Sapporo City announced on April 9th that it will begin a trial of contactless payment on the subway, allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates using credit cards or smartphones. (News On Japan)

With only a few days left before the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the Australia Pavilion stands out as one of the most immersive and engaging experiences, offering a journey through the country's rainforests, wildlife encounters, and even a taste of its more adventurous cuisine. (News On Japan)

Low-cost carrier Peach has launched a new route connecting Kansai Airport and Seoul’s centrally located Gimpo Airport, offering more convenient access to the South Korean capital. (News On Japan)

As many people prepare to travel by Shinkansen and other trains during the upcoming holidays, this article takes a look at a beloved companion of train journeys in Japan: the ekiben, or train station lunch box, which is also gaining popularity among foreign tourists. (News On Japan)

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (Expo Association) opened the Osaka-Kansai Expo venue on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka, to the press on April 9th for a "media day" event ahead of the official opening. (News On Japan)

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route, linking Toyama and Nagano prefectures, will reopen on April 15th with the new Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus set to begin service between Murodo and Daikanbo along a 3.7-kilometer stretch. (News On Japan)

The One Fukuoka Hotel, soon to open on April 24th, has recently granted the media a preview of its lavish accommodations set between the 18th and 19th floors of the One Fukuoka Building in Fukuoka City's bustling Tenjin district. Just two weeks shy of its grand opening, the hotel promises a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern luxury, offering expansive views across the cityscape. (News On Japan)

The Yubari Coal Museum in Hokkaido will reopen its 'simulated mine' exhibit to the public on April 19th, marking the end of extensive restoration work following a fire in 2019. (News On Japan)

The 21st Edo Fukagawa Sakura Festival concluded Sunday, with walkways and boat trips offering magnificent views of cherry blossoms in full bloom along a 1.3 kilometer stretch of the Oyoko River. (News On Japan)

The KK Line expressway running through Tokyo's Ginza district was officially closed on Saturday night, as part of a larger plan to transform the area into a pedestrian-centered public space. (News On Japan)

As Japan enjoys the economic boost from a surge in foreign tourists, the hot spring town of Atami has introduced a lodging tax in April to tackle overtourism—prompting backlash from Japanese travelers who question why they, too, must pay a fee meant for inbound tourism. (News On Japan)

When the sun sets in the world’s most captivating cities, a different kind of elegance emerges. For the refined traveler who craves more than the ordinary, cities like Tokyo and Dubai transform into luxurious playgrounds where fantasies take flight under the moonlight. (News On Japan)

Shuri Castle, a symbol of Okinawa's Ryukyu heritage, suffered extensive damage in a devastating fire in October 2019 that destroyed the main hall and many other structures. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. (News On Japan)

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new multi-purpose complex directly connected to the domestic terminal at Fukuoka Airport. (News On Japan)

'Parade of Blue and the Night Rainbow' is a water and air spectacle show scheduled to be held during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. (News On Japan)

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen. (News On Japan)

A traditional spring event known as the 'Himesama Dochu' (Princess Procession) was held in Hamamatsu City, drawing large crowds along the route. (News On Japan)

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year. (News On Japan)

The eruption alert level for Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, has been raised to Level 3, or "entry restrictions," due to increased volcanic activity. (News On Japan)

Explore the hidden gem of Okayama Prefecture, known for its scenic canals, top-tier garden, and famous folktale. Follow along on a three-day adventure through Kurashiki, the Kibiji District, Korakuen garden and Uno Port, the gateway to Japan’s art islands. (japan-guide.com)