Travel

Himeji Castle Unlocks Inner Towers

HYOGO, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hyogo Prefecture, has begun its special spring opening, offering visitors the rare chance to explore parts of the castle that are usually off-limits to the public.

The event grants access to three smaller keeps located beside the castle’s main tower, along with the three connecting corridors. These structures, all designated as national treasures, are not typically open for entry. Their special opening has been timed to coincide with the launch of Expo 2025.

Among them, the five-story Inui Kotenshu, or Northwest Keep, features a top floor without window lattices, providing a dramatic view of the imposing main tower. Visitors were seen gazing out with curiosity and admiration at the panoramic sight.

Source: KTV NEWS

Another Nuclear Plant Wins Safety Approval, Eyes 2027 Restart

The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft review on April 30th confirming that safety measures at Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 comply with the country’s updated safety standards. This effectively clears the unit for restart, making it the 18th reactor at 11 nuclear plants nationwide to pass the review under the new regulatory framework.

Mayor Expresses Shock as Shirahama’s Pandas to Return to China

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Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

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Last Chance to See Hokkaido’s Fabled Bridge as Collapse Looms

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Japanese Skater Tomono Debuts New Routine for Next Winter Olympics

Kazuki Tomono of Daiichi Juken Group performed his new short program for the upcoming season targeting the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics during the Prince Ice World show held in Yokohama on April 26th.

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