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 …
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May 2025: Japan Welcomes 3.7 Million Tourists, Marking 21.5% Yearly Increase
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 …
Read More »Mount Shinmoedake Erupts After 7 Years! 500m Plume, Alert Level 2 Impacts and Precautions, 2025
Key Points Mount Shinmoedake erupted for the first time in seven years on June 22, 2025, with a plume of smoke reaching 500 meters. A safety advisory has been issued, warning of the danger of falling large rocks and pyroclastic flows within 2 kilometers of the crater. The …
Read More »Fuji Tram Project: Enhancing Tourist Infrastructure for Mount Fuj
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 …
Read More »Heatstroke Alerts in Japan 2025: List of Affected Regions
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 …
Read More »JESTA 2028: Full Guide to Target Countries and Application Process for Japan Travel
Overview of JESTA JESTA is a new system similar to the U.S. ESTA, designed to streamline entry for tourists while addressing overtourism and security. It’s expected to require travelers to get online authorization before their trip, making entry smoother but adding a pre-travel step. Target Countries and Impact It will …
Read More »Japan to Require Health Insurance for Tourists: What You Need to Know
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 …
Read More »“Spring Blossom: Gold and White Mentaiko Cheese Cream Udon” – Yamashita Honki Udon’s New Limited-Time Delicacy
Yamashita Honki Udon, operated by Garden Co., Ltd., will offer a limited-time menu item called “Gold and Cherry Blossom Dance: White Mentaiko Cheese Cream Udon” from April 1, 2024 (Monday) to April 30, 2024 (Tuesday) at all Yamashita Honki Udon stores nationwide1. This indulgent udon dish combines the popular No. …
Read More »The 15 Best Japanese Sharpening Stones 2023
15. créer Sharpening Stone, Supervised by Blade Workshop, Knife Sharpening Tool 14. E-Value Household Knife Sharpening Stone 13. ALTSTONE Knife Sharpening Stone 12. Naniwa Sharpening Industry Gouken Deluxe Sharpening Stone 11. KAKURI Handy Ceramic Combination Sharpening Stone 10. Eko Metal Dual-Sided Household Sharpening Stone 9. Takagi GISUKE Double-Sided Diamond Sharpening …
Read More »15 Best Japanese Buckwheat Soba Noodles 2023
15. Johoku Menkou Salt-Free Haguro Soba 14. Miwabi Shinshu Soba 13. Nisshin Soba no Kaori Shinshu Togakushi Noodle 100% Buckwheat Soba 12. Nissin Seifun Ito Kyuemon Uji Green Tea Soba 11. Shionukiya Ultimate 100% Buckwheat Soba 10. Kajino Traditional 80% Buckwheat Soba 9. Ganso 100% Buckwheat Soba 8. Takizawa Sarashina …
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