Gifu City- Smack in the Center of Japan This video is titled “Gifu City Promotional Video [Original Version],” and is produced by "Gifu City Official Channel." Gifu City, Gifu in the Tokai region of Japan, is located in pretty much the dead center of Japan. Therefore, the city is sometimes referred to as “the belly of Japan.” Being the capital of Gifu Prefecture, the city is full of tourist spots, such as the clear Nagara River flowing through the city center, and the verdant Mt. Kinka. Gifu has many traditional crafts, including Gifu Wagasa (Japanese umbrellas), Gifu Chochin (lanterns) and Gifu Uchiwa (fans). These crafts have helped the everyday life of locals and are perfect for souvenirs! It's only about 18 minutes from Nagoya City on the JR Tokaido Line, and with easy access to the city, it's become popular in recent years as a good spot for domestic travel. This article introduces the tourist spots, traditional events and food in Gifu. Enjoy famous tourist spots in Gifu to your hearts content. Be sure to follow along with the video! Recommended Tourist Destinations in Gifu Photo：Mt. Kinka (金華山, kinkazan) Gifu has many scenic spots and popular places like Mt. Kinka (金華山, kinkazan), Nagara River (長良川, nagaragawa), Gifu Castle (岐阜城, gifujo), also known as Inabayama Castle (稲葉山城, Inabayamajo), Nagaragawa Ukai (cormorant fishing), latticework architectures, and the Great Buddha Hall of Shohoji Temple (正法寺, shohoji), and many more. The Gifu Great Buddha here is known as one of the "Three Great Buddha" of Japan. The Gifu Great Buddha appears at 2:56 in the video. You can feel the godliness of his gentle stare, as if he was smiling down at you, just by watching the video. A lot of events and festivals, such as the firework festival at Nagara River, Tejikara Fire Festival, Gifu Half Marathon, Dairyuji Lantern Festival and Ayu-kuyou are also held here, and the city is attracting an increasing number of both domestic and overseas tourists. The footage of the Tejikara Fire Festival starts at 3:37 in the video. You can see a spectacular pillar of flame spread across your screen! The History and Traditional Ceremonies of Gifu Photo：Nagaragawa Ukai At Nagara River in Gifu, the 1300-year-old Nagaragawa Ukai is held. During the evening, fishermen in traditional garments climb aboard boats with fishing fires and fish sweetfish in the clear river. Nagara River appears at 0:31 in the video. You can see the beauty of the river through the footage. Gifu has played an important role in connecting Kyoto and Nagoya (Owari) since ancient times, and the city developed as the Rakuichi Rakuza market was established in the city center during the Azuchi Momoyama period (1573 – 1598 AD). The market was a part of the economic policies made by Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi with the aim of revitalizing the economy by opening a market in the castle town of Gifu and reducing taxes. Oda Nobunaga, one of the most famous warriors of the Sengoku period, appears with Gifu Castle at 0:56 in the video. Thanks to the success of the market, many historical sites, post-towns and red-light districts appeared around Gifu, and you can still see geisha and geiko, a reminder of the prosperity of those days. The Azuchi Momoyama period is an important turning point in the history of Japan, with the relationship between samurai and townspeople, the Rakuichi-Rakuza market system is said to have become a model for the economic policies that brought about the era of peace in the Edo period (1603 – 1868 AD). Local Food in Gifu Photo：Hida beef Gifu is also renowned for its hot springs. Gifu Grand Hotel in the city center has a hot spring facility, and similar inns and hotels with hot spring facilities are dotted around Gifu Station. The footage of the relaxing hot spring facility starts at 3:52 in the video. When it comes to food in Gifu, Hida beef is something you have to try. Tourists can enjoy Japanese cuisine using ingredients from the local mountains, including Hida beef steak/hot pot, sweetfish dishes and Botan nabe in Gifu. Summary of Sightseeing in Gifu Located in deep mountains, the large city of Gifu is surrounded by a rich natural landscape. The video shows a lot of tourist spots that we weren't able to cover in the video. Please enjoy the attractive city of Gifu city, in Gifu Prefecture, through the video! As Gifu is located near Nagoya, be it as a stepping stone in your trip to Nagoya or your main destination, definitely come visit Gifu and experience delicious food, history, culture, and beautiful scenery! 【Official Website】Website of the Gifu City Office https://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&tab=wT&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.gifu.lg.jp%2F

The Lives of Ordinary People in the Taisho Era! This video, “1914-1918 (Taisho 3-7) the life of the common people and "Akatonbo"（1914～1918(大正3年～大正7年)庶民の暮らしと「赤とんぼ」）”, shows how Japanese people lived during the Taisho era. The photo was taken by the American salesman, Elstner Hilton. The song used in the video is "Akatombo," a famous Japanese nursery rhyme written by Miki Rofu, and composed by Kosaku Yamada. Before the war and during the First World War, the photographic techniques were not very well developed, so these photos are quite invaluable. Please enjoy the life of Japanese people that has been passed down to the present day through about 2.5 minutes of video. What Was the Taisho Period Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho era was about 100 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Taisho from July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926. During this period in Japan, after the Meiji Restoration, "Taisho democracy" aimed for the development of democracy. Also, World War I occurred during the Taisho era. The Taisho era is a short period of only 15 years, but it is also an indispensable period for talking about modern Japanese history. The Clothes, Food, and Lifestyles of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot Clothes fashion appeared in the Taisho era, but many people still wore kimonos. At 1:16 in the video, a woman washing a kimono in the river is also shown. As you can see in the pictures, men usually have short hair and women generally have one hairstyle. At 0:28 in the video, there is also a figure of an easy-going fortune-teller on the roadside. At 0:35, a man knitting a basket of traditional handicrafts is photographed, and at 0:44, traditional Japanese daruma making is shot. In addition, the video features a series of photographs that show how people lived in Japan at the time. The hearth shown at 1:08 in the video, was indispensable for the lives and meals of the common people, and helped them survive the harsh winters. Also introduced at 1:56 is a performing arts culture called monkey loops. It was a recreation among ordinary people at the time without TV and internet. Summary of the Life of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot This time, we introduced a video showing photos of life in the Taisho era. You can see how the common people lived at the time from the precious photographs. Many smiling people appear in the photos. In the Taisho era, a war broke out and forced many people into poverty, but even still, their hearts remained rich.

Wild Yezo Sika Deer in Notsuke Peninsula! In this video “Yezo Sika Deer in Notsuke Peninsula（野付半島のエゾシカ）”, created by Shinji Kawamura, you can watch the wild Yezo sika deer, living in herds in the snow of Notsuke Peninsula (野付半島, Notsuke Hanto), Hokkaido. The Yezo sika deer, which belong to the Cervidae family, is one of many subspecies of the sika deer (the Japanese deer), mainly living in the grasslands of Hokkaido. Its body is bigger than that of the Japanese deer; It is approximately 1.5 meters long and 1.1 meters high. As you can see in this video, the Yezo sika deer has large antlers, which are shed between April and May every year. Yezo sika deer are herbivorous animals, and they have unique high-pitched calls. The wild Yezo sika deer shown in this video are from herds living in Notsuke Peninsula, Hokkaido. Notsuke Peninsula is the biggest sand peninsula/sand spit in Japan; It is approximately 26 kilometers long, and located between Shiretoko Peninsula (知床半島, Shiretoko Hanto) and Nemuro Peninsula (根室半島, Nemuro Hanto). Many wild birds, animals, and insects live there. In December, when the grass dies, herds of Yezo sika deer move to their “winter home,”- forests with more coniferous trees and less accumulated snow. From 0:55 in the video, you can see the Yezo sika deer living in herds in the snow. The Population of Wild Yezo Sika Deer Photo：Yezo Sika Deer The population of the Yezo sika deer once decreased dramatically due to hunting and deforestation in the early Meiji Period around 1868. However, after implementing measures to prohibiting over hunting, the population has been increasing. Each deer eats a large amount of grass every day, so currently there are some problems regarding the damage of crops and forests, and the destruction of the environment. In addition, as its population has increased, more Yezo sika deers appear in urban areas, which leads to problems of disruptive animals. From 1:33 in the video, you can hear sounds of a car running behind a herd of the Yezo sika deer. From the video, you can see that the Yezo sika deer lives very closely to humans. The “Yezo Deer Association” was founded in order to maintain a symbiotic relationship with the Yezo sika deer. Currently people take some measures to control the population of the Yezo sika deer, such as controlled hunting. The captured Yezo sika deer are used in venison dishes, for leather-working, deer fur products, antler products, and so on. Wild game meat dishes are very expensive in Europe, and venison is said to be healthy and has a unique flavor, so venison dishes are very popular. Venison is heated thoroughly and cooked into roasted meat or steak to avoid zoonotic diseases and food intoxication. Where to See the Wild Yezo Sika Deer Photo：Yezo Sika Deer at Notsuke Peninsula Notsuke Peninsula is an area where many wild animals have lived for a long time, even since the era of the Ainu (the native tribes of Hokkaido). It has multiple national forests and the Nationally Designated Special Wildlife Reserve. At Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center, a hub for sightseeing, you can learn about the natural surroundings and the history of Notsuke Peninsula. It also provides a wide range of tours, so you can join one of them and go around Notsuke Peninsula. (The tours are a paid attraction and you must book ahead of time). We cannot guarantee that you can always see the Yezo sika deer as they are wild, but even if you cannot see the deer during the tour, you can still enjoy the wild of Hokkaido to your hearts content. Overview of the Yezo Sika Deer Introductory Video Source :YouTube screenshot The video we introduced this time showed Yezo sika deer living in herds in Hokkaido's wilderness. The video has many fun facts about the Yezo sika deer, such as characteristics of its antlers, the white furs of their hips, and its general habits, so be sure to take a look if you haven't yet! If you're looking to enjoy Japan's wilderness, look no further than Hokkaido! 【Official Website】Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center Hokkaido Betsukai http://notsuke.jp/ 　 【Official Website】Yezo Deer Association http://yezodeer.org/

The World Heritage Site, Kumano Kodo This video, titled "[4K] A World Heritage Site with Scenic Landscape: Kumano Kodo" ([4K] 世界遺産 絶景 熊野古道), is a sightseeing PR video that captures the breathtaking scenery of Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Wakayama Prefecture (和歌山県, Wakayama-ken). Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, a World Heritage Site, includes Yoshino Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes of Koyasan (Mt. Koya). Among them, the route from Kumano Sanzan's Daimonzaka (大門坂, Daimonzaka), to Nachi Falls (那智の滝, Nachinotaki) is one of the most popular tourist routes, where you can enjoy the cultural scenery. It takes about 15 minutes to get to Daimonzaka by car from Nachi Station on the JR Kii Main Line (紀伊本線, Kiihonsen). This video captures the route from Daimonzaka to Nachi Falls in beautiful 4K footage. Enjoy the natural beauty and sacred temples and shrines in the video. Kumano Kodo- A World Heritage Site Source :YouTube screenshot Kumano Pilgrimage Routes (熊野参詣道, Kumano Sankeido) is an umbrella term for Nakahechi Route (中辺路, Nakahechi) which runs from Tanabe to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine (熊野本宮, Kumanohongu), Ohechi Route (大辺路, Ohechi) which runs along the coast to Nachi Shingu (那智新宮, Nachishingu) along the coastline, and Kohechi Route (小辺路, Kohechi) which runs from Koyasan to Kumano Hongu Taisha. In addition, the Kii Route (紀伊路, Kiiji), accessible from the Kii area, the Ise Route (伊勢路, Iseji), accessible from Ise, and the Omine Okugakemichi Route (大峯奥駈道, Omineokugakemichi), which leads from Yoshino Omine in Nara to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, are some of the historical hidden gems in the area. Kumano Kodo is known as a historical power spot that has been used by many people since ancient times. If you’re planning on visiting Kumano Kodo, we also recommend getting a Kumano Kodo Stamp Book (熊野古道押印帳, Kumano Kodo Oincho) to gather seals. A Pilgrimage to the Historical Kumano Kodo! ©T-KIMURA Modifying The natural trails of Kumano Kodo are paved with cobblestones. Make your way through the historical cobblestone trail and through the torii gates to make the pilgrimage to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and Kumano Nachi Shrine (熊野那智大社, Kumanonachitaisha), introduced at 1:23 in the video. At 2:00, you can see the breathtaking sight of Nachi Falls. Located at Hiro Shrine (飛瀧神社, Hirojinja), an associated shrine of Kumano Nachi Shrine, and is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. The solemn waterfall, which is considered to be a sacred object of worship, is so beautiful that you can't help but lose track of time as you gaze at it. Other Sightseeing Spots Around Kumano Kodo Photo：Kamikura Shrine There are many more sightseeing spots around Kumano Kodo! There's the former site of Kumano Hongu-taisha, which was moved to its present location in 1889, called Oyu no hara Kumano Hayatama Shrine (熊野速玉大社, Kumanohayatamataisha), where Kumano Hayatama no Okami (熊野速玉大神, Kumanohayatamanookami) and Kumano Fusumi no Okami (熊野夫須美大神, Kumanofusuminookami) are enshrined, Kamikura Shrine (神倉神社, Kamikurajinja), a shrine with a huge rock called "Gotobiki Boulder" as its deity atop the 500 stone steps, Seiganto Temple (青岸渡寺, Seigantoji), Tamaki Shrine (玉置神社, Tamakijinja), Doro Gorge (瀞峡, Dorokyo), which is a huge valley inside Yoshino Kumano National Park (吉野熊野国立公園, Yoshinokumanokokuritsukoen), Tanise Suspension Bridge (谷瀬の吊り橋, Tanisenotsuribashi), Yunomine Hot Springs (湯の峰温泉, Yunomineonsen), Kawayu Hot Springs (川湯温泉, Kawayuonsen), and many others. You may want to consider visiting Kumano Kodo in conjunction with festivals and events such as the annual Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine Festival (熊野本宮大社例大祭, Kumanohongutaisha Reidaisai), Funatama Shrine Festival (船玉神社祭, Funatamajinjasai), the Yata Fire Festival (八咫の火祭り, Yatanohimatsuri), and more. There are also restaurants, cafes and eateries aroundKumano Kodo to help you relax after a long journey. Summary of Kumano Kodo Photo：Kumano Kodo in Fall We hope that this video and article has inspired you to visit Kumano Kodo, a historic and famous tourist attraction. There are many Instagrammable views, so take the time to take in the sights. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route includes steep slopes such as Koyazaka (高野坂, Koyazaka) and Tomitazaka (富田坂, Tomitazaka), so wear clothes that are easy to get around in. After the pilgrimage, we recommend that you take a refreshing dip in a hot spring, such as at "Boukido" in the Nachi Katsura area. Some travel agencies offer Kumano Kodo walking tour plans, so if it's your first time visiting, consider giving it a try. Be sure to watch the video to see the beautiful views of the Kumano Kodo! 【Official Website】Kumano Kodo｜Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine Tourism Association https://www.hongu.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Kumano Kodo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023661-d7902795-Reviews-Kumano_Kodo_Pilgrimage_Routes-Tanabe_Wakayama_Prefecture_Kinki.html

An Introduction to Japanese Weasels! The video「二ホン イタチ(mustela itatsi)　カワウソのような泳ぎ・素早い走り　Japanese Weasel-Swimming and running　Donnola -nuoto e corsa」, was created by “AndreaNature.” The Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi) is a mammal similar to the Japanese otter, and is endemic to Japan. Their body size ranges from 27 to 37 centimeters in length for males and 16 to 25 centimeters for females, with a weight range of 290 to 650 grams for males and 115 to 175 grams for females. Their fur is a brownish-red to a yellowish-orange, and it belongs to the genus Mustela in the family Mustelidae. It is similar to the masked palm civet or the Japanese marten in appearance, and makes squeaking sounds. Its average lifespan is 1.9 years. You wouldn't be able to tell that something so cute was so vicious, just by looking at it. A Look at the Endangered Japanese Weasel Source of photo :YouTube screenshot This video was shot in Moriya city, Ibaraki, in Japan's Kanto region. In this video, we see the Japanese weasel swimming under ice starting around 1:05, swimming in the water around 1:33, and running wildly about at 3:05. The Ecology of Japanese Weasels Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Japanese weasels don't hibernate, and are active throughout the year. They use holes and crevices as nests, but they generally just prefer any sort of hole, regardless of it being their den. Japanese weasels are solitary animals that are active during the day and night. They live near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and bogs, and are excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed hands and feet. At around 1:35 in the video, they can be seen swimming about, just like otters. They eat meat but also eat plants as well, making them omnivorous. Japanese weasels were introduced to Tokyo as a form of pest control. Its natural predators are birds of prey such as hawks and owls, and mammals larger than the Japanese weasel, such as foxes and cats. Japanese weasels didn't originally inhabit in Hokkaido. However, they were unintentionally brought there by ships that some Japanese weasels had snuck onto, and landed in the region. Most of the Ezo weasel (Ezo Itachi, エゾイタチ) species in the literature refer to the Ezo Okojo (Mustela erminea Orientalis), which is a slightly smaller species than the Japanese weasel. The Non-Native Siberian Weasels (Mustela Sibirica) Photo：Japanese weasels Siberian weasels were also introduced to the Honshu region as non-native animals. They used to only inhabit Tsushima in Japan's Kyushu region, but after the Manchurian Incident, it was introduced to Japan and raised for fur production. Unfortunately, Siberian Weasels won the competition for survival against the Japanese Weasel and expanded their territory. Therefore, Japanese weasels are listed on the IUCN Red List as a near threatened species and as endangered species in both Saga prefecture and Osaka prefecture. They are also designated as a game animal by Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law. There are three major differences between Japanese weasels and Siberian weasels. The first one is the tail. Siberian weasels have a longer tail (about 21 cm) than Japanese weasels. The second is weight. Siberian weasels weigh twice as much as Japanese weasels do; the largest ones can reach sizes up to 850 grams. Third is body color. Siberian weasels are more yellowish than Japanese weasels, and Japanese weasels have grey hair around their eyes. Summary of the Japanese Weasel Source of photo :YouTube screenshot What'd you think about the Japanese Weasel? Although this animal is indigenous to Japan, it's difficult to see these days. We hope you enjoy the rare footage of these cute critters!

Introducing the Nishijin Textile Center! When it comes to Japanese culture, there are many people who are interested in kimono. If you want to learn more about kimono, definitely check out the video "Nishijin Textile Center / Nishijin Ori Kaikan" (西陣織会館 / Nishijin Ori Kaikan / 京都いいとこ動画), created by "京都いいとこ動画 KyotoiitokoVideo." At the Nishijin Textile Center, you can see documents on traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimonos, as well as experience making and putting on a kimono, and even watch a kimono show. Nishijin Ori Photo：A Nishijin ori obi Nishijin ori is a general term for fiber dyed textiles that have been produced in Kyoto since ancient times. It is said that sericulture and weaving began in Kyoto around the Kofun period (~300 to 538 AD). During the Onin War (1467 to ~1478), the western military camp (西の陣, Nishi no jin) was set up around Kita no Tenmangu Shrine in Kamigyo, Kyoto, so the area came to be called Nishijin (西陣). It is said that after the Onin War, many artisans gathered in Nishijin and built the town of Obechou. Experiences Offered at the Nishijin Textile Center Source :YouTube screenshot Nishijin ori is a high-quality silk fabric, and some of its gorgeous designs, such as Junihitoe, with gold brocade, are absolutely stunning. Inside the Nishijin Textile Center, you can learn about these historic garments through historical exhibits and watch a spectacular kimono show. There is also an area where you can observe a craftsman’s Nishijin ori techniques, which is shown at 0:50 in the video. Starting at 0:13 in the video, you can watch a hand-weaving demonstration of hand-woven scarves, using a loom to weave washable silk. They teach you how to weave a silk scarf, so even beginners can try it out. For those who want to try on a Kyoto-style kimono, we recommend the Maiko experience, where you can have your make-up and dressing done, or the Kimono rental experience and culture school. Buy Nishijin ori Goods Source :YouTube screenshot You can also buy Nishijin textile items at the Nishijin Craft Shop "Kimono no Yakata." Many people buy not just kimono, but also Japanese accessories and interior goods. There are ties, bags and wallets too and they are all fashionable. The shop is introduced at 0:04 in the video. There are traditional shrines, temples and restaurants around Nishijin Textile Center, so we recommend sightseeing around the area as well. Summary of the Nishijin Textile Center Source :YouTube screenshot If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, consider taking your time to enjoy the world of traditional Japanese kimono. There are many attractive sightseeing spots and and hidden gems around Nishijin, so be sure to explore the area. Trying your hand at making Nishijin ori, as shown in the video, will make your trip to Kyoto a memorable one! ◆Information◆ 【Address】414 Tatemonzencho, Kamigyo, Kyoto, Kyoto 602-8216 【Access】A 10 minute walk from Metro Karasuma Line Imadegawa Station, and a 2 minute walk from Kyoto City Bus Horikawa Imadegawa 【Admission Fee】Free 【Parking】Payed parking lot available 【Phone number】075-451-9231 【Notes】Tax can be filed on the sixth floor, exhibition hall 【Official Website】Nishijin Textile Center https://nishijin.or.jp/nishijin_textile_center 【Tripadvisor】Nishijin Textile Center https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321410-Reviews-Nishijin_Textile_Center-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Introducing the Open-Air Capybara Bath of the Izu Shaboten Zoo This video, titled "Capybara with mandarin orange on head in the open-air bath☆みかんを頭にのせるカピバラ 伊豆シャボテン動物公園【元祖カピバラの露天風呂】," was released by "HIRO@sea." The video shows capybaras enjoying a relaxing soak in an open-air bath. The capybaras can be found at the Izu Shaboten Zoo, in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan's Tokai Region. Just like humans, the capybara enjoy a warm bath. The water is filled with yuzu, a type of citrus fruit. You can see the capybara with a yuzu on its head at 1:46 in the video! In this article, we'll introduce the Izu Shaboten Zoo and its open-air capybara bath. The Izu Shaboten Zoo Photo：Izu Shaboten Zoo The Izu Shaboten Zoo is a theme park in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka. The Zoo is known for animals and cacti. The zoo was opened around 60 years ago, in October of 1959. The 200,000-square-meter park, which opened around 60 years ago in October 1959, has a greenhouse with cacti and succulents from all over the world. There's also kangaroos, capybaras, anteaters, squirrel monkeys, red pandas, chimpanzees, ponies, wild birds, the ever-popular motionless bobwhite stork, and a variety of other animals. The zoo is home to around 800 animals and birds, including flamingos, peacocks, and fennec foxes. The cacti are divided into five sections: the South American Pavilion, the African Pavilion, the Madagascar Pavilion, the Mexico Pavilion, and the Forest Cactus Pavilion. There are edible cacti available for tasting as well. In 2016, the official Japanese name of the zoo was changed from the former "Izu Shaboten Park" (伊豆シャボテン公園) to the current "Izu Shaboten Zoological Park" (伊豆シャボテン動物公園). A little to the east of Izu Shaboten Zoo, there's Izu Granpal Park, Izu Kogen Tabi no Eki Granpal Port, New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden, and the Izu Oceanic Park Diving Center as part of the Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group. Izu Shaboten Animal Park also has life-size replicas of a sculpture of ancient American civilization, and the entire Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group has a wide range of attractions, from animals and plants to artifacts, park golf, the "Ship-shaped 3D Maze KAiZOKU," "Zip Line 風KAZE," "Water Balloons," and more. There's also "Wan Wan Park," a dog run where you can enjoy taking your dog, and the "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination," a hands-on style illumination. Nearby, the official hotels "Izu Shaboten Village" and "Izu Shaboten Village GLAMPING" can be found. You can fully enjoy your Izu Shaboten experience with an overnight stay at either one of these locations. The Open Air Capybara Bath Photo：Open-air capybara bath Firstly, what exactly are capybaras? Capybaras are members of the caviidae family of rodents, native to South America. They can be found from Panama to the northeast of Argentina. They are large (106-134 centimeters in length), have a gentle nature and are known to be very friendly towards humans. They tend to be found in groups of 10 to 20. A group of capybaras can be seen soaking in the bath together from 0:07 in the video. The open-air capybara bath shown in the video has been a tradition of the Izu Shaboten Zoo since 1982. At that time, the zookeepers were washing the exhibit with warm water when the capybaras began to soak in the puddles. Thereafter, the zookeepers came up with the idea of preparing warm baths for the capybaras. Now, the capybara bath has become a winter tradition. Nowadays, many zoos in Japan have introduced their own capybara baths, but the originator is none other than the Izu Shaboten Zoo. The zoo even has a capybara mascot known as "Capyba." Summary of the Izu Shaboten Zoo Source :【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, to uphold social distancing rules, capybara and red panda plush toys are placed between seats at the zoo as well as the restaurant "Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI." The adorable image of the plush toys seated in the restaurant has generated buzz online, and has even been shown on the news. The plush toy and calendar can be purchased at the gift shop within the zoo. Many goods are also available on the official online shop "IZU SHABOTEN HONPO," so do take a look! Take a moment to relax and check out this heartwarming video. ◆Izu Shaboten Zoo Facilities Overview◆ 【Address】1317-13 Tomido, Itou City, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Access】From JR Atami Station, get off at JR Ito Station on the Ito Line, and take the Tokai Bus for Shaboten Zoo (~35 minutes). 【Admission Fee】Adults: 2,400 yen Elementary School Students: 1,200 yen Children (over the age of 4): 400 yen Discounts for groups, seniors, and persons with disabilities, as well as coupon deals, are also available. 【Hours】9:00-17:00 【Closures】None 【Avg. Time Spent Here】2+ Hours 【Parking】400 regular spaces, 500 yen｜Buses: 18 spaces, 1,000 yen 【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://izushaboten.com/lang/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298123-d1196864-Reviews-Izu_Shaboten_Zoo-Ito_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

An Introduction to Northern Pika! This is a video on the ecology of Northern Pika, an endangered species in Hokkaido. The video, titled "Keep it up! Northern Pika - He can do his best. Pika" (頑張れ！エゾナキウサギ　He can do his best. Pika), was released by "Shinji Kawamura." The Northern Pika, is a small mammal of the ochotonidae family, and its identifying characteristic is its high pitched cry. In Japan, they only live in high lands like Mt. Daisetsu, Mt. Yubari, and Mt. Hidaka in Hokkaido. Their distinct high pitched cry can be seen in the video from 1:09. The Northern Pika is said to have arrived in Japan from the Siberian continent during the ice age. In this video, you can see the lives of cute, wild Northern Pika. Please enjoy the video showing the ecology of Northern Pika. What is the Northern Pika? Photo：Northern Pika The Northern Pika is also called the "God of Rocky Lands" due to its habit of running around the rocky land of their natural habitat. Hokkaido’s aboriginal Ainu people used to call the Northern Pika "Cicit Cu Kamuy" (チチッ・チュ・カムイ, roughly "The Cheeping God") in Ainu language. The mouse-like Northern Pika is very small, weighing only about 60-150 grams, with a length of 10-20 cm, and a lifespan of about 4-5 years, which is shorter than most pika. They are full of curiosity but very timid, so they are very rarely seen in public. Their natural habitat is the cold wind caves of the Daisetsuzan mountains located high above sea level that don't freeze during the winter. In Japan, these critters are also known to only inhabit Hokkaido. Their breeding period is once a year from spring to summer, and they give birth to 1 to 5 kittens at a time. How Northern Pika Survive Winter The Northern Pika is entirely vegetarian, feeding on every plant in the mountains and is sometimes called "the pacifist of the mountains." In the video from 0:42, there is a scene of an Northern Pika with leaves in its mouth. Northern Pika do not hibernate so they must make winter preparations before the snow piles up. This involves stocking their houses with food. They have the intelligence to dry plants such as leaves, turning it into a dry-grass-preserved food which allows them to survive up to 6 months of harsh winter. They store about a bucketful of food in each of the several locations in their territory. You can see this in the video from 1:49. Where Can I See Northern Pika? Photo：Beautiful Autumn Leaves at Daisetsuzan Northern Pika live in only limited parts of Hokkaido, so the possibility of encountering them is very low. If you do mountain climbing or participate in nature tours and go to photo points, you may have a chance to see them. Northern Pika only live in the wild, and it is said that they cannot be raised in zoos and laboratories. It is also impossible to keep them as pets. If you are attracted to the cute Northern Pika, we recommend that you buy a plush toy or photo book as a souvenir of your trip to Hokkaido. Summary of the Northern Pika In the introductory video, you can see scenes of Northern Pika running around busily searching for food. There's something soothing about looking at this little critter squeaking about. These animals are hard to find in the wild, so be sure to take the time to check out the videos and enjoy their cuteness!

The Traditional Japanese Atmosphere of Uchiko, Ehime This is a PR video for Uchiko, titled ‘UCHIKO GENIC Trailer,’ made by the Uchiko Tourism Association in Ehime prefecture on Shikou Island. The town of Uchiko, in Ehime Prefecture, is home to a strong tradition of Japanese performing arts and traditional events. population of about 300 people, is a beautiful place where traditional culture has been preserved through "village-preservation activities" by the residents. In Ishidatami district, the local people hold festivals in every season, such as the "Water Wheel Festival" and the "Soba Festival," and many tourists visit the festivals to experience traditional Japanese culture. This video introduces the traditions, culture, history and cuisine of Uchiko, Ehime with fantastic music. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! A Heavenly Time in Uchiko, Ehime Source :YouTube screenshot Ishidatami no Yado hotel in Uchiko, Ehime is an inn with a traditional Japanese style house, where you are served Japanese cuisine using local ingredients. You can relax in the onsen bath and enjoy delicious Japanese meals. This can be seen at 1:30 in the video. A popular cultural experience in Uchiko, Ehime is strolling through the town in Kimono. We recommend giving it a try to relax. In the video, you can see a woman strolling through the streets of Uchiko while wearing a kimono at 0:26. You can also get some great Instagram pictures of yourself in a kimono! When you're sightseeing in Uchiko, be sure to stop drop in on the local shops, such as Road Station Uchiko's Fresh Park Karari and Odanokyo Seseragi, where you can buy local sake, as well as Uchiko's famous traditional bamboo crafts and souvenir. Karari Bridge (からり橋 Kararibashi) at Uchiko Fresh Park Karari, is decorated with Koinobori streamers in spring. It's a truly beautiful scene. You can see the Koinobori streamers at 2:34 in the video. Many Koinobori streamers, big and small, elegantly swim through the air of Uchiko. Traditional Entertainment and Events in Uchiko! Photo：Uchiko-za Yokaichigokoku in Uchiko, has been given the status of "Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings." Once upon a time, this district was a busy merchant town with a focus on candle making. There's a theater for plays in this district, called Uchiko-za. This theater has been operating since the Taisho period, showing traditional Japanese bunraku plays. The theater can be seen at 0:47 in the video. The Kite Festival, shown at 2:38, has around 400 years of history and is an event in Uchiko that we highly recommend checking out. It's held on May 5th every year, so be sure to line up your visit if you can. At Takekobo Studio, shown at 0:31 in the video, you can see traditional bamboo crafts being hand crafted by artisans. These are perfect as souvenirs from Uchiko. Experience the Natural Landscape Uchiko! Photo：Taiko Bridge, Yuge Shrine Uchiko also attracts people with its beautiful natural landscape. We recommend walking around Odamiyama Valley (小田深山渓谷 Odamiyama Keikoku) in the deep forest and visiting the beautiful rice terrace at Izumidani. Uchiko has a lot to offer when it comes to scenic views. The rice terraces are can be seen throughout the video, and thanks to the drone footage, you get a great aerial view! We also recommend visiting Kosho Temple (高昌寺 Koshoji) and seeing the beautiful view from Yuge Shrine (弓削神社 Yuge Jinja). Don’t forget to try some tasty soba made with the pure water of Uchiko. You can see it at 2:24 in the video. Summary of Uchiko, Ehime Uchiko is a famous tourist spot in Ehime Prefecture where you can experience unique Japanese history. There are many more sightseeing spots in Uchiko that we couldn't get to in this article, so be sure to watch the video to see more of the charms that Uchiko has to offer! We hope we sparked your interest in Uchiko. Visit Uchiko, a town where you can discover Japanese culture and beautiful scenery! 【Official Website】Ehime prefecture Uchiko Town Hall Website https://www.town.uchiko.ehime.jp/ 【Official Website】Uchiko Town Official Tourism Site Uchiko Sanpo https://www.we-love-uchiko.jp/

The Oniyanma - Japan's Largest Dragonfly! This video, titled "Oniyanma (The Largest in Japan)" (オニヤンマ（日本最大）), introduces oniyanma, a large dragonfly belonging to the Cordulegastridae family and Odonata order. The massive dragonfly has an abdominal length of 7 cm for males and 8 cm for female. Those that inhabit Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaido), Yakushima Island (屋久島, Yakushima), etc., have a tendency to be smaller. Their eyes are a bright emerald green color, but change color when they are made into specimens. Their body is black with a yellow pattern and fine horizontal stripe at each section. They are compared with sieboldius albardae (ko-oniyanma), but these belong to the Gomphidae family, and are different from oniyanma in that their compound eyes are placed separately on both sides of their head, and their larvae are flat and disk-shaped and live on stones at the bottoms of rivers. Oniyanma - Distribution and Habits Photo：Oniyanma Oniyanma are widely distributed throughout Japan, mainly around streams, riverbanks, outskirts of forests and mountainous areas, but they can also be seen on the plains and in urban areas when it is cooler. International visitors may be surprised to find them in urban areas because of their very large area of activity. When you find a female oniyanma, you can catch it by taking advantage of its habit of stopping its movement and hovering. Male oniyanma on the other hand, anything that flaps its wings to be a female, so if you hold an object that produces wind, such as a fan, in front of the male, it will stop moving. If you're a bug collector, you can use this as a reference when collecting! The Life Cycle of Oniyanma Photo：Oniyama Patrol Oniyanma are carnivorous, feeding on moths, flies, and other small flying insects. Their natural predators are birds, bats, etc. They can bite humans as well, so be careful. Male oniyanma mate with females they meet while patrolling their territory. After mating, the female will go to a clean river or puddle to lay her eggs. Upon finding a suitable location, oniyanma perform a unique spawning display in which they will drop to the surface of the water while standing up and flying. You can see a female oniyanma laying eggs at 0:30 in the video. They spawn by thrusting their ovipositor into the mud in the water. Photo：An oniyama hatching Eggs hatch about 1 month after being laid, and the larvae are called nymphs. Nymphs are a translucent white with no wings and a short abdomen. They burrow into the mud to lie in wait for food to pass. When they are young, they feed on water fleas, mosquito larvae, etc., but as they grow older they begin feeding on tadpoles, small fish, etc. In addition, they feed on each other as well as nymphs of other species and, as a result, only the strong survive. It takes five years for them to become adults, and they molt about ten times before reaching this stage. Eventually, compound eyes pop out and the mouth part of the molt becomes a unique face as if they were wearing masks. Eventually, scaly wings form on their backs, and on a sunny summer day, they climb up from the bottom of the water to a stone or pile on the surface of the water and their backs split open and they emerge as adults. Immediately after hatching, their wings are white and shrunken, but over night, the black and yellow pattern appears and the wings solidify. You can amazing footage of an oniyanma molting at 0:58 in the video. After emerging as adults, they continuously feed for about a month before mating. The total life span of an oniyanma is 5-6 years. Summary of Oniyanma- Japan's Largest Dragonfly Photo：An adult oniyanma emerging Did you enjoy learning about the oniyanma, the largest dragonfly in Japan? Footage of them laying eggs is quite rare, so if you still haven't yet, be sure to check it out!

The Beautiful Views of Amami Oshima, Kagoshima This video, titled "Short Surf Trip to Amami Oshima," was created by "Hiroo Shimo." This video is perfect for people who love surfing, as it shows viewers a beautiful view of Amami Oshima, including beautiful aerial footage taken by drone. Amami Oshima has a warm climate year around with great waves. With these conditions, Amami Oshima is known as a surfing utopia. The Pro Surfing World Championship was also held here. This article will talk about tourist information as well as surfing spots in Amami Oshima. In the video you can see surfing and the beautiful, crystal clear waters of Amami Oshima. Hopefully you're up for some travelling because this video will have you raring to go! Surfing at Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Photo：Amami Oshima coast As Amami Oshima is warm year around, and the water is also warm, it's the perfect place for surfing. There are several surfing spots in Amami Oshima where both beginners and pros can hit the waves. Take a look at the video at 3:06 to see the beautiful blue waters and the coral reefs underneath the ocean, in this aerial video. Also check out 3:25 to see a beautiful sunset with two palm trees. This video will make you feel like you're actually on a tropical island. Wet suits and surfboards are available for rent at surf schools, so there's no need to worry about being unprepared. Some surf spots are used mainly by locals and we don't recommend them for beginners. If you're new to surfing, we recommend enrolling in a surf school and getting lessons and advice from an instructor. Surf Spots in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Photo：Surfing There's a chance you'll see sea turtles in Amami Oshima as well. Advanced surfers try to get good waves on days when typhoons are passing. As Amami Oshima is an island, surf spots are divided into two areas: the East China Sea side and the Pacific Ocean side. The main surf spots are as follows: ・Tebiro ・Gamou ・Hatohama ・Ayamaro ・Gusuku ・Ohama ・Bira ・Imaizai ・Yagijima ・Kohama ・Toen ・Katoku ・Tomori Beach Marine Activities at Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Photo：Exploring mangroves As Amami Oshima has such clear waters, to the point that you can see the coral reefs on the ocean floor, there are other marine activities you can enjoy as well. Swimming in the ocean, snorkeling, canoeing, SUP(Stand up Paddle boarding), and diving, are all popular marine activities in Amami Oshima. There are also schools and rental companies to rent equipment, so you can enjoy the beautiful ocean without having to worry about bringing much. Sightseeing Around Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Photo：Mangroves at Amami Oshima Access to Amami Oshima is about 2.5 hours from Tokyo and 2 hours from Kansai by plane. There's more to see in Amami Oshima than just the sea as well. There's the Tanaka Isson Art Museum, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Amami, as well as Amami Park, the Kuroshio-no-Mori Mangrove Park where visitors can explore the virgin mangrove forest by canoe, and the Mangrove Forest National Park. You can also visit Kakeroma Island by boat to enjoy more natural scenery. Camping is available at Ohama Seaside Park and if you want to admire the scenery, we recommend Ayamaru cape, and Honohoshi shore. Enjoy the beautiful ocean and outstanding natural views on your visit to Amami Oshima. Summary of Amami Oshima, Kagoshima The video "Short Surf Trip to Amami Oshima," shows people enjoying surfing in the beautiful ocean. This article talked about surf spots, information about marine activities, and tourist spots in Amami Oshima. We hope you enjoyed the article and look forward to seeing you at Amami Oshima! 【Official Website】Amami City Official Website https://www.city.amami.lg.jp/english/index.html

About the Demonstrational "Dragon Beard's Candy" Video This video features footage of a professional making traditional dragon beard's candy by hand at a food stall in the Shin-Okubo area of Shinjuku, Tokyo (東京都新宿の新大久保). The delicate sweets, which are known for being difficult to make, are a traditional sweet in Korea which are also known by the name Kkul-tarae (クルタレ) or Ronshutan (ロンシュータン). In this video, you can see the techniques used to make dragon's beard candy and learn more about the history and characteristics of this traditional sweet. We hope you enjoy the video! What Is Dragon's Beard Candy? Source :YouTube screenshot Dragon's beard candy is a traditional sweet which has been eaten in countries such as China, Korea and Taiwan for hundreds of years. Its popularity has spread to other foreign countries, such as the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong. Dragon beard's candy originated in China over 2,000 years ago, when the delicate treat was originally prepared for the emperor; however, it eventually came to be eaten by ordinary citizens and has been loved to this day. The main ingredient used to make dragon beard's candy is maltose syrup, known as "mugi mizuame" in Japanese. Cornstarch is also an essential ingredient. It's made by stretching a hard piece of candy over and over again to create a candy with a light and crunchy texture. The mildly sweet Dragon's beard candy is often given as a gift (lucky charm) in Seoul, Korea. Watch the Amazing Skills of This Professional Dragon Beard's Candy Maker in Shin-Okubo! Source :YouTube screenshot Each piece of dragon's beard candy is carefully handmade by craftsmen. As can be seen in the video, the street vendor first prepares the maltose syrup candy. He creates a hole in the hard candy and proceeds to stretch the candy using this hole. You can take a look at the stretching process throughout the video. The vendor then stretches the candy over and over while continually covering it in cornstarch until the threads of the candy reach the thickness of what is thought to resemble a dragon's beard. Only highly skilled professionals can make the candy incredibly thin without it breaking or snapping. A single piece of candy is stretched into an amazing 16,384 strands. From 4:26 in the video, the street vendor explains that this is the perfect number of strands to create the most pleasant melt-in-your-mouth texture. At 2:20 in the video, he begins to fold the candy to create the 16,384 strands, which he completes in roughly 35-40 seconds. The highlight of the video has to be when the professional dragon's beard maker shows off the finished product to the customers, at which point it looks beautifully smooth like threads of silk. Many customers are amazed by the look of the finished product! You can take a look at this in the video at 4:18. If you get a chance to see it up close, be sure to take a video of your own and share it with your friends! Source :YouTube screenshot After stretching out the candy, crushed peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds, or coconut can be added as a filling. One piece of candy costs approximately a few hundred yen (a couple bucks (USD)). There are very few people who know how to make the candy as the skills required are so difficult to master. Summary of Dragon Beard Candy There are food stalls in Shin-Okubo and Yokohama's Chinatown (横浜中華街, yokohamachuukagai) where you can watch dragon beard's candy being made right before your eyes. You can also buy dragon beard's candy online, sometimes sold under the name "Dragon Candy." For those interested in tasting and experiencing the delicate texture of dragon beard's candy, we highly recommended purchasing some and trying them out for yourself! Watching how the amazing dragon beard candy is made is guaranteed to pique your curiosity! Be sure to check it out in the video!

Introducing the Wild Brown Bears of Hokkaido This video, titled “Encountering Wild Brown Bears that are Catching Salmon @ Shiretoko Hokkaido 20131010（野生のヒグマと遭遇 サケを捕食＠北海道 知床 20131010）” films two wild brown bears catching salmon that were swimming in the river. A brown bear is terrestrial mammal of the Ursidae family and their size is about the same as polar bears. Sub-species of foreign brown bears include Kodiak bears, Grizzly bears and Himalayan bears. The main sub-spices of brown bears which inhabit Hokkaido are called Ezo brown bears. This video is of wild Ezo brown bears catching salmon at the river, and it is a very rare sight. We hope you enjoy their fishing skills! What Kind of Animal Is the Ezo Brown Bear? Photo：Ezo brown bear One of the most well-known bears in Japan is the Asian black bear. These black bears actually inhabit the main island of japan. Ezo brown bears, on the other hand, inhabit forests in Hokkaido where the climate is generally colder. Ussuri brown bears are another bear that is a subspecies of brown bears. The Ussuri brown bear is also known as the Ezo brown bear. The size differs depending on the gender, with male bears being about 1.9 to 2.3 meters tall and weighing 120 kg to 250 kg. Female bears are about 1.6 to 1.8 meters tall, and are actually heavier than than males, weighing between 150 to 160 kg. Some of them are gigantic, weighing in at 450 kg. The Ezo brown bears inhabiting Japan are the largest kind of terrestrial animal in Japan. The number of Ezo brown bears is around 2,244 to 6,476 (as of 2013). The bears are known as omnivorous, and they like to eat fish, meat, and plants as well. The life span of a wild Ezo brown bear is about 30 years. They tend to live longer than different mammals. Highlights of Ezo Brown Bears Source :YouTube screenshot The video shows the viewers two Ezo brown bears hunting salmon at a river. It was filmed in October when the bears were getting ready for hibernation. From 4:21 in the video, we can see bears using both of their paws to catch salmon. At 0:18, one bear carries a salmon to the side of the river. At 4:54, the bears bring salmon ashore and comfortably enjoy their meals in peace. You'll be surprised by what happens at the end. Be sure to watch the full video so you don't miss out! The bears were so focused on their hunting that they didn't show any fear of the people filming them. Its incredibly rare that we see footage of Hokkaido's wild brown bears hunting. Be Aware of Wild Bears When Traveling to Hokkaido! Photo： Beware of Bears In Hokkaido, A study has been conducted to work on how to handle wild Ezo brown bears and ways of coexisting with them. There are several cases of humans being attacked by wild bears in Hokkaido. If you visit Hokkaido, please be aware that there are wild bears and research the areas in advance. Before your travels, please make sure that there are no wild bear alerts in the area you are traveling to. In order to keep bears away, have bells or turn on a radio to show them that humans are around. If you do encounter a wild bear, just think that bears are also afraid of humans. Screaming makes the bear scared, and it will enter into a defensive mode, and might try to attack you. Avoid running away from bears because bears tend to chase what’s running away from them. They can run up to 60km/h so the chance that they will catch you is extremely high . Instead of running away or screaming, try standing up on top of a rock or a log to make you look bigger and be intimidating. The most effective way to keep the bears away is to use a bear spray. Some people think bears are cute animals, and while this may be true, they are also dangerous as well. Please keep this in mind. Summary of Hokkaido's Wild Brown Bears If you are interested in learning more about brown bears, please visit a zoo, such as the Noboribetsu bear park, or the Showa Shinzan bear ranch. “Higuma Doughnuts” is a cafe in Meguro, Tokyo which uses selected ingredients from Hokkaido where brown bears live. If you visit Hokkaido, please visit a gift store to purchase some Hokkaido souvenirs. Be sure to check out the Ezo brown bears, the video is too adorable to miss!

A Heart-Warming Video Showing the Highlights of Hirayu Onsen Today we are showing you '平湯温泉PRムービー　フルバージョン　5分21秒'. This promotional video shows you Hirayu Hot Spring located in the Okuhida hot springs area in Takayama City, in snowy Gifu Prefecture. In the video, Yuyu, the mascot of the local Tourist Association, will show you around all the top spots. Yuyu falls in love with a beautiful woman in the video (at 1:30). Let’s learn about sightseeing at Hirayu hot springs, while following what happens to Yuyu’s love! Hirayu Onsen: A White Monkey Showed Takeda's Army Where It Was? Find Out the Secret History of Hirayu Onsen! Source :YouTube screenshot The Okuhida Hot Springs area of Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture is famous in Japan for its plentiful snow. This hot spring area consists of the Fukuji Hot Springs, Shinhirayu Hot Springs, Tochio Hot Springs, Shinhodaka Hot Springs and the Hirayu Hot Spring, the oldest hot spring in Okuhida. Hirayu Onsen was established in the Age of Civil War called the Sengoku Period (1467～1615). They say that the hot spring was found when a white monkey showed the exhausted Takeda Army where the hot spring was. Takeda's men recovered immediately after getting into the hot spring. Following that, Hirayu Onsen was developed into a therapeutic spa. The spring is said to be effective at treating intestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, nerve pain and skin disease. Having said that, the Okuhida Hot Spring area in Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture is surrounded by mountains and it used to be referred to as a "hidden world." A tunnel connecting Nagano Prefecture and Gifu Prefecture has opened in recent years, and access to the area has improved dramatically. As seen from 1:17 in the video, many coach buses from large Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya arrive at Hirayu Onsen bus terminal. The bus routes are operated by the Nohi Bus, the local bus company covering most of the Hirayu Onsen area. This area is in a convenient location, as you can visit secret hot springs, camp sites and famous Japanese tourist spots such as Matsumoto and Kamikochi. Delicious Local Delicacies! Check Out the Delicious Foods Served in the Many Inns Shown Throughout the Video Photo：Hoba Miso Making a good choice of Onsen and meals is rather important when choosing a hotel or ryokan, is it not? Please have a look at 2:36 in the video. It shows unusual, delicious Japanese foods from the Hirayu Onsen area such as softshell turtle hot pot, onsen soft-boiled eggs, and pickled steaks. In particular, Hoba Miso is a very famous Japanese food in the Okuhida Hot Springs area in Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture. It is often included in the accommodation package of ryokan inns. We'd like to recommend Nakamurakan and Okada Ryokan for those who are particular about Onsen quality and want to fully enjoy the interior of a ryokan. The rotenburo (open air bath) at Nakamurakan uses hot spring water straight from the source and you can refresh your mind and body. You can see inside Okada Ryokan using Google maps street view as well if you're interested. Even if you don't stay at one of these inns, you can still use their onsen facilities with a day pass as well! Tourist Hot Spots at Hirayu Onsen, Japan’s No. 1 Onsen Photo：Asian Black bear There are many beautiful tourist hot spots and attractions besides Onsen Ryokan and hotels at Hirayu Onsen in Okuhida Hot Springs. Here, we'll tell you about popular tourist attractions around Hirayu Onsen. Okuhida Bear Ranch (奥飛騨クマ牧場 Okuhida Kuma Bokujo) shown in the video from 3:04 keep the largest number of Asian Black Bear (ツキノワグマ Tsukinowaguma) in Japan. We recommend the Bear Fat (熊の油 Kumanoyu) souvenir. It has been used as a medicine by hunters in the Okuhida Hot Springs area for many years and is effective for skin problems. Next up is the Shinhotaka Ropeway (新穂高ロープウェイ). There is a ropeway near Hirayu Onsen in Okuhida Hot Springs, Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture. It is the only double-decker ropeway in Japan. It is also famous for its magnificent views of autumn leaves. Its viewpoint has an elevation of 2,156 meters. The superb views of the Northern Japanese Alps from the viewpoint make for amazing photos! Share them on your Instagram or keep them for scrap-booking! Sightseeing Around Hirayu Onsen Around Hirayu Onsen, there are many more sightseeing places that aren't included in the video. They are: Hirayu Great Falls (平湯大滝 Hirayu Ootaki), Alps Highway Hirayu (アルプス街道平湯 Arupusu Kaido Hirayu) , Hirayu History Museum (平湯民俗館 Hirayu Minzokukan) , Hirayu Shrine (平湯神社 Hirayu Jinja), Mt. Yakedake (焼岳 Yakedake), Kamikochi (上高地), Mt. Norikura (乗鞍岳 Norikuradake), Goshikigahara (五色ヶ原), Shirakawago (白川郷), Hidatakayama(飛騨高山), Hida Great Limestone Cave (飛騨大鍾乳洞 Hida Daishounyudo) and Hirayu Campsite (平湯キャンプ場 Hirayu Campujo). We recommend giving these places a visit if you're planning on coming to Hirayu Onsen. There are other activities that you can try to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Hirayu Onsen area, such as Rail Mountain Bike and the Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort. While you are sightseeing, don’t forget to try the delicious local foods such, as Hida Beef (飛騨牛 Hidagyu), Hida Pork (飛騨ポーク Hida Pork) and onsen soft-boiled Egg (温泉卵 Onsen Tamago). Summary of Hirayu Onsen It's not the biggest place when compared to other famous Japanese hot spring towns, but you can definitely refresh your mind and body and enjoy a peaceful time here. That’s Hirayu Onsen of Okuhida Hot Springs in Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture. By the time you finish watching the 5-minute video, you'll want to go and see Yuyu! By the way, what happened to Yuyu’s love?? 【Official Website】Gifu Prefecture Takayama City Hall Website http://www.city.takayama.lg.jp/ 【Official Website】Hirayu Onsen Tourism Association, Hirayu Onsen Ryokan Cooperative Society http://hirayuonsen.or.jp/

Japanese Radio Calisthenics! This video "Radio Calisthenics Phase Version 06｜English Version" (「ラジオ体操第バ06_英語」), was created by Tokyu-Kensetsu (東急建設) for English speakers in Japan. In Japan, radio calisthenics (ラジオ体操, rajio taiso) is a traditional custom where people perform calisthenics to music with guidance from radio broadcasts. Radio calisthenics were introduced to Japan to improve physical strength and maintenance and development of good health. What kind of calisthenics are there? How did it start? Let’s take a look! What are Radio Calisthenics? A Look at the History Photo：Elementary school students doing radio calisthenicss The history of radio calisthenics goes back to 1920. The idea originally came from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. of the U.S as part of daily calisthenics. The first radio calisthenics was broadcast to the public on NHK radio in 1928. Since then, it has been modified little by little to the current Radio Calisthenics 1, established in 1951. Besides Radio Calisthenics 1, the one introduced in the video, there are other types of radio calisthenics such as Radio Calisthenics 2 and 3, and Minna no Taiso (calisthenics for everyone). The Health Benefits of Radio Calisthenics Photo：An attendance card for radio calisthenics The radio calisthenics contains of 13 types of calisthenics in a particular order. As you see in the video, the calisthenics starts with stretching (0:11) and ends with deep-breathing (2:56), a total of 3 minutes 15 seconds. It helps you stay in shape and lose weight, as it makes you stretch the muscles of your entire body. During summer vacation, local organizations and community associations gather children and perform radio calisthenicss together every morning. Each child has an attendance card and gets a stamp each time they attend the radio calisthenics gathering. The radio calisthenics serves to prevent inadequate physical activity in children, as well as have children interact with local communities. Where Can I Find Radio Calisthenics? Photo：Radio In Japan, radio channels still broadcast the radio calisthenics to music. Radio calisthenics usually begin with a piece of opening music and a greeting from the instructor, and after the music finishes, Radio calisthenics 1 begins. During the broadcast, they also introduce a supportive exercise and a neck exercise. The radio calisthenics are also broadcast on TV. Be sure to check out when it broadcasts! You can also find the radio calisthenics on an App, videos online, or CD. Choose one that is most convenient for you. The Recap of Radio Calisthenics Photo：Women doing radio calisthenics Radio calisthenics is effective for improving health, so it has long been loved by Japanese people. Even today, radio calisthenics are introduced at events for children, at offices before the day begins, and also done by people feeling they need more exercise. Be sure to check it out! It'll help you get into a daily routine and feel more awake.

An Interview With Aska Cambridge "Aska Cambridge_ Sports Information（ケンブリッジ飛鳥さん_Sports Information（世田谷区スポーツのしおり））" created by the “Setagaya Sports Promotion Foundation,” is an interview video with Aska Cambridge- a Japanese track and field sprinter. You can watch how the top athletes, who have competed in and shown good results at international and national tournaments, feel about track and field. This article introduces silver medalist Aska Cambridge. Be sure to follow along with the video! Who is Aska Cambridge? Source :YouTube screenshot Aska Cambridge is a track and field sprinter affiliated with the Nike track and field club. In 2016, he ran 4 × 100 metres relay and won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Game in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, he has become one of the top athletes in Japan. His full name is Aska Antonio Cambridge. He is 180 cm (5'11") tall and weighs 76 kg. His nationality is Japanese. He has a Jamaican father and Japanese mother. He was born in Jamaica and came to Osaka when he was two years old. He played soccer when he was an elementary school student but switched to track and field at the recommendation of his club supervisor. He went to Tokyo High School and holds the record for the 100m in 10 seconds. He entered the Department of Physical Education, College of Humanities and Sciences at Nihon University. He was injured during the Kanto intercollegiate competition in 2014, but he still managed good results and won the championship many times. Photo：Track field At the Rio Olympics, he ran the 4 × 100 metres relay as an anchor for Japan with “Ryota Yamagata, Shota Iizuka and Yoshihide Kiryu” and won a silver medal. He made a new record in Asia and left good results. At London World Championships 2017, he also ran in 4 x 100 relay finals. His personal best is 10.08 for 100 meters and 20.62 for 200 meters. If you noticed, he is also quite handsome, making him popular with women like Sani Brown, another track and field sprinter. He currently appears in TV commercials for "UHA Gummy Supplements." The Interview With Aska Cambridge Source :YouTube screenshot Be sure to watch his interview in the video. In it, he discusses his decision to go professional. You can see this at 2:38 in the video. He decided to go pro after competing with world class athletes at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He also talks about his commitment as a professional from 3:46. He says that he eats healthy, stays well-rested, enjoys healthy lifestyle habits and relaxes regularly. He also explains his transition from soccer player to track and field athlete, why he continues track and field, and the happiest and hardest things about competing, as well as his overall attraction to sports and his goals. Summary Source :YouTube screenshot The video “Aska Cambridge_ Sports Information” created by “Setagaya Sports Promotion Foundation,” is an interview video with 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist Aska Cambridge. We recommend this video to people who like sports and want to hear more about Japan's top athletes, their goals, thoughts, and dedication to their sport. If you want to know more about Aska Cambridge, be sure to check out the video!

Introducing the Prayer "Okagura" of Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture! This is a video produced by "Ise Shrine Official Channel (ISE-JINGU)" called "[Ise Shrine] Shrine Devotional Prayer Okagura ISE-JINGU" (【伊勢神宮】神宮のご祈祷　御神楽　ISE-JINGU). Ise Shrine is a shrine with a long history that has been worshipped in Japan since the time of mythology. The god of the Imperial Grand Shrine (the inner shrine), is Amaterasu Omikami, and the god of Toyokami Grand Shrine (the outer shrine), is Toyouke Omikami. This charming shrine with plenty of nature is located just past Uji Bridge, the entrance to the inner shrine, and is affectionately called "Oise-san" by tourists. Please enjoy the prayer of Ise Shrine, as it's not something you get to see every day. The Prayer "Okagura" at Ise Shrine, Mie Prefecture Photo：Miko with Kagura bells Kagura, dedicated at the Kagura Hall of Ise Shrine, is a ceremony of exorcism in which sacred sake is served before the gods. The ritual prayer, introduced at 0:35 in the video, is one of the most important rituals of Shinto. After the ritual prayer, there is a dance performance (0:53) that shows Yamato-mai, and from 1:08 a long ceremonial dance by the Prince of Lanling. After the Kagura, worshippers pray, as seen at 1:40 in the video Ise Shrine, Mie Prefecture - A Historic Tourist Attraction With Tons of Highlights Photo：Ise Shrine Many tourists visit Ise City, Mie Prefecture to visit Ise Shrine. Don't forget your shuin when you visit! After worship, it's recommended that you purchase a good luck talisman. At Ise Shrine, there are also festivals, such as the Kagura Festival, the Shin-an Festival, and the Kamigyo Festival. We definitely recommend checking these out. On the approach to the outer shrine of Ise Shrine, there's "Houonkan (1F Senokuniya, Syoujirou / 2F Magatama Tei)," "mirepoix," "French cuisine Bon Vivant," "Mitsuhashi Ponju," "Ise Kikuichi," "Akafuku Gekumae Special Shops” and other places where you can enjoy lunch and local gourmet! You can enjoy Japanese sweets such as Akafuku mochi and dumplings, and even eat around. After visiting the geku, go to the naiku where Amaterasu Omikami, the guardian deity of the Japanese people who reigns over the other the eight million gods, is enshrined. "Chōzuya," "Ujibashi," "Isuzu-gawa Mitarashi," "Takimaturinokami," "Goshogu," and "Kazahino minomiya," are full of attractions! There are hotels and inns such as "Toba International Hotel", "Shima Kanko Hotel Bay Suite" and "Ikadaso," so you can enjoy your trip to Ise-Shima even if you're staying overnight. Be sure to enjoy the "profit spot" and the power spot as well. Sightseeing Around Ise Shrine Photo：Okage Yokocho lanterns The area around Ise Jingu is also home to other attractions such as Tagamiya Shrine, Sarutahiko Shrine and Sarume Shrine, which are separate shrines on the grounds. If you have the chance, you should also check out the Imperial Grand Shrine, Ara Matsuri Shrine, Koyasu Shrine, Futami Okitama Shrine, and Meotoiwa in the Ise-Shima area. There are souvenir shops and delicious eateries in Okageyokocho and Oharai town, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Summary of Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture In 2013, Shikinen Sengu was held at Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. This is the largest festival at Ise Jingu, where the Great God is relocated to the shrine pavilion, which is rebuilt once every 20 years. In May 2016, key figures from various countries gathered to hold the "G7 Summit," a meeting to discuss global economic and international issues, In Ise City. Ise Shrine is a very popular tourist spot in Japan, and we highly recommend visiting it. If you visit at the right time, you may be able to see the elegant prayers shown in the video, or see the Kagura exorcism. ◆Ise Shrine Introduction of facility outline◆ 【Address】1 Ujikancho, Ise City, Mie 516-0023 【Access】Geku is a 5-minute walk from Ise-shi Station, Naiku is a 30-minute walk from Isuzugawa Station 【Hours】5: 00 - 18: 00 【Closures】None 【Parking】Available 【Telephone No】0596-24-1111 【Entrance fee】Free 【Official Website】Ise Shrine https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/index.html 【Official Website】Ise City Tourism Association https://ise-kanko.jp/main/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Ise City https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303159-Ise_Mie_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu-Vacations.html

PR Video for the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street, a Famous Tourist Spot in Toshima-Ku (豊島区: Toshima Ward) This video called “What kinda place is Sugamo? Strolling through the Jizo Dori Shopping Street - 4K 50fps（巣鴨ってどんな街？地蔵通り商店街をぷらっと散歩 -4K 50fps）” is produced by “ PlaT JAPAN Ch. ( ぷらっとNIPPON : PlaT JAPAN Ch.) ” to promote the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street which has many places to eat as well as female clothing shops. It can be accessed from JR Sugamo Station (巣鴨駅: Sugamo Eki) to the old Nakasen-do Road (旧中仙道: Kyu Nakasen-do). The nostalgic feel and distinct atmosphere of this shopping street is popular with not only Japanese people, but also among foreign tourists. You can see famous tourist spots or food spotting information in this video. This 10 minute video shows the street from Kogan temple (高岩寺:Kogan-ji) to Koshinzuka - station (庚申塚 : Koshinzuka), the last stop of the Toden Arakawa-line Streetcar. You can feel the lively atmosphere in this street. What Is the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street? Source :YouTube screenshot The Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street in Toshima-ku, Tokyo has flourished since the mid Edo period. The first inn town of the Nakasen-do Road starting from Nihonbashi was located around Sugamo Station. Sugamo is famous as “Grandma’s Harajuku” because many old people visit this town. An on-the-street interview with elderly people is frequently conducted in this area. The access is 5 minutes on foot from Sugamo Station on the JR Yamanote Line, and on the opposite side of the shopping street is Koshinzuka Station off the Toden Arakawa Line. There are many parking lots and accommodations around this shopping street. You can visit there by car as well. Photo：Togenuki Jizo, Kogan-ji There are famous souvenir shops and tourist spots such as Kogan-ji, well-known as “ Togenuki Jizo” and relocated from Ueno in 1891 to Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street. Visitors can’t see the Gohonzon (the main object of devotion) of Togenuki Jizo because it is treated as a hidden Buddhist secret, but it is said that if you pray to its divine spirit, that its image will be transferred to a paper and you will receive good luck. Also there is the “Arai Kannon” in the Kogen-ji. It is said that if a person praying washes an affected part of the body of this Kannon, the affected part of that persons body will be cured. In addition, Shinsho-temple (眞性寺 : Shinsho-ji) is another famous temple in this street. The “Zizo son fair” is held in this shopping street on days ending in 4 (4th, 14th, 24th) . There are many shops and flea markets on this street as well. More people visit this street than usual on a fair day, so be sure to check what days you're going on. Recommended Shops on Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street Photo：Sugamo's Shichimi stand There are many delicatessens or sweet parlors in the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street. You can enjoy the “Fried horse mackerel” of “Tokiwa Shokudo” where there is always a long line outside during lunch time, “Shio Daifuku" (rice cake stuffed with salt seasoned bean jam) made by Mizuno, the “Bean jam buns” of Kifukudo, “Rice cakes” made by Raisindo, and plenty more for you to try. Also there are many female clothing retail shops in the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street. “Maruji” is particularly famous for red underwear that are sold as a good luck charm. The Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street is also a well known power spots. Tamaya Sugamo that sells power stones and natural stones, is familiar to many people. “Sugamon no oshiri” placed at the entrance of the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street is the mascot character of this street. It is said that if a person touches the backside of this mascot character, they will have success in love. Summary of Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street Source :YouTube screenshot You can feel what the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street is like in the video “What kinda place is Sugamo? Strolling through the Jizo Dori Shopping Street - 4K 50fps” . Also you can see the old familiar band of musical sandwich men in this video (2:21). The map of this shopping street into which all shops are included is available on the web site of the Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street Promotion Association. Please visit Sugamo Jizo Dori Shopping Street with that map in a hand. 【Official Website】Shopping Street Promotion Association https://sugamo.or.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g14134309-d1373813-r377821031-Sugamo_Jizo_dori_Shopping_Street-Sugamo_Toshima_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Breakfast! This video, titled "日本の朝ごはん　和食編　How to make a Japanese Breakfast.," was uploaded by "makira cooking channel." It shows how to make a traditional Japanese breakfast using an earthenware pot. If you stay at a Japanese onsen ryokan (hot spring inn), you can enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast made with local ingredients. You can even make that same delicious food in your own home! Cook a unique Japanese breakfast and experience Japanese culture. But first, be sure to check out how it’s done in this video. Traditional Japanese Rice Cooked in an Earthenware Pot Photo：Earthenware rice In this video, you can see how a traditional Japanese breakfast is made. First, as shown at 0:37 in the video, you’ll need to cook the rice in an earthenware pot. Start by putting the rice in the earthenware pot and washing it. Add 200-230 ml of water per 180 ml of rice, and put the earthenware pot over the flame. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 more minutes. After the 15 minutes have passed, let the rice steam for another 10ish minutes to finish your delicious earthenware rice. It may be difficult getting used to at first, but with a little practice, you'll have it down in no time! The reason why this method is so appealing is that the rice has a very different flavor from that cooked in a rice cooker, so we really recommend giving it a try if you have the chance. You can see the glistening rice cooked in the earthenware pot at 7:37 in the video. Miso Soup - An Essential Part of Japanese Breakfast Photo：Washoku, miso soup The dashi (soup stock) for the popular Japanese dish, miso soup, is made with ingredients such as dried bonito flakes, kombu, and niboshi (dried sardines). Putting these ingredients in just the right amount of water and letting them soak overnight makes for a delicious broth. For the miso soup, add your favorite ingredients, such as leeks and tofu. If you use abura-age, be sure to wash it with boiling water before adding it your soup. This removes any excess oil. You can see this recipe at 4:14 in the video. The Japanese Breakfast Menu Photo：Cooked salmon In Japan, cooked salmon is another essential part of any Japanese breakfast. The plump, grilled salmon pairs well with white rice. We also recommend adding tamagoyaki, another traditional Japanese snack. If you add dashi to the battered egg before grilling it, you can make a fluffy dashi omelette! You can also try other dishes, such as boiled spinach and hijiki. The key is to use only soy sauce and other seasonings to bring out the flavors of the ingredients while keeping it simple. These popular dishes can be seen in the video as well. Summary of Japan's Traditional Breakfast Photo：Japanese breakfast Rice, miso soup, and many other Japanese dishes have a long history in Japan. Cooking and eating a delicious traditional Japanese style breakfast is a great way to start the day! You can see the finished Japanese breakfast at 7:57 in the video. If you're interested in Japanese food, you can follow the instructions in this video to prepare a delicious traditional Japanese breakfast.

Performance Video for Ryuji Shirakawa, an Aikido Master This video entitled “Aikido Dynamic and fluid movement Shirakawa Ryuji shihan (合気道 ダイナミックで流れるような動き！白川竜次 師範), performed by Aikido Master Ryuji, and produced by "Aikido Shinburenseijuku," features performances of Aikido, one of Japan's traditional martial arts. You can see the performance by Ryuji Shirakawa, 6th dan of Shinburenseijyuku, as he throws his opponents from one to the next. What are the techniques of Aikido, Japan's historic martial art? What is Aikido? Photo：Aikido Aikido and other traditional Japanese martial arts emphasize the ancient Japanese concept of "mind, technique and body." "Mind, technique and body" refers to a balance of mind, technique, and body. Aikido is a martial art that was established between the Meiji period and the beginning of the Showa period. It has a relatively short history in comparison with other martial arts. Aikido is a comprehensive martial art into which the principles not only for Jujitsu, but also for Kendo and Judo, are incorporated. The martial art came to be called Aikido in 1942, and has since spread all over the world. It is estimated that there are about 1 million people competing domestically and 1.5 million abroad. Aikido has various types of attacking techniques such as Ikkyo, Shihonage , Iriminage, Kotegaeshi. A half-body stance is the basic position for Aikido regardless school. It is important to practice things such as breathing techniques or switching of body positions to use the martial art's techniques properly. In this video, you can see scenes of master Ryuji Shirakawa throwing his opponents one after another. Sometimes arm-locking them as well. Learn the Japanese Martial Art, Aikido! Photo：Children sitting in "Seiza" The number of people who practice Japanese martial arts such as Karate, Judo, and Kendo has been increasing. Wearing dojo clothes and training in a jiu-jitsu or kendo dojo can help you maintain your health and improve your mental strength. The Japanese martial arts are useful as a self-defense technique, making them a great choice for men as well as women and children to learn. If you can find a good coach and receive careful guidance, you can participate in a competition, even if you are a beginner. Summary of Aikido Master Ryuji Shirakawa's Aikido Performance Source :YouTube screenshot This video features many beautiful and powerful techniques by Aikido Master Ryuji Shirakawa. Please watch his performance in the video if you haven't yet, and enjoy the exchange of great techniques by Japanese martial artists. There are many dojos or training halls in Japan where anyone can learn Japanese martial arts including Jujitsu and Taijutsu. If you're interested in traditional Japanese martial arts, or if you feel like taking up a sport, you should visit a dojo or class where you can practice martial arts! 【Official Website】Aikido Shinburenseijuku http://www.shinburenseijuku.com/

The Akagawa Fireworks Festival This video, "4K The Most Touching Thing in Japan! 28th Akagane Fireworks Festival 2018 "Pride" -Emotional Fireworks- Akagawa Fireworks Festival (shot on Samsung NX1)"（[4K] 感動日本一 ! 第28回 赤川花火大会 2018「誇り」～こころゆさぶる感動花火～ Akagawa Fireworks Festival (shot on Samsung NX1)）, is a beautiful 4K video of the 2018 Akagawa Fireworks Festival "Pride," which was ranked in the top 10 of the best 100 fireworks in Japan. There were approximately 12 thousand fireworks displayed. Around 350 thousand people came to see the 2018 Akagawa Fireworks Festival, including visitors from abroad. For 27 minutes, you can watch the ending of the Akagawa Fireworks Festival, which is the climax of the program. Enjoy the summer night sky and "the most touching fireworks in Japan" with this video. Introduction to the Akagawa Fireworks Festival Photo：Akagawa Fireworks Festival The Akagawa Fireworks Festival is one big program. We'll introduce the process of the festival below, alongside the video. There are 4 parts. -Opening (Video 0:15) Kitanihon Hanabi Kougyou “Future” (BGM: Tomoni by WANIMA) -Local fireworks (Video: 3:43) Inakako Horiuchi Enkaten “Masquerade” (BGM: Dakishimetai by Mr. Children) -Light of Hope (Video: 12:06) Marugoh “Light of Eternity” (BGM: Hero by Amuro Namie) -Ending (Video 17:55) Beniya Aoki Enkaten “Moment of Miracle” (BGM: A New Day by Beverly) In each part of the large program fireworks are set off in a way that matches the music. The climax of the Akagawa Fireworks Festival is when the 700m long fireworks are set. There's was also the dramatic firework display called “Ghost Matthew and the Magical Flower” in 2018. Top class pyrotechnics from all over Japan compete to show off their skills at the national fireworks competition. There are design fireworks and traditional fireworks and it's breathtaking to see them in the night sky. Information About the Area Photo：Akagawa Akagawa Fireworks Festival is a historical and popular festival. It is a traditional event in Tsuruoka city, Yamagata prefecture and it will be held for the 30th time in 2020. On the day of the festival, there are many street stalls and the street is covered with people wearing yukata. This video is filmed from 2 locations. One is from the venue and the other is from the backside of the venue, in the field. The front side of the venue is downwind, so we recommend viewing the display from the field on the back side. You can search and look for your own viewing spots as well. Summary Photo：Akagawa Fireworks Festival It is the most popular fireworks festival in Japan! There are tours from major travel companies as well, so if you want to visit from afar, you should book a hotel and plan your schedule in advance. We hope this video has you interested in the amazing Akagawa Fireworks Festival! The details of the 2018 Akagawa Fireworks Festival is down below. Some information changes every year, so check the official homepage before visiting. ◆Information about the 2018 Akagawa Fireworks Festival◆ 【Address】30 minute walk from Uetsu Main Line Turuoka station It will be crowded on the day of the festival. There are traffic restrictions and parking fills up quickly, so we highly recommend using public transportation. There are free shuttle buses from Tsuruoka station to the official parking area. However, the official parking area is for people with box seating only. 【Date】August 18th, 2018/ Fireworks start from 7:15 pm 【Venue】Riverbed of Akagawa, Tsuruoka city, Yamagata prefecture 【Entrance fee】 Free, paid seats available. (Reservation needed for free box seat. For paid seats: F to SA class seat costs 3,000 to 24,000 Yen (~$30-$240 USD) 【Sponsor】Executive Committee of the Akagawa Fireworks Festival 【Warning】Please check out the official homepage for details about the upcoming festival. 【Tripadvisor】Akagawa Fireworks Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023682-d10019651-Reviews-Akagawa_Fireworks-Tsuruoka_Yamagata_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

The Beautiful Otaki Castle! This video, titled "Sword World｜Otaki Castle｜Swords and Armor Displays" (【刀剣ワールド】「大多喜城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), uploaded by "Virtual Sword Museum [Sword World]," introduces the history of Otaki Castle in Otaki, Isumi, Chiba, as well as the museum’s collection of swords and armor. This article provides information on the history of Otaki Castle as well as tourist information, information on exhibits, and information about the opening of the Otaki Castle branch of the Chiba Prefectural Central Museum. The history of Otaki Castle and materials on swords and armor are explained in an easy-to-understand way, so even those not familiar with swords, armor, and other historical materials can enjoy it as well. The History of Otaki Castle Source :YouTube screenshot Otaki Castle was built by Mariyatsu Nobukiyo during the Tenbun period, and the castle was called Odaki Castle at that time. Afterwards, Tokugawa Ieyasu gave the castle to Honda Tadakatsu, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa, who improved the old castle and became the first feudal lord of the Otaki clan. The castle town prospered during the Warring States period (1467 to 1615), and the remains of the castle and its surrounding area are still visible to this day. It is said that the castle tower, which had fallen into disrepair, was destroyed by a fire in 1842. Today, the ruins of the main castle, a large well (a Chiba-designated historical site), and the Ninomaru Palace Gate remain. Otaki Castle Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The castle tower was built in 1975 on the site of the inner citadel of Otaki Castle, a Chiba Prefecture-designated historical site, and the interior is a history museum. You can see the inside of the museum at 1:25 in the video. The theme of the exhibition is "Castles and the Castle Town of Boso," and exhibits include Japanese swords, armor, and other materials related to samurai. In addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions are also held. There is a popular experience booth where you can try on armor, a statue of Lord Honda Tadakatsu donning his black armor, a painting of Honda Tadakatsu in his warrior form, which is shown at 2:15, and the "hare shaped helm," shown at 2:44 in the video. If you're looking for souvenirs, be sure to stop by the museum shop as well! Access to the castle is a 15-minute walk from Otaki Station on the Isumi Railway. There is also a paid parking lot located 5 minutes from Otaki Castle by foot. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and New Year's holidays. (Please check the official website for the latest information. Summary of Otaki Castle Photo：Otaki Castle in Spring In this video clip, you can learn about the history of Otaki Castle and its exhibits. Otaki Castle is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. The red seal (goshuin) and the castle seal are also popular, and there are many restaurants where you can have lunch, as well as golf courses around Otaki Castle, making the town of Otaki popular with many visitors. Feel a sense of romance by watching the video. ◆Information◆ 【Address】481 Otaki, Otaki, Isumi, Chiba 298-0216 【Access】15 minutes from Isumi Railway Otaki Station on foot 【Admission fee】200 yen 【Hours】9 am to 4:30 pm 【Parking】A paid parking lot is available 【Telephone No】0470-82-3007 【Official Website】Otaki Castle http://www2.chiba-muse.or.jp/www/SONAN/contents/1518757587822/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Otaki Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121125-d1314470-Reviews-Otaki_Castle_Museum-Otaki_machi_Isumi_gun_Chiba_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Japanese Wagyu Beef This video, titled "Wagyu Beef Sales in Australia!," Was created by JETRO. In recent years, the ban on the importation of Japanese Wagyu beef into European and Asian countries has been lifted, and since 2018 the exportation of Wagyu beef from Japan to Australia has become possible. That being said, is there really a demand for Japanese Wagyu beef in Australia, the number one producer and exporter of "Aussie Beef"? What Breeds of Cattle Are Being Raised in Australia and Japan? Source :YouTube screenshot When you think of Wagyu beef, the native Japanese species Hidagyu (飛騨牛), Kagoshima Wagyu (鹿児島和牛), and Omigyu (近江牛) probably come to mind (or not). There are four types of cattle in Japan raised for Wagyu beef production: Japanese Black (黒毛和種, kurogewashu), Japanese Brown (褐毛和種, akagewashu), Japanese Shorthorn (日本短角種, nihontankakushu), and Japanese Polled (無角和種, mukakuwashu). Independent rules in Australia state that only beef from cattle with a 50% or higher Wagyu lineage may be classified as Wagyu beef. From 9:20 in the video, Australia's Wagyu farming representative, David Blackmore, explains that Japanese and Australian cattle are being cross-bred to produce Australian Wagyu beef. More About Japanese Cuisine, Food Products, and Business Dealings in Australia Source :YouTube screenshot Since the ban on the importation of Japanese Wagyu beef was lifted, Japanese agriculture, business negotiations regarding marine and food products have been held in Sydney. Various companies, organisations, distributors and buyers such as Osawa Enterprises (大沢エンタープライズ, oosawa enta-puraizu) and Kirishima Ranch (霧島ランチ) have taken part in the business meetings. Japanese restaurants in Australia are using imported Japanese Wagyu beef to attract customers to their restaurants. From 2:08 in the video, you can see Japanese Wagyu beef being sold at 3-5 times the price of Australian beef at the store Tokyo Mart (東京マート, toukyouma-to). Even at such a high price, Japanese Wagyu beef continues to sell well. The Key to Increasing Exportation of Japanese Wagyu Beef? Photo：Sukiyaki Japanese cuisine holds the key to increasing the exportation of Japanese Wagyu beef in Australia. From 1:29 in the video, we're introduced to the Japanese restaurant Masuya (鱒屋). High quality Japanese Wagyu beef can be best enjoyed not only as steak, but also in traditional Japanese dishes such as Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu. The high quality products, manufacturing techniques, and food culture of Japan is gaining popularity worldwide. Summary of the Exportation of Japanese Wagyu Beef As you can see from the video, Australia is currently one of the top exporters of beef in the world. However, recently there is growing demand for tender and delicious Japanese beef such as Wagyu or Kuroge. Since the ban was lifted on the importation of Japanese Wagyu beef, distribution has spread worldwide and the superb taste of Wagyu beef is attracting attention from foodies overseas. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Wagyu beef!

This video, titled "Tamatsukuri Onsen Promotional Video (Long Ver.)" (玉造温泉プロモーション（Long ver.）), was released by "Tamatsukuri Hot Spring (Shimane Prefecture) Tourist Information Site 'Tamanavi'" (玉造温泉（島根県）観光情報サイト・たまなび). If you want to get into one of Japan's historic hot springs, we recommend the Tamatsukuri Onsen in Shimane Prefecture. Tamatsukuri Onsen has been in Japan since the Heian period, and is considered one of the three best hot springs in Japan in the Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon. At Chorakuen, introduced in the video, there is the largest mixed bathing open-air bath in Japan, and you can take a bath with your family, friends, or loved ones while wearing a towel. The water of Tamatsukuri Onsen is said to be very effective in cultivating beautiful skin, as it is thick like a lotion. After taking a hot spring bath, you can enjoy a stroll through the onsen town and enjoy delicious seafood bowls!