Tourism

Unique Manhole Covers in Iwate Honor MLB Stars Ohtani, Sasaki, and Kikuchi In June, Iwate Prefecture unveiled a trio of eye-catching manhole covers celebrating its hometown Major League Baseball (MLB) heroes: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Roki Sasaki, and Yusei Kikuchi of the Los Angeles Angels. Featuring original …

Hoshino Resorts Sounds Alarm on Agoda Booking Issues: A Growing Concern for Travelers The online accommodation booking platform Agoda has long been plagued by reports of various troubles across the internet. In an unprecedented move, Yoshiharu Hoshino, the representative of Hoshino Resorts, has taken to social media to voice a …

Osaka-Kansai Expo Breaks Records: 10 Million Visitors in 78 Days! The Osaka-Kansai Expo has achieved an incredible milestone, surpassing 10 million visitors in just 78 days since its opening. This remarkable feat was celebrated with a special ceremony at the venue on June 29th, underscoring the expo’s massive popularity among …

When summer hits Japan, the heat and humidity can make many regions feel stifling. However, Hokkaido and the mountainous areas of Honshu, such as Karuizawa and Kamikochi, stand out as the most comfortable destinations. With cooler temperatures and pleasant conditions, these spots offer a refreshing escape from the typical summer …

Starting in 2025, climbing Mount Fuji will come with new rules and a mandatory fee, designed to tackle overtourism and protect the mountain’s pristine environment. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a first-time visitor, here’s everything you need to know about the updated climbing fees, online reservations, and trail restrictions. …

How Kyoto’s New Accommodation Tax and Regional Tourism Initiatives Are Shaping Sustainable Travel Japan is taking bold steps to manage its booming tourism industry. With Kyoto introducing a significant accommodation tax increase and the government promoting lesser-known regions like Hokkaido, Okinawa, and the Japanese Alps, these efforts aim to balance …

In May 2025, Japan welcomed a record-breaking 3.7 million foreign tourists, a 21.5% increase from the previous year, marking the highest monthly figure ever recorded. The cumulative total from January to May reached 18.1 million, up 23.9% compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable growth is driven by …

Overview: Yamanashi Prefecture is planning a new transportation system called the “Fuji Tram” to connect the base of Mount Fuji to the 5th station. Technology: The tram will use magnetic induction and rubber tires, aiming to protect the environment while improving tourist access. Cost and Connectivity: The project is estimated …

Japan is grappling with an unprecedented heatwave, with heatstroke alerts issued across multiple regions. This period, typically marked by the rainy season, has instead seen an early onset of extreme heat due to climate change, significantly impacting both tourists and residents. On June 18, Tokyo recorded a high of 34.4°C …

The Japanese government is exploring a groundbreaking plan to make private health insurance mandatory for all inbound tourists starting in 2026. Policy Overview and Purpose Japan is tackling a growing problem: tourists receiving medical treatment and leaving without paying. To combat this, the government is considering requiring all inbound tourists …