Travel

New Kyoto Train Restaurant Brings Taste of the Future

KYOTO, Sep 19 (News On Japan) - An interactive restaurant called the ‘Future Train’ will open on September 20th in Umekoji, Kyoto. The concept features a futuristic station where a train bound for tomorrow awaits.

At the heart of the venue is the actual front car of the Thunderbird express, which operated between Osaka and Kanazawa until December 2024, now reborn as the symbol of the new attraction. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences inside the train, alongside a menu that includes an unusual hamburger designed to surprise guests.

Behind the transformation of the Thunderbird into the Future Train was the determination of two women. Over the course of ten months, they overcame setbacks, shared tears, and laughter, and devoted themselves to completing the project. Their story is woven into the opening of a venue that blends nostalgia with innovation, aiming to make Umekoji a new landmark in Kyoto.

Source: ABCTVnews

Takaichi Elected as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Japan’s Diet elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s 104th prime minister on October 21st, making her the first woman to lead Japan and signaling a sharp shift to the right following a turbulent political season marked by party upheavals, coalition realignments, and public frustration over economic stagnation.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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ANA Flight Forced To Return To Haneda

An All Nippon Airways flight bound for Iwakuni was forced to return to Haneda Airport on the night of October 13th after a possible incident involving its landing gear and a runway light during takeoff.

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