Travel

Tokyo Shrouded in Yellow Dust

TOKYO, Mar 30 (News On Japan) - Yellow sand was observed in Tokyo on Saturday morning, marking the city's first encounter with the phenomenon this year.

Asian dust has been drifting over the Japanese archipelago since Friday, and by just after 6 AM, Tokyo witnessed its initial sighting of the year.

A wide area from northern to western Japan is expected to experience yellow sand throughout Saturday, with visibility potentially dropping below 5 kilometers in some places.

The effects are anticipated to persist into Sunday, necessitating caution regarding potential disruptions to transportation.

Source: ANN

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

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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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