CNN International has a list of 12 reasons to visit Japan in 2012. Now that the free flights are cancelled, you’ll need a more compelling reason to visit the country; unless you’d go for any reason, like we at JapanClub would!

The list includes such activities as Hanami, the cherry-blossom viewing festivities in April, the expected completion of the Tokyo Sky Tree in May and the winter sports available in December.

They also suggest climbing Mount Fuji very early in the season. That’s exactly what we did in 2008. It was great from the perspective of missing the crowds, but not so good with the weather; the rainy season finished late. You can see our trip on YouTube.