Travel

The 'Phantom' of Fukuoka

FUKUOKA, Jan 24 (News On Japan) - Fukuoka Castle is set to unveil the 'Phantom Tenshukaku,' a 14-meter tall steel framework erected on the castle's tenshudai (tower base), adorned with LED lights that can glow in seven different colors.

This LED feature will be lit up for the first time on the opening day of the 'Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival' in March and extend until the end of May.

The reconstruction of Fukuoka Castle's original tenshukaku (main keep) has been the subject of much debate. The introduction of this 'Phantom Tenshukaku' offers a contemporary approach to highlighting the castle's historical significance while engaging visitors in a unique way.

As the city prepares for the Sakura Festival, the 'Phantom' is expected to draw visitors from all over, offering a magical and colorful addition to the festivities, adding a modern twist to the historic site and shining a new light on Fukuoka's rich cultural heritage.

by Brian Dentry

Source: ANN

One Month to Expo: Just 20% of Overseas Pavilions Completed

With one month to go until the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, construction work is accelerating at the venue as delays in pavilion building continue to pose challenges.

A Journey Through Nagahama: Tracing the Legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Nagahama, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to numerous sites connected to the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From Nagahama Castle, where visitors can view Hideyoshi’s handwritten documents and the scenery he once gazed upon, to Kunitomo, a major center of firearm production that supported Japan’s unification, the area offers a rich tapestry of historical insights.

Final Chapter for 'Bōsōzoku'?

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

Osaka Installs 2-Meter Fence Under Glico Sign

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues.

Japan’s 'Most Dangerous' Zoo to Close in September Over Legal Issues

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Ninja Campaign Targets Overtourism

Efforts to tackle overtourism in Otaru, Hokkaido, have taken an unconventional turn, as local youth have adopted a ninja persona to urge tourists to follow proper etiquette.

Exploring Japan? Here's Why You Need eSIM for Travel

Japan is a country brimming with tradition, technology, and natural beauty. Whether you’re soaking in the serene beauty of Kyoto’s temples, shopping in the buzzing streets of Tokyo, or hiking the majestic Mt. Fuji, staying connected is crucial.

Yellow Dust Headed for Japan: Impact on Allergies and Air Quality

A yellow dust storm originating in China has led to the first warning of the year, with forecasts predicting its arrival in Japan, particularly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

Abandoned Hospital Becomes Haunted Hotspot

An abandoned hospital in Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, has become a popular destination for ghost hunters, causing concern among local residents. The former Himekawa Hospital, which closed in 2007 due to financial struggles, has been vandalized, with broken windows, graffiti, and frequent trespassing.