nature
Getting up early and heading outside the regular tourist circuit could lead to an unforgettable experience this autumn.
Governor asks offseason hikers to “stop waving around their freedom to climb the mountain as if it’s the only thing that matters.”
![The confusing enjoyment of our day-trip bus tour from downtown Tokyo to Yamanashi [Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/0_c0d84a.jpg?w=640 "The confusing enjoyment of our day-trip bus tour from downtown Tokyo to Yamanashi [Photos]")
This bus tour wasn’t exactly what we’d expected, but it turned out to be something we wanted.
The question of whether it’s illegal to hike Mt. Fuji in the off-season is complex, and so is the question of who should pay for it.
Maps and predicated peak color dates to help you plan your autumn journey to see Japan’s natural beauty.
One of the cutest places in Japan needs visitors’ help keeping rabbit food, and rabbits themselves, from becoming boar food.
![This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/1_af0912.jpg?w=640 "This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]")
![This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/0_04767c.jpg?w=640 "This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]")
The Enbaragawa River’s lighting and subsurface flow put it on a different level of natural beauty.
Before Hitachi Seaside Park turns red for autumn, it’s got a beautiful summer color to show you too.
The Nakano family opens a second rice paddy art site this year and shares more about the process that goes into their annual labor of love.
New reinforced shelters are designed to protect climbers from volcanic eruptions, falling rocks and lightning.
![Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/mt-0.jpg?w=640 "Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]")
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Osaka man arrested for running little pet shop of horrors with dangerous crocodile
Starbucks Japan releases new Halloween Frappuccino for 2026, inspired by a cat in a mystery forest
Make-your-own-Totoro plushie workshop event coming to Ghibli Park park this fall
Wendy’s Japan goes big with new limited-edition Mega Wendy’s, but is it worth the calories?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Halloween goods with secret glow-in-the-dark details
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
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Weekly
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
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Toys R Us is leaving Japan after 35 years in the country
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Foreign tourist numbers drop in Osaka, despite record-setting highs from U.S. and Korea
Monthly
- Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods- Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
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Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
Yogurt and Japanese koji fungus is Japan’s latest food trend, but how does it taste? [Taste test]
Tokyo government announces removal of all public phones from city’s Toei subway stations
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Sendai Bank gifts babies their weight at birth in money upon opening a new bank account
One of Japan’s best convenience store egg sandwiches is one you won’t find at the big three chains
My Neighbor Totoro calendar for next year can be yours right now at Donguri Kyowakoku
Nissin takes the lid off its first-ever Cup Noodle Point Program for you to win fun prizes
Starbucks Japan releases new seasonal chilled cup tea latte with surprising accents in flavour
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Foreign tourist numbers drop in Osaka, despite record-setting highs from U.S. and Korea
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