TokyoTomo Travel Guide

H.I.S. revised on May 28 its business forecasts downward for the first two quarters (November 1, 2009 – April 30, 2010) and the current full fiscal year (November 1, 2009 – October 31, 2010). It gave the following reasons for the revision: demand shift to low-price tours to Asia, seat supply crunch caused by Japan Airlines’ flight network reorganization, and the fallout of Iceland’s volcanic eruption.

As to the results of the first two quarters, H.I.S. now expects 154,100 million yen in revenue, down 9.4 percent from the initial forecast, and 2,350 million yen in operating profit, down 47.8 percent or nearly a half of the initial projection. Recurring profit is estimated at 1,950 million yen, down 45.1 percent, and net profit at 1,850 million yen, down 19.6 percent. The net profit is somewhat bloated because 630 million yen, an equivalent of negative goodwill that arose in consolidation of Huis Ten Bosch, is amortized once for all and is counted in as an extraordinary profit.

In the estimation of full-year results, H.I.S. expects travel demand will come back in the second half of the fiscal year but does not take a bullish view that it is strong enough to make up for the drop in the first half. The agency estimates operating profit at 7,150 million yen, down 8.3 percent, recurring profit at 6,450 million yen, down 12.8 percent, and net profit at 3,600 million yen, down 12.2 percent.

H.I.S. is going to operate inclusive tour charters to spur demand for the second half of the fiscal year and at the same time looks to rising demand for corporate travel. It seeks to raise revenue by means of store realignment at Ginza and Omotesando areas and by giving impetus to high-quality tour sales.

Source: Travel Vision

Travel Vision Inc. provides information on the travel industry in Japan via "Daily Travel Vision", a Japanese-language e-mail newsletter, and the "Travel Vision" website. There are nearly 110,000 people working in the Japanese travel industry, and Travel Vision is proud to be bringing travel news to more than 30,000 people through Daily Travel Vision.

Do what the locals do and you will never go wrong. You have been traveling to Okinawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone and even covered Hokkaido, now you have a few days to spend in Tokyo and what will you do? The list is a quick way to learn about some of Tokyo’s most popular and most visited places for the locals.

Many places can be overwhelming for first time travelers, but some are as much fun for certain groups of travelers. The survey result is gathered by one of the JNTO offices.

#1 Ginza
#2 Shinjuku
#3 Kagurazaka
#4 Shibuya, Omotesando & Aoyama.
#5  Odaiba, Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi, Shimokitazawa, Ueno, Ameyoko.
#Out of top 5 spots are Ogikubo, Kanda, Tsukishima, Hiroo & Azabu, Komazawa, Meguro, Tamachi, Kichijyoji.

#1 Ginza
For Japanese people, Ginza has been a special place for a long time, as it is the most sophisticated downtown area in Japan (or probably in the world). Even in this diversified era, going out to Ginza still creates status. Recently, Ginza has been changing rapidly with waves of luxury brand stores, but you can easily find good old Ginza once you start walking around. Small restaurants and shops are indispensable charms of this town along with big department stores and theaters.

#2 Shinjuku
Shinjuku train station has the largest number of passengers in the world commuting through this station, which has more than 7 lines running. While Ginza has a single united image of a sophisticated town, the charm of Shinjuku is its diversity and energy, with high-rise office buildings in the west exit, bustling night life in Kabuki-cho, department stores, anarchic small pubs in Golden-gai, or the slum taste of Shonben-yokocho (Pee side street).

#3 Kagurazaka
Not many people have heard of Kagurazaka. What makes Kagurazaka unique is the steep slope of its single main street, maze-style narrow paths with traditional houses, and several small, family-owned restaurants preserving Geisha culture. You can easily bump into a traditional Japanese restaurant which was transformed from a residential house or small African food restaurant. And yes, sento (public bath) is available.