Kathryn Wortley

Tokyo

Contributor at Freelance

Japan Correspondent - Freelance at TTG Asia

Articles

Glion Arena Kobe’s opening set to boost city’s MICE economy

3 days ago | ttgmice.com | Kathryn Wortley

Japanese venue operator One Bright Kobe has unveiled Glion Arena Kobe, a multipurpose indoor arena suitable for conferences, exhibitions, concerts and sporting events in the Kansai port city of Kobe. Located in the revitalised waterfront area, Glion Arena Kobe can accommodate up to 10,000 people, with spaces featuring a high degree of adaptability for various event formats and a state-of-the-art AV system that includes one of Japan’s largest indoor high-definition LED screens.
Glion Arena Kobe’s opening set to boost Kobe’s MICE economy

3 days ago | ttgmice.com | Kathryn Wortley

Japanese venue operator One Bright Kobe has unveiled Glion Arena Kobe, a multipurpose indoor arena suitable for conferences, exhibitions, concerts and sporting events in the Kansai port city of Kobe. Located in the revitalised waterfront area, Glion Arena Kobe can accommodate up to 10,000 people, with spaces featuring a high degree of adaptability for various event formats and a state-of-the-art AV system that includes one of Japan’s largest indoor high-definition LED screens.
Chinese travellers turn to new interests in Japan

3 days ago | ttgasia.com | Kathryn Wortley

Chinese travellers to Japan are on the rise and a growing proportion are repeat visitors choosing culture- and nature-focused experiences rather than shopping, which was once the preferred activity of the market. China overtook South Korea as the largest feeder market for Japan’s inbound tourism in April, with 765,100 arrivals compared to South Korea (721,600) and the next largest market, Taiwan (537,600), according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
Frasers’ investment in Japan bears fruit; Yotel Tokyo Ginza opens

4 days ago | ttgasia.com | Kathryn Wortley

Frasers Hospitality has completed its first ground-up investment and development project in Japan with the official opening of Yotel Tokyo Ginza. Situated in the upscale shopping, dining and entertainment district of Ginza, yet in close proximity to the business areas of Shimbashi and Shiodome, the new hotel is the Yotel brand’s first property in the country.
New international connections unlock MICE opportunities for Kobe

5 days ago | ttgmice.com | Kathryn Wortley

Kobe’s business events industry is expected to experience a boost following the launch of international flights to and from the city. In mid-April 2025, Kobe Airport opened its international terminal, transitioning from a domestic-only facility. This was made possible by the easing of restrictions related to route-sharing agreements with nearby Kansai International and Itami airports. The new routes connect Kobe with Seoul, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, and Taichung.
Japan plans speedier pre-arrival immigration system

1 week ago | ttgasia.com | Kathryn Wortley

Japan plans to introduce pre-arrival screening for travel to Japan in 2028 as part of wider efforts to boost inbound tourism while enhancing border security and streamlining entry procedures. The system, which will be named JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), is being modelled on the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
British-Japanese chef provides at-home cooking services

2 weeks ago | japantoday.com | Kathryn Wortley

With 41% of expats experiencing digestive health issues, such as weight change, in their new country of residence according to a 2024 survey by financial services company Allianz, nutritionist and personal chef Dan Martin is on a mission to support the health and well-being of the international community in Tokyo, Chiba and Kanagawa.
Hilton Tokyo revamps main ballroom

2 weeks ago | ttgmice.com | Kathryn Wortley

Hilton Tokyo has begun renovating its ballroom as part of a multimillion dollar phased investment in its events spaces to meet growing demand for engaging and flexible event experiences. Upon completion, the Kiku Ballroom will have capacity for 1,000 guests and allow for partitioning into four sections. Kiku 1–3 will be suitable for up to 800 pax theatre-style and 450 pax banquet-style, while Kiku 4 will have capacity for 150 pax theatre-style or 90 pax banquet-style.
Japan Airlines completes first passenger flight on domestic SAF

3 weeks ago | ttgasia.com | Kathryn Wortley

Japan Airlines has operated its first passenger flight using commercialised domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking the launch of a SAF supply chain in Japan for passenger flights. The flight departed Kansai International Airport in Osaka bound for Shanghai Pudong International Airport in China, a flight of approximately two hours and 45 minutes’ duration or 1,300km.
Waves of umami: Awaji Island's culinary trove

3 weeks ago | japantimes.co.jp | Kathryn Wortley

Lifting the lid off a large ceramic pot with a flourish to reveal his aged shoyu, chef Nobuaki Fushiki tells me that with soy sauce, “taste is born with time.”As the distinctive aroma of umami wafts into the air at Zenbo Seinei — a Zen wellness retreat designed by Shigeru Ban and located in the north of Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture — I’m instructed to place a dash of the rich brown liquid on a small plate.