Travel

Tokyo's Imperial Palace opens for autumn

TOKYO, Nov 25 (News On Japan) - Inui Street, the famed autumn walk within the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, opened to the public from Saturday.

As the Sakashita gate opened at 9 am, the 300 or so people who had been lining up started their journey down Inui Street, 750 meters to Inui gate. Good weather on the first day saw visitors enjoying the beginning of the autumn foliage, taking lots of photos.

The general opening will take place over 9 days until Dec 3. While security checks are conducted at the entrance, no reservations are required and anyone can visit.

The Imperial Household Agency expects about 200,000 visitors during this period, which is double last year's.

Another Nuclear Plant Wins Safety Approval, Eyes 2027 Restart

The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft review on April 30th confirming that safety measures at Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 comply with the country’s updated safety standards. This effectively clears the unit for restart, making it the 18th reactor at 11 nuclear plants nationwide to pass the review under the new regulatory framework.

Mayor Expresses Shock as Shirahama’s Pandas to Return to China

The entire population of pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is being returned to China, delivering a major blow to both the mayor and residents. The emotional and economic impact is significant.

Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

Last Chance to See Hokkaido’s Fabled Bridge as Collapse Looms

The "phantom bridge," a Hokkaido heritage site in the Tokachi region known for appearing and disappearing with the seasons, has begun drawing visitors again in 2025 as its elusive form grows increasingly fragile.

Japanese Skater Tomono Debuts New Routine for Next Winter Olympics

Kazuki Tomono of Daiichi Juken Group performed his new short program for the upcoming season targeting the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics during the Prince Ice World show held in Yokohama on April 26th.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Tokyo Disneyland Unveils Plan for New Space Mountain

Oriental Land, which operates Tokyo Disney Resort, has announced plans to renovate several areas, including the launch of a new Space Mountain.

Japan's Popular Tourist Destinations Adapt to Avoid Overtourism

Tourism surged with the start of Golden Week, with some people venturing out and others staying put. Among them is a story of transformation: in Hakuba, once a quiet summer destination with few visitors, local players have successfully turned it into a bustling hotspot.

The Hidden Okinawa – A Quiet Journey Through Ruins and Beaches

Japan's southern island chain -Okinawa is a unique destination for travelers that you can enjoy both cultural depth and amazing nature. In this video, I explore quiet ruins and beaches, and a town of Koza that post war history remains. (Tokyo Kenchan)