Kalle Rovanpera has claimed the early lead at Rally Japan as he plans to not hold anything back in his pursuit of a third World Rally Championship title at the penultimate round of the season. 

The Toyota driver posted the fastest time in the opening stage at the asphalt event, with only a second separating the top eight after the 2.75km Kuragaike Park super special stage. 

Rovanpera pipped Hyundai’s Ott Tanak by 0.1s, with Toyota’s home hero Takamoto Katsuta third fastest [+0.3s]. Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier, who like Rovanpera, trails championship leader and Toyota stablemate Elfyn Evans by 13 points, was fourth quickest and 0.4s adrift. 

After hauling himself back into the title race following victory at the Central European Rally last month, Rovanpera says he is planning a full attack in Japan to reel in Evans and take the title fight to the final round in Saudi Arabia. 

The 25-year-old has openly admitted that Japan’s narrow asphalt roads are not among his favourites, with his best result being a run to third in 2023. Rovanpera’s build up to the event has been somewhat unusual having tested Formula 2 machinery in Spain last week to prepare for his switch to single seater racing next year. 

“It is always a tricky rally, it is not really in my comfort zone with the style of stages we have here. It doesn’t matter much as we still need to try and do a strong result. We really need good points, and the first plan is to get more than Elfyn and Seb so let’s see how it goes,” Rovanpera told Motorsport.com.  

“Obviously, there are only two more rounds to go so there is no reason to hold back with anything.  

“It was nice to get a proper test to get real seat time [in an F2 car] and push on those cars and it went pretty well, so that was good. Obviously, it has not been the easiest schedule for this year changing cars and going back to the rally car. It was not optimal. The neck is fine, it is still there.” 

Sébastien Ogier, Vincent Landais, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Rovanpera’s team-mate Ogier also has his sights set on leaving Japan having scored more points than championship leader Evans after losing grip on the points lead at the Central European Rally.  

“Now it has become clear again that we need to perform again and there is no management in play. We need to catch back some points," Ogier told Motorsport.com. 

“There is not a single rally in the season where you come out of the recce and say this one will be an easy one. I think the biggest difficulties are the new sections and the weather changes that can be expected during the weekend, which for sure spice it up. 

“To win, we often say you need to have the luck of the champion and I have expected that many times in my career. But, I also know that this sport can bite really hard when you feel you are doing a good job. I just don’t think too much about it and will give my best.” 

Championship leader Evans trailed his title rivals on the opening stage, posting a time 0.8s away from Rovanpera’s pace to sit behind Toyota’s Sami Pajari in tied sixth with Hyundai’s Adrien Fourmaux. 

The two-time Rally Japan winner will have the advantage of opening the road but is conscious that he will have to push given his slender 13-pint championship lead.  

“The feeling is ok, like always it is technical here and quite twisty. It is the same story as usual but let’s see how the weekend will play out,” Evans told Motorsport.com.  

“We have to try our best to not make a mistake obviously and also to drive quickly, and try to be as accurate as we can. It is not easy here to get the balance right. It is the same for everyone. 

“You have to take as many points as you can. It is simple.”  

Read Also: Ott Tanak tight-lipped on WRC future as speculation mounts  Kalle Rovanpera completes maiden F2 test ahead of single-seater switch

Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville was eighth fastest, a second away from outright pace but ahead of M-Sport’s Gregoire Munster and WRC2 champion Oliver Solberg, who rounded out the top 10.  

“We need to look forward and try to have a clean rally and that is the only thing we can do at the moment, and try to give good feedback back to the team,” said Neuville.  

Rally Japan continues on Friday with crews set to tackle six special stages. 

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

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Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma Offers an Affordable Comfort, Thoughtful Service and a Prime Location to Explore its Cultural Heritage

IHG Hotels & Resorts officially announces Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, well-placed in the heart of Kyoto along one of the city’s most iconic streets. Following an extensive renovation, the 103-room hotel represents the brand promise of relaxed, affordable stays with no compromise on quality. With a rise in tourism to Kyoto, placing it into the top three most popular destinations to visit, this new addition to the portfolio of Garner offers a great base from which to explore both the historic and vibrant charms of Kyoto.

Garner’s Growing Presence in Japan: Expanding Beyond Osaka

The launch of the Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma comes at a time when the Garner brand is expanding rapidly in Japan. With three Garner hotels already open in Osaka, each offering a distinct and uncomplicated stay experience, the Kyoto property serves as a natural extension of the brand’s success. Garner’s emphasis on offering affordable and comfortable stays with a touch of local charm perfectly aligns with the needs of modern travelers, including those coming to Kyoto for both leisure and business.

The hotel’s tagline, “Made with Character,” embodies the ethos of Garner. Each property, including the new Kyoto location, has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the diverse needs of global travelers. This unique approach makes each hotel a place to relax, connect, and experience a distinctive cultural journey.

A Tribute to Kyoto’s Historic Charm: Design Inspired by Local Culture

The design of the Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is deeply influenced by Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from the Toshinari-sha Shrine, which honors the famous Heian-period poet Fujiwara no Toshinari, the hotel’s interiors reflect the city’s serene atmosphere while offering modern comforts. The aged plaster finishes in the lobby evoke a sense of time, subtly blending Kyoto’s ancient past with its vibrant present. This design philosophy allows guests to appreciate Kyoto’s historical significance while enjoying the contemporary conveniences of a modern hotel.

Perfect Blend of Affordable Comfort and Cultural Exploration

As travelers increasingly seek affordable, yet high-quality, accommodation options in Japan’s cultural capital, Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma offers the perfect balance. The hotel provides restful nights in 103 well-appointed rooms, including 95 rooms designed for solo travelers, ensuring that those visiting Kyoto for both short and long stays can find a space that suits their needs.

Garner’s hallmark service includes complimentary welcome drinks, along with free tea and coffee in the lobby, inviting guests to relax and socialize after a long day of sightseeing. Additionally, the hotel’s signature 24/7 Garner Shop provides snacks, drinks, and essentials around the clock, making it an ideal option for travelers constantly on the move, such as those exploring Kyoto’s bustling markets or embarking on sightseeing tours.

Located in the Heart of Kyoto: Ideal for Tourists Exploring the City’s Rich Offerings

Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is ideally positioned to offer guests the best of both worlds: urban convenience with authentic Kyoto character. Located just four minutes from Gojo Station and five minutes from Shijo Station, the hotel provides easy access to Kyoto’s top tourist attractions. Kyoto, known for its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and beautiful gardens, remains one of Japan’s most cherished cities for travelers seeking a mix of cultural heritage and scenic beauty.

• Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen,’ is just a short walk from the hotel, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of local delicacies. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in the city’s culinary traditions, sampling everything from matcha sweets to sushi and fresh seafood.
• The serene Kyoto Imperial Palace, a must-see attraction, provides an opportunity to explore Japan’s former imperial capital with its beautiful gardens and impressive architecture.
• The historical district of Gion, home to traditional teahouses and geisha culture, invites visitors to step back in time and experience Kyoto’s timeless charm.
• The lively Kawaramachi entertainment district provides a contrast to the more tranquil attractions, with shops, restaurants, and nightlife options that cater to a variety of tastes.

The hotel’s central location allows guests to experience Kyoto’s diverse offerings, from the hustle and bustle of the markets to the quiet serenity of its temples, all while having a comfortable base to return to each night.

The Garner Experience: Designed for Modern Travelers with a Love for Life

Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma embraces the brand’s philosophy of “affordable comfort” with a design and service ethos that appeals to today’s modern travelers. The hotel offers:

• Quality Sleep: 103 well-appointed rooms, including 95 single rooms, perfect for solo travelers
• Good Stuff to Keep You Going: The Garner Shop offers refreshments and essentials 24/7, with complimentary tea and coffee in the lobby
• Thoughtful Service: Attentive hospitality that caters to guest needs, making them feel comfortable and at ease
• Accessible Pricing: With room rates starting from JPY11,385 (USD $75), Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma offers exceptional value for those visiting Kyoto on both short and extended stays.

Garner’s Global Expansion and Kyoto’s Increasing Popularity

The opening of Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is part of Garner’s rapid global expansion. Since launching in 2023, the brand has already grown to over 70 open hotels, with another 80 in the pipeline across Europe, the United States, and Thailand. Garner’s approach of combining modern amenities, affordable pricing, and local cultural influences has struck a chord with millennial and gen Z travelers, who prioritize authenticity and value for money over traditional luxury offerings.

As Kyoto continues to be one of Japan’s most visited cities by international tourists, Garner’s presence provides a much-needed, budget-friendly alternative in a city where accommodation can be expensive. The hotel’s positioning at the intersection of cultural immersion and modern convenience makes it an appealing choice for those eager to explore Kyoto’s rich history and vibrant lifestyle without the hefty price tag that often comes with staying in other tourist-centric hotels.

A Gateway to Kyoto’s Rich Tourism Experience

The Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma contributes to enhancing the tourism landscape of Kyoto with an affordable, convenient, and culturally enriching stay for visitors. It has a thoughtful design, thoughtful service, and is conveniently located to offer tourists time to explore the rich history, culture, and cuisine of the city while making sure they have a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Further, this makes Kyoto a global tourism destination and gives visitors a choice that has the balance of quality and affordability with authenticity. For weekenders or longer-stay guests, Garner offers the best blend of modern amenities, cultural immersion, and local charm the budget-conscious traveler seeks to make their visit to Kyoto truly distinctive.

The post Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma Offers an Affordable Comfort, Thoughtful Service and a Prime Location to Explore its Cultural Heritage appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Apple's ecosystem is now gradually opening itself up to third-party app stores, as Japan becomes the latest jurisdiction to win the alternative app store concession for its citizens. Apple's iOS 26.2 beta 1 lets Japanese iPhone and iPad users install third-party app stores After facing a concerted legal push in various jurisdictions, Apple has started to loosen its chokehold over its app ecosystem. As a case in point, Apple was recently compelled by a US court in the Epic case to allow access to external payment methods and to enable the return of Epic's Fortnite app. Meanwhile, in the EU, Apple allows users […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/japan-also-breaks-free-of-apples-app-store-chokehold/

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In Japan, it is illegal for companies to use misleading photos on product packaging that make the product look different from what’s actually inside.

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