Welcome to the year of the Ox

6th January 2009

Great reasons to go 每 a year in Japan to eclipse all others

No matter when they visit or whatever their interests, everyone has a reason why they love Japan. The culture, from samurai and geisha to beautiful temples and gardens, is so different from anywhere else.

Japan has stunning and romantic scenery ranging from natural hot springs to exotic beaches, the Japanese are so very friendly, it is clean and safe - and cheaper than many people think - to name but a few. However, 2009 has one or two particularly good reasons why a trip to Japan should go straight into the new diary.

Firstly, one of the biggest events of the year, the solar eclipse takes place on 22 July. What will be the longest total solar eclipse of the sun in the 21st century will be best witnessed from some of Japan＊s smaller islands to the south of mainland, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. And Japan will be the only place in the world to witness the eclipse in its totality for the maximum duration, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Secondly, early 2009 brings the last chance to see the impressive Himeji Castle in its untainted form before it begins a five-year restoration programme. The World Heritage castle, also known as ※White Heron§, is considered to be Japan＊s most beautiful original castle (one of 12 original castles in Japan) with the main building dating back to Japan＊s Edo period (1603 - 1868). Restoration will begin in May so get out to Japan as soon as possible for those unspoilt photos.

Alastair Donnelly, InsideJapan Tours Director, comments: ※Japan＊s individuality never ceases to amaze the most travelled of travellers. Its culture manages to seduce most visitors, who come away with a love for the place that they can＊t quite explain. 2009 promises to be an outstanding year to visit, with a complete viewing of the solar eclipse offering a unique experience to add to the country＊s numerous and distinctive attractions.§

Other events in 2009 include the Tokyo Anime Fair in March, the Gay Pride festival in May, Fuji Rock Festival in July, the biannual Tokyo Motor Show in October and thousands of colourful traditional festivals throughout the country. And don＊t forget Tokyo is yet again the culinary capital of the world according to the Michelin guide, giving visitors a world-beating gourmet experience.

InsideJapan Tours can tailor trips to suit all time frames and budgets with a whole range of Self Guided Adventures, as well as some unique Small Group Tours, allowing you get a true feel for the country.

And finally,
丐仃引仄化云戶匹午丹仍介中引允ㄐAkemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu! Happy New Year

For more information and to book call InsideJapan Tours on 0870 120 5600
(www.insidejapantours.com).

Ends 每 January 2009

NOTE TO EDITORS: Launched in 2000, Inside Japan Tours is a small, dedicated team of specialists, all of whom have first-hand experience of living, working and travelling in Japan. The company offers a range of original, affordable packages for small groups and independent travellers. Inside Japan Tours has offices in the UK and Japan. It is a member of AITO, and is fully bonded via AITO Trust and ATOL.

PRESS: For more details, please contact James Mundy, PR Manager, tel. 0117 314 4633, email james@insidejapantours.com. Issued on behalf of Inside Japan Tours by Travel PR, tel. 020 8891 4440, email s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk or i.bradley@travelpr.co.uk.