See full version: Take a Virtual Tour of Japan With This New 360-Degree VR Video
Imagine you’re a fresh piece of sushi whizzing around on the conveyor belt at a Tokyo restaurant. Or a sumo wrestler about to hurtle toward your opponent. Or a deer in Nara chomping on snacks handed out by tourists. Or a Pikachu stuffed toy being “clawed” out of an arcade game. These are just a few of the scenarios you’ll find yourself in when you watch the new 360-degree virtual reality video by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
Released on YouTube earlier this month, the video is called “Japan – Where Tradition Meets the Future (VR)” and was created as part of JNTO’s tourism promotion campaign, “Visit Japan.” With the concept of fusing together tradition, innovation and nature – which co-exist in the diverse culture of Japan – this highly entertaining video takes you on a virtual tour of the country, including 16 of its most unique attractions such as Tokyo Tower, Kyoto’s Sagano Bamboo Forest, and the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Making it even more fun is the fact that the “story” is told from the points of view of the people or animals or even food being featured. So not only do you get to feel like you’re immersed in a VR world of Japan, you get to feel, for example, like you’re a parfait on a tray being served at the kooky and crazy Kawaii Monster Cafe.
In what seems to be the year that showed us the importance of Zoom meetings and Virtual Reality (VR) Travel Videos, Steve Perillo, CEO of Perillo Tours was ahead of the curve when he ventured into the world of virtual reality back in February 2018.
Steve partnered with travel industry sales & marketing executive John C. Graham to embark on the creation of Travel World VR (TWVR). The new VR technology/production/distribution company provides an immersive 360° VR travel experience for its viewers. The VR experience can be viewed on a VR headset, smartphone, desktop or tablet.
TWVR has been in high demand during the pandemic but unfortunately was forced to temporarily stop producing videos during the unprecedented travel shutdown. But as a goodwill gesture, TWVR has been placing travel suppliers 360/VR videos on their Travel World VR app (launched 12/19), allowing all categories of travel suppliers to continue to engage with their audience of travel advisors during and after the pandemic.
NEW YORK , Nov. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will showcase an event titled "Travel the artistic world of Japan in VR" on November 13th, 2019 for the press and on November 24th for the public in New York City . Considered as part of the Japan Foundation's " Japan 2019 Associated Program" taking place from March to December 2019 , the event's purpose is to improve Japan's recognition as a vacation destination by using Japan's classical art to excite American tourists. Especially targeted to people interested in Japan 2019 and art enthusiasts, the aim is to boost demand of travel to Japan in the U.S. market, and grow the number of visitors to Japan in 2020. more
The event will highlight digital 3D renditions of Japan's Ukiyo-e art, which consists of paintings and woodblock prints especially popular during the Edo period. Visitors will be able to time travel to this era through digital VR (Virtual Reality) technology. Each VR Ukiyo-e artwork curated by JNTO will show every aspect of the piece from the background to the characters. The worldview will be kept when transformed into 3DCG. Viewers can feel a sense of immersion as though they are part of the Ukiyo-e artwork themselves. While guests experience the world of Ukiyo-e art through VR, they can also learn about the history of the artworks, as well as tourism information of the actual location in Japan where the stories took place via digital signage next to the VR set.
Further, JNTO and its co-exhibitors All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., East Japan Railway Company and Japan Local Government Center will be introducing specific destinations, tourist attractions, and travel-related product information when travelling to Japan. Not only can event attendees enjoy the world of Japan's classical Ukiyo-e art, but JNTO will also provide an opportunity for attendees to discover Japan's charm as a destination with interest in art being the catalyst. [links]
Take a walk on the wild side at the Sapporo Maruyama Zoo’s animal video page! You can see the snow monkeys, giraffes, beavers, hippos, wolves, and more. Even better, the videos are updated often and show you the living quarters of each animal as well as some very cute video shots. Kids and parents alike are sure to love this “day at the zoo”. more
You can also visit their virtual museum to see paintings, sculptures, and many other wonderful works of art and history with museum explanations for each one. Why not take a tour of the Tokyo National Museum from the comfort of your home or hotel room?
Ever wanted to see those little red-faced snow monkeys as they relax in the hot spring waters of Jigokudani Yaen Park? Well, thanks to this live feed, you can! You might get lucky and get the little creatures when they’re in for a dip. The Japanese macaques have a higher chance of being in the hot springs on cold days but they can often still be seen playing around the area. They’re especially active at feeding time. [links]
Be sure to check out what's nearby for even more possible online and virtual tours. And who knows? Perhaps now that you've seen them online, you'll be inspired to visit in-person next time you have a chance!