Travel

Expo Pavilion Finally Opens After Delay and Minor Fire Scare

OSAKA, Apr 16 (News On Japan) - On the fourth day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo on April 16th, under clear skies, large crowds gathered once again as the long-delayed Brazil Pavilion finally opened after a minor fire scare and construction delays.

"This is my third visit already. I’ve been marking the pavilions I visit in pink on this map. I upgraded to a full pass, so I’m determined to visit every single one."

While the international pavilions are a major highlight of the Expo, construction delays have prevented seven of them from opening. Among them was the Brazil Pavilion, which had also experienced a small fire scare just before the opening. It finally welcomed visitors on April 16th.

Guests at the Brazil Pavilion can enjoy cultural experiences such as trying on traditional ponchos or getting their hands and faces painted.

"It wasn’t open on the first day? Yay, finally!"

"This is so fun!"

"It feels fresh and creative. I really like it."

Approximately 46,000 people attended on April 15th, down about 5,000 from the day before. Same-day tickets remained available for April 16th.

Source: YOMIURI

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

The entire population of pandas at Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, is being returned to China, delivering a major blow to both the mayor and residents. The emotional and economic impact is significant.

Rules Tightened for Parental Leave Benefits

The rules surrounding benefits for parents on childcare leave were tightened in April due to concerns over the practice known as 'aiming to miss nursery placement.'

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

The "phantom bridge," a Hokkaido heritage site in the Tokachi region known for appearing and disappearing with the seasons, has begun drawing visitors again in 2025 as its elusive form grows increasingly fragile.

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.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Tokyo Disneyland Unveils Plan for New Space Mountain

Oriental Land, which operates Tokyo Disney Resort, has announced plans to renovate several areas, including the launch of a new Space Mountain.

Japan's Popular Tourist Destinations Adapt to Avoid Overtourism

Tourism surged with the start of Golden Week, with some people venturing out and others staying put. Among them is a story of transformation: in Hakuba, once a quiet summer destination with few visitors, local players have successfully turned it into a bustling hotspot.

The Hidden Okinawa – A Quiet Journey Through Ruins and Beaches

Japan's southern island chain -Okinawa is a unique destination for travelers that you can enjoy both cultural depth and amazing nature. In this video, I explore quiet ruins and beaches, and a town of Koza that post war history remains. (Tokyo Kenchan)