Marketing Japan as a Travel Destination

Info: 10863 words (43 pages) Dissertation
Published: 2nd Mar 2022

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Executive Summary

A group of top executives of a travel company have been task to propose a new and unique plan, marketing Japan as a travel destination. The main objective of this report is to to discover a new and attractive aspect of Japan for the Asian market, namely Singapore, South Korea and Philippines. They are to identify the various platforms to reach out to the target group.

The group of top executives have proposed that the trip would be 7D5N trip to Japan, from 9 March to 16 March 2018. The target market will be travelling around Tokyo, Nagoya and Hakone during the trip.

The main focus of our trip is to allow our consumers to experience how it is like to live in the traditional period of Japan which is known as the Edo period. Some of the highlights include visiting places like Ryogoku Kokugiken in Tokyo to witness the traditional Sumo wrestling, Shirotori Garden in Nagoya where they can take a stroll and have a tea break through a traditional tea ceremony and the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun for a hot spa in different type of bath style such as wine spa and coffee spa.

They will also be travelling around Japan to taste the best local Japanese cuisines ranging from the old traditional way of preparing the dishes to the new modern style. The japanese cuisines served are mouth watering, catering to people of various ages.

The group of executives have identified the top 3 resources and/or tourism partners that are most vital to the success of the plan. They are namely the hotel and airlines booking sites, and travel agents.

Work Schedule

Introduction

Opportunities and challenges on Tourism industry

Consultancy report & recommendations

Timeline of stay

Transportation pricing

Nagoya itinerary

Tokyo itinerary

Hakone itinerary

Conclusion

Reflection

References

Appendix

Work Schedule

Week 1 (7 May – 13 May)	Confirm which states to visit The dates of visit Split the group into pairs Allocation of which state the individual pairs are responsible for Research on various attractions + food + flight available + hotel + transportation routes Set dates for future meet ups Looking in depth at various market available to cater to our target audience Analyzing of online reviews on the attraction/food/hotel
Week 2 (14 May – 20 May)	Consolidate information about all the attractions/places of interest to visit Sharing and discussing the chosen places Final confirmation on all the places that we are visiting Start on Itinerary Crafted a rough timeline (what day at which state)
Week 3 (21 May – 27 May)	Planning of Itinerary (timeline) Further touch-up on itinerary Calculate the total price of each state Started on introduction and consultancy report Second round of checking for any errors
Week 4 (28 May – 3 June)	Started on powerpoint slides Finalize our written work(eg,report) Referencing and conclude Prepare for presentation in terms of how do we want to present it Final check on information provided , and vet

Introduction

Concept

Movement of tourists from a prefecture (Tokyo) to a city (Nagoya) and to a town (Hakone).This will allow them to have interacting relationships with the locals from different places which will give them a new perspective on their problems.Satisfying tourists wants and needs by providing an experience that will allow them to have a break from their usual routine and bond with their loved ones.

Products/Service

Attractions with historical significance like temples that are over 100 years old, unique hot spring resorts,museums,theme parks.

Have meals at traditional and high class restaurants.

Experience Japanese customs and traditions personally.

Travel around in a chartered coach with a personal driver and tour guide.

Stay in 4-star hotels with up-to-date amenities and facilities.

Free breakfast every morning in the hotel.

Target Market Segments

Our plan will be targeting families, students that are intending to go on a graduation trip and couples.

Competition

Since there are also many other travel agencies that are also selling Japan tour packages,there will be more choices for them to select from which means that it will be harder to make our plan stand out from the rest.Travellers are more knowledgeable and experienced so they are more likely to get out and explore by themselves.The general reliance on travel service providers has lessened.

Unique Selling point

Japan is known for its unique culture and heritage which has been preserved by the Japanese people since ancient times.Wearing Kimono, having traditional Japanese cuisine, visiting Japanese gardens, going through a Japanese traditional tea ceremony, visiting places that are built based on Japanese traditional architecture, and experiencing Japanese cultural practice of flower arrangement are examples of their traditions and cultures.The age-old traditions and customs gives a unique character to the lifestyle of the Japanese people.Since Edo period is the period of internal peace and political stability,we would like our customers to experience it personally in order for them to truly appreciate and understand the value and meaning behind it.

Opportunities & Challenges Based on Tourism Industry Outlook

Background 1

Resources and information are easily available on the internet now so consumers are more informed and they can travel on their own without the help of a middleman.As such,the tourism industry is slowly becoming a more technology driven industry.

Challenges

The businesses of tour operators and travel agents will be greatly affected.This shows that the market is actually changing drastically with the advancement in technology.

Solutions

Travel agents and operators have to keep up with the current change and provide more attractive packages to consumers.

They have to market their tour packages at the right channel that will target their main audience.They must also build a stronger brand image so that consumers will be more loyal to them based on their brand name and quality.

They have to constantly upgrade themselves in order to provide and render better services and help to customers.

Opportunities

Traditional way of marketing:

Through advertisements on television, radio, newspapers, and magazines which focus mainly on the older consumers.

Online way of marketing:

Through advertisements on various social media platforms like Twitter,Instagram,Youtube which focus mainly on the younger consumers.

Notify customers of any special deals and promotions on the internet that will attract the large population of online users to purchase the tour packages.

Making use of the internet to find new customers and maintaining current customers relationship by providing them better services.

Background 2

The developments of tourism facilities like accommodation and recreation attractions to satisfy travellers wants and needs involve soil erosion.Road and airport construction can lead to land degradation and pollution.More fuel are burnt everyday due to the increase in the number of flights.Such actions are contributing heavily to global warming.Natural sites and habitats might undergo changes or get destroyed in order to accommodate tourist activities.

Challenges

Travellers are more environmentally aware and concerned whereas tourism industry is encouraging and contributing greatly to global warming.There are hardly any tour packages that is related to the environment.

Solutions

Stricter enforcement of environmental laws and regulations

Improve on environmental management and planning

Place more rubbish bins and different languages signs at tourist sites

Government to contribute financially for environmental protection

Promote eco-tourism through environmental awareness and education programs.

Opportunities

There will be a growing market for eco-tourism since tourist are more well environmentally aware and concerned.More tour packages related to eco-tourism can be developed.

Background 3

Factors like the increase in disposable income,paid leave and the advent of budget airlines encourage people to travel further and more often.This led to a boost in the tourism sector.The tourism industry will experience continuous growth and will become one of the fastest growing economic sector in the world.

Statistics by STB:

Year	Total amount of visitors for the year	. Annual Tourism receipts
2013	15,567,923	17998 million
2014	15,095,152	17,737 million
2016	16,403,595	(Not available yet)

Challenges

As more and more tourists are travelling, countries face major competition with one another since they have to find ways to attract tourists to visit their country. Tourists are becoming more knowledgeable and resources are easily available on the internet which increase the tourist expectation of tour packages.With increased competition between countries and tour agencies,the industry have to come out with new and more attractive tourist attractions and packages to keep up with the pace of the advancement.

Solutions

Build new attractions which tourists have yet to experience so that they will be attracted to visit the country. Also don’t just visit tourists attractions, visit villages, the non-tourist attraction places so that tourists can fully indulge in the culture.

Opportunities

Creates jobs for the locals, hence more locals will be employed.

Competition leads to improvement, this increases country’s prestige as a whole, thus creating a market for the country. Tourism sectors of the country such as hotels, F&B, attractions ,and entertainment will be higher in demand. This will be a breakthrough of the country’s growth.

Consultancy Report & Recommendations

Short-term goal

Sell our tour package to as many customers as we can to increase our sales revenue. This can be achieved by marketing our tour package at the right channel that will target our main audience directly. For example, advertise our tour package on television to attract families and on various social media platforms like Twitter to attract fresh university graduates and couples.

Long-term goal

Bring in more revenue to the tourist attractions, accommodation, local stores and restaurants so that they will have the ability to expand their operations or upgrade their facilities to host more travellers. For example, seek the respective owners opinions and work together with them to come to an agreement in order to achieve the goal.

Japanese government resources available to develop/promote the plan and how they can benefit from it

Japan Tourism Board

The Japan Tourism Board website allows consumers to find out more about Japan travel information which include group tours that are available currently.Therefore, we can promote our plan there so that consumers will be aware of our travel plan.If consumers feels that our travel plan suit their needs and wants, they will purchase the plan. The Japanese government will benefit from it as more tourists will visit Japan.Since there will be more tourists visiting Japan, the tourism receipts will increase and it will bring in more revenue to the government.This means they can spend it on other areas like improving on their education,healthcare and transport systems.

How the travel companies can work with various tourism partners (e.g.,promoters and service) to capitalize on opportunities and manage the challenges

Tour operators

Travel agents can work directly with tour operators to perfect customer requests by providing them with the information needed. For example, tour operator is responsible for contracting, booking and packaging various components like accommodation, meals, tour guides, and flights whereas tour agents are responsible for selling tour packages based on what the client is looking for. This working relationship is beneficial for both parties because tour operators are able to get more business and travel agents can benefit from it because they are able to satisfy the customers wants and needs

Destination management companies

Destination management companies can work with travel agents as they are profit companies where they help to promote and sell services. For example, destination management companies can help to negotiate the prices of contracts with local operators and also help to sell the package online. Customers will also be able to receive vouchers that can be redeemed for the tour or activities that they have booked. With that both sides are able to benefit as they are able to build customer relationships and earn commission at the same time.

Itinerary

9 March 2018, Friday, Day 1 – Flight

9 March SIN 2245 – 10 March HND 0620

10 March GMP 0755 – 10 March HND 0955

10 March MNL 0510 – 10 March HND 1025

Singapore to Japan Itinerary

10 March 2018, Saturday, Day 2 – Tokyo (14hrs)

0620 – 0700	Reach Haneda airport, travel to Shibuya Tokyo for breakfast
0700 – 0830	Breakfast
0830 – 0915	Travel to hotel
0915 – 1030	Check in, place luggage, free time
1030 – 1120	Gather at hotel lobby then travel to Asakusa Shichihenge
1125 – 1145	Change and try out Kimono
1145 – 1225	Travel to Imperial Palace
1225 – 1400	Tour Imperial Palace
1400 – 1530	Travel to Yakushima to have lunch
1530 – 1615	Travel back to Asakusa Shichihenge to return Kimono
1615 – 1700	Travel to Tokyo Tower
1700 – 1830	Explore Tokyo Tower
1830 – 1845	Travel to Teppanya benbe Mita Branch
1845 – 2000	Dinner
2000 – 2100	Travel back to hotel

11 March 2018, Sunday, Day 3 – Tokyo to Nagoya (13hrs)

0800	Own time own target have breakfast at hotel, gather at hotel lobby
0800 – 0845	Travel to Ryogoku Kokugikan
0845 – 1100	Tour around, watch sumo wrestling match
1100 – 1140	Ryogoku Kokugikan to Shinagawa area
1140 – 1240	Lunch at Ichiban Shibuya
1240 – 1630	Shingawa to Nagoya tokyu hotel
1630 – 1720	Check in hotel, free and easy
1720 – 1740	Travel to Yamazaki river
1740 – 1840	Tour around Yamazaki river
1840 – 1910	Travel to Sakae district
1910 – 2010	Dinner at Mugal Palace
2010 -2015	Travel to Oasis 21
2015 – 2120	Free time shopping
2120 – 2130	Travel back to hotel (those who wish to stay longer may do so, but there will be no transportation provided)

12 March 2018, Monday, Day 4 – Nagoya

(14hrs)

0800	Own time own target have breakfast at hotel, gather at hotel lobby
0800 – 0820	Travel to Atsuta Shrine
0820 – 0920	Tour around Atsuta Shrine
0920 – 0950	Travel to Schmaglev and railway park
0950 – 1100	Tour around museum
1100 – 1140	Travel to Hanabusa for lunch
1140-1240	Lunch
1240 – 1310	Travel to Nagoya Castle
1310 – 1450	Tour around Nagoya Castle
1450 – 1510	Travel to Tokugawa Art Museum
1510 – 1610	Tour around Tokugawa Art Museum
1610 – 1620	Travel to Tokugawaen
1620 – 1750	Free time at Tokugawaen
1750 – 1810	Travel to Osu street and Kamimaezu
1810- 1910	Free and easy shopping
1910 – 1930	Travel to Pizzeria Trattoria Cesari
1930 – 2030	Dinner
2030 – 2040	Travel to Sakae shopping centre (The Underground Mall)
2040 – 2205	Free and easy shopping (those who wish to stay longer may do so, but there will be no transportation provided)

13 March 2018, Tuesday, Day 5 – Nagoya to Hakone (14hrs)

0800	Own time own target have breakfast at hotel, gather at hotel lobby
0800 – 0830	Travel to Shirotori Garden
0830 – 1000	Tour around Shirotori Garden
1000 – 1100	Travel to Toyota Automobile Museum
1100 – 1200	Tour around the museum
1200 – 1220	Travel to Atsuta Horaiken, Matsuzakaya for lunch
1220 – 1320	Lunch
1320 – 1700	Depart from Atsuta Horaiken, Matsuzakaya to Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
1700 – 1800	Check in hotel, free time
1800 – 1810	Travel to Gora Yoshicho for dinner
1810 – 2010	Dinner
2010 – 2200	Travel back to hotel

14 March 2018, Wednesday, Day 6 – Hakone (12hrs)

0930	Breakfast at hotel, gather at hotel lobby
0930 – 0950	Travel to Choanji Temple
0950 – 1100	Tour around the temple
1100 – 1130	Travel to Hatsuhana Soba Hoten
1130 – 1330	Lunch @ Hatsuhana Soba Hoten
1330 -1350	Travel to Hakone Gora Park Crafthouse
1350 – 1450	Hands on experience
1450 – 1500	Travel to Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
1500 – 1700	Tour around Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
1700 – 1720	Travel to Hakone Shrine
1720 – 1820	Tour around Hakone Shrine
1820 – 1850	Travel to Gora Kadan
1850 – 2250	Dinner at Gora Kadan
2250 – 2120	Travel back to hotel

15 March 2018, Thursday, Day 7 – Hakone to Tokyo(10hrs)

0930	Breakfast at hotel, Gather at hotel lobby
0930 – 1000	Check out of hotel (luggage will be left in chartered bus)
1000 – 1030	Travel to Owaku-dani Valley
1030 – 1130	Tour around Owaku-dani valley (Try black egg & black ramen)
1130 – 1200	Travel to Amazake Chaya Tea House
1200 – 1300	Tea time at Amazake Chaya Tea House
1300 – 1500	Travel to Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo
1500 – 1530	Check in hotel
1530 – 1610	Travel to Asakusa Sensoji
1610 – 1710	Fortune telling, free and easy
1710 – 1720	Travel to Delica Paku Paku
1720 – 1830	Dinner at Delica Paku Paku
1830 – 1900	Travel back to hotel

16 March 2018, Friday, Day 8 – Tokyo to Singapore(19hrs)

0100	Gather at hotel lobby
0100 – 0130	Travel to Tsujiki fish market
0130 – 0730	Watch tuna auction, have breakfast
0730 – 0800	Travel back to hotel
0800 – 1230	Free and easy , nap etc
1230 – 1250	Check out of hotel
1250 – 1310	Travel to Saishoku Kenbi
1310 – 1410	Lunch
1410 – 1510	Travel to Sanrio Puroland
1510 – 1700	Free and easy
1700 – 1730	Travel to Akihabara
1730 – 1900	Dinner at Kanda Matsuya, free time to shop after they are done with dinner
1900 – 2000	Travel to Haneda airport to check in for flight back

Night flight timings

16 March HND 2250 – 17 March SIN 0520

16 March HND 1505 – 16 March MNL 1855

16 March HND 2015 – 16 March GMP 2235

Flights

Singapore to Tokyo South Korea to Tokyo Manila to Tokyo

Singapore airlines

2 way trip

$972.20/ per pax

All Nippon Airways

1 way direct flight with in-flight meal

$432.32/ per pax

Cebu Pacific

1 way direct flight without in-flight meal

$249/ per pax

Asiana Airlines

Return flight from Tokyo to South Korea

No in-flight meal

$414/per pax

Philippine Airlines

Return flight from Tokyo to Manila with in-flight meal

$542.21/per pax

Bus

Price per hour : $78 per hour 23 seater

Total price on transport : $13,104

Cost of each person : $569.74

Nagoya

Attractions

Details	Price	Address
SCMAGLEV and Railway Park (Train museum): The museum showcases 39 retired train cars such as historical steam train, bullet train and magnetic levitating trains, seeking to educate tourist on the advancement of high-speed rail in japan .	SGD$19/per person	Japan, 〒455-0848 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Minato Ward, Kinjofuto, 3 Chome−２−２
Nagoya Castle: Nagoya developed as the castle town by the ruling Tokugawa family during theEdo period. This castle is a famous landmark of Nagoya.	Free	Japan, 〒460-0031 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Honmaru, １−１
Yamazaki River : The Yamazaki River, is rated as one of the locals favourite location to rest and bond with both family and friends. It attracts an incredible amount of both locals and tourist during spring, when the cherry blossom is in full bloom along the river.	Free	Yamashita-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya
Atsuta Shrine : It’s a suitable location for people to meditate and at the same time taking a break from their usual hectic lifestyle.	Free	Japan, 〒456-8585 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Atsuta Ward, Jingu, 1 Chome−１−１
Sakae district: It is a location that is famous for both shopping and dining. There are also large department stores in the Sakae district such as Maruei,Skyle, and Parco with several high-end fashion boutiques located within the area.	Free	Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 460-0008, Japan
Oasis 21: This park opened in 2002 which is a complex multi-level park.Facilities include ,“Galaxy Platform” is basement level where many events are held , and “Field of Green” located on the ground level where flowers and trees are planted with various shops and restaurants	Free	Japan, 〒461-0005 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Higashi Ward, Higashisakura, 1 Chome−11番1号
The Tokugawa Art Museum: The Tokugawa Art Museum has permanent exhibits of the tools of the Owari Tokugawa feudal lords, such as Japanese swords and armor, tea ceremony utensils, and Noh costumes.	Adults: 1400 yen (SGD$18)	Tokugawa art museum : Japan, 〒461-0023 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Higashi Ward, Tokugawacho, １０１７
Tokugawaen: A Japanese garden with elements that create an enjoyable,dynamic landscape.The park was once a residence of the old samurai manor which can still be seen at the black gate at the entrance.	Adults and high school students SGD$3.75 Free for junior high school students and younger	Tokugawaen : Japan, 〒461-0023 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Higashi Ward, Tokugawacho, 1001
Osu Street & Kamimaezu : This street is a big shopping area whereby you can find cheap goods easily such as souvenirs and clothings.Street foods can also be found everywhere.		〒460-0011 Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi, Naka-ku, Ōsu, 2 Chome−１１
Sakae (The Underground Mall) The biggest shopping area in Nagoya, Sakae has a lot to offer. There are a variety of stores catered to people of all ages. It is good to go there either with family or friends.Some good restaurants are also available there.	Free	Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi
Shirotori Garden: Enjoy a leisurely stroll in a traditional Japanese garden and have a traditional tea ceremony at a teahouse for a break.. In the centre of the garden,there is a pond that replicates the Kiso River.	Adults:300yen (SGD$4)	2-5 Atsuta-nishimachi, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya
Toyota Automobile Museum: In this museum, you will be able to visit numerous still-working exhibits of the huge looms and textile manufacturing processes, which Toyota started out making in 1933.	Adults: SGD$12.51 Seniors: SGD$6.25 Secondary/ Tertiary : SGD$ 7.50 Primary : SGD$5	41-100 Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun, Aichi

Nagoya Accommodation

Nagoya Tokyu Hotel: Price for 2 adults and 2 children for 2 days $570

Check in from 14:00, Check out until 12:00 (Breakfast included)

Transportation in Nagoya

Adult (above 12 years old):

¥200~¥330

Children: Half-price

Children under 6 years old: Free

One day pass: ¥740 ¥600 on Saturdays and Sundays

Food in Nagoya

Day 3 – Lunch at Ichiran, Shibuya

Address: 1-22-7 Jinnan | Iwamoto Bldg. B1F,Shibuya 150-0041, Tokyo Prefecture

Average price: $10 – $13

Cuisine: Japanese, Asian, Soups

Day 3 – Dinner at Mugal Palace

Address: 1-18-32 Izumi, Higashi-ku | 1FPortapia Bldg., Nagoya 461-0001, Aichi Prefecture

Average price: $10 – $13

Cuisine: Indian

Reservation required

Day 4 – Lunch at Hanabusa

Address: 1-8-16, Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi,460-0002

Average price for Lunch: 800 JPY ( $10 )

Day 4 – Dinner at Pizzeria trattoria Cesari

Address: Osu, Nakaku, Nagoya 460-0011, Aichi Prefecture

Average price: $10 – $13

Cuisine: Italian, Pizza

Day 5 – Lunch at Atsuta Horaiken,Matsuzakaya

Address: 3-30-8 Sakae, Naka-ku | Matsuzakaya Nagoya South Bldg. 10F, Nagoya 460-0008, Aichi Prefecture

Average prices: ¥4,001-10,000 ($50.40-$125.06)

Cuisine: Japanese

Tokyo

Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo

2 adult 2 children: 590 SGD per night

2 adult: 275 SGD per night

Breakfast included for both (https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/metropolitan-tokyo.html)

Activities/Attractions around Tokyo

Details:	Price:	Address:
Kinomo experience: Dress like a traditional Japanese for a day at just 3,330 yen (300 yen for tabi socks) Tourists are able to go around Tokyo in the Kinomos, they just have to return them by 4.30pm.	3,330 yen (41 SGD)	Asakusa
Imperial Palace: Located on the former site of Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace is the heart of Tokyo. It houses parks, sakura trees and stone walls. A place rich in culture and history.	Free	Japan, 〒100-8111 Tokyo, Chiyoda, １−１
Tokyo Tower: Completed in 2012, the Tokyo Tower is the world’s tallest and self supported steel tower. Located in the centre of Tokyo, it is a symbol of Japan’s rebirth after the war as a major economic power.	Adult: SGD$10 7 to 15 years old: SGD$5.60 4 years old to 6 years old: SGD$4.40	Japan, 〒105-0011 Tokyo, Minato, Shibakoen, 4 Chome−２−８
Ryogoku Kokugikan: Sumo related attractions are all found in this district of Tokyo, Ryogoku (両国, Ryōgoku). Watch how sumo wrestlers train and tour around its culturally rich museum.	Free	1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida 130-0015
Asakusa Sensoji: One of Tokyo’s most colourful and popular temples, Sensoji (浅草寺, Sensōji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a Buddhist temple where tourist flock to find out their fate.	Free	Japan, 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taito, Asakusa, 2 Chome−３−１
Tsujiki fish market: Witness the world’s famous tuna auction, after which tourists can visit Sushi Dai, a famous Tsukiji sushi restaurant, and relish a scrumptious breakfast.	Entrance fee is free	Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo, Tsukiji, 5 Chome−２−１
Sanrio Puroland: A bright, loud and inviting theme park no sanrio fan can resist. A place full of colours and rides anyone is fit for.	Adult: SGD$42 3 to 17 years old: SGD$32	Japan, 〒206-8588 Tokyo, Tama, Ochiai, 1 Chome−３１

Tokyo’s Food

Day 2 breakfast: Sutameishi

Address: 1-15-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture

Operating hours: Opens 24 hours

Average price: JPY 600 – 880 (SGD$8.25 – $11.00)

Day 2 lunch: Yakushima

Address: Clair Kojimachi building 1F, 1-6-3, Koujimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083

Operating hours: Monday – Friday Lunch: 11:15 – 15:00(L.O.14:30)

Dinner: 17:00 – 23:00(L.O.22:00)

Saturday Dinner: 17:00 – 22:00(L.O.21:00)

Average price: Lunch JPY 880 (SGD $8.25) / Dinner JPY 4,000 (SGD $50)

Day 2 Dinner: Teppanya Benbe Mita

Address: 5-1-11 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Operating hours: Monday-Saturday, Eve of National Holidays

Lunch: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)

Dinner: 5:00 pm -11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)

Average price: Lunch: JPY 850 (SGD 10.65) / Dinner: JPY 3,500 (SGD 43.80)

Day 7 dinner: Delica Paku Paku

Address: Tokyo, Taito, Asakusa 1-43-8

Operating hours: 24 hours a day, all year round

Average price: from JPY 250 (SGD 3.15) (tax not included)

Day 8 breakfast: Tsukiji fish market

Operating hours:

Outer Market: varies by shop, typically 5:00 am to 2:00 pm

Wholesale Area: open to visitors after 9:00am – 2:00 pm

Tuna Auction: open to visitors from 5:25 am to 6:15 am (restricted to 120 visitors/day)

Average price: JPY 3,700 (SGD 46.30)

Day 8 lunch: Saishoku Kenbi

Address: 2-21-26 Hyakunin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Operating hours:

Monday, Wednesday to Sunday

Lunch: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Dinner: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Average price: JPY 1,000 – 1,999 (SGD 12.50 – 25.00)

Day 8 dinner: Kanda Matsuya

Address: 1-13, Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Operating hours:

Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 08:00 pm

Sat and Holidays 11:00 am -07:00 pm

Average price:

Lunch 1,000 – 1,999 JPY (SGD$12.50-$ 25.00)

Dinner 1,000 – 1,999 JPY (SGD$12.50 -$25.00)

Hakone Accommodation

Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika

250-0408 Kanagawa, Hakone, Gora 1320, Japan

4 star

Check-in from 15:00

Check-out before 11:00

2 pax $644 for 2 nights and breakfast is included

3 pax $813 for 2 nights and breakfast is included

4 pax $1,084 for 2 nights and breakfast is included

Attractions

Details	Price	Address
Choanji Temple: Choanji Temple is a temple deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism.Ever since 1980s,there are many statues of rakan(disciples of Buddha) with unique face and shape scattered around the temple grounds.	Free	Japan, 〒250-0631 Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Sengokuhara, ８２
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot spa leisure facility with numerous humorous Japanese style baths like Wine Spa,Coffee Spa,Green Tea Spa, and Japanese Sake Spa.	Adults: 3600 yen(SGD$45) Elementary school kids: 1800 yen(SGD$22) 60 years old and above: 2000 yen(SGD$25)	1297 Ninotaira Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
The Hakone Craft House: Appreciate the gallery of artworks created by the locals and learn glass blowing,etching, pottery and dried flower arrangement from them.	Admission charge: 550 yen (SGD$7) Parking fee: 300 yen per hour (SGD$4)	1300, Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-shimo Gun, Kanagawa
Hakone Shrine: The shrine buildings are hidden in the dense forests and huge torii gates will welcomes its visitors upon their arrival.	Free	Japan, 〒250-0522 Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Motohakone, ８０−１
Owakudani Valley: When Mount Hakone erupted around 3000 years ago,an area around the crater was created so that tourists can experience hot springs and hot rivers.Mount Fuji will be visible on clear days too.	Free	1251 Sengokuhara, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi 250-0631, Kanagawa Prefecture
Amazake Chaya Tea House: Currently run by the 13th generation of the same family since the Edo period 400 years ago,yet everything from the menu,atmosphere and design remains unchanged and it evoke nostalgic memories of the past.	Amazake (Traditional sweet low or alcohol-free drink) 400 yen(SGD$5) Seasoned Mochi 250-750 yen(SGD$3-$9)	Japan, 〒250-0314 Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, 畑宿二子山395−1

Food

Day 5 – Dinner: Gora Yoshicho Address:1320 Gora, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa Prefecture Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30-15:00 17:30-21:30 -Chicken & eggs bowl (with miso soup & pickled) 900 yen(SGD$12) -Minced chicken (soy sauce flavour) & egg bowl (with miso soup & pickled) 850 yen(SGD$10) -Rice porridge (chicken soup) 800 yen(SGD$10)
Day 6 – Lunch: Hatsuhana Soba Honten Address: Japan, 〒250-0311 Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo District, 箱根町湯本６３５ Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-7pm Style: Japanese Menu: Assorted Soba (Tempura, Sadistic Buckwheat, Yamasaka, Ichiro) Ranging from 1000 Y – 1300 Y ($12.50 – $16.25)
Day 6 – Dinner: Gora Kadan Address: Japan, 〒250-0408 Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo District, 箱根町Gora, 1300 Opening Hours: Lunch 11:00 to 15:30 Opening Hours: Dinner 17:30 to 21:00 Menu Kaiseki Fish Course 7 dishes 5,000 yen(SGD$62.50) Children’s meal 2,000 yen(SGD$25)
Pricing of Hakone
· 2 nights at Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika Hotel $271-$322/pax/night · Average $296.50/pax/night
· Day 5 Dinner Gora Yoshido $10-$15/pax · Average $12.50
· Day 6 Lunch Hatsuhana Soba Honten $12.50-16.25/pax · Average $14.375
· Day 6 Attraction The Hakone Craft House $7/pax · Average $7
· Day 6 Attraction Hakone Kowakien Yunessun [Adult $45/pax][Elemental School Kids $22/pax] · Adult $45, Children $22
· Day 6 Dinner Gora Kadan [Kaiseki Fish Course 7 Course @ $62.50/pax][Children meal @ $25/pax] · Adult $62.50 Children $25

Day 7 Owakudani Valley: Black Egg Price of black eggs:500 yen(SGD$6.20) (black eggs can also be purchased at the egg steaming hut)
Expenses Per Pax (Adult) = $734.375 (Estimate/Average)

Conclusion

Top 3 resources and/or tourism partners that are most vital to the success of the plan.

1. Hotel booking sites

Hotel booking sites bring forth a comparison of prices of the same hotel on different hotel booking sites, allowing us to have an easy choice of the lowest priced hotels. Hotel booking sites also provides us with easy access to information of hotels, regarding the hotel’s facilities available, services provided, and ratings and reviews given by previous guests. Personalisation of results and suggestions is also another function provided by hotel booking sites, which helps us to be able to find the most suited hotel that fits into the ideal dates of our travel plan and region of the hotel that is easily accessible to metro stations and food outlets. One important factor will be that most hotels listed in hotel booking sites, allows free cancellation. Therefore, gives us a choice to cancel the hotels that we feel that it may not be the most suited with our travel theme and our target market size.

2. Airline booking sites

Airline booking sites grants a platform for us to search and sieve out the most reasonably priced air fares, comfortable yet luxurious in-flight experience for our target market. Most importantly, flight timings that fits our travel plan. Airline booking sites allows international travelers to be able to check in between 2 and 24 hours before their flight. Changing or canceling air ticket is also another advantage of airline booking sites.

3. Travel agents acts as a middle person between the client and the supplier

It is the primary and lowest cost channel of distribution of tourism products. It is vital to the success of the travel plan as it helps to sell the tour packages to the public. If we can work with a travel agency that has a strong brand image, there will be higher chances for our travel plan to be exposed to potential customers. Loyal customers of the travel agency have more trust in the quality of the tour packages offered by the company which means that there will word of mouth. Hence, there will be more customers signing up for the tour plan and there will not be a shortage of sign-ups.

Reflection

Our greatest challenge: Having to plan a full trip to Japan without having experienced it for ourselves was tough. For example, we didn’t know how long would it take to travel from attractions to attractions. Not knowing how the Japanese travel was a challenge to us as there were various modes of transportation available (bullet train, normal subway, buses etc). We also do not know how long tourists would normally spend their time at that particular attraction.Since we do not know, we can only estimate. Most of the restaurants we have chosen had their menu available on the internet, however it was in Japanese. A lot of effort was put in to translate it into English for us to understand.

Individual reflection:

Angel – Planning an entire itinerary for other people is difficult as we are not the ones who are going to be able to enjoy the stay. So there are many things that we are unsure if the consumers will like the attractions/ food that we have planned. As different people have different likes and dislikes, it was tough to decide on where to go so that everyone will be able to enjoy the full stay in Japan.

Yahui- I felt that a lot of time, effort and research are needed to come up with a proper travel plan. A lot of manpower is required and good teamwork is needed in order to make sure that everything goes smoothly. I felt that background knowledge is also very important as it helps me to link things together.

Connie – We split ourselves to do different parts and I feel that this planning of itinerary requires a lot of collaborations between the group as all pieces comes to one only when we put together everything. Communication and teamwork is key in this planning of travel plan.

Carissa – At first I thought, coming up with a travel plan was something that could be done with an eye closed, as I have planned a overseas trip for my family before. But as my group started, I truly felt that it was not easy, and in fact very stressful. A few of the main factors of difficulty would be the overly expensive cost of the trip, finding airlines that would suit our travel plan’s departure timing, and hotels the would fit into our planned itinerary.

Claudia – I’ve learnt that being a travel agent isn’t easy , there are many things to take into account.(eg. money) Today, everyone’s talking about money. If the trip is expensive and the itinerary is not eye catching, no one would be willing to spend that amount amount of money.

Yixin – I have learnt to cherish and put myself in the shoes of the travel operators and travel agents . All along i always felt like planning a trip is easy , with a mindset of “ how hard can it be ?” whereby i failed to realize the “ behind the scene” . The amount of coordination and teamwork needed to make the whole trip run smoothly .