Travel

Balloon Tours to Begin Over Ancient Tombs

OSAKA, Aug 22 (News On Japan) - Sakai City announced it will launch a long-delayed balloon project on October 4th, allowing passengers to view the Nintoku Emperor’s Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from above.

The city had planned to start the project two years ago, but the launch was postponed after helium gas was found leaking just before operations were to begin. Officials said they scheduled the opening to coincide with the Expo period in order to draw visitors and raise the city’s profile.

Mayor Hideki Nagafuchi said, "We hope that after the Expo, people who come back to Osaka will also visit Sakai to experience the grandeur of the Mozu burial mounds."

The ride will cost 4,200 yen per adult, with a discounted price of 3,200 yen for Sakai residents.

Source: KTV NEWS

Japan Braces for Strong Winds and Heavy Rain as Major Typhoon Approaches

As of 9 p.m. on October 10, Typhoon No. 23 (Nakri) was nearly stationary north of Minami-Daito Island, with forecasts indicating that it will change course eastward and approach the seas east of Amami-Oshima by the morning of October 11. Meteorologists warn that from October 12, the typhoon is expected to advance eastward along the Pacific coast of western and eastern Japan, bringing the risk of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous conditions along coastal regions.

LDP-Komeito Coalition Collapses

Komeito leader Saito informed Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) president Takaichi on October 10 that his party intends to withdraw from their coalition, bringing an end to a political partnership that has lasted 26 years, including periods when the LDP was in opposition. Leaders and secretary-generals of both parties met in the Diet at 1:45 p.m. on October 10 to discuss whether to continue the alliance, with Komeito insisting during the meeting that strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational political donations be accepted as a condition for maintaining the coalition.

Deadly Tick-Borne Virus Detected in Tokyo Dog for First Time

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Bear attacks are intensifying across Japan, with fatalities in fiscal 2025 already matching the record high set in 2023. Experts warn that the rise reflects not only an increase in bear numbers but also changes in human society that have blurred the line between mountain habitats and residential areas.

Typhoon No. 22 Leaves Hachijo Island Devastated with Roofs Torn Off and Roads Blocked

Typhoon No. 22, classified as a very strong system, made a direct hit on the Izu Islands, leaving widespread damage across the region. On Hachijo Island, located about 300 kilometers south of Tokyo, the storm brought record-breaking rainfall and violent winds, leaving residents stunned by the destruction.

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Saitama Ranks Last in Japan’s Prefectural Popularity Rankings

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Why Are Bear Attacks Increasing Across Japan?

Historic Town of Imai Preserves Edo-Era Streets in Nara

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The Secret Behind Japan's Imperial Train

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Tokyo Rail Derailment Causes Commuter Chaos

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Aboard a Japanese Scenic Train | Akita to Aomori along the Sea of Japan

The Resort Shirakami is a remarkable train because it’s available for those with JR Rail Passes! Just make a seat reservation. It takes you through some super scenic areas of Japan’s has a dining car and cafe, entertainment and more! (ONLY in JAPAN * GO)

Bear Family Spotted in Sapporo Neighborhood

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Driver In Training Behind Tokyu Line Collision That Caused Train Derailment

A collision occurred on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line on the night of October 5th when a local train attempting to arrive at Kajigaya Station in Kawasaki City struck a stationary out-of-service train, causing several cars of the latter to derail. Investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board arrived at the scene on the morning of October 6th to begin examining the cause of the accident.

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