Omio Gets $10M to Fix Japan and Southeast Asia’s Fragmented Travel Booking
Omio has secured a $10 million investment from Granite-Integral to accelerate expansion in Japan and strengthen its Southeast Asia presence.
Kyoto
Experience Kyoto with its golden pavilions, peaceful gardens, and centuries-old traditions that capture the essence of Japanese culture.
Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, renowned for its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and timeless geisha districts.
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Japan Raises Hotel Taxes as Overtourism Costs Start Reaching the Visitor Bill
Japan is adding and expanding local lodging taxes in 2026 as more destinations try to manage overtourism and fund infrastructure. The amounts are often modest outside Kyoto, but together they…
Japan Sets Overtourism Control Target for 100 Areas by 2030
Japan has approved a new tourism plan that expands overtourism controls while keeping aggressive visitor and spending targets in place through 2030. The policy signals a shift from simple volume…
Japan’s 2026 Cherry Blossom Season Is Expected to Start Early
Japan’s 2026 cherry blossom season is expected to begin earlier than usual, with first blooms forecast in mid-March in parts of western and central Japan. Warmer late-winter temperatures are likely…
Global Hotel Alliance Expands Into Japan With Tokyu Hotels Partnership
Global Hotel Alliance is expanding in Japan through a new partnership with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, adding more than 40 properties to the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty platform.
Japan Sets Tourism Record Despite Sharp Decline in Chinese Visitors
Japan welcomed a record number of international visitors in 2025, even as arrivals from China fell sharply late in the year amid rising diplomatic tensions.
RateHawk’s 2025 Travel Trends Reveal Where Demand Is Concentrating – and Why It Matters for 2026
Italy leads global travel demand in 2025, with Rome among the most booked cities, while Japan, Egypt, and island destinations highlight shifting patterns in luxury, value, and long-stay travel.
Kyoto to Introduce Japan’s Highest-Ever Hotel Tax in 2026 to Curb Overtourism
Starting March 2026, Kyoto will implement Japan’s highest-ever hotel tax to combat overtourism and protect the city’s cultural heritage.
Japan Breaks July Tourism Records Despite Regional Declines Amid Natural Event Fears
Japan welcomed 3.43 million visitors in July 2025, setting a new monthly record. While arrivals from Hong Kong and South Korea fell, strong demand from China, the U.S., and Europe…