JNTO Announces Winner of NGT's Discover Japan Photo Contest

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and National Geographic Partners today announced their collaborative Discover Japan Photo Contest grand-prize winner as Andrew Zinger from Cleveland, OH. He has won a week-long exclusively customized Japan trip (Tokyo and Kyoto) for two in November 2016. The winning photo, Vendors Cleaning Marrons at the Nishiki Market was selected from more than 38,000 entries for its outstanding quality and composition.

The winning photograph was pictured last May at the Nishiki Market, a traditional artisanal goods and food market in Kyoto, Japan. "I took several interesting photos at the Nishiki Market that morning," Zinger said. "This image stood out to me in particular, as (in my view) it embodied various cultural aspects of Japan - craft passed on from generation to generation, rich tradition, hardworking individuals, exuding calm and patience. The setting was also perfect, as travel is all about discovering new cultures and Nishiki Market is perfect for discovering the Japanese cuisine and local flavors."

A judge from National Geographic Traveler commented, "We loved how Zinger took this photograph beyond the typical postcard shot and captured a contemplative moment in a busy market." Vendors Cleaning Marrons at the Nishiki Market was chosen as a winning photo based on the evaluation of theme, creativity and originality as well as photographic quality.

The grand prize includes luxurious stays at the Ritz-Carlton (Kyoto), the highly acclaimed Tawaraya Ryokan, and the recently opened HOSHINOYA Tokyo. Furthermore, the trip covers premiere experiences including shadowing a Japanese Cuisine Chef, a Geisha dinner, a private helicopter cruise, exclusive access to historical temples and more.

National Geographic Traveler and JNTO would like to thank all who participated in the contest and shared images inspired from the country of Japan.

Full contest details can be found at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/discoverjapancontest/   
All of the entries can be viewed at https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/discoverjapancontest/

About JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization)
JNTO, Japan National Tourism Organization is an independent institution of the Japanese government which established in 1964. JNTO is involved in a wide range of promotional activities encouraging international travelers to visit Japan. Visit us on our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

For more information:
Mizuki Tachibana
tachibana@jntonyc.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161005/415651 
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160801/394568LOGO

SOURCE Japan National Tourism Organization