NARA, Jan 02 (Tokyo Kenchan) - Today let's find the timeless beauty of Nara, Japan. From the sacred deer roaming Nara Park to the breathtaking Todai-ji Temple with the Great Buddha, this Nara travel guide takes you through Japan's ancient capital. Learn about what to see and things to do in Nara, must-see landmarks, hidden gems, and foods that will make your trip to Nara even more memorable.
The Nara District Court has sentenced Tetsuya Yamagami, 45, to life in prison, as requested by prosecutors, for shooting and killing former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a campaign speech. Yamagami showed no change in expression as the life sentence was handed down.
Japan welcomed more than 40 million foreign visitors in 2025 for the first time, setting a new annual record, even as arrivals from China fell sharply in December.
A strong winter pressure pattern is expected to persist through the weekend, raising the risk of additional snowfall mainly along the Sea of Japan coast, including the Hokuriku and Sanin regions, with authorities urging caution against potential heavy snow disasters.
A traditional New Year event known as “Jaduna” was held in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, with local residents praying for a year of good health and protection from illness.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Monday that she will dissolve the House of Representatives on January 23rd, the opening day of the regular Diet session, and hold a snap general election with voting set for February 8th.
A fire festival was held on January 17th at Cape Shionomisaki in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, the southernmost point of Honshu, where organizers set ablaze the roughly 100,000-square-meter “Boro no Shiba” grassland overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Dozens of suitcases lined the shelves of a police warehouse near Narita Airport, with around 200 pieces of luggage being stored after being left behind inside the airport, highlighting a growing problem that has become increasingly visible across Japan.
All the tips you need to get started planning your trip to Japan! (japan-guide.com)
The long-delayed extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sapporo is facing further setbacks, with the opening now pushed back by more than a decade and total project costs projected to more than double, even as construction steadily advances on the ground.
Hokkaido is set to relax the criteria for issuing its so-called “brown bear alert,” making it possible to release warnings even before human injuries occur, as the prefecture seeks to respond more flexibly to the early appearance of dangerous animals.
At Kawayu Onsen in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its rare hot springs that bubble up when the riverbed is dug, giant papier-mache figures—a winter tradition—have gone on display.
Japan byFood and Shizuka are curating the ultimate 2-week Japan itinerary, featuring the best food experiences and restaurants. For Japan first-timers, this video is a perfect guide for you to eat through the essential destinations in the country beyond sushi and ramen! (Japan by Food)
A ramen shop in Osaka’s Minami district has found itself at the center of controversy after introducing what is known as “dual pricing,” setting different prices for Japanese customers and foreign visitors, prompting questions over fairness as similar pricing structures are increasingly debated at tourist destinations across Japan.
