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Japan Today
21-07-2025
- Japan Today
10 cool places to escape Japan's summer heat
By Elizabeth Sok As it heats up across the country, who isn't looking for a place to cool down and escape the soaring temperatures? While indoor activities and hitting the beach are always popular in July and August, this year, we're looking to Japan's stately forests and valleys to help stave off natsubate (summer heat fatigue). In Japanese, these cooling summer getaways are called hishochi. Whether you want to be surrounded by trees, bask in the splashing of a waterfall or take in the beauty of some alpine flora, you'll find your own summer escape in these 10 cool spots across Japan. 1. Iya Valley (Tokushima) Vine bridges, misty forests and mountain air in remote Shikoku Traverse one of Iya Valley's historical rope bridges. Image: AND555/iStock Escape the heat of the city to the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture and you'll find Iya Valley. With a topography that includes Shikoku's second tallest peak, Mount Tsurugi, and several waterways, the Iya Valley has become increasingly popular for its natural landscape. The highlight of the valley is crossing one of the region's three remaining historical vine rope bridges. Suspended 14 meters over the valley below, Iya no Kazurabashi is the main bridge. Stop by in the late evening and see its surroundings illuminated with LEDs. 2. Furano (Hokkaido) Lavender fields and soft summer breezes in Japan's north Treat your eyes and nose to fresh lavender in Furano, Hokkaido. Image: littlewormy/iStock Located in the middle of Hokkaido, Furano has much to offer heat-weary travelers. One of the most well-known summer resorts, this getaway features daytime highs of 25 degrees Celsius during July and August. Perhaps the most famous attraction here is flowers and specifically lavender, with fields that stretch out to the horizon, delighting both your visual and olfactory senses. Furano also offers cooling summer foods, like ice cream flavored with local milk and lavender, and spiced soup curry loaded with seasonal vegetables. 3. Kiyomizu Waterfall (Saga) A spiritual cascade surrounded by forest and statues Buddhist statues and the cascading Kiyomizu Falls imbue this site with spiritual power. Image: Cycleいとうゆき/Pixta About two hours on foot or a 15-minute taxi ride from Arita's Ogi station in Saga Prefecture, the 75-meter-high Kiyomizu Waterfall cascades down the mountainside. Kiyomizu is considered one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. With Buddhist statuary standing watch near the base, Fuyo Myou, the fearsome destroyer of evil, reminds you of the spiritual power the site has long held. 4. Hotel New Otani Garden (Tokyo) Historic rooftop gardens and misty waterfalls in the city Stroll through this rooftop Japanese garden in the heart of Tokyo. Image: Kuremi/iStock With a history stretching back over 400 years, the garden of the Hotel New Otani was developed by several powerful samurai families. Visitors can enter this 10-acre green space for free and enjoy the cooling mist coming off the main waterfall. Elsewhere, you can explore a variety of historical stone lanterns from the Kamakura (1183-1333) and Edo (1603-1867) periods. Also, check out the stone garden where different elements represent mountains and the sea. 5. Karuizawa (Nagano) A classic summer retreat with ponds, trails and cool lakes Karuizawa's beautiful forests have long been known as an escape from Japan's city heat. Image: bradtzou/iStock Maybe the most famous summer cooling area on our list, Karuizawa is known for its scenery. In the summer, it's hard to beat its lush forests, waterfalls and deep cool lakes. Thanks to the high volume of tourists, Karuizawa also has a well-developed network of shopping and cultural sites to view alongside its breathtaking natural scenery. Don't miss the chance to escape the heat with a stroll alongside Kumoba Pond or enjoying the gentle splashing of Shiraito Waterfall surrounded by verdant forest. 6. Nasu Highland Park (Tochigi) Escape from Tokyo with outdoor fun and hot springs All this greenery is only about one hour from Tokyo by bullet train. Image: TNK/Pixta A bit over an hour from Tokyo via shinkansen, Tochigi Prefecture's Nasu Highland Park is a cooling paradise close to the metropolis. Located at a higher altitude, this park offers summer vacationers the chance to engage in a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking to cycling, at temperatures rarely exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, even in August. With an abundance of hot spring facilities and cultural venues, like the Nasu Stained Glass Museum, you can also relax in indoor-outdoor spaces to avoid the harsh sun. 7. Oirase Area (Aomori) Kilometers of trails, waterfalls and shaded forest hiking Immerse yourself in over 14 kilometers of hiking trails under the lush summer foliage. Image: Anesthesia/Pixta Oirase Gorge in Aomori is bordered by a majestic forest with trickling streams and waterfalls. Oirase Stream, which runs along the bottom of the gorge, is located near an accessible 9-kilometer-long hiking trail which provides access to both scenic bridges and waterfalls. The entire gorge itself extends 14 kilometers from Lake Towada with the surrounding greenery providing a cooling effect in the summer and spectacular colors come autumn. 8. Bijin Bayashi Forest (Niigata) Beech trees and serene paths 2° cooler than town This beautiful forest offers a cool escape from the sweltering summer heat. Image: PIXSTAR/Pixta In Niigata prefecture's Bijin Bayashi Forest, elegant and straight beech trees provide shelter from the unrelenting heat. While usually an alpine species, these beech trees were able to grow unhindered after the land was clear-cut in the early 20th century. The forest takes on a different character each season with a blanket of snow in the winter and a yellow and orange canopy overhead in the fall. Cool off in the summer under the shaded foliage and a breeze that lowers the temperature a couple of degrees. 9. Mount Daisen (Tottori) Hike to shrines and waterfalls on a sacred peak Marvel at the view from Mount Daisen's Oyama Afuri Shrine. Image: kuro/Pixta Tottori Prefecture's Mount Daisen is the tallest peak in the Chugoku area. A dormant volcano, Mount Daisen has significant spiritual importance and has been compared to Mount Fuji. With hiking courses for all levels, come and enjoy the cooling effect of the many pristine forests and waterfalls. The Natsuyama course will bring you to the Misen peak and through a beech forest while the Daisendaki Waterfall course offers the perfect summer resort photo spot of a two-tiered waterfall. 10. Todoroki Valley and Nippara Limestone Caves (Tokyo) Cool caves and urban forest trails — Tokyo's natural air-con There's no sun down here in the Nippara Limestone Caves. Image: Ystudio/Pixta Finally, while we would love to add Setagaya Ward's Todoroki Valley to this list, most of it has been closed to the public since 2023. With a pleasant one-kilometer trail flanked by thick woods and housing a variety of stone structures, you'll want to keep this spot in mind for future summers. As you wait for Todoroki Valley to reopen in March 2026, why not escape the sun altogether with a trip to the Nippara Limestone Caves at the western edge of Tokyo. One of the biggest cave networks in Kanto, this certified natural monument stretches over 1,270 meters long from start to finish. With temperatures hovering around 11 degrees throughout the year, it's the perfect place to cool off and explore an otherworldly landscape. © Japan Today
Japan Today
19-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Japan Today
10 Japanese products that help keep your home clean
By Elizabeth Sok Do you feel overwhelmed trying to keep your home in Japan clean? Are you tired of chasing dust bunnies in your mansion or scrubbing the mold off the walls of your bathroom? Honestly, there's nothing like the sparkling feeling of a freshly cleaned home after exerting yourself in the end-of-year oosouji (big clean) or spring cleaning. But our lives are busy and it can be hard to find the time and motivation to keep up that level of cleanliness on a regular basis. Luckily, there is a wide range of ingenious, low-effort Japanese products that will do much of the heavy lifting for you. Use these grime fighters to help keep your home clean without having to do much other than purchase the product and leave it to work its magic. Read on below to find your new favorite time — and labor-saving cleaning goods. 1. Look Mildew & Black Mold Shower Room Cleaner 2. Magic Rin Foaming Bath Tub Spray 3. Febreze Bathroom Mildew Resistant 4. Kobayashi Bluelet Liquid Toilet Bowl Disinfectant EX 5. Quickle Washbowl Cleaner 6. Pipe Cleaning & Odor Elimination Tablets 7. Chin! Shitefukudake Microwave Cleaner 8. Clean Planet Stove Top Cleaner 9. Lec Floor Cleaning Slippers 10. SwitchBot Robot Floor Cleaner 1. Look Mildew & Black Mold Shower Room Cleaner If you have trouble motivating yourself to clean your ubiquitous Japanese shower room, look no further than this product by Look cleaning brand. This easy-to-use product, notable for its quirky mascot character of a pumped-up cloud, just requires you to set it inside the shower room in water and let it smoke out your mold. The product claims to prevent 99.9% of mildew and mold build-up. Price: ¥1,443 (for a pack of 3) 2. Magic Rin Foaming Bath Tub Spray Shower rooms are always a hassle to clean, so why not make it easier with a handy cleaning spray? It comes in different scent options, from unscented to green herb to rose. Just spray this cleaning agent all over your shower walls, bathtub, floor, doors and especially that extra dirty shower drain. After spraying, the product's website says that your shower room will stay germ — and black mold-free for at least a week. Price: ¥748 (spray bottle and refill included) 3. Febreze Bathroom Mildew Resistant If even the spray feels like too much work, try this one! With all the high moisture and humidity, of course, the bath area is a fertile ground for mold growth. Febreze makes a bath cleaner that can stop mildew and mold from forming at the start. Just place it on the ground, hanging on a bar or on an adjacent window or wall and the product will release a bio-coating that stops mold in its tracks. The effect will last about six weeks, after which you will have to replace it. Price: ¥828 (one unit) 4. Kobayashi Bluelet Liquid Toilet Bowl Disinfectant EX If cleaning the toilet bowl gets you down, this is the best item to keep it clean and fresh at all times with no elbow grease required. All you need to do is attach the product to the tap on the top of the toilet. As you flush the toilet, Bluelet will slowly release the cleaning agent into the tank, creating a disinfectant coating that is especially effective against black mold. The company claims that one application will last you about three to four weeks. ¥1713 (bulk purchase of four packs) 5. Quickle Washbowl Cleaner Click here to read more. External Link © Savvy Tokyo
Japan Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
How to apply for gov't subsidies in Japan for housing, healthcare and childcare
By Elizabeth Sok With prices on the rise, everyone could use a little extra financial help. GaijinPot can help you save cash by showing you birthday freebies or even finding better work on GaijinPot Jobs—but we can't hand you cash. Thankfully, there are a ton of government subsidies in Japan offering real financial support for housing, childcare, healthcare, and more. Luckily, whether you're moving to another prefecture, planning on starting a family or just lost your job, the Japanese government provides subsidies to ease your financial burden. We've compiled a list of government subsidies offered nationwide, but the benefits don't stop there as prefectures and even cities can provide their own additional financial aid. For example, while Fukuoka City now completely subsidizes elementary school lunches, Kitakyushu City, also located in the prefecture, does not. Also, many subsidies vary depending on where you live, so be sure to look around locally. Living and Housing Subsidies Dreaming of moving to the countryside? With housing costs taking up as much as 30% of your monthly salary and moving to Japan being expensive, it helps to have some financial help when you need it. Housing Security Benefit Individuals who have become unemployed or are facing a decrease in their monthly income may be eligible for a Housing Security Benefit (住居確保給付金, jyuukyo kakuho kyufukin) to cover part of their housing costs. Subsidies are paid directly to the landlord and can be renewed every three months for a maximum of nine months. Benefits The amount of financial support you can receive varies across Japan. Also, it depends on how many people are living within a household and your recent household income. For example, here are the highest monthly subsidies available for people living in Tokyo's Minato Ward: Single-person household : ¥69,800 : ¥69,800 Two-person household : ¥75,000 : ¥75,000 Three-person household : ¥81,000 : ¥81,000 Four-person household: ¥86,000 For more information Visit your local municipal office to inquire about rental subsidies. There are many documents you may need to present, including (but not limited to): Official pieces of identification, such as your My Number Card and Residence Card. Proof you have been terminated from your previous job or that your business has closed. Official documents stating a required leave of absence. A copy of your housing contract. Copies of utility bills. Moving to the countryside The government subsidizes relocation to less-populated prefectures in an effort to slow Tokyo's population growth. This is part of a broader strategy to counter Tokyo's overpopulation and support regional revival. If you're considering relocating, check local municipal programs and support services like the Hometown Return Support Center for eligibility specifics and application details. Benefits It depends on how many people are relocating. If you are single, you are eligible to receive ¥600,000, while a household can get up to ¥1,000,000. If you have children under the age of 18, they may also receive ¥1,000,000 each. For more information Running for over 20 years, Hometown Return Support Center (ふるさと回帰支援センター, Furusato Kaiki Shien Sentaa) is the most popular non-profit organization that collaborates with local governments to bring new residents to places outside the big cities. To qualify, you must start an application with Hometown Return Support Center or another government-recognized group offering similar services. Additional requirements may include: Finding a job before moving Working remotely with your current job (if applicable) Starting your own business Family and Childcare Subsidies Japan's government is begging you to have children. Raising a family is expensive, from clothing and food to education and health care. The Japanese government offers several subsidies to parents, partly in hopes of improving the country's falling birthrate. Child allowance The child allowance (児童手当, jido teate) is an allowance available for families with at least one child under the age of 19. Benefits Payments are on every even-numbered month. The subsidy amount depends on the age of your children and how many you have. For more information Visit your local municipal office or apply online via the Benefits section of the My Number Portal (scroll down to 児童手当に関する申請 to apply for the child allowance). Lump-sum Allowance for Childbirth Expectant mothers enrolled in the National Health Insurance Plan are eligible to receive the Lump-sum Allowance for Childbirth (出産一時金, Shussan ichiji kin), a one-time subsidy to cover all or most of the costs of childbirth. Benefits The subsidy is ¥500,000. According to a 2023 study by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the cost of giving birth in Japan ranges from around ¥350,000 to over ¥600,000. The exact amount depends on the prefecture, the type of birthing facility, and the kind of delivery. The government usually pays the subsidy directly to the facility where you give birth. For more information In most cases, you can apply directly through your birthing facility. Single-parent support The Japanese government provides several support programs for single-parent households that cover everything from housing to education. Benefits The main subsidy is the Child Support Allowance (児童扶養手当, jido fuyo teate), which offers financial assistance for raising children until March 31st after they turn 18. The amount depends on the parents' income. It can be up to nearly ¥50,000 per month for the first child, and around ¥10,000 or less for each additional child. Payments are deposited every even-numbered month. For more information Visit your local municipal office and apply. Healthcare Subsidies Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
30-05-2025
- Japan Today
Explore Tokushima: Nature, culture and cuisine on Japan's untouched coast
By Elizabeth Sok Situated on the eastern side of Shikoku Island, Tokushima Prefecture abounds in natural beauty, rich cultural history and plenty of local dishes to savor. From rafting down the Yoshino River to crossing one of the country's most unique vine bridges, Tokushima offers awe-inspiring escapes from city life. If you're looking to take home something memorable from your trip, Naruto City's ceramics' earthy tones and textures are a great place to start. Resting on the coast usually means access to the bounties of the sea and Tokushima is no different with its famed sea bream. Despite being on less-traveled Shikoku, Tokushima is easy to access. Arrive at Tokushima Awaodori Airport from Tokyo in under 90 minutes or take a JR highway bus from JR Osaka station in under two and a half hours. But, you may want to consider the scenic route on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway that connects Hyogo and Tokushima Prefectures across the Akashi and Naruto Straits. Outdoor adventures in Tokushima Traverse one of the Iya Valley's three historic vine bridges. Image: thanyarat07/iStock Understandably, the Naruto Straits off of Tokushima are one of the top natural sights in the prefecture with their captivating whirlpools. But, head inland and you'll discover plenty more in the region's valleys and rivers. Iya Valley Located in the heart of Shikoku, this remote mountainous valley includes the beautiful Iyakei Gorge, several hot spring areas and vine bridges. The Iya Valley is roughly 60 km long and is bordered by Mount Tsurugi, the second tallest mountain in Western Japan. Flowing down from the mountain is the Iya River which eventually leads to the Iyakei Gorge, with its steep slopes showcasing pristine forests that are especially picturesque during the fall. The valley also features suspension bridges constructed from mountain vines that span across the Iya River. At 45 meters in length, the Kazurabashi bridge, which is the longest and most popular of the bridges, grants spectacular views of the valley. Yoshino River rafting Hold on tight as you raft down Japan's wildest river. Image: emi suga/Pixta Experience some of Japan's wildest whitewater rafting on the Yoshino River. Flowing from Kochi Prefecture into Tokushima, the Yoshino River is considered to be the longest river in the Shikoku region at 194 km in length. The river is filled with thrilling rapids, arguably the best in Japan and renowned worldwide, and boasts clear water and epic views along its route. There are several tour operators offering half and one-day rafting packages, including those that are family-friendly and English speaking. And for those seeking more adventurous options, try the canyoning experiences, with some featuring a 40-meter waterfall drop. Cultural experiences unique to Tokushima Otani-yaki awaits in a kiln. Image: nagare/Pixta Tokushima has a rich cultural history stretching back centuries. From pottery and performance to creating dyes from indigenous Japanese plants, the prefecture has more than enough opportunities to steep yourself in local traditions. Otani-yaki pottery Head to Naruto City for the chance to take home one of the most coveted souvenirs of Tokushima: pottery. Otani-yaki, or Otani ware, is the representative pottery of the area. It is made of Hagiwara clay, a specialty of the prefecture, that is popular for its simplicity and elegant luster. Dark brown pieces are the most common, although you can also obtain pieces in silver and gray. One unusual feature of this pottery is that the artisans utilize a technique called nerokuro which entails lying beneath the pottery wheel and kicking it. Using this technique, craftsmen make large jugs, as sizable as an adult, which are fired in some of Japan's biggest climbing kilns. Awa odori dance festival Join over a million visitors to Tokushima City's annual Awa Odori Festival. Image: papilio/Pixta Perhaps Tokushima's most famous cultural treasure is the Awa Odori Dance. Although origin stories of the dance vary, most agree that it began about 400 years ago. Taking place in August as part of the Awa Odori Festival, with exact dates varying from city to city across the prefecture, this dance is now a well-known example of Japanese traditional dance arts. Every year, more than a million people descend on Tokushima City to watch and join in on the matsuri (festival). From street stalls to cordoned-off major streets, the city is transformed for the festival to a lively center of traditional culture that is absolutely worth a special trip. If you visit outside of the matsuri days, head to the Awa Odori Kaikan in downtown Tokushima where dance troupes perform the Awa Odori all year round. Indigo dyeing in Udatsu Take a stroll through the historical Udatsu district and try your hand at indigo dyeing. Image: Q2Photo/Pixta Besides its pottery and dance, Tokushima is also known nationwide for being one of the top producers of natural indigo dye. Indigo dyeing, or aizome, has been practiced in Tokushima for over 800 years thanks to the irrigation of the Yoshino River which makes the northern part of the prefecture fertile ground for the Japanese indigo plant. The high quality dye produced here is called awa-ai and is highly regarded as an indigenous ink brand. While in Tokushima, why not try your hand at dyeing? At the Ai no Yakata Historical Museum, only a 40-minute bus ride from JR Tokushima Station, you can choose your fabric and dye and create your own unique piece in a workshop led by museum staff. Must try Tokushima cuisine Grilled is the best way to savor Awa odori chicken's rich umami flavor. Image: tachan/Pixta Tokushima's diverse culinary landscape will continually whet your appetite whether you favor poultry, noodles or seafood. Awa odori chicken One of your first foodie stops in the prefecture should be chicken. In particular, sink your teeth into Tokushima's Awa odori chicken, named after the famous dance. These chickens, a crossbreed of Awa-Jidori and White Plymouth Rock, are known for being low-fat with an almost sweet taste that is also high in umami. Raised for over 75 days, as per premium jidori chicken regulations, the meat is a distinctive reddish color and maintains a pleasing texture. One of the most popular ways to enjoy this dish is grilled since the smokiness complements the meat's flavor. Try it at Tosute, a quick 10-minute walk from JR Tokushima station, which offers mouth-watering grilled Awa odori chicken and can accommodate groups. Tarai udon in Awa City Awa City is home to tarai udon. Image: bluet/Pixta Tarai udon, a specialty of Awa City, is known for its firm noodles, served in a wooden tub with savory dashi broth. With solid wheat production stretching back centuries, Awa's hand-pulled freshly cooked noodles with dashi (fish-based broth) have long been popular, especially with local forestry workers. In the late Edo period, lumberjacks would cook the udon on makeshift stoves in the woods with a fresh fish broth, gathering around a tarai, a large wooden tub, to enjoy their meal. The broth varies but traditionally includes jinzoku river fish and sardines. Enjoy this dish in restaurants overlooking the Miyagawauchidani River to take in the view alongside the meal. Naruto-dai sea bream If you're in Tokushima in the spring, keep an eye out for sakura-tinted sea bream. Image: プロモリンク/Pixta If you're feeling like eating seafood while in Tokushima, look no further than the Naruto dai (Naruto sea bream). Caught in the rapid-moving Naruto Strait, these fish have a remarkably firm flesh born of their well-developed muscles. This results in a fresh and firm bite that makes these sea bream known across the country for their exceptional quality. Just before the Naruto Dai spawns in spring, it achieves a particularly pleasing fat balance and delicate taste as well as a vivid pink flesh. These so-called 'Sakura sea bream' are thus considered to be at their peak in March and April. To best enjoy Naruto Dai, try it as sashimi in nearby Naruto City! More Tokushima highlights Enjoy the night view from the top of Mount Bizan. Image: Yama/Pixta Still looking for ideas? Add these spots to your Tokushima itinerary. Anan coast Dive into the beautiful marine vistas and catch some of the best waves in the country. Dive into the beautiful marine vistas and catch some of the best waves in the country. Mount Bizan Take in the panoramic night views overlooking Tokushima City. Take in the panoramic night views overlooking Tokushima City. Tokushima ramen Enjoy a hearty bowl of the prefectural soul food, with three types of broth and a raw egg topping. © Japan Today
Japan Today
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Today
New bike laws in Japan take effect in 2026. What cyclists and drivers need to know
By Elizabeth Sok From commuting to work and picking up groceries to cycling Japan's scenic national routes, bikes are a popular and practical way to get around. Even if you don't own one, Japan's many bike-sharing apps make it easy to rent a ride near you. But as with any vehicle, bikes come with rules, and new bike laws in Japan are coming soon. In 2024, there were over 67,000 bicycle-related traffic accidents, with over 80% of fatal cases involving a cyclist violating traffic laws. Smartphone use while riding is also a growing issue, with accident cases increasing by over 50% in recent years. In response, Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) has introduced stricter regulations to make cycling safer for everyone — riders, drivers, and pedestrians. If you cycle in Japan (or plan to), here's what you need to know. Red Tickets vs. Blue Tickets: What's Changing? In recent years, Japan has taken a stricter stance on dangerous cycling. Since late 2024, serious offenses like riding under the influence of alcohol or using a smartphone while cycling have carried steep red-ticket (赤切符, aka-kippu) penalties — including fines of up to ¥100,000 for phone use and, for drunk cycling, up to ¥1 million or five years in prison under the Road Traffic Act. But starting April 2026, a new blue ticket system (青切符制度, **ao-kippu seido) will go into effect for less severe violations. Already used for motorists and moped riders, blue tickets allow police to issue **on-the-spot fines for 113 cycling offenses, including ignoring stop signs or riding without a light. The system targets cyclists aged 16 and older and aims to improve road safety through more consistent enforcement, without immediately resorting to criminal charges. Blue Ticket Penalties The full list of infractions and their penalties is on the National Police Agency website (Japanese only), but here are some of the most common violations to watch out for starting in April 2026. What Do I Do If I Get a Blue Ticket? If you're issued a blue ticket, you must pay the fine within eight days, usually using cash at a post office or bank. Ignoring the fine may result in a court summons, and continued non-compliance could lead to a criminal case. While you can contest a blue ticket, doing so means appearing in court, and there's no guarantee the fine will be waived. In most cases, it's easier — and safer — to pay promptly and avoid further legal trouble. How Do I Pay a Blue Ticket? To pay a blue ticket, bring the payment slip you received to a post office or bank and pay the fine in cash. You'll typically fill out a simple form and receive a receipt — be sure to keep it as proof of I Can't Ride on the Sidewalk? Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
