Travel to Japan for Free – Japanese Government Sponsoring Vacation Travels
by Tomo // October 20, 2011 // Japan, News, World // 2 Comments
UPDATE – October 20, 2011
Japan Tourism Agency Commissioner Hiroshi Mizohata yesterday confirmed his plans to invite 10000 foreigners to japan and pay for their tickets. Again, they are hoping the people that apply will be able to blog about their experience and share it with the world. So in order for you to have a better chance of getting tickets to Japan, better start making them blogs!
Have you ever wanted to travel to Japan? But just could not afford to go? How about going for free! Yes! Free!.. The Japanese government is actually planning to hand out 10,000 free round trip tickets to Japan in a desperate attempt to lure in more tourist. Since the country has been devastated by the recent earthquakes, natural disasters and fears of radiations, surrounding Japan, tourism has dropped significantly over the past couple of months. Some prefectures like Yamagata has even seen drops as high as 80%.
So how do you get your piece of the pie on these tickets?
Application time will be around April of 2012 but there are a couple of requirements and catches from the tourism agency.
One of the catch in applying is that you would need to publicize your planned trip on some type of internet blogs and social media sites. Also to publicize about your experience of Japan and that Japan is still a safe place to travel to, online. As stated by Kazuyoshi Sato, with the agency, “We are hoping to get highly influential blogger-types, and others who can spread the word that Japan is a safe place to visit.” Finally the last catch is that meals and accommodation is not included.
During this time, it is still in the planning stage and there is a request to spend over 1.1 billion yen (about $13 million U.S) to boost the tourism to Japan. Once lawmakers approve the funding, Sato says, visitors could begin signing up as early as this coming April.
We will definitely keep everyone up to date on this news as we get more information. We know that many of you and ourselves would love to pay a visit to Japan and what better way of going, when Japan’s government is paying for the trip?
So as for right now, get your thoughts and plans together for next year because once Japan begins accepting applications there will surely be an overwhelming number of applicants.
Credits and thanks to Danny Choo and ABC News in informing us about this.
