Media OutReach
Discover Nature and Culture in Japan’s Tohoku: Family-Friendly Highlights A Perfect 5-Day, 4-Night Journey for Families
■ Family-Friendly Highlights
① Nebuta House Wa Rasse (Aomori Prefecture)
An interactive facility where visitors can experience the vibrant Nebuta Festival, which colors Aomori’s summer, all year round. Life-sized Nebuta floats are on permanent display, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festival’s atmosphere. You can also join a craft workshop to make your own miniature Nebuta, creating a memorable keepsake together with your children.
Opening Hours: 9:00–18:00 (September–April)
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Shin-Aomori Station: Approx. 3 hours by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Nebuta House Wa Rasse: 1 minute on foot from Aomori Station via the JR Ōu Main Line
②：Aquamarine Fukushima (Fukushima Prefecture)
An aquarium where visitors can experience the rich bounty of the Pacific Ocean. In the massive “Shiome Sea” tank, schools of Pacific saury and sardines swimming together create an overwhelming spectacle. At the 4,500 m² touch pool, one of the largest in the world, children can play barefoot in the water and interact with sea creatures such as starfish and sea cucumbers—sure to bring smiles and excitement to their faces.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30 (late March to late November)
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Izumi Station: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by JR Jōban Line Hitachi or Tokiwa Limited Express
- From Izumi Station South Exit bus stop, take the Izumi–Onahama Line local bus
- Aquamarine Fukushima: Get off at Aeon Mall Iwaki Onahama bus stop, then approx. 5 minutes on foot
⓷：Kosaka Railway Rail Park (Akita Prefecture)
An interactive theme park that repurposes a former railway line. Visitors can ride actual trains, enjoy sightseeing trolleys running on the old tracks, try rail bikes that you pedal yourself, and even experience a simulator that lets you feel like a real train driver. It’s the perfect spot for children who love trains.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (※)
- Last entry: 16:30
- Closed: Every Wednesday (if Wednesday is a national holiday, closed the following Thursday)
- Rail bikes operate only on weekends and holidays
- Sightseeing trolleys operate every day except Tuesdays
For details, please check the website below:
https://stayakita.com/th/things-to-do/things-to-do-460
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Morioka Station: Approx. 2 hours by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Towada-Minami Station: Approx. 2 hours by JR Hanawa Line
- From Towada-Minami Station, take the Shuhoku Bus bound for Kosaka
- Kosaka Railway Rail Park: Get off at Kosaka Elementary School bus stop, then approx. 2 minutes on foot
⓸：Iwate Safari Park (Iwate Prefecture)
A safari park where visitors can observe animals from around the world—such as lions, giraffes, and elephants—up close. Riding the safari bus to see these powerful animals creates an unforgettable experience for children.
Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Ichinoseki Station: Approx. 2 hours by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Hanaizumi Station: Approx. 15 minutes by JR Tohoku Main Line
- Iwate Safari Park: Approx. 20 minutes by taxi from Hanaizumi Station
⓹：Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium (Miyagi Prefecture)
An aquarium themed around the “connection between the sea and people, and between water and people.” The massive main tank that recreates the seas of Tohoku and the dolphin and sea lion performance show are absolute highlights. The facility is full of exhibits that parents and children can enjoy together.
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30
Access (from Tokyo Station):
- Sendai Station: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Get off at Nakano-Sakae Station via JR Senseki Line
- Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Nakano-Sakae Station
■ Recommended Rail Pass for Traveling Around Tohoku
With the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), you can explore these tourist attractions freely and at great value. The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is a rail pass designed for international travelers, perfect for touring and extended stays in Japan’s Tohoku region. Depending on the length of your trip, you can choose between a 5-day or 10-day pass.
During the validity period, you can enjoy unlimited rides in reserved ordinary car seats on Shinkansen and limited express trains within the designated areas of eastern Japan, including Tohoku. This makes family trips—where travel can be a big challenge, much more comfortable and affordable, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
For more details, please visit the official JR East website:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/th/multi/pass/eastpass_t.html
■ Family Travel Model Itinerary with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) (5 Days, 4 Nights)
The Tohoku region covers a vast area, but with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), you can ride reserved seats on Shinkansen and limited express trains as many times as you like, making it easy and worry-free to travel efficiently—even on a family trip.Here, we introduce a sample 5-day, 4-night itinerary using the 5-day JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), designed to help families fully enjoy a grand tour of Tohoku.
Day 1: Tokyo → Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
- Travel from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station in Miyagi via the Tohoku Shinkansen
- Morning: Enjoy the dolphin show and giant tanks at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
- Afternoon: Explore Sendai city—have a gyūtan (grilled beef tongue) lunch and tour the city on the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus
- Overnight stay in Sendai
Day 2: Sendai, Miyagi → Iwate Prefecture
- Travel from Sendai Station to Ichinoseki Station by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Morning: From Ichinoseki, head to Iwate Safari Park to see lions, giraffes, and elephants up close, and experience the great outdoors as a family
- Afternoon: Travel from Ichinoseki to Morioka Station. In the evening, enjoy local specialties such as Morioka Reimen (cold noodles)
- Overnight stay in Morioka
Day 3: Morioka, Iwate → Aomori Prefecture
- Travel from Morioka Station to Shin-Aomori Station by Tohoku Shinkansen
- Morning: Visit Nebuta House Wa Rasse to experience the excitement of the Nebuta Festival and its massive floats
- Afternoon: Explore Aomori city and indulge in apple-themed sweets and local delicacies
- Overnight stay in Aomori
Day 4: Aomori Prefecture → Akita Prefecture
- Travel from Aomori Station to Ōdate Station by JR Ōu Main Line
- Continue from Ōdate Station to Towada-Minami Station via JR Hanawa Line
- Morning: Enjoy hands-on railway experiences at the Kosaka Railway Rail Park
- Afternoon: Travel to Akita city, go sightseeing, and savor kiritanpo (grilled rice skewers)
- Overnight stay in Akita
Day 5: Akita Prefecture → Fukushima Prefecture → Tokyo
- Travel from Akita Station to Sendai Station via the Akita Shinkansen
- Transfer to the JR Jōban Line Hitachi or Tokiwa Limited Express and head to Izumi Station
- Afternoon: Visit Aquamarine Fukushima, where children can explore the wonders of the ocean
- Return from Izumi Station to Tokyo Station by Limited Express Hitachi
The Tohoku region of Japan is full of attractions that children will love, from animals and aquariums to hands-on cultural experiences. This year, make unforgettable memories by setting out on a family trip to Tohoku.
Hashtag: #Tohoku #JREast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
ICONSIAM’s ‘THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026’ to Immerse Bangkok with Thailand’s Most Spectacular Water Festival
A UNESCO-Recognized Festival Reimagined Through Immersive Cultural Experiences, Iconic Entertainment, and Thailand’s Most Breathtaking Chao Phraya Riverfront Setting from April 10–15, 2026
BANGKOK, THAILAND –
A Global Celebration Driving Thailand’s Festival Economy
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd., stated, “Songkran remains one of the most significant drivers of Thailand’s festival economy, particularly across the tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this year’s Songkran period is projected to generate over 30.35 billion baht in domestic economic circulation—an increase of 6% from the previous year, with approximately 500,000 international visitors expected to travel to Thailand, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth. These figures underscore Songkran’s growing status as a truly global festival and one of Thailand’s most powerful attractions for international travelers.
As a leader in creating iconic, world-class experiences, ICONSIAM continues to elevate ‘ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN 2026′ as a landmark celebration that showcases the rare and enduring beauty of Thai cultural traditions. Under the concept of ‘Splashing Fun, Joyful Celebrations, and Auspicious Thai New Year,’ the event brings together the very best of Thailand into one extraordinary riverside experience along the Chao Phraya River. More than a celebration, this festival is a powerful expression of national pride and cultural identity, reinforcing ICONSIAM’s position as a Global Experiential Destination. We are confident that this year’s event will further strengthen Bangkok’s reputation as one of the world’s most compelling cultural destinations, while driving tourism growth and stimulating economic momentum throughout the second quarter of the year.”
Highlights of the “4 THAICONIC Experiences – The Ultimate Songkran Journey”
- THAICONIC WATER FESTIVAL – The Ultimate Riverside Water
ExperienceExperience Songkran like never before with an extraordinary water playground inspired by Thailand’s beloved national symbol, the elephant. At its heart stands a spectacular 9-meter-tall water-spraying installation created in collaboration with Dee SweetDrug Studio. The vibrant space also features a dedicated Kids Zone for family-friendly fun, alongside solar-powered drying zones —reflecting ICONSIAM’s commitment to sustainability.
- THAICONIC ENTERTAINMENT – A Festival of Modern Icons
Immerse in an electrifying lineup of Thailand’s top artists and rising stars through dynamic mini concerts and live performances throughout the six-day celebration. Artists include Tle–Firstone, TeeTee–Por, Auau-Save, Daou–Offroad, KT Kratae, New Country, Sornram Namphet, and more.
- THAICONIC HERITAGE – A Living Showcase of Thai Identity
Witness a magnificent Songkran parade that brings Thailand’s cultural legacy to life through elaborately designed floats inspired by historical eras. For the first time, cultural icons LingOrm, a popular Thai actress duo, and 4EVE, Thailand’s leading T-pop girl group, embody the Songkran Goddess “Rakshasadevi,” reinterpreting Thai tradition through a contemporary global lens. Visitors can further explore authentic Thai culture through traditional performances and regional culinary delights at SOOKSIAM, alongside over 170 dining options across ICONSIAM.
- THAICONIC BLESSED BEGINNINGS – A Sacred Start to the Thai New Year
Embrace the spiritual essence of Songkran through a revered Buddha bathing ritual at River Park. Enhanced with holy water from nine esteemed temples across Thailand, this sacred ceremony symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and auspicious beginnings for the year ahead.
A Must-Visit Songkran Destination in Bangkok
Seamlessly blending cultural authenticity, rich traditions, and large-scale entertainment, ICONSIAM continues to redefine Songkran as a truly global celebration.
Join us at “ICONSIAM THAICONIC SONGKRAN CELEBRATION 2026,” where Thailand’s most cherished tradition is brought to life in an unforgettable riverside experience of water, culture, and joy—set against the iconic Chao Phraya River from April 10–15, 2026, with free entry for all visitors. As part of the celebration, international visitors dressed in traditional Thai attire will receive a 300-baht gift card, adding a special touch to their cultural experience.
For more information, please call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.
Hashtag: #ICONSIAMSongkran #ICONSIAM #SongkranFestival2026 #GlobalFestival #Thailand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Money20/20 Asia Elevates Its 2026 Agenda with the Launch of The Intersection Stage, Featuring the Industry’s Most Influential Voices
Industry Leaders, Regulators, and Innovators to Convene in Bangkok at the Intersection Where Digital Assets and Traditional Banking Enter a New Era of Collaboration
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced the introduction of The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia happening on April 21-23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok bringing together the region’s most powerful voices across banking, payments, digital assets, and financial innovation.
This year’s theme, “From Infrastructure to Impact – Where Technology Meets Humanity,” underscores how the Intersection Stage will explore the real-world outcomes of Traditional Finance and Decentralized Finance convergence across APAC, addressing how banks, fintechs, and emerging technologies are reshaping the global financial ecosystem. The stage brings together leaders from major financial institutions and well-known fintech companies to discuss how innovation, regulation, and new financial infrastructure are transforming areas such as digital assets, trust and cybersecurity, and cross-border payments. [1]
Siva Kumar, APAC Legal Director, Sumsub, said, “The convergence of TradFi and DeFi can only succeed if trust, identity, and compliance evolve alongside technology. Asia is leading this shift by adopting regulatory models that enable innovation without compromising security. At Sumsub, we’re witnessing institutions accelerate digital identity and verification standards at unprecedented speed. The Intersection Stage brings these critical stakeholders together to turn regulatory progress into real‑world impact.”
Speakers include Siddharth Gupta of Bank of America, Dhiraj Bajaj of Standard Chartered Bank, Fangfang Jiang of the International Finance Corporation, Ran Goldi, SVP Payments & Network, Fireblocks and Kaushik Sthankiya of Kraken, who will share insights on regulatory innovation, digital asset adoption, developments in stablecoin, tokenization, blockchain‑enabled settlement, and how new payment rails are enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.
For decades, Traditional Finance aimed to protect the system while Decentralized Finance wanted to reinvent it. Today, these two worlds are converging where digital money moves faster than ever, said Danny Levy, EVP & Managing Director for APAC & the Middle East at Money20/20. The Intersection Stage brings together the regulators and innovators driving the frameworks that will guide the next decade of global finance.”
The broader 2026 program also features keynote speakers such as Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of Hong Kong SAR; Shahril Azuar Jimin, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at Maybank; and Sunita Kannan, Global Head of AI Product & Strategy at Microsoft, underscoring the calibre of leadership shaping the future of finance across the region.
From Asia’s pioneering regulatory sandboxes and CBDC initiatives to the Genius Act in the US to MiCA in Europe. Regulated institutions like AMINA Bank are at the forefront of this transformation, particularly in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape across key markets.
Cora Ang, Head of Legal & Compliance APAC, AMINA Bank said, “Asia is demonstrating what responsible innovation truly looks like. As digital assets, tokenization, and new payment rails gain momentum, strong legal and compliance frameworks are essential to scaling them safely. At AMINA Bank, we see the region embracing this balance with clarity and ambition. The Intersection Stage at Money20/20 Asia is the perfect forum to advance these conversations and align the industry on what the next generation of financial infrastructure should be.”
Key Sessions on The Intersection Stage
- Day 1: Tuesday 21 April, at 15:40 – Banking on Digital Transformation 101
By Barbaros Uygun, Chief Executive Officer, Mox Bank Limited, Jessica Lam, Group Chief Strategy Officer, WeLab, Vivien Tan, Senior Vice President, Alliance Bank Malaysia, Andy Wu, General Manager, Hong Kong, Yusys Technologies, Rupa Ramamurthy, Senior EVP, Banking Operations, TP
- Day 1: Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 12:00 – Building the Golden Record for Tokenised Asset Markets
By Etelka Bogardi, Partner, Reed Smith Singapore, Aaron Gwak, CEO & Founder, Libeara, Alvin Chia, Head of Digital Assets Innovation APAC, Northern Trust, moderated by Tanzeel Akhtar, Journalist, Morley Sterling LLC
- Day 2: Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 10:00 – The Rise of Blockchain and Stablecoin Payment Rails
By Tran Hung, CEO, Uquid, Paul Veradittakit, Managing Partner, Pantera Capital, Maggie Wu, Co-Founder & CEO, VelaFi, Facilitated by Amanda Pecanha, Chief Compliance Officer, Trace Finance
- Day 2: Wednesday 22 April, 15:45 – How Digital Asset Ecosystems Will Redefine Money
By Dhiraj Bajaj, Global Head of FI, Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, Julia Zhou, Chief Operating Officer, Caladan, Giorgia Pellizzari, Chief Product Officer & Head of Custody, Hex Trust, Dr. Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President, KASIKORNBANK & Chairperson of the Board, Orbix Group
- Day 3: Thursday, 23 April 2026 at 10:25 – Money’s Next Evolution, Stablecoins, CBDCs and the New Payment Stack
By Rahul Advani, Global Co-Head of Policy, Ripple, Lissele Pratt, Founder, Capitalixe, Bhau Kotecha, Co-Founder, Paxos Labs, Maria Oldham, COO, Yellow Card, moderated by David Birch, Global Ambassador, Consult Hyperion
Alongside the Intersection Stage, Money20/20 Asia will feature three additional stages: The Radiant Stage, uniting Asia’s most influential industry voices; The Inner Forum Stage for deep‑dive sessions and workshops; and The MoneyPot Stage that also includesfor live podcasting and networkingexperiences, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for learning, debate, and collaboration.
The show brings together leaders from more than 120 banks and the world’s largest payment providers, including Standard Chartered, Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Maybank, and J.P. Morgan to name a few. Experts from leading payment providers including Visa, Nium, Thunes, Mastercard, Razorpay, PayPal, and Fiserv will discuss the evolution of payments across the region.
The show will also host the Startup & Investor Park, where 20 standout APAC startups will connect with global investors, enterprise partners, and decision‑makers, and compete for the Golden Ticket to the 2026 Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator. [2]
Attending media can register for a press pass: HERE and the full agenda HERE.Hashtag: #Money20/20
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Sanya, China Deepens Tourism Ties with Malaysia - Exclusive Benefits Launched for Malaysian Tourists, Ushering in a Tropical Island Getaway at a Moment’s Notice
In addition, the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau has entered into cooperative exchanges with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association (MBHA) to strengthen synergy in tourism management, product development, and visitor exchange. The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion (Malaysia) Liaison Office will serve as a one-stop information and booking platform for Malaysian travelers, reinforcing Sanya’s position as a preferred gateway to China.
Seamless Entry, Fully Upgraded Travel Convenience
Visa-free access with zero barriers
Under China’s visa-free policy for Hainan, Malaysian citizens may enter with only a passport and stay for up to 15 days—no prior visa, financial proof, or invitation letter is required, allowing for truly spontaneous getaways.
Faster flights, greater efficiency
Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sanya take just about three hours, with high occupancy rates during peak seasons reflecting strong demand. Plans to launch direct flights from Penang and Kota Kinabalu to Sanya are under discussion, promising greater accessibility and cost-effective travel options.
Streamlined clearance procedures
Efficiency is prioritized with paperless self-declaration at both Phoenix Cruise Port and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, significantly reducing clearance time. International arrival halls support payments via all major international credit cards, ensuring seamless transactions.
Comprehensive multilingual support
Multilingual support is in place across Sanya—from bilingual signage at attractions and hotels to a dedicated foreign-language service line via the 12345 hotline. The multilingual official website visitsanya.com provides comprehensive information, guaranteeing smooth communication for Malaysian tourists.
Exceptional Value: Exclusive Promotions for Malaysian Visitors
To offer a more value-packed holiday experience, Sanya has prepared tailored benefits and significant discounts, from customized packages to special Asian Beach Games offers, demonstrating its warm hospitality.
The newly established Sanya Tourism Overseas Promotion Liaison Office, in collaboration with the Malaysian Budget Hotel Association and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, will launch specially curated travel packages that align with local preferences.
On Trip.com, the “Travel with the Asian Beach Games” promotion features discounted Sanya tourism products, covering hotels, attractions, and holiday packages, with exclusive offers for the Malaysian market.
The 2026 Asian Beach Games bring additional surprises: popular attractions like Wuzhizhou Island and Atlantis Sanya offer tickets at up to 73% off . Hotel rooms across categories—family, couples, and resort suites—enjoy discounts of up to RMB 5,899. Local delicacies and international cuisines are available at discounts of around 48% , promising a delightful culinary journey.
Moreover, 118,000 Asian Beach Games tickets are now on sale globally. With just a few clicks online, visitors can secure their seats to experience the excitement of the 6th Asian Beach Games up close.
Diverse Experiences for Every Traveler
Sanya offers far more than just sun and sand. Whether traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, everyone can find their ideal way to enjoy the destination.
For families :
Atlantis Sanya Water Park, ranked among the “2026 Global Top 20 Water Parks” and tied for seventh place worldwide with Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, offers endless aquatic fun for children, while parents can explore the adjacent world-class duty-free complex for shopping and leisure.
For Adventure Seekers:
Wuzhizhou Island, known as “China’s Premier Diving Base,” features crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 27 meters and abundant coral reefs. A variety of water sports, including diving, parasailing, and jet skiing, deliver an adrenaline-filled coastal experience.
For Culture and Wellness:
The 108-meter-tall Guanyin statue at Nanshan and immersive Li and Miao ethnic cultural experiences provide a harmonious blend of spiritual reflection and cultural discovery.
For Luxury and Retail: Sanya’s world-class duty-free complex brings together international brands, art exhibitions, and immersive experiences, creating a high-value shopping and lifestyle destination.
Sanya’s commitment to visitor convenience, diverse offerings, and tailored benefits continues to strengthen its appeal among Malaysian travelers. Since the beginning of this year, Hainan has welcomed a remarkable 204% increase in Malaysian tourist arrivals, making Malaysia one of the fastest-growing Southeast Asian source markets for Sanya.From visa-free access and direct flights to enhanced services and multifaceted experiences, Sanya is positioning itself as a leading gateway for Malaysian tourists to China.
As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to develop, tourism cooperation between Sanya and Malaysia is poised to deepen, evolving from one-way attraction to mutual engagement.For those planning their first trip to China, Sanya offers an ideal starting point—where azure seas, golden shores, modern amenities, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create the perfect tropical escape.
Hashtag: #SanyaTourismDevelopmentBureau
https://www.visitsanya.com/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn