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Our US branches are currently closed for walk-ins, but still happy to receive your inquiries! For questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or from our contact form .

HIS - Your Japan Travel Agency

years of experience in Japan

years of experience in the US

134 branches

throughout Japan

162 branches in 113 cities, 58 countries

HIS branches across the world (As of 10/31/2023)

Guinness World Record Holder

First robot-staffed hotel: Henn-na Hotel

HIS International Tours is a leading Japan travel agency dedicated to meeting all your travel needs. With over 30 years of experience in the United States and even longer in Japan, we are a global agency committed to providing exceptional service with high standards. We understand the time, effort, and planning that goes into making a trip special and exciting, and that's why our agents believe in the importance of delivering top-quality service that acknowledges all the details involved in planning your travels.

At HIS, we strive to make your trip unforgettable by offering personalized travel solutions that cater to your unique preferences and requirements. Whether you're planning a family vacation or a solo adventure, we are here to guide you every step of the way. With our extensive network of partners and resources, we can help you discover the best destinations and experiences that Japan has to offer.

Our team of experienced agents is passionate about travel and dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients. We take pride in our work and believe that every trip should be a reflection of our commitment to excellence. At HIS, we are more than just a travel agency - we are your trusted partner in creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. So, let us help you plan your next adventure and experience the beauty and wonder of Japan like never before.

Click here to read more about why you should use a travel agency, especially HIS.

Company Overview

Corporate history, h.i.s. group corporate report 2018.

Videos about H.I.S. International Tours

From stress to success - how we make your travel experience better.

H.I.S International Tours Introduction Video

H.I.S Company Introduction Video

The Pride of H.I.S.and the new adventure

HIS International Tours has long been a presence in the travel field. Starting off as a travel agency in Japan, HIS has expanded globally to over 500 branches worldwide. With many services to offer, HIS believes in the importance of a well-rounded company. HIS also has opened up its own division of hotels, as well as amusement parks in Japan. Devoted to ensuring that your travel needs are met, HIS is committed to providing excellent service with high standards in all of our services.

Company Overview

Corporate history, his group corporate report 2020.

Corporate Philosophy

To contribute to the advancement of world peace and mutual understanding by increasing the knowledge of people around the world through tourism, and thereby overcoming the differences of nationality, race, culture and religion.

We currently have over 500 branches worldwide, with our far reach, we hope to continue providing excellent travel services throughout the world. It is also HIS' hopes to contiually expand and be more accessible throughout the United States. Below are the branches we currently have in the US and the services available at each branch.

Why HIS as your travel supplier

HIS is a seasoned travel agency that can create the perfect Japan vacation suited to your clients’ needs! With over 30 years in the travel field in the US alone, HIS knows the importance of flexibility, keeping up to date with the latest travel news, and providing quality service for you and your clients. Explore our B2B page to discover some of the services we can provide for you and your clients, and contact [email protected] for any inquiries and bookings!

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Across No.1 TRAVEL HIS travel agency - served for a foreign community in Japan for over 30 years

TEL 050-1741-9006

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• Overseas Flights
• Overseas Tour
• Domestic Tour Domestic Tour
• Branch List
• Overseas Remittance

Flight Ticket and Tours

We are HIS travel agency - Feel free to come to our office with any questions or requests you might have. We provide support your tours and flights, and more.

ACROSS No.1 SHINJUKU HEAD OFFICE

TEL: 050-1741-9006

Recommended Tours

Domestic Flight/Train tour Inquiry form

For urgent inquiry, please feel free to contact with us, 050-1741-9006

CAUTION : International air tickets

• Airfares listed here are for Tokyo departure/return, based on per person, round trip or oneway ticket.
• Prices or fare rules valid at the time of booking will be applied (it may be changed without prior notice)
• Some fares listed here have restrictions, such as student fare or youth fare. Please ask us for the detail.
• Please note in advance that fares, conditions or rules are subject to change without prior notice.
• Availability changes every minutes. Prices listed here may not be available by the time of booking. Please contact us directly for the availability.
• Extra charge, or black out may apply for particular dates of departure or return.
• Besides airfare(base fare), we charge local departure tax of your destination, fuel surcharge or domestic airport facility charge(in Japan) as well, on behalf of airline company. Depends on the airline you book, insurance surcharge may be required as well.
• According to circumstances, fuel surcharge may be revised. If your reservation has already ticketed(issued) , no additional charge is required / no refund is given.
• Last minute fee will be required as well, besides airfare or taxes / surcharges if reservation is made less than 3days from departure date - some airlines may not accept last minute reservation.
• Effective Nov 01, 2008, we charge handling fee, besides airfare or taxes/surcharges.
• Due to airlines’reason, flight cancellation, date change or re-routing may occur.
• purchase / ticket issuance. It varies depending on airlines, destinations or fare types. We advise the detail upon reservation.
• Please note in advance that ... “Shibuya Dogenzaka office” and “Kamata office” are franchise partners of us (Across-NO.1 travel) and service or condition/selection of products may vary from all other Across-NO.1 travel offices.

Important Notice

• Company Information
• Terms and Conditions
• Guide to Use
• Payment of Fuel Surcharge
• Privacy Policy

Registered Travel Agency No.724 approved by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency.Member of Japan Association of Travel Agents(JATA)

Copyright © H.I.S. Co.,Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

H.I.S. currently has 226 retail outlets in 141 overseas cities. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable local staff will respond to your demands promptly. This worldwide network allows us to acquire the latest travel information from all over the globe providing you with the most reasonable prices and enabling the smooth arrangement of airline, hotel & other reservations at the same time. The original tours planned by our retail outlets are also highly regarded. We endeavor to further enhance our international network and enable you to have the best time & experience possible regardless of the destination.

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Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Reports and Statistics

The highest priority of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is to protect the lives and serve the interests of U.S. citizens abroad.  Across the globe, we serve our fellow citizens during some of their most important moments – births, adoptions, medical emergencies, deaths, arrests, and disasters.  We also help U.S. citizens connect with the world by issuing millions of U.S. passports each year.  

We keep our country safe and help foreign nationals connect with the United States by issuing visas to qualified visitors, workers, and immigrants.  Led by the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, our team is proud to be the public face of the Department of State, representing the best of U.S. values to millions of people around the world.  We are here to serve you.

A U.S. passport is your ticket to international travel. The U.S. passport is a request to foreign governments to permit you to travel or temporarily reside in their territories and have access to lawful local aid and protection. The passport allows you access to U.S. consular services and assistance while abroad. Most importantly, it allows you to re-enter the United States upon your return home.

The Department of State issues U.S. passports to traveling U.S. citizens. We protect the integrity of the U.S. passport as proof of U.S. citizenship at home and around the world.

Passport Services consists of:

• 26 regional p assport agencies and centers  open to the public
• The Charleston Passport Center (n ot  open to the public)
• 1 Special Issuance Agency
• 2 passport printing centers
• The  National Passport Information Center
• A network of thousands of  public offices  across the United States designated to accept passport applications
• Headquarters offices in Washington, DC

We also issue passports for U.S. citizens that apply at our embassies and consulates  abroad.

Passport Statistics

If you are interested in passport statistics, please visit our  Passport Statistics  page for information on:

• Passports issued each year,
• Valid passports in circulation, and
• Passports issued by state and territory.

Passport Services Mission Statement

The Department of State will issue secure travel documents to U.S. citizens while providing the highest level of customer service, professionalism, and integrity.

Service Standards

• Provide service in a courteous, professional manner
• Strive to meet your urgent travel needs
• The right to speak with management if you are not satisfied with the service you have received

The Office of Visa Services, in the Consular Affairs Bureau, Department of State provides various functions:

• We serve as liaisons with the Department of Homeland Security
• We serve as liaisons between the Department of State and U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad on visa matters
• We interpret visa laws and regulations, and act as a point of contact for the public.

When to Contact Us vs. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Defining the different roles and responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State can be confusing. We hope this information will assist you: Contact the Department of State -  A U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad will be your resource for questions about U.S. visas, including the application process, the status of visa processing, and for inquiries relating to visa denial. Visa Services,  Public Inquiries  can usually explain what aspects of immigration law and regulation are applicable in certain cases, and can also check the current status of a particular case, if processing has been delayed. Contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  - The  Department of Homeland Security  is responsible for the approval of all immigrant and nonimmigrant petitions, the authorization of permission to work in the United States, the issuance of extensions of stay, and change or adjustment of status while you are in the United States. Questions about these matters should be referred to DHS,  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

The protection of U.S. citizens overseas is one of the Department of State’s highest priorities. We provide information designed to help U.S. citizens stay safe abroad, and U.S. Embassies and Consulates also provide emergency and non-emergency services to overseas U.S. citizens around the world. 

We help U.S. citizens in the event of arrest, death, destitution, crisis, or medical emergency overseas. We respond to welfare and whereabouts inquiries, and deal with nationality and citizenship matters.

The Office of Children's Issues (CI), part of the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, plays an active role in the intercountry adoption process. In our work, we are dedicated to assisting parents as they seek to provide a home to orphans abroad.

We carry out the Department of State's responsibilities as the U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Adoption Convention. The Office of Children's Issues is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and implementation of the Hague Adoption Convention in the United States.

The Office of Children's Issues (CI), part of the  Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State , plays an active role in the intercountry adoption process. In our work, we are dedicated to assisting parents as they seek to provide a home to orphans abroad.

We serve as the U.S.  Central Authority  for the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. Also known as the  Hague Adoption Convention , this is an international treaty among over 90 nations around the world, including the United States. The Office of Children's Issues is responsible for the day-to-day oversight and implementation of the Convention in the United States.

We have 21 full-time employees that work in intercountry adoption. Some of our primary functions include:

• Producing and maintaining country specific information about intercountry adoption;
• Issuing Adoption Notices and Adoption Alerts to inform prospective adoptive parents about developments in a country;
• Providing information about the adoption process to prospective adoptive parents, adoption service providers, and members of Congress;
• Working with U.S. embassies and consulates on diplomatic efforts with host governments about adoption laws and procedures; and
• Monitoring complaints against Hague accredited adoption service providers, and overseeing the work of designated accrediting entities.

The Department of State has no higher priority than to safeguard the welfare of U.S. citizens abroad, the most vulnerable of whom are children. We believe that a court in the country of a child’s habitual residence is, in most cases, best placed to make decisions on matters of custody and access.

The Office of Children’s Issues serves as the U.S. Central Authority for the Hague Abduction Convention (Convention), an international treaty that offers a civil remedy to resolve international parental child abduction cases.  In that capacity, the Office of Children’s Issues leads U.S. government efforts within the Department of State and with other U.S. government agencies to   prevent international parental child abduction, assist children and families involved in these abduction cases, and promote the principles of the Convention.

If You Believe an Abduction is in Progress: 

If you believe your child is  being abducted internationally  by another family member and has not yet left the United States, you can call the Office of Children’s Issues at any time at 888-407-4747.

If Your Child Has Been Abducted Overseas, We Can:

• Give you information about various resources that may assist you in pursuing the return of, or access to, your child,
• Provide you with a list of attorneys in the country where your child is located,
• Answer questions from local and federal law enforcement about the Department’s role in international parental child abduction cases, and
• If your child has been abducted to or retained in a country that is a Convention partner country, regardless of you or your child’s citizenship or legal status, forward a completed Convention application, and monitor the case throughout the foreign administrative and legal processes. 

If Your Child Has Been Abducted Overseas, We Cannot:

• Provide you with legal advice, recommend a specific course of action, or represent you in court,
• Guarantee the return of, or access to, your child,
• Take custody of your child,
• Break any laws in the United States or in a foreign country,
• Pay legal fees, court costs, or any other fees associated with court cases, or
• Provide you with lodging.  

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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• Products & Services

Travel around the world with H.I.S.

We are a Japanese owned company, listed with our headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. With 135 offices in Japan alone, we have the network to bring you the best priced, most innovative and widest variety of Japan products to suit your needs.

Do a search on us, and you will find out that we also have over another 161 outlets in 115 cities worldwide; we travel with you. And with the number still expanding, expect us to be there with you real time in any unforeseen situations encountered while you are overseas.

From traditional tour packages to adventurous free and easy packages, from customized private groups to business incentive trips, we have something for everyone. Come plan your next trip with H.I.S. Travel today!

JR East & West

Hawaii HIS Corporate Vision

Become hawaii's first "total service innovation leader" by co-creating value to our consumers for their travel needs..

We actively participate in tourism development by creating content that showcase the allure of Hawaii. We strive to continue to promote tourism in Hawaii as we share its charm worldwide.

We would like our customers to experience Hawaii’s culture, history, natural wonders, and economics. We strive to further develop Hawaii’s tourism industry and contribute to revitalizing Hawaii’s economy.

As a global corporate group trusted worldwide, we create travel plans; from reservations to getting you to your destination, and providing unrivaled services abroad. We look to expand for a vertically integrated business.

In 2018, customers have been enjoying a scenic ride along in historic Ko’olina. This joint venture with the Hawaiian Railway Society gives visitors a historic look of West Oahu. The popular pastry of a long-established bakery founded in 1950 was incorporated into the experience, and a local taste of the historic Hawaii was enjoyed easily by Japanese customers.

Going forward, HIS strives to work alongside local businesses, focusing on culture, fine arts, and artist development. With our products, our Japanese visitors gain insight to the local Hawaiian culture and way of life. We continue to seek ways to contribute to the local economy.

Message from the President

(The Sun at the Source of Life)

• Heal by Hawaii Hawai i: Paradise of the Pacific where nature meets the sun
• Feel by Hawaii For more people to experience Hawaii without regards to race, culture and/or religions
• Love by Hawaii With the spirit of Aloha, our staff will take care of each and every traveller

Aloha Nui Loa (with much Aloha)

Corporate Philosophy of the H.I.S. Group

Hawaii his is a member of the his group..

H.I.S. CO. Ltd , our headquarters, is located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. The HIS group currently has over 190 affiliate companies, each with diverse business ventures. The HIS Group is a well-known trusted company that is recognized globally, providing superior services in travel to various destinations worldwide. We strive for business expansion aiming to vertically integrate businesses consisting of the four pillars: "travel", "hotels", "Regional revitalization business" and "theme parks".

Open our branch list in PDF file

copyright (c) 2024 H.I.S. CANADA INC. all rights reserved.

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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• Habari za Kenya Swahili

Kenyan Man Hoping to Travel Abroad Wails, Refuses to Leave Agent's Office over His KSh 60k

• A shattered man from Kiambu county wailed outside an agent's office who promised to give him a job in Canada
• The man noted he had given the company KSh 60,000 in the hope of landing an employment opportunity abroad
• He said the company had refused to refund his money, which they withheld from January, leaving the man stranded

PAY ATTENTION: TUKO is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in favourite messenger.

A video of a heartbroken man expressing his disappointment and brokenness is doing rounds online.

The video captured the heartfelt and raw pain of a man whose promises were not met after moving heaven and earth.

Job opportunities in Canada

The desperate man whom an agency promised an employment opportunity abroad cried outside their office.

PAY ATTENTION: Have a story to tell? Need expert advice? Feel free to reach out to us through [email protected].

Cheating Baby Daddy Demands KSh 100k Spousal Support in Divorce Saga, Netizens Appalled

"A company that takes people abroad conned this man called Worthstart Agencies," read the caption.

The agonising man with a backpack clutched to the rail as he squatted, crying after he was conned.

The Kenyan man claimed he was promised a job opportunity in Canada and had already paid KSh 60,000 to the company.

Kiambu man promised menial job

As tears flowed down his cheeks, he revealed he had loaned the hefty amount in the hope of going to Canada.

"Wail until your money has been returned," one lady encouraged the inconsolable man.

He disclosed he was from Kiambu , and the company had refused to give him back his money since January.

"They told me there were many jobs in Canada that I could even be a driver," he cried as the crowd felt sorry for him.

Socia media reactions

The video sparked reactions among social media users, who expressed their opinions in the comment section.

Man Who Washed Plates, Worked as Social Worker in UK Succeeds, Builds Mansion for Parents

janine_wairimu:

"KSh 60,000 to him might have been hard for him to get. May God fight for him."

Dj TonnyTarzan:

"It's not me reading this, having visited this office two weeks ago and still waiting for the process."

Catrina Prince:

"I understand this guy. You don't know the pain, especially if you have loaned someone money."

nellienjiraini:

"Justice for the guy."

Janice matimu:

"Don't worry, brother, God will open more doors for you. He is in control.

Paying travel agents to travel to Canada

In another story, a Kenyan man poured cold water on the dreams of those paying travel agents to travel to Canada.

Steve Safari painfully narrated how Kenyans were sleeping in the streets of Canada in the cold.

He blamed unscrupulous travel agents, and his video elicited mixed reactions from social media.

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Moscow for everyone: Here's how to enjoy the Russian capital whatever your passion

Flanked by the imposing buildings of the Kremlin, the stepped granite blocks of Lenin’s Mausoleum and the fanciful onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow's Red Square is nothing short of legendary, but only a taste of what the Russian capital has to offer.

Manicured gardens and parks, brutalist monuments, quirky museums, open-air cinemas and glitzy boutiques co-exist in this storied city, which burst into the 21st century with a slew of restaurant openings and grand urban schemes.

Visitors have never had it so easy, with a raft of digital innovations designed to facilitate and enhance the tourist experience.

One such is the RUSSPASS , a new e-service that allows users not only to plan and book attractions in Moscow and across Russia, but also to create bespoke itineraries to suit every type of interest and budget. The RUSSPASS app is available in English and Spanish and allows tourists to buy e-tickets and to top up the balance of a Moscow transport card.

Beyond caviar and ballet

Moscow’s burgeoning gastronomic scene has been causing a stir locally and internationally. Published for the first time in 2021, the Michelin Moscow Guide awarded its prestigious stars to no fewer than nine of the city’s restaurants. A total of 69 restaurants were recommended, with three of them awarded ‘green stars’ for sustainability. Fifteen restaurants received the ‘Bib Gourmand’, which acknowledges excellent cooking at affordable prices.

Time-honoured haunts for blinis and caviar include the baroque Café Pushkin and the formidable soviet-themed Dr Zhivago , while the glass-domed White Rabbit , whose chef starred in Netflix's 'Chef's Table', continues to dazzle with creative twists on classic dishes. Also creating a stir is Twins Garden , which focuses on wildly inventive vegetable dishes and home-grown produce.

As the country emerges from the pandemic, music, theatre and exhibitions are also back on the agenda. A performance from the matchless Bolshoi Ballet has been a hot ticket since the 18th century, but the Bolshoi Theatre is just one of more than 700 Moscow cultural centers.

These include world-renowned palaces of art such as the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts , a remarkable collection bringing together masterpieces from every major Western movement as well as Egyptian antiquities.

Lesser-known but equally fascinating galleries lie all over the city. An offshoot of the Tretyakov Gallery, the New Tretyakov Gallery also focuses on modern Russian artists, and features works by Kandinsky, Chagall and Popova, among many others.

Moscow's wealth of parks and curious architecture make it a great place for children. The fairytale colours of buildings such as St Basil's Cathedral are every match for the architectural whimsy at Dream Island , a huge indoor theme park where cartoon characters wander through the crowds.

The shiplike Northern River Terminal, built in the 1930s in a Stalinist style, is also a favourite, and has recently undergone dramatic renovation. It now includes a wealth of children’s playgrounds, heating swimming pools and a winter ice rink.

Other ways to keep the little ones entertained include catching a movie at the Khudozhestvenny cinema or a trip on the Moskva River cable car. This vertiginous ride has panoramic views over the city, taking in the Moscow river, the Ostankino TV and radio tower and the skyscrapers of the business district.

These and other activities for children and families are laid out in the official city tourist portal, discovermoscow.com . Here you’ll find information on every type of attraction, from which animals can be petted at the VDNH city farm to the best street food snacks and where they can be found.

It’s a huge and colourful resource, covering the most obscure museums and secret parks, with suggestions for different days of the week and a blog-style news section. On a practical level it lays bare the transport system, COVID-19 protocols, Wi-Fi possibilities and where to hire bikes and scooters.

Rising to current challenges with innovation

Not only its attractions, but also Moscow’s enormous efforts to face the health crisis in practical and forward-thinking ways have been acknowledged on the international stage. In 2021 it has been nominated for both World’s Leading City Destination and Europe’s Leading City Destination at the World Travel Awards.”

The authorities’ support for the travel industry in troubled times has seen dozens of online events and international tourism conferences, as well as the launch of the Moscow Travel Hub, a collaborative platform to promote the creation and development of new products and services.

The spring of 2021 saw the Moscow Travel Hack, an extensive hackathon in which finalists were offered financial support for the implementation of their products, at a time when digital tourism solutions have never been so integral.

Digital tourists can use discovermoscow.com to take a virtual trip to the ballet or opera and even watch cooking or fashion shows. Together with the wealth of detail and endless images of the site, even armchair travellers can experience the wonders of Russia’s greatest metropolis.

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A Moscow state of mind

FIRST READING: Jagmeet Singh is Canada's most expensive MP, Pierre Poilievre is the cheapest

Singh expensed more than $500,000 over nine months to run his constituency office; Poilievre charged $143,201

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First Reading is a daily newsletter keeping you posted on the travails of Canadian politicos, all curated by the National Post’s own Tristin Hopper. To get an early version sent directly to your inbox, sign up here.

FIRST READING: Jagmeet Singh is Canada's most expensive MP, Pierre Poilievre is the cheapest Back to video

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is currently topping out as the highest-spending individual member of Parliament in the House of Commons, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre ranks as the lowest.

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The latest figures on MP expenses were released in late March , and they show that for the first three quarters of the last fiscal year (April 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023), Singh expensed $533,533 in his capacity as the MP for Burnaby South.

In that same time period, Poilievre claimed $143,201 in expenses related to his role as the MP for riding of Carleton, roughly a fourth of Singh’s total. 

Poilievre was also one of only a handful of MPs whose constituency expenses didn’t include a single dollar for “travel” or “hospitality.”

To be sure, both Poilievre and Singh rack up far higher expenses each year in their capacity as party leaders. But in terms of expenses incurred as individual members of Parliament, Singh charged the most, while Poilievre charged the least.

It makes sense that the two would have wildly different travel expenses, as Singh’s riding is 4,000 kilometres west of Parliament Hill, while Poilievre represents an Ottawa suburb.

Singh, though he was born in Scarborough, Ont., and having previously represented Toronto-area ridings while a member of Ontario’s provincial parliament, opted to run in Burnaby South in the 2019 election and has represented the city near Vancouver since then.

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In 2023, Singh consistently ranked in the top 10 of MPs for travel expenses.

Between July 1 and Sept. 30, his travel expenses of $65,836.58 almost exactly matched those of Lori Idlout ($66,181.59), a perennial high-spender in parliamentary travel due to the simple fact that she represents Nunavut.

Singh’s costs for paying salaries to staffers working in his offices are nearly double those of Poilievre. In the most recent quarter for which there are numbers, Singh had $63,790.64 in salary costs to the $33,808.68 expensed by Poilievre.

In the second quarter (July 1 to Sept. 30), the spread was nearly triple: $94,051.82 to $33,751.19.

That period would also see Singh triple Poilievre’s constituency budget for “contracts,” a category that includes miscellaneous office expenses like rent, advertising and janitorial services.

Over three month, the NDP leader racked up $45,535.99 to Poilievre’s $15,510.25. Poilievre’s entire budget for that period, in fact, was almost exactly what Singh spent merely on the $4,500/month lease for his Kingsway constituency office.

Of course, it’s an entirely different story when it comes to the expenses that both Poilievre and Singh accrue in their capacity as party leaders. Those expenses are counted separately in their role as “presiding officers” in the House of Commons.

Roughly two-dozen MPs — from the prime minister to the speaker to party whips — are given budgets in addition to what they’re allowed to expense as MPs.

And it’s in these figures that Poilievre pulls way ahead of Singh.

In the last three months of 2023, it cost taxpayers around $1.1 million to pay Poilievre’s expenses as “Leader of the Official Opposition” — and another $35,463 to pay the upkeep of Stornoway, Poilievre’s official residence. The prime minister, official opposition leader and Speaker of the House of Commons all receive official residences.

In that same period, Singh’s expenses as leader of what’s officially tallied as the “Other Opposition Party” came to just $330,994.71.

Although, given that Poilievre represents a caucus of 118 to Singh’s 24, the per-member cost to taxpayers of the Conservative leader is still lower.

As for the expenses of the prime minister, while Justin Trudeau is famed for his sky-high travel expenses, the latest figures do show that his Montreal constituency office also ranks as one of the cheapest in the country to operate. In one quarter, Trudeau’s Papineau riding even stood out as one of the only offices aside from Carleton to rack up zero travel or hospitality expenses.

Meanwhile, in select quarters of 2023 it was Conservative MPs who topped out with the highest overall staffing expenses.

Conservative Garnett Genuis represents a riding in the Edmonton bedroom communities of Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan. At the same time that he was one of the MPs most prominently pushing the issue of ArriveCan misspending, his staffing budget for the last three months of 2023 rose to $65,485.81 — the highest of any other MP.

Dan Muys — a rookie Conservative MP for Flamborough-Glanbrook in Hamilton, Ont. — repeatedly topped quarterly rankings as one of the top spenders on “contract” expenses. In one particularly expensive three-month period, Muys’ contract expenses averaged $727 per day.

But when it came to “hospitality” expenses, the clear champion was the Bloc Québécois.

Despite representing less than 10 per cent of the House of Commons, all three quarters analyzed by the National Post found that a Bloc MP was consistently among the top five spenders on hospitality.

Between April 1 and June 30, Bloc MPs took four of the top five spots for highest hospitality expenses.

In first place was Joliette MP Gabriel Ste-Marie, with $5,621 for the quarter, almost all of which was spent on a series of May 22 events for Journée nationale des Patriotes, the Quebec alternative to Victoria Day.

IN OTHER NEWS

It’s only been a week since the shock revelation that B.C. nurses were being explicitly told to ignore the increasing phenomenon of armed patients doing hard drugs in hospital rooms. And the interim days have seen a flood of reports that all kinds of facilities operated or funded by the B.C. government are apparently awash in knives and crack smoke . On Wednesday, the B.C. legislature heard that supportive-housing facilities operating in the provincial capital are  so routinely filled with  toxic smoke that staff are now required to wear industrial respirators.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified Wednesday before the Public Inquiry on Foreign Interference. This marks the second time that he’s testified at an official inquiry convened to probe the actions of his governments (the other one being the Emergencies Act inquiry). And, as expected, Trudeau’s general take was that foreign interference wasn’t a big deal. The National Post’s Catherine Lévesque has a more comprehensive analysis of his testimony, but here are the main bullet points:

• He said he didn’t trust CSIS . The cynic would say this is cover for the fact that Trudeau allegedly ignored increasingly dire CSIS warnings about election interference. But Trudeau asserted that his country’s intelligence agency often screwed up and that it was prudent to be “pushing back on intelligence” where possible.
• Winning a nomination race with bused-in foreign students is fine . One of the key allegations against former Liberal MP Han Dong is that he secured his riding’s nomination thanks to busloads of students … and that those busloads of students could have been organized by figures connected to diplomats representing the People’s Republic of China. But Trudeau said that securing nominations with bused-in voters was fine, and that he secured his own nomination in the Montreal-area riding of Papineau with buses full of Italian and Greek Canadians.

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Canada's budget 2024: More spending, higher capital gains taxes, bigger deficits

Canada's budget 2024: the government wants to help you get taylor swift tickets and avoid your boss, arrests in $20-million toronto airport gold heist stem from cross-border gun running plot, philip cross: chrystia freeland delivers an equal mix of bad economics and bad politics, katherine brodsky: owning an electric vehicle is madness and i regret ever buying one, canadian comedian mae martin on upcoming cbc nature of things episode.

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Tuscarawas County semi-truck crash kills 58-year-old driver

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio (WOIO) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed a driver was killed after his semi went off the road, down an embankment, struck a tree, and overturned.

The crash happened on I-77 near milepost 87 in Franklin Township at approximately 10:37 a.m. on April 16, according to OSHP.

OSHP said the blue 2004 International 9900i was heading northbound when it went off the right side of the roadway, traveled down an embankment, struck a tree, and then overturned.

The Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office pronounced the driver dead at the scene, according to OSHP.

OSHP identified the driver as 58-year-old Shelton E. McCoy of Salem.

Alcohol is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, OHSP confirmed, but the driver was not wearing his seatbelt.

The crash is still under investigation.

OSHP listed the following departments assisted on scene:

• Strasburg Fire Department
• Strasburg Police Department
• Dover Fire Department
• Ohio Department of Transportation
• Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office
• Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
• Canton Towing

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Time stands still: A look inside Walt Disney’s office

I n the heart of the Walt Disney Studios campus, in Burbank, California, there’s a towering building, where the Seven Dwarfs hold the roof over their heads, like the caryatids in ancient Greece. The Michael Graves-designed structure is corporate headquarters, where Bob Iger, Josh D’Amaro, and other key executives run the $215 billion entertainment giant.

Off to the left is a smaller building, with a nondescript “Animation” sign above the door. If you walk through the doors of this building, climb the stairs to the third floor and find your way to Suite 3H, you will have discovered history. From 1940 to 1966, that was Walt Disney’s office—and the creative heart of the company.

Stepping into Walt’s office is like stepping back in time. Over the years, it has been used by a number of executives, ranging from CEO Michael Eisner to producer/performer (and former teen idol) Shaun Cassidy to Desperate Housewives creator, Mark Cherry (who reportedly painted the entire office red). In 2015, however, the office was painstakingly restored by the company’s archives department and studio craftsmen (even the curtains are original), to become a place of inspiration for the company.

That was all thanks to the work of Dave Smith, who would go on to start the Walt Disney Archives. In 1970, he went into Walt’s office and photographed it extensively—taking note of where everything was located and how it was arranged before it was emptied.

The office is an area that’s largely off-limits now. It’s not part of the standard studio tour—and many Disney employees have never even been inside. Fast Company was invited to take a peek during a recent visit to the studio.

Today, the office is almost exactly the same as it was the day Walt died, down to the order and position of the books on the shelves. And while there’s plenty of history and nostalgia, it’s hard to stand there and not feel the creative energy crackling.

You enter, as any visitor would, through the secretary’s office, where gatekeepers kept his schedule, ensuring that only invited guests saw Walt. A cabinet along the wall houses a collection of Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, and more. On the small desk, where Walt’s assistant Thelma “Tommie” Wilck sat, the schedule book is open to October 27, 1966. “Epcot” is listed as the first thing on the agenda. Two not-very-comfortable-looking chairs are set against the wall. And ashtrays are omnipresent.

When you enter Walt’s formal office, it’s smaller than you would expect for the head of a studio, though hardly tiny. There’s a white couch against the back wall, over which hangs the mechanical toy bird Walt picked up in New Orleans that became the inspiration for audio-animatronics, which would ultimately differentiate the theme parks. On the glass table in front of the couch, along with ashtrays, is a souvenir booklet from the Banshee Club in NYC, for a 1947 luncheon given to Disney to commemorate the 20 th anniversary of Mickey Mouse.

In front of the bookshelf stands a piano, where Walt would regularly have Richard Sherman—part of the songwriting team that created the music for so many classic Disney films—try out new songs. And on certain evenings he’d play “Feed the Birds,” from the film Mary Poppins (Walt’s favorite song). Today, Sherman, age 95, is the only person allowed to play that piano.

Walt’s desk area is the focal point of the room. A model of a Grumman Gulfstream sits in the corner; front and center is a ship’s bell from a U.S. Coast Guard ice breaker, dubbed a Coast Guard Oscar, given to Disney by a vice admiral for the film Men Against the Arctic. Behind the desk are three prominent shelves of knick-knacks—a combination of figurines that Walt collected or was gifted over the years. There’s no obvious rhyme or reason to their arrangement, but they show a side of his personality that’s rarely discussed. Also on the walls are pictures of Walt’s two daughters, along with (reproductions of) Norman Rockwell drawings of them. (Rockwell and Disney were friends.)

Through the next door is the working office, where Walt would meet daily with directors, writers, artists, producers, and more, with the group sometimes completely filling the room. He would start his day at 8:30 a.m. and run through 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m., after which he would read and edit scripts until approximately 7 p.m. Several piles of those scripts are still stacked in the room today.

Along the wall are aerial plans for Disneyland, noting which rides were complete (including the Enchanted Tiki Room and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln) and which were in the works (including the Haunted Mansion, described as “Future home of 1,001 ghosts”—that number would later be shrunk to 999). Preliminary plans for what would become Walt Disney World are also hanging there.

The back wall houses a kitchenette, where the cabinets are still filled with Walt’s favorite foods, including V8 juice, Spam, and more canned chili than you could possibly imagine.

There’s a creative buzz in the office, but as Disney, the company, faces its recent challenges and plans one of its largest expansions to date, you’re also reminded that Walt had to be a savvy business leader as well. Little reminders of that are scattered around, like a note from then-board member Card Walker, compiling the domestic gross box office returns of competing studios. 

Of course, the leadership styles of Walt Disney and that of the company’s current management are vastly different, something necessitated by the nearly-60-year difference and the changes in the entertainment industry. Iger surely keeps up with how competitors are performing, but he doesn’t personally audition voice talents or approve songs. 

He’s obsessive in a different way when it comes to the films, watching each Disney movie between three and five times during the production process. And he’s not afraid to take big swings ( as the ongoing $60 billion park expansion would indicate ), just like Walt did with Snow White and the launch of Disneyland.

The sense of history in Walt Disney’s office is palpable, as it is throughout the old animation building. This is the place where such beloved classics as Dumbo, Bambi , and Lady and the Tramp were drawn. Work continues today in the same building, but Walt’s office is one of the few places where Disney is content to look backward—and that alone makes it unique.

Mission Moscow : A Conversation with Evgeny Kozlov

Mr. Evgeny Kozlov, Deputy Head Mayor of Moscow Government and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, who has come to the city to attain BLTM, the annual prestigious travel event at the Leela Ambience Convention Centre, Delhi spoke with TW Editor Anirban Dasgupta on his vision and goal with the all-new tourism initiatives in Moscow.  

The bond between India and Russia has a long history of culture, literature, love, and of course politics. But recently, there has also been a lot of talk about Gastronomical tourism. Any personal experience with this?

My personal take on the bond between India and Russia stems from my recent experience of trying authentic Indian cuisine in Moscow. I thoroughly enjoyed the spicy flavours of the Curry dish I tried and it left a lasting impression on me. This made me appreciate the cultural exchange between our two countries even more. I believe that Moscow, being a culinary hub, is a great place for people from all over the world, including Indian visitors, to immerse themselves in our rich history and culture. It’s a unique experience that brings people together and showcases the diversity of the gastronomic universe. Moscow has a thriving food scene with various international cuisines to explore, from Chinese to South African and Latin American. This culinary diversity reflects the open-mindedness and curiosity of the Russian people when it comes to trying new types of food. Moscow truly has something for everyone, and I encourage Indian tourists to come and indulge in this gastronomic journey.

  How optimistic are the post-pandemic recovery figures?

After the Covid-19 pandemic, we have witnessed a remarkable recovery in tourism in Moscow. In fact, we have been able to restore 90% of the pre-pandemic tourist flow. In the first half of 2023, almost a million foreign tourists visited Moscow, with over 600,000 of them arriving during the summer season. Among the non-CIS countries, China has led the way in terms of tourist traffic, followed by Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and India. Prior to the pandemic, India’s tourist flow was steadily growing at a rate of 12-15% annually. Although we faced challenges during the pandemic, we have now put in place all the necessary conditions for a successful recovery. Moscow is known for hosting numerous international exhibitions, forums, congresses, and conferences, attracting approximately 3.6 million business visitors in the past year alone. Among these visitors, India ranks third in terms of foreign business tourists in Moscow. To further promote tourism, we have initiated the MICE Ambassadors training program in India, which aims to assist Indian businesses in exploring opportunities and selecting relevant events in Moscow.

  Can you please share your vision for future tourism development in Moscow?

Thank you for asking this question. I have a multi-faceted vision for the future tourism development in Moscow.

Firstly, I believe that tourism should provide a personal and authentic experience for each individual. Therefore, customization of experiences is crucial. For business tourists, we aim to offer special infrastructure facilities that cater to their specific needs and requirements. We are closely collaborating with infrastructure providers to ensure seamless experiences for those visiting Moscow for business purposes. On the other hand, when it comes to leisure or family tourists, we recognize the importance of providing a support system and guidelines for those traveling with their families, especially children. We are working with museums, theatres, and restaurants to customize their services and products to cater to tourists of all ages, including children. Furthermore, I envision rearranging tourism in Moscow to encourage visitors to delve into the history and heritage of our country. A significant part of my tourism goal is to motivate and inspire the youth and younger generations to travel to Russia. This involves providing affordable pricing for accommodations, entertainment, museums, and other attractions.

We are already constructing tailor-made infrastructure that specifically targets the young generation in Russia, and by next year, we plan to extend and promote these offerings to international young visitors as well. By rebranding the image of Moscow as a destination for longer stays, relaxation, and enjoying various facilities, we aim to change the perception that it is merely a transit or stop-over city. Lastly, the beautiful weather in Moscow during the summer months provides an opportunity to create delightful memories for tourists. I want every visitor to experience the sunshine, green landscapes, parks, cafes, restaurants, swimming pools, and sports facilities that Moscow has to offer during this time.

In summary, my vision for the future of tourism in Moscow revolves around creating customized travel experiences for every type of traveller.

How do you prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices in the development of business tourism?

How easy or difficult is it to get a Visa for an Indian Tourist at present?

Acquiring a Visa for Indian tourists has become easier with the introduction of the e-visa system. Since its launch in August 2023, more than 30,000 tourists have already utilized this system. The e-visa offers several advantages over traditional visas, such as avoiding the need to visit consulates or embassies. The application process only requires a digital photograph and a scan of the passport data page. The e-visa has a validity period of 60 days from the date of issuance, with a maximum stay of 16 days in Russia. This convenient and streamlined process is available to citizens of 55 countries, including India. Indian tourists are currently ranked third in terms of business travellers from outside the CIS countries visiting Moscow.

Author: Anirban

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Which Austrian Alpine region is right for you?

With epic scenery and fresh mountain air guaranteed, Austria’s Alps offer travellers an inviting mix of culture, relaxation and adventure. Find out which area would suit you this summer.

One of Europe’s top skiing destinations in winter, the Austrian Alps are sometimes overlooked as a place to visit in summer. But once the snow seekers go into hibernation and the ski schools shut up shop, the mountains, meadows and valleys here take on a different look — and other activities take centre stage. You’ll find hiking, climbing and biking routes across the Alps, as well as beautiful lakes to swim in. Travellers chasing an action-packed break can try cycling in Kitzbühel or paragliding in St Anton, while those in search of peace and quiet could venture to the nature park in Zillertal. For culture and food, visit the bustling city of Innsbruck or head to Paznaun-Ischgl. Here, discover the right Austrian Alpine region for you.

Best for: a city break This mid-Alpine urban centre in the west of the country is the gateway to the Tyrolean mountains. For many, it offers the best of both worlds, with an attractive old town, interesting sights — such as the Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) — and the Nordkette Cable Car that cruises up to the surrounding peaks. Summer brings a fun programme of events, including a series of open-air concerts held in the courtyard of the Kaiserliche Hofburg (Imperial Palace). Learn about local history and culture while paddling on the River Inn on a city rafting tour with Stubai Rafting or try Up Stream Surfing , a fun combination of river surfing and wakeboarding.

Best for: mountain biking A place that holds many accolades for its skiing facilities, glitzy Kitzbühel also flexes its muscles in summertime. Take biking, for example — the area has hosted a cycling marathon, Der Kitzbüheler Radmarathon , since 2021 and boasts one of the most challenging road ascents in Austria: the Kitzbüheler Horn. Mountain bikers will love the recently opened Sonnenrast trail or the single-track Hahnenkamm route, which runs all the way back to the town.

Paznaun-Ischgl

Best for: Alpine cuisine Cool air and rocky peaks see cyclists flock to the 25-mile-long Paznaun Valley in summer for events such as the E-Bike World Championship , but there's another draw here, too. Alongside Ischgl’s high-end restaurants are a number of rustic mountain huts, which from July to October offer seasonal dishes developed by local chefs. Traditional cooking is combined with gourmet flair, with last year’s highlights including Alpine beef with wild herbs, and nettle ravioli with barley, cheese and chicory. Also, be sure to taste the region's signature cheese, Paznauner almkäse (mountain cheese), which gets its distinct taste from alpine herbs.

Schladming-Dachstein

Best for: views With more than 300 lakes and 100 waterfalls, the Schladming-Dachstein region is one of the most water-rich in Austria — take a short hike to Spiegelsee on the Reiteralm to see the mountains mirrored on the glass-clear water of the lake. The region's standout feature, however, is the majestic Dachstein Mountain . The mountain station at 2,700m above sea level is easily reachable by cable car and offers views as far as the Czech Republic and Slovenia. A suspension bridge, a viewing platform and the snappily titled ‘Stairway to Nothingness’ await visitors here, while a shiny new cable car station is scheduled to open in May 2024.

St Anton am Arlberg

Best for: outdoor activities Known as the birthplace of Alpine skiing, St Anton am Arlberg has a fascinating history that’s shared with visitors year-round at the local Museum of St Anton am Arlberg . In warmer months, the town provides the perfect base from which to try a whole host of outdoor activities. Adrenaline-seekers can try paragliding or canyoning, while those seeking relaxation can unwind at the Mountain Yoga Festival St Anton — and those wanting a bit of everything can make for the action-packed Mountain Sports Festival . Whatever you go for, St Anton am Arlberg is easy to reach by train thanks to regular high-speed connections from Vienna and Zurich.

St Johann in Tirol

Best for: local charm St Johann in Tirol sits at the foot of the impressive Wilder Kaiser Mountains, alongside the charming villages of Oberndorf, Kirchdorf and Erpfendorf. There are ample activities on offer in the region, including hiking, road cycling and mountain biking, golf and swimming. For a true taste of the area, check out the many local farm shops and cafes to pick up outstanding fresh produce or visit the traditional St Johann Weekly Market to sample regional specialities such as brodakrapfen (a pasty-like snack filled with potato and cheese).

Zell am See-Kaprun

Best for: swimming and watersports On a calm day, the mountains around Lake Zell are reflected in the clear water below. Refreshing water temperatures and lakeside lidos make this Salzburgerland spot popular for swimming, as well as stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing and sailing. Not far away is the modern Tauern Spa , with 12 pools and a selection of wellness areas including 10 saunas and steam rooms — try the rock crystal sauna with different infusions such as mint and citrus or lemongrass and eucalyptus, and be sure to set aside ample time to take in the surrounding scenery.

Best for: nature The wide Zillertal valley is located to the east of Innsbruck. There are plenty of areas dedicated to outdoor sports here, including an extended ski season and year-round activities on the Hintertux Glacier , but also parts that remain almost untouched. The High Mountain Nature Park Zillertal Alps covers a 160sq-mile area and is home to thousands of animal species, including 500 kinds of butterfly, and more than 1,000 plant varieties. From May to October, themed hiking tours led by the experienced park guides — such as the ‘herb walk’ or wildlife watching — provide fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna.

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Japan Rail Pass

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What are Japan Rail Pass and Regional Pass?

Japan Rail Pass Japan Rail Pass covers all areas of Japan where JR lines run through. We especially recommend it for the first time travelers who wish to visit many popular spots throughout the country economically and wisely.　For example, you can save your transportation fees by starting at Narita International Airport, and then, visit Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, and come back to Narita Airport again within 7 days. You can extend your travel route and making more stops, saving even more!

Regional Pass If you are focusing on a particular part of Japan, you can use a regional pass and travel by an even more economical deal. It is highly recommended for the travelers that have limited time to visit all over Japan, or that would rather focus on a specific region. Our travel specialists are happy to assist you plan a perfect Japan travel. Please feel free to call or drop by our office at any time!

Who is eligible for the passes?

1. A foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for a sight-seeing purpose, under the entry status of “temporary visitor” You must be a “temporary visitor” in Japan in order to get Japan Rail Pass or Regional Pass. Your status as a temporary visitor needs to be proven by showing the immigration stamp on your passport to the officer upon exchanging the pass.

It is only the “temporary visitor” status holders that can exchange their exchange order to the pass. Other statuses, such as Trainee, Entertainer or Reentry Permit, are not accepted for the pass exchange, even if you visit Japan with an Exchange Order. According to the Japanese Immigration Law, the temporary visitor status is different from other statuses, however short the visit may be. *”Temporary Visitor” entry status allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for “sight-seeing, etc.”

Examples of the “temporary visitor” immigration stamp

2. A Japanese national living outside of Japan While under certain conditions, a Japanese national may use Japan Rail Pass or some Regional Pass. However, such bookings are not available on this website. Please call or visit our office so our travel consultants can assist you.

How to Purchase a Japan Rail Pass

In-store purchase HIS Hawaii offers Japan Rail Pass purchases at four stores in Hawaii. Please bring your passport to any of the following locations within 90 days of your intended date of use and we will make your JR Pass vouchers. The entire process usually takes about 15-20 minutes. If you would like to purchase your Japan Rail Pass at our Waikiki & Kona locations, please make an appointment in advance.

HIS Hawaii – Ala Moana Branch Ala Moana Center 1F, near main food court and Center Stage 1450 Ala Moana Blvd Suite 1206, Honolulu Open Daily, 10:00am – 7:00pm

No appointment needed, walk-ins welcome – TEL: 808-922-2211

HIS Hawaii – Waikiki Branch Waikiki Shopping Plaza 4F 2250 Kalakaua Ave, Suite 406, Honolulu Appointment Only – TEL: 808-922-2211

HIS Hawaii – Kona Branch Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel 1F 75-5660 Palani Road , Kailua Kona Appointment Only – Please call 808-326-1414

HIS Hawaii – Maui Branch 173 Alamaha St Suite 6, Kahului Open Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm

No appointment needed, walk-ins welcome – TEL: 808-218-6130

Mail Order  If you aren’t able to come to our stores we can mail the Exchange Voucher(s) to your residence. However, this service will incur an additional $15 mailing fee for all USA addresses. Please send us a message via the below Inquiry button and we will email you the application form. After receiving your application we will send an online payment link and mail your voucher(s) to your home.  We ship via USPS priority mail so you will generally receive your Exchange Voucher(s) within one week of payment. 

Pass Types and Prices

All Japan, one pass

Prices below may not be up to date. Please contact us for current pricing.

All Japan, one pass. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, Japan Rail Pass covers all areas of Japan. Once you arrive in Tokyo Narita International Airport, the convenient Narita Express (N’EX) is available to take you to the heart of Tokyo! Hokkaido, Nikko, Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Nagasaki… any city you name is reachable with this pass. For example, cross the country from the south to the north, hunting cherry blossom in spring. If you take the tour from the north to the south, you can chase the autumn foliage, leaf peeping in the fall. You can use the high speed bullet trains (expect Nozomi and Mizuho) that take you to the next destination rapidly and comfortably. You can choose the duration of pass validity from 7 days, 14 days and 21 days, depending on your travel plan. How about visiting all your favorite cities in Japan, making stops carefree?

Regional Pass

Explore the beauty and mystery of Hokkaido with Hokkaido Rail Pass. Beautiful national parks, world class night views, adventurous activities in the nature, spacious health-rewarding hot springs, blessed food from the rich soil, Asahiyama Zoo… Hokkaido is full of attractions to enjoy. Hokkaido Rail Pass is a way to explore the beautiful land from Naka-Oguni as far as Wakkanai, of course, including the most popular city, Sapporo where you can enjoy the famous Sapporo beer and ramen! While the popular 3 days, 5 days and 7 days only apply to consecutive days, flexible 4 days is available in addition, with which you can choose 4 days as you like from a 10-day-period.

JR East Pass allows you to travel from Tokyo as far as Nagano, Niigata, Shinjo, Akita and Aomori on the bullet trains as well as all other JR East lines at a reduced price thanks to unlimited access for 5 flexible days. The flexible pass, which is valid for 14 days, allows you to choose 5 days of use, from the day of exchange. It is an ideal alternative for those wishing to take their time to visit. A child price (6 to 11 years of age) is available for this pass. Access to trains is free for accompanied infants aged 5 years or under. Japanese passport holders can NOT use this pass.

Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama is the golden route that guarantees to make you want to return to Japan. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of Japan nature and traditions. The World Heritage, Shirakawa-go mountain villages with 250-year-old Gassho style house (thatched roofs houses). The historic Takayama town, the famous Gero onsen and much more for you to explore in the area. Not far away is Kanazawa, where you can find many historical attractions such as teahouse with geisha performance; former samurai district: and one of Japan’s best three garden, Kenrokuen. This five-day-pass gives you access from Nagoya to popular areas in Gifu prefecture and all the way to Kansai region, including Kyoto and Osaka. Within the free area, you have unlimited rides on any JR conventional line, including the Limited Express “Wide View Hida”, Limited Express “Thunderbird” and the Hokuriku shinkansen. This pass will assist you to discover a totally unique aspect of Japan.

Kansai is where you experience the Japanese culture in depth. Time-travel to the ancient capital in Kyoto. Feel the unique businessman spirit in Osaka. Immense yourself to the silent temples in Nara. Kansai Area Pass realizes these dreams economically with the convenient train network. It covers all the main cities in the area: from Kansai International Airport (KIX), Nara, Kyoto and Osaka to Kobe and Himeji. Meanwhile, Kansai Wide Area Pass covers Wakayama, Shingu and all the way to Kurashiki in addition, with the use of Sanyo Shinkansen Bullet Train between Shin-Osaka and Okayama.

The beautiful island of Shikoku is a blessing of the nature and culture. Immense yourself in the fresh air from the ocean. Experience the panoramic view of Matsuyama Castle, the same feeling that a lord would have felt hundreds of years ago. Then, how about treating your body in abundant hot springs with fresh seafood or famous Sanuki noodle at the end of the day?

All Kyushu Area pass is valid on all JR Kyushu lines. Ride as many times as you like throughout the designated Kyushu area, on local, limited express and Kyushu Shinkansen “bullet” trains. The pass is not valid on the Sanyo Shinkansen, sleeper trains or JR Kyushu buses. A child price (6 to 11 years of age) is available for this pass. Access to trains is free for babies under 5 years of age.

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‘Travels’ Review: A Sonic Flight From Heartbreak

In his new show, James Harrison Monaco blends storytelling and electronic beats in service of curiosity and escape.

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By Naveen Kumar

Some ride-share passengers are content to wear headphones and gaze out the window. But anywhere that James Harrison Monaco goes, including the back seat of a Lyft, presents an opportunity to zero in on someone else’s story.

In the first segment of “Travels,” Monaco’s new autobiographical show that opened at Ars Nova in Manhattan on Monday, the playwright and performer tells the audience that he was itching to talk on a recent ride from the Los Angeles airport when the driver handed him an audio cable so he could put on music, opening the door to conversation. Their exchange, Monaco says breathlessly, peeled off like a speeding car.

Monaco’s dogged curiosity, and affinity for electronic beats, propels much of this uneven 90-minute show, for which he also composed the Miami Beach-meets-Berlin underscore. Monaco’s opening anecdote, the first in a series of eight, introduces the sense of possibility he feels when he is in transit, the inquisitiveness he brings to bear on others and his amorphous concept of music as a medium for storytelling.

Eager and bespectacled, Monaco is the first-person voice in each account, but he shares narrating duties with three performers — El Beh, Ashley De La Rosa and Mehry Eslaminia — who take turns recalling his encounters with a handful of people he’s found fascinating over the past several years, both at home and abroad. This layering effect in the performances is echoed in the backbeats and crescendos that a head-bobbing Monaco generates, in collaboration with the instrumentalist John Murchison, from behind an onstage table full of D.J. equipment (the set is by Diggle).

Considering how often Monaco draws attention to his called-off marriage engagement, it would not be unfair to categorize “Travels” as a breakup album. (The project is also a departure for Monaco from his artistic partnership with Jerome Ellis , who contributed additional music.) Reeling from heartache, Monaco seems to search for meaning and solace in the far graver misfortunes of a friend referred to as “R,” a political prisoner turned asylum seeker and the show’s most revisited subject.

“Perhaps all pain is comparable in the end,” Monaco recalls R telling him of their wholly incomparable struggles.

That dissonance is also evidenced in the way Monaco pairs music and language, not with the scansion of a songwriter but with the urgent insistence of someone who has a lot to say. (Monaco is also a translator, and some passages are spoken in Spanish with English supertitles.) A consistent, mid-tempo pulse signals intensity and momentum, and Murchison plays beautifully on string instruments with origins in the Middle East (Monaco shares credit on orchestrations and arrangements with Or Matias; sound design is by Nick Kourtides). But the score’s lack of variation feels like a missed opportunity, as with a stop at a reggaeton club oddly devoid of reggaeton’s distinctive punch.

Passages rendered in talk-singing also suffer from maintaining a fixed register, despite the dexterity that De La Rosa and Eslaminia, in particular, bring to that uneasy endeavor.

The director Andrew Scoville’s production has a maximalist ’90s aesthetic that tends toward overstimulation: projections by Stefania Bulbarella that recall graphic Trapper Keepers, pattern-rich costumes by Sarita Fellow and party lighting by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew awash in pinks, blues and yellows. It’s a fun, immersive vehicle for a journey more about restlessness than about any particular destination.

The tightly controlled experience of “Travels” can feel both illuminating and unnerving: stories you might absorb at your own pace if not for the unrelenting beats; music you might groove along to if not for the flurry of words. Enjoyment may depend on what type of passenger you tend to be.

Travels Through April 20 at Ars Nova, Manhattan; arsnovanyc.com . Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes.