Travel

Giant Papier-Mache Figures Appear at Wakayama Hot Spring

Wakayama, Jan 13 (News On Japan) - At Kawayu Onsen in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, known for its rare hot springs that bubble up when the riverbed is dug, giant papier-mache figures—a winter tradition—have gone on display.

The jumbo papier-mache figures appear each year at this time as guideposts for Yakushi Nyorai, regarded as the guardian deity of Kawayu Onsen, when the deity is believed to return from the mountains to the village, expressing gratitude for the blessings of the hot springs.

This year, 11 distinctive figures made by pasting paper over bamboo frames and coloring them have been installed along the suspension bridge over the Oto River that flows through Kawayu Onsen, including an ema-style image of the zodiac animal for the year, the horse, as well as bears, which drew particular attention last year.

The giant papier-mache figures will remain on display through mid-February, delighting visitors to the hot spring resort during the winter season.

Source: YOMIURI

Typhoon No. 25 Threatens Heavy Rain in Early Silver Week Holiday

Typhoon No. 25 was moving westward over waters south of the Ogasawara Islands as of noon on September 18 and is expected to bring heavy rain and stormy weather to the islands, Kanto, the Izu Islands and eastern Shizuoka Prefecture during the first half of Japan's five-day Silver Week holiday, before conditions improve across much of the country later in the break.

Bear Sighting Raises Alarm at Popular Tokyo Hiking Spot

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season.

Starbucks Considers Selling Majority Stake in Japan Business

Starbucks is considering selling a majority stake in its Japanese business, potentially valued at as much as $3 billion, or about 470 billion yen, as the U.S. coffee chain seeks to concentrate management resources on its struggling North American operations.

Halloween Jumbo Lottery Goes on Sale With 400 Million Yen Top Prize

Japan's Halloween Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on September 16, offering a combined top payout of 400 million yen for the first prize and its adjacent-number prizes.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Kyushu Shinkansen Back on Track for Silver Week

The Kyushu Shinkansen will resume operations along its entire route on September 18 after suffering extensive track and other damage in the Kumamoto earthquake, raising hopes that the long-awaited restoration will help revive tourism in disaster-hit areas ahead of the Silver Week holiday period.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Tourism Ahead of Silver Week

Prolonged rain is disrupting tourism ahead of Japan's Silver Week holidays, forcing Nagatoro's popular river cruises to remain suspended for an 11th consecutive day while increased water flow at Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture is drawing more visitors.