All About Japan

Reduction in Commuters in Tokyo

Less commuters are seen in Tokyo’s major stations the metropolitan government’s “stay home” campaign to try to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Kanagawa Prefecture Tells Visitors to Stay Put

Kanagawa officials ask people not to visit popular tourist spots in the prefecture to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus infections.

Red Cross Releases Video to Reduce Virus Fears

For many, the Red Cross is a trusted source for international health concerns. And, right now they have a message that just might leave you a little less concerned about fear and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Distancing Reduces Tokyo Train Traffic

The number of people passing through Tokyo’s major stations has drastically decreased on the first Monday since the Japanese government expanded the state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic to cover the entire nation.

Commuters Still Crowding Tokyo Stations

Many commuters showed up at stations in central Tokyo on the first Monday since the government declared a statement of emergency in the capital and asked companies to have 70 percent of employees work from home to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus

State of Emergency Will Not Disrupt Services

Japan declares a state of emergency, but it will be business as usual for public infrastructure, major banks, and convenience stores.

Japan Extends Stay Home Order to May 31

The Japanese government decided to keep the state of emergency in place to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus to May 31 nationwide.

Ride a Roller Coaster through a Building

Tokyo Dome City, home to a theme park with a roller coaster that weaves through a building—like, an actual hole in a building!

Tokyo Olympics Will Start July 23, 2021

The postponed Tokyo Olympics will kick off on July 23 2021, while the Paralympics will begin August 24. The games were delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo Olympics Officially Delayed Until 2021

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has publically announced the Tokyo Olympics will be delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan Now Has 5G Network Service

Major Japanese cellphone service provider NTT Docomo launches next-generation 5G wireless service, the first in the country to do so.

Coronavirus Cases on the Rise in Japan

Two weeks after Japan declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other prefectures, the novel coronavirus epidemic in the country remains serious even though the rate of increase in the number of infected cases has begun to slow.

Japan's State of Emergency: What Does It Mean?

If you were thinking of traveling to Japan, there are new restrictions to heed.

JP Post Suspends Mail from Select Countries

In response to the spread of COVID-19, the Japan Postal Service has temporarily suspended mail service from select countries.

Emergency Calls Spike in Tokyo

Emergency calls to Tokyo police in connection with the novel coronavirus have spiked following the Japanese government’s declaration of a state of emergency two weeks ago.

Japan to Scale Down Olympic Torch Relay

Tokyo Games organizers plan to scale down the Olympic torch relay to a lantern tour by car amid the growing novel coronavirus pandemic. The event is scheduled to start March 26.

5 Great Books That Will Transport You to Japan

In these trying times of self-isolation, travel doesn't have to end completely. There's no better alternative for transporting yourself to a faraway land than via a great book. Here our five of our favorite reads to help you explore Japan.

Tokyo Governor Asks for Restraint

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike asks Tokyo residents to abstain from going to bars, clubs, karaoke and other nightlife spots to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Tokyo's Hidden Red-Gate Shrine

While not as famous as a similar shrine in Kyoto called Fushimi Inari Shrine, Hie Shrine touts an impressive tunnel with 90 bright red torii gates.

The Hard Rock Cafe Rock Shop, Minus the 'Café'

At the Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo Asakusa Rock Shop, find limited-edition collectibles and Japan-inspired goods that you won't be able to get anywhere else in the world. Except a meal.

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