Sep 01 (South China Morning Post) - The traditional sento bath house is an important part of Japanese culture. For 500 yen (US$3.7), bathers can take a dip in communal tubs.
But with more people choosing to bathe at home, high gas prices, faltering machinery and a lack of successors, the number of public bath houses has dropped from nearly 18,000 at its peak in the late 1960s to only 1,800 nowadays. Young owners are reinventing the business through renovations and data analysis.
Chiba Prefecture has announced a plan to revise the toll system on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, currently being tested, by doubling toll fees during peak congestion hours from April next year.
The issue of diplomatic vehicles avoiding parking fines in Japan due to diplomatic immunity continues, with Russia reaching a record-high number of violations, accounting for 63% of the total.
The BBC has announced its 2024 edition of '100 Women,' celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on society, selecting Japanese talent Naomi Watanabe (37) as one of the honorees.
Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the city’s day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation.
The JR Group announced on December 2nd that it will end the sale of "round-trip tickets" by around March 2026. Additionally, "consecutive trip tickets" will also be discontinued during the same period.
For Kyoto, a city that attracts visitors from across Japan and abroad, autumn—with its vivid fall foliage—is a particularly crowded season. While concerns over overtourism have long been raised, in recent years, both the public and private sectors have introduced various measures to address the issue.
Explore the 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary in this Ultimate Japan Travel Guide, featuring top Tokyo attractions like Asakusa, Shibuya Tokyo, Shinjuku Tokyo, and Sensoji Temple, along with detailed Tokyo travel tips, a complete Japan 5 days itinerary, and the best places to go in Tokyo for an unforgettable trip. (Alp Galip)
The JR Group announced on December 2nd that it will end the sale of "round-trip tickets" by around March 2026. Additionally, "consecutive trip tickets" will also be discontinued during the same period.
Japan's first luxury cruise ship, where all rooms are suites, has departed Yokohama Port for its maiden voyage.
Japanese macaques at the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunokawa Onsen, Hakodate, Hokkaido, began their annual enjoyment of open-air baths on December 1st.
Sake, Japan's oldest alcoholic drink, dates back over a millennium. By the 17th century, it became widely popular and evolved into the sake known today. Follow along on this two-day trip exploring the sake regions of Itami and Nada in Hyogo Prefecture to learn about its production and export. (japan-guide.com)
The 'Bandit' roller coaster at Yomiuriland in western Tokyo, came to a grinding halt Saturday, leaving 25 passengers stranded.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is connecting Nagano and Toyama over Japan's Northern Alps with 8 diffenrent transportation such as cable car adn electric bus. (Tokyo Kenchan)
