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Hokkaido Sapporo Otaru Hakodate Asahikawa Furano Abashiri Noboribetsu Niseko Lake Toya Daisetsuzan Shiretoko Rishiri Rebun Akan Tohoku Sendai Matsushima Hiraizumi Akita Kakunodate Hachimantai Aomori Hirosaki Lake Towada Shimokita Hanto Dewa Sanzan Yamadera Aizu Bandai Kanto Tokyo Yokohama Kamakura Nikko Kinugawa Hakone Kawagoe Kusatsu Ikaho Minakami Oze Narita Ogasawara Chubu Nagoya Inuyama Mt.Fuji Fujigoko Izu Peninsula Shizuoka Hamanako Nagano Bessho Onsen Matsumoto Kamikochi Kiso Valley Hakuba Yamanouchi Sado Island Takayama Okuhida Shirakawa-go Gujo Gero Onsen Kanazawa Kaga Onsen Noto Peninsula Kansai Kyoto Osaka Nara Kobe Himeji Kinosaki Mount Koya Kumano Asuka Yoshino Amanohashidate Hikone Iga Ueno Ise Shima Chugoku Hiroshima Miyajima Onomichi Okayama Kurashiki Takahashi Inujima Tottori Daisen Matsue Iwami Ginzan Iwakuni Yamaguchi Hagi Shikoku Takamatsu Kotohira Naoshima Shodoshima Matsuyama Uchiko Kochi Tokushima Naruto Kyushu Fukuoka Dazaifu Arita Nagasaki Shimabara Kumamoto Mount Aso Kurokawa Minamata Beppu Yufuin Mount Kuju Miyazaki Takachiho Kagoshima Kirishima Satsuma Hanto Yakushima Okinawa Honto Kume Miyako Yaeyama

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February 2012: Cherry Blossom Forecast 2012 Early forecasts predict a slightly delayed cherry blossom season for this year.   January 2012: Chinese New Year New Year festivities are held in Yokohama's Chinatown through February 6. Skiing and snowboarding in Japan Introducing Japan's best snow resorts and how to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Japan. Wakakusa Yamayaki During this spectacular event on January 28 in Nara, an entire mountain is set on fire.   December 2011: Visiting Japan during New Year Visiting Japan during New Year can be rewarding as well as frustrating. Tokyo Seasonal Illuminations A summary of some of the best seasonal illuminations to be enjoyed in Tokyo.   November 2011: 2011 Tokyo Motor Show Report from this year's motor show, to be open from December 3-11 in Odaiba, Tokyo. New Rail Pass - JR Kanto Area Pass Attractive new rail pass for the Kanto Region around Tokyo goes on sale from December.   October 2011: Half A Year After The Tsunami Part two of an open ended series following the path of recovery along the Tohoku coast. Ceatec Japan 2011 Report from Japan's largest electronics tradeshow (through October 8 in Tokyo).   September 2011: New Kanagawa Museums A visit to Kawasaki's new Doraemon Museum and Yokohama's new Cup Noodle Museum. Autumn Colors 2011 Basic information and reports from famous autumn color spots across the country.   July 2011: Fireworks (Hanabi) Summer is the season for firework festivals across Japan. We list some of the best.   June 2011: New World Heritage Site - Ogasawara Tokyo's remote Ogasawara Islands were added to the list of world natural heritage sites. New World Heritage Site - Hiraizumi Hiraizumi in the Tohoku Region was added to the list of world cultural heritage sites.   May 2011: Aizu: Castle Renovation completed The castle roof now shines in its original, red color, a rarity among Japanese castles. After the earthquake: A trip to Hiraizumi A trip report on the current state of Hiraizumi in earthquake hit Iwate Prefecture.   April 2011: After the earthquake: A trip to Matsushima A trip report on the current state of tsunami hit Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture.   March 2011: Observation deck opens at Himeji Castle An observation deck for viewing renovation works at the castle opened on March 26. Earthquake/Tsunami Update Basic information about the disaster's effects on travel and transportation in Japan. The Trans Kyushu Route Enjoy some of Japan's best hot springs and volcanic landscapes while traversing Kyushu.   February 2011: Yunishigawa Onsen Hundreds of miniature snow houses illuminate this rustic hot spring town near Nikko. Cherry Blossom Forecast 2011 Early first forecasts for this year's cherry blossom season have been published.   January 2011: Plum Blossoms One to two months before the cherry blossoms, plum blossoms provide a first sign of spring.   December 2010: Visiting Japan during New Year Visiting Japan during New Year can be rewarding as well as frustrating. Kyushu Shinkansen Completion On March 12, 2011, travel time to Kumamoto and Kagoshima will be cut by an hour. Tokyo Seasonal Illuminations A summary of some of the best christmas illuminations to be enjoyed in Tokyo.   November 2010: Tohoku Shinkansen Extension On December 4, 2010, Japan's high speed rail network will be extended to Aomori.   October 2010: Haneda Airport turns international again Regular international flights will be reintroduced to Tokyo's Haneda Airport from October 31.   September 2010: Autumn Colors 2010 Basic information and reports from famous koyo spots across the country.   August 2010: Japan Bus Pass A new pass for highway buses has the potential to revolutionize low budget travel in Japan.   July 2010: Setouchi Art Festival Contemporary art festival held on seven small islands in the Seto Inland Sea until October 31. Good News from JR East: - Suica & NEX now available for a round trip - Special 3-Day JR East Pass on sale again   June 2010: Climbing Mount Fuji July and August are the official climbing season for Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. Summer in Furano and Biei The two towns in Hokkaido attract visitors with their scenic landscapes and flower fields. Japan Travel News Four large infrastructure projects will be completed over the next few months.   May 2010: New Rules for visiting Tsukiji Market Effective from May 10, the number of visitors to the tuna auction is limited to 140 per day.   April 2010: Nara's 1300th anniversary events started The main festivities started on April 24 and will last until November 7, 2010. View our guide! What to do around Narita Airport A guide for those who have some time before, after or between flights at the airport.   March 2010: Cherry Blossoms 2010 Forecasts and daily reports from cherry blossom spots across Japan. How to enjoy a Ryokan Ryokan offer a great opportunity for tourists to experience traditional lifestyle and hospitality.   February 2010: Railway News - Spring 2010 March 2010 brings a JR timetable revision and several other railway related news. Omizutori Every night from March 1 to 14, spectacular fire ceremonies are held at Nara's Todaiji Temple. Asuka, the cradle of Japanese civilization The rural town of Asuka, south of Nara, allows tourists to explore Japan's early history.   January 2010: Wakakusa Yamayaki Report from the Wakakusa Yamayaki festival in Nara at which an entire mountain is set on fire.   December 2009: 1300th Anniversary of Nara In 2010, Nara will celebrate the anniversary of becoming Japan's first permanent capital city. Yamanouchi - Home of the onsen monkeys The town also offers humans attractive hot spring baths in an old-fashioned atmosphere.   November 2009: Miyako Island Subtropical island in Okinawa, home to some of Japan's best beaches and snorkeling spots.   October 2009: Skiing and snowboarding in Japan Introducing Japan's best snow resorts and how to enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Japan.   September 2009: Autumn Colors 2009 Basic information and reports from famous koyo spots across the country.   August 2009: Osorezan - Fear Mountain Sacred mountain in northern Japan whose volcanic landscape resembles Buddhist hell. Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2009 Intriguing combination of modern art with traditional countryside (until September 13).   July 2009: Heading South: Yaeyama Islands Jungle, mangrove forests and coral reefs are among Japan's lesser known attractions. Cycling across the Seto Inland Sea The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route connects Honshu with Shikoku via multiple islands. Furano Lavender in full bloom July 14 - Report from the lavender fields of Furano in central Hokkaido. Nyuto Onsen A rustic hot spring resort in the forested mountains of northern Japan.   June 2009: Mount Fuji Shizuoka Airport A new airport opened in Shizuoka Prefecture, filling the gap between Tokyo and Nagoya.   May 2009: Gunkanjima - Battleship Island An abandoned island off Nagasaki used to be the most densely populated place on earth. Miyazaki A popular comedian turns governor and puts Miyazaki back onto the tourist map.   April 2009: Expo Y150 Yokohama is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the opening of its port with an expo.   March 2009: Cherry Blossoms 2009 Forecasts and daily reports from cherry blossom spots across Japan. Departures - Filming Locations An introduction to the filming locations of the Oscar winning Japanese movie Departures.   February 2009: Solar Eclipse over Japan The century's longest total solar eclipse will pass over southern Japan on July 22, 2009. Railway News - Spring 2009 March 2009 brings a JR timetable revision and several other railway related news. Plum Blossoms One to two months before the cherry blossoms, plum blossoms provide a first sign of spring.   January 2009: Uchiko Town A rural town on Shikoku with a nicely preserved old town and an old fashioned kabuki theater. Japan's Chinatowns Celebrate Chinese New Year (January 26) in one of Japan's three chinatowns. Kirishima National Park This national park on Kyushu offers some of Japan's most spectacular volcanic landscapes.   December 2008: Visiting Japan during New Year Visiting Japan during New Year can be rewarding as well as frustrating. Tsukiji Market: Tuna Auctions Off Limit From December 15 to January 17, tourists will not be allowed to watch the tuna auctions.   November 2008: Tokyo Seasonal Illuminations A summary of some of the best christmas illuminations to be enjoyed in Tokyo. Kyoto Hanatoro Kyoto's Arashiyama district will be illuminated during Hanatoro from December 12 to 21.   October 2008: Center of Mountain Worship Dewa Sanzan, three sacred mountains in Yamagata, are a center of mountain worship.   September 2008: Tokyo Museum Guide Tokyo has a museum for almost every interest from art and science to anime and swords. Kumano, Land of the Dead World Heritage Site consisting of ancient shrines connected by pilgrimage routes.   August 2008: Gujo - Capital of Food Replicas The rural castle town of Gujo stands at the center of Japan's food replica industry.   July 2008: Sado Island, home of Kodo The annual Earth Celebration by the Kodo taiko group is held August 22-24 on Sado.   June 2008: Shirakawa-go's remoteness is history Improved access thanks to the completion of the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway. World leaders to meet at Lake Toya A national park in Hokkaido will host this year's G8 Summit from July 7 to 9.   May 2008: New Subway Line for Tokyo The Fukutoshin Subway Line will start operation from June 14, 2008. Yakushima Island Home of Japan's oldest trees and most spectacular forest landscapes. Ikaho Onsen Hot spring resort in Gunma, known for its stone stairs and iron rich thermal waters.   April 2008: Akasaka Sacas Tokyo's newest city within the city centers around the headquarters of TBS.   March 2008: Kusatsu Shirane Mountain Active volcano near Kusatsu Onsen with beautiful crater lakes and hiking trails.   February 2008: Railway News - Spring 2008 March 2008 brings a JR timetable revision and several other railway related news. Sake no jin Taste a wide range of Niigata sake at the Niigata Sake Fair on March 15-16. 2008 Sapporo Snow Festival A guide to the festival, which is held in Sapporo from February 5 to 11. Plum Blossoms open in Tokyo Festivals are held to celebrate plum blossoms, the first signs of spring.   January 2008: Japan's Best Ski Resorts: Niseko Niseko is loved for its splendid powder snow and spectacular back country. Japan's finest garden ... is found in the Adachi Museum of Art near Matsue (top ranked since 2003).   December 2007: Where to find snow in Japan Where to experience snow within easy reach of major Japanese cities. Christmas Illuminations See our list of popular Christmas illumination spots in Tokyo. Suehiro Sake Brewery Award winning brewery and sake supplier of Nikko's Toshogu Shrine.   November 2007: Japan's Best Ski Resorts: Yuzawa High quality skiing and snowboarding just 90 minutes north of central Tokyo. Kyoto Winter Special 2008 See cultural treasures not usually on display and profit from special travel deals. Kinosaki Onsen Pleasantly old-fashioned hot spring resort in easy reach of Kyoto and Osaka.   October 2007: Tokyo Motor Show 2007 See cutting edge motor vehicle technology from October 27 until November 11. World Heritage: Iwami Ginzan A historic silver mine becomes Japan's 14th world heritage site. Welcome to Japan Fingerprinting and photographing of all foreigners starts November 20, 2007.   September 2007: Gero Onsen Celebrated as one of Japan's "three most famous hot springs".   August 2007: Districts of Osaka: Minami The city's most famous shopping and entertainment district. Echigo-Tsumari in Summer 2007 Intriguing combination of modern art with traditional countryside.   June 2007: Hakone Checkpoint Reconstructed Highway checkpoint, reconstructed in its original feudal form, opens in Hakone.   April 2007: Districts of Tokyo: Roppongi Face lift continued by the addition of Tokyo Midtown and the National Art Center.   March 2007: Daishichi Sake Brewery Brewing distinguished sake according to traditional methods - since 1752!   February 2007: Finally a ticket for all of Tokyo! As of March 18, Suica and PASMO cards are valid on all trains in Greater Tokyo. Early start to Spring Plum blossoms have started to open about 1-2 weeks ahead of their average schedule.   January 2007: Sapporo Snow Festival Large snow sculptures are on display from February 6-12, 2007.   December 2006: Tokyo Marathon 2007 Tokyo's first large scale city marathon will be held on February 18, 2007.   November 2006: Skiing and snowboarding in Japan World class resorts with abundant snow, beautiful scenery and relaxing hot springs.   October 2006: Minamata Revisited A pollution disaster turned Minamata into an environmental model city. Kamikochi Popular mountain resort in the Japanese Alps, famous for autumn foliage. Takayama Old Town The city of Takayama attracts with its beautifully preserved old town. Looking up Train Schedules A review of online timetable websites for Japanese railways.   September 2006: Takayama Festival (October 9-10) The Takayama Festival is considered to be one of Japan's three most beautiful.   June 2006: Izu Peninsula A peninsula with hot springs and beautiful scenery not far from Tokyo. Climbing Mount Fuji July and August are the official climbing season for Mount Fuji.   April 2006: Rishiri and Rebun Islands Two small islands near the northern tip of Hokkaido, designated as national park. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Tall snow walls can now be seen along this spectacular route through the Japan Alps. Districts of Tokyo: Asakusa A certain atmosphere of the old Tokyo has been preserved in the Asakusa district.   March 2006: Osaka Mint Bureau View more than one hundred cherry tree varieties in bloom from April 12 to 18. Spring Timetable Revision On March 18, Japan Railways implemented minor changes to its services.   February 2006: Ryuhyo - Drifting Sea Ice Drift ice can be observed along the Sea of Okhotsk coast in Hokkaido.   January 2006: Kobe Airport - Marine Air A new domestic airport opened on a man made island off Kobe on February 16. Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino) Yoshinoyama has been Japan's most famous cherry blossom spot for centuries.   December 2005: Districts of Tokyo: Ginza Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district. Northern Kyoto: Kurama A mountain temple and hot spring bathing less than an hour from central Kyoto.   November 2005: Japan Romantic Road Off the beaten track driving route from Nagano Prefecture to Nikko.   October 2005: Hakone Round Course An attractive way of visiting Hakone by train, cablecar, ropeway, boat and bus. Iga Ueno, the Ninja Capital The former castle town was home to Japan's most important ninja school.   September 2005: Onuma Quasi National Park One of Hokkaido's most easily accessible national parks, just north of Hakodate.   August 2005: Bathing Monkeys In Nagano's Yudanaka Onsen not only humans enjoy the hot spring waters. Facelift for Akihabara Tokyo's electronics mecca gets new buildings and a new train line.   July 2005: Japan's Newest World Heritage Site Shiretoko has been added to the list of UNESCO natural world heritage sites. Expo 2005: Planning your visit A careful preparation is crucial for the full enjoyment of the expo. June 2005: Districts of Kyoto: Arashiyama Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district at the outskirts of Kyoto, where the busy city meets calm residential districts, wooded mountains and a picturesque canyon. May 2005: Himeji beyond the castle While most famous for its magnificent castle, Himeji has more to offer, most notably the atmospheric temple mountain of Mount Shosha, a film location of "The Last Samurai". Improved section on Highway Buses Highway buses often cost only half as much as express trains or even less! For example, it is possible to get from Tokyo to Kyoto for only 4300 Yen and to Nagoya for only 3500 Yen! April 2005: Expo 2005: How to make the most out of your visit A careful preparation is crucial for the full enjoyment of the expo. Our expo guide helps you maximize your expo experience with important advice on planning your visit. Side trip from the Expo: Shirakawa-go A rewarding side trip from the Expo, Shirakawa-go is a remote, mountainous region in northern Gifu Prefecture, famous for its old farmhouses, which are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. Golden Week Stretching from April 29 to May 8, this year's Golden Week is particularly long. Travel activity is anticipated to peak on April 29 (out of the big cities) and May 5 (back into the big cities). March 2005: Kyoto's Kitchen Nishiki Market is a fresh food market in the center of Kyoto, which has been nicknamed "Kyoto's Kitchen" for centuries. More than 100 food stores line the narrow shopping street. Countdown to Expo 2005: Toyota Related Attractions Based just outside of Nagoya, Toyota is a major force behind the Expo 2005 Aichi. The leading car manufacturer offers factory tours and various car related attractions in and around Nagoya. Cherry Blossom Season 2005 This year's blossoms seem to be a few days behind the average year's schedule. In Tokyo and Kyoto the trees are expected to reach full bloom during the first half of April. February 2005: Countdown to Expo 2005: Central Japan Airport The Expo 2005, to be held near Nagoya from March 25 to September 25, bestows the region with a lot of new infrastructure, most notably, a brand new international airport. Plum Blossom Festivals Opening one to two months before the cherry blossoms, plum blossoms are a first of spring, celebrated with festivals (ume matsuri) across the country. Tokyo Dome City The Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, a spa with real hot spring water and an amusement park are the main attractions of Tokyo Dome City, a leisure complex in central Tokyo. January 2005: Japan's best historic towns and districts While Japanese cities have dramatically changed their appearance over the past 150 years, some of them managed to preserve a street block or whole district of traditional buildings. Countdown to Expo 2005: Introducing Nagoya The city of Nagoya will move into global spotlight, when the Expo 2005 Aichi, the first world exhibition since the year 2000, will be held in its vicinity from March 25 to September 25, 2005. Tokyo Districts: Ikebukuro Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo's multiple city centers. With the second busiest railway station of Japan at its center, the district offers lots of entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities. December 2004: Discover Gunma (2): Takasaki Daruma Market Takasaki is the birthplace of the daruma doll, a well known good luck charm. A popular daruma market is held annually on January 6 and 7 at Takasaki's Shorinzan Daruma Temple. Visiting Japan during New Year Visiting Japan over New Year can be rewarding, as you have the opportunity to experience the country's most important holiday. However, beware of a few issues, which can affect your travels. November 2004: Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park: Shosenkyo Gorge Known as Japan's most beautiful gorge, the Shosenkyo Gorge near Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, can be easily visited in a day trip from Tokyo. Discover Gunma (1): Kusatsu Onsen Unjustifiably, Gunma Prefecture gets often ignored by foreign travel books. Among the prefecture's many attractions are several of Japan's best hot springs with Kusatsu Onsen topping the list. Fuji Five Lakes in Autumn Until around mid to late November, you will be able to enjoy Mount Fuji in combination with autumn leaves from the Fuji Five Lakes at the foot of the dormant volcano. October 2004: Guide to Japanese Hot Springs (Onsen) A hot spring experience, preferably in combination with an overnight stay at a Japanese inn with hot spring baths, is a highly recommended item for any Japan travel itinerary. Nikko in Autumn Colors The spectacular Toshogu Shrine makes Nikko one of Japan's most popular tourist spots. A visit in autumn, when the national park's forests are turning colors, can be particularly rewarding. Yaeyama Islands The southernmost islands of Okinawa Prefecture, the Yaeyama Islands attract visitors with their white beaches, coral reefs, jungles and Ryukyu culture. JR Shonan Shinjuku Line The autumn timetable revision of October 16 transforms the previously infrequent railway line into one of Tokyo's full-fledged lines and improves access from Shinjuku to Yokohama. Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture Subtropical Okinawa attracts travelers with double digit temperatures around the year, some of the world's most beautiful seas and a culture distinctly different from the rest of Japan. September 2004: A new shopping complex for Marunouchi With Marunouchi Oazo, a new shopping complex, opening just next to Tokyo Station, the business district of Marunouchi is becoming increasingly interesting to business unrelated visitors. Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park: Nishizawa Valley This valley, easily reached from Tokyo in a one day trip, is known for its picturesque five tired waterfall. It is particularly nice in late October and early November when the trees turn colors.   August 2004: Cities within the city: Odaiba The futuristic city district of Odaiba on a man made island in Tokyo Bay, has become one of Tokyo most interesting tourist attractions. It is an excellent place to experience modern Japan. Hagi and its nicely preserved samurai district Hagi is a former castle town, off the major transport ways and the beaten path of foreign tourists. Among various attractions, Hagi offers a nicely preserved samurai district. Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park: Mount Mitake Less than two hours from central Tokyo, the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Mount Mitake is one of the park's many highlights. Hikone Famous for its relatively small, but beautiful, original castle, Hikone at the shores of Lake Biwa, makes an easy and pleasant stop-over on a trip between Tokyo and Kyoto.   July 2004: Food Theme Parks A popular new theme park concept, food theme parks give you the opportunity to taste various regions' or restaurants' versions of one theme dish or food type in one place. Climbing Mount Fuji Climbing Mount Fuji, Japan's highest and most prominent mountain, can make for lifelong memories. The official season for climbing the dormant volcano is July and August. Hokkaido in Summer June to September is the best time to explore the spectacular national parks, rural landscapes, harbor towns and the exciting capital of Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.   June 2004: Car Rental in Japan Rental cars are the best option for exploring rural Japan, where public transportation is often inconvenient. They can also be an economical alternative, if you are traveling in a group. Green Space in Tokyo Tokyo may not be known as a city with much greenery, but it has several nice parks and gardens, which offer an opportunity to get a break from the concrete. We introduce some of the best. Eiheiji Temple, the Zen headquarters The lay practice program of Eiheiji will appeal to those looking for more than just an overnight stay at a temple lodging. But Eiheiji is also well worth a regular day trip visit. Guide to Japanese Train Tickets and Rail Passes Countless discount offers exist for nationwide, regional and urban train travel in Japan. Check them out in our new Guide to Japanese Train Tickets!   May 2004: Kawagoe, the Little Edo If you have been to Nikko and Kamakura and are looking for another worthwile daytrip from Tokyo, the former castle town of Kawagoe, 30 minutes from Tokyo, should be your next destination! Japanese Ferries Consisting of over 6000 islands, Japan is naturally home to an extensive ferry network. On some routes, ferries can be a slow, but economical alternative to trains, buses and planes. Excursion from Narita Airport: Naritasan If you have three to four hours extra time at Tokyo's Narita Airport, a visit to Naritasan, a large and popular temple complex not far from the airport, is highly recommended. Japanese night trains Night trains are currently operating nightly on 27 routes across the country. Japan Rail Pass holders can ride for free on more than half of them, and enjoy discounts on the others. Nihonbashi, the center of Japan Nihonbashi ("Japan Bridge") has been Japan's mile zero marker for four centuries. The surrounding district is also the site of Tokyo's newest shopping complex, Coredo Nihonbashi.   April 2004: Open Air Museums Japan has a variety of excellent open air museums, preserving and exhibiting regional architecture styles of various historical periods. We have compiled a list of some of the best ones. Izu Peninsula: Shimoda Shimoda is a nice fishing town on the Izu Peninsula, where US-Japanese diplomatic relations were started 150 years ago. It is also a good base for exploring Izu's spectacular southern coast. The temple mountain of Koya Koyasan, anticipated to be added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites later this year, is a great place to experience a night at a Buddhist temple.   March 2004: Expo 2005 Aichi In one year, the Expo 2005 will be opened in Aichi. Countries, companies and organizations will be presenting their ideas and latest technologies concerning the theme "Nature's Wisdom". Highway Buses Much slower, but also much cheaper than bullet trains, highway buses are an alternative to the Japan Rail Pass, well worth considering by budget travelers. Kyushu Shinkansen - Opening of a new bullet train line On March 13, the Kyushu Shinkansen will start operation, cutting travel time by over 90 minutes and moving Kagoshima with its imposing volcano closer to the rest of the country.   February 2004: Kairakuen, the ultimate plum blossom experience Kairakuen is ranked as one of Japan's three best landscape gardens. It is most famous for its over 3000 plum trees and the plum festival, currently being held until March 31. Minato Mirai Line improves access to Yokohama Thanks to the new Minato Mirai Line, it is now possible to reach Yokohama Chinatown from Tokyo's Shibuya Station in as few as 35 minutes and 460 Yen - without changing trains.

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