Travel

Entry Fees Raised at Famous Kyoto Temples

KYOTO, Jun 08 (News On Japan) - Kyoto's Heian Shrine's 'Shin-en,' adorned with approximately 2,000 iris flowers, waived its usual 600 yen admission fee for one day on June 7 to coincide with the blooming season.

Tourist: 'It's really beautiful. Since it's open for free, I thought I should take a look.'

Tourist: 'The weather is great, and having such a wonderful day makes me feel like I can live a long life. I feel very happy.'

While affordable sightseeing is delightful for everyone, Kyoto's famous tourist spots are currently grappling with admission fee hikes.

Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site established about 1,100 years ago, raised its adult admission fee by 300 yen to 800 yen three years ago.

Ninna-ji's Yoshimasa Kanazaki: 'To maintain and manage the temple for the next 100 years, we need to spend an average of 200 million yen annually. Ninna-ji covers these costs through admission fees.'

Ninna-ji, closely associated with the Imperial family, relies solely on admission fees as it has no parishioners. However, they have made admission free for high school students and younger, aiming to promote tourism.

Tourist: 'Considering the maintenance costs, I think it's unavoidable. But cheaper would be better.'

Last year, Ryōan-ji and Kinkaku-ji, also World Heritage sites connected to Ninna-ji via the "Kinukake no Michi" path, raised their admission fees due to the rising prices of goods and materials.

Source: YOMIURI

Japan's Tuition-Free High School Program Expanded Nationwide

The Japanese government has decided to expand its tuition-free high school program this spring. Public high school tuition is now completely free regardless of household income, and starting next academic year, the scope of support for private schools will also be broadened.

Exploring the Mystery of Okinawa's Royal Tomb

Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa's Ryukyu heritage, suffered extensive damage in a devastating fire in October 2019 that destroyed the main hall and many other structures. The cause of the blaze remains unknown.

Lack of Carpenters Causing Construction Delays

A deepening labor shortage in Japan’s construction industry is beginning to impact homebuyers, with some experiencing delays of more than six months before construction can even begin due to a lack of available carpenters.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

11-Story Complex to Be Built at Fukuoka Airport

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new multi-purpose complex directly connected to the domestic terminal at Fukuoka Airport.

Water Show to be Held Every Night at Osaka Expo

'Parade of Blue and the Night Rainbow' is a water and air spectacle show scheduled to be held during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

'Princess Procession' Draws Crowds in Hamamatsu

A traditional spring event known as the 'Himesama Dochu' (Princess Procession) was held in Hamamatsu City, drawing large crowds along the route.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

Shinmoedake Eruption Alert Raised to Level 3 as Volcanic Activity Increases

The eruption alert level for Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, has been raised to Level 3, or "entry restrictions," due to increased volcanic activity.

Okayama | 3-Day Suggested Itinerary

Explore the hidden gem of Okayama Prefecture, known for its scenic canals, top-tier garden, and famous folktale. Follow along on a three-day adventure through Kurashiki, the Kibiji District, Korakuen garden and Uno Port, the gateway to Japan’s art islands. (japan-guide.com)

Japan Pavilion Opens at Expo

An opening ceremony was held Saturday for the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. As the host country's main exhibit, the pavilion is positioned as the symbolic "face" of the Expo, welcoming visitors from around the world with a presentation of Japan's culture of circularity.

< 2 3 4 5 >