The Japan Meteorological Agency announced it will significantly revamp its disaster-related weather information system from April 28th, introducing a new category called “Danger Warning” in addition to existing warnings and advisories. (News On Japan)

A male polar bear cub has gone on public display at Oga Aquarium GAO in Oga, where visitors are being charmed by its determined efforts to get used to the water. (News On Japan)

The Spring Takayama Festival, which signals the arrival of spring in Hida Takayama, opened on April 14th, drawing large crowds to the historic town. (News On Japan)

The cherry blossom front has finally reached Hokkaido, with Matsumae Town in southern Hokkaido declaring the start of the blooming season on April 13th. (News On Japan)

The number of people in Japan planning overnight domestic trips during the Golden Week holidays is expected to rise 1.7% from the previous year to 23.9 million, according to estimates by JTB, as higher prices drive growing demand for shorter trips closer to home. (News On Japan)

Tucked away in the mountains of Kyoto’s Kita Ward, northwest of Kinkakuji, Haradani-en Garden was in full bloom on April 7th, offering a rare glimpse into one of the city’s lesser-known cherry blossom destinations. (News On Japan)

Tokyo DisneySea in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, was unveiled to the media on April 8th ahead of its 25th anniversary event “Sparkling Jubilee,” with the park transformed under a unified theme color for the first time in its anniversary celebrations. (News On Japan)

A bill to reduce passport application fees is expected to pass the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, paving the way for lower costs for travelers. (News On Japan)

Nankai Electric Railway will begin operating a new sightseeing train connecting Namba and Koyasan on April 24th, with the full details unveiled to the media on April 9th. (News On Japan)

A tourist farm in Yabu City, Hyogo Prefecture, is attracting growing numbers of visitors by offering the rare experience of strawberry picking together with pets. (News On Japan)

Deep winter conditions persist into April at Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture, with 8-meter snow walls still standing, while the facility’s main attraction, the expansive wooden bathhouse known as the "Hiba Sennin-buro," a rare mixed-gender bathing area, continues to draw visitors. (News On Japan)

A trial luggage storage service has begun at a bank in Kyoto, as part of efforts to address the growing number of tourists visiting the city. (News On Japan)

A 31-year-old Polish man was rescued by helicopter after falling near the New Seventh Station of Mount Fuji at around 11 a.m. on April 6th during an off-season solo climb, after calling emergency services to report that he believed he had broken his leg. (News On Japan)

Cherry blossom season is in full swing across Japan, with live reports highlighting some of the country’s most scenic locations where historic castles and blooming sakura can be enjoyed together. (News On Japan)

A new ordinance imposing fines on littering and mandating trash bin installations at businesses took effect in Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward on April 1st, as authorities seek to tackle a surge in street garbage following a rebound in tourism. (News On Japan)

Kyoto — The Kyoto Buddhist Association announced on April 2nd that it will introduce cashless payment options for temple admission fees and offerings, aiming to improve convenience for visitors, particularly from overseas. (News On Japan)

An unseasonal heavy snowfall struck Hokkaido, with Kushiro City recording a record 21 centimeters of snow for April, while rising temperatures on April 3rd prompted warnings over falling snow from rooftops. (News On Japan)

Cherry blossoms have reached full bloom in Kyoto, where the World Heritage-listed Toji Temple is drawing visitors with its striking combination of sakura and the iconic five-story pagoda reflected in a nearby pond. (News On Japan)

A large bear, its massive body swaying as it walked sluggishly, was recently spotted just after emerging from hibernation, already showing signs of hunger as it devoured food in early spring. (News On Japan)

Kansai International Airport’s low-cost carrier terminal has undergone a major renovation in response to rising passenger numbers, with the updated domestic flight area unveiled to the press on March 31st. (News On Japan)