Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

Customs authorities in Osaka strengthened border controls on March 9th in response to a continued influx of counterfeit goods entering Japan, including fake merchandise linked to popular characters and events.

Nara Prefecture’s Asuka Village, with a history spanning 1,400 years, preserves numerous historic sites that tell the story of Japan’s ancient capitals, including the vividly colored wall paintings of the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus depicting the famed “Asuka Beauties,” while the surrounding satoyama countryside continues to evoke what many consider the original landscape of Japan.

Once known as a “3K” job—dangerous, demanding and poorly paid—the taxi industry in Japan has long struggled with labor shortages, but drivers’ incomes have improved significantly in recent years, rising by roughly 40 percent compared with 2020 during the COVID-19 downturn.

Come with us for an overnight trip as we step back in time in the small town of Uchiko! (japan-guide.com)

A plan to relocate wild deer from Kyoto to Nagoya Castle in order to increase the small population of deer living in the castle’s moat has been abandoned, Nagoya city officials announced on March 5th.

Japan offers a travel experience unlike any other. Ancient temples stand beside neon city streets, high-speed trains connect distant regions with precision, and local cuisine surprises at every corner.

JR West has introduced a new route for its luxury sleeper train Twilight Express Mizukaze, offering passengers a scenic journey around Lake Biwa.

The Osaka Loop Line, which circles central Osaka, has 19 stations and runs for about 21 kilometers. Despite its circular design, surprisingly few trains actually operate in a full loop. During daytime hours, only about one in three trains runs the complete circuit, while destination boards often display locations such as Nara or Wakayama—names that seem out of place on a circular urban railway.