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Travel off the beaten path and experience Utsubuki Park in Tottori Prefecture
Located in Kurayoshi City in Tottori Prefecture (Japan’s least-populated prefecture), Utsubuki Park is an off-the-beaten-path destination that lets visitors enjoy cherry blossoms away from large crowds. Thousands of trees bloom here from late March to mid-April, and the park is counted among Japan’s top 100 city parks and cherry blossom viewing spots. Aside from cherry… Read
New private rooms on Tokaido Shinkansen change the way we travel from Tokyo to Kyoto
Japan currently has 10 shinkansen (bullet train) lines to shuttle passengers around Japan at super high speeds, but the busiest by far is the Tokaido Shinkansen, which has been known to operate over 470 trains along the route in a single day. The Tokaido Shinkansen stretches from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, making it the one that foreign tourists to… Read
In world first, Venice to trial day tickets
Venice will this week begin charging day trippers for entry, a world first aimed at easing pressure on the Italian city drowning under the weight of mass tourism. On Thursday -- a public holiday in Italy -- day visitors will for the first time have to buy a five-euro ($5.3)… Read
With camping ground, hiking trails, farm and more, Aburayama has plenty of fun for visitors of all ages
Located about 30 minutes from the center of Hakata, Aburayama is a popular destination for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The site is amid a relaunch which began in April 2023 to bring people back to nature. With a camping ground, hiking… Read
Nanzoin and Kyushu’s great reclining Buddha
The iconic reclining Buddha, lying on its right with the head propped on an arm, is said to represent the Buddha as he moved to “the state beyond Nirvana” (in other words, passed out of this world). It is an image to encourage people that they, too, can one day… Read
Delta to scrap connecting flight baggage checks in U.S. from Haneda
Delta Air Lines Inc will scrap required baggage checks for its passengers from Tokyo's Haneda airport when they take connecting domestic flights in the United States, according to a senior executive. Jeff Moomaw, Delta's vice president for the Asia Pacific region, said in a recent interview that the airline is… Read
Kanazawa Castle: A significant historical landmark since the 16th century
Japanese castles are an essential part of Japan’s cultural heritage. Although many people associate them with imposing structures and tall towers, that isn’t the case for some. An example of such a castle is Kanazawa Castle, which is unique in its features. Located in Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture, the castle was built in… Read
Kyusho Park: Admire cherry blossoms at a park featuring castle ruins, a history museum and a mansion from the 1900s
Tottori—the least populated prefecture in Japan, invites visitors to experience sand dunes, delectable food and classic anime and manga. Best of all, Tottori is off the beaten path and a great place to avoid large crowds. The prefectural capital, Tottori City, is a particularly popular destination because it offers convenient access to the sand… Read
'Go home': Overtourism sparks backlash in Spain
Anti-tourism movements are multiplying in Spain, the world's second most visited country, prompting authorities to try and reconcile the interests of locals and the lucrative sector. Rallying under the slogan "The Canaries have a limit", a collective of groups on the archipelago off northwest Africa are planning a slew of… Read
JR, Tokyo Metro, other rails lines adding discounts for mentally impaired riders, caregivers
In many parts of Japan, the most populous cities in particular, taking the train is an essential part of maintaining a reasonable standard of living. Stores selling daily necessities, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and clothing stores, as well as hospitals and government offices, tend to be clustered around rail stations,… Read
