a group of six Japanese youngsters from the city of Minami-Alps have been immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of central Iowa and getting to know their American host families in the process through the Sister Cities of Marshalltown program the Japanese students ages 12 and 13 would visit Marshalltown the Iowans would head to Japan — were an annual tradition until the COVID-19 pandemic so Exchange Director Kris Alman is especially excited that they’re finally back up and running in 2024 “This is a longstanding relationship and it’s a two-year exchange,” Alman said Marshalltown’s other sister city is Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi and Alman said progress is also being made on building a stronger bond between the communities Yoshiko Nanasawa serves as the adult sponsor and primary translator for the Japanese students and she has been in her current position for five years which is the other Iowa sister city of Minami-Alps Located 76 miles west of Tokyo in the heart of the Akaishi Mountains or Southern Alps the city is home to approximately 71,000 residents Despite the lack of breathtaking peaks and the substantially smaller population Nanasawa found herself highly impressed with Marshalltown “It’s so beautiful — the nature beautiful sceneries and beautiful people,” she said and we are surprised to see that all the people come to us and talk to us… All of the people are friendly and so nice to us Since the students arrived in Iowa on Monday night they’ve enjoyed a wide variety of activities with a focus on “some art some culture and some fun,” as Alman put it they headed to Grimes Farm for a hike and welcome from City Councilor Jeff Schneider on behalf of Mayor Joel Greer before touring the Marshalltown Public Library they painted rocks at the Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center (MACC) and received a guided tour of several community points of interest from Dylan Does the tourism director for the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce They also met and worked with guest artist Missy Sharer-Pieters Thursday was “Des Moines Day” as the group visited the Civic Center and the State Capitol Sue Cahill (D-Marshalltown) in the process and settled an important debate between the two countries: which one has better McDonald’s they visited the Tom and Suzanne Mead farm outside of Marshalltown to learn more about American agriculture before doing some shopping at Walmart and heading to the YMCA/YWCA where they played simulator games before heading to Wayward Social for bowling later in the day the kids have more flexibility to make their own plans with their host families before they regroup Monday to tour the police/fire facility and the Fisher Art Gallery at the MACC they’ll wrap up with swimming and pickleball at Elmwood Country Club Marshalltown High School and Miller Middle School in the morning attend a farewell lunch and go their separate ways for the time being The Japanese students will spend the night in a hotel in Des Moines and embark on a lengthy journey back across the Pacific Ocean Wednesday morning whose son Tyler is one of the local participants in the exchange program said serving as a host has been “an amazing experience.” for all of us as host families going into it there was just that little anxiousness going into (it) what it’s going to look like from the Japanese students’ perspective they get in our car (and) off we go,” Beare said and it’s just been fun to watch how they connect but it’s been a great experience.” Alman added that the American students have been interested in learning more about Japan and participated in a language lesson with a native speaker when they prepare to make their trip to the Land of the Rising Sun they will meet every other month to immerse themselves more deeply in the country and its history and culture One of the benefits of the kids meeting each other is realizing just how similar they really are — Kojro Kanegawa sported a t-shirt with the face of former NBA star Allen Iverson and many of Japan’s cultural exports like manga and video games are widely popular in the U.S “I thought it was gonna be a lot of different things There’s a lot of things that I thought would be different That was what surprised me most,” he said Kanegawa was surprised to learn that Americans often wear shoes inside of houses and Fuzuki Nemoto was impressed by the wide variety of breakfast cereals available here compared to Japan Eliot Heitmann said his favorite moments so far have been fighting with Nerf guns back at his house and Colin Potter enjoyed playing card games that only require a few words The American kids all agreed on one thing: they can’t wait to visit Japan next summer Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext Editor’s Note: This is the sixth story in a series of nine honoring the 32 men from Grundy LLC | https://www.timesrepublican.com | 135 West Main Street Yamanashi — Many people are coming to see a huge Costco scheduled to open soon in Minami-Alps as the view from nearby makes it look like Mt please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent An area at the adjacent fumotto Minami-Alps shopping and entertainment complex has also become a popular spot with visitors because of its eye-catching view of the U.S.-based retail store crowned by Japan’s highest mountain Local authorities and interested parties hope the sight of “Costco Fuji” will attract overseas tourists and other visitors to Minami-Alps The best place to snap photos is near a dog park on the complex’s eastern side which faces toward the retail store with Mt the area’s popularity surged after “Costco” in red letters was attached to the building’s exterior at the end of 2024 the area is busy with families and other visitors taking commemorative photos of “Costco Fuji.” Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Yamanashi — Nearly 200 cycling enthusiasts rode their bikes through Ashiyasu and Hirogawara in Minami-Alps as part of an event that took place on Nov who came from inside and outside the prefecture took part in the “Cycle Adventure Tour in Minami-Alps,” to enjoy the slopes and scenery found between Yashajin and Hirogawara The tour was organized by the prefecture and the city to help revitalize the areas the event was held about five months later than last year to allow participants to savor the cool weather and changing autumn leaves About 150 people gathered at the starting point to pedal along the 40-kilometer road of the Alps Climbing Course They divided into groups and did some stretches to warm up before beginning their cautious climb up the steep 15-degree incline leading to Hirogawara Temporary yoga facilities and tent saunas were set up in Hirogawara and the participants were treated to yakisoba noodles made with pork frankfurters and anpogaki persimmons and the participants took a rest while enjoying the sounds of an alto saxophone “When I’m pedaling my bike as hard as I can I want to heal my heart with yoga [today] and work hard at my job tomorrow,” said Eri Aida Today's print edition Home Delivery The Kofu District Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of residents of Yamanashi Prefecture demanding that Central Japan Railway halt construction of a section of a magnetic levitation train line that runs through the prefecture and pay them compensation for noise pollution The court on Tuesday rejected the claims of the residents in the prefecture's Minami-Alps city whose homes and farmland are near a proposed viaduct construction site The NHK report did not say how many residents were involved in the suit.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The court recognized that there is a “high public interest” in the project adding that there is no illegality in it that would warrant the construction to be suspended The plaintiffs had sought an injunction against the construction and ¥1 million ($6,400) per person arguing that the value of their properties would decline their living environment would deteriorate and they would suffer emotional distress during and after the viaduct's construction saying the court had made an appropriate decision while the plaintiffs said it ignored how it would affect local residents In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2543099 Information about the quiet and beautiful Minami-Alps Aputo Line but it offers some of the most stunning views of nature in Japan This train line runs in Shizuoka Prefecture between Senzu Station and Ikawa Station.Originally built in the first half of the 20th century to transport commercial goods and building supplies winding rail line meanders its way through mountains and lakes even crossing straight across one lake with its Okuoikojo Station Just a 10-minute walk from the first station on the Aputo line ©By Hahangahanzo - Okooikozyoueki（Hahangahanzo） https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4892689 Senzu Onsen has an entry fee of ¥500 for adults and operates daily from 10 am to 9 pm Also near Senzu are various spots to eat and lodge and the local firewater for adventurous travellers to enjoy.A little off the beaten path if you’re looking for a way to enjoy nature in Japan while escaping the crowds the Minami Alps Aputo Line will be a very unique adventure The New Utsunomiya Tramway The city of Utsunomiya has finally got itself a fast and pleasant means of urban transport with this new tramway with a futuristic look that is changing the city The "Hinabi" Joyful Train JR East has just launched a Joyful train in northern Honshu Chiba Urban Suspended Monorail The Chiba Monorail is a very special urban transport system but also a handy way to escape the daily traffic jams Japanese Stations Getting Around Tokyo Shinkansen Travel Tips Itineraries for Japan Getting Around Kyoto Train in Japan Sign up and be the first to hear our news and special offers a hint of smoke and…a splash of hydrogen?” Tasting notes like these could soon become reality for the 12-year Hakushu single malt as the effort to decarbonize hard-to-abate industrial emissions reaches hard liquor Iconic Japanese whisky brand Suntory already buys 100 percent clean electricity for its booze-making operations at the eminent Hakushu distillery But the company is taking decantable decarbonization to a new level with last week’s commitment to run the distillery and a nearby water processing plant with locally produced clean hydrogen by 2025 Suntory will install a 16-megawatt electrolyzer at its facility in the forested Southern Alps of Yamanashi prefecture dubbed the Yamanashi Model Power-to-Gas (P2G) System will use renewable electricity produced in the region to make hydrogen odorless gas will then be burned to supply heat for the distillation process and to sterilize locally sourced mineral water; some of it will be used to fuel the facility’s buses and trucks Depending on who you ask, hydrogen is either vaporware or a clean-energy wonder fuel that could do everything from propelling trucks across continents to storing renewable power for months on end and replacing fossil fuels for industrial tasks that require intense heat Clean energy technologies such as solar panels and batteries have managed to defy expectations and reach massive scale commercial facilities running on carbon-free hydrogen are rarer than a 25-year-old Hakushu Suntory is particularly excited about its hydrogen project as it moves toward a carbon-free value chain by 2050 Chief Sustainability Officer Makiko Ono told Canary Media in an email “It will not emit any greenhouse gases and will also generate enough green energy for the surrounding communities,” Ono said ​“We look forward to the Hakushu facilities becoming home to one of the world’s leading green hydrogen powerhouses.” buying clean electricity for corporate operations has quickly progressed from avant-garde to passe If corporate renewables are the blockbuster release that everyone’s watching industrial clean hydrogen is more like experimental French cinema: little seen less understood and dependent on state largesse Clean or ​“green” hydrogen production comes from electrolyzers, which run electricity through water to generate pure hydrogen molecules. Those devices are produced at small scale and high cost, though empirical studies suggest they are on a technological ​“learning curve” and will decline in cost as deployment increases nearly all industrial hydrogen production is derived from fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases.) The other cost driver for carbon-free hydrogen is sourcing the clean electricity needed to power the process of electrolysis this sounds like a great use for excess wind and solar power But crunching the numbers reveals that only using bursts of surplus renewables doesn’t power enough hydrogen production to make projects cost-effective Hydrogen developers are still figuring out business models that make sense Suntory doesn’t need to crack that nut because the Japanese government has a well-established track record of subsidizing uneconomical hydrogen investments in the name of fighting climate change and having backup energy in case the grid goes down of the Hakushu project’s 14-billion-yen cost 10 billion yen will be paid by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) The plan is to complete construction in 2024 and finish testing and verification in 2025 “We estimate that when operated at full capacity the 16-megawatt size P2G system will be able to produce the same amount of heat energy that is currently being consumed annually at the Hakushu Distillery and the Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant enabling the two facilities to run on green hydrogen,” Ono said Suntory is taking a trust-but-verify approach to this emerging clean fuel Since its arrival on Japan's shores a quarter-century ago American membership-only warehouse food and home goods club retailer Costco has grown significantly and evolved into being seen by many as a consumption-driven savior for struggling local economies An increasing number of cities and towns are investing in hopes of attracting a Costco megastore by preparing potential sites and road infrastructure banking on the aggressive business expansion plans of the company's Japanese unit to boost their coffers Hopes are high for economic ripple effects such as job creation and increased tax revenues at a time when local governments are struggling to find a way to dispel chronic stagnation caused by the rapid progress of depopulation Some towns have even seen a welcome boost in their populations as a result of successfully attracting the retailer albeit at the expense of local merchants who struggle to compete with the American behemoth "The name recognition of our town has rapidly improved It's just like a theme park," said Masayuki Fujiki "I used to frequently go to Tokyo to drop off my business card at the Japanese subsidiary" of Costco Wholesale Corp. recalling years of efforts to lure the U.S Following a series of major earthquakes that caused severe damage to the southwestern Japan prefecture in 2016 he urged Costco to invest in the town as a "symbol of reconstruction." increased by 300 people in three years and has seen a jump in municipal property tax and other revenues has clear-cut conditions for opening an outlet -- a population of more than 500,000 within a radius of 10 kilometers and area for a parking lot that can accommodate more than 800 cars with neighboring Kumamoto city home to about 736,000 people -- the third most populated city in Kyushu Costco Japan President Ken Theriault said the company assesses the population size of a commercial district where a store could potentially be opened and then prioritizes the largest markets The opening of Costco outlets normally creates hundreds of jobs Hourly wages for employees are uniform throughout the country starting at 1,500 yen ($9.40) per hour a figure that is significantly higher than Japan's legal minimum wage of around 1,000 yen per hour Costco currently has a total of 33 stores in 21 of Japan's 47 prefectures with new stores planned in 2024 in three more locations -- Higashiomi in Shiga Prefecture Costco has agreed with the municipal government to ensure the employment of local workers and to supply goods in the event of disasters successfully negotiated to have the site approved by the prefectural government which has the authority to grant permits and approvals for construction in "urbanization control zones," which restrict the building of commercial facilities The city of Minami-Alps in Yamanashi Prefecture acquired the site of a former tourist facility from its landowner After the roads and waterworks have been refurbished which will purchase about 6 hectares of the vacated lot for about 860 million yen used the promise of a Costco outlet to attract votes in last year's election But Costco's recipe for Japanese success has not been replicated by all overseas supermarket retailers Tesco PLC of Britain and Carrefour SA of France have already retreated from the Japanese market Costco has kept expanding operations since opening its first outlet in the country in Fukuoka Prefecture in April 1999 Noting that Costco has never closed an outlet in Japan a professor of international marketing theory at Tokyo Keizai University retailer helps "local governments design urban development centering on its outlets." He added that Costco's unique lineup of original products "helps encourage people to sample foods and enjoy consumption as entertainment." there is a mixture of anticipation and anxiety among local retailers about Costco's recent forays a local supermarket manager in his 40s looked on the bright side "We can procure products at Costco and sell them ourselves." But a merchandiser of petroleum products worries that his sales "will undoubtedly fall" because Costco also sells gasoline at some stores as local merchandisers in Japan have experienced declines in the past when big suburban retailers push into their markets "We can't deny the unfavorable effects on local retailers regional commerce will fail to survive due to depopulation," a city mayor in western Japan who was able to successfully lure a Costco outlet Local gov'ts supporting elderly by promoting cashless payment systems FEATURE: 1,000-km nature trek helping Tohoku once again hit its stride FEATURE: Village revisiting craze of phantom creature for local promotion To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Costco will surpass 900 locations worldwide with the opening of several new warehouses in early March Washington-based retailer announced plans to open 29 new locations during its 2025 fiscal year Six of those are opening next month in the U.S Costco currently operates 897 warehouses – 617 of which are in the U.S and Puerto Rico – and with the opening of those six new U.S In addition to the 617 Costco warehouses in the U.S. Here are six new Costco stores opening in MarchCostco announced six new stores opening March 2025 Here are the locations and scheduled opening dates: Opening dates listed above were displayed on the Costco website but are subject to change due to construction schedules Costco also added three new locations to open in the weeks ahead: As it expands, Costco is seeing an increase in net sales up 8.2% to $113.55 billion for the first 22 weeks of its fiscal year which included the holiday shopping season sales rose 9.2% in the four-week period ending Feb When Costco reports its second quarter 2025 earnings on March 6 analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence are expecting revenue up more than 7% to $63 billion and net income of more than $1.8 billion an increase of 4.5% over the same period a year ago (This story was updated with new information.) Follow Mike Snider on Threads, Bluesky and X:  mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day National Treasure from the Middle Jomon period (-3000 – -2000) Height 27.0 cm / width 12.0 cm / depth 9.2 cm Nagano (on deposit at Chino City Togariishi Museum of Jomon Archaeology) the Maison de la Culture du Japon held an exhibition dedicated to the prehistoric Jomon era which lasted over ten thousand years (11,000 BCE to 400 BCE) The period is known for its ornamented pottery which is among the oldest documented in the world Its motifs reveal the beliefs held by the people Numerous archaeological objects that lie at the crossroads between art and craftsmanship some of which are classified as ‘national treasures’ or ‘important cultural property’ were exhibited during the exhibition entitled Jomon — The Birth of Art in Prehistoric Japan ornaments accessories and even lacquered containers that allowed visitors to imagine the nature of the society that existed in prehistoric Japan Jomon — The Birth of Art in Prehistoric Japan (2018), an exhibition that took place from 17th October until 8th December 2018 at the Maison de la Culture du Japon in Paris Tokamachi-shi (in deposit at Tokamachi City Museum Pot surrounded by a clay cord with small holes and adorned with a figure Height 54.8 cm / diameter of neck 24.0 cm / maximum diameter of belly 36.0 cm The Growing Popularity of Japanese Contemporary Artists in France Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos The series 'Hysteric Ten' by photographer Sawatari Hajime revisits one of the most sulphurous relationships in Japanese art Nagisa Oshima made Sada Abe the heroine of his film defying the codes of 'pinku eiga' that make men the focus of attention This rice soup seasoned with miso is served by a monk to Ashitaka one of the heroes in Hayao Miyazaki's film we interviewed its founder and chief representative Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times Freeride Japan first caught our eye over the 2021/22 season when we started noticing photos of epic ski touring journeys on Tateyama (Mount Tate) posted across their social feeds Tateyama is an imposing 3000+ metre peak in Japan’s Toyama prefecture and forms part of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – famous for the 20 metre snow walls that line sections of the route We were immediately keen to find out who was behind these adventures which led us to a back-and-forth with Freeride Japan founders Camille Logeay (Swiss) & Trent Maxwell (Australian) a duo who met doing guide work and discovered a shared vision to offer certified guiding training and outdoor education at the highest level and the company – which is backed by Avalanche Canada – now offers its services all over Japan from resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen in Nagano prefecture all the way up to places like APPI Kogen and Hachimantai in the country’s Tohoku region We had plenty of questions about the team’s history which Trent has kindly answered for us below We use only certified and experienced guides focus on passing safety and knowledge to guests Our team is also experienced in mountaineering/alpinism/climbing which bring a solid range of skills to the backcountry Indeed – our focus is to be mobile and not just Hakuba focused but to spread experience and education across Japan We are invested in developing networks from Tohoku/Aomori in the North through to the Minami Alps in the South Building our northern connections has been a blast We’ve developed new relationships with places like Clubman Lodge Hachimantai and enjoyed a SnowCat ski tour with owner Junya – an amazing Telemark skier (Credit to Outdoor Japan for an amazing itinerary.) Tateyama snow camping (and lodge) ski and mountaineering multi-day tours never get old and the amount of snow last season just made it even better It might sound bit of cliché marketing pitch – but as a business our key goal for ourselves is ‘fulfilment’ to be able to pass our knowledge on to every individual who comes out with us is by far the most fulfilling and rewarding part Tateyama itself is an entirely different way to view skiing/snowboarding/mountain climbing We travel up a ropeway system from Nagano Kurobe dam side or the bus ‘snow walls’ route from Toyama Both arrive at Murodo terminal amidst 3000m+ giants and and an alpine haven playground – a rare experience only found in a few places in Japan you are immediately dwarfed by the alpine ridge of Tateyama and the distant TsuguriDake It is also a place where the fun should be taken seriously avalanches and alpine weather which changes dramatically and quickly – training and experience is essential We like to think wishfully that everyone heading to Tateyama to enjoy snowsports are also well equipped and experienced or simply prefer to be able to hire people who have local knowledge So we are always excited to bring guests there for tours and training and to share in our delight of the alpine region “It is truly a place of mystic vistas avalanches and alpine weather which changes dramatically…” We find that two nights and three days is a great balance as it is a good half-day travel up and back After dropping luggage at the local sanso (typically tidy shared Japanese tatami rooms) and having observed conditions and weather we have a trip briefing over lunch and gear up to head the slopes (which involves ski-touring/skinning approaches – no lifts here I’d also note that for those who are not used to typical backcountry procedures we always run a short skills training to make sure everyone knows how to use their gear and best practices on the mountain The source of the onsen is right beside the two main lodges with constant plumes of steam rising into the air After the onsen and a refresh it’s time for a book and a cup of tea/coffee/beer by the fireplace looking out across the Alpine plateau to Toyama and are some of the best ryokan and buffet dinners and breakfasts we’ve had in Japan Normally by the second day if there is a crew camping they make the trek up the hill to also partake for a nominal fee of ¥1000–2000 It’s then an early night and a good sleep thought you do get a blood moon eclipse on one tour – which is pretty special in itself trip planning and choosing the best possible routes for the conditions – a discussion we have over breakfast allowing us to go deeper into the mountain and have more time on the snow searching out fresh powder lines that the usual skiers won’t find or access step and repeat – maybe with a few more beers later to celebrate On the last morning we pack everything up to drop at the terminal for later that day so that we can still head out to get some tasty turns before heading off avalanche safety training and options for mountaineering This year we also are offering overnight hut experiences at Mt Myoko and open up access and training in the Central alps at Komagatake For any of our backcountry introduction tours and safety training people will need to be comfortable skiing off-piste and ideally in one foot of deep powder intimidating and cause anxiety in the uninitiated As such we recommend that people have a good level of fitness intermediate experience and have toured side country and ideally backcountry before multiple times For those without touring gear and avalanche safety equipment (transceiver We’re continuing to establish our presence and grow within the community – proving that we’re not here as a short term We want to be recognised as a high quality provider We want to continue to expand and raise standards of safety and “We want to continue to expand and raise standards of safety and We’ll also continue to expand our safety training and locations whilst continuing to grow in the areas of education including Wilderness First Aid & Rescue (WMA) facilitating Wilderness Wellness and Education programmes for kids and expanding our instructor trainings to offer CASI Snowboard and CSIA ski instructor trainings Voting is now open – your chance to support the resorts accommodation and service providers that have delivered the best experiences to their guests You’ll also have the chance to win a $150 eGift voucher from backcountry.com VOTE NOW Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Ski Asia’s bi-monthly newsletter with the latest news A delegation from Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper along with several chefs attending the ‘Vietnam Phở Festival 2023’ in Tokyo last weekend visited Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant in Yamanashi Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant is known as the producer of the lightest bottles in Japan with its 550-ml bottles weighing just 11.9 grams each and its two-liter bottles weighing just 29.8 grams The factory has also set records for the lightest bottle caps and the thinnest bottle labels Executive Officer and Plant Director of Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant said the plant operates in an eco-friendly manner and follows the philosophy of “Mizu-to-ikuru” (Living with water) The factory has also carried out several initiatives to protect forests and birds over the past 50 years It also uses solar power as a way to protect the environment Aside from lighterweight bottles generally using less plastic Hakushu also does its best to replace some of the plastic typically used in bottle production by ensuring that up to 30 percent of the material used in its bottle caps is derived from plants Used bottles can be twisted to one sixth of their initial size helping optimize the collection of plastic bottles and reduce collection and transport costs no one bought bottled water in Japan 30 years ago because residents could drink water from taps bottled water is now among the company’s best-selling Hakushu produces 120 million boxes of water bottles a year with each box including six two-liter bottles vice president of corporate affairs at Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam said the company had also come up with initiatives to reduce plastic in packaging products Bottles produced by the factory in Vietnam are currently the lightest in the world Suntory PepsiCo is the first company to launch bottle caps completely made of recycled plastic the company has cut nearly 7,000 metric tons of virgin plastic or 27,000 metric tons of carbon to the environment The ‘Vietnam Phở Festival 2023’ taking place at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on Saturday and Sunday last week attracted over 85,000 revelers and impressed Japanese people with the special taste of Vietnam’s signature dish, pho This is the first time the event was held abroad to celebrate the seventh edition of the ‘Day of Pho’ (December 12) initiated and annually held by Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam Thanh Ha - Nhu Binh - Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre News Your comment will be reviewed before being posted Suzanne Blake is a Newsweek reporter based in New York Her focus is reporting on consumer and social trends spanning from retail to restaurants and beyond She is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and joined Newsweek in 2023 You can get in touch with Suzanne by emailing s.blake@newsweek.com either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content Costco plans to open several new locations in March as it plots to grow its retail footprint to more than 900 warehouses worldwide. Newsweek spoke to experts about what makes Costco different than other retailers who are facing closures While many retail and grocery stores have reported lower revenue numbers due to inflation and reduced consumer spending Costco appears to be moving full steam ahead The warehouse grocery chain plans to open 29 new stores before September Six of the 29 store openings are set to happen in March in the following locations: with 617 located in the United States and Puerto Rico Costco will cross the 900-store mark with 903 warehouses The grocery chain known for its bulk food options will also be opening new locations in April in Stuart The openings are happening as Costco has reported widespread financial success with its net sales up 8.2 percent to $113.55 billion for the first 22 weeks of the fiscal year also grew by 6.6 percent for the same period Costco may have been able to avoid financial distress due to its membership model All shoppers must pay $65 for an annual membership Some special membership programs cost up to $130 per year a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin told Newsweek: "At a time when many retailers are struggling to maintain many store locations and scale back Costco has stood out as a shining example of a big-box chain that continues to grow in both revenue and popularity I think it really speaks to Costco's ability to keep the majority of their pricing on products lower than competitors and the American consumer looking for more deals in an era where inflation has steadily eaten away at buying power As the variety of these new locations in both California and Texas show Costco's increased prominence in the retail space isn't about growing vs but rather about customers in all locations looking to save more on their purchases." a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group told Newsweek: "With inflationary pressures becoming the norm more consumers are shifting toward bulk shopping and wholesale to save money This creates an opportunity for the chain to expand in key markets Their ability to operate profitably with lower margins gives them a competitive edge a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com told Newsweek: "They're super methodical about it They don't just throw stores up everywhere like some retailers They usually wait until they have enough members in an area often 750-1000 per hour at nearby locations before they'll consider opening a new warehouse so they're not exactly slipping into small shopping centers." The chain will report its second-quarter earnings on March 6 Analysts have predicted the company's revenue will climb more than 7 percent to $63 billion "The store's expansion reflects strong brand loyalty and a business model that resonates with consumers," Thompson said "Customers appreciate companies that reinvest in their employees by offering fair wages and retirement benefits This investment in workforce satisfaction translates into better service which enhances the overall shopping experience You can see it in the employees' faces—they feel valued and that is reflected in the overall shopping experience." Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground Newsweek is committed to journalism that is factual and fair We value your input and encourage you to rate this article Newsletters in your inbox See all Yamanashi — An event to become familiar with mushrooms in forests during autumn was held on Sept Children participating in the event fervently looked for mushrooms growing in various places such as on the side of the walking path or at the base of a tree The mushroom event was organized by visitor facility Ecopa Inagako for participants to learn about the diversity of mushrooms Seven people split into three groups — made up of elementary school students and their parents from within the prefecture — participated in the event The groups walked around the forest near the facility and Lake Minami Inaga pointed out mushrooms growing in the wild and explained their names and characteristics Russula mushrooms with a red cap facilitate the growth of plants around it while light brown Gymnopus dryophilus mushrooms with a thin stem play a role in decomposing dead leaves the children excitedly looked for mushrooms They lined up the over 20 types of mushrooms they collected and carefully examined the conditions and colors of the undersides of the mushroom caps “I was able to see many mushrooms that I did not know and learn about them If I find mushrooms while hiking on a mountain I would like to identify them on my own,” Yuichi Kurasawa Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report Yamanashi Prefecture--Local authorities have failed to take effective measures to curb the hordes of hikers climbing Mount Fuji which was named a World Heritage site a decade ago despite a formal recommendation from UNESCO advisers They also have rushed to take safety measures in the event of a sudden eruption as occurred on Mount Ontake in 2014 ahead of the start of climbing season in July arrived at the fifth station of Mount Fuji here along the Fuji Subaru Line toll road attracted more than 200,000 tourists annually before the novel coronavirus pandemic Mountain huts have already been fully booked for climbing season partly because admissions are still limited as part of COVID-19 restrictions The International Council on Monuments and Sites called for “visitor management,” such as reducing the number of hikers when Mount Fuji was added to UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list on June 22 But local authorities have been unable to introduce a mandatory admission fee for hikers hikers are only asked to voluntarily pay 1,000 yen ($7.05) toward the environmental preservation of the mountain The system was fully introduced in 2014 by the Fujisan World Cultural Heritage Council which is organized by the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectural governments and other entities “We must start collecting a mandatory charge to ensure safety and security which hosts the entry point of the Yoshida trail to the mountaintop skeptics said compulsory payments would adversely affect the local economy An expert panel under the Fujisan World Cultural Heritage Council in 2021 began considering collecting an admission fee in the form of a special tax for a specific purpose as well as a commission from those entering a designated area on Mount Fuji But officials decided not to introduce the system from this summer saying certain issues remain to be resolved A challenge that has taken on a greater urgency than before the World Heritage listing is disaster prevention at Mount Fuji which straddles Nagano and Gifu prefectures brought home the risk of a volcanic eruption The sudden eruption left 58 climbers dead and five missing Yamanashi Prefecture and Fuji-Yoshida city made 2,500 helmets available at Mount Fuji's fifth station and along climbing trails the following year The safety guidance center at the sixth station began renting helmets in 2017 A new basic evacuation plan was compiled in March by the Mount Fuji volcano disaster management conference hikers and others at the fifth station and above will be told to descend the mountain as soon as signs of an eruption are detected an advisory for a descent was planned only after the volcanic alert level is raised to 3 which calls for no entry to areas around the mountain about 20 people working at mountain huts and stores at the fifth station on the Yoshida trail set up a voluntary fire company called Fujisan-tai to help hikers evacuate in the event of disasters After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 those from mountain huts and stores formed a voluntary disaster prevention council and conducted evacuation drills a drill started based on the scenario that Mount Fuji erupted the drill was held for the first time in four years and in accordance with the new basic evacuation plan who heads both the disaster prevention council and the fire company said the eruption of Mount Ontake was an eye-opener “Volcanic plumes from Mount Ontake could be seen even from here,” said Osano “We were confronted in an unmistakable manner by the reality that Mount Fuji could erupt at any time “We want to repeatedly hold effective training,” he said (This article was written by Takuya Ikeda and Koichi Tokonami.) Fuji evacuation plan warns hikers if eruption possible Officials OK plan to make climbers pay mandatory Mt ‘bullet climbing’ raise concerns on Mount Fuji Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission Nearly three-quarters of Japan is mountainous with a heavily forested mountain range running through each of its major islands The rest of the country’s major summits can be found in Chubusangaku National Park and Minami Alps National Park otherwise known as Japan’s Northern and Southern Alps Mount Fuji is the most well-known natural attraction in all of Japan Hundreds of thousands of people climb the mountain each year and patronize the many hospitality facilities along the mountain trail The area is also home to 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites Mount Kita stands 10,476 feet tall in the Yamanashi Prefecture Mount Kita is commonly used for recreation and is home to some tourist infrastructure such as camping facilities The mountain itself is found within Minami Alps National Park Mount Okuhotaka is found in the Hotaka Mountain Range of Japan it ranks as the third-highest peak in the country It is possible to climb the mountain outside of snowy periods Mount Aino is the country's fourth-highest peak photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com the Japan Alps will soon be officially "open" again following the long These mountains offer everything from breathtaking alpine vistas to relaxing hot springs and numerous hiking options for people of all levels this north-to-south spine lies in the center of Honshu and is divided into three ranges: the Northern (Kita) These three ranges are home to some of the highest peaks in the country 20 of which reach over 3,000 meters in height standing taller.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); There is a network of fully staffed mountain huts throughout the Japan Alps that provide food and lodging (reservations usually required for huts in the Southern Alps and on busy national holidays everywhere else) often with campgrounds nearby for those with their own tents and gear Japan delivered its first shipment of mine-clearing vehicles to Ukraine on Tuesday as part of ¥91 billion ($563 million) in grant aid aimed at assisting the country's reconstruction The Japanese government and its Japan International Cooperation Agency provided the State Emergency Services of Ukraine with four mine-clearing vehicles in a ceremony near Kyiv.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); About 20 units are scheduled for delivery this year Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko expressed gratitude for the Japanese aid a construction machinery-maker based in Minami-Alps the mine-clearing vehicle is the first excavator type to be used in Ukraine Mine-clearing vehicles made by the company have already been used in Cambodia and Afghanistan More than 140,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land is contaminated by land mines or unexploded ordnances a senior Ukrainian government official has said Nikken President Makoto Amemiya said his company is willing to not only provide machinery but also help build communities The delivery ceremony was initially scheduled for Monday but was postponed after Russia launched massive missile attacks on various places in Ukraine Japan Environment Quarterly (JEQ)Volume 4 | December 2013 mountains are higher than 3000m and there is abundant nature and beautiful scenery Its main alpine and subalpine areas have abundance of species including grouse and callianthemum hondoense which are relict endemic and rare and of which southernmost habitat is the Minami Alps is deemed important from a biodiversity conservation viewpoint damages to the alpine and subalpine vegetation began to be reported and in the next 10 years the effects rapidly spread creating problems like simplification and decline of vegetation as well as soil erosion The deer in the Minami Alps National Park migrate between the high mountains of summer and the snowy mountain bases at winter deer are culled in their wintering zones and migratory trails such as soil erosion prevention mats and vegetation protection measures such as deer proof fences are put into place These measures are carried forward in conjunction with the national and regional government bodies Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser The "Taki no Omoi" (Taki's Thoughts) commercial shows the character Taki Tachibana drinking SUNTORY Minami Alps Ten'nensui TOHO previously streamed three television commercials for the film last Friday Anime Expo hosted the film's world premiere on July 3 in Los Angeles. Shinkai attended the screening. The film opens in Japan on August 26 film's "story of miracles and love" revolves around Mitsuha and Taki Mitsuha is a female high school student who lives in a rural town nestled deep in the mountains Her father is the mayor and isn't at home much and she lives with her elementary school-aged little sister and her grandmother but she doesn't like the customs of her family's Shinto shrine nor does she like her father participating in an election campaign She laments that she lives in a confined rural town and yearns for the wonderful lifestyle of living in Tokyo Taki is a male high school student who lives in central Tokyo and is interested in architecture and fine arts Mitsuha has a dream where she is a young man Taki also has a dream where he is a female high school student in a town in the mountains that he has never been to What is the secret to their dreams of personal experience Update: 30-second version of new commercial added Japanese version Customers try out Kose's high-end Cosme Decorte brand at a Tokyo department store. (Photo courtesy of Kose) TOKYO -- Japanese cosmetics maker Kose has postponed the opening of its first new factory in the country in four decades as the foreign tourists who have driven the company's sales stay away because of coronavirus travel restrictions The company intended to break ground this past summer and bring the plant online by March 2022 but it is now unlikely to open until 2023 at the earliest mountain ranges that stretch across Honshu island blasting their way forward at a pace of 5m a day is one of the most difficult civil engineering projects in the world there will be 1,400m of mountain bearing down upon it Central Japan Railway's seven-car maglev train returning to the station after a test run near Mount Fuji marks the realisation of a technological dream that began in 1962: the world’s first maglev (magnetic levitation) mainline taking passengers from Tokyo to Osaka in 67 minutes at speeds of up to 505kmh electrical current sent through a track of wire coils generates a magnetic field and superconducting magnets lift the train by about 10cm and propel it forwards Eliminating moving parts and friction allows the maglev to achieve record speeds is crucial to the national psyche as a symbol of high-tech might despite 20 years of economic and demographic stagnation is proof of the nation’s determination to remain a technological pioneer “The Central (line) maglev shinkansen is a world-leading railway technology Japan can be proud of — truly a dream project,” said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in his policy address this year His government has lavished low-cost loans on the scheme as part of Abenomics’ fiscal stimulus who regard the maglev as a symbol of everything wrong with innovation in Japan: an unprofitable capital-hungry white elephant with no export prospects and a threat to the existing shinkansen “(The maglev) constitutes not only an extraordinarily costly but also an abnormally energy-wasting project consuming in operation between four and five times as much power as the Tokaido shinkansen,” researchers Hidekazu Aoki and Nobuo Kawamiya wrote this year environmentally destructive and technologically unreliable the linear shinkansen project must be considered a guaranteed fiasco.” The maglev comes with “the potential not only of its own collapse but of bringing the Tokaido shinkansen down too” by poaching customers and thus revenues including one linking Pudong airport in Shanghai with the city but the Japanese maglev is far more ambitious about 80 per cent of which will run in tunnels is meant to be the main link between Japan’s big cities Assuming everything goes to plan — quite a leap — the line will cost 5.5 trillion yen (S$66.7 billion) from Tokyo to Nagoya Although the government is providing 3 trillion yen in soft loans The company insists its balance sheet is strong enough but Moody’s has a negative outlook on the company’s debt to reflect “material uncertainties” related to the maglev project The line will take most of its traffic from the existing Tokaido shinkansen in which JR Central must invest to maintain ageing infrastructure so even a resoundingly successful maglev is unlikely to prove a big moneymaker that will not matter if the project boosts industry As well as JR Central’s train-making subsidiary Nippon Sharyo companies in the shinkansen ecosystem include Toshiba Even the original shinkansen has been hard to sell abroad population density and linear shape that make such a railway work so well in Japan and there are a few other prospects in the offing JR Central is sponsoring a plan for a maglev from New York to Washington DC in less than an hour but the odds of getting such a project off the ground when the US is yet to complete any high-speed rail link That points to the deepest concern about maglev as a standard bearer for Japanese technology The 5.5 trillion yen cost of the line to Nagoya bears comparison with the US$41.6 billion (US$56.7 billion) raised by the US venture capital industry in 2016 The latter will back thousands of new ideas Japan is betting a lot on just one — even if maglev does fire the imagination Todayonline.com and Today Online domains and apps are now part of 'Channelnewsasia.com' domain We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with TODAY to be fast Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us Japanese version The official website for this year's coziest camping anime, Laid-Back Camp, announced plans to giveaway a one-of-a-kind prize. Yamaha will manufacture one replica of solo-camper Rin's Vino moped for a campaign prize The actual campaign rules aren't available yet Yamaha already makes the Vino in Tiffany Blue, the same color as Rin's moped in the show. Dealers reportedly sent notice in February that this particular color version was sold out The official Laid-Back Camp website also announced an upcoming stamp rally campaign in Yamanashi prefecture. Intrepid fans can pick up five digital stamps along the designated route to enter into a lottery to win "Rin-chan's Yakiniku Set" and tents designed for solo campers Both the moped and the stamp rally campaign were announced on the same day but the moped isn't necessarily a prize for the rally The camping television anime series premiered on January 4, and Crunchyroll is streaming the series as it airs [Via Yara-on!] With the Laid-Back Camp anime's 12th and final episode soon to premiere, a buzz still surrounds the popular series. Fans can't seem to get enough of the story about girls going on scenic camping trips. The real-world attainability of the adventure inspires people to find ways to recreate the anime for themselves and he hoped they would learn better manners Even without visiting the anime's real-world setting, other enthusiasts are making waves. Dealers reportedly sent notice in February that the Yamaha Vino scooter in the color anime character Rin uses was sold out 悲報!バイク屋さんから連絡しまりんカラーのビーノ…メーカー完売!!!(泣) pic.twitter.com/Px2EdtbKue Fans can also get plenty of official merch related to the anime, and even more debuted this month. Cospa and other online retailers are accepting orders for two new T-shirts The items are perfect to use on an anime pilgrimage camping trip the windbreaker costs 5,400 yen (about US$51) and the carabiner costs 1,080 yen (about US$10) The items will be available to purchase at Cospa's booth at the AnimeJapan event in Tokyo on March 24-25 Source: Dengeki Online via Yaraon! (link 2), Nijipoi This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Must-Visit National Parks in Japan for Fall Colors and nowhere is that more evident than in the country’s stunning national parks forests across Japan explode into vibrant shades of red attracting both locals and travelers eager to witness this seasonal transformation national parks offer a front-row seat to nature’s spectacular show Regardless of seeking a peaceful retreat or an invigorating hike Japan’s parks provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable autumn experience This time of year not only highlights the beauty of the changing leaves but also allows visitors to appreciate Japan’s diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic highlands to tranquil coastal views one of the most magical times to explore the parks making it hard to choose just one destination to enjoy the foliage See also: Japan Autumn Leaves Forecast Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) has one of the most stunning autumn experiences in Japan One of the highlights during autumn is the area around Lake Towada (十和田湖) where the vibrant foliage reflects off the water creating an otherworldly atmosphere.  The Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) with its waterfalls surrounded by fiery red and golden leaves Mount Hachimantai (八幡平) provides trails with panoramic views of the autumn-colored mountains and valleys and volcanic terrain makes this park a prime destination for those looking to fully immerse themselves in nature.  Setonaikai National Park (瀬戸内海国立公園) spanning several prefectures and covering the vast Seto Inland Sea is remarkable for its mix of gorgeous coastal scenery with colorful autumn foliage; so while the park is mainly known for its picturesque islands and peaceful waters autumn brings a surprising splash of color to its hills and mountains The park’s many hiking trails offer viewpoints where visitors can see the contrast of autumn leaves against the sparkling blue sea the cooler weather makes Autumn a great season to take on the cycling route of the Shimanami Kaido (しまなみ海道) is also one of the top spots to visit in the fall with maple trees light up the island’s forests in fiery hues that enhance the already breathtaking views of the sea and the iconic torii gate Oze National Park (尾瀬国立公園) is a hidden gem for autumn leaf viewing Oze transforms into a sea of striking colors in autumn with the golden grasses complementing the fiery red leaves of the surrounding forests.  Tashiro (田代山) is a popular hiking spot that is particularly stunning in late September to early October when its trails offer sweeping views of the changing foliage against the backdrop of the park’s iconic marshlands And a small perk for botanical enthusiasts: this season is a good chance to spot the rare Komakusa (Dicentra peregrina) a delicate wildflower that grows in the area.  Joshinetsu Kogen National Park (上信越高原国立公園) is a prime destination for autumn foliage particularly Shiga Kogen (志賀高原) a highland area which is famous for its ski resorts in winter becomes a spectacular display of colors during the fall season creating stunning mirror-like images.  offer panoramic views of the colorful landscape below and the area is also home to several natural hot springs where you can relax after a day of leaf viewing Joshinetsu’s refreshing atmosphere is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Japan’s natural beauty during this vibrant season Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園) is Japan’s largest national park and one of the first places in the country to witness the changing autumn colors each year Known for its rugged mountains and vast wilderness the early autumn foliage experience usually starts in mid-September.  As you ascend the park’s volcanic peaks, like Mt. Asahidake (旭岳) you’ll encounter vibrant hues of red and orange sweeping across the alpine landscape Daisetsuzan is also home to numerous hiking trails that weave through forests The park’s untouched nature and vast size make it ideal for those seeking a more remote and tranquil autumn adventure Bandai Asahi National Park (磐梯朝日国立公園) is a vast and diverse park that stretches across multiple prefectures an active volcano that becomes the centerpiece of a spectacular autumn landscape The park’s forests come alive with rich hues of red and gold particularly in the areas surrounding Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖) and the Urabandai region (裏磐梯) both of which offer stunning reflections of the foliage on their clear waters.  with numerous trails leading through forests and up to mountain viewpoints that showcase the vibrant autumn colors If you’re eager to experience a diverse range of landscapes you’ll definitely love the contrast between the volcanic terrain and the peaceful Chubusangaku National Park (中部山岳国立公園) often referred to as the “Northern Japanese Alps,” is a spectacular destination for autumn leaf viewing the park features dramatic alpine landscapes with golden larches and fiery maples lining the trails The Kamikochi (上高地) area is particularly popular in the fall offering stunning views of the Azusa River (梓川) reflecting the surrounding colors Chubusangaku is perfect for those seeking an active leaf-viewing experience from gentle walks through valleys to challenging ascents up the jagged peaks and vibrant foliage makes Chubusangaku a bucket-list destination for any nature enthusiast during Japan’s autumn season Aso-Kuju National Park (阿蘇くじゅう国立公園) is home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas and an impressive display of autumn foliage and the Kuju Mountain Range (くじゅう連山) both of which become a festival of golden hues during the autumn months.  The rolling grasslands and volcanic landscapes are transformed by yellow and red leaves offering a unique contrast to the park’s rugged terrain The Kuju Highlands (くじゅう高原) are particularly famous for their autumn beauty with wide vistas that allow visitors to take in the expansive views of the surrounding mountains Aso-Kuju is also one of the best spots for natural hot springs make sure to stop by to unwind after a hiking day Minami Alps National Park (南アルプス国立公園) is a prized haven for both mountain enthusiasts and autumn leaf seekers Known for its rugged terrain and towering peaks the park’s stunning views of autumn foliage against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps is a sight to behold.  The high elevation means the autumn colors start early typically peaking in late September to early October and dense forests are transformed into a vivid stream of reds especially around the Nishizawa Gorge (西沢渓谷) and Narada Falls (奈良田の滝) Minami Alps is less crowded compared to other parks so it can be tremendously rewarding to enjoy these breathtaking autumn views in peace Yoshino-Kumano National Park (吉野熊野国立公園) is famous for its ancient pilgrimage routes and sacred mountains but it also offers some of Japan’s most beautiful autumn landscapes The Yoshino area (吉野山) is particularly famous for its autumn leaves Yoshino (吉野山) covered in a dense forest that turns into a stunning palette of red known for its mystical shrines and lush forests offering a peaceful yet awe-inspiring environment for leaf viewing Hiking along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails (熊野古道) in autumn adds an extra layer of beauty and spirituality to the experience.  I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring Serenity a Short Trip Away: Temple Lodgings nearby Tokyo is not only famed for its neon-lit skyscrapers and ultra-modern architecture but also for its deep-rooted cultural heritage Just beyond the city’s electric hum lies a world of tranquil temples and serene landscapes offering a contrasting glimpse into the country’s spiritual soul For those looking to delve into a more contemplative Japan without straying far from Tokyo also known as “temple lodging” (or Shukubo in Japanese) These temple lodgings combine centuries-old rituals allowing visitors a unique chance to reset and reconnect Dive with us into the 5 best temple stays in close proximity to Tokyo and embark on a transformative journey of mindfulness and peace also known as “Temple lodging” or “Shukubo” in Japan traditionally catered to Buddhist monks and pilgrims but has Situated predominantly in serene mountainous regions these lodgings offer a respite from the city’s hustle and immerse guests in Japanese Buddhist traditions Visitors can savor the experience of “Shojin Ryori” a vegetarian meal typical for Buddhist monks and access exclusive areas of the temple not usually open to the general public While the offerings vary based on the Buddhist sect this diversity encourages travelers to explore different temple lodgings has prompted temples to innovate and distinguish their services to attract a broader audience we will introduce you to the 5 best temples to stay near the Tokyo area You will be surprised how different these temple lodgings can be from one another you will find one that will satisfy your hopes when visiting the Tokyo area The first temple on our list is Nestled in the mountains of Chichibu in Saitama The serene Taiyouji Temple (大陽寺) offers a genuine retreat from modern life its walls echoing stories of ancient travelers devoid of modern distractions like mobile reception the only sounds are the soothing streams and birds providing a backdrop for moments of introspection beneath a star-studded sky The temple’s enduring Zen philosophy teaches visitors the beauty of the genuine self and the insignificance of societal pretensions and the experience becomes a profound journey into self-understanding founded by venerable monks Hogenbo Nikka and Myokaku Ritsushi Nissei has become a beacon of community engagement and spiritual enlightenment in the South Alps With its “Terakoya Hogenji” initiative while its bi-monthly “Temple Morning” sessions offer a blend of morning prayers it’s a short drive from key locations like the main Nichiren sect temple with the added scenic beauty of surrounding peach orchards Shukubo Minami Alps Hogenji (南アルプス法源寺) is a rejuvenated traditional home offering guests an immersive experience visitors can enjoy local dishes and wines while having the option for BBQs The temple also offers spiritual activities such as “Samu” and the purifying “Mizu-gyou” ritual Musashi Mitake Shrine (武蔵御嶽神社) has long been cherished as a spiritual mountain known as “Oinu-sama” or Ōguchimajin the shrine’s precincts house the main hall These inner sanctum shrines welcome worshippers from 9 am to 4 pm Fujimine Park is home to the Ubuyasusha shrine while the peak of Okunoin features the Otokunasha shrine Nobori (宿坊 能保利) has been a haven for guests seeking a deep connection with nature guests can indulge in the symphony of the forest and enchanting sights from their rooms The 2010 refurbishment introduced rooms with intriguing fox designs and tales of Mount Mitake Nobori’s culinary specialties include a handmade sashimi-style konnyaku and a unique fish grilled in miso wrapped in tree bark Meals feature fresh produce from their own garden The spacious dining hall also serves as a sacred space for lectures while the baths offer tranquil forest views Next on this list is Seichoji Temple (大本山 清澄寺) this temple stands as one of the Nichiren sect’s four sacred sites Seichoji offers a harmonious blend of coastal and mountain views The temple’s expansive grounds feature captivating ancient architecture and a magnificent 1000-year-old cedar tree visitors can relish sweeping views of Chiba’s coastline on clear days offers rates from 6,600 yen without meals to 7,600 yen with breakfast A highlight for many is the flavorful and aesthetically pleasing vegetarian dishes served at the temple on our list is Oyama Afuri Shrine (大山阿夫利神社) This Shinto Shrine is believed to have been established over 2,200 years ago during the reign of Emperor Sujin and is a historic shrine listed in the official records It was historically referred to as Amefuri-Yama (meaning “raining mountain”) and was the focal point for prayers related to rain and bountiful harvests Shukubo Iwae (宿坊 いわ江) a temple lodging associated with the shrine is recognized as a Japanese Heritage site and serves as a restful haven for those on the “Oyama Pilgrimage.” A legacy that traces its origins back to the Edo period Iwae is known for its simple yet cozy traditional Japanese rooms where guests can enjoy lush mountain views The lodging has garnered high praise for its meals notably for dishes featuring Oyama’s renowned tofu guests have the option to indulge in “Shishi Nabe” or “Botan Nabe,” a hot pot made with wild boar procured and processed by local hunters In the following article, we have compiled information on various types of accommodations in Japan, including hotels and traditional Ryokan. With our Japan Accommodation Guide find the perfect lodging experience for you Be sure to check out other temple lodging spots in Japan from the following articles ▶Shukubo: 10 Best Temple Stays in Japan ▶Temple Lodging: 5 Best Temples to Stay near Kyoto ▶Best Luxury Temple Lodging in Japan For more information about Japanese Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines be sure to check our other articles down below