Kyoto — The Kyoto Buddhist Association announced on April 2nd that it will introduce cashless payment options for temple admission fees and offerings, aiming to improve convenience for visitors, particularly from overseas.
An unseasonal heavy snowfall struck Hokkaido, with Kushiro City recording a record 21 centimeters of snow for April, while rising temperatures on April 3rd prompted warnings over falling snow from rooftops.
Cherry blossoms have reached full bloom in Kyoto, where the World Heritage-listed Toji Temple is drawing visitors with its striking combination of sakura and the iconic five-story pagoda reflected in a nearby pond.
A large bear, its massive body swaying as it walked sluggishly, was recently spotted just after emerging from hibernation, already showing signs of hunger as it devoured food in early spring.
Kansai International Airport’s low-cost carrier terminal has undergone a major renovation in response to rising passenger numbers, with the updated domestic flight area unveiled to the press on March 31st.
A large number of people gathered at Ishikari-Numata Station in western Hokkaido on March 31st to witness the final run of the JR Rumoi Line, bringing an end to its 116-year history as trains made their last journey through snow-covered rice fields.
A massive fountain installation, billed as one of the largest in the world, began operating in Tokyo’s Odaiba district on March 28th, as the metropolitan government seeks to revitalize the waterfront area and draw millions of visitors.
Tokyo Metro has completed the installation of platform screen doors at all of its 180 stations, marking a major milestone in passenger safety measures across its network.