by James Ruggia
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Mon February 9, 2015
PHOTO: The JNTO is calling on New York commuters to get on board with Japan Week. (Courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization)
Japan Week is coming back to New York City's Grand Central Terminal from Feb. 18 to 20. For the fourth time in four years, the historic terminal's Vanderbilt Hall will give commuters and other visitors access to tourism experts, free literature, showcases of Japanese art, food, and fashion, discounted travel packages and more. Japan Week will also feature a number of chances for New Yorkers to win free tickets to Japan on Delta Air Lines.
More than 13 million international travelers arrived in Japan in 2014, which set a new record. The U.S. has been among the most powerful long-haul markets for Japan thanks largely to the strength of the Dollar against the Yen. As recently as the autumn of 2012, the Dollar only purchased 77 Yen.
In 2014 some 891,600 Americans visited Japan for a robust growth of 11.6 percent over 2013. The U.S. Dollar is the equivalent now of about 119 Yen. Japan is also featuring easier access to an exciting region beginning this spring when the Hokuriku Shinkansen train begins connecting Tokyo to Hokuriku in just 2.5 hours. Hokuriku is famous for its traditions, mountains, skiing, seafood and resorts.
With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics just five years away, travel to Japan figures to continue to climb and Japan Week is just one way to keep an important market curious. The exhibit will feature information on such popular Japanese attractions as castles and hot springs. Three different New York couples will pose in traditional Japanese wedding kimonos. Fittings will take place live in Grand Central.
Visitors to Japan Week will also be able to sample food from nine different Japanese regions thanks to the Depachika Food Emporium. Such classics as ramen noodles, mazemen noodles, miso soup, green tea, tofu, and takoyaki octopus balls will be on hand.
New York is a major market for Japanese tourism. ANA flies twice daily out of JFK, as does Japan Airlines. Delta offers a daily service out of JFK and United flies daily out of Newark. Delta is one of the sponsors for Japan Week as are Seiko, NHK World, JR-EAST, Amnet, Beard Papa, HIS, House Foods, IACE, ITO EN, the Japan Sake and Sochu Makers Association, Kamakura Shirts, Marukome, Minamoto Kitchoan, Sharp, Sun Noodle, VIZ Media, and Watabe Wedding. The event is being organized by the Japan Tourism Agency and Japan National Tourism Organization.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
