SHIZUOKA, Mar 10 (News On Japan) - Unusual weather delayed the bloom of Kawazu cherry blossoms in Shizuoka Prefecture by two weeks, leading to a nine-day extension of the Kawazu Sakura Festival.
The festival concluded on Sunday, with visitors enjoying hanami under kotatsu. Some areas only reached peak bloom four days ago, allowing for another week of cherry blossom viewing.
Source: TBS
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.
An 80-year-old man who calls himself an Expo enthusiast was arrested on April 14th for obstructing operations at the entrance gate of the Osaka-Kansai Expo after falsely claiming that he had a bomb in his backpack.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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 is more than just a chance to escape the daily grind or check off destinations from a bucket list.
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.
With only a few days left before the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the Australia Pavilion stands out as one of the most immersive and engaging experiences, offering a journey through the country's rainforests, wildlife encounters, and even a taste of its more adventurous cuisine.
