Travel

China Considers Resuming Visa-Free Travel From Japan

BEIJING, Nov 17 (News On Japan) - The Chinese government is reportedly considering the resumption of the short-term visa-free travel program for visitors from Japan, allowing stays of up to 15 days.

According to multiple sources, Chinese authorities have informed travel agencies and other stakeholders of the possibility that the visa waiver could be reinstated as early as this month.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, China permitted short-term visa-free travel for Japanese nationals. However, the program was suspended in March 2020 as the virus began to spread globally and has yet to be reinstated.

Following the pandemic's containment, the Japanese government has been urging China to resume the program, but Beijing has so far remained noncommittal.

During the Japan-China summit held on November 15th in Peru, the two countries agreed to promote greater people-to-people exchanges. Officials familiar with the matter have suggested that the summit might serve as a catalyst for the resumption of visa-free travel.

Source: ANN

Japan Faces Legal Hurdles in Deploying Military for Bear Control

Japan’s worsening bear problem has prompted calls for national intervention, but legal and operational barriers have complicated the government’s response. In 2025, bear attacks have reached record levels, leaving 12 people dead—double the previous high of six fatalities in 2023.

Moths Threaten Kyoto’s Famous Bamboo Shoots

Kyoto’s prized bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy that graces dining tables each spring, are facing an unprecedented crisis this year. The culprit is the Chinese bamboo moth (Sinachiku nomeiga), whose larvae feed on bamboo leaves, weakening the plants and severely reducing harvest yields.

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) Moves West, No Direct Impact on Japan

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) is currently located east of the Philippines and moving west-northwest. The storm is expected to continue on a westward track, passing near the Philippines before entering the South China Sea. Weather agencies forecast that the typhoon will not have a direct impact on Japan.

Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

The Yamanote Circles Tokyo for 100 Years

Tokyo’s JR Yamanote Line marked the 100th anniversary of becoming a full loop around the city center in the Taisho era. The circular operation, which connects the capital’s major districts and links suburban private railways to terminal stations, laid the foundation for Tokyo’s urban development.

Autumn Foliage Peaks in Nikko as Bear Sightings Force Trail Closures

Autumn foliage has reached its peak in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, where brilliant red and gold leaves have drawn large crowds over the three-day holiday weekend. Under clear skies, the scenic views of Lake Chuzenji and the 97-meter Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, offered picture-perfect sights, while the winding Irohazaka road formed a striking tunnel of autumn colors visible even from passing cars.

JAPAN'S HIDDEN GEM | IRIOMOTE (OKINAWA)

Explore Iriomote Island, Okinawa, with a guided tour including kayaking through lush jungle to a stunning waterfall. Enjoy a delicious noodle lunch and snorkeling amongst vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. This day trip offers a unique glimpse into a secluded Japanese island. (Jumping Places)

Illuminated Rock Formations Bring Magic to Wakayama Coast

A test lighting was conducted on October 30th at Hashiguiiwa, a nationally designated natural monument located in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, ahead of its annual illumination event. The unique rock formations rising from the sea were bathed in shades of orange and blue, creating an ethereal coastal scene.

Top Autumn Foliage Spots in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is now in the peak of autumn foliage season, with its vast landscape dotted by countless scenic spots displaying vibrant colors unique to each location. From golden ginkgo-lined avenues stretching nearly 380 meters to crimson leaves reflecting off blue lakes, visitors can experience the full spectrum of autumn hues.

Sense of Crisis in World Heritage Shirakawa Village: ‘Never a Year with So Many Bears Before’

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies.

Autumn Colors Advance Rapidly in Karuizawa as Temperatures Drop Below Freezing

Temperatures in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, fell to minus 1.1 degrees Celsius on the morning of October 29th, marking the lowest of the season and accelerating the autumn foliage at Kumoba Pond, which had been about two weeks behind schedule.

Kyoto Confronts Over-Tourism

Kyoto, long celebrated as Japan’s iconic autumn destination, is now facing a striking shift in its tourism landscape. In the city’s most famous spots, foreign tourists far outnumber Japanese visitors, raising questions about over-tourism and the city’s future balance between hospitality and livability.

< 2 3 4 5 >