Creating Your Dream Trip to Japan

*Online program

Have you always wanted to visit Japan, but you’re not sure where to start? Are you currently planning a trip and want to know some MUST SEE sights? What if you’ve visited recently and want to share some of your favorite tips? Then this program is for you!

The Japanese Yen is the cheapest it has been since 1990 (!), with 2024 being designated as the “US-Japan Tourism Year” – and it seems that word has gotten out. Tourists are flocking to Japan. You may be one of them, or you may want to avoid them! In either case, come join us for a discussion about putting together your dream trip to Japan.

Japan Society President Steve Pollock will share some of his travel experiences in Japan and offer recommendations for putting together an unforgettable visit, including:

* Why you should go – NOW!
* How to get there…and get around
* How to build a “can’t miss” itinerary
* Tips on finding hidden highlights that are off the Tourism Expressway

Steve will be joined by Kazunori Kato, VP/General Manager of All Nippon Airways (ANA), who has worked in the airline industry for more than 30 years. They will give you their best tips and suggestions, try to answer your questions, and tell you what you MUST and MUST NOT do on your Japan visit (although please note – they are not professional guides, just enthusiastic Japan travelers!).

We will also save time for fellow travelers and attendees to share their secret spots and latest tips to help guide your trip, so bring your questions (and answers!) to the program. Also, if you have some specific questions, please send them to us in advance!

Send us your Japan Travel Questions

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Our Amazing Speakers

Steve Pollock | President, Japan Society of Northern California

Steve Pollock is the President of Japan Society – and a big Japan travel fan. He first lived in Japan during high school as an AFS exchange student and has returned many times, visiting more than 40 prefectures. His all-time favorite destination in Japan is Shirakawago in winter, and his favorite trip was hitchhiking from Tokyo around Shikoku (and back) during his college days. He LOVES sharing Japan travel tips with friends and family members – and hearing about their Japan travel adventures.

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Kazunori Kato | VP/General Manager, All Nippon Airways/ANA (San Francisco San Jose Office)

Kazunori Kato has worked for ANA over 30 years, and has been engaged in Ground Handling Contracts, Jet Fuel Procurement and Airport Operations in Los Angeles, Osaka and Tokyo. Founded in 1952, ANA became an international airline launching its transpacific service between Los Angeles and Tokyo in 1986, and now flies to 40 airports around the world including eight cities to/from the U.S. Kato-san’s favorite travel destinations are Yosemite, Monterey and Carmel, Grand Canyon, and Jyogashima, the southernmost point of the Miura peninsula, less than two hours from Tokyo. He describes Jyogashima as “one of my favorite places you cannot miss!”

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