Travel

[Monsters In Tokyo] #6 Sangenjaya King Kong

TOKYO, Jun 02 (NOJ) - Built in 1979, the King Kong-like figure is perched atop a pink commercial building which houses a gym and a brightly lit FamilyMart. From afar, the giant creature is seemingly overlooking the bustling district, leaning towards the edge of the building, with its right arm dangling freely.

In its palm, a young girl donning a green dress sits, appearing to have fallen and been caught by the ape. Thanks to the prominent fixture, the building has earned itself an apt moniker of “Gorilla Building”, or ゴリラビル (gorira biru) in Japanese... read more @ TheSmartLocal

あのゴリラビル

#ゴリラビル
 #三軒茶屋 pic.twitter.com/sEolhUD16V
— きーちゃん (@KiichanNexus4) June 18, 2022

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Countdown to the New Year: Best Times to Visit Shrines for ‘Hatsumode’

With only a week left until the New Year, people are preparing for "hatsumode," the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the year. However, the first three days of January see heavy crowds at popular spots. Strategic planning around timing and location can help avoid congestion and make for a quieter visit.

Drone Footage Reveals Izu's Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned hotels in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula are becoming an increasing concern for local authorities. Once bustling with tourists during Japan’s economic boom, many hot spring resorts in Higashi-Izu Town have been left derelict, their structures crumbling and ownership unclear.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

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