Travel

Cherry Blossoms Reach Final Stage, Six Days Earlier Than Average

HOKKAIDO, May 08 (News On Japan) - Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025.

The Wakkanai Local Meteorological Office confirmed the blooming of five to six flowers on an Ezoyamazakura tree—the northernmost sample tree in Japan—located in a city park on May 7th. This observation officially marked the start of the blooming season in Wakkanai. Compared to 2024, this year's bloom came six days later, but still six days earlier than the historical average.

Shortly after, the Kushiro Local Meteorological Office also confirmed the blooming of Ezoyamazakura, leaving only Abashiri among the 58 locations nationwide where the Japan Meteorological Agency monitors cherry blossoms.

With this, the cherry blossom front that has swept from southern Japan to the north is now close to reaching its final stop.

Source: HBCニュース　北海道放送

Trump Meets Japan's Emperor for First Time in Six Years

Emperor Naruhito met with former U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time in six years at the Imperial Palace on October 27th. The two exchanged greetings in English, with the Emperor saying, "I’m pleased to see you again," as he welcomed Trump to the Imperial residence around 6:30 p.m.

Woman Found Dead Near Rice Field in Akita, Bear Attack Suspected

An elderly woman was found dead in a roadside ditch in Akita City on October 27th, with police investigating the possibility that she was attacked by a bear. A local resident discovered the woman lying face down in a drainage channel around 11 a.m. and called emergency services.

Japan's Defense Ministry Mulls Bear Countermeasures

The Defense Ministry is considering deploying the Self-Defense Forces to Akita Prefecture following a series of bear attacks that have injured residents in recent weeks.

Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors.

McDonald's Japan to End Paper Straws

McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

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.

King and Queen Promote Shuri Castle Restoration

The King and Queen portraying Ryukyu royalty promoted highlights of the upcoming Shuri Castle Restoration Festival, which will begin on November 1. The annual festival celebrates the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom and aims to build momentum for the ongoing restoration of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in 2019.

JR Central Hamamatsu Factory Opens Shinkansen Tour

A factory tour offering a close look at Shinkansen maintenance facilities began on October 25th at JR Central’s Hamamatsu Works in Hamamatsu City, drawing large crowds of railway enthusiasts and families. The event, titled “Go to JR Central Hamamatsu Factory,” has been held annually since 2022 to help visitors experience the Shinkansen up close.

Kurama Fire Festival Lights Up Kyoto

Around 500 blazing torches lit up the night sky on October 22nd as Kyoto’s famed Kurama Fire Festival, one of the city’s three most extraordinary festivals, took place around Yuki Shrine in Sakyo Ward.

Tokyo's Tropical Paradise | The Best Beaches I've Ever Seen In Japan!

After having travelled to Japan's most famous tropical locations (Okinawa, Amami, Miyakojima etc), I wasn't expected Niijima to hold a candle to them, but I was wrong! I can't believe that the best beaches in the country are in Tokyo... (Currently Hannah)

Kotatsu Dining With a View

With the arrival of autumn, Osaka’s Abeno Harukas is offering visitors breathtaking sunset views from the 58th-floor observatory 300 meters above ground.

Hoshino Resorts Turns Regional with Seven New Openings in 2026

Hoshino Resorts announced on October 22nd that it will open seven new facilities across Japan in 2026, with a particular focus on regional areas.

First Snow Caps Mount Fuji, 15 Days Earlier Than Last Year

The Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory announced on October 23rd that the season’s first snow had been observed on Mount Fuji, which stands 3,776 meters tall. Around 6 a.m., an official visually confirmed that snow had clearly accumulated near the summit.

< 2 3 4 5 >