Travel

Kyoto’s Daimonji Sends Spirits Soaring

KYOTO, Aug 17 (News On Japan) - Kyoto’s traditional Obon event, Gozan no Okuribi -- more commonly known as Daimonji -- was held on Saturday night, sending off the spirits of ancestors who returned to the living world during Obon, while also offering prayers for good health.

Despite the rain, large crowds gathered with umbrellas in hand to spend time watching the flickering fire.

According to the Kyoto Prefectural Police, about 22,000 people gathered at five sites across the city this year.

Source: TBS

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

Japan to Tighten Visa Rules on Foreigners Behind on Health Insurance

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment.

New Typhoon is Forming, Okinawa Could Be Affected Next Week

As of November 4th, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a tropical depression near the Caroline Islands is expected to develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. The system is separate from Typhoon No. 25 (Haiyan) currently near the Philippines and is projected to move northwestward once it intensifies.

Akita Woman Becomes 13th Bear Victim

Japan’s record-breaking bear crisis has entered a new and deadly phase, with authorities confirming that a 79-year-old woman missing in Akita Prefecture was found dead in the mountains, believed to be the 13th fatality from bear attacks this year.

Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

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Rare Spoonbill Sighted in Okinawa’s Nago City

A rare migratory bird seldom seen in Okinawa has become the talk of the town after appearing in Nago City. The bird, identified as a spoonbill, was spotted along the Nasada River in the city’s Kogachi district.

Your Next Travel Destination: Kvareli Lake Resort in the Heart of Georgia

Georgia is a small country between Europe and Asia, known for its beautiful nature, rich history and warm hospitality. From high mountains to green valleys, from old churches to modern cities, Georgia offers something for every traveler.

Preserving Hokkaido’s Lost Wartime Bridge

Local authorities in Shari, a town in Hokkaido, are seeking donations to preserve and promote an old Japan National Railways bridge that has been registered as a national tangible cultural property.

Heian-Era Tenpyo Procession Visits Todaiji Temple

The Tenpyo Procession, in which participants don splendid period costumes and visit Todaiji Temple, was held in Nara on November 3rd. The event commemorates Emperor Shomu, who commissioned the construction of the Great Buddha, and Empress Komyo, known for her devotion to Buddhism.

Osaka Festival of Lights 2025 Kicks Off

The opening ceremony of the annual Osaka Festival of Lights was held on November 3rd along Midosuji, Osaka’s main street, transforming the city’s nightscape with dazzling illuminations as trees lining the boulevard glowed with countless lights.

Autumn Foliage Peaks at Nikko’s Irohazaka

Autumn foliage has reached its peak along the Irohazaka winding road in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, where maple, beech, and azalea trees are glowing in shades of red and yellow as streams of cars carrying tourists move slowly up the scenic route.

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) Moves West, No Direct Impact on Japan

[03:00] Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) is currently located east of the Philippines and moving westward. It is expected to intensify while passing near the Philippines before entering the South China Sea and approaching Vietnam. Meteorological agencies say there will be no direct impact on Japan.

The Yamanote Circles Tokyo for 100 Years

Tokyo’s JR Yamanote Line marked the 100th anniversary of becoming a full loop around the city center in the Taisho era. The circular operation, which connects the capital’s major districts and links suburban private railways to terminal stations, laid the foundation for Tokyo’s urban development.

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