Japan's airspace, already among the most congested in the world, is facing new pressure as more flights are funneled into Tokyo airports. Airlines and aviation authorities are hoping that a far-reaching air traffic modernization effort can ease the bottleneck and allow additional service to the nation's capital without causing gridlock.
Traffic saturation at Tokyo's Narita International and Haneda airports has meant strict limits on new flights, which has been a bone of contention for overseas airlines in particular. But expansion at both facilities is enabling more slots for international service, as well as the rapid emergence of domestic low-cost airlines. Within five years, traffic at the two airports is expected to rise by 20%. (aviationweek.com)
Japan's airspace, already among the most congested in the world, is facing new pressure as more flights are funneled into Tokyo airports. Airlines and aviation authorities are hoping that a far-reaching air traffic modernization effort can ease the bottleneck and allow additional service to the nation's capital without causing gridlock.
Traffic saturation at Tokyo's Narita International and Haneda airports has meant strict limits on new flights, which has been a bone of contention for overseas airlines in particular. But expansion at both facilities is enabling more slots for international service, as well as the rapid emergence of domestic low-cost airlines. Within five years, traffic at the two airports is expected to rise by 20%. (aviationweek.com)
Times are looking tough for Tokyo's cat cafes, where feline aficionados can drop in for tea and some time with a cat.
At most such establishments, it's the post-work rush that brings in the most cash, with tired and harried professionals dropping by on their way homes to pet and play with the animals as a way of relieving stress.
In Japan, dining can be an overwhelming experience as there are over 30 Michelin three-star restaurants all over the archipelago. But if your stars are down and you are on a budget, there is Depachika, the basement food hall of department stores where you can find counters after counters of food products ranging from lunch boxes, sandwiches and pastries (you can't miss out on these light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth semi-sweet creations). To get a 50 percent discount on your food purchase, go before closing time.
There is also the Kombini, or convenience store, that offers a reasonably-priced meal and it can be found practically all over Japan. (Manila Bulletin)
The only thing I planned for my first trip to Japan was to recreate Scarlett Johansson's crossing the Shibuya in Lost in Translation. I did buy the requisite travel guides, bookmarked links on must-see's, but decided to junk all that at the last minute, because I wanted Japan to surprise me. I knew it'd be a strange adventure. I never thought it would be life-changing, especially for a Filipino.
I did get to cross the Shibuya, bathed in neon on a very cold February evening - three times. I was in a sea of Tokyoites, all clad in black winter wear. The Shibuya crowd was a big fraction of the 13-million Tokyo populace. Yet, no elbows rubbed against mine. Not one shivering pedestrian pushed me in a rush to get to a heated enclosure. The Japanese are big on "sense of personal space," it seems. (philstar.com)
Hundreds of the 19,000 people killed by Japan's horrific quake-tsunami remain unmourned, their bodies never claimed because there is no one left to notice they have gone.
Buddhist monk Ryushin Miyabe offers prayers for unclaimed victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami. Hundreds of the 19,000 people killed by Japan's horrific quake-tsunami remain unmourned, their bodies never claimed because there is no one left to notice they have gone.
