An increasing number of national parks and other scenic areas in Japan are collecting voluntary entry payments from visitors for environmental protection and infrastructure improvements, including the creation of pathways and the installation of bathrooms.

Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, began requesting ¥1,000 per climber in 2014 after a yearlong trial. Officials collect the payments at the start of each trail on the mountain, which straddles Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, during climbing season from July through September.

Visitors to Yakushima, an island in Kagoshima Prefecture known for its wildlife and cedar forests, are asked for payments when entering local mountain areas — ¥1,000 for a day trip and ¥2,000 if they stay overnight. Among others, Mount Ibuki, which straddles Shiga and Gifu prefectures, has a collection box near its peak for payments of ¥300.

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For almost the last 50 years, there have been 29 stops on the Yamanote Line, with the most recent addition being Nishi-Nippori in 1971. The Yamanote Line station family is set to grow to an even 30 soon, though, with construction currently taking place for a new station to be slotted between the existing Shinagawa and Tamachi Stations, and planners have finally announced the name of the new stop.

Set to open in 2020, the new station will be called Takanawa Gateway (or “Takanawa Geetouei,” using the local pronunciation), referencing the station’s location in the Takanawa neighborhood, roughly 900 meters (0.56 miles) north of Shinagawa Station. Some may question the need for the English “Gateway” flourish, but it’s there to help differentiate the upcoming Yamanote stop from Shirokane-Takanawa Station on the Namboku and Mita subway lines, which has been in operation since 2000.

While Takanawa Gateway will be ready to have passengers pass through in time for the opening of the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, final construction of the facility won’t be completed until 2024.

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Part of a theme park based on the Moomin series of children’s books is to open near Tokyo next month.

The park is under construction in a 240,000-square-meter forest by a lake in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture.

The park is to fully open next March as the first facility of its kind outside Finland, the home country of the books’ author Tove Jansson.

On Wednesday, local and Finnish officials gathered for a ceremony to mark the completion of the section opening on November 9th. It includes restaurants where visitors can enjoy Scandinavian cuisine with a view of the lake and forest. Shops selling Scandinavian souvenirs and food are also set to open at that time.

Hanno Mayor Masaru Okubo said the city will fully support the park, as he expects it will draw tourists from around the world.

Kyoto has topped a ranking of major Japanese cities as measured by criteria such as livability and economy, according to a survey by a think tank affiliated with major real estate developer Mori Building Co.

The Institute for Urban Strategies on Wednesday released its first edition of the ranking, which covered 72 cities excluding Tokyo.

The cities were rated using a total of 83 indicators across six categories — economy and business, transport and accessibility, environment, life and residence, culture and interchange, and research and development — based on statistical results and hearings with local residents.
Kyoto was highly rated for its universities and abundant tourism properties, including historical and cultural assets, the think tank said.
Fukuoka came in second on the back of its powerful economy. A number of special deregulation zones are located in the southwestern hub.
Despite scoring poorly when it came to crime, Osaka ranked third thanks to robust private consumption and investment, and its convenient transportation network.
Nagoya came fourth, with many companies in the city having high global market shares, while Yokohama ranked fifth.

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There is something very romantic about the Far East, especially Japan.

To travelers from the west, it represents a culture which mimics so many aspects they may be familiar with in terms of fashion, technology, and architecture. But it also retains a lot of mystique, with ancient customs such as the tea ceremony, temples set against tranquil surroundings, beautiful art and traditional cuisine. There are so many interesting and charming locations for any visiting couple. So if you met on a singles site and are keen to explore Japanese dating by immersing yourself in different culture, here are some of the more romantic things to do in Japan.Disneyland in Tokyo

Sprawling for over 115 acres, Tokyo Disneyland is a captivating theme park situated near Japan’s capital city. The first Disney outlet to be opened outside the USA, it is designed along the same styles as its counterparts in Florida and California. There are seven themed areas, each offering a multitude of rides which accommodate the tastes of visitors young and old.

Tokyo Tower

Rising over 300 m above ground level, Tokyo Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it’s lattice structure painted in eye-catching white and orange. When you visit this stunning location, you will be following in the footsteps of more than 150 million visitors who have already been drawn to the tower’s museums, shops and eating outlets. The observation decks offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

Visit Mount Fuji

The highest mountain in Japan, rising to 3,700 meters, the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji are one of Japan’s most iconic images. This scene of outstanding beauty has featured prominently in numerous films over the years and has inspired artists and poets the world over for centuries. As a romantic location, it is second to none in this part of the world. There are numerous trails to be explored with your loved one, and if you are feeling truly adventurous you can even go paragliding here.

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