Travel

Get ready to zip 1740 meters across Japan's islands

TOKYO, Jul 27 (News On Japan) - An ambitious plan to build a 1740-meter zipline [flying fox] over the Kanmon Straits between Honshu and Kyushu islands took a step closer to reality this week with the mayors of two cities establishing a project team.

On Tuesday, the mayors of Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, launched a project team for the Kanmon Strait Mega Zip Line which, if completed, would slide about 130 meters above the sea at a maximum speed of 110 kilometers per hour for 90 seconds.

北九州と下関、ワイヤロープで結ぶ　両市が構想プロジェクトチームhttps://t.co/AehaoplWqz

計画するジップラインは、下関市の火の山と門司区和布刈地区を結ぶ全長1740メートル。実現すれば日本一の長さになる。2025年春の開業を目指している。#北九州市 #下関市 #西日本新聞me
— 西日本新聞me (@nishinippon_dsg) July 26, 2023

Source: 日テレNEWS

Countdown to the New Year: Best Times to Visit Shrines for ‘Hatsumode’

With only a week left until the New Year, people are preparing for "hatsumode," the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the year. However, the first three days of January see heavy crowds at popular spots. Strategic planning around timing and location can help avoid congestion and make for a quieter visit.

Drone Footage Reveals Izu's Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned hotels in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula are becoming an increasing concern for local authorities. Once bustling with tourists during Japan’s economic boom, many hot spring resorts in Higashi-Izu Town have been left derelict, their structures crumbling and ownership unclear.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Mount Fuji x Lawson's 'New Countermeasure': Green Pedestrian Crossings Painted to Improve Safety

Tourists crossing the roadway despite warnings have long been a challenge for local authorities. Despite attempts such as installing barriers and banners, the problem has persisted.

Japan-South Korea Ferry Abandoned After 30 Years

JR Kyushu High-Speed Ferry announced on December 23rd that it will permanently withdraw from the Japan-South Korea high-speed ferry route connecting Hakata and Busan. The decision follows a scandal involving the company concealing water leakage on its high-speed ferry, the 'Queen Beetle,' while continuing operations.