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Japan is a Popular Destination for Indonesians!

More and more Indonesians are now traveling to Japan. According to a survey by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Indonesian travelers in 2023 will exceed the pre-Corona 2019 figure by about 430,000, and in 2024 will approach a record high of about 500,000. In addition, according to an Airbnb survey, many Japanese cities are among the top 10 destinations Indonesians now want to visit.

The so-called “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto is popular when it comes to travel in Japan, but nowadays many travelers are concentrating on the same areas, and all of them are crowded. In addition, due to the difficulty of booking accommodations in some cases, an increasing number of travelers are considering destinations other than the Golden Route.

The Attraction of Kobe, a New Japanese Destination Still Unknown in Indonesia

We would like to introduce “Kobe” as a recommended destination for Indonesians.

Kobe City

Kobe, the birthplace of KOBE BEEF, famous among Indonesians, is easily accessible, being only about 20 minutes by train from the center of Osaka and about 40 minutes by train from Kyoto. Kobe is also home to the oldest mosque in Japan, and welcomes Indonesian inbound travelers by publishing its own Muslim Friendly Travel Book.

Kobe is home to several of the “best in the world,” allowing Indonesians to enjoy a trip to Japan that they have never experienced before.

The first is the aforementioned KOBE BEEF. It has the strictest standards in the world and has been featured in the American media as one of the most expensive foods in the world because of its price and quality.

Kobe Beef

The second is Arima Onsen. Arima Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and the quality of its water is unique in the world.

Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen is also home to traditional dancers called “Geiko,” who, combined with the historic atmosphere of a “Japanese hot spring resort” that will make you forget your everyday life, will give you an experience that is still unknown to Indonesians.

There are also large shopping facilities and the “Premium Outlet,” popular among Indonesians, located in Kobe City, where you can enjoy shopping. Why not consider Kobe as a new alternative to the Golden Route?

SUGOI JAPAN! JCB Card is a must have if you are going to Japan!

Want to save as much money as possible on your trip to Japan?

Therefore, we recommend the JCB card issued in Indonesia.

JCB, a global credit card brand from Japan, offers SUGOI (Awesome in English, meaning “mantap” in Indonesian) benefit in Japan for JCB cardholders issued in Indonesia.

For example, from January to April 2025, JCB is offering up to 20% cash back at all JCB in-store merchants in Japan, 10% cash back at “Premium Outlet”, and up to 30% cash back at selected Muslim Friendly restaurants (restaurants listed in Halal Gourmet Japan). Each of these campaigns offers benefits (Not only one of them, but each of them can be enjoyed).

JCB has also concluded a partnership agreement with the Kobe Tourism Organization, the aforementioned Kobe Tourism Promotion Organization, to promote inbound tourism to Indonesians. The partnership also offers preferential treatment at restaurants including “KOBE BEEF” and preferential treatment for accommodation.

The JCB Card also offers discounts of up to 30% at more than 150 Japanese restaurants in Indonesia, making it a must-have for any Japan lover.

JCB Indonesia: https://www.specialoffers.jcb/id/promotion/japan_contents_of_ASEAN/

How to Apply for a JCB Card in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, JCB cards are issued by nine companies: BCA, BNI, BRI, CIMB NIAGA, DANAMON, Mandiri, May Bank, Permata, and AEON Credit Service.

You can apply online and at branches (AEON Credit Service is available at AEON Mall) of each bank. For details, please refer to the JCB website.

JCB Indonesia: https://www.specialoffers.jcb/id/promotion/japan_contents_of_ASEAN/