Travel

Kobe Airport Launches First International Flights to Five Asian Cities

KOBE, Apr 19 (News On Japan) - Kobe Airport has launched its first regular international charter flights since opening in 2006, connecting the city with five major Asian destinations—Incheon in South Korea, Taipei and Taichung in Taiwan, and Shanghai and Nanjing in China—with a total of 40 round-trip flights per week.

While the move is expected to bring significant economic benefits—an estimated 10.4 billion yen—the expansion has also highlighted a longstanding issue: access to the airport.

Currently, the only rail connection to Kobe Airport is the Port Liner, which takes 18 minutes from Sannomiya Station. However, during rush hour, the trains are already heavily crowded.

A reporter at the station described the scene: "The train has arrived, and passengers are squeezing in. It's packed to the limit."

The influx of international travelers carrying large suitcases during peak commuting hours could add to the congestion. Although a dedicated airport bus service exists as a congestion countermeasure, its low public awareness remains a concern.

Source: KTV NEWS

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Moves Toward Vietnam, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 20th show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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Life on the Move: Stories Behind Japan’s Highway Bus Passengers

Around Osaka Station, nine long-distance bus terminals operate in close proximity, making the area one of Japan’s most competitive hubs for highway bus travel. Despite the speed of planes and shinkansen, the affordability and convenience of buses continue to attract a loyal following.

What to do with your luggage when traveling Japan?

Dragging heavy suitcases up and down stairs and through unfamiliar places is probably not what you had in mind for your Japan trip - that's where luggage storage and delivery come in. A safe and convenient alternative, these services allow you to ditch those bags and have your best Japan holiday. (Japan Guide)

Tokugawa Birthplace Temple Turns Into Jungle

A historic temple in Ota, Gunma Prefecture, known as the birthplace of the Tokugawa clan name, is at the center of a dispute with local authorities after a once-picturesque pond within its grounds dried up and turned into an overgrown thicket.

Japan’s Inbound Tourists Top 30 Million at Fastest Pace Ever

The number of foreign visitors to Japan surpassed 30 million in the fastest time ever, according to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization. A total of 31.65 million people visited the country between January and September 2025, breaking the 30 million mark earlier in the year than ever before.

Mid-Summer Temperatures Hit Kyushu

Temperatures soared past 30°C across parts of Kyushu and Okinawa on October 16th, with 90 locations recording midsummer-like conditions despite it being mid-October, while much of eastern Japan experienced a sharp autumn chill.

How to Preserve Osaka's Expo Legacy

The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which brought together 158 countries and regions over 184 days before closing on October 13th, now faces a crucial question: how can its legacy be preserved for future generations? Experts say the answer lies not only in what remains physically — such as pavilions, iconic structures, and innovative technologies — but also in how the event continues to inspire people long after the crowds have gone home.

Mother and Cub Exterminated as Bear Sightings Continue

Authorities in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward killed a mother bear and her cub on October 14th after the pair were caught in a box trap, marking the latest incident in a string of bear encounters in the city’s Nishino district.

Red Ferraris Steal the Spotlight at Nagoya’s Auto Event

More than 450 cars — from sleek red Ferraris celebrating 20 years of Nagoya’s sister-city ties with Turin to world-class rally machines — attracted a wide range of petrol heads in Hisaya Odori Park over the weekend.

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