Snake halts Japanese bullet trains after wrapping around power line
Tokaido Shinkansen trains running between Tokyo and Osaka were suspended from around 17:25 local time on Wednesday.
Services resumed at around 19:00 local time, operator Central Japan Railway Company said, according to local media.
Japan is currently in one of its busiest holiday seasons, Golden Week, which consists of four national holidays in seven days, and will see trains, airports and holiday hotspots hit their peak.
Osaka is also hosting the World Expo this year, which will see millions of foreign and domestic visitors flock to the city until it ends in October.
The snake entanglement occurred between Gifu-Hashima and Maibara stations, which suspended Tokyo-bound trains between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya, and the Osaka-bound trains between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo News.
While authorities worked to get power restored, passengers reportedly gathered around staff at one station while large queues formed at ticket machines.
One frequent shinkansen traveller, who was returning to Tokyo, said it was the first time he had experienced this.
"I use the shinkansen several times a month, but this is the first time I have experienced suspensions due to a power outage," Satoshi Tagawa, 46, told Kyodo News.
But 26-year-old Kazutoshi Tachi, said he was "fed up with the troubles" to services.
"I want them to run on time," he added.
This is not the first time a snake has brought the shinkansen service to a halt.
In April 2024, there was a 17-minute hold-up while authorities removed a 16 inch (40.6cm) snake from the train between Nagoya and Tokyo, according to CBS News, BBC News's US partner.
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Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Parenting Practices From Around The World That May Have You Questioning Your Own
One of the benefits of global travel is learning about customs that make our cultures different. Some of these particularities can be a challenge for Americans. Others, however, may have you wondering, 'Why don't we do things like that here?' The following parenting practices are considered totally normal in these countries, often to the shock of American visitors. But if you're willing to shift your perspective slightly, they also have benefits for kids and parents that might cause us to reexamine our assumptions about what 'good parenting' looks like. 1. Kids in Japan are running errands and walking to school by themselves. You've likely heard of the television program 'Old Enough' ('Hajimete no Otsukai,' or 'My First Errand,' in Japanese.) While the show has been a sensation in Japan for decades, only this year did it amass a U.S. following after its Netflix premiere. It's a reality program that follows young children — ages 2-5 — as they undertake tasks such as going to the store. As in all reality television, there is a great amount of orchestration behind the scenes to keep the children both safe and in sight of the cameras. But the show highlights a real cultural difference between Japan and the U.S. In Japan, it's not unusual to see children — perhaps not quite as young as those featured on the show, but still elementary-school-aged — taking public transportation or walking to school on their own or with other young children, demonstrating a degree of independence virtually unheard of for American children of the same age. Perhaps this has something to do with Japan's low crime rate: The incidence of gun homicide there is 350 times less than in the U.S. In safe, enclosed spaces like schools, Japanese children are likewise given significant responsibilities. As young as age 6, children are tasked with cleaning their schools — even bathrooms! — and serving lunch to their classmates. Maybe it's time for us to ask our kids to step it up a little in the chore department. 2. Scandinavian babies take their naps al fresco. In Denmark and other nations known for their long winters, it's perfectly normal to see strollers parked outside of cafes with babies still in them, napping contently. A recent TikTok video about the practice went viral, teaching a new generation of astonished Americans, and others, about the Danish custom of leaving babies outdoors in their strollers to sleep. There is a cultural belief about the fresh air helping the babies sleep better and being healthy for them — which, given what we've learned these past couple of years about virus transmission in enclosed spaces, makes a lot of sense! In individual homes and daycares, you will see babies snoozing outside tucked inside their strollers, as well as out front of shops, restaurants or bars, where their parents might be inside enjoying a drink and keeping an eye on their little one from a table near the window. While the practice is new to Americans, it's been going on in countries like Denmark and Finland for generations. But this is definitely not something you'll want to try at home. When Danish mother Annette Sorensen left her baby outside a New York City restaurant back in 1997 while she and her partner went inside to have a drink, Sorensen was subsequently arrested, strip-searched and temporarily lost custody of her daughter. There have been more recent cases of American parents being reported to the authorities for such offenses as briefly leaving a child in the car while shopping or sending them to the local playground by themselves. If it's truly not safe to leave a baby outdoors in a stroller for a nap in the U.S., maybe instead of vilifying parents we could focus on how to make public spaces less dangerous. 3. Some Chinese babies don't wear diapers. Traditional Chinese infant potty training, known as 'elimination communication' by Westerners who have adopted the practice, involves babies spending their days diaper-free. Sometimes starting as early as the first weeks of life, babies are held bare-bottomed over the toilet — or a trash can or bush, if they happen to be outdoors — and caregivers cue them to urinate with a gentle shushing sound that sounds vaguely like running water. Parents say they learn to read baby's signals that they are ready to 'eliminate,' such as squirming or gazing off into the distance. Adherents of the practice say that they are able to dramatically reduce the number of diapers they use in a win for both their budgets and the environment. Some do find it helpful to remove any carpeting in their homes, however. 4. Italian preschoolers may do woodwork with hammers and saws. In the Reggio Emilia preschools that were designed in the Italian region of the same name after World War II, children were encouraged to learn through exploration and follow their own interests. The educational philosophy has since spread across the globe, although there is no formal Reggio Emilia certification process, so different schools take inspiration from the approach as they see fit. One sight that's common in a Reggio school — and likely not many other places — is very young children wielding little hammers to pound nails and saws to cut wood in order to build their own original creations. 'Reggio Emilia encourage a wide range of media through which children can express themselves,' Peter Moorhouse, an expert in early childhood education and woodworking, told HuffPost. Parents, says Moorhouse, 'are surprised by just how confident and competent their children are working with tools.' Enticed by the tactical satisfaction of the wood and tools, children practice creativity and develop problem-solving skills as they work, making this one of the most engaging and memorable parts of their first years at school. 5. Swimsuit tops are optional for kids of all genders in Europe. The sight of a little girl running around on the beach or at the pool in only her bathing suit bottom is no big deal to the locals in places like Spain and Germany. While we're used to seeing boys playing in and around the water in only their swim trunks, the idea that little girls don't need any additional coverage is completely foreign to Americans. But why do we insist on bikini tops, or one-pieces that complicate trips to the bathroom, for our girls? Because it's what we expect of grown women? To state the obvious, little girls don't have breasts yet. What does it say about us that we insist on pretending that they do? Of course, Europeans tend to be much less hung up about nudity in general. It's also not uncommon to see adult women sunbathing topless on beaches, and specific beaches are clothing-optional for all. 6. French children eat like grown-ups. You'd be hard-pressed to find a kids' menu in a restaurant in France. Similarly, you won't find a separate table for kids, with separate dinnerware and food options, at any special events. While lots of American kids are frequent smackers, French children tend to meet most of their nutritional needs through three daily meals and one snack. They sit at the table with their families to eat dinner, often set up with a tablecloth and the kind of 'nice' dishes that many Americans tend to keep away from their kids. Even school lunch tends to involve four courses served restaurant-style at a table, and a minimum of 30 minutes to dine in order to ensure that they eat well. Karen Le Billon, a Canadian who moved with her family to France and wrote a book about her experience, told the BBC that training kids to savor their food this way also limits the phenomenon of picky eaters: 'The French believe that taste is a skill that can be acquired . . . They believe that children can learn to eat, and like, all kinds of food.' Rather than telling a child that a type of food is nutritious or that they have to eat it, says Le Billon, a French parent is more likely to encourage a child to try it because it tastes good. 7. Italian kids tend to go to bed really late. It's not unusual to see a family pushing a stroller around the piazza at 8, 9 or even 10 o'clock at night. Italians dine late, and, like their French counterparts, often dine together as a whole family, even when it means some of the younger members end up conked out in their parents' laps before the evening is over. American parents spend so much time fretting about their children's sleep habits that it's spawned a whole industry of sleep consultants who promise to help train babies and young kids in order to give parents their nights back. Of course, kids do need a solid amount of sleep for their health and growth. While there is at least one study showing that Italian kids get less sleep overall than kids in other countries up until age 6, researchers also found that the 'sleep hygiene' (routines and an environment conducive to uninterrupted sleep) of Italian teens was significantly better than that of American adolescents. 8. It's common for Indian children to be cared for by a number of generations within a family. The individualist, every-nuclear-family-to-itself approach to parenting that is so common in America is far from the norm in many other places where there is a more collectivist philosophy to caregiving. In a study of Indian families spanning decades, anthropologist Susan Seymour recognized the practice of 'multiple childcare, as as opposed to exclusive mothering we see in the United States.' Instead of being tended to all day by a nursing mother, the Indian babies Seymour observed would be passed from one relative to another — including younger family members — so that the mom could attend to her other obligations. 'Children grow up in extended households,' Seymour told HuffPost. She described 'relatives coming and going,' and 'plenty of people to take care of them.' Knowing that this model existed in other parts of the world gave Seymour the confidence to return to work when she had her own children in the U.S. Whether you're leaving a baby with grandmothers and cousins or day care providers and babysitters, there's no reason to think that not staying home with them constantly does any harm to a child's attachment or development. 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Travel + Leisure
an hour ago
- Travel + Leisure
I've Lived in Japan for 20 Years—and These Are 10 Common Mistakes I See Tourists Make
Ah, the horror of the cultural faux pas. The hot twist of shame that keeps you up at night, cheeks burning and wondering if you should just grab your passport and make a midnight run for the border. I know the feeling well. With its opaque rules and rigid customs, even the most conscientious traveler can put a foot wrong in Japan. While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality. I've lived here for 20 years—here are 10 common mistakes to avoid on your next trip to Japan. A hand picks up sushi with chopsticks. Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images Dining etiquette is a minefield, and the rules are different depending on the cuisine, but proper chopstick manners always make you look good. I'm not talking about being able to use them, although expect any level of proficiency to be greeted with effusive praise. I'm talking about where to put them. When you aren't eating, place chopsticks on the rest provided. In the case of disposable chopsticks, you can make a rest by folding the paper sleeve in half. Never stick them upright in a bowl of rice, as this symbolizes an offering to the dead. Don't point to things with chopsticks or commit the double-dipping sin of taking food from a common plate with chopsticks that have been in your mouth. Some other good tips for dining out: Do slurp noodles like ramen, eat nice sushi with your hands, and neatly fold up the oshibori hand towel after use. Don't arrive late to a reservation, leave food uneaten, or wear strong scents, especially to kaiseki or sushi, where the chef will be highly protective of the subtle flavors. Part of maintaining social harmony in space-starved Japan is literally keeping the peace. I almost never see Japanese people—well, sober ones anyway—having raucous conversations in public. This especially goes for phone conversations. It's considered rude to answer one's phone on public transport or in a restaurant, for example. Of course, you've got to let it all out sometime, and the volume goes way up in places like pubs, playgrounds, and festivals. The rule of thumb is to read the room and set your volume accordingly. A passenger awaits a train arriving in a station. Those videos you've seen of staff physically cramming people into trains? They're real. Rush hour in Tokyo is no joke, as my bruised toes and crushed lungs can attest. So, bringing a giant suitcase on the train at 8 a.m. and parking it in front of the door isn't going to win you any fans. Luckily, Japan has excellent next-day luggage delivery services, so pack an overnight carry-on and entrust oversized bags to the pros. Even at off-peak times, avoid blocking the doors or ticket gates by standing to the side and hold backpacks in front of you so they don't whack other passengers. Eating or drinking is also a no-go, except for long-distance services like the bullet train, where bringing a bento box is practically imperative. One other point to remember is that trains don't run 24/7 in Japan, even in big cities like Tokyo. Particularly for day trips to more rural areas, be sure to check the departure time for your last train so you don't get stranded. A person handing over Japanese Yen. During the pandemic, Japan got a lot better about accepting digital payments, but there are still lots of places that only want cold, hard cash, especially small businesses. I've seen many a tourist have to scramble to find an ATM when they realize they've just eaten a meal they can't pay for. Just to be safe, always carry a bit of cash. Also, Japanese people rarely pass money directly to a cashier, wanting to evade an awkward hand touch. Instead, there is a tray provided next to the register. It's polite to put your cash on the tray and allow the cashier to pick it up. They'll return your change the same way or cushioned on top of a receipt. This one goes out especially to my fellow Americans: Leave the tipping culture at home. It is never expected in Japan for any service, and it just creates confusion. I've seen waitstaff chase customers down the street to return money left on the table. It's like if you went to the supermarket and tried to tip the cashier—they'd just be confused and insist on giving you the correct change. If someone really goes above and beyond, a small gift of appreciation like chocolate will usually be graciously accepted, particularly if it's something representative of your hometown or that isn't readily available in Japan. But again, none of this is expected, and a sincere thank you is appreciated just as much. Nonverbal communication can get non-Japanese speakers a long way, but be aware that not all gestures translate. A common miscommunication happens with beckoning. In Japan, a come-hither gesture is performed palm down with a flick of the fingers, which unfortunately looks a bit like how Europeans and North Americans communicate 'Buzz off, jerk!' When signaling for the check, miming signing a bill will sometimes work, but the more standard gesture is to cross your index fingers in an X, indicating you don't wish to order anything else. Finally, bowing with hands pressed in front of your chest: While this communicates gratitude in much of Southeast Asia, it looks like over-the-top pleading in Japan. A standard bow here is with hands at your sides or clasped neatly at the waist. View of Kyoto through a taxi window. Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure People often joke about Japan living in the future. When I first arrived, the automatic taxi door cemented that idea as gospel for me. The driver just hits a button and the door swings open to let you in, no need to juggle bags or touch hot metal. The same goes for alighting. Once you've paid, the door automatically swings open to let you out. Magic! Of course, the mechanism can get broken if mishandled, which is why drivers have a sharp word if you try to manually open the door. In other taxi-related tips, drivers will usually insist on loading luggage in the trunk as part of their service. It's okay to hail a taxi on the street so long as there is room to pull off, but you can generally find taxi ranks in front of stations and hotels. Uber does exist in Japan, but only in major cities. Also, it will only connect you with a taxi. A local app called Go is cheaper and more widely used. Following a change to public health laws in 2020, smoking is pretty tightly restricted in Japan to prevent second-hand exposure. This means no smoking in public areas like restaurants and hotels except in designated smoking rooms. All train services, including long-distance bullet trains, are non-smoking. Smoking while walking on the street is banned, and police can hit you with an on-the-spot fine if they catch you lighting up. Screened smoking areas are usually found outside stations or other gathering spots, complete with bins for your butts. Vapes fall under the same rules. And note that e-liquids containing nicotine are not sold in Japan, but you can bring up to 120mL for personal use. Exterior of Kyoto's Imperial Palace. Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure Most Japanese people have a very loose relationship to religion compared to some Westerners, adopting practices from Buddhism, Shinto, and even Christianity. That doesn't mean they don't take it seriously, though. A common complaint among my Japanese friends is tourists' lack of respect at shrines and temples. Not just the buildings but also the grounds are considered sacred, so remove hats and sunglasses, moderate your volume, don't take photos of ceremonies unless given express permission, and certainly don't do gymnastics off the torii gates. Another pro tip: The center of the path under a torii is reserved for deities, so stand to the left or right when taking pictures. Visiting a hot spring or sento public bath is a literal immersion in a bathing culture that has lasted more than a millennium. It's part of the social and spiritual fabric of life in Japan, where a long soak before bed is still a nightly practice in many households. But like everything, it has its rules. The communal water is for soaking, so shower first to ensure you aren't bringing in a day's worth of sweat and grime. The small towel provided can be used as a washcloth. Some smaller facilities don't have showers. In that case, use the little buckets provided to scoop up water from the bath and pour it over yourself where it won't splash others. No swimsuits are allowed. It's also bad form to let your towel touch the water, so many people rest it on their heads. Loud talking or splashing can disturb other bathers, so just slip into the water and keep your conversations to a murmur.
Los Angeles Times
a day ago
- Los Angeles Times
Kyoto, Japan - Here's the Must See, Do (and Eat) List
More than just an anagram for 'Tokyo,' Kyoto has a life all of its own, and is an absolute must-see if you're spending time in Japan. It's not just another stop on a map; it's a timeless place where ancient tradition abounds, where elegance isn't just a concept and where cultural richness wafts in the air. Regardless of if you visit as a history buff, are captivated by culinary artistry, find solace in nature or are inspired by capturing that perfect photograph, Kyoto offers a deeply meaningful experience - it's unlike any other Japanese destination. For over a thousand years, Kyoto reigned as Japan's imperial capital. That legacy is permanently etched in its incredible 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. That includes more than 1,000 temples and shrines that aren't just preserved, they're alive and breathing today. All of the beautiful cultural traditions of Japan: a meticulous tea ceremony; the beauty of a geisha performance; the profound calm in a Zen garden; or the towering serenity of a bamboo forest all coexist. Kyoto's charm ultimately lies in its layers. And, while you could spend weeks here, a truly fulfilling visit focuses on quality. Here are some must-dos tailored for an elegant exploration. ⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha: The Iconic Red Gates, Reimagined - You've seen the photos: thousands of vibrant red torii gates stretching endlessly into the forested hillside. It's iconic for a reason, and singularly Kyoto. Your best bet? Go early morning. We're talking dawn, or as close as you can manage. You'll find smaller crowds, and the light filtering through the gates creates an near-magic atmosphere. It's worth hiking to the summit (plan for a two- to three-hour round trip) not just for the view, but for the more quiet and contemplative atmosphere as the crowds thin further up. It's a genuine chance to connect, not simply a selfie spot. 🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Ethereal and Essential - The towering bamboo stalks create a natural cathedral of green light and a gentle rustle - it's a profound sensory experience. Nearby must-sees: Don't miss the Iwatayama Monkey Park for a charming interaction with friendly wild macaques (and featuring incredible views!), or the sprawling Zen gardens of Tenryū-ji Temple. For serenity on water, consider a private scenic riverboat ride along the Hozugawa River. It's the perfect way to take it all in at a gentle pace. 🏛️ Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): Reflective Beauty - This stunning temple, festooned in gold leaf, reflects perfectly in its surrounding pond. It's one of those sights that genuinely takes your breath away, no matter the season. The architectural artistry is simply remarkable. Don't just snap a photo and leave! Take your time. Wander through the meticulously maintained moss gardens. And, if time allows, pay a visit the tranquil tea house on the grounds for a moment of quiet respite, enjoying a ceremonial matcha. 🎑 Gion District: Stepping into Tradition - Here, old Kyoto comes to life. Think traditional wooden machiya houses and charming lantern-lit alleys. It's a perfect place to simply wander and absorb the atmosphere. The ultimate experience here: If you want a real cultural immersion, book a traditional tea ceremony. Better yet, arrange for a kaiseki dinner for truly unforgettable cultural immersion. Exploring streets like Hanami-koji and Shirakawa by evening is particularly evocative. 🌸 Philosopher's Path: Walking with Contemplation - This tranquil canal-side walk is iconic for a reason, and while it's truly spectacular during cherry blossom season (thats late March-early April), it's stunningly beautiful year-round. The entire path is lined with charming temples, quiet cafés and the ever-graceful sakuras. iIt's ideal for a contemplative stroll. It's a beautiful way to unwind after a busy morning. 🌳 The Imperial Palace and Gardens: The Royal Respite - This was the home of Japan's emperors until 1868 (the present palace is in Tokyo). Today, its expansive gardens offer tranquility in the bustling heart of the city. Take a walk: If you're looking for a quiet stroll or a relaxed picnic on a sunny afternoon, it's a nice contrast to more 'go-go' parts of the city. 🕯️ Nishiki Market: Kyoto's Culinary Soul - Known colloquially as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' Nishiki Market is a sensory feast. It's a narrow, bustling street filled with over a hundred shops and restaurants, selling everything from fresh seafood to traditional Kyoto sweets. A must try: Be adventurous! Seek out yuba (a delicate tofu skin), try various matcha sweets and Japanese soft-serve or sample skewered snacks from the numerous vendors. The local pickles are also surprising and delightful. It's a vibrant place to immerse yourself in Kyoto's daily life. Kyoto, like many of Japan's cities, offers an impressive range of accommodations, but for our discerning traveler, the goal is a seamless blend of Japanese elegance and modern comfort. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: Perfectly positioned by the Kamo River, this hotel offers understated elegance, exceptional dining options and serene spa for a true urban oasis. It's got that perfect blend of refined service and contemporary Japanese aesthetics that makes it a the perfect jumping-off-point. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel: If you prefer a more serene, almost resort-like escape, this hotel in scenic Arashiyama is simply stunning. It offers onsen-style baths, private gardens, and an atmosphere of tranquility, allowing you to truly unwind after exploring the bamboo groves and temples nearby. Hotel Kanra Kyoto: This hotel perfectly blends contemporary Japanese design with classic touches. Think inviting tatami rooms, deep soaking tubs that truly soothe, and a quiet ambiance. It offers a stylish, comfortable base without feeling ostentatious. Kyoto Granbell Hotel: Located conveniently near Gion, this hotel offers stylish rooms and often a relaxing public bath. It's a great option for those who want a bit of Japanese sensibility in a very accessible, well-designed setting. Gion Hatanaka: This ryokan offers an authentic experience with beautiful kaiseki meals and, importantly, regular opportunities for private geisha performances. It's truly special, right in the heart of Gion. Ryokan Yachiyo (Kyoto Nanzenji Ryokan Yachiyo): Nestled near Nanzen-ji, this is a truly peaceful garden ryokan. Many rooms offer private soaking tubs, and the serene surroundings make it a perfect place to unwind and experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Kyoto's food scene is a destination in itself. Prepare your palate for delights that range from comforting street snacks to the highest echelons of Japanese gastronomy. Matcha Everything: Uji matcha! You've had it in L.A., but you're simply not prepared for the depth and breadth of the offerings in Kyoto. Try it all, in its myriad forms. Parfaits, lattes, and soft-serve ice cream are widely available and incredibly delicious. It's a daily ritual here. Kaiseki: This traditional multi-course meal is an art form. It's meticulously prepared, beautifully presented and always seasonal. For truly unforgettable experiences, book ahead at renowned establishments like Gion Karyo (known for its refined dishes in Gion) or the Three-Michelin-Star(!) Kikunoi for the ultimate indulgence. It's more than a meal - it's a performance. Yatsuhashi: Kyoto's signature sweet. You'll find many variations, but seek out the soft, cinnamon-flavored version. It's a delightful, unique treat. Obanzai Cuisine: This is Kyoto's home-style cooking. Think small, seasonal dishes that highlight local ingredients. It's comforting, healthy and offers a wonderful glimpse into the city's everyday tastes. Timing truly enhances your Kyoto experience. Luckily, no matter when you go, there are unique events, weather patterns and ways to enjoy the city and its surroundings. Spring: This is cherry blossom season. It's undeniably beautiful, but also incredibly popular. Book everything far in advance! Autumn: Temple gardens burst with fiery foliage, the weather is crisp, and while still popular, it feels more breathable than spring. Winter: Often overlooked, but truly peaceful. Fewer crowds mean more intimate temple visits. It's perfect for hot springs, cozy ryokan stays, and the occasional snow-dusted temple creates a truly magical scene. Summer: It's humid, no getting around that. But it's also packed with vibrant festivals like the Gion Matsuri (July). If you go, embrace the festivals and plan sightseeing for early mornings or late afternoons when the heat of the day isn't upon you. Kyoto is a city that rewards thoughtful navigation, luckily, like much of Japan, it's easy to get around! IC Card (ICOCA/Pasmo/Suica): Get this! It will be your best friend. Similar to L.A.'s TAP card for Metro, you can pick it up any major station and use it for seamless fares on local buses and trains. Bus: They cover most major tourist sites, which is convenient. However, they can get quite slow and crowded, especially during rush hour, so plan accordingly. Trains and subways: Japan is, of course, well-known for its rail transit, and Kyoto's trains are no exception. These are your go-to for longer distances and zipping efficiently across the city. They're clean, punctual and incredibly easy to use. Walking and biking: For areas like Arashiyama, Gion, and the Philosopher's Path, simply walking or renting a bicycle is ideal. You'll discover so much more at a leisurely pace!
