Travel

Osaka Ranks Third Among Popular Domestic Destinations

OSAKA, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - The number of people in Japan planning overnight domestic trips during the Golden Week holidays is expected to rise 1.7% from the previous year to 23.9 million, according to estimates by JTB, as higher prices drive growing demand for shorter trips closer to home.

Against this backdrop, Rakuten Travel released its latest ranking of popular domestic destinations, with Tokyo taking the top spot, followed by Hokkaido, while Osaka ranked third among travelers, particularly from the Kansai region.

Looking at accommodation trends, three key buzzwords are gaining traction: all-inclusive, glamping, and pet-friendly stays.

Reservations for all-inclusive plans, which allow guests to enjoy meals and activities within a fixed price, as well as glamping options that combine the comfort of hotels with easy outdoor experiences, have increased by roughly 1.4 times compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, demand for pet-friendly accommodations has also risen, with bookings exceeding 1.2 times last year’s levels.

Source: MBS NEWS

Middle East Tensions Push Up Prices of Cooking Oil and Fish

Rising tensions in the Middle East are beginning to affect not only fuel and transportation costs, but also the prices of everyday foods ranging from cooking oil and fish to onions, with experts warning that the impact could continue for at least another year even if fighting comes to an end.

Japan's Business Manager Visa Applications Plunge 96%

Applications for Japan’s "Business Manager" residency status, which is granted to foreign entrepreneurs launching businesses in the country, have fallen by approximately 96% following the tightening of screening standards introduced in October last year.

Sacred Pilgrimage Site Asks Visitors Not to Wear Revealing Clothing

Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Wakayama Prefecture that has seen a steady rise in visitors from both Japan and overseas in recent years, is urging worshippers to avoid wearing revealing clothing as the summer season approaches, as temple authorities seek to preserve the dignity and spiritual atmosphere of one of Japan’s most revered religious centers.

Japanese Passenger Aboard Cruise Ship as Andes Hantavirus Cases Confirmed

A cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean with a Japanese passenger on board has become the center of a widening international health response, as multiple countries confirm infections linked to a rare strain of hantavirus capable of limited human-to-human transmission.

Vacant Homes With 110 Heirs

The number of vacant homes across Japan has surpassed 9 million—roughly double the figure from 30 years ago—yet efforts to address the issue are being held back by increasingly complex inheritance cases that make resolution difficult.

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MORE Travel NEWS

Monkey Sightings Spread Across Kobe and Himeji

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Massive Bears Roam Near Residential Areas Across Japan

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Japanese Passenger Aboard Cruise Ship as Andes Hantavirus Cases Confirmed

Shinkansen Unreserved Seats Reach 160% Capacity

The final day of Golden Week on May 6th saw heavy congestion at Tokyo Station, where returning travelers crowded Shinkansen platforms, with unreserved seating on some lines exceeding 160% capacity.

Man Mauled by Bear in Akita Rice Field

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Percy Train is Huge Hit on Children’s Day

A large number of families gathered at Oigawa Railway in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, on May 5th for Children’s Day, where the popular “Percy” steam locomotive from the Thomas the Tank Engine series drew enthusiastic crowds.

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