Fail to Submit Climbing Plans

Oct 11, 2026 | News On Japan

SAITAMA - Police in Saitama Prefecture are urging hikers to submit climbing plans before heading into the mountains during the busy autumn recreational season, after nearly 80% of people involved in mountain emergencies this year were found to have failed to file the necessary information.

Officers gathered on the morning of October 12 at the foot of Mount Bonorei in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, to encourage hikers to submit a climbing notification, known as a tozan-todoke, before beginning their ascent.

The notification records essential information, including the planned hiking route and details of accompanying climbers, helping rescue teams locate missing or injured hikers more quickly in the event of an emergency.

A parent hiking with a child welcomed the initiative, saying, "It's easy to fill out, and it can be useful in an emergency, so I think everyone should submit one."

According to Saitama Prefectural Police, 53 people have been involved in mountain emergencies across the prefecture so far this year, with approximately 80% of them having failed to submit a climbing notification.

Police emphasized that providing route and group information in advance can significantly improve the speed of rescue operations, particularly when hikers become lost or injured in mountainous terrain.

With more people expected to visit the mountains during the autumn hiking season, authorities are encouraging climbers to take this simple precaution before setting out, stressing that submitting a climbing plan can help ensure a swift response if an emergency occurs.

Source: TBS

Typhoon No. 29 Brings High Waves to Japan's Pacific Coast

Very strong Typhoon No. 29 (Koguma) was moving north near the Ogasawara Islands on the evening of October 11, bringing the risk of high waves and powerful swells along Japan's Pacific coast, particularly around the Izu Islands and coastal areas of the Kanto region, despite expectations of limited direct impacts from the storm. At 9 p.m. on October 11, the typhoon had a central atmospheric pressure of 950 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds of 45 meters per second near its center, maintaining its classification as a very strong typhoon. It was moving north at approximately 15 kilometers per hour.

Record-Strong El Nino Expected to Bring Warm Winter to Japan

Japan is expected to experience a warmer-than-normal winter as the El Nino phenomenon currently affecting the Pacific Ocean has reached its strongest level on record, with the Japan Meteorological Agency announcing on October 10th that unusually high sea surface temperatures are likely to persist through the coming winter months.

Otsu Festival Parades Elaborate Floats Following UNESCO Recognition

The Otsu Festival, one of Shiga Prefecture's three major traditional festivals, was held in Otsu City on October 11th, featuring a procession of 13 elaborately decorated floats carrying traditional mechanical puppets through the streets, following the festival's addition to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December last year.

Cyberattacks Spread Across Japan

A series of cyberattacks has disrupted business operations and exposed millions of customer records across Japan, with a ransomware attack on a cloud service provider affecting 495 companies and local governments nationwide, while convenience store operator Lawson has disclosed a separate breach involving more than 2.15 million personal information records.

Japan's First 360-Degree Projection Mapping Opens in Osaka

Japan's first 360-degree projection mapping show will open at the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts on October 10, transforming the historic building into an immersive world of light, music, and seasonal imagery, with organizers hoping the attraction will also help stimulate the city's nighttime economy.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Osaka's Midosuji and Paris' Champs-Elysees Become Sister Streets

Osaka's Midosuji boulevard and the Champs-Elysees in Paris have officially established a sister street partnership, marking a new step in cooperation between the two cities on urban development, streetscape improvements, and efforts to attract visitors.

Konosu Fireworks Festival Sets Guinness World Record

The Konosu Fireworks Festival, one of Japan's largest fireworks events, set a Guinness World Record for the number of consecutive large-shell fireworks launched on October 10, as approximately 20,000 fireworks illuminated the autumn night sky over Konosu City in Saitama Prefecture.

Fail to Submit Climbing Plans

Police in Saitama Prefecture are urging hikers to submit climbing plans before heading into the mountains during the busy autumn recreational season, after nearly 80% of people involved in mountain emergencies this year were found to have failed to file the necessary information.

Japan's First 360-Degree Projection Mapping Opens in Osaka

Monkeys Hit Popular Hot Spring Resort

A man in his 40s was injured after being attacked by a troop of wild monkeys in Yugawara, a popular hot spring resort town in Kanagawa Prefecture, on September 17, marking the area's first reported case of a person being bitten by a monkey and prompting authorities to strengthen monitoring of the animals using GPS tracking devices.

Tokyo Ward Expands Short-Term Rental Restrictions

Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward will expand restrictions on private lodging businesses across the entire ward from January 2027 after the ward assembly approved an ordinance amendment on October 7 aimed at tightening controls on minpaku short-term rentals.

Acorn Shortage Raises Fear of Bear Attacks

Bears are becoming increasingly active across Japan ahead of winter, with poor acorn harvests in parts of the country raising concerns that hungry animals may venture closer to homes and tourist areas in search of food.

JAL Unveils Revamped Domestic Lounge at Haneda Airport

Japan Airlines has revamped its domestic lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, adding private workspaces, meal options timed to passengers' departures and facilities for families as it seeks to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse range of travelers.

< 2 3 4 5 >