Things to do
Kyoto Arashiyama’s Togetsukyo Bridge will light up at night for the next two weeks
Meets Arashiyama Project brings cultural events and illumination to Kyoto’s most popular riverside destination this month
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Shopping
Japan Blue Jeans opens its first Osaka store
Attention denimheads – you can now shop for reasonably priced artisanal jeans in Umeda
Things to do
Japan cherry blossom forecast 2026: Osaka and Kyoto bloom dates – updated Mar 5
Plan your spring trip with the official 2026 sakura forecast, as Kansai is expected to see early flowering and full bloom
Things to do
Play giant Tetris on Kyoto Station's 11-storey Grand Staircase this March
For one week only, the 171-step Grand Staircase at Kyoto Station will become a massive screen for you to play Tetris
Things to do
Himeji Castle raises entry tickets to ¥2,500 for tourists and non-residents
Under the new dual pricing system effective March 1, Himeji Castle is now the most expensive castle to visit in Japan
Things to do
Ult is the only Osaka entry in the 2026 World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list
The stylish coffee shop and roaster in the understated Kyomachibori neighbourhood is known for its competition-level beans
Things to do
Kyoto’s highest hotel tax hike takes effect – all you need to know
The newly increased accommodation tax in Kyoto went into effect on March 1, making it the highest tourist tax in Japan
Things to do
Muji is opening a boutique hotel in Kyoto near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
With only 18 rooms, the new Muji Base Kyoto Kiyomizu offers authentic experiences to enjoy Kyoto away from tourist crowds
Things to do
Dotonbori creates dedicated smoking area to combat littering and street smoking
Osaka introduces a new smoking zone to make the popular nightlife district cleaner, safer and more enjoyable for everyone
Things to do
Four seasonal Kyoto events to check out this holiday weekend: Feb 20–23
Spend your long weekend in Kyoto at a temple illumination, an art fair and a garden blooming with weeping plum blossoms
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