AS THE 2011 Cherry Blossom season is ending in many major cities of Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya and Hiroshima, Blossom Japan, a Lucioles event, is preparing for its second edition in Japan next year. The city of Kyoto welcomes Blossom Japan 2012, from February 13 to 16, giving participants the chance to discover what is widely regarded as the ‘real Japan’ experience. Daisaku Kadokawa, Major of Kyoto, says: 'For more than a millennium, Kyoto has been the destination of choice for those seeking the true essence of Japanese luxury, culture and refinement. The city’s many exclusive restaurants, private galleries, secret gardens and temples and myriad magical experiences continue to draw the most elite and discerning travellers from around the world.' Blossom Japan is a dedicated invitation-only event that brings buyers from 39 different countries all of whom are looking for exciting new products to present to their clients. By creating a platform for all the key luxury brands to meet, Blossom Japan provides a new dynamism for the whole luxury travel industry internationally and in Japan. 'The event is hosted in Japan to showcase an exceptional destination and open the door to one of the most lucrative sought-after markets in Asia-Pacific', says Jay Martens CEO of Lucioles. 'Our aim is to create a platform that offers the perfect environment for buyers of affluent travel to meet with exceptional international and Asia Pacific sellers. 'Over the past three months the Lucioles team has been working hard in recruiting the very best high-end travel buyers from all over Japan and the world. 'We only have two (out of 105) international places left on the fully-hosted buyer programme, this shows how committed the inbound market is to Japan and Asia-Pacific in light of recent devastation,' says Martens Kyoto gives a flavour of the Silversea, Tonichi Travel Service, Wilderness Safaris, Windows to Japan, L’Hotel du Lac, Orient-Express and Amanresorts are among the exhibitors that have re-signed for 2012 while Naiade Resorts and Ayana Resort and Spa Bali will make their debut next February. Blossom Japan 2012 will commence with a full day conference followed by a three-day exhibition at ICC Kyoto. The exhibition will be facilitated by pre-scheduled appointments, ensuring that all attendees are conducting serious business by day, and will be supplemented by a series of networking events by night for all buyers, exhibitors and media attending. The Hyatt Regency Kyoto and The Westin Miyako, Kyoto have been announced as official hotel partners. 'I am sure that this event will blossom as the ideal business and networking opportunity for the finest global luxury travel experts. It is with great pride that on behalf of all Kyoto citizens I invite you and your valued partners to experience Kyoto, where traditional and modern Japan flourish in delightful harmony,' concludes Kadokawa.
traditional Japan