Travel

Hokkaido's Asahidake covered by autumn foliage, season's first snowcap

Oct 05 (NHK) - Autumn foliage is drawing visitors to Hokkaido's 2,291-meter Mount Asahidake in the Taisetsusan mountain range, the highest peak in Japan's northernmost prefecture.

Leaves near the summit began changing color in mid-September, about two weeks later than normal.

The red and yellow leaves are now best for viewing in the area around the 1,300-meter mark.

Weather officials say the season's first snowcap was observed on the peak on Wednesday, about nine days later than normal.

The autumn leaves can be enjoyed through mid-October.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

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Japan to Tighten Visa Rules on Foreigners Behind on Health Insurance

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New Typhoon is Forming, Okinawa Could Be Affected Next Week

As of November 4th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tropical depression near the Caroline Islands is expected to develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. The system is separate from Typhoon No. 25 (Haiyan) currently near the Philippines and is projected to move northwestward once it intensifies.

Akita Woman Becomes 13th Bear Victim

Japan’s record-breaking bear crisis has entered a new and deadly phase, with authorities confirming that a 79-year-old woman missing in Akita Prefecture was found dead in the mountains, believed to be the 13th fatality from bear attacks this year.

Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

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The Yamanote Circles Tokyo for 100 Years

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