Travel

Adventure Rafting Season Begins on Kitayama River

MIE, May 19 (News On Japan) - Rafting season has begun on the Kitayama River, which flows along the borders of Wakayama, Mie, and Nara prefectures, drawing tourists eager to experience its thrilling rapids.

The tradition of rafting in the village of Kitayama in Wakayama Prefecture traces back to the days when logs cut from the mountains were floated downstream to the city of Shingu. With the development of road infrastructure, this once practical method of timber transport has since evolved into a recreational activity.

Tourists now ride rafts built from round cedar logs and hinoki branches, navigating the river for about an hour while taking in the natural surroundings.

One tourist said, "I’m soaked!" when asked about the experience. When asked if it was intense, the reply came quickly: "Yes, it was full of thrills!"

The rafting season is scheduled to continue through the end of September.

Source: YOMIURI

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.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

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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

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

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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

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King and Queen Promote Shuri Castle Restoration

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