Leading publication Kyoto Visitors Guide (KVG) has declared The J Team to be “fascinated with Kyoto”. While we thank KVG for recognising our commitment to the city we hastily add that we are fascinated with every inch of Japan from Hokkaido in the far north to Okinawa in the tropical south seas. We love the cities, the remote rural areas, the culture, the food, the arts, the roads, the everything. Read more here.

Click the left image to read the full article in PDF.
Also visit Kyoto Visitors Guide at http://kyotoguide.com/

Washoku – literally Japanese food – has just yesterday been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On top of accolades by Michelin and Zagat this is another reason why you should be making the dining experience a central part of your Japan event.

The J Teammates give us their views:
Mai
Favourite washoku: Tarako spaghetti (tarako is cod roe)
Recommended for first-time visitors to Japan: Wagyu (beef) barbeque

Yoko
Favourite washoku: Salmon and ume boshi (sour plum) rice balls made with freshly boiled rice
Recommended for first-time visitors to Japan: Chawanmushi (savoury custard with lots of interesting seafood and vegetables

Kozo
Favourite washoku: tonkatsu (pork cutlets, Japanese style)
Recommended on your first visit to Japan: tonkatsu (see above)

James
Favourite washoku: depends on the weather but natto (fermented soy beans), white rice, and green tea have to be up there anytime
Recommended on your first visit to Japan: takoyaki (batter balls with goodies inside), okonomiyaki (great social food), kushi (deep fried fun on a stick)

Akiko
Favourite: Sushi in the home of sushi
Recommended on your first visit to Japan: Sushi, admire the simplicity of appearance and then marvel at the range for flavour and variety of textures as you indulge. Sushi symbolises Japan itself!

Find out more about UNESCO’s reasons for listing washoku
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00869

The whole raison d’etre of a destination management company is simply that – to manage the destination and assist our business partners in getting the most value out of it.

In so doing it is our duty to ask questions that need asking and address issues that need addressing. One of these is the reality that – albeit a very very remote possibility – an earthquake, typhoon, flood or other disaster might strike during an event we are assisting. To quote the instructor at the disaster preparedness centre, “we cannot stop earthquakes happening, but through proper preparation we can reduce the damage they cause”.

With this sentiment very much top of mind, The J Team teammates in West Japan took advantage of a special training session organised by City of Kyoto and the British Consulate to learn the special and specific measures in place by City of Kyoto to assist city visitors – especially those from overseas – in the event that a large and devastating earthquake affects the city.

The J Team is encouraged that the local authorities have a solid plan and the cooperation of large land owners such as the many ancient temples in the city to provide assistance to our business partners and their events. Attendance at the event also established a link between The J Team and local authorities that will serve you well when you use our services in Japan.

The J Team prepares for an earthquake simulation at Kyoto Disaster Prepardness Centre, as reported by Yomuri Shimbun newspaper.

Congratulations to key partner on developing creative ideas to change your travel experience in Japan!

Press release
“Whilst the rest of the global meetings and events industry debates the importance and quality of Wi-Fi in venues and hotels, attendees at events in Kyoto can bask in the knowledge that our suppliers are always looking to go one step further.” James Widgren comments on the news that high speed Wi-Fi will be available in Yasaka Taxis for airport transfers to Kyoto.

Yasaka Taxi, a member of Kyoto Convention Bureau and high end supplier to incentives, meetings and conferences taking place throughout the city has launched the new initiative to support events taking place in Kyoto.

Widgren continues: “Japan is known throughout the world for its technological foresight and innovation. This initiative has been welcomed by organisers, who recognise the need for their delegates to stay in touch – and in particular check in with their email after a flight, where access is so limited. This Wi-Fi service allows them to arrive at their hotel secure in the knowledge that they have responded to any important issues, allowing them to focus on their business and reason for visiting Kyoto.”

Thank you to Kyoto Convention Bureau for writing the press release for us!

Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.