Japan is known for its sprawling metropolises, cities that bask in the light of every color from signs and advertisements. Yet, outside these massive cities is an island country with natural beauty that shines bright on the pale petals of the cherry blossom—on the delightful purple of the wisteria tree. Adored by Japanese poets and painters is a sight that soars above them all, the UNESCO World Heritage Mt. Fuji.

With this week’s news that Japan’s borders will reopen to foreign tourists after more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, global tour operator Collette today announced that booking is now open for its two Japan itineraries. Departures begin this November.

“We’re so excited travelers can once again explore Japan. Prior to the pandemic, Japan was one of our most popular destinations. Nearly every departure we offered was sold out,” said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, president of Collette. “Our product development team just returned from a three-week review of our two itineraries. Our partners – everyone from hotels to restaurants to local guides – and of course our tour managers cannot wait to welcome travelers back to Japan on two culturally-rich tours.”

Collette’s newest tour to Japan is Japan: Past and Present , which begins at $5,749.00 per person. This small group adventure with just 14-24 guests includes a variety of activities designed to connect guests to Japan’s rich culture, traditions, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Highlights include overnighting amongst Buddhist monks at a monastery on Mount Koya; meeting an individual who experienced the devastating affects of the Atomic bomb firsthand; joining the Ama pearl divers to hear tales about their unique and sacred rights of this women-only profession; and using the public transportation in Tokyo to efficiently explore the city to experience life like a local.

Collette’s popular Cultural Treasures of Japan tour begins at $4,999.00 per person and offers cultural and culinary experiences like a sake tasting, a sushi-making class, a geisha show in Kyoto and the chance for travelers to experience the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Collette’s guests can book their tours with confidence knowing that when they add Collette’s Travel Protection Plan, they will receive a full money-back refund if they need to cancel – up to 24 hours before departure.

Please visit www.collette.com for more information.

Beginning Sept. 7th, Japan will double its maximum number of daily visitors to 50,000. This announcement also comes with the allowance of non-guided package tours, both a huge reversal in COVID-19 restrictions.

The Japan Tourism Agency has determined to conduct a “test tourism” program in May prior to a full opening to travelers. Small group tours will be permitted into the country in May to ascertain how well protocol measures will prevent an increase in Covid-19 cases. Read the rest of this entry »

Bob Sharak, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Distribution for Cruise Lines International Association, Inc. (CLIA), joined the company in 1993 – prior to that Mr. Sharak was one of the first 100 people to start People Express airline, worked for Continental airline, was the director of travel industry marketing for Hertz – and marketing director for the Trump Shuttle.

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