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)

A large number of people gathered at Ishikari-Numata Station in western Hokkaido on March 31st to witness the final run of the JR Rumoi Line, bringing an end to its 116-year history as trains made their last journey through snow-covered rice fields. (News On Japan)

Tokyo Metro has completed the installation of platform screen doors at all of its 180 stations, marking a major milestone in passenger safety measures across its network. (News On Japan)

A traditional cherry blossom viewing event was held at the World Heritage site Himeji Castle on March 28th, as visitors gathered to enjoy the first blooms of the season against the backdrop of the castle’s striking white walls. (News On Japan)

A series of new attractions are set to open across Tokyo on March 28th, including a world-class fountain show in Odaiba and a large-scale commercial complex offering gourmet experiences in central Tokyo, as the city rolls out new destinations aimed at drawing springtime visitors. (News On Japan)

Cherry blossoms across Japan are reaching their peak, drawing crowds to scenic spots nationwide as Tokyo’s blooms approach full bloom. (News On Japan)

The Edo-Tokyo Museum unveiled a series of newly installed and renovated exhibits to the media on March 25th following the completion of a large-scale refurbishment that lasted four years, marking a major transformation of one of the capital’s key cultural institutions ahead of its reopening on March 31st. (News On Japan)