Travel

Typhoon Muifa brings rough weather to Sakishima Islands

Sep 13 (NHK) - Typhoon Muifa is likely to keep the Sakishima Islands in Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa under its storm zone until Tuesday morning.

Weather officials say the strong typhoon was located 70 kilometers north-northwest of Ishigaki Island as of 6 p.m. Monday, and is moving slowly northward.

The Meteorological Agency says the typhoon is packing winds of up to 144 kilometers per hour near its center, with peak gusts reaching 198 kilometers per hour.

Winds of more than 90 kilometers per hour are raging within a radius of 130 kilometers from the center.

Officials are warning of gusts powerful enough to topple homes until early Tuesday morning.

Seas around the Sakishima Islands will remain very rough, with waves expected to reach a height of 10 meters.

Heavy rains are also lashing the Sakishima Islands. On Hateruma Island, precipitation in the 24 hours through 11:50 a.m. on Monday came to 358.5 millimeters, the highest on record for the island.

Up to 50 millimeters of rainfall per hour is expected in the Sakishima Islands through Tuesday.

Weather officials say rainfall for the 24-hour period through 6 p.m. on Tuesday could reach 150 millimeters.

The officials are urging people on the islands to refrain from making non-essential outings and stay away from windows when indoors.

Source: ANNnewsCH

Zao’s Snow Monsters Face Extinction

Zao’s iconic snow monsters, the frost-covered trees known as 'juhyo,' face an existential threat. These towering, snow-laden trees have long been a winter highlight in the region, famously resembling monstrous figures covered in snow. However, their survival is now under severe threat.

Japan Ranks 92nd in English Proficiency, Lowest in History

EF Education First, a global education organization, published this year’s English Proficiency Index on Wednesday, ranking nations worldwide. Japan’s ranking stood at 92nd among 116 countries and regions, continuing a 14-year trend of record lows.

Famed Hot Spring Struggles to Handle Visitor Surge

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Convenience Stores to Start Selling Over-the-Counter Drugs

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan Looks to Limit Continuous Work

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Celebrates Christmas With Farewell to Iconic Parade

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea unveiled their special Christmas event, marking the final year of a beloved parade that has run for a decade.

Tomonoura - The Days of Old | Overnight Trip From Osaka

Tomonoura is a historical port town that prospered a few centuries ago. The charming and laid-back town has retained much of its historical port features and yesteryear charm, creating a unique ambience, as well as being featured in major films and animations. Let’s explore Tomonoura on this overnight trip from Osaka. (japan-guide.com)

First 'Rose of Versailles' Manhole Covers Appear in Chiba’s Kashiwa

Manhole covers featuring characters from Riyoko Ikeda’s popular manga The Rose of Versailles were unveiled on November 11th at three locations within Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

A Journey Through Osaka's Architectural Heritage

The "Ikefes" festival in Osaka invites visitors to explore over 100 historic buildings for free, showcasing the city’s architectural heritage from historic landmarks to modern structures.

USJ to Open 'Donkey Kong Country' in December

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced that the new 'Donkey Kong Country' area will open on December 11th, expanding the 'Super Nintendo World' by 1.7 times.

Foreign Tourists Immerse in Japan's Nighttime Economy

The rising number of foreign tourists has spurred growth in Japan’s inbound tourism market. A key to enhancing the experience of these visitors lies in the 'nighttime economy,' which focuses on leisure activities.

Skytree Begins 'Real-Time Translator'

Tokyo Skytree has started a pilot project for a 'Real-Time Translator' that can display up to 100 languages.

World Street Performers Gather in Kanagawa

In front of Hon-Atsugi Station's shopping street in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, 32 groups of street performers from both Japan and abroad -- including the Netherlands, Ukraine, and China -- gathered on Saturday to putting on a wide range of performances.

< 2 3 4 5 >