Welcome back to Toronto, Mr. Sofuku!

After saying goodbye to Toronto 9 years ago, Mr. Masamitsu Sofuku has returned to succeed the post of Executive Director from Mr. Hisao Hara. Since leaving JNTO's Toronto office in 2000, Mr. Sofuku continued his role as Director at JNTO's Kyoto office until 2004. From there, Mr. Sofuku was posted to the Secretariat of the Visit Japan Campaign Headquarters. During his assignment with the Visit Japan Campaign from 2005 to 2008, Mr. Sofuku took on many diverse roles, such as the Director of European Markets and Director of Administration. JNTO Toronto welcomes Mr. Sofuku back to the office! We look forward to working with him again and learning from his expertise.

Yokoso! Mr. Sofuku.

Visit Japan Campaign (VJC)
at the Salon International Tourisme Voyages 2009 in Montreal
October 23 - 25, 2009

Kimono Show at the Salon International Tourisme Voyages

Once again, VJC participated in the 3-day travel show, Salon International Tourisme Voyages, in Montreal. Joined by the City of Kyoto this year, the space occupied by the Japan booths was an absolute success with visitors. More than 37,576 consumers and travel agents visited the show, and about 8,000 Japan travel brochures were distributed. What captured the most attention were the daily stage performances of Yosakoi Dance and Kimono Show. Our booth attendants, who dressed in traditional kimono, provided not only Japanese travel information to visitors, but also a chance to look at their fascinating costumes up close. In addition, the 2-hour seminar conducted in French attracted a full house of guests to see and hear about traveling in Japan.

The next edition of the Salon International Tourisme Voyages will be on Oct 22, 23 and 24, 2010 at Place Bonaventure, Montreal.

www.salontourismevoyages.com

JAL and Bullet Train (Shinkansen) Tour

This year, Japan Airlines and the Shinkansen Bullet Trains have teamed up to offer you the best and most efficient way to experience Japan's traditions and modern technology all in one trip.

Japan Airlines, together with the Central Japan Railway, offer you the chance to explore Japan on the renowned high-speed Shinkansen Bullet Trains while staying at hotels of great value in some of Japan's most famous cities. The spectacular metropolis of Tokyo is linked with the historical city of Kyoto by Shinkansen, one of the world's fastest trains.

You can experience the Bullet Trains yourself when you book your next flight to Japan via the JAL website: www.ar.jal.com/en/flight_planning/bullet_train.html. Reserve and purchase your flight online, and after completing your reservation, click on the promotional banner on the confirmation page. From there, you can choose from a variety of tours that use the speedy Shinkansen.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to explore Japan!

Special Offer from Keisei Skyliner & Hato Bus Tour: July to December 2009

Keisei Skyliner and Hato Bus Tours have come together this year to offer tourists to Japan a convenient and affordable way of travelling from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo, as well as enjoying a Hato Bus tour of the city.

The Skyliner Airport Express is part of the Keisei Electric Railway system, which offers fast and convenient travel between Narita Airport and Tokyo's downtown core. Make sure to reserve a seat with your coupon so you can relax with your feet up while being whisked away in under an hour to Tokyo's city centre.

After arriving in central Tokyo, familiarize yourself with the bustling metropolis by hopping on one of the Hato Bus Tours. The sightseeing bus tours offer you the chance to connect with the local culture and history of Tokyo with the help of friendly and informative English guides. Hato offers several different and unique bus tours a day, depending on your schedule and interests. Use your 1,000-yen coupon to join in on the 'Morning Half-day Tour', 'Full Day Tour', 'Afternoon Half-day Tour', or the 'Tokyo Night Tour'.

What a great way to save money and enjoy the day – and all with your feet up!

www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/hatobus/index.html