Granbell Hokkaido is set to open a new accommodation brand, “Bettei Ezo Fuji,” in Toyako Onsen, Hokkaido. Completion is scheduled for late December 2027. Located in the area adjacent to “The Lake Suite: Lake no Sato” and “Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa,” this new luxury hotel offers breathtaking views of majestic Lake Toya and…
Month: June 2026
I took a test ride on the SL Taiju “Tsuchi.” What are the highlights of the Kinugawa–Aizu route, including hot springs, the Mole Station, and the reservoir?
Service Overview: This special service consists of a single round trip over two days. On June 27, the train will run from Shimo-Imaichi to Aizu-Wakamatsu, and on the following day, June 28, it will run from Aizu-Wakamatsu back to Shimo-Imaichi. The nickname “Totsu” derives from Totsu Shrine, located in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture. It is…
[Naoki Wakabayashi’s Travel Photo Gallery] Ryuo Gorge and Kawaji Dam, Bathed in Lush Greenery (Tochigi Prefecture)
There are several dams upstream on the Kinugawa River, and among them, the Kawaji Dam is the tallest, standing at 140 meters as an arch-type concrete dam. The reservoir (Lake Yashio) viewed from that height is beautiful, surrounded by green mountains. Located about 6 km downstream from Kawaji Dam, Ryuo Gorge is a canyon formed…
“Fairycake Fair” Photochromic Sunglasses & Case Supplement Featuring Lots of Summer Cats, *Otona no Oshare Techo* August Issue
Takarajimasha will release the August 2026 issue of “Otona no Oshare Techo” on July 7. The price is 1,740 yen. The bonus set includes a three-piece set from “Fairycake Fair”: photochromic sunglasses, a lens cloth, and a case. The sunglasses feature lenses that darken from clear to black depending on UV levels, blocking 99.9% of…
A Gathering of Disney Cat Characters! Includes an extra-large case and pouches in various sizes—August Special Issue of “Otona no Oshare Techo”
Takarajimasha will release the August 2026 special issue of *Otona no Oshare Techo* on July 7. The price is 1,690 yen. The special edition supplement includes a three-piece set featuring a large case and two pouches—one large and one small—all adorned with Disney’s beloved feline characters. The large case features Marie, the kitten from *The…
Monorail Hamamatsucho, early look at the new ticket gates on the 3rd floor, operational June 13, improved access from Daimon Station
Tokyo Monorail has opened to the press a portion of Monorail Hamamatsucho Station, which is being rebuilt as part of the Hamamatsucho Station West Exit Development Project. The Central Gate on the 3rd floor and the South Gate on the 2nd floor, which are currently in use, will be closed and consolidated on the 3rd…
JR Kyushu’s new service to receive forgotten items in the train as soon as possible on the same day. Kyushu Shinkansen “Haya! Delivery Service” on the Kyushu Shinkansen
JR Kyushu is pleased to announce its new service, “The Shortest Day! Haya! Speedy Return of Lost and Found” service on June 17. This service allows customers to pick up forgotten items such as smartphones, keys, medicines, souvenirs, and pouches from JR Kyushu Hakata, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima Chuo Stations on the same day at the…
Direct shuttle bus between Miyazaki Airport and Aoshima to start in July. Access in about 20 minutes, for sightseeing and leisure.
Miyazaki City and Miyazaki Kotsu will operate a direct shuttle bus between Miyazaki Airport and Aoshima from July 1 to September 30. This is a demonstration experiment aimed at improving access to the Qingdao area, one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The new service will allow passengers to arrive at Qingdao in approximately…
Kanonji Smart IC” of Takamatsu Expressway opens at 15:00 on July 4. Direct access to central Kanonji City between Sanuki Toyonaka IC and Onohara IC within 10 minutes.
NEXCO West Japan will open the Kannonji Smart IC on the Takamatsu Expressway (E11), which has been under construction with Kannonji City in Kagawa Prefecture, to traffic at 15:00 on July 4. Connected to the main line of the Takamatsu Expressway between the Sanuki Toyonaka IC and the Onohara IC. Located 3.5 km from the…
InRed August/September issue includes 3-piece summer-colored “Moomin” pouch set. For changing clothes/cosmetics/valuables.
Takarajimasya will release the August/September 2026 extra issue of “InRed” on July 7, 2026. The price is 1,690 yen. The supplement to the extra issue includes three summer-colored pouches from “Moomin. The set includes a large, medium, and small multi-pouch set, each with summery pop colors and character decorations. The large pouch has a mesh…