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

Southern Kyushu Enters Rainy Season Earlier Than Okinawa for First Time in 49 Years

Southern Kyushu has entered the rainy season, marking the first time in 49 years that it has done so earlier than Okinawa. It is also the earliest rainy season start for any region in Japan since the Meteorological Agency began keeping records. Authorities are warning of heavy rainfall not only in Kyushu but across other parts of the country as well.

Saitama Road Collapse Recovery to Take 5-7 Years

A road collapse in Yashio City, Saitama Prefecture is expected to take five to seven years to fully restore, local officials said on Friday, following the recovery of a truck cab that had remained lodged in the sewer system since the January accident.

Eighty Years On, Okinawa Remembers the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill

Eighty years have passed since the end of World War II, yet the memories of its fiercest battles continue to echo in the heart of Okinawa. The district of Omoromachi in central Naha, now a lively urban hub filled with people, was once the site of one of the bloodiest clashes of the Battle of Okinawa—the Battle of Sugar Loaf Hill.

Aoi Festival Kicks Off in Kyoto

The Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major traditional festivals, began on May 15th with a vibrant procession of around 500 people dressed in elegant Heian-period garments making their way through the streets of the ancient capital.

Japan Marks 150 Years of Meters

Japan’s prototypes of the kilogram and meter, which once served as national standards for weight and length, were presented to the press this week ahead of the 150th anniversary of the Meter Convention, the international treaty that standardized global measurement systems, to be marked on May 20th.

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MORE Travel NEWS

Volcanic Ash Disrupts Flights as Eruptions Persist in Southern Japan

Explosions and eruptions continued at Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, with volcanic activity intensifying since May 15. In an early morning eruption before 6 a.m., a plume of ash rose approximately 2,700 meters above the crater.

Exploring Naha Through a Puzzle Adventure Game

A city-wide puzzle-solving game will soon begin in Naha as part of efforts to boost tourism and help participants rediscover the charm of the area.

Aoi Festival Kicks Off in Kyoto

JR East to Launch First-Ever 60% Off Shinkansen Flash Sale

JR East has announced its first-ever time-limited discount sale offering up to 60% off Shinkansen fares, with tickets available through its online reservation platform, Ekinet.

New Tokyo Water Commute Connects Gotanda and Tennozu in 35 Minutes for 900 Yen

Tokyo's push for river-based commuting is gaining momentum with the launch of a new weekday evening ferry route connecting Gotanda and Tennozu.

Manga Sparks Earthquake Fears and Flight Cancellations from Hong Kong

Greater Bay Airlines, which resumed regular flights between Sendai and Hong Kong last December for the first time in 13 years, currently operates four round trips per week. However, starting this week and continuing through the end of October, the airline will reduce that to three weekly round trips due to declining travel demand. The number of flights to Tokushima will also be cut. What is behind this sudden downturn?

Deer Dashes Through Central Sapporo

A deer was repeatedly sighted in central Sapporo on the morning of May 13th, prompting police to patrol the area and urge caution.

Are Tips Inappropriate in Japan?

Japan has traditionally not practiced tipping, but signs of change are emerging amid an unprecedented boom in inbound tourism.

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