat next to those who have attempted to secure a seat as far away from bubs as possible. 

Japan Airlines' website says: "Passengers travelling with children between eight days and two years old who select their seats on the Japan Airlines website will have a child icon displayed on their seats on the seat selection screen. This lets other passengers know a child may be sitting there."

A good start, but there is still risk involved for the unwary.