Shimane Prefecture draws visitors to Izumo Taisha, a shrine where Shinto deities gather to determine future connections. People pray for blessings of en-musubi (binding of fates) to form friendships, professional ties, or romantic relationships. Many travelers visit Umi Shrine before Izumo Taisha. Known for its power of enkiri (cutting ties), Umi Shrine helps people let go… Read
The Japanese government recently launched an initiative it hopes will encourage foreign tourists to venture off the beaten path to the country's national parks by offering collectible stamps resembling goshuin which are traditionally obtained by visitors to temples and shrines. With the stamps available at all 35 of Japan's national… Read
Venice authorities said Monday they would extend a controversial ticket policy for day-trippers in 2025, reporting that last year's trial scheme had "slightly" reduced crowds. The Italian city, built on islands in a lagoon, will designate 54 days this year when visitors will have to pay in advance for a… Read
The Meguro River is arguably Tokyo’s premier spot to engage in hanami (flower-viewing) when the sakura are in full bloom. Approximately 800 cherry trees, mostly of the Somei Yoshino variety, line both sides of the river for about 4 kilometers, creating an ethereal atmosphere as the branches gracefully dip towards the water. Due to the location’s… Read
Yamagata–based travel specialist The Hidden Japan has launched a new collection of multi-day tours showcasing local crafts and hands-on experiences unique to Niigata and Yamagata prefectures. All tours start in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, and finish in Sakata City, Yamagata and are designed primarily for travelers seeking intellectually stimulating, authentic cultural experiences, particularly… Read
There are a lot of unusual accommodations around Japan, but if you’re looking for one of the newest and most convenient places to stay, you can’t go past Hotel R9 The Yard. This chain with the industrial-sounding name is notable for its unique lodgings, which are made out of storage containers. This… Read
For long-distance travel in Japan, most people’s first transportation choice is the shinkansen, followed by a plane if their destination isn’t easily accessible via the bullet train network. But for a certain segment of travelers, highway buses are the best fit for their needs. Taking the bus tends to be the least… Read
Shimane Prefecture — located in the southwest of Japan’s main island near Hiroshima Prefecture — is an off-the-beaten-path destination known for traditional tea culture, sword making and one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens among other treasures. Shimane’s most famous attraction, however, is undoubtedly the city of Izumo. It is said… Read
An aircraft developed by Boom Supersonic became the first independently funded jet to break the sound barrier this week. The XB-1 aircraft accelerated to Mach 1.05 at about 35,000 feet during a test flight Tuesday in the same Mojave Desert airspace in California where Charles “Chuck” Yeager was the first… Read
Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international travel, saw a record 92.3 million passengers pass through its terminals in 2024, officials announced Thursday. The result cements Dubai's bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic, surpassing the previous record set in 2018 for the first time. Today, the airport feels like… Read