New reinforced shelters are designed to protect climbers from volcanic eruptions, falling rocks and lightning.
outdoors
![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]")
Fujinomiya mayor wants people hiking unopened trails to think about someone other than just themselves.
![Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/hn-2.jpg?w=640 "Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]")
This part of Japan gets so much snow you have to wait until spring to see it, but the wait is over!
Escape the urban sprawl by taking a tour on “Japan’s last clear stream” that will leave you clearly in tune with nature.
Yes, Japan’s most famous sakura spots and species draw big crowds for good reasons, but they’re not all that cherry blossom season has to offer.
Spring hasn’t quite sprung yet but we can still soak up its essence in the humble yet mighty plum blossoms.
![Five amazing snow-view open-air Japanese hot springs in Hokkaido [Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/yr-2.jpg?w=640 "Five amazing snow-view open-air Japanese hot springs in Hokkaido [Photos]")
We get on rental bikes in the heart of Japan’s biggest city and ride until we run out of daylight.
Grab your coat and scarf, we’re headed out to see the best cold-weather scenery east Japan has to offer!
With peak Fuji-viewing season coming up, here are seven spots to add to your Japan travel list.
We only took this ride to keep a promise to two elementary school girls, but it turned out to be well worth the ticket price.
Lapras’ latest collaboration with the region it’s an ambassador for is now ready to receive fans and provide squeals of joy.
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A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
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Weekly
- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata- Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】- 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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Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Tokyo’s giant Pokémon Stamp Rally is back for 2026 with exclusive prizes up for grabs
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
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Kirby Cafe gets even cuter with new summer menu and dishware you can take home[Photos]
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
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Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
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