As winter approaches, it gets colder throughout Japan. Snow falls infrequently in large cities, but there is plenty of it in the surrounding mountains (and in any northern region of the country). (News On Japan)

For such a small country, Japan combines a variety of striking landscapes, from high and majestic mountains and hills to flat agricultural land and beautiful beaches with palm trees. (News On Japan)

Takamatsu, a laid-back coastal city in Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture, is a great spot for a mix of nature, history and island vibes. Start your trip with a stroll through Ritsurin Garden, a stunning traditional Japanese garden filled with ponds, walking paths and mountain views. (Happy Trip)

The scene is set in Chimashi, one of Tokyo’s major hubs. Nearby landmarks include Shiodome and the old steam locomotive plaza, a well-known spot marked by a preserved train. The area is recognized as a popular and iconic location in the city. (ONLY in JAPAN)

The Okinawa Island-wide Eisa Festival, the largest event of its kind in the prefecture, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year after growing from its postwar origins into one of Okinawa’s most representative cultural events. (News On Japan)

A United Airlines flight bound for Cebu from Narita made an emergency landing at Kansai Airport on September 12th after a fire warning was triggered in the cargo hold. The incident forced all 142 passengers and crew to evacuate using emergency slides, with five passengers sustaining minor injuries such as bruises. (News On Japan)

Once considered a relic of the Showa era, the abacus is experiencing a revival across Japan. Children once again gather in classrooms, repeating the familiar call of "13 yen, 25 yen, 81 yen," as they practice calculations that many thought had been replaced by digital tools. Demand is spreading so quickly that production centers in Hyogo Prefecture are struggling to keep pace. (News On Japan)

A level crossing near Kamakura High School Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway, long celebrated as a setting in the popular anime Slam Dunk, has become one of Kamakura’s busiest tourist sites. The crossing, featured in the show’s opening sequence, attracts throngs of visitors hoping to capture the iconic view of the tracks and passing trains. (News On Japan)

Japan has confirmed its first domestic case of a more severe strain of the mpox virus, which has been spreading rapidly in Africa. (News On Japan)

Long-distance love has become almost ordinary in today’s hyper-connected world, but that doesn’t make it easy. (News On Japan)

Japan has developed a unique credit environment shaped by its cultural values, aging population, and long-standing financial traditions. (News On Japan)

The benchmark land prices, a key reference point for real estate transactions, were released on September 16th. While many tourist areas across the country saw increases, Osaka is experiencing a particularly notable trend. (News On Japan)

Applications for the University Entrance Common Test scheduled for January next year opened on September 16th, with the process shifting for the first time to an online system as the standard method. (News On Japan)

Today, I'm gonna take you on a trip to one of Japan's hidden gems! Many people know the beautiful village of Shirakawago in Takayama. Well, I'm gonna take you to a place that's EVEN BETTER! If you're planning a trip to Japan, you MUST visit this place! (Mrs Eats)

A tour of the large-scale redevelopment site around Shibuya Station in Tokyo was held on September 15th, Respect for the Aged Day, organized by Tokyu, JR East, and Tokyo Metro. About 20 participants, including elementary and junior high school students from Shibuya Ward, visited the construction site, which includes the planned East Exit 4th Floor Skyway set to open in 2030. (News On Japan)

Shibuya was engulfed in massive crowds on September 14th as people gathered in front of SHIBUYA109, to the point where movement was nearly impossible. The draw was the Shibuya Konno Hachimangu Annual Festival, a centuries-old celebration held in the heart of the city to pray for prosperity and good harvests. It is regarded as Shibuya’s largest festival. (News On Japan)

A foreign visitor was filmed hanging from a torii gate at a popular scenic spot in Ikeda, Osaka, known as the ‘Sky Torii,’ where the city can be seen through the frame of the gate. The footage shows a man doing pull-ups on the sacred gate while another person filmed the act on a smartphone. (News On Japan)

A United Airlines plane made an emergency landing at Kansai International Airport on September 12th after a cockpit warning indicated a possible fire in the cargo hold, though investigators later confirmed no trace of fire was found. (News On Japan)

Sapporo Rainbow Pride was held over the weekend in central Sapporo, bringing together around 900 participants in a show of support for a more inclusive society that embraces sexual diversity. (News On Japan)

Naoya Inoue, the unified world super bantamweight champion across four organizations, successfully defended his titles on September 14th at IG Arena in Kita Ward, Nagoya. The victory marked his 26th consecutive win in world championship bouts, tying the all-time record. (News On Japan)