Travel

Wintersweet Flowers Signal the Arrival of Spring in Shiga

SHIGA, Jan 14 (News On Japan) - Wintersweet flowers, often said to herald the arrival of spring, have reached their peak at a shrine in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture. The wintersweet, which produces small, glossy pale yellow blossoms, is in full bloom on the grounds of Sasaki Shrine in the Azuchi district of Omihachiman. About 20 trees have been planted there, including both early- and late-blooming varieties.

The flower is known for its wax-like sheen, which is said to be the origin of its name, as well as its resemblance to plum blossoms. A faintly sweet fragrance drifts through the air around the trees.

This year, the flowers reached their best viewing period two to three days earlier than usual, with visitors stopping to take photographs and enjoy the scent.

The wintersweet blossoms are expected to remain on display until early February.

Source: YOMIURI

Japan Swelters as Tokyo Heatstroke Cases Hit Record Pace

Disaster-level heat gripped much of Japan on July 22, with temperatures of 40 C forecast in parts of the Kanto and Tokai regions and heatstroke alerts issued for 41 prefectures from Okinawa to Tohoku.

RansomHouse Claims Responsibility for Cyberattack on Nichirei

The hacker group known as RansomHouse has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on frozen food giant Nichirei that delayed shipments and disrupted restaurants and supermarkets across Japan.

Climbers Flock to Mount Fuji Despite Disaster-Level Heat

Large numbers of climbers headed to Mount Fuji on July 22 despite disaster-level heat that pushed temperatures to 40 degrees Celsius or higher in parts of Japan, while a series of rescues highlighted the risks of exhaustion, inadequate footwear and hypothermia during the peak summer climbing season.

Mount Fuji Filmed From a Helicopter

Breathtaking 4K footage filmed from a helicopter offers a sweeping aerial view of Mount Fuji and its majestic surrounding landscape.

Japan Scrambles for Oil

A covert network of shuttle tankers is carrying crude through the increasingly dangerous Strait of Hormuz as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran disrupts shipping and raises concerns over how Japan will secure the oil it needs.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Tokyo Ward Lifts Handheld Fireworks Ban

Nerima Ward has allowed handheld fireworks in selected public parks for the first time, joining a growing number of Tokyo wards seeking to provide residents with designated places to enjoy the traditional summer activity.

Mount Tokachidake Erupts for First Time in 22 Years

Mount Tokachidake in central Hokkaido experienced its first confirmed eruption in 22 years on July 22, sending a column of black smoke about 200 meters above the crater, although authorities said there were no signs that volcanic activity was intensifying.