Travel

Men in Loincloths Brave Subzero Temperatures

HOKKAIDO, Jan 05 (News On Japan) - Twelve men dressed only in traditional loincloths took part in a New Year pilgrimage in the biting cold of Nemuro, eastern Hokkaido, as temperatures plunged to minus 6 degrees Celsius.

Chanting “wasshoi, wasshoi,” the men began running in unison as the bells rang out to mark the New Year, setting off through the town toward Kotohira Shrine, located about two kilometers away. The event, known as the “hadaka mairi,” or bare pilgrimage, sees participants brave the winter cold to offer prayers for the year ahead.

The ritual has continued for more than 40 years, and this year’s event drew 12 participants, who joined their hands in prayer at the shrine, wishing for happiness and good fortune in the new year.

One participant said he was born in the Year of the Horse and hoped to “run through the year with the wish that it will be a wonderful one.”

The event concluded with all participants performing a single rhythmic hand clap together, marking the end of the traditional ceremony.

Source: HBCニュース　北海道放送

Heavy Snow And Bitter Cold Persist Along Sea Of Japan Coast

Intermittent snowfall has continued across areas along the Sea of Japan coast under the season’s strongest cold wave, and Fukui Prefecture issued a special weather alert on January 24th warning of significant heavy snow, with forecasters expecting conditions to worsen again through January 25th.Snowfall intensified around Fukui Prefecture overnight on January 22nd, with even low-lying areas in Hokuriku recording above-average snow depth for this time of year.

Japan Heads Into Snap Election

The Japanese government decided at a Cabinet meeting on January 23rd to dissolve the House of Representatives, with the Lower House set to be formally dissolved at a plenary session later in the day, effectively launching the election campaign.

Japan Astronaut Shares Aurora Footage

Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui has drawn widespread attention for a series of posts showcasing breathtaking views from space, including a video of the aurora that he shared on January 12th shortly before returning.

Inbound Tourists to Japan Top 40 Million for First Time

Japan welcomed more than 40 million foreign visitors in 2025 for the first time, setting a new annual record, even as arrivals from China fell sharply in December.

Straw Serpent Bites Heads in Kyoto

A traditional New Year event known as “Jaduna” was held in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, with local residents praying for a year of good health and protection from illness.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Drift Ice Season Begins in Hokkaido

Abashiri City in Hokkaido announced the season’s “first day of drift ice” on January 22nd after the ice was confirmed from an observation deck.

Heavy Snow Hits Northern Kansai

Northern parts of the Kansai region have been hit by heavy snowfall under what meteorologists are calling the strongest cold wave of the season, prompting warnings after rapid accumulation was recorded in parts of Shiga Prefecture.

4,000-Year-Old Forest Preserved in Shimane Park

A rare prehistoric forest remains hidden beneath the ground in Oda, Shimane Prefecture, where the Sanbe Azukihara Buried Forest Park preserves giant trees that were buried roughly 4,000 years ago during Japan’s Jomon period.

Inbound Tourists to Japan Top 40 Million for First Time

Japan welcomed more than 40 million foreign visitors in 2025 for the first time, setting a new annual record, even as arrivals from China fell sharply in December.

Fire Festival Lights Up Cape Shionomisaki

A fire festival was held on January 17th at Cape Shionomisaki in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, the southernmost point of Honshu, where organizers set ablaze the roughly 100,000-square-meter “Boro no Shiba” grassland overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Abandoned Suitcases at Narita Surge Ninefold

Dozens of suitcases lined the shelves of a police warehouse near Narita Airport, with around 200 pieces of luggage being stored after being left behind inside the airport, highlighting a growing problem that has become increasingly visible across Japan.

How to Plan for Japan - Without Losing Your Mind!

All the tips you need to get started planning your trip to Japan! (japan-guide.com)

Hokkaido Shinkansen Sapporo Extension Delayed by 12 Years

The long-delayed extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sapporo is facing further setbacks, with the opening now pushed back by more than a decade and total project costs projected to more than double, even as construction steadily advances on the ground.

< 2 3 4 5 >