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Japan Today
3 days ago
- 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
Japan Today
5 days ago
- Japan Today
Kamioka is a charming Showa-era time capsule nestled in Japan Alps
By Rachel Crane Kamioka is a charming Showa-era time capsule nestled in the Japan Alps. Part of Hida City in Gifu Prefecture, Kamioka was once a mining town. While the industry and population have declined, Kamioka's old-world charm and fascinating history continue to draw visitors. The best way to experience the town is to take a guided tour. A local guide will lead guests along the river via retro shops and teahouses, while narrating stories from the town's rich history. Some guided tours specialise in sampling regional delicacies, while Nordic hiking tours take adventurous visitors out to the surrounding mountains. Kamioka's signature product is sake (alcohol), so be sure to sample the fine spirits the town has to offer. The neighboring Furukawa area of Hida City specialises in the production of traditional Japanese candles, making the area a perfect place to shop for unique handmade gifts. For nature lovers, the best time to go hiking in Kamioka is summer, when the mountain air is at its mildest. In winter, the town gets an average of three meters of snow, and is a great base for skiers looking to enjoy the powder on the Japanese Alps. History, Science and Culture Kamioka is home to a collection of interconnected museums and cultural sites that tell the story of the town's fascinating transformation through the years. The most impressive relic of the town's past is Kamioka Castle, which is in authentic Sengoku period style. A climb up to the castle's viewing platform offers views over the beautifully landscaped grounds and the rooftops of the old town below. The scenery is particularly enchanting in early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Himeji Castle Festival: A blend of Edo-period reenactments, traditional performing arts and lively community spirit
Every May, the grounds surrounding Himeji Castle hold the Himeji Castle Festival (Himeji Oshiro Matsuri). Held over three days, this historic celebration blends Edo-period reenactments, traditional performing arts and lively community spirit. First held in 1948 as a symbol of postwar recovery, the festival celebrates the cultural legacy of Himeji Castle. The celebration kicked off on May 16 with Takigi Noh, Japan's oldest form of theater performed outdoors by firelight. Set against the towering white walls of Himeji Castle, this exciting performance creates a powerful connection between Japan's ancient performing arts and its architectural heritage. On May 17, the streets surrounding the castle come alive with the Himeji Daimyo Procession, a full-scale reenactment of a feudal lord's parade from the Edo period. Dozens of participants dressed in meticulously crafted historical outfits march down Otemae Street, bringing Himeji's samurai past vividly to life. That same day, the Citizen Parade adds a burst of local pride and color. Community groups and performers join the newly crowned Queen of the Castle, a symbolic role given each year to a local woman who embodies the spirit of the city. Dressed in elegant traditional attire, she appears at the head of the parade. Each evening, the castle itself transforms into a glowing symbol of celebration with 3D projection mapping. Festival Highlights The festival isn't just about parades; it's a lively, family-friendly celebration filled with activities for all ages. On May 18, head to Kids Land in Otemae Park, where children can enjoy games and interactive play areas. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Japan Today
The Showa Era Lifestyle Museum: Travel back in time
By James Rogers The Showa Era Lifestyle Museum opened in 1990 in Kita Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. It features a large collection (over 160,000 items) of Showa era (1926-1989) items, from cars to televisions to full storefront replicas. The focus of the museum is to show what life was like during this period for a typical Japanese person. Despite the Showa era spanning a considerable amount of time, the era is mostly associated with the mid-20th century and thus most of the items in the museum are from this period. The museum has over 40,000 visitors per year. The museum has multiple floors, and its basement is full of many valuable classic cars and motorcycles. On its main floor, there are multiple full-room replicas, including living rooms, kitchens, a bicycle repair storefront, a candy store and many others. Nearly all of the items in the museum are donations. Occasionally, the museum also has special exhibitions. One previous exhibition that was quite unique featured Showa era items, such as radios, clocks, etc., opened up to reveal their inner workings. Until May 31, the museum's special exhibition will focus on items from the 1980s. The museum's creator, Yoshinori Ichihashi, showed great insight in establishing it in 1990. He realized early on that people who grew up or raised children during the Showa era would eventually feel nostalgic about the period. He has even published a book about the era. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Hamamatsu Festival showcases vibrant kites, colorful floats and lively parades
By Abhijit Sen The Hamamatsu Festival is a lively annual event held in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka. It takes place from May 3 – 5. This festival has a history of over 450 years. It features beautiful kites and colorful floats. It also shows the strong community spirit among the townspeople. Kite battles have become a popular highlight of the festival. Image: PIXTA/ 和音 The festival originates in the Eiroku era (1558-1569) and is documented in the Hamamatsu Castle Chronicle, written by Sakai Masamune. It began when Iio Buzennokami, the lord of Hikuma Castle, celebrated the birth of his son by flying a kite. This event started a cherished local tradition that honors children through the art of flying kites. Over the years, residents of Hamamatsu have embraced this tradition, and kite battles have become a popular highlight of the festival. Kite flying became popular in towns like Sagara and Yokosuka during the Edo and Meiji periods. Hamamatsu was known for its kite battles, especially at Wajiyama parade ground, from 1919 until just before World War II. After the war, the festival revived with the first post-war kite battle in 1948 at Nakatajima dunes, involving 40 to 50 towns. By 1950, participation had increased, prompting the formation of the Hamamatsu Festival Headquarters to organize the event. Festival Highlights As night falls, visitors can enjoy a dazzling parade. Image: PIXTA/hige Today, over 170 towns participate in the Hamamatsu Festival, drawing approximately 2 million visitors annually. The festival includes tremendous kite battles at the Nakatajima Sand Dunes during the day. Each participating community has unique kite designs that often incorporate local symbols or names. These designs are also featured on the happi, traditional light coats worn by the festival teams. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
