The iconic New Year’s Eve bell at Chion-in Temple in Kyoto will shift to a fully paid and reservation-only system this year, with entry limited to 2,000 people, in response to overwhelming crowds in recent years. (News On Japan)

At Yamba Dam, a well-known sightseeing spot in Gunma Prefecture, visitors were surprised by an unusual scene: a group of monkeys scratching themselves and gazing out at the view as if enjoying the scenery. Unlike the occasional lone monkey, this time a whole troop appeared. (News On Japan)

Heavy rainfall battered parts of Hokkaido, with some areas receiving more than a month’s worth of precipitation in only six hours, prompting flood warnings and evacuation advisories. Meteorologists are saying the downpour was the result of a combination of unstable atmospheric conditions and moist air flowing in from the sea. (News On Japan)

A luxury hotel with rates reaching as high as 3.75 million yen per night has opened near Nagoya Castle, aiming to attract wealthy guests from Japan and abroad. (News On Japan)

Nagoya’s entertainment district is once again under scrutiny after an undercover investigation revealed deceptive billing practices and aggressive solicitation tactics at local bars. (News On Japan)

Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture has approved the introduction of a bathing tax, but the measure is drawing strong criticism from local hot spring operators since only two facilities fall under the new levy. (News On Japan)

Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture has begun new measures to control crowds at a railway crossing near Kamakura High School, a site that has become a pilgrimage destination for fans of the popular anime 'Slam Dunk.' (News On Japan)

A travel vlogger shares their excitement upon arriving in Tokyo from Osaka, calling the city their favorite in Japan and possibly the world. (News On Japan)

North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in the southern district of Sapporo, closed its doors on September 30th after 20 years of operation, leaving around 300 animals including lions and wolves without a confirmed relocation plan. (News On Japan)

Osaka City decided on September 30th to suspend new applications for so-called special zone minpaku, a category of private lodging that has seen a sharp rise in disputes with local residents. (News On Japan)

Osaka is preparing to close the curtains on the Kansai Expo, and a larger-than-usual fireworks display called the "Expo Thanks Fireworks" was staged to express gratitude to everyone involved in the event. (News On Japan)

The stone walls of the Takeda Castle ruins in Hyogo Prefecture emerged above the clouds as they were illuminated by the morning sun. (News On Japan)

A 43-year-old man was attacked by a bear while walking his dog in a park in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward on Friday night, prompting authorities to close the area and heighten patrols. His injuries are not life-threatening. (News On Japan)

Hoshino Resorts announced on September 25th that it will open the Nara Prison Museum in April next year, transforming the former Nara Prison, once used as a juvenile correctional facility, into a combined hotel and museum. (News On Japan)

A sea of clouds spread across Lake Kussharo in Teshikaga, eastern Hokkaido, on Wednesday morning, creating a striking early sign of the coming winter. (News On Japan)

Inbound tourism to Japan rose nearly 20% from January to August 2025 compared with a year earlier, though most visitors continue to flock to major cities, raising concerns about overtourism. (News On Japan)