NHK -- Jan 21
The coronavirus is having a crushing effect on Japan's tourism industry. The number of foreign visitors in 2020 fell nearly 90 percent from the previous year.
Officials at the Japan National Tourism Organization estimate the country received about 4.11 million visitors last year. That's down 87 percent year-on-year.
The biggest group was travelers from mainland China, followed by Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong.
By month, visitors in January numbered about 2.66 million, but plunged to 1,663 in May due to the spread of the virus.
The figures had begun showing a recovery, but industry watchers believe the trend is unlikely to continue.
The government tightened entry restrictions as it declared a second state of emergency earlier this month. Officials have suspended an earlier measure that admitted businesspeople from 10 countries and Taiwan. Foreign entrants are now only allowed entry for such purposes as attending funerals. - NHK
Feb 27
TOREIYU TSUBASA runs between Fukushima and Shinjo. (Kuga's Travel)
Feb 26
Kyoto's traditional townhouses (Machiya) are stunning to behold and amazing to stay in overnight. (Abroad in Japan)
Feb 25
Yukimuro Japanese Snow Refrigerators Where is this? Near Ikazuchi Shrine (ONLY in JAPAN)
Feb 24
This time last year, the Saidaiji Kannon-in temple in Japan’s Okayama prefecture was a writhing ball of flesh. (news.com.au)
Feb 23
Visitors in Japan have been enjoying an outdoor sauna tent camp near the Atago River in Hamamatsu, a coastal city on Japan’s main island. (South China Morning Post)
Feb 23
Boeing Co said it recommended suspending the use of 777 jets with the same type of engine that shed debris over Denver at the weekend after #US regulators announced extra inspections and #"Japan suspended their use while considering further action. (FRANCE 24 English)
Feb 22
On the last episode of our 4-day road trip through Central Japan, we take a ropeway, drive along a scenic road and go sake brewery hopping.
(japan-guide.com)
Feb 22
Komadori-Sanso is located on Mt. Mitake which is only one and a half hour train ride from Tokyo. It's a Shrine Lodging of Musashi Mitake Shrine which is run by Shinto Priest Baba-san and his family. (WAO RYU!ONLY in JAPAN)
Feb 19
Take a pilgrimage to Tsu, an Edo period castle town full of historic shrines, temples, architecture and traditions that have endured for generations. (NHK)
Feb 17
Weather officials in Japan are warning that snowstorms will likely batter areas of the country facing the Japan Sea on Wednesday. They are calling on people to be on the alert against possible traffic disruptions.
(NHK)
Feb 17
Miyagi Prefecture continues to rise from the devastation of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, with residents and newcomers alike finding new possibilities sprouting up in the north.
(NHK)
Feb 17
Since his relatively late emergence onto the scene, New York-based composer Alexey Shor has rapidly built a popular and appreciative following for his style of composition that, while a product of the 21st century, closely follows in the footsteps of the great composers of the 18th and 19th centuries. (newsonjapan.com)
Feb 14
People on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido are making the most of the frigid weather by taking part in a fun event on a frozen lake. (euronews.com)
Feb 14
A major expressway in northeastern Japan was damaged by the quake late Saturday.
(NHK)
Feb 12
This week's episode was shot in Japan, and covers Christianity throughout Northeast Asia. ()
Feb 11
This time, I walked in Shinjuku Kabukicho where I believe one of the most dangerous area in Tokyo. ()
Feb 09
It’s barely 6am, yet already some 30 photographers are taking up positions on the No 1 Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint, high above the Tadami River. (South China Morning Post)
Feb 09
In a few months, the Mediterranean island of Malta will be transformed into a global hub of classical music. (newsonjapan.com)
Feb 08
On this overnight trip to Nara Prefecture, we visit Mount Yoshino, a sacred mountain in the middle of the prefecture on the first day. On the second day, we explore Imaicho, a traditional merchant town, midway between Mount Yoshino and the prefectural capital of Nara. (japan-guide.com)
Feb 08
Yakushima is located 60 km off the southernmost tip of Kyushu. (Armadas)