Tokyo Plans To Build World's Largest Fountain In Odaiba

TOKYO, Sep 15 (News On Japan) - The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to construct a 150-meter-high, 250-meter-wide fountain in Odaiba Seaside Park, inspired by the Somei Yoshino, the city's official flower.

Governor Yuriko Koike stated on Friday, "To further enhance the vibrancy of the area, we will build the Odaiba Fountain. It will be accompanied by music and lights, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world."

Tokyo has previously invested 160 million yen on a monument at Harumi Pier and 700 million yen on projection mapping on the walls of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, both of which sparked debate over the use of public funds.

Regarding the new fountain project, public opinion is divided. A man in his 50s commented, "If spending money brings in more foreign tourists and increases revenue, I’m in favor of it." In contrast, a woman in her 30s remarked, "Tokyo already has so many tourist spots, I don't think there's a need to build more artificial attractions."

The Tokyo government aims to complete the fountain by the end of next fiscal year, and the required budget is currently under review.

Source: ANN

Bear Sinks Teeth Into Live Deer as Tourists Watch From Hotel Window

A bear attacking a live deer outside a hotel in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, has shocked onlookers and prompted heightened alert from local authorities.

Strong Winds Cause 'Shaky Landings' at Narita Airport

Strong winds battered wide areas of Japan on April 15th, disrupting air travel, toppling trees in central Tokyo, and fueling a fire that burned down homes in Toyama.

2026 Winter Olympic Torch Unveiled for First Time at Expo's Italy Pavilion

The torch to be used in the relay for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics has been unveiled for the first time at the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue.

Japan's Total Population Falls; Largest Drop Since Records Began

Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has released its latest population estimate, showing that Japan's total population, including foreign residents, stood at 123,802,000 as of October 1st last year, a decrease of 550,000 from the previous year. This marks the 14th consecutive year of population decline.

[Day Two] Expo Off to Flyer

The Osaka-Kansai Expo drew large crowds on its second day under clear skies, with countries launching their 'National Day' events, and a highly anticipated flying car demonstration that had been canceled due to bad weather on April 13th.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

'Hibaku Sakura' Grows from Hiroshima Tree Exposed to Atomic Bomb

A cherry tree blooming in the garden of the Shiga Peace Memorial Museum carries the legacy of Hiroshima. This tree, known as a 'hibaku zakura' or atomic-bombed cherry tree, descends from a tree that survived the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, just two kilometers from ground zero.

Swimming Season Opens at Okinawa's Sesoko Beach

The official start of the swimming season was held on April 12th at Sesoko Beach in Motobu, Okinawa Prefecture, where children’s excited voices echoed across the sand as they welcomed the long-awaited day.

Kyoto Locals Flock to Katsuryuji Castle for Springtime Cherry Blossoms

While Kyoto is often crowded during sakura season, Katsuryuji Castle Park in Nagaokakyo offers a more tranquil alternative. As a cherished local spot, it allows visitors to appreciate the cherry blossoms at a relaxed pace.

World Spotlight on Osaka as Expo Opens After Half a Century

For the first time in 55 years, a World Expo has returned to Osaka, opening its doors to the public on Sunday under the theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.'

Himeji Castle Unlocks Inner Towers

Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hyogo Prefecture, has begun its special spring opening, offering visitors the rare chance to explore parts of the castle that are usually off-limits to the public.

Shinkansen Services Boosted Ahead of Osaka-Kansai Expo

JR Central will increase the number of Tokaido Shinkansen services following the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, according to company president Shunsuke Niwa. Speaking on April 11th, Niwa said, "We will increase the number of trains as needed to ensure visitors reach the Expo site reliably."

Travel and Culture: Inspiring a More Authentic Life

Travel is more than just a chance to escape the daily grind or check off destinations from a bucket list.

Sapporo Launches Contactless Subway Trial

Sapporo City announced on April 9th that it will begin a trial of contactless payment on the subway, allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates using credit cards or smartphones.

< 2 3 4 5 >