Don’t get lost in Shinjuku Station! This complete guide explains how to navigate Japan’s busiest railway hub. Learn the layout of JR platforms including Narita Express, Yamanote Line, and Chuo Line. (Tokyo Kenchan)

The Kansai Expo site in Osaka was alive with the rhythms of summer on July 28th, as roughly 8,000 participants gathered for a large-scale Bon Odori dance atop the iconic roof ring structure. (News On Japan)

A wild brown bear was filmed attacking an Ezo deer on a national highway in Rausu, eastern Hokkaido. The footage, taken from inside a vehicle, shows the bear gripping the deer by the neck and dragging it into the forest. (News On Japan)

A Guinness World Record was set on July 26th at the outdoor arena of the Osaka Kansai Expo site, where thousands came together to perform Bon Odori in a display of international unity. According to the official Guinness adjudicator, 3,946 participants from 62 countries took part, setting a new record for the largest Bon Odori dance with the most nationalities involved. (News On Japan)

The theme park "Junglia Okinawa" opened on July 25th in Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture. Set amidst lush natural surroundings, the park offers a sense of openness and adventure, featuring 22 attractions including the "Dinosaur Safari," where visitors can ride through the jungle while being chased by dinosaurs. (News On Japan)

From spring 2026, passengers will be able to ride the entire Tokyo Metro network using contactless payments via credit cards or smartphones, without the need for tickets or transit IC cards. (News On Japan)

During the Osaka-Kansai Expo, a total of eight "Japan Fireworks Expo" events are scheduled to take place between April and October, featuring fireworks crafted by pyrotechnicians from across Japan specifically for the Expo. (News On Japan)

A procession of elaborately decorated yamahoko floats took place on July 24th in central Kyoto as part of the latter half of the Gion Festival, known as the Ato-matsuri. The parade featured 11 floats, each adorned with luxurious decorations, making their way through the streets on a route opposite to that of the earlier procession held on July 17th. (News On Japan)

The Nana-chan mannequin, a beloved symbol of Nagoya Station, has moved for the first time since its debut in 1973. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., the mannequin now raises its arms in a motion pose every time the clock hits a time ending in the number 7. This marks the first time the figure has shown any movement in its 51-year history. (News On Japan)

The Jordan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo has become a standout attraction, offering a multi-sensory desert experience that includes red sand from a UNESCO World Heritage site, spa treatments with Dead Sea mud, sand art workshops, and even a sweet, spiced date shake. (News On Japan)

Nagasaki is a city like no other in Japan, shaped by both its long history as a gateway to international trade and its tragic role as the second city to be devastated by an atomic bomb during World War II. (News On Japan)

With the start of school holidays and the final day of the long weekend on July 21st, tourist destinations across Japan's Tokai region were bustling with families enjoying summer activities. (News On Japan)

On July 21st, Marine Day, around 3,000 fireworks lit up the night sky above Nagoya Port, drawing large crowds to the annual Nagoya Minato Festival. (News On Japan)

To tackle the growing issue of overtourism, authorities in Biei, Hokkaido, have banned parking around the scenic "Seven Stars Tree" for one month starting July 18th. (News On Japan)

More than 100 people a day have been seeking treatment for injuries or health issues at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, which marked its third month in operation in mid-July. With sweltering summer heat bearing down on the venue, visitors have been turning to on-site clinics for urgent care. (News On Japan)

The Nepal Pavilion, the only facility that had remained closed since the start of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, finally opened on July 19th, more than three months after the event began. (News On Japan)

In the town of Taiji in Wakayama Prefecture, known as the 'whale town,' two whales were relocated ahead of the official beach opening to prepare for a special summer event. (News On Japan)

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced at 11 a.m. on July 18th that the Kanto-Koshin, Hokuriku, and southern Tohoku regions appear to have entered the post-rainy season period. (News On Japan)

A man in his 30s from Aichi Prefecture has been referred to prosecutors for abandoning a suitcase at Chubu Centrair International Airport. The case highlights a growing issue of unclaimed luggage being left behind at the airport. (News On Japan)

Japan welcomed 21,518,100 foreign visitors in the first half of 2025, exceeding 20 million at the fastest pace ever, according to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization on July 16th. The surge was driven by increased travel during the Chinese New Year holiday and cherry blossom season, resulting in a 21% year-on-year increase. (News On Japan)