Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in Harajuku, Tokyo, is surrounded by a surprisingly deep forest you’d never expect to find in the middle of Tokyo. It attracts countless visitors from Japan and abroad throughout the year.This article introduces the route featured in the 4K video、from Harajuku Station to the approach path and finally to the main hall,highlighting key sights, useful tips, and interesting background information to help first-time visitors enjoy their experience. What Is Meiji Jingu Shrine? Meiji Jingu enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020.The forest that fills the shrine grounds is known as one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Around 100,000 trees were donated from across Japan, and forestry experts carefully planned the planting so the woods would grow into a natural forest after 100 years. Today, that vision has taken root: a lush ecosystem that feels worlds away from downtown Tokyo. Photo: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, Tokyo Its stillness and pure atmosphere soothe the hearts of visitors. In overseas videos, it is sometimes introduced as “Tokyo’s spiritual sanctuary.” Walking Access from Harajuku Station to Meiji Jingu When you exit Harajuku Station from the Omotesando Gate, the first torii gate of Meiji Jingu appears immediately in front of you. 【Video】3:20〜It usually takes 10–12 minutes to walk to the main hall. The path is flat and easy to follow. Photo: JR Harajuku Station, Tokyo Harajuku Station was renovated in 2020 to better handle the huge crowds during the busy New Year shrine-visiting period. The busiest days are January 1–3, when the station takes on a special holiday atmosphere unlike any other time of year. The Sacred Approach Beginning at the First Torii Gate As you pass through the first torii at the Harajuku entrance, the noise of the city falls away, and the air itself seems to change、leaving only the soft crunch of gravel underfoot in a peaceful world.Continuing along the path, you will encounter the massive second torii. Standing about 12 meters tall, it is the largest wooden Myojin-style torii in Japan, and its impressive scale naturally makes visitors look up. 【Video】4:23〜 Photo: First torii gate of Meiji Jingu Along the approach, you will find barrels of sak a well as wine barrels donated by wine cultivators from Burgundy, France, in honor of the Meiji Emperor's fondness for wine. This spot symbolizes cultural exchange between Japan and France, and often surprises international visitors who wonder why wine barrels are displayed here. From a side path, you can also visit the well-known spiritual site Kiyomasa-no-Ido Spring, where the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. From the Second Torii to the Temizuya: A Gentle Walk Filled with Light Near the second torii, sunlight and shadows weave together to create a picturesque scene. Some torii have been rebuilt using naturally fallen cypress trees, reflecting the shrine’s harmony with nature. 【Video】13:58〜 Photo: Temizuya of Meiji Jingu A short walk further brings you to the temizuya (purification pavilion). Meiji Jingu uses groundwater, allowing fresh, clean water to flow continuously. 【Video】17:30〜The purification ritual involves holding the ladle with your right hand and cleansing in the following order: ① left hand, ② right hand, ③ rinse your mouth with water poured into your left hand, ④ left hand again, and ⑤ rinse the ladle’s handle. English instructions are provided, so visitors can follow the steps with confidence. From the Third Torii to the Main Hall: Entering a Majestic Space As you continue along the approach, the view opens up, revealing the third torii and the main hall. 【Video】18:01〜 Photo: Main hall of Meiji Jingu The shrine buildings, including the main hall, were originally completed in 1920, but were destroyed in air raids in 1945. Reconstruction was made possible through donations from across Japan and overseas, and the current wooden structures were completed in 1958. The beautifully crafted eaves and copper roofs are impressive, often leaving first-time visitors speechless.The standard method of worship is “two bows, two claps, one bow.” Take a moment in the quiet space before the main hall to center yourself before praying. 【Video】18:46〜 The Appeal of Goshuin, Omikokoro, and Charms Meiji Jingu’s goshuin, known for its strong calligraphy style, can be received at the Choden (in front of the Kaguraden) near the main hall. Some waiting time may occur during busy periods. Photo: Offering hall at Meiji Jingu The shrine’s unique omikuji, called “Omikokoro,” does not assign good or bad fortunes.Instead, it features waka poems by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken that offer thoughtful guidance. The positive and reflective messages make them especially popular among international visitors. 【Video】21:59〜 Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu: Souvenirs and Café After your visit, take a relaxing break at Forest Terrace. Its café, Mori no Terrace, has even received a Wood City Tokyo Award for its harmonious architectural design.You can enjoy warm drinks while looking out over the greenery, and the gift shop offers wooden goods and charms unique to Meiji Jingu—items that are especially popular among international travelers. 【Video】9:18〜 Hatsumode Information Meiji Jingu records the highest number of Hatsumode visitors in Japan, attracting around three million people every year. Photo: Hatsumode at Meiji Jingu When the gates open at midnight on New Year’s Day, loud cheers fill the air. This moment has become a popular attraction for international visitors, often referred to as the “Tokyo New Year Experience.”The peak hours are as follows, but visiting in the early morning allows for a smoother experience.・January 1, 0:00–3:00・Midday on January 1・Afternoons during the first three days of the year Tips for Visiting Meiji Jingu ・Soft morning light is ideal for photography.・Wear comfortable walking shoes for the long approach.・Some areas of the main hall are off-limits for photography; please check the signs.・While English guidance has increased, some areas remain Japanese-only, so using the video as a reference is recommended. Meiji Jingu Q&A: Helpful Information Before Your Visit Q1: How long does it take to walk from Harajuku Station to Meiji Jingu?A: Typically 10–12 minutes.It takes about 1–2 minutes to reach the first torii gate from the Omotesando Gate and another 8–10 minutes along the approach to the main hall. During Hatsumode, the walk may take 30 minutes to over an hour. Q2: What are the opening and closing times for Meiji Jingu?A: Times vary by season.Generally, the shrine opens around 6:40 from January to March, in the 5:00 hour from April to September, and closes between 16:20 and 18:30. Please check the official website’s “Opening and Closing Times” page for the latest information. Q3: How crowded is Hatsumode?A: Meiji Jingu experiences the largest New Year crowd in Japan.The peak times are 0:00–3:00 on January 1 and midday on January 1. Around three million visitors come during the first three days of the year. Q4: Where can I receive a goshuin?A: At the Choden (in front of the Kaguraden) near the main hall.There may be waiting times during busy hours. Q5: Can international visitors pray at the shrine?A: Yes, everyone is welcome to visit and pray.Numerous English signs make it easy even for first-time visitors. Q6: How do I get to Kiyomasa-no-Ido Spring?A: It is about a 10-minute walk from the Garden (Gyoen) entrance.Although slightly away from the main hall, it is a very popular spiritual spot. Photo: Visitors praying at Meiji Jingu Summary With easy access from Harajuku Station, Meiji Jingu offers a beautiful forested approach and historic architecture.Following the video as you walk makes it easy for first-time visitors to reach the main hall while deepening their appreciation of Tokyo’s cultural heritage.Whether for Hatsumode, collecting goshuin, or enjoying a peaceful stroll, Meiji Jingu is a sacred place worth experiencing throughout the year. 【Official Website】https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". 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Walking along an approach path in a quiet forest where only birdsong echoes, you draw closer step by step to a historic shrine building. Journeys that visit these shrines and temples in so-called “hidden regions” are now attracting many people. In this article, based on the YouTube video 【日本の神社仏閣旅】, we introduce the shrines and temples that appear in the video from a traveler’s point of view, highlighting key information and must-see spots. We also explain the appeal of goshuin (special calligraphy stamps given at shrines and temples), basic etiquette for visiting, and tips for access, so even beginners to goshuin trips will find it helpful. An overview of 18 hidden shrines and temples: features, history, and blessings Below, you will find detailed information on all 18 shrines and temples featured in the video, including their characteristics, history, origins, and the blessings they are known for. Haruna Shrine (Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture) Haruna Shrine (榛名神社, Haruna Jinja), which stands quietly on the slopes of Mount Haruna, is a place where you can deeply feel both history and nature. It is said to have been founded in the era of Emperor Yōmei, and has long been revered as a sacred site of mountain worship. Photo: Haruna Shrine, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture The long approach path is wrapped in deep forest, with a stream murmuring beside moss-covered boulders. This mystical route makes the everyday world feel more distant with every step, and gradually brings a sense of inner calm. Along the way, highlights include the towering “Yatate-sugi” cedar and the “Sōryūmon” gate, whose form is said to resemble dragons rising to the heavens. Above all, the rock cliff that rises as if to protect the main hall is overwhelming, and has long been revered as a “rock inhabited by the gods.” The goshuin at Haruna Shrine are striking for their powerful brush strokes, and when limited editions are available, worshippers line up to receive them. After your visit, you can enjoy the local specialty konnyaku dishes in the shrine town at the base of the approach, or combine your trip with sightseeing at nearby Lake Haruna. With its well-balanced appeal as a place of nature, history, and spiritual energy, it is truly a “sacred area you will want to visit again and again.” Address: 849 Harunasan-machi, Takasaki City, Gunma PrefectureGate opening hours: 7:00–18:00 (until 17:00 in winter)Shrine office: 9:00–16:00Access: About 70 minutes by bus from JR Takasaki Station 【Official Website】https://www.haruna.or.jp ※You can watch this part from (0:21) in the video. Akagi Shrine (Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture) Akagi Shrine stands on the quiet lakeside of Mount Akagi. Its bright vermilion shrine buildings and the clear, refreshing air leave a strong impression, and as soon as you arrive you feel that you have “entered a sacred realm.” Many legends remain here, including the story of Princess Akagi, and from long ago the shrine has been cherished as a place where women’s wishes are granted. The torii gate reflected in the surface of the lake takes on a different atmosphere with each season. In particular, when the morning sun shines in, the scene becomes almost dreamlike, wrapping visitors in a silence that feels like stepping into a painting. Photo: Lake Onuma on Mt. Akagi and the approach bridge to Akagi Shrine, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture A fresh breeze created by the nature of Mount Akagi flows through the grounds, and simply strolling around will make you feel lighter. There are also walking paths and cafés along the lakeshore, so spending a leisurely time there after your visit is part of the appeal. Goshuin featuring motifs of Mount Akagi and dragons are especially popular, and seasonal limited designs attract many worshippers. With its blend of grand nature and mythological stories, Akagi Shrine offers new discoveries in any season. Address: 4-2 Akagisan, Fujimi-machi, Maebashi City, Gunma PrefectureVisiting hours: Grounds open at all timesAccess: About 60 minutes by bus from Maebashi Station※You can watch this part from (1:22) in the video. Furumine Shrine (Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture) Furumine Shrine, embraced by the vast nature of Furumine-ga-hara, is known as a sacred site of tengu (long-nosed goblin) worship, a unique element of Japanese folk belief. As soon as you step into the grounds, the large tengu masks and carvings that catch your eye give the place a distinctive character, combining solemnity with a surprisingly approachable atmosphere. The shrine has an ancient history and has long been revered as a guardian deity for protection from fire and safety within the home. Photo: Furumine Shrine , Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture One feature that cannot be overlooked when speaking of this shrine is the expansive garden, “Furumine-en.” It is decorated with seasonal flowers and trees, and the scenery reflected in the pond is breathtakingly beautiful. Enjoying a bowl of matcha in the garden teahouse gently soothes the fatigue of travel. Furumine Shrine is also famous for having one of the richest varieties of goshuin in Japan. The stamps depicting tengu are all very distinctive, and many people visit specifically to receive them. For those who wish to offer quiet prayers in the middle of great nature, this is an ideal place. Address: 3027 Kusaku, Kanuma City, Tochigi PrefectureShrine office hours: 9:00–16:00Access: About 35 minutes by car from JR Kanuma Station 【Official Website】http://www.furumine-jinjya.jp/ ※You can watch this part from (2:23) in the video. Karasawayama Shrine (Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture) Karasawayama Shrine stands on a mountaintop 247 meters above sea level and is known for its superb view overlooking Sano City. It enshrines Fujiwara no Hidesato, a warrior from the Heian period, and many worshippers visit to pray for success in competition and good fortune in work. Because the shrine is located within the ruins of Karasawa Castle, which was built on the mountain, visitors can also enjoy walking among old stone walls and castle remains. While strolling through the grounds, you may encounter friendly cats that suddenly appear and charm visitors. It has become so popular on social media that it is sometimes called a “cat sanctuary,” and the sight of cats gracefully walking along the stone walls is a scene unique to this shrine. The goshuin feature dignified and weighty brush strokes, and often include a stamp for victory, making them a striking addition to any goshuin book. Address: 1409 Fuji-cho, Sano City, Tochigi PrefectureVisiting hours: Grounds open at all timesAccess: About 15 minutes by car from Sano Station 【Official Website】http://karasawayama.com ※You can watch this part from (3:55) in the video. Torinoko Sanjo Shrine (Nasukagawa Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture) Torinoko Sanjo Shrine, which sits on the border between Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, is famous nationwide as a spiritual power spot for increasing financial fortune. As you enter the grounds, the first thing you notice is the enormous golden owl statue. Its presence is far more powerful than photos can convey, and many visitors instinctively stop to take pictures. In Japanese, owl (fukurō) is associated with wordplay such as “no hardship” (不苦労) and “good fortune comes” (福来朗), so owls are considered symbols of good luck and are placed throughout the grounds. Photo: Torinoko Sanjo Shrine, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture Because the shrine stands at a high elevation, the air is clear, and walking through the refreshing grounds gives you the sense that your heart is quietly blending into the stillness of nature. Goshuin with cute owl stamps are especially popular and are highly valued by those who wish to improve their luck. Address: 1948 Yamata, Nakagawa-machi, Nasu District, Tochigi PrefectureHours: Shrine office 9:00–16:00 (subject to change depending on the season)Access: Visiting by car is the most convenient option 【Official Website】https://www.torinokosan.com ※You can watch this part from (5:17) in the video. Saimeiji Temple (Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture) Founded in the Heian period, Saimeiji is a tranquil, historic temple nestled in a deep mountain village, and it is famous for its elegant three-storied pagoda, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The delicate carvings and perfectly balanced silhouette are graceful. In the autumn foliage season, the red of the pagoda and the crimson leaves overlap beautifully, creating a breathtaking scene. Photo: Saimeiji Temple, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture Within the grounds, moss-covered stone steps and old temple buildings are scattered about, and walking slowly allows you to feel the depth of history with your whole body. The temple’s “Meishō” bell is known for its clear, resonant tone and is loved as a famous bell. The goshuin are characterized by neat and elegant calligraphy, and at times limited stamps featuring seasonal scenery are also available. Address: 4469 Mashiko, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi PrefectureVisiting hours: 9:00–16:00Access: About 15 minutes by car from Mashiko Station 【Official Website】http://www.fumon.jp ※You can watch this part from (6:18) in the video. Kumano Kotai Shrine (Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture / Usui Pass) This unusual shrine straddles the border between Nagano and Gunma prefectures, and the center line of the main hall itself marks the prefectural border. Photo: The prefectural border at Kumano Kotai Shrine, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture It has long been venerated as a guardian of the mountain pass, where travelers would pray for safety on their journeys. In the grounds stands a giant “Shinano tree,” said to be more than a thousand years old, and looking up at its thick trunk, you cannot help but feel the strength and sacredness of nature. Visitors come to see not only the “Pop-up Shinano Tree Goshuin,” featured in the video, but also the “Prefectural Border Goshuin.” You can receive goshuin from both the Nagano side and the Gunma side shrine offices, and many worshippers enjoy placing the two side by side as a special keepsake that can only be obtained here. Many people also stop by as part of a trip to Karuizawa, and the refreshing highland air enhances the feeling of being on a journey. Address: 1 Toge-machi, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano PrefectureShrine office hours: 9:00–16:00 (grounds open at all times)Access: About 15 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station 【Official Website】https://kumanokoutai.com/ ※You can watch this part from (7:19) in the video. Kumano Shrine (Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture) Kumano Shrine, which stands quietly in a mountain valley, is a restful place wrapped in a calm atmosphere and the soothing presence of nature. Because it is close to an old mountain pass, it was once used as a place where travelers prayed for a safe journey, and a simple, warm ambience still remains today. If you listen carefully to the gentle rustling of the trees along the approach path, you will feel your heart becoming strangely peaceful. Photo: Kumano Shrine, Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture The goshuin are simple yet refined in style, evoking the presence of a quiet mountain deity. Many people enjoy a “double Kumano visit,” making a pilgrimage to both this shrine and the nearby Kumano Kotai Shrine, and by touring the area you can also sense the history of the old mountain routes. Address: 1 Toge, Matsuida-machi, Annaka City, Gunma PrefectureVisiting hours: Grounds open at all timesAccess: About 15 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station (please note that it is not possible to reach the shrine directly by car from the Gunma side; walking or buses are required, so be sure to check official information for details.)※You can watch this part from (8:41) in the video. Tsubaki Grand Shrine (Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture) Tsubaki Grand Shrine, known as the main shrine of Sarutahiko Ōkami, Japan’s oldest “guiding deity,” is one of the leading spiritual power spots in Mie Prefecture. A dignified atmosphere fills the grounds, and the quietness of the surrounding forest feels like a gentle embrace. Sarutahiko Ōkami is famous as a “god who opens the way,” and many worshippers visit to pray for luck in work and support at turning points in life. Photo: Tsubaki Grand Shrine, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture Behind the main hall is the “Betsugū Tsubaki Kishi Shrine,” said to be filled with strong spiritual energy and popular as a place where women’s wishes are granted. After your visit, you can also enjoy the local specialty “Tsubaki Torimeshi” at the Tsubaki Kaikan within the grounds. The goshuin feature crisp and dignified calligraphy, and many people collect the monthly limited designs, which are especially attractive. Address: 1871 Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie PrefectureShrine office: 8:00–17:00Access: About 45 minutes by bus from Yokkaichi Station 【Official Website】https://tsubaki.or.jp ※You can watch this part from (9:42) in the video. Hakone Shrine (Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture) Hakone Shrine, famous for its vermilion torii gate standing in Lake Ashi, is one of the most renowned shrines in the Kanto region and has been deeply revered by travelers and warriors since ancient times. Founded in the Nara period, this venerable shrine is set in a grand landscape unique to Hakone, where mountains and lake overlap. Walking along the approach path in the clear air feels pleasantly refreshing on the skin and gives the sense that your heart is being cleansed. The “Torii of Peace” standing in the lake is especially beautiful in the soft morning light and at sunset, and in recent years it has drawn attention both in Japan and abroad as a “must-visit scenic spot.” Photo: Hakone Shrine, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture Within the grounds stands the sacred “Yatate-no-sugi” cedar, believed to be over a thousand years old, where travelers and warriors have long prayed for safety and victory. Right next to the shrine is the new hall of Kuzuryu Shrine, famous as a deity of matchmaking. It is said that visiting both shrines brings blessings in many areas, including financial fortune, good relationships, and the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes. With its beautiful blend of history, nature, and a sacred atmosphere, Hakone Shrine is an essential destination at the heart of any Hakone trip. Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa PrefectureShrine office reception: 8:15–17:00Prayer reception hours: 8:30–16:00Treasure hall visiting hours: 9:00–16:00Access: About 40 minutes by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station 【Official Website】https://hakonejinja.or.jp ※You can watch this part from (11:19) in the video. Nakano-dake Shrine (Shimonita Town, Gunma Prefecture) Nakano-dake Shrine, located at the foot of Mount Myōgi, is known for its strikingly unusual giant statue of Daikoku-sama. Shining in gold, this statue stands more than 20 meters tall, and its overwhelming presence when viewed up close leaves a powerful impression. Daikokuten has long been beloved as a deity who brings good fortune and wealth, and this giant statue welcomes visitors as “Japan’s largest Daikoku-sama.” Photo: Nakano-dake Shrine, Shimonita Town, Gunma Prefecture The rocky cliffs of Mount Myōgi that rise behind the shrine have a unique ruggedness, allowing visitors to feel the dynamic power of nature. Walking through the grounds, you can sense a solemn atmosphere, as if the mountain deity is quietly watching over you. In the video, a paper-cut “Dragon Ceiling Painting Goshuin,” a special type of shrine stamp with a cut-out dragon design, is introduced. There is also a Goshuin featuring Daikoku, making it a memorable part of your trip. Address: 1248 Kamiosaka, Shimonita Town, Kanra District, Gunma PrefectureVisiting hours: Grounds open at all timesAccess: About 20 minutes by car from Shimonita Station 【Official Website】https://www.nakanotake.com ※You can watch this part from (12:20) in the video. Myōgi Shrine (Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture) Myōgi Shrine stands at the base of Mount Myōgi, one of Japan’s three most famous “strange” landscapes for its rugged peaks. The shrine is renowned for its luxurious carvings and solemn buildings. Passing through the vivid vermilion main gate and climbing the steep stone steps, you come face to face with the main hall, whose gorgeous appearance showcases the pinnacle of Edo-period architecture. The richly colored carvings on the Karamon gate are stunningly beautiful, and when you look at them up close, their intricate workmanship is truly overwhelming. Photo: Myogi Shrine, Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture Mount Myōgi itself is known as a mountain with strong spiritual energy, and many climbers and travelers come to pray for safety. The goshuin are striking for their bold, weighty brush strokes, perfectly conveying the unique dignity and solemnity of this shrine. Address: 6 Myōgi, Myōgi-machi, Tomioka City, Gunma PrefectureVisiting hours: Treasure hall and former palace building 9:00–17:00 (except from 12/20 to 1/10)Access: About 15 minutes by car from Matsuida Station 【Official Website】https://www.myougi.jp ※You can watch this part from (13:21) in the video. Hattasan Soneiji Temple (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Hattasan, famous as a temple of Yakuyoke Kannon (a Kannon for warding off misfortune), is a well-known temple in Shizuoka that has attracted many worshippers since ancient times. Walking along the long approach path surrounded by trees, the sound of leaves rustling in the wind soothes the heart and allows you to head toward the main hall in a relaxed state of mind. Although the temple is known for warding off bad luck, once you visit, you find that the entire grounds are filled with a gentle atmosphere that truly feels like “a place where your spirit becomes lighter.” Photo: Hattasan Soneiji Temple, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture After praying, it is customary to enjoy the temple’s specialty “Yakuyoke dango” rice dumplings. Their simple, gentle sweetness seems to sink slowly into your body after your pilgrimage. The goshuin bear the name of Kannon written in powerful characters, and many visitors receive them with the wish of casting off misfortune. Address: 2777 Toyosawa, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka PrefectureVisiting hours: 8:30–16:30Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Fukuroi Station 【Official Website】https://www.hattasan.or.jp ※You can watch this part from (14:22) in the video. Yusanji Temple (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Yusanji, a temple wrapped in deep forest, is affectionately known as a temple of “Kannon for the eyes.” Clear spring water flows through the grounds, and the temple has long been a place of prayer for the healing of eye diseases, drawing many devotees over the centuries. The approach path through the trees is filled with a pleasant quiet, and simply walking along it surrounds you with a soothing atmosphere created by nature. Photo: Yusanji Temple, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture The main hall is solid and dignified yet warm, and when you put your hands together in prayer, you may feel as if a gentle air is softly embracing you. Several types of goshuin are available, mainly featuring Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) and Kannon, making them perfect mementos of your visit. Address: 1 Muramatsu, Fukuroi City, Shizuoka PrefectureVisiting hours: 9:00–16:30 (the temple grounds can be visited freely, but please check the official website for details.)Access: About 20 minutes by car from Fukuroi Station 【Official Website】https://yusanji.jp ※You can watch this part from (15:59) in the video. Amabiki Kannon (Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture) Amabiki Kannon, one of the thirty-three temples of the Bandō Kannon Pilgrimage, is popular as a “flower temple” where seasonal blossoms color the grounds. The hydrangeas in early summer are particularly spectacular, covering the slopes of the grounds in shades of blue and purple. Many people visit just to see this beauty with their own eyes. The sight of hydrangeas sparkling after the rain in the quiet temple grounds is a special beauty that can only be experienced here. Photo: Amabiki Kannon, Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture You may also see peacocks freely strolling around the grounds, and first-time visitors are often surprised by their graceful presence. The temple is also famous as a place of prayers for safe childbirth and fertility, and is deeply revered by families and female worshippers. The goshuin, which change with the seasons, feature charming designs and are very popular. Address: 1 Motoki, Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki PrefectureVisiting hours: 8:30–17:00Access: About 10 minutes by car from Iwase Station 【Official Website】http://www.amabiki.or.jp ※You can watch this part from (17:00) in the video. Yamaga Shrine (Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture) Yamaga Shrine, known for its connection to the Sanada clan, is an irresistible destination for history lovers. The six-coin crest of the Sanada family appears throughout the grounds, and the atmosphere of the Sengoku (Warring States) period still quietly lingers here. In spring, cherry blossoms tint the approach path a soft pink, and the gentle scenery combined with the weight of history captivates visitors. Photo: Yamaga Shrine, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture The goshuin, which feature the Sanada family crest “Rokumonsen,” are very popular as a memento of your visit. There are many historical sites related to the Sanada clan in the area around the shrine, so combining your visit with a historical walk is highly recommended. It is a calm, quiet place where you can reflect on the spirit of Sengoku-period warriors. Address: 4473 Nagamura, Sanada-machi, Ueda City, Nagano PrefectureVisiting hours: Grounds open at all timesAccess: About 25 minutes by car from Ueda Station 【Official Website】http://www.yamaga.or.jp ※You can watch this part from (18:01) in the video. Daihōji Temple (Chiisagata District, Nagano Prefecture) Daihōji Temple, home to a National Treasure three-storied pagoda famous as the “Mikaeri no Tō” or “Pagoda that makes you look back,” is a beautiful temple that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding satoyama countryside. The pagoda is crafted with great precision down to the smallest details, and its elegant, slender form is said to change expression depending on the angle from which you view it, which is why people find themselves turning back again and again to look at it. Photo: Three-story pagoda at Daihoji Temple, Chiisagata District, Nagano Prefecture The grounds are quiet, filled with the sound of birdsong and a gentle flow of time, making it a perfect place when you want to calm your mind. The goshuin are written in a refined script, conveying the dignity of a temple that houses a National Treasure. Address: 2052 Atogō, Aoki Village, Chiisagata District, Nagano PrefectureVisiting hours: April–October 9:00–17:00 / November–March 9:00–16:00Access: About 20 minutes by car from Ueda Station 【Official Website】https://www.daihoujitemple.com/english-1 ※You can watch this part from (19:28) in the video. Oiwa Shrine (Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture) Oiwa Shrine is known as a place of such high spiritual purity that it is often called “one of Japan’s foremost power spots.” Although the exact founding date is unknown, ruins show that rituals were held here from ancient times, and Japan’s oldest gazetteer, the “Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki,” records this as a “sacred mountain where heavenly deities descended.” When you step into the grounds, the forest of giant trees instantly shuts out the signs of the everyday world, and a tranquil, mysterious air fills the space. Among the sacred trees, the one known as the “three cedars” has an overwhelming presence, and just taking a deep breath beneath it can feel like a purifying experience. Photo: Oiwa Shrine, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Because this site has long preserved a tradition of syncretic worship of Shinto and Buddhism, both shrine and temple buildings stand together in the grounds, allowing visitors to experience a unique sense of “ancient Japanese religious belief.” Many worshippers say that “coming here somehow brings the mind into balance,” so it is especially recommended for those who want to reset their spirit or feel the power of nature. Some paths are steep mountain trails, but the inspiration and insights gained by walking them are all the greater, making this truly “a sacred area that can only be fully appreciated on foot.” Address: 752 Iri-shikama-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki PrefectureVisiting hours: 9:00–17:00Access: About 20 minutes by car from JR Hitachi Station 【Official Website】https://www.oiwajinja.jp ※You can watch this part from (20:29) in the video. What to know before you start a goshuin trip To fully enjoy visiting shrines and temples for goshuin, it is a good idea to first prepare a favorite goshuin book and go out in comfortable clothing that is easy to walk in. At shrines and temples, the basic etiquette is to complete your worship and then request a goshuin. Some places prefer that photos are not taken, so quietly check the posted notices as you go. Most of all, the important thing is to take your time. If you walk from one place to the next while feeling the seasonal scenery and facing each shrine or temple with a calm mind, your journey will naturally become a gentle one that brings your heart into balance. Conclusion: A shrine journey filled with prayer and discovery Hidden shrines and temples have a special “atmosphere” that you cannot experience through sightseeing alone. The moments when you put your hands together in prayer, the spaces where you resonate with nature, and the intellectual curiosity you feel when touching history—all of these are recorded as pages in your goshuin book.Why not begin your own goshuin journey and experience these quiet, moving moments for yourself?

Video introduction of the original capybara open-air bath at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. 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. What is Izu Shaboten Zoological Park? When is the original capybara open-air bath held? Photo：Izu Shaboten Zoo The Izu Shaboten Zoological Park is a theme park in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy cacti and animals. The zoo opened in October 1959 (Showa 34), and the 200,000-square-meter park features greenhouses with cacti and succulents from around the world, as well as approximately 140 species of animals and birds, including kangaroos, capybaras, anteaters, squirrel monkeys, red pandas, chimpanzees, ponies, wild birds, the ever-popular motionless shoebill stork, 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 October 2016, the official name was changed from the former "Izu Shaboten Park" to "Izu Shaboten Zoological Park." A little to the east of Izu Shaboten Zoological Park, in the coastal area, you can find 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 Zoological Park also features life-size replicas of ancient American civilization sculptures, and the entire Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group offers 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 pet dog, and the "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination," an experiential illumination event—so many facilities that you could never experience them all in a single day. Nearby, the official hotels "Petit Hotel Izu Shaboten Village" and "Glamping Izu Shaboten Village" can be found. You can fully enjoy your Izu Shaboten experience with an overnight stay at either one of these locations. What is the capybara open-air bath? When can you see the original capybara hot spring? Photo：Open-air capybara bath First, let us introduce what kind of animal the "capybara" featured in the video is. Capybaras are members of the Caviidae family of rodents, native to South America, inhabiting areas from Panama to northeastern Argentina. They are large animals, measuring 106-134 centimeters in length, and are characterized by their gentle nature and friendly disposition toward humans. They have a habit of living in groups of 10 to 20 individuals. You can see multiple capybaras soaking in the hot spring together from 0:07 in the video. The "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath" shown in the video is a historic event that began at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park in 1982, marking its 43rd anniversary in the 2025-2026 season. It started when zookeepers were cleaning the exhibit with warm water, and the capybaras gathered and put their hands and feet in the puddles, which led to the preparation of a large bath for them. Now, it has become a winter tradition of Izu. Nowadays, many zoos across Japan offer capybara hot springs, but the originator is none other than Izu Shaboten Zoological Park. At Izu Shaboten Zoological Park, the capybara mascot character "Capyba" will also welcome you. The 2025-2026 season is held from November 22, 2025 (Saturday) to April 5, 2026 (Sunday). On weekdays, it is held once a day from 13:30 to 14:30, and on weekends, holidays, winter vacation period (December 20, 2025 to January 12, 2026), and spring vacation period (March 20 to April 5), it is held twice a day from 10:30 to 11:30 and 13:30 to 14:30. On weekends and holidays, various "special baths" such as "yuzu bath," "autumn leaves (momiji) bath," "rose bath," and "apple bath" are also offered. How to access Izu Shaboten Zoological Park? What are the operating hours and admission fees? Source :【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when social distancing was required, the "Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI" at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park seated capybara and red panda plush toys alongside customers to ensure social distancing. The adorable sight of the plush toys sitting in the restaurant chairs became a major topic at the time and was featured extensively on TV news. These plush toys and calendars can be purchased at the gift shop within Izu Shaboten Zoological Park. Many Izu Shaboten goods are also available at the official online shop (mail order) "IZU SHABOTEN HONPO," so please take a look! Please enjoy a moment of relaxation by watching this "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath" video. ◆Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Facilities Overview◆ 【Address】1317-13 Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Access】From JR Atami Station, take the Ito Line to JR Ito Station, then take the Tokai Bus bound for Shaboten Park (approximately 35 minutes). From Izu Kogen Station on the Izukyu Line, take the Tokai Bus for approximately 20 minutes or a taxi for approximately 10 minutes. 【Admission Fee】Weekdays: Adults (junior high school and above) 2,700 yen, Elementary school students 1,300 yen, Children (4 years and older) 700 yen Weekends/Holidays/Peak Season: Adults (junior high school and above) 2,800 yen, Elementary school students 1,400 yen, Children (4 years and older) 700 yen Group discounts, senior discounts, disability discounts, coupon discounts, and ticket discounts available. 【Hours】9:30-17:00 (last admission 15:30) *Subject to change depending on the season 【Closures】Open year-round 【Avg. Time Spent Here】2+ Hours 【Parking】400 regular car spaces, 18 bus spaces (Regular car: 500 yen, Bus: 1,000 yen) 【Capybara Open-Air Bath Period】November 22, 2025 (Saturday) - April 5, 2026 (Sunday) 【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoological Park 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

Top 10 Winter Illuminations in Tokyo: A Complete Guide for Sightseeing Winter in Tokyo is the most romantic time of year, when the entire city glows with dazzling lights. The featured video, “【4K】Tokyo Illuminations Top 10 2024–2025” , takes viewers through 10 major illumination spots in stunning 4K quality. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a Tokyo local, you will surely discover new places to add to your must-see list. This article summarizes the illumination schedules, highlights, accessibility, and photo tips featured in the video in a clear, travel-friendly format. It also answers common questions like “Where should I start?” and “Is this a good place for a date or sightseeing?”, helping you enjoy the best of Tokyo’s winter lights. Tokyo Skytree: A Towering Tree and Breathtaking Skyline Views Lighting period: 2025/11/6–12/25 (some until 2026/3/1)｜Hours: 16:00–23:00 Photo: Illumination at Tokyo Skytree Town Skytree Town features a giant 45-meter Christmas tree. The layers of light become more three-dimensional as you approach, making it photogenic from any angle. The Skytree itself is illuminated with a different themed design each day, offering a fresh experience every visit. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a unique “skyline night view,” overlooking the illuminations from above. It’s also highly accessible, located just steps from Oshiage Station. Official Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en *This location appears around 0:08 in the video. Shibuya “Blue Cave”: Walk Through a Tunnel of Deep Blue Light Lighting period: 2025/12/4–12/25｜Hours: 17:00–22:00 Photo: Ao no Dokutsu (Blue Cave) Illumination in Shibuya, Tokyo The “Blue Cave” is Shibuya’s signature winter illumination. The entire street is filled with deep blue lights, creating a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of being underwater. The shimmering reflections on the tree-lined path create a long, breathtaking tunnel. The straight-line composition when viewed from the center makes it a perfect spot for photos, even on a smartphone. It’s especially popular among couples and young visitors, with easy access from Shibuya Station. Official Website: https://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp *This location appears around 3:09 in the video. Harajuku & Omotesando: Classic Champagne-Gold Illuminations Lighting period: 2025/12/1–12/28｜Hours: Sunset–22:00 Photo: Christmas Illuminations in Harajuku and Omotesando, Tokyo The champagne-gold lights adorning the zelkova trees along Omotesando have become a symbol of Tokyo winters. Reflections from the brand storefronts combine with the illuminations, bathing the entire street in warm, elegant light. From the pedestrian bridge, the illuminated avenue looks like a golden river, making it a favorite spot among tourists. It’s easy to combine with shopping or a walk, making it an ideal part of any Tokyo itinerary. *This location appears around 4:36 in the video. Ebisu Garden Place: A Refined Setting with One of the World’s Largest Baccarat Chandeliers Lighting period: 2025/11/8–2026/3/1｜Hours: 16:00–23:00 Photo: Illumination at Yebisu Garden Place in Tokyo Ebisu Garden Place is a beloved destination for winter dates. Ebisu Garden Place is famous for its Baccarat chandelier, one of the largest in the world、which is master-crafted and has an iconic delicate sparkle. A single ruby-colored crystal placed at the center is said to bring good luck, subtly drawing attention from visitors. With its European-inspired atmosphere, the area offers photogenic scenes at every turn. Official Website: https://event.gardenplace.jp/special/2025christmas *This location appears around 6:18 in the video. Tokyo Midtown Roppongi: Immersive Light-and-Sound Displays Held annually from mid-November to around December 25 (2025: 11/13–12/25)　5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Light show approx. 3 minutes) Photo: Illumination at Tokyo Midtown The Starlight Garden on the lawn features synchronized light-and-sound shows that ripple like waves, creating an immersive, cosmic-like experience. The illuminated path along the sidewalk is soothing to walk through, and video footage captured here often looks as if you’re being pulled into the light. With strong artistic appeal, this spot is ideal for both dates and sightseeing. Official Website: https://en.tokyo-midtown.com *This location appears around 8:20 in the video. Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka: A Stunning Collaboration with Tokyo Tower Lighting period: 2025/11/4–12/25｜Hours: 17:00–23:00 Photo: Illumination on Keyakizaka Street at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Keyakizaka Street in Roppongi Hills transforms into a 400-meter slope illuminated in blue and champagne gold. The most popular view is from the middle of the slope, where Tokyo Tower aligns perfectly with the lights—a classic photo spot that draws crowds every year. Its stylish, urban atmosphere makes even a simple walk feel cinematic. Official Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/sp/christmashills/102 *This location appears around 10:48 in the video. Marunouchi Illuminations: A Sophisticated Night Walk Through the Business District Lighting period: 2025/11/13–2026/2/15｜Hours: 16:00–23:00 (until 24:00 in December) Photo: Illumination in Marunouchi, Tokyo Marunouchi’s illuminations offer a calm, refined atmosphere. The trees along the street are festooned with Champagne-gold LEDs that are a perfect match for Marunouch's clean, straight-lined avenues. You can also enjoy the lights and displays at nearby buildings like Marunouchi Building and KITTE, making this area popular for evening strolls. Located within walking distance of both Yurakucho and Tokyo Stations, it fits easily into sightseeing plans. In addition, during "Marunouchi Street Park 2025 Winter", a large-scale Christmas market will be held along Marunouchi Naka-dori Street in Tokyo from Thursday, November 13 to Thursday, December 25, 2025, allowing visitors to enjoy the event together with the beautiful illuminations. Official Website: https://www.marunouchi.com/en/pickup/event/7982 *This location appears around 12:16 in the video. Tokyo Midtown Hibiya: Artistic Illuminations in the Theater District Lighting period: 2025/11/13–2026/2/28｜Hours: 16:00–23:00 Photo: Illumination at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Hibiya’s illuminations stand out for their artistic, cinema-inspired design. The colors and motion of the lights are carefully choreographed, reflecting the district’s theatrical character. The light lines around the fountain plaza appear to sway with the wind and foot traffic, creating a unique blend of natural and urban elements. Combine the visit with a walk to the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens for a route filled with both serenity and illumination. Official Website: https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/xmas/en *This location appears around 14:36 in the video. Odaiba: One of Tokyo’s Premier Night Views with Sea, Lights, and Cityscape Lighting period: 2025/11/21〜2025/12/25 Photo: Christmas Illuminations in Odaiba, Minato City, Tokyo Odaiba offers a distinctive nightscape where seaside views meet winter illuminations. The “YAKEI Illumination” at DECKS Tokyo Beach features lights that sway in the sea breeze, perfectly complementing Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower. In December, fireworks events enhance the experience, creating the ultimate winter trio: illuminations, night views, and fireworks. Shopping, restaurants, and the Ferris wheel provide plenty of ways to enjoy the area. Official Website: https://www.tokyo-odaiba.net/illumination2025 *This location appears around 15:46 in the video. Tokyo Dome City & LaQua: Illumination, Attractions, and Hot Springs in One Place Lighting period: 2025/11/17–2026/3/1｜Hours: 17:00–24:00 Photo: Illuminations at Tokyo Dome City & LaQua Tokyo Dome City offers the rare experience of enjoying illuminations while exploring attractions. Each area has a different theme, offering fresh views with every step. Viewing the lights from the rides is something you can only experience here, making it especially popular among families. Combine it with the LaQua hot spring facility for the perfect winter course: lights → fun → relaxation. Official Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/illumination *This location appears around 17:35 in the video. Tips for Enjoying Winter Illuminations in Tokyo ・Weekdays right after the lights turn on or after 9 PM are usually less crowded ・Use night mode and stabilize your phone to reduce blur ・Dress warmly (gloves and heat packs recommended) ・For dates: Ebisu → Roppongi → Tokyo Tower ・For sightseeing: Skytree → Marunouchi → Odaiba Summary: Enjoy a Tokyo Winter Wrapped in Light All 10 spots introduced here are essential winter illumination experiences in Tokyo. Watching the video before your visit helps you appreciate the scale and atmosphere even more when walking through the city. 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Introduction of sightseeing video of "Jigokudani Yaen-koen" in Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "SNOW MONKEY JAPAN｜Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park｜Monkeys in Hot Springs," introduces the tourist spot in Nagano prefecture (長野県, Nagano ken) in Koushinetsu region (甲信越地方, Koushinetsu chihou ) of Japan. The monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park bathe in the hot springs to fend off the cold in the winter. Enjoy watching the lovely monkeys chilling out in the cold winter weather! What is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Source :YouTube screenshot Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. It's called "Snow Monkey Mountain" in English. The park can be enjoyed in every season, and in the fall, the leaves change to beautiful shades of red and yellow, creating a completely different atmosphere than that of the snowscapes of winter. The video shows how to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by taking the Nagano Electric Railway's Snow Monkey Limited Express (長野電鉄特急スノーモンキー, Nagano Dentetsu Tokkyu Snow Monkey) connecting Nagano station and Yudanaka station, at 0:27 in the video. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the Kanbayashi hot spring (上林温泉, Kanbayashi Onsen) parking area by bus, and about 30 minutes to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by foot. We recommend stopping at Yokoyugawa Valley (横湯川渓谷, Yokoyugawa Keikoku) on the way. You need to buy a ticket to enter when you arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This is shown at 3:36 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can enjoy watching a bunch of monkeys playing around. When they get cold, they hop in the hot springs for a bit to warm up. Unfortunately, if it's hot out, the monkeys won't be getting in the hot springs too frequently. That being said, we recommend visiting on colder days so you can see the adorable sight of them bathing. There are live cameras you can check out before visiting to see what the weather is like as well. Monkeys Bathing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Snow monkey You can watch monkeys taking a bath in the video at 4:38. A troop of monkeys bathe in the springs, surrounded by white snow. The monkeys enjoy their bath time much like people, and you can even see a mother and her child taking a bath together at 5:06. One monkey can be seen relaxing with its eyes closed at 6:30 in the video. Although there are many tourists around, the monkeys pay no mind and go on enjoying themselves. Sightseeing Around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park The bus tour, which goes around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, is great for people who enjoy lively sightseeing trips. We also recommend stopping by Jigokudani Hot Spring Inn (地獄谷温泉後楽館, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan) and Jigokudani Fountain (地獄谷噴泉, Jigokudani Funsen) as well. Shiga Plateau (志賀高原, Shiga Kougen) is another popular tourist spot in Nagano prefecture. There are cafés where you can eat lunch, cool hotels, and an art museum that you can enjoy here. Summary of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Entrance Unfortunately the only way to get to Jidokudani Snow Monkey Park is to walk the promenade from the parking area to the park itself. It takes about 30 minutes, so we highly recommend wearing comfortable clothing. There are some rules that you need to follow as not to scare the monkeys, so be sure to check those out as well. There are many places to stay near Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, so if you're planning on staying over night you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay. Are you ready to see some cute monkeys in person? ◆Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park◆ 【Address】6845 Yamanouchi-machi Shimotakai-gun Nagano Japan 381-0401 【Access】~30 minutes by car from the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange, or ~15 minutes by bus or taxi from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway limited express line. ~30 minutes on foot from the Kanbayashi hot spring parking area 【Hours】Summer 8:30-17:00 Winter 9:00-16:00 【Admission fee】Adults 800 JPY, children 400 JPY (Coupons available) 【Closures】No regular holidays 【Telephone】0269-33-4379 【Stay time】2 hours 【Official Website】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1117904-d324924-Reviews-Jigokudani_Snow_Monkey_Park

Ginkgo Trees and Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park: Video Introduction This video, titled "Autumn Foliage in Tokyo, 2014" (東京の紅葉 Autumn Foliage in Tokyo 2014), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." It introduces the mystical scenery of autumn in Japan accompanied by the sun and the wind, with lovely piano music. When Is the Best Time to See Hikarigaoka Park's Ginkgo Trees? What Makes the "Yellow Tunnel" So Special? Photo：A row of ginkgo trees Hikarigaoka Park, located in Tokyo's Nerima Ward, is the fourth largest park in the 23 wards of Tokyo, covering approximately 600,000 square meters. The park is home to about 2,000 ginkgo and zelkova trees, creating stunning autumn foliage displays. The highlight is the approximately 200-meter-long ginkgo tree-lined avenue featuring 40 magnificent trees, each over 130 years old with trunk circumferences of around 2 meters. These historic ginkgo trees were transplanted in 1985 from in front of the former Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Yurakucho, and have become a beloved symbol of Hikarigaoka Park for local residents. The best time to view the ginkgo trees at Hikarigaoka Park is typically from early to mid-November. The Instagram-worthy "yellow tunnel" is created when the ginkgo leaves turn a brilliant golden color, forming an enchanting space like an arch of light. The "yellow carpet" of fallen ginkgo leaves can be enjoyed from late November to early December. When Is the Best Time to See Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park's Keyaki Field? Where Can You View It? Photo：Hikarigaoka Park, Nerima, Tokyo After passing through the ginkgo trees and crossing Futago Bridge, you'll be welcomed by the silver Arch of Light, an art installation at Keyaki Field. Here, you're sure to be captivated by the autumn colors of the zelkova trees. The reddish leaves of the zelkova trees are what makes autumn in Japan so delightful. The best time to view the autumn foliage at Keyaki Field is typically from mid-November to mid-December. The collaboration of yellow ginkgos and red zelkovas creates a luxurious scene unique to Hikarigaoka Park. With just an 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line, the park's excellent accessibility makes it perfect for weekend outings. Experience autumn in Japan to the fullest with this spectacular display. [Video] 0:51 - The Autumn Colors of Japan's Zelkova Trees How Can You Enjoy Autumn Reflections on the Water at Hikarigaoka Park? What Are the Best Photography Spots? Photo：A duck swimming on a pond One way to enjoy the autumn leaves at Hikarigaoka Park is to take some time to observe the leaves as they fall onto the surface of the pond. Although falling leaves often evoke a sense of melancholy, the red and yellow leaves floating on the surface of the pond in Hikarigaoka Park create a very emotional scene, captivating onlookers. The water surface displays a vivid contrast of ginkgo and zelkova leaves, enhanced by the elegant sight of ducks swimming gracefully—creating a uniquely late-autumn atmosphere. While creating memories of late autumn, don't forget to look down at the brilliant leaves drifting across the pond in addition to looking up at the colorful foliage. You may even capture some breathtaking photos as well... [Video] 1:51 - Fallen Leaves on the Surface of the Water What Is the "Boundary Line Between Yellow and Red" at Hikarigaoka Park? Why not slowly walk along the boundary between yellow and red? There's a special carpet that can only be seen at certain times when the fallen leaves and wind align perfectly. While the yellow and red avenues, each covered with their own color, are exciting enough in themselves, when you discover the boundary line, you'll likely recall childhood feelings and want to slowly trace along it—such is the landscape that unfolds before you. The gradation created by the yellow ginkgos and red zelkovas is truly miraculous art produced by nature. This boundary line shows a different expression each day depending on wind direction and the timing of fallen leaves, offering new discoveries with every visit. [Video] 2:25 - A Boundary of Red and Yellow Leaves When Can You See the Autumn Foliage Gradation at Hikarigaoka Park? Photo：A tunnel of autumn foliage When is the best time to view the autumn colors? Perhaps the answer is simply the moment that you visit. In the video, you can see the beautiful gradation of green, yellow, and red colors. At Hikarigaoka Park, from late October to early December, you can observe the gradual color changes from green to yellow, and yellow to red. For those who want to experience the exquisite atmosphere where not all colors have changed, early November is recommended. During this time, leaves that are still green, leaves shining golden, and leaves dyed bright red coexist, allowing you to enjoy nature's gradation art. [Video] 2:58 - The Changing of the Leaves to Various Colors When Is Hikarigaoka Park's Illumination Event Held? What Are the Highlights of "Nerima Hikarigaoka Hikari Pageant Festa"? The "Nerima Hikarigaoka Hikari Pageant Festa 2025&26" has been confirmed for 2025. Celebrating its 13th anniversary, this festival of light and art will once again illuminate Hikarigaoka during the year-end and New Year season. The street tree illumination along the ginkgo tree-lined "Fureai no Michi" avenue will be lit from November 29, 2025 (Sat) to January 25, 2026 (Sun), daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Approximately 150,000 LEDs will fantastically illuminate 24 trees and the "Water Fall Flow" light arch. For about two months, you can enjoy an enchanting space enveloped in light every evening. The main event, a festival of light and art, will be held on December 20 (Sat) and 21 (Sun), 2025, centered around Keyaki Field. The X'mas Stage will be held simultaneously on the same dates, featuring plenty of attractions including light displays, candle art, music and dance stages, and exhibition stages. In the new year, the New Year Stage will be held on January 10 (Sat) and 11 (Sun), 2026, at Fureai no Michi, with special events planned to celebrate the new year. Last year (2024), approximately 200,000 visitors enjoyed the events during both periods. Please be sure to take warm clothing and enjoy a magical, heartwarming time. For detailed programs and event information, please check the official website. 【Official Website】Nerima Hikarigaoka Hikari Pageant Festa 2025&26 https://hpf.beyond-japan.net/ How Do You Access Hikarigaoka Park? Is Parking Available? Hikarigaoka Park, the largest park in Nerima Ward at approximately 600,000 square meters, features a grassy plaza built on gently sloping hills dotted with cherry blossoms and zelkova trees, providing delightful scenery in all four seasons. The park also has a wealth of playground equipment, a bird sanctuary for bird watching, and day camping and barbecue areas, making it a popular recreational spot beloved by people of all ages in the surrounding area. In this article, we introduced the large ginkgo trees, ginkgo tree-lined avenue, and Keyaki Field as hidden gems for autumn foliage viewing at Hikarigaoka Park. The area is also easily accessible by train: just an 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line, or a 15-minute walk from Narimasu Station on the Tobu Tojo Line and Subway Narimasu Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin and Yurakucho Lines. During autumn foliage season, weekends (especially from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) can be crowded, so we recommend using public transportation. This is a highly recommended spot in Tokyo's Nerima Ward that you should definitely visit on weekends. On November 23, 2025 (Sun/Holiday), the "Hikarigaoka Park Festa" is scheduled to be held, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy both autumn foliage and events simultaneously. ◆Hikarigaoka Park◆ Address: Hikarigaoka 2-chome and 4-chome, Asahicho 2-chome, Nerima-ku; Akatsuka-shinmachi 3-chome, Itabashi-ku For inquiries: Hikarigaoka Park Service Center (TEL: 03-3977-7638) Parking: Available (Paid - expect congestion during autumn foliage season) Access: An 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station (E38) on the Toei Subway Oedo Line; a 15-minute walk from Narimasu Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, Subway Narimasu (F02) on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, and Subway Narimasu (Y02) on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Best viewing period: Ginkgo tree-lined avenue - early to mid-November; Keyaki Field - mid-November to mid-December 【Official Website】Hikarigaoka Park - Let's go to the park! https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index023.html 【TripAdvisor】Hikarigaoka Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066453-d4889941-Reviews-Hikarigaoka_Park-Nerima_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

What Is Tochigi Prefectural Central Park? Located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is a prefectural urban park developed that brings together“Water, Greenery, and Culture.” Within the park are four ponds—Chinshō Pond, Shōwa Pond, Omokage Pond, and Mutsubi Pond—each creating its own distinct scenery that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. The park was developed as part of a commemorative project celebrating the 50th anniversary of Emperor Shōwa’s reign, with construction beginning in 1977 and the park opening in October 1982. It is a charming place where open landscapes and cultural facilities coexist in perfect harmony. Here, we’ll introduce the park’s highlights, ways to enjoy it in each season, photo spots, and the attractions of the nearby Tochigi Prefectural Museum—all in a gentle, easy-to-read tone. Highlights of Tochigi Prefectural Central Park Photo: Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ● Sunken Garden (Western-style Garden) Located at the park’s entrance, the Sunken Garden is designed in a “sunken” style, with the ground level slightly lower than its surroundings, creating an open view that extends toward the sky. Inspired by European garden design, it features beautiful seasonal flowerbeds and tree-lined walkways, offering a refreshing space where visitors can feel the changes of the seasons. Depending on the time of day, the light changes dramatically—bright and vibrant at noon, then softly tinted with orange hues in the evening. With many benches available, it’s a place where you’ll want to take your time and relax. ● Shōwa Pond and the Great Fountain Shōwa Pond, located in the center of the park, is its symbolic feature. The wide water surface reflects the sky and changes expression with the wind. The large fountain that shoots up about 20 meters high is quite dynamic, and on sunny days, the water sparkles beautifully in the light. Walking paths encircle the pond, and visitors can be seen jogging, reading on benches, or simply relaxing. The sound of the fountain acts as a soothing natural background, creating a peaceful atmosphere. ● Japanese Garden (Mutsubi Pond and Shōkei Bridge) At the back of the park lies the Japanese Garden, a tranquil area where nature and serenity harmonize beautifully. At its center, Mutsubi Pond reflects maple trees and pines on its calm surface, especially stunning in autumn when the colorful leaves are mirrored on the water. Many photographers visit during this season to capture the scene’s quiet beauty. The garden’s symbolic Shōkei Bridge crosses the center of the pond, and the view changes depending on where you stand. The plants and stone arrangements are perfectly balanced, making it a popular spot for photos. The sounds of wind and water resonate through the garden, creating a calm and peaceful environment that feels far removed from the city. ● Omokage Pond (In front of Tochigi Prefectural Museum) Omokage Pond, located in front of the Tochigi Prefectural Museum, is the most serene of the park’s four ponds. The building and surrounding trees are beautifully reflected on its surface, changing expression dramatically with the seasons and weather. In spring, the soft green of new leaves brightens the area; in summer, the shadows deepen; in autumn, colorful foliage paints the water; and in winter, the crisp air and clear reflections create a tranquil beauty—perfect for those who enjoy quiet moments in nature. Enjoying the Park Through the Four Seasons Photo: Cherry Blossoms at Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ● Spring As spring arrives, the park begins to bloom with color. The flowerbeds in the Sunken Garden are filled with cheerful blossoms, while cherry trees around Shōwa Pond create soft pink reflections on the water, forming a scene unique to springtime. In the Japanese Garden, the fresh green maples sprout new leaves, filling the area with a vibrant energy that lifts your spirits as you stroll through. ● Summer During summer, the trees are at their greenest, and the shade throughout the park provides a pleasant coolness. Around Shōwa Pond, breezes flow easily, and in the evenings, the air becomes refreshingly cool, making it a great time for a leisurely walk. The spacious lawns are popular for picnics and relaxing under the trees, offering the laid-back atmosphere of summer. Photo: Autumn leaves at Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ● Autumn Autumn is one of the most popular seasons at Tochigi Prefectural Central Park. The paths are covered with colorful foliage, creating a beautiful “tunnel of autumn leaves.” At Mutsubi Pond in the Japanese Garden, the reflections of the leaves are especially stunning, attracting many photographers. At Shōwa Pond, the combination of the fountain and autumn colors creates a scene that is both dynamic and serene. The flowerbeds in the Sunken Garden also bloom with autumn flowers, filling the park with a warm and calm atmosphere—perfect for a stroll. ● Winter In winter, the structural beauty of the gardens is most visible. In the Japanese Garden, the bare branches and stone arrangements stand out clearly, creating dramatic contrasts. At Omokage Pond, the crisp winter air enhances the reflections, and on clear mornings, the water surface mirrors the sky like glass. It’s an ideal time to quietly enjoy nature’s stillness. What Can You See at the Tochigi Prefectural Museum? The Tochigi Prefectural Museum, located adjacent to the park, is a comprehensive museum showcasing the prefecture’s nature, history, and culture. Its exhibits cover a wide range of themes, including: ・Historical materials related to Tochigi Prefecture ・Specimens of plants, animals, and minerals ・Exhibits on ancient ruins and folk culture ・Artifacts related to crafts and fine arts ・Special and seasonal exhibitions The museum offers something for visitors of all ages. In addition to the indoor exhibits, the surrounding walking paths are also worth exploring. Many trees are labeled with their species names, allowing visitors to enjoy a casual nature walk while learning about the local flora. Together with the serene Omokage Pond, the area offers a unique blend of “nature and culture” in one visit. Best Photo Spots Photo: Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is full of “photo-worthy” views. Each season offers different scenery, making it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts. ● Sunken Garden Great for wide-angle shots that include the open sky. The flower colors change dramatically with the seasons, so every visit feels fresh and new. ● Shōwa Pond (Great Fountain) The mood of the pond changes completely depending on the time of day—morning, midday, or evening. The reflection of sunlight on the water and the golden glow at sunset are particularly beautiful. ● Mutsubi Pond (Japanese Garden) Especially popular during autumn, when still days allow the colorful leaves to reflect perfectly on the water. It’s a spot filled with classic Japanese charm. ● Shōkei Bridge Standing at the center of the bridge gives you a perfectly balanced view on both sides, ideal for capturing the depth and harmony of the garden. ● Omokage Pond Known for its calm reflections of trees and buildings, this spot offers a quiet beauty that changes with the weather and seasons. ● Tree-Lined Paths The paths circling the park transform completely with the seasons—especially in autumn, when they become a stunning “corridor of red leaves.” Access ・By train: About 15 minutes by local bus from JR Utsunomiya Station or Tobu-Utsunomiya Station. Get off at “Chūō Kōen / Hakubutsukan-mae.” ・By car: Parking available (arriving early is recommended during busy times). Basic Information ・Address: 2-50 Mutsumichō, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ・Opening Hours:　March–September: 5:00–20:00　October–February: 5:30–18:00 ・Closed: Open year-round ・Admission: Free Official Website Summary Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is a beautiful urban park where four ponds and a blend of Japanese and Western gardens create a rich, scenic landscape. With cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and serene stillness in winter, each season offers its own distinct charm. Autumn is especially breathtaking, with reflections of colored leaves and a tranquil garden atmosphere that soothes the heart. It’s a place where you can enjoy both nature and culture—take a leisurely walk and experience the beauty of the changing seasons.

Mt. Takao – A Mountain Surrounded by Nature, Just an Hour From the Heart of Tokyo Photo：Mt. Takao, Hachioji, Tokyo Mt. Takao is a 599-meter-tall mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo. It was designated as Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park and in 2020 became the first mountain in Tokyo to be recognized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as a "Japan Heritage Site" as "Mt. Takao – A Mountain Full of Spirituality ~The Tale of the Mulberry Capital, Spun From People's Prayers~." Takao Yakuoin Temple, one of the three main temples of the Chizan sect of Shingon Buddhism, is located halfway up Mt. Takao, and various events are held at the temple throughout the year, including a Setsubun Festival, Spring Festival, Autumn Festival, festivals with bonfires, and more. You can view the autumn leaves at Yakuo-in from 1:54 in the video. Photo：Yakuoin Temple, Mt. Takao Near Mt. Takao Cable Car Station, there is a monkey garden, a wildflower garden, and the Mt. Takao Beer Garden, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing beer in the summer. The beautiful autumn scenery visible from the cable car can be seen from 0:54 in the video. As it's located just one hour from central Tokyo, visitors can easily enjoy mountain climbing and hiking in the area throughout the year. In 2007, Mt. Takao was awarded the highest ranking of three stars in the Michelin Guide, along with Mt. Fuji, making it well known worldwide, and it is currently the most climbed mountain in the world, attracting approximately 3 million climbers annually. When Is the Best Time to View the Autumn Leaves on Mt. Takao? [Updated Information for 2025] Photo：Autumn leaves on Mt. Takao, Hachioji, Tokyo Surrounded by abundant nature, the autumn leaves of Mt. Takao begin to change color from around the end of October, and are usually at their best from mid-November to early December. This is slightly later than in central Tokyo. The autumn colors of the maple and beech trees turn Mt. Takao brilliant shades of red and yellow, but the best time to see the leaves is usually near the foot of the mountain in mid-November, and near the summit in late November. The autumn foliage near the summit can be seen from 5:27 in the video. Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi During the peak foliage viewing season, the cable cars and lifts are often crowded, and you may have to wait an hour or more for a ride. The trail leading to the summit is also congested with climbers, and it's sometimes difficult to advance. The 2025 "Mt. Takao Maple Festival" will be held from October 25 to December 14. At the event plaza, performances by students from Hachioji City and other events will be held. Also, on weekdays during the festival, visitors can get a raffle ticket when they spend 1,000 yen or more at member stores of the Takao-san Shopping Association. 599 people will win prizes. What Are the Recommended Courses and Tips for Viewing the Autumn Leaves on Mt. Takao? [Updated Information for 2025] Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi There are several trails on Mt. Takao that lead to the summit. The main trails and routes on Mt. Takao are as follows: ・Trail 1 (Omotesando Trail): Total length: 3.8 km ・Trail 2 (Kasumidai Loop Trail): Total length: 900 m ・Trail 3 (Katsura Forest Trail): Total length: 2.4 km ・Trail 4 (Suspension Bridge Trail): Total length: 1.5 km ・Trail 5 (Summit Loop Trail): Total length: 900 m ・Trail 6 (Biwa Waterfall Trail): Total length: 3.3 km ・Inariyama Trail (Ridgeline Trail): Total length: 3.1 km Below, we'll introduce the features of each course and recommended points of interest for viewing the autumn leaves. Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi Trail 1 (Omotesando Trail) This is the most popular route for climbing Mt. It is also paved, making it a friendly route for beginners. Kasumidai Observatory, the Buddhist Stupa, Yakuoin Temple, and the summit of Mt. Takao are points of interest for viewing the autumn leaves. Trail 2 (Kasumidai Loop Trail) It takes about 30 minutes to go around the area near Mt. Takao Cable Car Station on the cable car. The wildflower garden is a point of interest for viewing the autumn leaves. Trail 3 (Katsura Forest Trail) This course is located on the south side of Trail 1 and has relatively fewer hikers than other trails, allowing visitors to take their time and enjoy the natural surroundings. It's not recommended for viewing the autumn leaves, as there are many evergreen trees. Photo：The suspension bridge on Mt. Takao, Hachioji Tokyo Trail 4 (Suspension Bridge Trail) Located on the north side of Trail 1, Trail 4 is popular for its suspension bridge (Miyama Bridge), the only suspension bridge on Mt. Takao. Many deciduous trees lose their leaves during the winter season, and the yellowing of dogtooth vines and beech trees can be enjoyed during autumn. The autumn leaves at the suspension bridge on Trail 4 can be viewed from 3:10 in the video. Trail 5 (Summit Loop Trail) This course circles the area just below the summit of Mount Takao and takes about 30 minutes to complete. Almost all trails, including Trails 1, 3, 4, 6, and the Inariyama Trail, are connected to Trail 5. The course has few changes in elevation, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn leaves at a leisurely pace. Trail 6 (Biwa Waterfall Trail) This trail is also called the "water trail" because of the waterfalls and rivers along its creeks. Biwa Falls has long been used for water ablutions by Shugendo practitioners. The trail is not very well maintained, and footing is poor in some places, so we do not recommend hiking with light equipment. Because this trail takes you through an overgrown forest, you will not be able to see the autumn leaves. Inariyama Trail (Ridgeline Trail) This course passes through the south side of Mt. Takao and includes some steep ascents, making it a genuine mountain climbing experience. It takes only 90 minutes to reach the summit, and you can enjoy viewing the various autumn colors from the foot of the mountain to the summit. How to Avoid Crowds When Climbing Mt. Takao Mt. Takao is very popular and can get especially crowded on weekends and during the autumn foliage season. To avoid the crowds, we recommend starting your hike early on a weekday. The number of climbers increases significantly after 10 a.m., so it's best to arrive at the station or trailhead by around 8 a.m. Also, instead of the crowded Trail No. 1 or using the cable car, try taking less congested routes such as Trail No. 4 or the Inariyama Trail. If you're driving, note that parking lots often fill up by the morning, so using public transportation or arriving early is a safer choice. Plan ahead and enjoy the nature of Mt. Takao in peace. How to Access Mt. Takao? Photo：Takaosanguchi Station, Hachioji Tokyo [Access via Train] Keio Line: From Shinjuku Station to Takao-yamaguchi Station, approx. 50 min. JR Chuo Line: From Shinjuku Station to Takao Station: 44 min (special rapid), 58 min (rapid); from JR Takao Station, transfer to Keio Line to reach Takao-yamaguchi Station, approx. 3 min. [Access via Car] Take the Chuo Expressway via Hachioji Junction, get off at the Mt. Takao Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, and drive approximately 5 minutes towards Shinjuku. There are several pay parking lots around the foot of Mt. Takao, but please note that they become very crowded during the high season for viewing the autumn leaves. What Are the Points of Interest Near Mt. Takao During Autumn Foliage Season? [Updated Information for 2025] Mt. Takao features a variety of popular tourist attractions in addition to hiking, so consider stopping by some of them on your way home after a day of mountain climbing. [Hot Spring Facilities Near Mount Takao] Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu is a recommended day spa located next to Keio Takao-yamaguchi Station on Mt. Takao. Opened in 2015, this relatively new spa facility offers seven different types of baths, including an outdoor bath with natural hot spring water, as well as a sauna and a micro-bubbling cypress bath. Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi Address: 2229-7 Takao-machi, Hachioji City, Tokyo, 193-0844 Admission Fee: Weekdays - Adults ¥1,100, Children ¥550 / Weekends & Peak Season - Adults ¥1,300, Children ¥650 (Peak Season: December 29 - January 3, Golden Week, Obon, November 1-30, etc.) Spring Quality: Simple alkaline hot spring Hours: 8 AM - 10:45 PM (Open year-round) Telephone: 042-663-4126 Parking: Available (Up to 110 standard vehicles. Free parking for 3 hours for hot spring users) Official Website: Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu Official Website Access: Located near Takao-yamaguchi Station on the Keio Line [Soba Restaurants Near Mt. Takao] More than 20 soba noodle shops line the streets from the foot of Mt. Takao to the summit of the mountain. To relieve the fatigue of worshippers visiting Takao Yakuoin Temple, one store began serving soba noodles topped with grated yam, which is believed to nourish and strengthen the body, about 100 years ago in 1924. Gonsuke Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi With private rooms, large and medium-sized halls, Gonsuke is a restaurant that can be used for a variety of occasions. Gonsuke's specialty is its authentic Irori-yaki course featuring carefully selected ingredients grilled over an irori (a traditional Japanese open hearth). A shuttle bus service is available from Takao-yamaguchi Station, so definitely consider dropping in for a delicious meal on your way home from mountain climbing. Address: 4068 Minami Asakawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Access: A 5-minute drive from Takao-yamaguchi Station on the Keio Takao Line Parking: Available (70 vehicles) Hours: 11:00 AM 10:00 PM Closures: None Official Website: Gonsuke Official Website [Ukai Toriyama] Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi At Ukai Toriyama, located in inner Takao, a 10-minute drive from Takao-Yamaguchi Station, you can enjoy authentic food charcoal-grilled over an irori. Visitors can enjoy a meal in an atmosphere not often found in Tokyo, with buildings in the Gassho-zukuri style relocated from Gokayama, and an 8,000 sq m Japanese garden. This restaurant has also been featured in a variety of popular Japanese TV shows. Address: 3426 Minami-asakawa-machi Hachioji City, Tokyo 193-0846 Access: A 10-minute drive from Takao-yamaguchi Station on the Keio-Takao Line Parking: Available Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM / 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM Weekends 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Closures: Tuesdays (varies by season), Year-end and New Years holidays Official Website: Ukai Toriyama Official Website TAKAO 599 MUSEUM Source :Hachioji's local information portal site, Hachinavi A facility where visitors can learn about the history of Mt. Takao and the ecosystems of its flora and fauna. Visitors can learn about Mt. Takao through specimens of insects and animals that live in the mountain, as well as through fossilized animal specimens. Admission is free, so definitely stop in for a visit. Address: 2435-3 Takao, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844 Telephone: 042-665-6688 Business Days: Open year-round ※Possible closures due to maintenance Hours: [April - November] 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / [December - March] 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Admission Fee: Free Access: An approximately 4-minute walk from Takao-yamaguchi Station on the Keio Electric Railway (Keio Line) Official Website: TAKAO 599 MUSEUM Official Website Summary of Autumn Foliage Information for Mt. Takao ~Don't Forget Bear Safety Precautions~ Mount Takao, which can be reached in less than an hour from Tokyo, offers a colorful landscape of red and yellow leaves during autumn. Enjoy a pleasant dose of negative ions in this popular spot surrounded by nature that you wouldn't expect to find in Tokyo. [Bear Sighting Information and Safety Measures on Mt. Takao] In recent years, sightings of Asian black bears (Tsuki-no-wa-guma) have been reported around Mt. Takao. According to "TOKYO Kuma-ppu" (Tokyo Bear Map) provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment, sightings have been confirmed in the Mt. Takao area. The autumn foliage season (October to November) is also when bears are most active before hibernation. Please observe the following safety measures when hiking: ・Carry bear bells or radios to make noise and signal your presence to wildlife ・Avoid hiking alone during early morning or dusk; travel in groups whenever possible ・Check the latest sighting information on "TOKYO Kuma-ppu" before your visit ・Exercise extra caution on less crowded routes (Trail 6, Oku-Takao areas) ・Always take your trash with you to avoid attracting bears While there have been no reported bear attacks on humans at Mt. Takao in the past three years, proper preparation is essential for a safe visit. By taking appropriate precautions, you can fully enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and rich natural environment.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Takahashi City, Okayama｜Enjoy Autumn Foliage and a Sea of Clouds at the Castle in the Sky The video “Reiwa Autumn Leaves: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle” (approx. 2 minutes 36 seconds), released by Yomiuri Shimbun Online, introduces the autumn scenery of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. Without narration or commentary, the footage calmly shows the castle and stone walls wrapped in autumn leaves accompanied by soothing background music. Its simplicity emphasizes the visual and auditory appeal, leaving viewers wanting to go see it for themselves after watching. Photo: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s Twelve Original Castles (Okayama Prefecture, Takahashi City) What is Bitchu Matsuyama Castle? A Famous Castle Counted Among the 12 Surviving Original Tenshu Located at the summit of Mt. Gagyu (approx. 430 meters above sea level) in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is considered along with Iwamura Castle and Takatori Castle to be one of the Three Great Mountain Castles of Japan. Its origins date back to the Kamakura period, and during the Sengoku period it became a strategic stronghold contested by powerful warlords such as the Mōri　clan. Its most distinctive feature is that the tenshu (main keep) built in the Edo period still survives today. It is one of only 12 genzon tenshu (original surviving castle keeps) in the country and, moreover, is the only surviving mountain castle keep in Japan. The wooden architecture and solid stone walls convey the atmosphere of the Edo period, making it feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Visible from the city below, the castle remains a symbol of Takahashi. Why It’s Called the “Castle in the Sky” From autumn through winter, when morning fog gathers in the valleys, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle appears to float above a sea of clouds. This mystical scene has earned it the nickname “Castle in the Sky,” attracting visitors from across Japan. Photo: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Okayama Prefecture Takeda Castle in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also called the “Castle in the Sky” and is nicknamed the “Machu Picchu of Japan.” However, at Takeda Castle the vast stone ruins are the highlight. In contrast, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle still has its original keep, and it is the only place in Japan where you can see an original keep floating in a sea of clouds. Comparing the two as you walk the grounds in person will make the differences even more apparent. Photos of the sea of clouds are frequently shared on social media and featured in the media, drawing nationwide attention. Best Conditions and Timing to See the Sea of Clouds The sea of clouds is most likely to appear from late September to early April in the early morning until around 8 a.m., with late October to early December being the peak period for thick fog. Conditions include a large temperature difference from the previous day, radiative cooling, weak winds, and recent rainfall. When these factors combine, the castle appears to float in the sky in a dreamlike scene. The Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Cloud Sea Observatory is the standard viewing spot. Located on a peak separate from the castle keep, it is only a one-minute walk from the parking lot. The site is about a 20-minute drive from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, and during autumn to spring, a reservation-based shared taxi service is also available. Best Season for Autumn Leaves and Scenic Viewing Points Autumn foliage at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle typically peaks from mid to late November. The surrounding trees turn vivid shades of red and gold, further enhancing the beauty of the tenshu and stone walls. Photo: Autumn leaves at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Okayama Prefecture If you’re lucky, you may witness both autumn leaves and the sea of clouds together, as shown in the video. The striking contrast of red, yellow, and white is breathtaking and unique to this season. Great photo spots include not only within the castle grounds but also along the mountain path and from the observatory. Morning and afternoon lighting dramatically change the atmosphere, offering different scenery depending on the time of your visit. How is Takeda Castle Different from Bitchu Matsuyama Castle? Takeda Castle in Hyogo Prefecture was built during the Muromachi period and later came under the control of the Yamana clan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. However, it was abandoned in the early Edo period, leaving only the vast stone ruins. Its magnificent stone walls rising above the clouds earned it the nickname “Machu Picchu of Japan.” Photo: Ruins of Takeda Castle, Hyogo Prefecture In contrast, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi, Okayama, originated in the Kamakura period and retains its tenshu built during the Edo period. Thus, Takeda Castle represents “a ruin that lets you imagine the past,” while Bitchu Matsuyama Castle offers “a mountain castle where you can experience an original keep.” Both are famous for their sea of clouds, but their historical backgrounds and surviving structures differ greatly. Visiting both allows you to appreciate the diverse faces of Japan’s “Castles in the Sky.” Sightseeing and Local Cuisine in Takahashi City After visiting Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, exploring the castle town and tasting local specialties is another highlight of the trip. Takahashi is known for its agricultural products, including the sweet “Pione” grapes and rich “Momotaro Tomatoes.” In summer, ayu fish caught in the Takahashi River are grilled and served in local restaurants as a seasonal delicacy. In addition, the traditional confectionery “Yubeshi,” crafted by the long-established shop Tennindo, remains a popular souvenir. Photo: “Yubeshi,” a traditional confectionery from Okayama Local specialties also include “Indian Tomato Yakisoba,” a popular dish at Gomangoku restaurant. You can also enjoy soba noodles at Hokoan and tofu dishes at Koibi Tofu Kumojirou. For a relaxing break, the Starbucks inside Tsutaya Bookstore at Takahashi City Library is a convenient stop, loved by both locals and visitors. Combining these gourmet experiences makes your trip even more fulfilling. For example, visit the Cloud Sea Observatory in the morning, explore the castle before noon, enjoy “Indian Tomato Yakisoba” for lunch, stroll the castle town and confectionery shops in the afternoon, and finish the day with soba or tofu dishes. Such a day plan is highly recommended. Access and Visitor Information Address: 1 Uchisange, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture Access (Castle Keep): From JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, walk about 10 minutes to “Shiro-machi Station,” then take the shuttle bus to Fuyogo Pass (about 5 minutes), followed by a 20-minute walk to the tenshu. On non-bus days, cars can be driven directly to Fuyogo Pass. By taxi, it takes about 10 minutes from the station (around 1,700 yen one way). Cloud Sea Observatory: Located on a separate peak from the castle keep, 1-minute walk from the parking lot. About 20 minutes by car from the station. A reservation-based shared taxi service runs during autumn to spring. Opening Hours: April–September 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00), October–March 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00) Closed: December 29 – January 3 Admission: Adults 500 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 200 yen For more details, please see the official website: https://www.bitchumatsuyamacastle.jp/ Conclusion: A Perfect Autumn Destination, the Castle in the Sky As the only mountain castle in Japan with a surviving original keep, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle offers a rare experience where you can enjoy both nature and history through autumn leaves and a sea of clouds. Along with Takeda Castle, it is called the “Castle in the Sky,” but knowing their differences makes your journey even more rewarding. Combining castle town walks with local food makes a trip to Takahashi even more enjoyable. Watching the castle surrounded by clouds and autumn colors in the early morning will surely be an unforgettable experience.

What Kind of Temple Is Kozenji? Located in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture, Kozenji is a Zen temple belonging to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It is believed to have been founded during the Muromachi period. Nestled quietly in the mountains, the temple grounds harmonize with the natural beauty of the Kiso Valley, offering peace and tranquility to visitors. The temple is also closely connected to the famous samurai Kiso Yoshinaka, known for his role in the Genpei War. Within the grounds stands a weeping cherry tree called the "Shigure-zakura," said to be the second generation grown from one Yoshinaka himself planted. The tree is especially beautiful in spring, when it is well-known for being lit up in nighttime illuminations. Highlights of the Sanmon Gate and Main Hall As you walk along the approach to the temple, the first thing you'll notice is the Sanmon Gate0:08. Though simple and wooden in design, it exudes a dignified presence that speaks to its long history, gently calming those who pass through it. Photo: Kozenji Temple in Kiso Town, Nagano Prefecture Beyond the gate, a flight of stone steps leads up to the Main Hall (0:17). The hall is solemn yet serene, enveloping visitors in a peaceful atmosphere. Offering a prayer here can calm your mind before exploring the gardens, deepening the sense of spiritual connection. What Are the Four Gardens of Kozenji? Kozenji is home to four distinctive gardens: the Bansho-tei, a traditional pond-style garden from the early Edo period; the Kan'un-tei, a dry landscape garden created by Mirei Shigemori in the mid-Showa era; and two modern dry landscape gardens by Motomi Oguchi from the Heisei era—the Shoryu no Niwa and the Shumisen no Niwa. Photo: Dry landscape garden at Kozenji Temple, Kiso, Nagano Prefecture Dry Landscape Garden “Kan’un-tei” Kan’un-tei (1:07) is a dry landscape garden designed by the renowned garden artist Mirei Shigemori in the 1950s. This expansive stone garden is sometimes referred to as one of the largest of its kind in Japan and was officially designated a Registered Monument (Place of Scenic Beauty) in 2019. The minimalist composition of white gravel and stone arrangements allows for varied interpretations—some see the ocean, mountains, or drifting clouds. As its name suggests, it is a “garden for viewing clouds,” offering moments of stillness that let the mind wander skyward. Pond Garden “Bansho-tei” Bansho-tei is a traditional pond garden attributed to tea master Kanamori Sowa. Centered around a reflective pond, the garden features pine trees and carefully arranged stones that create a peaceful and refined atmosphere. The scenery changes with the seasons—the autumn foliage and snowy winter landscapes reflected on the water are particularly breathtaking. A Treasure Hall is also located within the temple grounds, where visitors can enjoy cultural artifacts alongside the garden views. Dry Landscape Garden “Shoryu no Niwa” Shoryu no Niwa, or "Garden of the Ascending Dragon," was created by Motomi Oguchi during the Heisei era. As the name implies, the stone arrangement represents a dragon soaring toward the heavens, evoking a powerful sense of movement. With its delicately crafted sand patterns and symbolic rock placements, the garden invites viewers to envision a dragon taking flight into the sky. Dry Landscape Garden “Shumisen no Niwa (Garden of Nine Mountains and Eight Seas)” Last is Shumisen no Niwa, or the “Garden of Mount Sumeru,” a dry landscape garden symbolizing the cosmic mountain at the center of the Buddhist universe. Also known as the “Garden of Nine Mountains and Eight Seas,” it depicts Buddhist cosmology using stones and sand. Designed by Motomi Oguchi, this garden expresses the abstract beauty of Zen, offering a tangible experience of Buddhist thought through landscape. The Shigure-zakura and Its Illuminated Beauty A highlight of spring at Kozenji is the Shigure-zakura, a weeping cherry tree said to be the second generation from one planted by Kiso Yoshinaka. It usually reaches full bloom from mid to late April, with its pale pink blossoms covering the branches. At night, the tree is illuminated, creating a dreamlike scene where it appears to float in the darkness. Reflected in the pond and accompanied by stone lanterns, the nighttime cherry blossoms are especially captivating—making this a favorite spot among photographers. The light-up event typically takes place from late March to early April, from sunset to around 10:00 PM. For 2025, it is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, but dates may vary yearly, so please check official announcements in advance. Nearby Spots to Explore Alongside Kozenji If you're visiting Kozenji, be sure to explore the historic post towns along the Nakasendo Trail. Tsumago-juku, which retains the look and feel of the Edo period, is about a 45-minute drive from Kiso-Fukushima. Magome-juku, with its sloping streets and nostalgic charm, is about 60 minutes away by car. Photo: Tsumago-juku, Nagano Prefecture Both are highlights of the Kiso region and make for a perfect pairing with Kozenji’s beautiful gardens. Exploring these historical towns alongside the temple visit will enrich your travel experience. How to Enjoy Kozenji on a Tour or Day Trip Thanks to its relatively easy access from both Nagoya and Nagano City, Kozenji is a great option for a day trip. A typical itinerary includes visiting the temple and gardens in the morning, then exploring Tsumago-juku or Magome-juku in the afternoon. During cherry blossom season, many visitors return to Kozenji in the evening to enjoy the illuminated Shigure-zakura before heading home. Many travel agencies offer tours that combine Kozenji with nearby post towns, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage later in the year. Access and Visitor Information On Foot: About 20–23 minutes from JR Kiso-Fukushima Station By Car: From Shiojiri IC / Ina IC / Nakatsugawa IC via National Route 19 (Travel times may vary depending on road conditions) By Bus: No regular shuttle bus service confirmed. Please check the latest official updates when planning your visit. Admission: Adults: ¥500, Children: ¥300 Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Open Season: April 1 – November 23: All four gardens + Treasure Hall; November 24 – March 31: Only Kan’un-tei and Bansho-tei are open Light-Up Event: Late March to early April, from sunset to around 10:00 PM 👉 For more details, visit the official website: Kozenji – Kiso Tourism Association Official Site Conclusion: A Temple Where Gardens and Cherry Blossoms Create Harmony Kozenji Temple features four unique gardens—Kan’un-tei, Bansho-tei, Shoryu no Niwa, and Shumisen no Niwa—each offering its own aesthetic experience. In spring, the legendary Shigure-zakura, said to have ties to Kiso Yoshinaka, adds color to the temple grounds. Its nighttime illumination draws visitors into a magical atmosphere. When traveling in the Kiso region or Nagano Prefecture, consider including Kozenji in your itinerary. Here, history, nature, and garden beauty come together for a truly special and enriching experience. .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; }

■ Table of Contents A Miraculous Story You Can Only Encounter in Engaru, Hokkaido The National Treasure: The Obsidian Stone Tool Assemblage of Shirataki What Is Obsidian? The “Volcanic Glass” That Enchanted Ancient Peoples What sort of place is the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center? Learn about the natural beauty and enduring history of Engaru, Hokkaido Discover the Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center, Where National Treasure Obisidian Tools from Shirataki Are On Display How to Best Explore Geosites That Tell the Story of the Earth No. 8 Stream Outcrop (Obsidian Outcrop) Summit of Akaishiyama Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) Tengudaira Observation Point Taihei Plateau Yamabiko Falls Muri Wind Cave Tourist Spots to Enjoy in Engaru | Must-See Highlights in Each Area ■ Engaru District｜Spectacular Flower & Nature Spots Cosmos Garden Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park Roadside Station “Engaru Forest of Okhotsk”｜A Station Full of Activities ■ Maruseppu District｜Forest Railways & Insect Paradise Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori｜Ride the “Amemiya 21” Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum｜Insects Donated by SHO Aikawa ■ Ikutahara District｜Hands On Museums & Art World Chacha World｜A Dreamful World of Toys & Shadow Play Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum｜A Fantasy of Light & Shadow Hidden Tourist Spots Recommended by Engaru Locals Miharashi Farm｜Idyllic Pastoral Scene Typical of Hokkaido Engaru Station｜Switchback That Enthralls Railway Fans A Side of a Self Defense Forces Town Engaru Town Gourmet & Local Products｜Taste the Blessings of the Land Gourmet Inspired by Obsidian Shirataki Potatoes｜Brand Potatoes Renowned for Sweetness & Texture Engaru’s Asparagus｜Green Gift Heralding Spring Engaru Town Event Calendar｜Festivals & Events Coloring the Seasons Taiyō no Oka Cosmos Festa Engaru Ganbō Summer Festival Recommended Lodging and Hot Springs in Engaru | How to Enjoy the Ultimate in Relaxation “Mauresan sō” Maruseppu Hot Spring in a Forest Resort Day Use Hot Spring “Pokke no Yu” “Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori Campground” Surrounded by Nature Distinctive Lodgings by District Accessing Engaru and How to Best Sightsee Around Town 【By Air】 【By JR】 【By Car】 【In Town Sightseeing】 Summary of Engaru Town’s Attractions｜A Call to a Special Hokkaido Experience Show More A Miraculous Story You Can Only Encounter in Engaru, Hokkaido Here lies the obsidian that became the stone tools that are Japan’s oldest National Treasure. This is also the only town in all of Hokkaido where a National Treasure and a Geopark come together. Formed through the merger of the three towns of Engaru, Maruseppu, Ikutahara and the village of Shirataki, Engaru is a destination where flowers and forests, railways and hotsprings, and timeless history all come alive. On this wide northern expanse, where Ezo deer and red foxes run free, you can experience both the romance of the ancient past and the living breath of nature. In this article, we’ll dive into Engaru’s unique charms, from information about obsidian and geoparks to an introduction of the local hot springs, sightseeing spots, and gourmet dining beloved by locals. Seasonal landscapes, such as Taiyō no Oka with its fields of flowers, forest railways weaving through the trees, frozen waterfalls glistening in winter and star-filled night skies, leave unforgettable impressions on visitors. Come to Engaru, and discover the “miraculous stories” that can only be found here, admist the warmth and insight of those who live here in harmony with the land. The National Treasure: The Obsidian Stone Tool Assemblage of Shirataki The Shirataki area of Engaru Town in Hokkaido is best known for possessing Japan’s oldest National Treasure, the Obsidian Stone Tools Excavated from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites. In Hokkaido, only two items are designated as National Treasures: the “Hollow Clay Figurine (Chūkū Dogū)” in Hakodate City and this Shirataki assemblage. Its rarity underscores the significant cultural value that Engaru Town proudly holds. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The excavated stone tools date from the Paleolithic era, long before the Jomon period, approximately 30,000 to 12,000 years ago. That people of the time crafted sharp blades and hunting tools by skillfully processing obsidian testifies to their advanced techniques and wisdom. These items are not merely tools but precious cultural heritage that still convey human ingenuity and the breath of antiquity to us today. What Is Obsidian? The “Volcanic Glass” That Enchanted Ancient Peoples Obsidian is a natural glass formed when magma ejected from a volcano cools rapidly. Because obsidian breaks with fracture points as sharp as a knife, it was an ideal material for tools in ancient times. You can see this obsidian in the video from 0:40. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The Shirataki sourced obsidian is especially high in quality, distinguished by its jet black luster and a translucent aesthetic. During the Paleolithic era, it was fashioned into knives and arrowheads. Archaeological evidence confirms that it was transported not just across Hokkaido but also to Honshu and Sakhalin, suggesting Shirataki’s role as a hub in ancient wide area trade networks. Even today, its beauty continues to captivate. At Engaru’s Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center, obsidian is on permanently display, allowing visitors to examine it up close, and enjoy its mysterious, distinctive glow as light passes through it. Truly, obsidian is not just stone, but a jewel born from the earth. What sort of place is the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center? Learn about the natural beauty and enduring history of Engaru, Hokkaido In 2010, the “Shirataki Geopark” was certified by the Japan Geopark Network. A geopark is akin to an “outdoor museum”, a place where you can enjoy learning how the earth was formed, and how life and human culture emerged from it. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association At the heart of it is the “Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center”. Inside, exhibitions showcase the allure of Shirataki obsidian and the formation of the land through volcanic activity. Displays show how obsidian emerges from magma, and how people in the Paleolithic era crafted it into tools through interactive videos and models. The Geotour is held annually from July to October, and allows you to go inside actual geosites accompanied by expert guides to get an intimate look at the Earth's magnificent natural forces firsthand. A must for anyone interested in visiting geosites! The mountaineering tour to Mt. Akaishi, the obsidian’s birthplace, is especially popular. Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0111 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki 138 1 【Hours】9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 【Closed】Year end & New Year’s holidays 【Admission】Free 【Access】About 15 minutes on foot from JR Shirataki Station, about 5 minutes by car from Shirataki IC 【Official Site】Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center Discover the Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center, Where National Treasure Obisidian Tools from Shirataki Are On Display The Obsidian Stone Tools Excavated from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites were designated a National Treasure on June 27, 2023 (Reiwa 5). A total of 1,965 items were collectively designated: 1,514 stone tools and 451 sets of fragments for assembly. These artifacts are outstanding in both content and quantity among Japan’s Paleolithic relics, and are considered invaluable and significant even on a global scale. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association At the “Engaru Archaeological Heritage Center,” you can view the display of the National Treasure Obsidian Stone Tools from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites and learn about the process of tool making. The center also offers hands on experiences such as obsidian crafting, making it a perfect place to engage directly with the ancient past. Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0111 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki 138 1 (2nd floor of Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center) 【Hours】9:00–17:00 (last admission) 【Closed】Year end & New Year’s holidays 【Admission】Adults: ¥320 (Groups: ¥260) High school students and younger: ¥160 (Groups: ¥130) * For participatory programs, additional learning fees apply: Adults ¥110, High school & younger (including preschoolers) ¥60 【Access】About 15 minutes walk from JR Shirataki Station, about 5 minutes by car from Shirataki IC 【Official Website】Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center How to Best Explore Geosites That Tell the Story of the Earth Within Shirataki Geopark, there are many “geosites”, points of interest where you can experience the landscapes, rocks, and human history shaped by the earth itself. From waterfalls and cliffs to obsidian outcrops and sweeping highland vistas, these are places where nature speaks its story. Shirataki’s geosites aren’t just for sightseeing; they are places where we are invited to wonder how rocks formed, or what life was like for people in ancient times. There are many spots that let you expand your imagination. Be sure to visit as many as you can! No. 8 Stream Outcrop (Obsidian Outcrop) One of Shirataki’s signature geosites, this outcrop represents one of the world’s largest obsidian deposits. The towering clif face, more than 15 meters high, clearly shows layers of obsidian lava, revealing traces of volcanic activity from about 2 million years ago. In Paleolithic times, obsidian was mined here and crafted into knives and arrowheads used in daily life. Visiting the site offers a striking understanding of the connection between humanity and earth, making it an inspiring spot not only for archaeology enthusiasts but also nature lovers. This geosite can be viewed in the video from 1:51. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0126 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki Oku Shirataki 【Viewing Method】Because it lies within national forest, free exploration is not permitted; you must join a tour held by the “Shirataki Geopark Promotion Association.” Summit of Akaishiyama The summit is strewn with large and small pieces of obsidian on its surface, which sparkle under sunlight. It resembles a galaxy spread across the sky. The hue and gleam shift with the angle of light, and each step reveals a different perspective. Geologically unique, tours along the Mt. Akaishi summit route are consistently popular. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Viewing method: Because it lies within national forest, free exploration is not permitted; you must join a tour held by the “Shirataki Geopark Promotion Association.” Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) Rising about 78 meters above ground, Ganbō Rock, called Inkarushi in Ainu, meaning “place with a good view”, is a symbol of Engaru. The town’s name is derived from this word. Visible from nearly every corner of the town, the rock offers ever-changing perspectives depending on where you view it. According to legend, it was once an Ainu battlefield, lending a dramatic historic dimension to its natural beauty. A climb from base to summit takes only minutes, and the view is breathtaking. Ganbō rock has been recognized as one of Hokkaido’s Top 100 Natural Sites. Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) is viewable from the video at 2:53. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Nishimachi 1 chōme 【Access】Approximately 5 min by car from JR Engaru Station Tengudaira Observation Point This gentle grassland was formed by a volcanic phenomenon known as “pyroclastic flow.” Behind it stand Tengudake and Hirayama, volcanoes of the Northern Daisetsu range, making for a majestic view. In early morning, a sea of clouds may spread, creating a dreamlike panorama. The observation point is showcased in the video from 2:33. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki Tengudaira 【Access】Approximately 5 min by car from Roadside Station “Shirataki” Taihei Plateau At the Taihei Plateau, a 360-degree view stretches as far as the eye can see. While the daytime scenery is great, the highlight is the summer night sky, free from any obstructions or artificial lights. Under the full starry sky, many stars appear rapidly, creating an atmosphere that is perfect for couples looking for a romantic outing. Between late May and early October, hay bales dot the fields, adding a quaint rustic charm. It is selected as part of the “Taihei Geopark Road” and included among “Hokkaido’s 100 Roads.” Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Taihei 【Access】About 40 minutes by car from Maruseppu IC Yamabiko Falls Standing about 28 meters tall, Yamabiko falls is notable in that you can view the water from behind, a feature that has earned it the nickname “Back-view falls”. In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the refreshing spray set against vibrant greenery, while autumn brings a stunning contrast between the colorful foliage and the cascading water. In winter, the fall may freeze entirely, lending a magical ambiance as it transforms into a curtain of ice. With distinct charms for every season, Yamabiko Falls is a spot you’ll never tire of visiting. Yamabiko Falls appears in the video starting at 3:48. Photo: Yamabiko Falls, Engaru, Hokkaido Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri In winter, vehicle traffic is blocked at a gate about 2 km before the falls’ parking lot. From January through March, a “Yamabiko Falls Night Tour (illumination)” and daytime “Yamabiko Falls Observation Event” are held, during which the gate is temporarily opened. Muri Wind Cave (Murifūketsu) A mysterious geologic formation where cold air blows even in summer. Cold air accumulated underground escapes from cracks, making the surroundings cool even in midsummer. This unique environment allows alpine plants to grow naturally, making it like a “natural refrigerator.” It is a place to experience a minor miracle created by nature, and is recommended as an oasis from the summer heat. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Location】Maruseppu District, Engaru Town Tourist Spots to Enjoy in Engaru | Must-See Highlights in Each Area After experiencing the earth’s history at Shirataki Geopark, why not venture out into the other areas of Engaru? The four districts, Engaru, Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara each offer unique attractions, from natural panoramas to cultural experiences. Based on popularity in local tourist association and travel sites, here are recommended must-sees for use in planning your trip. ■ Engaru District｜Spectacular Flower & Nature Spots Even in the town’s central area, nature thrives, and is brightened by seasonal flowers year-round. Home to one of Japan’s largest cosmos gardens and a new roadside station, along with many sights that truly reflect the spirit of Engaru. Cosmos Garden The symbol of tourism in Engaru is the cosmos garden at Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park. Covering a vast 10-hectare area, one of the largest in Japan, around ten million cosmos flowers bloom in the Cosmos Garden, entering their peak between late August and late September, creating a true “carpet of flowers.” About 20 varieties of cosmos are planted in the garden, and pink, white, orange blossoms sway in the wind to make for a natural masterpiece. The flower-picking experience is popular with families, while photographers and social media enthusiasts flock to the gardens for its perfect photo opportunities, especially at sunset when the fields glow. From the garden’s observation deck you can not only view the cosmos field but also gaze at distant mountain ranges. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park spans 65 hectares and offers seasonal floral views from spring through autumn. Within, the “Shibazakura Park” area features moss phlox blooms (known as Shibazakura in Japanese), from mid to late May a pink carpet spread across the hill. In early bloom, Ezo cherry blossoms appear, and at peak season combine with simultaneously blooming tulips for a spectacular seasonal display. Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0407 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Marudai 70 1 【Admission】Adults ¥600, Elementary School Students ¥300 (only during cosmos bloom period) 【Hours】9:00–17:00 【Open Season】Late April to early October Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park (Cosmos Garden) Official Site Roadside Station “Engaru Mori-no-Okhotsk”｜A Station Overflowing with Activities Opened in December of Reiwa 1 (2019), Mori-no-Okhotsk attracted attention as Hokkaido’s first roadside station with an integrated ski resort. Adjacent to the Engaru IC on the Asahikawa–Mombetsu Expressway, it serves as the gateway to the Okhotsk region. From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, the longest zipline in Japan with a 25% slope, as well as a treetop adventure course. The treetop adventure follows wires and ladders between trees across about 400 m and includes 29 attractions, allowing guests to walk from tree to tree high above the ground. In winter, skiing is available, making Mori-no-Okhotsk a year round tourist destination. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The high concentration artificial carbonated footbath “Mori-no-Okhotsk Ashiyu” is also popular. The roadside station’s restaurant uses local asparagus and Shirataki potatoes in many dishes. The standout is a black “Geo Curry” inspired by obsidian: a rich black curry containing chunks of meat shaped like obsidian that is as unusual-looking as it is delicious. Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0344 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Nogami 150 1 【Hours】9:00–18:00 【Closed】None Roadside Station Engaru Mori-mo-Okhotsk Official Site ■ Maruseppu District｜Forest Railways & Insect Paradise Deep in the heart of the forest, you’ll find a unique area where Hokkaido’s only forest railway still runs, alongside exhibits of fascinating insects. This is a hands-on destination where both children and adults can enjoy learning and playing together, making it perfect for a family trip! Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori｜Ride the “Amemiya 21” Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori is home to Hokkaido’s last operating forest railway. The steam locomotive, affectionately called “Amemiya 21”, was built in the Taishō era (1912-1926) and is an authentic forest railway engine. The two-kilometer journey through the park takes you slowly into the depths of the woodlands, an exciting experience even for those who aren’t train enthusiasts. From your seat you can enjoy vibrant natural scenery, especially in the autumn. The insect ecology museum also has rare insects that can be observed, and along with enjoying nature at the campsite provides a variety of experiences for all ages. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 80 【Open Season】April 29 – late October Engaru Town Official: Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori • Steam locomotive “Amemiya 21” runs within the park from late April to late October (check official site for operating days) • Fare: Adults ¥800, ages 4+ ¥400 Engaru Town Official: Forest Railway Steam Locomotive Amemiya 21 Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum｜Featuring Insects Donated by Actor Sho Aikawa A museum exhibiting live insects in ecological displays throughout the year. Highlights include the “Butterfly Plaza”, which features tropical butterflies flying freely year-round, and the “Entrance Hall”, where visitors can see live beetles and stag beetles from around the world. The star of the show is the Hercules beetle, the world’s largest beetle species. In the “Aniki no Mori” (Big Brother’s Forest), donated by actor Sho Aikawa, visitors can encounter rare specimens such as the massive Acteon elephant beetle and the dazzling rainbow stag beetle, widely regarded to be the most beautiful beetle in the world. Children and adults alike can become engrossed in the wide variety of fascinating displays. Photo: Hercules beetle Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 68 【Closed】Tuesdays, Year end & New Year Engaru Town Official: Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum ■ Ikutahara District｜Hands On Museums & the World of Art Ikutahara is a place where culture and creativity come alive. From wooden toys to shadow theater, this is the perfect place to relax, explore, and engage with art that sparks your imagination. Chacha World｜A Dreamland of Toys & Shadow Play Step into a museum showcasing wooden toys from around 40 countries! More than 10,000 pieces can be found, from intricate automata to puppets and classic nutcrackers. Toys are more than just displayed. There are numerous areas where visitors can build or play with toys, from puzzles like Cuboro or Capala to mechanical toys or blocks. Children love it, and adults often find themselves charmed as well. Finally, at the woodworking studio “Zevetto”, you can even craft your own toy from natural wood, for a unique personalized keepsake to remember your trip. Photo: Chacha World, Engaru Town Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0701 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Ikutahara 143 4 【Hours】 April–October: 9:30–18:00 November–March: 10:00–17:00 【Closed】 April–October: None November–March: Mondays (if holiday, closed next day) Year end & New Year holidays The woodworking studio “Zevetto” is closed Mondays & Thursdays Chacha World Official Site Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum｜A Fantastical World of Shadow & Light This museum permanently exhibits works by the renowned Japanese shadow play artist Seiji Fujishiro. Step inside to immerse yourself in an enchanting world light and shadow bring his creations to life. Around 30 of his works are on permanent display, including the masterwork Kosai Rikuri, “Brilliant Colors”, which encompasses the entire wall of an elevator hall at 9 meters high and 18 meters wide, making it one of the largest shadow works in the world. Photography is prohibited inside, so the only way to experience the magic is to see it with your own eyes. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0701 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Ikutahara 143 4 (co located with Chacha World) Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum Hidden Tourist Spots Recommended by Engaru Locals Famous spots are nice, but it’s also worth experiencing the lesser-known charms of Engaru that only locals might know. From tranquil pastures with grazing cows to a railway treasures beloved by railway enthusiasts, and even unique events reflecting the town’s strong ties to the Japan’s Self Defense Force, these offbeat and unique experiences can make your trip especially memorable. Miharashi Farm｜Idyllic Pastoral Scene Typical of Hokkaido On the outskirts of Engaru, Miharashi Farm offers the quintessential Hokkaido landscape of open fields, grazing cattle, and endless blue skies. Especially in summer, the contrast between the vivid green meadows set against the horizon offers a sense of freedom openness that simply cannot be found in the city. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0407 Engaru Town, Marudai Engaru Station｜A Switchback That Enthralls Railway Fans Engaru Station on the JR Sekihoku Main Line is a special station for railway enthusiasts, as it is one of the few stations in Japan that uses a switchback system, where trains must reverse before continuing in a new direction. The station platform offers a close look at this unusual maneuver, attracting observers from across the country. Photo: JR Sekihoku Main Line Engaru Station Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0415 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Iwamidōri Minami 1 3 3 A Self Defense Forces Town Engaru Town hosts the Land Self Defense Force Engaru Garrison and is known as a Self Defense Forces town. Every August, the garrison opens its gates for a festival featuring equipment displays, training exercises and mock battles, offering a rare close-up look at JSDF activities. The warm interaction between the townspeople and service members of the garrison highlights the close relationship between the base and local community, contributing to a unique community atmosphere. Engaru Gourmet & Local Specialties｜Taste the Bounty of the Land No trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Engaru’s food culture, rooted in its vast nature and history, offers plenty of distinctive dishes. From creative obsidian themed cuisine to the sweet, hearty “Shirataki Potatoes” grown in volcanic soil, to the crisp asparagus that proclaims the arrival of spring and summmer, each bite captures the essence of Engaru. Be sure to enjoy these special local flavors alongside your sightseeing! Gourmet Inspired by Obsidian Obsidian is a symbol of Engaru, and is celebrated in many creative obsidian-themed dishes. The most popular is the striking black curry at Roadside Station “Engaru Okhotsk-no-Mori.” With the deep black obsidian color of its roux and its chunks of meat shaped to look like obsidian shards, it leaves both a visual and culinary impression. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Shirataki Potatoes｜Brand Potatoes Renowned for Sweetness & Texture Grown in the Shirataki area, “Shirataki Potatoes” benefit from the local climate’s dramatic temperature shifts and rich volcanic soil, resulting in natural sweetness and excellent texture. Particularly the three varieties “Danshaku,” “May Queen,” and “Kita Akari” are famous for their fluffy texture. Around October each year, local restaurants hold the “Engaru Love Fair,” offering a variety of original dishes using Shirataki Potatoes. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Asparagus｜Green Gift Heralding Spring Asparagus is a signature flavor of Engaru in spring and summer. Nurtured by snowmelt and abundant sunlight, Engaru’s asparagus grows thick, juicy, and sweet. Engaru Asparagus is also commercially known under the brand “Engaru Nyokkīs”. Engaru is notable in that asparagus has not one but two harvest seasons, and the summer harvest, also known as Komorebi Asparagus, meaning “sun-dappled Asparagus”, is especially prized. From July to August, local restaurants host the “Artisanal Summer Harvest Asparagus Fair,” offering original dishes featuring summer asparagus. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Town Event Calendar｜Festivals for Every Season Throughout the year, Engaru comes alive with seasonal events that showcase the best of the region. From fireworks illuminating summer nights to cosmos festivals with live musical performances and more, these events seamlessly combine nature’s beauty with the warmth and energy of the local community to make memorable moments. Wrapped in a community’s warm atmosphere, these events are sure to add color and excitement to your trip. Taiyō no Oka Cosmos Festa On the first Sunday of September, the “Cosmos Festa” is held at the town’s vast blooming cosmos gardens. Visitors can admire fields of colorful flowers while enjoying various stage performances and entertainment. February 14 is Valentine’s Day, and in Japan, March 14 is “White Day”, while exactly six months later, September 14 is known as “Cosmos Day.” Every year seeds are carefully sown to ensure the flowers will be in full bloom for this special date. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Ganbō Summer Festival Held in July, this summer tradition features music parades, the impressive “1,000 Person Dance, and various other performances. vHeld in July, this summer tradition features music parades, the impressive “1,000 Person Dance, and various other performances. Many food stalls with local specialties open, and the streets are filled with energy, giving you a chance to feel the town’s vibrancy and festive atmosphere. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Recommended Lodging and Hot Springs in Engaru | How to Enjoy the Ultimate in Relaxation Engaru offers a range of lodging options such as Mauresan sō and North King, that run the gamut from forest resorts to cozy onsen inns. Many feature distinctive facilities such as alkaline hot springs, prized for their skin-softening qualities. After a long day of sightseeing or outdoor excursions, they soothe fatigue, help you recharge, and make your stay even more memorable. Forest Resort “Mauresan sō” at Maruseppu Onsen Nestled in the forest of Maruseppu, this resort hotel with its striking triangular roofs and white walls offers hot springs that are both gentle on skin and retain warmth well. The resort has a chic “Ezo Modern,” atmosphere, featuring warm wooden interiors with reading spaces brimming with books and relaxation lounges throughout. Lodging plans vary greatly, with six types of rooms including both Japanese and Western styles and special rooms with private baths, with a total of 25 rooms available. Nearby, three cottages made of Finnish pine offer their own private hot spring, giving the visitors the feeling of staying in a secluded villa. Meals feature fusion courses that make use of seasonal local ingredients such as fresh sashimi, beef from near Okhotsk, handmade soba, allowing visitors to fully savor Hokkaido’s bounty. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 172 Day Use Hot Spring “Pokke no Yu” Opened in September 2019, this day use hot spring features a soothing alkaline spring that warms easily and is known for leaving skin feeling soft and silky. Particularly noteworthy is the wood-fired Finnish sauna, a rare sight even in Hokkaido. Many visitors come just to experience it. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 177 “Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori Campground” Surrounded by Nature Equipped with auto sites, bungalows, and free camping areas, this campground is perfect for combining river activities with forest exploration. Suitable for families or solo campers, it offers a more rustic, immersive way method of experiencing Engaru’s natural beauty Under a blanket of stars, gather around a campfire then awaken to fresh air and birdsong, for a unique alternative to hotel or onsen stays with its own type of luxury. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 80 Distinctive Lodgings by District Lodgings near Engaru Station Several hotels within walking distance of the station make ideal bases for tourists and business travelers alike. Shirataki District “Makiba Hokkaido Taro chan House” A pet friendly entire house rental. With a spacious dog run, sauna, and even horseback riding, it’s a rare facility. It’s popular with families and dog lovers wanting to enjoy Hokkaido travel with pets. Ikutahara District “Ikutahara Onsen Hotel North King” A lodging with flowing natural hot springs, day-use bathing, a bedrock sauna, and its own restaurant. Surrounded by tranquility, it’s perfect for relaxed bathing in a peaceful atmosphere. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Access to Engaru Town & How to Tour the Town Engaru, where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors of Hokkaido, is accessible by air, train, or car. Flights from Memanbetsu, Asahikawa, or Okhotsk Mombetsu airports, taking the JR Sekihoku Main Line, or driving along scenic car routes are all viable options. Because the town’s attractions are spread over a wide area, renting a car is recommended for efficient sightseeing. Below is a quick guide to reaching Engaru and getting around. Access Methods to Engaru Town 【By Air】 The air gateways to Engaru Town are Memanbetsu Airport, Asahikawa Airport, and Okhotsk Mombetsu Airport. • From Memanbetsu: approximately 1h30m to 2h by car • From Asahikawa: about 2h to 2h30m by car • From Okhotsk Mombetsu: about 40–50 minutes by car While Kitami Bus links from Memanbetsu exist, buses are limited, so renting a car is more convenient for sightseeing. 【By JR】 Engaru is served by the JR Sekihoku Main Line, plus stations at Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara. Use express or local trains. (At JR Engaru Station) • From Sapporo: ~3h30m via the “Okhotsk” limited express • From Asahikawa: about 2h • From Kitami: about 1h30m by local train 【By Car】 Driving gives you freedom and is ideal for sightseeing. Engaru lies along National Route 39, with good access from major cities. • From Sapporo: ~280 km (about 4h) • From Asahikawa: ~100 km (about 1h30m) • From Kitami: ~40 km (about 45 min) Many roadside stations and scenic spots lie along the route, turning the drive itself into part of the journey. 【In Town Sightseeing】 Because Engaru’s attractions are widely dispersed, a rental car is the most efficient way to tour. Approximate travel times between districts: • Engaru district ⇔ Shirataki district: ~30 km (about 40 min by car) • Engaru district ⇔ Maruseppu district: ~20 km (about 30 min by car) • Engaru district ⇔ Ikutahara district: ~15 km (about 20 min by car) Summary of Engaru Town’s Attractions｜A Call to a Special Hokkaido Experience Engaru Town is a special place in Hokkaido where Japan’s oldest National Treasure whispers ancient memories, Shirataki Geopark tells the earth’s story, and majestic nature shifts through the seasons in harmonious procession. Once formed by merging three towns and a village, this vast town encompasses four unique districts: Engaru, Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara each offering different emotional experiences. Ten million cosmos blooms, obsidian tools of the late Paleolithic era, the nostalgic whistle of a forest railway winding through the trees, serene hot springs and camping under pure blue skies, and the heartfelt smiles of the people you will meet are all treasures awaiting your visit. Feel the timeless romance exerted by obsidian’s jet black luster. Walk geosites and listen to the earth’s pulse. At night, immerse yourself in the starlit sky, all in Engaru. Let this special experience leave a lasting imprint on your next Hokkaido journey. Japan’s oldest National Treasure and miraculous natural landscapes await you in Engaru. See you there! Official Sites Engaru Town Official Engaru Town Tourism Association Information in this article was current as of September 2025, prepared under the supervision of the Engaru Town Tourism Association. 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Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima: Video Introduction Photo：Kurogane Lodge and autumn leaves on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture This video, titled "World's First｜Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara｜6K Video" (世界初 紅葉の安達太良山 6K撮影), was uploaded by "International Drone Association" (国際ドローン協会). This 6K video captures the beauty of the autumn leaves of Mt. Adatara as seen from the sky using a drone. Enjoy the incredible views of Mt. Adatara that you simply cannot see from the ground. [Video] 0:32 - The Colorful Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara Mt. Adatara Overview Photo：Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Located in central Fukushima Prefecture, Mt. Adatara is an active volcano with an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters and has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. The beautiful Mt. Adatara, which appears in ancient texts and classic Japanese movies, is well known both inside and outside of the prefecture. The ropeway makes it easy for beginner hikers to reach the summit, while intermediate and advanced courses are also available. From spring to fall, the mountain is crowded with hikers enjoying the beautiful scenery. Mt. Adatara Ropeway & Parking Information Photo：Mt. Adatara Ropeway, Fukushima Prefecture Adatara Kogen Ski Resort is located at the foot of Mt. Adatara, and there is a ropeway station at the foot of the mountain near the ski resort and a free parking lot that can accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles. A 10-minute ropeway ride will take you to the summit station of Mt. Yakushi (1,350 meters above sea level). From there, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on foot to reach the summit of Mt. Adatara. During autumn, when the leaves change color, there are days when there are lines to board the ropeway, and depending on how crowded it is, you may also have to pay for parking. Because of this, we recommend doing some research before visiting. The ropeway costs 1,200 yen (one-way) and 2,000 yen (round-trip) for adults, and 900 yen (one-way) and 1,500 yen (round-trip) for children. In addition to group discounts and discounts for persons with disabilities, there are also special discount tickets available exclusively on the ropeway's website and discount packages for hot springs and Tohoku Safari Park, so be sure to check the Adatara Ropeway website for details. When to Visit to See the Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara Photo：The view from Yakushidake Panorama Park, Fukushima Prefecture Mt. Adatara, famous for its autumn foliage, usually attracts many tourists and climbers, as well as many photographers who come to take pictures of the spectacular scenery. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late September through October. The best place to take pictures of the spectacular autumn foliage is Yakushidake Panorama Park, located just beyond the ropeway summit station. The park has a 300-meter promenade where visitors can relax and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the autumn leaves. Hiking On Mt. Adatara – Trails, Hiking Time, Etc. Photo：The summit of Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Mt. Adatara is a popular mountain for hiking and trekking with even beginner hikers due to its relative ease. The recommended hiking course is the approximately 9-km long, 4-hour course that starts from the ropeway summit station. Mt. Adatara Ropeway Summit Station (ロープウェイ山頂駅) → Senjo-daira Trail (仙女平分岐) → Adatara Summit (安達太良山頂上) → Mine no Tsuji (峰の辻) → Kurogane Lodge (くろがね小屋) → Seshitaira Trail (勢至平分岐) → Okudake Trailhead (奥岳登山口). There is a walking trail near Mt. Adatara Ropeway Station, but it has been closed for the time being due to heavy rainfall during the summer of 2022. Mt. Adatara is great for hiking during the fall, but also during the summer and spring as well, so consider visiting during different seasons to enjoy the various scenery! Hot Springs Near Mt. Adatara Photo：Kurogane Lodge and winter on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Kurogane Lodge, a mountain lodge on Mt. Adatara, has a hot spring bath with free-flowing hot-spring water, which is popular among climbers. It's available for day-trip bathing, but as of 2023 Kurogane Lodge is under reconstruction and is therefore unavailable; it's scheduled to be reopened in 2025, so be sure to visit when it's completed. There is also a day-trip hot spring facility called "Adatarayama Okudake no Yu" near the ropeway station at the foot of the mountain, which is used by many hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter. Both Kurogane Lodge and Adatarayama Okudake no Yu have unique acidic springs that are said to be good for relieving fatigue, fighting against nerve and muscle pain, and also help beautify the skin. It's a good place to relax and heal your body after a day of hiking to see the autumn foliage. Admission is 700 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 500 yen for children (ages 4 to elementary school students). Skiing on Mt. Adatara Photo：Ski tracks in the snow on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture During the winter (December - March), the Mt. Adatara Ropeway transforms into Adatara Kogen Ski Resort. Adatara Kogen Ski Resort features 8 courses and relatively cheap lift tickets. Pricing (1-day Pass/Weekdays): Adults (Junior-high school students and older): 3,500 yen, Seniors (60+): 3,100 yen, Children (Elementary school students and younger): 2,200 yen. Pricing (1-day Pass/Weekends): Adults (Junior-high school students and older): 4,300 yen, Seniors (60+): 3,800 yen, Children (Elementary school students and younger): 2,600 yen. Besides the passes listed above, there are a number of other tickets available to help fit your itinerary, plans, and budget. Summary of Mt. Adatara Photo：Winter on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Mt. Adatara is a mountain that attracts climbers not only during the fall when the leaves change color, but throughout the entire year. In summer, an illumination event is held at Adatara Kogen Ski Resort, making it a popular summer spot. ※In 2022, the illumination was held from July 30 to September 19, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm each day. A chain of mountains and beautiful blue skies... Mt. Adatara is a place you'll want to visit again and again to discover the breathtaking scenery in each season. 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Adatara

Aerial Views of Mt. Daisen in Tottori, Japan via Drone: Video Introduction This video, titled "Autumn Leaves of Mt.Daisen JAPAN【Scenery Of JAPAN 4K】," was uploaded by "SCENERY OF JAPAN." It introduces the breathtaking autumn leaves around Mt. Daisen in Tottori, Japan. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic scenery as far as the eye can see, in this magnificent 4.5-minute video of Mt. Daisen blanketed in autumn leaves. Daisenji Temple, a Must-See Tourist Attraction on Mt. Daisen Photo：Daisenji Temple, Tottori, Japan Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture is located roughly in the center of Japan's San'in region. Its official name is "Hoki Daisen." The majestic mountain even appears in the Izumo Fudoki, a record of the history of Japan's former Izumo Region, which is said to have been written in 733 AD, making it one of the most historical mountains in the history of Japan. Daisenji Temple is one of the prominent tourist attractions on Mt. Daisen. To get there by car, take Prefectural Route 24 (commonly known as "Daisen Sightseeing Road" (大山観光道路, Daisen Kanko Douro)) from the Yonago Interchange on the Yonago Expressway to the Bakuroza parking lot (about 15 minutes), or by train or bus from JR Yonago Station to Daisenji Temple by Nikko Bus (about 50 minutes). Both routes offer a great view of the stunning autumn leaves. Daisenji Temple has a history of flourishing as a training center for Shugendo (mountain asceticism). At its peak, the temple had more than 100 temples and over 3,000 monks. Following the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.), the number of temples increased as mountain worship became increasingly Buddhist. It's said that at one time, the temple was as prosperous as Mt. Hiei, Mt. Yoshino, and Koyasan, 3 of the most prominent places for Buddhism in Japan. Beautiful Views, Autumn Leaves, and Mountain Climbing on Mt. Daisen Photo：Autumn leaves on Mt. Daisen The autumn leaves overlooking the rugged southern cliff of Mt. Daisen is truly a photogenic spot. Although there have been some changes over the past few years due to climate change, the leaves usually begin to change color in early October and are at their peak from late October to early November. The white snow on the top of the mountain and red autumn leaves blend harmoniously with each other, adding even more color to the already spectacular view. You can view this in the video. [Video] 0:11 - Spectacular Autumn Leaves on the South Face of Mt. Daisen in the Snow, Captured via Drone The forests are mainly broadleaf forests renowned for their beautiful autumn leaves, with beech, oak, maple, rowans, and mizunara oak being the main species. Mt. Daisen is the largest mountain in Japan's Chugoku and San'in regions and also one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. It is popular among climbers, tourists, and travelers year-round. Although it sits at an elevation of 1,709 meters, its beautiful conical shape seen from the northwestern side has earned it the nickname "Mt. Fuji in the East." Mt. Daisen's 2022 Autumn Illumination Event – Autumn Leaves & Traditional Japanese Umbrellas Photo：Mt. Daisen's illumination event, Tottori, Japan The autumn illumination event started as part of the 1,300th anniversary of the founding of Mt. Daisen in 2018, and is now a tradition of Mt. Daisen. Only because Tottori Prefecture has a large number of craftsmen is it possible to organize the autumn illumination displaying more than 100 wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas). The festival is held during the Obon Festival every year, but in 2022, it was held in October for the first time in two years. The event welcomed visitors with 120 wagasa and a variety of lanterns. In addition, there was a system for taking beautiful photos with the use of a smartphone, and a commemorative photo spot as well. It's a remarkable event, great for taking photos. Tickets for the 2022 event were sold exclusively online. No tickets were sold on the day of the event. We recommend checking ticket and other information as soon as possible in advance if you're planning to attend the next event. [Video] 2:44 - The Beautiful 'Mt. Fuji in the East' Summary of Autumn Leaves on Mt. Daisen During autumn on Mt. Daisen, a famous mountain in Tottori, Japan, the entire area is covered in beautiful autumn leaves. One of the most popular driving courses is the tunnel of autumn leaves leading to Kagikake Pass (鍵掛峠, Kagikake Toge). [Video] 1:32 - A Tunnel of Beautiful Beech Trees Leading To Kagikake Pass On weekends and other occasions, you can expect traffic on Prefectural Route 24. Even still, Mt. Daisen's autumn leaves are worth the time and effort to see. The autumn colors paint a magnificent canvas of autumn on Mt. Daisen, and we hope that you will enjoy the unique autumn leaves of Mt. Daisen with your own eyes. 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Daisen https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121369-d1373369-Reviews-Mt_Daisen-Daisen_cho_Saihaku_gun_Tottori_Prefecture_Chugoku.html

Autumn Leaves at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Official] Autumn Foliage at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park" (【公式】国営武蔵丘陵森林公園　園内の紅葉の様子), was uploaded by "Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park" (国営武蔵丘陵森林公園). The video features aerial footage taken via drone showing the beautiful autumn leaves of Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park. The mascots Shin-kun and Rin-chan, as well as a pirate ship, welcome visitors at the central entrance plaza, and from there they pass through Yamada Onuma Pond, where many birds gather, to the beautifully colored maple garden, followed by an installation with beautiful artwork made of bamboo and wood, created by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. The beautiful 3-minute video is sure to captivate. Be sure to check out the video before reading further! Attractions & Things to Do at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Photo：Activities at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, Japan's first national park, was developed in Hiki Hills (比企北丘陵) in Saitama Prefecture as part of the Meiji Centennial Anniversary Temple Project. Its vast site approximately 755 acres. In addition to the magnificent natural beauty of the park, visitors will enjoy Pompoko Mountain, the largest outdoor trampoline in Japan, an athletic course, and a dog run where dogs can run around freely. There are also other facilities and areas for the whole family to enjoy, such as a 17-kilometer bike path for enjoying nature, orienteering, and Segway tours through the park's natural surroundings. Due to the vast size of the park, there are four entrances (West, North, South, and Central), and each entrance offers a variety of different facilities. There are also restaurants, stores, and other paid facilities, but admission is free for children of junior high school age and younger, and ¥450 for adults. The Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Photo：Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, Saitama Prefecture Beautiful autumn leaves can be seen at various places at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park. One of the most famous spots is the maple garden. About 500 maple trees of some 20 varieties are gathered here, and the red, yellow, orange, and even somewhat pink colors make it a popular spot. [Video] 1:06 - Autumn Leaves at the Maple Garden From mid-late November, when the autumn leaves are at their best, an illumination event called Momiji Minaito, which lights up the autumn leaves, is held. The park is brightly illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy a unique nighttime views. Also, at the same time, an art exhibition using bamboo and wood by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, is held. [Video] 2:02 - An Installation by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Enjoy art and beautiful autumn leaves in one place. More Than Just Autumn Leaves! Information on Seasonal Flowers at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park! Photo：Blue skies and nemophila at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is home to beautiful flowers in every season, and the most popular spring flowers blooming from March to May are the nemophila (baby blue eyes). The West Gate Plaza Flower Garden, where the nemophila bloom, is covered with baby-blue flowers. False anemone and sunflowers can be seen blooming from June to August. Visitors can enjoy the yellow, white, red, and chocolate-colored sunflowers. The anemone should be viewed up close in order to appreciate the beauty of the pretty white flowers. From September to November, visitors can enjoy cockscomb and cosmos, which are representative of autumn in Japan. Cockscomb flowers are characterized by their vivid red, yellow, and pink colors. Cosmos, a representative flower of autumn in Japan, can be seen in the herb garden. During the colder months from December to February, hellebores and other flowers are can be seen in full bloom. Enjoy the dignified beauty of flowers in winter. Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is a place of tasteful art installations where beautiful flowers bloom throughout the year. We recommend visiting the park in different seasons to see the various flowers. Illuminations and Other Events at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Photo：An illumination event at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park In addition to the outstanding autumn leaves, many events are held at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park. Mori no Halloween (Halloween Night in the Forest) features Halloween decorations, and in December there's a "Starlight Illumination," where the park is decorated with approximately 550,000 illuminated bulbs. Both of these events allow visitors to stroll through the park at night, enjoying the fantastic nighttime scenery. Other physical activities, such as walking events in the forest and marathons are also held, so be sure to check these out as well. Summary of Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is a national park where beautiful autumn leaves can be seen in the fall. Unfortunately, no amount of video can do it justice, so we recommend coming and seeing it for yourself! In addition to the autumn leaves at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, visitors can admire a variety of flowers and experience physical exercise while surrounded by nature. Playing outdoors with your family will be a fun and memorable experience. If you're coming to Saitama, be sure to check out Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park! 【Official Website】Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park｜The First National Park in Japan 【TripAdvisor】Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park

Video introduction of "Sengokuhara Susuki Meadow" in Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture This video, titled "Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field - Kanagawa - 4K Ultra HD" (Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field - Kanagawa - 仙石原すすき草原 - 4K Ultra HD), was uploaded by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." Enjoy the beautiful 4K visuals and the sound of pampas grass swaying in the wind as if you were standing in the pampas grass field of Sengokuhara. Sengokuhara – A Famous Place for Viewing Pampas Grass in Hakone, Kanagawa Photo：The pampas grass field of Sengokuhara, Hakone The pampas grass field of Sengokuhara is located on Mt. Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, in Japan's Kanto region. It is one of the "Top 50 Scenic Spots in Kanagawa" and "Top 100 Places to View Flowers in Kanagawa," and is well known for its pampas grass. At the foot of Mt. Daigatake, which was formed by the eruption of Mt. Hakone, lies a field of pampas grass, and in autumn, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of golden plumes rippling in the wind. The fantastic scenery of the Sengokuhara pampas grass field has attracted a lot of attention and draws a large number of tourists every year. The Field of Pampas Grass in Hakone – When to See the Breathtaking Autumnal Scenery Photo：The walking path through the pampas grass field of Sengokuhara, Hakone The golden pampas grass in the field in Sengokuhara is at its best from late September to early November. The lush green tips of pampas grass turn a silvery-white, and as autumn deepens, the tips open up and turn a pale golden color. The beautiful golden color of the pampas grass field, which can only be seen during autumn in Japan, is a distinctive sight of autumn in Hakone. The main walking route for the pampas grass field is to go straight along the path and back, which takes about 30 minutes round-trip. The path through the grassy field is great for taking photos as well. [Video] 0:05 - Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field Walking Path At the midpoint of the path, visitors can enjoy a lovely collaboration of mountains and the soft tips of the pampas grass. The view from the small hill in the middle of the path is another nice spot, perfect for taking pictures. The best times to visit are in the morning and at dusk, when there are few people around. The photogenic golden pampas grass glistening in the sunlight and the setting sun are guaranteed to be make for awesome photos for Instagrammers and photographers alike. The Pampas Grass Field of Sengokuhara During Summer Sengokuhara's pampas grass field is of course famous for its pampas grass in autumn, but other seasons also have their own unique charms. In early summer, around June, visitors can enjoy the lush green landscape of the meadow that has grown back after the annual burn in the spring. The sight of the newly sprouted green pampas grass swaying in the wind is a different aesthetic than that of autumn. The green pampas grass and blue skies are a perfect contrast, and photographers/Instagrammers can take some delightful photos during this time as well. Spring at Sengokuhara – A Fiery Event on the Pampas Grass Field In the pampas grass field of Sengokuhara, an event called Yamayaki is held from mid to late March every year. Yamayaki, meaning "Mountain burning," is an annual event to maintain the pampas grass field. By burning the dead grass, it prevents the growth of weeds in the field and helps to return the meadow to its youthful appearance. The event is held in the mild spring weather, and spectator seating is available as well. The crackling fire and the intense heat are definitely worth a trip to Hakone. How to Get to Sengokuhara's Pampas Grass Field + Parking & Lunch Photo：Hakone-Yumoto Station To get to Sengokuhara's pampas grass field, take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Togendai from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Sengokogen (~30 mins). If going by car, free parking and paid parking are available in the immediate vicinity of the pampas grass field. A temporary free parking lot is also available from September 1 to November 30 every year during the pampas grass' peak viewing period. For lunch, we recommend trying the soba restaurant Hoshinoan (そば処 穂し乃庵, Soba-dokoro Hoshinoan) by the Sengokuhara pampas grass field. In the midst of the refreshing pampas grass field, you can enjoy the seasonal flavors and unique dishes made from the best ingredients while gazing out at the field of pampas grass. Summary of Sengokuhara's Pampas Grass Field The area around the Sengokuhara pampas grass field is home to numerous tourist attractions, including art museums, and its hot springs, characterized by their cloudy white water, are also popular. In particular, the hot springs of the Hakone Ichinoyu Group, which currently has 10 facilities in Hakone, are well known as affordable accommodations in Hakone, and feature dreamy open-air guest rooms as well. Let the warmth of the hot springs wash away your fatigue. Sengokuhara's pampas grass field is easily accessible from central Tokyo, as it's located just a short 2-hour and 15-minute bus ride from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo via the Odakyu Hakone Express Bus. If taking this route, be sure to get off at the Sengokukogen bus stop. Enjoy a visit to see the spectacular golden landscapes of autumn in Hakone! 【TripAdvisor】Sengokuhara https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298171-d1514732-Reviews-Sengokuhara-Hakone_machi_Ashigarashimo_gun_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Norikura Kogen" in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Autumn Foliage Video Introduction This video, titled "Autumn Colors in Japan｜Autumn at Norikura Kogen" (日本の紅葉　Autumn Colors in Japan　乗鞍高原の秋), was uploaded by "beaphoto1. The video introduces the spiritual and ephemeral autumn scenery of Norikura Kogen (Norikura Highlands), a place visited by large numbers of people every year for its legendary autumnal colors. The beauty on display is such that you'll forget all about time for the entirety of the 1-minute video. We're sure that when you're done watching you'll be itching to visit Norikura Kogen! Where is Norikura Kogen? Basic Tips for Sightseers Photo：Autumn leaves at Norikura Kogen, Nagano Prefecture Located in Matsumoto, Nagano in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, and on the eastern side of the Northern Alps' southernmost area, the Norikura Kogen highlands are a popular sightseeing spot, and are lively in all seasons, with visitors making the trip for a variety of reasons. In the summer, you can escape the heat while camping or stay at one of the bed and breakfasts in the area. As summer gives way to fall, mountain climbing becomes a popular pastime, and in the winter, skiing and other winter sports can be enjoyed here. Also, the hot springs bursting forth from several locations in the area can be enjoyed no matter the season. Furthermore, if you're looking to get your fill of the great outdoors, no trip to Japan's Northern Alps would be complete without a visit to Norikura Kogen Holiday Village (休暇村乗鞍高原, Kyuka-mura Norikura Kogen). Situated 1600m above sea-level, it's perfect for stargazing and early morning walks, and there are even activities for enjoying nature with fellow travelers that anyone can participate in at their leisure. The views of the night sky here are truly unforgettable. Take your time and enjoy the boundless nature of Japan's Northern Alps at Norikura Kogen Holiday Village! When Is the Best Time to See the Autumn Foliage at Norikura Kogen? Photo：Ichinose Park, Norikura Kogen Autumn means autumn leaves, and the best time to see those at Norikura Kogen is from mid-late October. During this period, sightseers converge on the area for a glimpse of Norikura Kogen's autumn foliage. At one of the most famous spots, Ichinose Park (一の瀬園地, Ichinose-enchi), the reflection of Mt. Norikura (乗鞍岳, Norikura-dake) on the water's surface contrasts with the autumn leaves to create a spiritual atmosphere. [Video] 0:10 - Autumn Leaves and the Reflection of Mt. Norikura Even the more indoorsy people will find themselves enjoying hiking around Ichinose Park. Take a leisurely walk and admire the white birch forests, Zengoro Falls, Organ Bridge (オルガン橋, orugan-bashi) which spans the mountain stream, and the seasonal flowers that can be found in the area. The giant maple tree shown in the video is popular with photographers as a superb photo spot, so don't forget your camera! [Video] 0:31 - Giant Maple Tree Norikura Skyline/Echo Line aka Paradise in the Sky Photo：Norikura Skyline, Korikura Kogen You'll feel like you're coasting through the sky at Norikura Skyline/Echo Line. The word "Skyline" makes it sound like somewhere you'd go by car, but since this is a place to enjoy nature as well as gorgeous views while gliding through the sky, personal vehicles are prohibited in order to protect the environment and prevent traffic. If you're planning to visit by car, you'll need to switch to a bus at some point. For further details, check the Hida-Norikura Tourism Association's (飛騨乗鞍観光協会, Hida Norikura kanko kyokai) home page. Summary of Sightseeing at Norikura Kogen Norikura Kogen is brimming with fantastical views, including autumn leaves and giant maples, and has come to be known as a Paradise in the Sky. It's great for instagrammers and photographers alike, too. Why don't you add Norikura Highland to the candidate sites when you travel to Nagano? Norikura Kogen is also rife with facilities, including day-trip hot spring facilities, but there's so much to see and do that we encourage you to stay the night and take your time enjoying the superb views. So let go of some of that stress and charge your batteries with the help of Mother Nature. [TripAdvisor] Norikura Kogen https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298118-d1372942-Reviews-Norikura_Kogen-Matsumoto_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Video introduction of rural landscape of Aizuwakamastu City, Fukushima Prefecture To us Japanese, our staple food is rice. And where there is rice, there are rice paddies! You'll be completely absorbed by the view of the rice paddies during the autumn season that the 4K video “Japan Rice Paddies in autumn afternoon-views of rice paddies before the autumn sunset 4K (Ultra HD)（Japan Rice Paddies in autumn afternoon - 田んぼの風景・秋の夕暮れ前 4K (Ultra HD)）” has to offer. The place where they shot the footage is the paddy field area in Aizuwakamastu of the Fukushima prefecture, in the rice-producing district of Japan's Tohoku region. From the beginning of the video, you can see the Japanese pampas grass around the rice paddy, and from 1:19, the ears of rice slowly being colored into a golden hue can be seen as well. The singing of the insects combined with the melody of the nearby river also relaxes the mind and makes you feel at peace. These kind of rural landscapes aren't uncommon in Japan either. The most Instagrammable, breathtaking sights to behold are the “Senmaida” and the “Tanada”, which are rice paddies or rice terraces that are cut into the steep mountain slope in a stair-like shape. This miraculous scenery is the crystallization of the wisdom of our ancestors. How Much Do You Know About Japan’s Paddy Fields? Photo：Rural landscape The scenery of Japan’s rice paddies is said to be the absolute perfection of inner peace and relaxation. However, how much do you know about Japan's rice paddies? The scientific name for Japanese rice is "Japonica rice" and as you've probably guessed, it originates from Japan. In the history of paddy field cultivation, Indica rice was cultivated in Southeast Asia. However, this rice is different from Japonica rice. The rice eaten in the present day, which has a special characteristic that makes it suitable for the Japanese climate, has a long history of agriculture in Japan. Photo：Rural landscape So, we will now introduce some basic knowledge about the rice paddies of Japan. First of all, the map symbol of a rice paddy is 2 lines. This symbolizes the “Aze” (the furrow between the paddy fields). The rice paddy is thought to be part of an idyllic scenery of nature. However, it is a man-made agricultural land formation, and the furrows are man-made paths between each rice paddy so people can work on the fields. Between the furrow and the rice paddy, there are waterways that help manage water. Paddy fields are measured in units called “Tan” and 1 Tan is about 991.74 square meters big. Rice Paddies and the Divine Photo： White rice Shinto is an original religion of Japan and deifies nature. The highest object of worship is the Emperor. Every year in November, there is The Niiname Festival(新嘗祭,Niiname-sai), held in the Imperial palace, in which the emperor prays for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. During this time, grains that are harvested from a lucky direction as designated through divination, will be eaten by both the Emperor and Empress. As you can see, for Japan, planting rice is not just an act of agriculture; it has significant cultural relevance as well, and rice was also used to pay annual tribute (presently known as taxes) in the past. Therefore, rice paddies were an important infrastructure that have supported the very heart of Japan since ancient times. How to Make Paddy Fields Photo：Rice planting Rice cultivation is in autumn. Depending on the region, however, usually the preparation of rice beds and seedlings start around March. There are many things that need to be done to prepare for rice planting as well: repairs on furrows, spreading of fertilizer, plowing and irrigating the fields ( to prevent damage from weeds or water leakage), filling the paddies with water, and then finally planting the rice seedlings. Come summertime, weed killers and pesticides are used to manage the growth of the rice, and in autumn the rice is harvested, some made into seedlings again, and the rest is threshed and put on a rice rack to dry. Referred to as "tilling", this act involves creating hills and soil beds in the rice field, as well as creating ice-field furrows and dams. In the modern day, much of the work is mechanized, however, in the past this was all done by hand. Summary of Japan’s rice paddies Photo：Rice paddy in Summer A rice paddy and a regular farm field are very different in terms of plowing, and grains other than rice are made in regular fields but not in rice paddies. That just goes to show how special of a crop rice is to the Japanese people. Also, because rice paddies are abundant with water, many living creatures gather near them, such as the aquatic stink bug, the diving beetle, the pond snail, and sparrows. Sometimes damage to crops does occur, however, there is a very rich ecosystem within the paddy fields. Recently, the aging of the rice farmers has led to many rice fields being fallowed. The original scenery of Japan, “Sunset on the rice paddies” is an incredible view that we want to preserve for future generations.

Sightseeing Video Introduction of Eikando Zenrinji Temple, Kyoto, Japan This video, titled "Eikan-do Zenrin-ji" (もみじの永観堂（禅林寺）Eikan-do Zenrin-ji / 京都いいとこ動画), was released by "KyotoiitokoVideo." The popular Eikando Zenrinji Temple introduced in the video, located in Sakyo ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture in Japan's Kansai Region, is regarded as one of the top temples to visit in Kyoto. If you're visiting Kyoto during fall, Eikando is the perfect place to take some photos of the beautiful autumn foliage to share on Instagram! The Origins and History of Eikando Photo：Fall Colors at Eikando Zenrinji Temple, Kyoto Eikando is the head temple of the Seizanrinjiha branch of Jodo buddhism (浄土宗西山禅林寺派) and was founded in the early Heian Period (794 AD - 1185 AD) by the Japanese Buddhist monk Shinsho (真招), a disciple of the great Buddhist teacher Kukai (Kobo Daishi). The temple is formally known as "Zenrinji," with the honorific mountain name "Shojuraigosan" (聖衆来迎山), however, in the middle of the Heian Period it came to be known as Eikando after the head Buddhist monk "Yokan" (永観) who trained there. The statue of Amida (Amitabha) is said to have come to life, turned its head and called out to Yokan while he was practicing in Zenrinji temple. You can see the famous statue of Amida, known as Mikaeriamida, in the temple even to this day. Treasures of Eikando temple Photo：Eikando Zenrinji Temple, Kyoto Eikando Zenrinji Temple was once considered one of Kyoto's Kangakuin (Academic Halls) and has long been a center of learning. Many treasures and cultural assets can be found here, such as the "The Descent of Amida Over the Mountain" (絹本著色山越阿弥陀図); a colored silk painting, "Kondorengemonkei" (金銅蓮華文磬); a gilt bronze gong with lotus flower design, as well as the temple hall, stone garden, temple gates, bell, and mausoleum which have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Eikando Video Highlights Photo：Eikando Zenrinji Temple , Illuminated Autumn Leaves Eikando is one of the most popular spots for viewing the autumn foliage in Kyoto, with over 3,000 maple trees standing on its grounds. From 1:38 in the video, you can see Iwakaki Momiji (岩垣もみじ), a spot which is popular for its amazing scenery. In fall, the spiral staircase "Garyuro" (臥龍廊) takes on a different appearance as it's lit up at night. You can also enjoy the equally stunning scenery of the green-leaved maple trees in summer. Eikando Introductory Video Summary Photo：Eikando, Kyoto The colored leaves of the maple trees at Eikando Zenrinji are a must-see on your trip to Kyoto! After taking a look around the grounds, make sure to receive a "go-shuin" seal stamp from the temple! You can also for for a walk along the famous walking path "Tetsugaku no michi" (哲学の道, The Philosopher's Path) which is located near the temple. Other popular spots within walking distance from Eikando include Honenin Temple (法然院), Shinnyodo Temple (真如堂), Konkai-komyoji Temple (金戒光明寺), and Kawaramachi (河原町). ◆Eikando Zenrinji General Information◆ 【Address】48 Eikandocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8445 【Access】A 3-minute walk from the Nanzenji Eikandomichi (南禅寺永観堂道) bus stop (bus departs from JR Kyoto station (JR京都駅) 【Admission Fee】Adults - 600 yen, Elementary/Junior-High/High school students - 400 yen 【Hours】9am - 5pm 【Closures】Open year round 【Parking】None 【Telephone】075-761-0007 【Official Website】Eikando Temple http://www.eikando.or.jp/English/index_eng.html 【Tripadvisor】Eikando Zenrinji Temple https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d479881-Reviews-Eikando_Zenrinji_Temple-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Autumn Leaves at the Hoheikyo Dam in Sapporo, Hokkaido: Video Introduction This video, titled "A Place to View the Autumn Leaves｜Hoheikyo Dam｜Jozankei, Sapporo, Hokkaido｜4K" (紅葉スポット 豊平峡ダム　北海道札幌市定山渓　Hoheikyo Dam　4K), was uploaded by "M Channel." There are many prominent tourist attractions in Sapporo, Hokkaido, but one famous for its autumn leaves is the Hoheikyo Dam, located on Lake Jozan. This video features the beautiful colors of nature at Hoheikyo Dam in autumn. Be sure to check it out to see the breathtaking autumn leaves of Hokkaido, Japan! Characteristics and Attractions of the Hoheikyo Dam, Where Lake Jozan Is Located Photo：Hoheikyo Dam, Sapporo, Hokkaido Hoheikyo Dam, located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, is a 102.5-meter-tall arched concrete dam that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Water Resources and Top 100 Dammed Lakes in Japan. Since general vehicles are not allowed to enter, hybrid electric buses operate from the entrance of the dam to Hoheikyo Park. [Video] 0:33 - Hybrid Electric Buses at Hoheikyo Dam The observation deck is a viewpoint that offers breathtaking scenery and spectacular views throughout Japan's four seasons. If the weather is good, you can see a rainbow form in the water released from the dam. The dam discharge times are as follows. [June - Oct.] Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM [June, Sept., Oct.] Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM [July, Aug.] Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Hours may vary by season, so please check the website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in advance. [Video] 2:33 - Water Being Discharged from Hoheikyo Dam When to See the Autumn Leaves at the Hoheikyo Dam Photo：Late autumn at Hoheikyo Dam, Sapporo, Hokkaido The leaves at Hoheikyo Dam usually begin to change color in late September, and the best time to view the autumn foliage is from early to mid-October. However, during peak season, the surrounding roads become congested, parking lots fill up, and one-hour waits become very common. Some places have time limits, so it is recommended to visit first thing in the morning when the autumn leaves are in season. [Video] 1:14 - Autumn Leaves at Hoheikyo Dam A Hoheikyo Onsen Specialty! Delicious Indian Curry! At Hoheikyo Onsen, a 13-minute drive from Hoheikyo Dam, there are day-trip hot springs and campgrounds, as well as canoeing experiences and barbecue facilities. One of the must-try foods at Hoheikyo Onsen is Indian curry. It has a nice texture and delicious flavor! The Indian curry, made with carefully selected naan, dozens of spices, and onions, is a superb dish that once eaten is unforgettable, and many repeat customers come back for more. There are five levels of spiciness to choose from, so you can select the spiciness that suits you best. If you're a fan of spicy foods, maybe try the hottest level? It takes about 80 minutes to reach Hoheikyo Onsen from the Sapporo Station bus terminal, and a free shuttle bus is available from Makomanai Subway Station, making it easily accessible. If you visit Hoheikyo Dam for sightseeing, definitely sit down for some lunch in the area! Summary of Sightseeing at the Hoheikyo Dam Photo：The observation deck at Hoheikyo Dam, Sapporo, Hokkaido Hoheikyo Dam is not only famous for its colorful autumn leaves, but also for the picturesque reflections that can be seen on the lake. They're super photogenic and look great on Instagram as well. The water being discharged from the dam also makes for great photos as well. In addition, there's a free lift car to the rest house, which takes you to the lookout point in just a minute! That being said, it's not that far, so you can go there on foot as well. There's also a well-maintained promenade and a viewing platform, making it possible to enjoy the scenery with a nice hike. Autumn here is spectacular, but consider visiting in other seasons as well! 【TripAdvisor】Hoheikyo Dam https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298560-d14802021-Reviews-Houheikyou_Dam-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html

Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano, Japan: Video Introduction Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "[4K] Mysteriously Spectacular Views｜Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond - (shot on BMPCC6K)" ([4K] 神秘の絶景 天空の湖 白駒池の紅葉 - Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond - (shot on BMPCC6K)), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." Shirakoma Pond in Nagano Prefecture is known for its beautiful autumn foliage. The reflection of the colorful trees on the surface of the lake is so beautiful you'd only expect to see it in a painting. Shirakoma Pond is blessed with abundant nature, and is a popular location for hiking as well. The pond is a popular tourist spot that attracts many visitors throughout the year because of its wonderful scenery that changes with the seasons, especially during autumn. Enjoy the beautiful contrast of between the green, yellow, and fiery red autumn leaves reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake in this 2-minute long 4K video. Where is Shirakoma Pond? Location of the Pond in Nagano Famous for Its Autumn Leaves Photo：Shirakoma Pond from Takami-ishi, Nagano Prefecture Shirakoma Pond is located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture, on the border between the towns of Koumi and Sakuho. Located on the Yachiho Highland (Yachiho Kogen) at an elevation of 2,115m (~6,900 ft), Shirakoma Pond is the highest and largest natural lake in Japan. The pond is also known for its extremely high transparency, allowing visitors to see as deep as 5.8 meters below the surface. Shirakoma Pond is easily accessible despite its location on the Yachiho Highland. With a well-maintained promenade, it's becoming a popular tourist attraction. When to See Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond – Best Season and Photo Spots Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture The area surrounding Shirakoma Pond is known as one of Japan's three largest virgin forests, and during autumn, when the leaves change color, the virgin forest, filled with azaleas, birch trees, and maples, changes color to brilliant shades of red and yellow. Every year, the area is crowded with tourists who come to view the autumn foliage. If you're planning to visit Shirakoma Pond, autumn is definitely the best season to come so you can see the beauty of the autumn leaves. In the high elevation areas of Japan's Chubu region, the best time to view the autumn leaves is from late September at the earliest, and from early October on an average year. Since the forecast for autumn leaves at elevations above 2,000m is said to be largely unchanged, the best time to view the autumn foliage at Shirakoma Pond in 2023 is expected to be from late September to mid-October. During autumn, when the leaves are in season, Shirakoma Pond is crowded tourists. If you're looking to take photos, there are two great spots in front of the mountain lodges "Shirakoma-so" (白駒荘) and "Seitai-so" (青苔荘) that overlook the lakeside area. The two lodges, situated on opposite sides of Shirakoma Pond, are well known for their sunrises and sunsets which can be photographed together with the pond in the foreground. Hiking at Shirakoma Pond! Photo：The moss forest around Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture There are several hiking trails around Shirakoma Pond that can be enjoyed even by beginner hikers. We recommend the route from Shirakoma Pond (白駒池) to Takami-ishi (高見石), which has a minimal elevation change and can be easily hiked. The hike takes about 2 hours and departs from the Shirakoma Pond parking lot. The hike proceeds along a trail on which hikers can admire the beautiful mosses growing in the area. Once you reach a fork in the road, head toward Takami-ishi Lodge (高見石小屋). After hiking up behind Takami-ishi Lodge, you'll arrive at Takami-ishi. From Takami-ishi, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Japan's Northern and Central Alps and Shirakoma Pond. After admiring the view, descend from Takami-ishi toward Shirakoma Pond. Follow the boardwalk circling the mystical Shirakoma Pond before returning to the parking lot to end the hike. Although the trail around Shirakoma Pond is well maintained, it becomes slippery when it rains. When visiting Takami-ishi, a series of rock formations, in particular, extreme care should be taken to avoid injury or accidents. Please be prepared to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that are easy to move in, and check the weather before you go out. Additionally, because the area around Shirakoma Pond is mountainous, temperatures can vary greatly. Please bring warm clothes to adjust for the temperature changes. After enjoying hiking in the magnificent nature of Nagano, we recommend taking a breather at one of the hot spring resorts in the area. The Shirakoma Pond area is dotted with facilities where you can enjoy hot springs and take in the beautiful scenery. It's a great way to relax after a nice day of hiking. Camping at Shirakoma Pond Photo：The tent campsite at Takami-ishi Lodge, Nagano Prefecture In addition to hiking and viewing the autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, there are also a few locations where you can enjoy camping. Seitai-so Seitai-so, the mountain lodge mentioned earlier, has a tent site located right next to it where you can set up a tent right by the lake. The tent site is available year-round and you can even enjoy a beautiful starry sky with a view of the pond frozen over in the winter. Keep in mind that the tent site is reservation only and all garbage must be taken with you when you leave. Lodge Hours: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. ※Hours may vary by season. Fee: The tent site is free of charge. General lodging starts at 5,500 yen/person for adults. Takami-ishi Another campsite is the Takami-ishi Tent Site, located beside Takami-ishi Lodge. Unlike the tent site at Seitai-so, Takami-ishi does not accept reservations, and is open to campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the owners of the lodge provide commentary about the stars at night on the terrace, and invite guests to join them to listen. While not located directly next to Shirakoma Pond, it's only about 10 minutes from the pond by car. Lodge Hours: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Fee: Tent site: 600 yen/person. General lodging starts at 5,500 yen/ person. Both of the above facilities also having standard accommodations as well, so if you want to stay the night and enjoy the starry skies and autumn leaves, but don't want to stay in a tent, you can always book a room in the lodges. Parking and Crowding at Shirakoma Pond During the Autumn Foliage Season Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture To get to Shirakoma Pond, it's best to use the parking lot on Route 299. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the pond on foot from the parking lot. That being said, because it's a famous spot for viewing the autumn leaves, more than 180,000 people visit Shirakoma Pond during the autumn foliage season, and the parking lot becomes incredibly crowded, especially on weekends. At the same time, many cars are entering and exiting the parking lot, resulting in heavy traffic congestion on the surrounding roads. The most crowded hours at Shirakoma Pond are between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekends and holidays. If you visit Shirakoma Pond to see the autumn leaves on a weekday, it may be better to go between 6:00 am and 9:00 am. On weekends and holidays, it might be smoother to go between 6:00 am and 8:00 am. However, in the past, there have been some reports that the parking lots were full as early as 9:00 am, so be sure to check the real-time parking conditions when visiting. For real-time information on congestion around Shirakoma Pond, you'll have the most luck using X(Twitter). Look up "白駒池" (Shirakoma Pond) in the X(Twitter) search box to check the latest tweets. It's also recommended that you check live cameras installed at the Shirakoma Pond parking lot. Access the official website of the Shirakoma Pond toll parking lot to view the live camera, which is updated every 5 minutes. This is useful for checking the status of the parking lot and the weather in real time. Although it is convenient to drive to Shirakoma Pond during the fall foliage season, you may want to consider using public transportation if you're trying to avoid crowds and traffic jams. Summary of Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture Shirakoma Pond, located in Nagano Prefecture and famous for its autumn foliage, is the highest natural lake in Japan at 2,115 meters above sea level. During the fall foliage season, the azaleas and birch trees change color beautifully, creating a picturesque landscape. The Shirakoma Pond area is also famous for its "moss forest," which is home to 485 species of moss. The best time to see the mosses is from mid-June to the end of July, after Japan's rainy season, and visitors can enjoy the moss forest until early November every year. We invite you to experience the mysterious beauty of Shirakoma Pond as expressed in the video. 【TripAdvisor】Shirakoma Pond

■Table of Contents The Nayoro Sunflower Festival, the most famous summer event in Nayoro (名寄市, Nayoro-shi), Hokkaido Introducing the Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival 2025 Nayoro Sunflower Festival event information Recommended Event #1: Sunflower Goods Market Recommended Event #2: Sunflower picking & wrapping Recommended Event #3: Photo spots in the sunflower field! About Nayoro, where the Nayoro Sunflower Festival is held Recommended spots to enjoy along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival Introducing spots for fun activities in Nayoro Airsoft Survival Game Canoe Cycling Introducing sightseeing spots in Nayoro Nayoro Munincipal Observatory Kitasubaru Sun Pillar Community Center Nayoro Health Forest (なよろ健康の森, Nayoro Kenkou no Mori) Nayoro Museum of the North (名寄市北国博物館 , Nayoro-shi Kitaguni Hakubutsukan) Roadside Station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro" Recommended Specialty Products for Nayoro Souvenirs Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Sunflower Oil Dressing Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Edible Chili Oil (Rayu) (Medium Spiciness) Local gourmet foods you should be sure not to miss when sightseeing in Nayoro Restaurants where you can eat sunflower oil pork, a local gourmet dish of Nayoro Soba Restaurant Benihana The Soul Food loved by Nayoro Residents! What is Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan? Introducing restaurants where you can eat Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan Restaurant Akagera Ajidokoro Toricho Western Izakaya Bistro Shoraku Kitchen Nagominiwa Nayoro Restaurant Minefuku 4season Recommended places to stay when visiting for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar Grand Hotel Fujika Hotel Bird Inn Hotel Mystays Nayoro New Fujiya Hotel Hotel Sunflower Sengiya Ryokan A list of articles introducing the Nayoro Sunflower Festival and recommended spots for sightseeing in Nayoro VIEW MORE The Nayoro Sunflower Festival, the most famous summer event in Nayoro, Hokkaido In Nayoro, where many sunflowers are grown, the entire city is covered in sunflowers! Every August, Nayoro's big summer event, the Nayoro Sunflower Festival is held at Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, and many people come to enjoy the wonderful scenery. This article will focus on information about the "Nayoro Sunflower Festival", a summer event held in Nayoro! In addition, various spots for activities, sightseeing spots, and local gourmet food throughout Nayoro city that you can enjoy when visiting for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival will also be introduced. This article will introduce the charms of Hokkaido's Nayoro city you may not have heard of, from its spectacular natural beauty to its popular tourist attractions! Please enjoy it until the end. Photo: "Sunflower field at Sun Pillar Park", Nayoro, Hokkaido Introducing the Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival At Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, around 300,00 sunflowers bloom over an area of about 3 hectares (around 0.6 the size of the Tokyo Dome). This park became famous nationally as the filming location for the movie "Stargazing Dog (星守る犬, Hoshi Mamoru Inu) "starring Toshiyuki Nishida, which was released in 2011. The film "The Destiny" starring Mickey Curtis was also filmed there in 2023. The highlight of Hokkaido Sunflower Park is "Sunflower Hill". You can see the city of Nayoro beyond a vast carpet of flowers! This beautiful scenery can be seen from 0:55 in the video. The sowing of the seeds is timed to ensure that the flowers are at their best for being seen around Mountain Day (August 11th). Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park Photo: Sunflower Field at Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park General Information 【Address】147 Nisshin, Nayoro City, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro station 【Blooming information】 The time of full bloom depends on the weather, but is usually around Mountain Day (August 11th). 【Parking】Available Event Information (Subject to change depending on the year) The Nayoro Sunflower Festival held at Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park is usually held from the first Saturday in August to the third Sunday after Obon, although it may change depending on the weather conditions of the year. The 2025 event will be held from Saturday, August 2 to Sunday, August 17, 2025. The Nayoro Sunflower Festival is a major summer event in Nayoro that attracts many tourists from outside Hokkaido! During the festival a variety of events are held, and along with the sight of many sunflowers blooming to face the open sky, you can see the smiling faces of many visitors! Photo: "Sunflower Tourist Information Center", Nayoro, Hokkaido Recommended Event #1: Sunflower Goods Market Sunflower goods are on sale at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center. At the Sunflower Tourist Information Center, which will be set up in the sunflower field for the duration of the event, Nayoro specialties such as sunflower oil and other agricultural products, and original goods such as limited edition T-shirts, will be on sale! Other popular items include "Shaved Strawberries", a sweet made from shaved frozen strawberries, shaved ice and grilled corn available at food stalls. Business hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the duration of the event. Photo: Goods for sale at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center Recommended Event #2: Sunflower picking & wrapping You can pick sunflowers blooming at the festival, wrap them at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center, and take them home with you! Available for sale from 9:00 AM to 18:00 PM for the duration of the event. Photo: Nayoro Sunflower Festival Sunflower picking and wrapping Recommended Event #3: Photo spots in the sunflower field! In the middle of the sunflower field, a yellow door that matches the sunflowers and a monument with the word "NAYORO" in large letters suddenly appears. Why not take out your camera and take a picture that will look great on Instagram or other social media? A photo that captures a moment of beauty is sure to become a wonderful memory. The yellow door can be seen at 1:48 and 2:17 of the video. Photo: Monument with the letters "NAYORO" Recommended Event 4: A New Café Opens in the Sunflower Field! In 2025, the "Sunflower Field Café" will open right in front of the sunflower field. We’ve prepared a relaxing menu that everyone—from children to adults—can enjoy. Additionally, on Saturday, August 9; Sunday, August 10; and Monday, August 11, 2025, you can enjoy a special experience of making your own original uchiwa (traditional Japanese fan). The Nayoro Sunflower Festival is an event beloved not only by locals, but by tourists from outside Hokkaido! Visitors can experience Hokkaido's nature, food and culture, all in a spectacular setting surrounded by beautiful sunflowers in full bloom! About Nayoro, where the Nayoro Sunflower Festival is held Nayoro, Hokkaido is a city located in the northern part of Hokkaido, with a population of around 25,000 people (as of October 31, 2023.) The name Nayoro comes from the Ainu language "Nai Oro Puto", meaning "The place where rivers meet." This is due to the fact that Nayoro is the meeting point of the Teshio river (天塩川, Teshiogawa) and Nayoro river (名寄川, Nayorogawa). Despite being surrounded by nature, Nayoro is well provided for with large commercial facilities, general hospitals, and a public transportation system, with Nayoro continuously placing highly in "Best Places to Live" rankings for Hokkaido. In recent years an increasing number of people from other prefectures have moved to Nayoro, and Nayoro has been making efforts to provide job and housing opportunities for those moving into the area. Access to Nayoro is as follows. ◆ Asahikawa Airport → Nayoro City (Around 94 minutes) Take a bus from Asahikawa Airport to Asahikawa Station (35 minutes), then take a limited express train from Asahikawa Station to Nayoro Station (59 minutes) ◆ Sapporo City → Nayoro City By car: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes from Sapporo city By train (limited express): Around two and a half hours Agriculture is a key economic activity in Nayoro, which produces a variety of specialties, from the largest production of sticky rice in Japan by both production volume and area, as well as green asparagus, pumpkins, potatoes, and sweet corn. In Nayoro, the temperature drops to around -20°C in February, visitors can see "diamond dust", a phenomenon where the water vapor in the air freezes to form small ice crystals that sparkle in the light of the sun. The "Sun Pillar", a phenomenon where diamond dust reflecting sunlight appears as a pillar of light, is a winter specialty of Nayoro. Photo: Diamond Dust Sun Pillar Recommended spots to enjoy along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival When visiting Nayoro to see the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, why not take a tour of the city? Here is an introduction of popular spots in Nayoro, such as spots for activities, sightseeing spots, and accomodations to recover from the fatigue of your journey! Along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, here are other activities to make your trip even more memorable! Introducing spots for fun activities in Nayoro Airsoft Survival Game A survival game played using airsoft guns that fire BB bullets can be enjoyed in Nayoro exclusively in the summer. The completely grass-covered field is located in the parking lot of the Pyashiri Ski Resort, and plywood panels, drum cans, scrap tires, etc. are scattered around the field to add excitement to the game. You can rent a complete set including an airsoft gun and necessary equipment, so you don't have to bring anything! Infrared guns and water guns are also available, so even small children can have fun. The field is also available for one-day private reservation by parties of up to 20 people! Photo: Airsoft Survival Game General Information 【Address】096-0066, Nisshin, Nayoro City, Hokkaido, Nayoro Pyashiri Ski Resort 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro station, or about 6 minutes by car from Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival 【Ages 】3 years and up 【Period】July to August (period may vary) 【Hours】Morning 9:00-12:00, Afternoon: 1:00-4:00 【Rental Contents】 Pack for empty-handed visitors: Airsoft gun, infrared gun, magazine, battery, clothing (poncho or jacket), goggles, face mask, gloves, BB bullets (around 2,000 rounds) Airsoft Survival Game (half-day experience) reservation page Airsoft Survival Game (1 day private reservation) reservation page Canoe Cycling "Canoe Cycling" is an activity featuring both bicycling and canoeing along the Teshio river. The Teshio river is the second longest river in Hokkaido (after the Ishikari river, 石狩川, Ishikarigawa), and the fourth largest in Japan. Canoe Cycling can be enjoyed during the summer period from early June to the middle of October, and the entire journey takes around three hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. While riding to the starting point for canoeing, cyclists can feel the beautiful breeze of Hokkaido's natural beauty. The canoe journey begins at the riverbank right after the cycling ends. Because 70% of the Teshio river basin is covered by forest, visitors are afforded a view of nature that cannot normally be seen. Local canoe guides will accompany visitors, so both beginners and families can participate with peace of mind. Photo: Canoe cycling General Information 【Ages】Elementary Students and up 【Period】Early June to Mid-October 【Meeting Area】 The 1st floor of Station Exchange Plaza Yorona Tourist Information Center Around 6 minutes by car from the Nayoro Sunflower venue Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park 1-10 Higashi 1-jo Minami 7-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0001 【Time requires】From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, around 180 minutes Canoe Cycling Reservation Page 【Meeting Location Map】 Introducing sightseeing spots in Nayoro Here are some of the must-see spots in Nayoro. If you enjoy these along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, you are sure to double the memories of your trip! Nayoro Munincipal Observatory Kitasubaru The Nayoro Munincipal Observatory Kitasubaru is an observatory with an attached planetarium, and is the second largest telescope in Japan that is available to the public. The planetarium features the latest digital planetarium equipment projected on a dome screen 8 meters in diameter! Since the planetarium also has a piano, concerts are sometimes held. Photo: Nayoro City Observatory Kitasubaru, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】157-1 Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Access】15 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Hours】 April-October: 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM November-March: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sun Pillar Community Center The central space of the Sun Pillar Community Center is a multipurpose hall, used as a curling hall in the winter and as a playground for light sports like ball pool and ping pong in the summer! Beginners must be accompanied by someone with experience to use the curling hall. Children's play equipment, including large equipment, is located near the main entrance and is available for use throughout the year. Photo: Sun Pillar community Center, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】147 Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 090-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Hours】 April to October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM May to September: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM November to March: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Nayoro Health Forest Nayoro Health Forest is a vast park with a total area of around 200 hectares, roughly 42 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. It is a facility designed to improve both health and motivation through sports and cultural exchange! In addition to sports facilities such as a 400-meter track for track and field events, a soccer field, and a 36-hole golf course park, walking trails are also available to be enjoyed by both children and adults! In winter, it offers one of the best cross-country ski courses in Hokkaido, and the area is crowded with officially recognized competitions and training camps. Photo: Nayoro Health Forest, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Aza Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro Station Nayoro Museum of the North The Nayoro Museum of the North is a facility where visitors can learn about the northern winter lifestyle and natural phenomena particular to the north, under the themes of "Winter, Snow and Cold". Visitors can experience the wisdom of our ancestors born from the harsh natural climate of the north. The "Kamuy Forest Corner" introduces the natural environment and culture of the Ainu. The Nayoro Museum of the North is surrounded by greenery, and from the gallery hall visitors can obsere nature and wild birds in each of the four seasons! There are also hands-on activities such as making shika-fue (traditional japanese bamboo flutes) and baking your own rice crackers, so why not make a reservation in advance and give it a try yourself? Photo: SL Snowplow at "Nayoro Museum of the North", Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】222 Midorigaoka, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0063 【Access】Six minutes by car from Nayoro station 【Official Website】Nayoro Museum of the North Roadside Station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro" Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro is a roadside station located at the southern entrance to Nayoro. The store is full of dependable, reliable agricultural products from Nayoro, products made using Nayoro's famous glutinous rice, special products such as sweets and soba made in Nayoro. At the restaurant "Kaze Yorimichi" visitors can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, such as 100% soba noodles or dishes made with local mochi. Photo: Roadside Station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro" Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】334-2 Nishimachi, furencho, nayoro, Hokkaido 098-0507 【Access】Ten minutes on foot from Furen Station Recommended Specialty Products for Nayoro Souvenirs Products made from sunflowers grown in Nayoro are especially recommended as special local product souvenirs for sightseers. These unique products are sure to please as souvenirs! If you bring them home for your own dining table, you may enjoy a meal that is a little different than usual. Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Photo: Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki The sunflower oil "Kita no Kagayaki" is made from 100% non-genetically modified sunflower seeds grown in Nayoro. It is a raw, first-pressed sunflower oil made without the use of food additives and using only the first oil to be pressed, letting the flavor, richness and minerals of of sunflower seeds be enjoyed to the fullest. Sunflower Oil Dressing Photo: Sunflower Oil Dressing This dressing utilizes the characteristics of Nayoro sunflower oil to the fullest and has no peculiar or unpleasant aroma. It is a versatile dressing that goes with a variety of dishes, such as salads or as a sauce for cold shabu-shabu. Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Edible Chili Oil (Rayu) (Medium Spiciness) Photo: Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Edible Chili Oil (Rayu) (Medium Spiciness) Fried garlic and fried onions are added to "Kita no Kagyaki" sunflower oil to give this rayu a savory aroma and texture. It goes well with rice and a variety of Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes, and its rarity makes it a popular souvenir. The products that have been introduced here are available for purchase at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center at the Nayoro Sunflower Festival venue. They are also available throughout the year at the roadside station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro", 「 the Nayoro branch of the Aeon shopping mall」and the gift shop Clim, which can be found on the first floor of Station Exchange Plaza Yorona. These products are also available as hometown tax return gifts. Local gourmet foods you should be sure not to miss when sightseeing in Nayoro Restaurants where you can eat Sunflower Field Pork, a local gourmet dish of Nayoro. "Sunflower Field Pork" is pork from pigs raised on a diet of the leftovers from locally grown sunflower seeds after their oil has been extracted. Sunflower Field Pork is characterized by its mild, refreshing taste and lack of oiliness. Photo: "Sunflower Field Pork", a local gourmet dish from Nayoro, Hokkaido Soba Restaurant Benihana The most popular item on the menu is the Cutlet and Rice (カツめし Katsumeshi), Meal Set, which includes "Sunflower Field Pork" covered in the restaurant's original sauce. Photo: "Cutlet and Rice Meal Set" at Soba Restaurant Benihana in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 4-jo Minami 4-chome, Nayori, Hokkaido, 096-0014 【Telephone】01654-3-3553 【Hours】11:AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM 【Access】14 Minutes on foot from Nayoro station When visiting Nayoro, a local gourmet dish you should be sure not to miss is "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan". Here the characteristics and history of Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan will be introduced, as well as restaurants where you can eat Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan. The Soul Food loved by Nayoro Residents! What is Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan? Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan is a home-cooked dish eaten in Nayoro that has been passed down as part of Nayoro's unique food culture since the early Showa era, and is the soul food of Nayoro. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan", a local delicacy of Nayoro, Hokkaido While regular Jingisukan is grilled, Nayoro is stewed in a butcher shop's secret signature sauce. Along with vegetables such as onions and Nayoro bean sprouts, other ingredients including rice cake, udon noodles, and fried tofu are used to soak up the flavor of the sauce. Jingisukan has long history in the Nayoro area. Sheep were valued for their wool's use as raw materials for military uniforms during the Taisho era, and bred in the Chiebun district of Nayoro, with the sheep tending including some 3,000 sheep at its height. Mutton had a strong odor and was initially thrown away without being used as food, but dipping the meat in sauce to remove the odor became popular in the Nayoro area in the early Showa era, and mutton began to be consumed, initially mainly among wool producers. Although sheep farming has ended in Nayoro since the latter half of 1955, Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan remains popular among Nayoro residents as a home-style dish throughout the year. There are six restauraunts in Nayoro that serve the town's original Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan! Introducing restaurants where you can eat Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan Restauraunt Akagera This restauraunt is located on the 1st floor of the Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar Lodging. The single-person pot "Stewed Jingisukan Set Meal" is very popular. Photo: "Stewed Jingisukan Set Meal" at "Restauraunt Akagera" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Telephone】01654-2-2131 【Hours】 Lunch 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Dinner 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM 【Access】15 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Official Website】 Restaurant Akagera Ajidokoro Toricho This long-established store has been in business for 75 years. Besides Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan, there are over 100 items on the menu, with yakitori and kamameshi (A type of rice cooked together with various ignredients) also being particularly popular. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "Ajidokoro Toricho" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 2-jo Minami 6-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0012 【Telephone】01654-2-2379 【Hours】5:00 PM to 11:00PM 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Western Izakaya Bistro Relax in a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere based on a wood-grain interior, where all dishes are handmade without the use of any ready-made products. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "Bistro" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Ogawa Building, 1F, 4-23-1 Nishi 4-jo Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0014, Japan 【Telephone】01654-2-0080 【Hours】5:30 PM to 10:00PM 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Shoraku Kitchen Nagominiwa Nayoro Enjoy a menu that focuses on Hokkaido-sourced ingredients, such as seafood directly delivered from Wakkanai. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "Restaurant Minefuku" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】3 Minami-cho, Furencho, Nayoro, Hokkaido 098-0505 【Telephone】01655-3-2308 【Access】4 minutes on foot from Furen Station 4season A snack bar with 12 counter seats and 16 box seats. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "4season" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 4-jo Minami 5-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0014 【Telephon】01654-3-4564 【Hours】8:00 PM to 1:00 AM 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Recommended places to stay when visiting for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival Here is a list of recommended accommodations for those visiting Nayoro for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival! Please contact each separate lodging facility for reservations or room rates. Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site The Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site is located within Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival. Besides the center house, there are also five cottages and twenty expansive lawn tent sites. The indoor play garden in the Sun Pillar Community Center contains a large playground where children can play free of charge. In the evening, visitors may also enjoy stargazing at night at the Nayoro Astronomical Observatory Kitasubaru, located within the park. There is a bathing facility called "Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar" just 10 minutes by car from Mori no Kyukamura, so you can recover from the fatigue of your journey with a sauna or bath. Photo: "Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site", Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro Station, within Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park 【Business Periods】 Summer Period: from April 29th/ October 31st Tent sites and cottages are available Winter Period: From November 1st to April 28th only cottages are available Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar "Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar" is the only hot spring facility in Nayoro, and the large public bath also includes a sauna. Visitors can stay there overnight, or just visit during the day to enjoy the hot springs. Photo: Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Telephone】01654-2-2131 【Access】15 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Official Website】Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar Grand Hotel Fujika The Grand Hotel Fujika has the largest number of guest rooms in all of Nayoro with 165 rooms in total, and is also located in the center of the city, making it a recommended lodging to use as a base for your travels. Photo: "Grand Hotel Fujika" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 5-jo Minami 4-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0015, Japan 【Telephone】01654-3-2323 【Access】5 minutes by car from Nayoro Station Hotel Bird Inn The Hotel Bird Inn, with its impressive, spacious entrance, is a hotel where all rooms are barrier-free. All twenty-one guest rooms are spaciously designed, and each room has its own separate bathroom and toilet space. Photo: "Hotel Bird Inn" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 2-jo Minami 4-chome, Nayori, Hokkaido, 096-0012 【Telephon】01654-9-4567 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Hotel Mystays Nayoro Hotel Mystays Nayoro, located right next to Nayoro shopping arcade, is a convenient hotel for both shopping and dining. Besides the large public bath, there is also a laundry area to provide peace of mind for long-term guests. Photo: "Hotel Mystays Nayoro" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】5-11 Nishi 3-jo Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0013 【Telephone】01654-8-8100 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station 【Official Website】Hotel Mystays Nayoro New Fujiya Hotel New Fujiya Hotel is conveniently located just a short two minute walk from Nayoro Station on the JR Soya main line. A complementary light breakfast service including bread, coffee and eggs is provided at no additional charge. Photo: New Fujiya Hotel, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】5-chome Odori Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0010 【Telephone】01654-2-2167 【Access】2 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Hotel Sunflower Hotel Sunflower has a distinctive yellow exterior, appropriate for a hotel in Nayoro, the city of sunflowers. Both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms are available, so please choose according to your preference. Photo: Hotel Sunflower, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】8-13-2 Odori Minami 8-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 090-0010 【Telephone】01654-3-2929 【Access】3 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Sengiya Ryokan Photo: "Sengiya Ryokan" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】9-1-1 Odori Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0010 【Telephone】01654-2-3254 【Access】5 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station A list of articles introducing the Nayoro Sunflower Festival and recommended spots for sightseeing in Nayoro Can you imagine the sight of 300,000 sunflowers in full bloom? Visitors can enjoy the unimaginably beautiful sight of a carpet of yellow sunflowers blooming under the big open sky and wide landscape at the Nayoro Sunflower Festival. The sights you see at the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, a cherished summer tradition of Nayoro, will surely remain in your heart for the rest of your life as a precious memory of your sightseeing in Hokkaido. Nayoro in Hokkaido has many spots for activities that you should be sure to try at least once, as well as a number of recommended sightseeing spots you should be sure to visit. Be sure to visit these other places as well as the Nayoro Sunflower Festival. Make great summer memories in Nayoro! If you are interested in sightseeing in Nayoro, be sure to check out the official website listed below as well as the "Cool Japan Video" account, which are both full of the latest information about Nayoro. 【Official Website】Official Nayoro Tourism and Town Development Association COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, a Social Networking Site Dedicated to the Beauty of Japan .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". 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■Table of Contents Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction A Brief Introduction to Hachioji An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The History of the Hachioji Festival Dashi no Buttsuke The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures Min'yo Nagashi Food Stalls and Vendors at the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Fireworks Festival Hachioji Festival 2023 Event Information August 1, 2025 (Friday) August 2, 2025 (Saturday) August 3, 2025 (Sunday) Other Things to Do in Hachioji How to Get to Hachioji Hachioji Festival Summary Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction This video, titled "Hachioji Festival Video Introduction" (八王子まつり紹介動画), was uploaded by "Hachioji Festival" (八王子まつり). The video introduces the Hachioji Festival, a famous summer festival in Hachioji, Tokyo, featuring 19 floats with elaborate carvings and gorgeous decorations parading along the Koshu Kaido, as well as an introduction to the floats and other attractions during the event in Japan's Kanto Region. Be sure to check out the video to see what the Hachioji Festival is like! A Brief Introduction to Hachioji Hachioji, located in western Tokyo, is the second largest city in the Tokyo Metropolis, with a population of approximately 580,000. The name of the city comes from the eight princes that are enshrined at Hachioji Temple, located at Hachioji Castle ('hachi' meaning 'eight,' and 'oji' meaning 'princes'). Hachioji was an important post town during the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.) and as such, the historic Koshu Kaido (a highway used by merchants during the Edo Period) can befound running through the town. Hachioji is famous for its delicious Hachioji Ramen and the beautiful Mt. Takao, which is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts from all over Japan and even abroad. An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival Photo：Hachioji Festival, Hachioji, Tokyo How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The Hachioji Festival is usually held around Koshu Kaido Road and on Nishihoshasen You Road (西放射線ユーロード). The main venue is the stretch from JR Hachioji Station Intersection to Oiwake Intersection (追分交差点) on the Koshu Kaido. Hachioji Station is located in the center of Hachioji, making it a convenient place to visit for sightseeing. The Hachioji Festival is held annually around early August. The exact dates and times vary from year to year, so it's recommended that you check the official Hachioji Festival website or tourist information when you visit. The dates for the 2025 event are Friday, August 1, Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3. It can be difficult to find a parking spot during the Hachioji Festival, so we recommend using public transportation. The History of the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Festival is a famous festival of Hachioji, Tokyo. Formerly known as the Hachioji Citizens' Festival, Hachioji Festival is famous as a traditional event that preserves the history of Hachioji and as one of the best dashi (float) festivals in Japan's Kanto Region. The origins of the Hachioji Festival can be traced back to the Hachioji Citizens' Festival that began in 1961. At the time, the festival was held in Fujimori Park as a way for the citizens of Hachioji to cool off during the hot summer. Today, the festival is held on the Koshu Kaido, a historic highway, and has become a major summer event that attracts many people from both inside and outside of the city. The dashi (float) festival, which has been held since the Edo Period (1603-1868), is especially popular among people from downtown Hachioji. The festival at Taga Shrine is called Kami no Matsuri (upper festival), and the festival at Hachiman-Hachioji Shrine is called Shimo no Matsuri (lower festival). Photo：A lion dance and ibayashi, Hachioji Festival In addition to the parade of gorgeous floats, the Hachioji Festival is characterized by a variety of events, including a folk song parade, lion dances, and ibayashi (a type of noh performance accompanied by hayashi), an ice sculpture exhibition, the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, and a children's ondo performance. [Video] 5:55 - The Children's Ondo Performance [Video] 7:06 - Min'yo Nagashi [Video] 8:41 - A Lion Dance and Ibayashi Miyamikoshi Togyo is a portable shrine procession that takes place during the festival in which a huge portable shrine called Sengan Mikoshi is carried throughout the city. The shrine weighs approximately 3 tons and its an exciting event to watch. During the evening there are also dance performances by geisha and maiko from Hachioji. [Video] 6:22 - A Dance Performance by Geisha and Maiko [Video] 8:03 - The 3-ton Mikoshi (Portable Shrine) Dashi no Buttsuke – A Musical Showdown During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Dashi no Buttsuke, Hachioji Festival Among the many highlights of the Hachioji Festival, one of the most popular is the Dashi no Buttsuke, a competition of beautiful floats. Dashi (Japanese festival floats) are huge, decorated carts that are pulled or carried by hand during festivals. The floats, which survived even the fires of wat, have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties by the city of Hachioji and are a reminder of the history and traditions of the festival. Dashi no Buttsuke, one of the most popular events during the festival, is a musical showdown between floats. Each float is from a different area, and when they pass by each other, they pull over to show their local pride through a musical duel. Each float plays their own hayashi (a type of Japanese festival music), but if they end up playing to the other's music, they lose the battle. When the floats appear on the streets of Hachioji, they are illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere. The 19 floats parading through the streets are a sight you don't want to miss! The power of the floats and the traditional musical showdown between each of them is great for taking photos and videos to share on Instagram and other social networking sites. [Video] 8:51 - The Parade Floats [Video] 9:21 - A Musical Battle Between Floats Photo：Yokoyama 3-chome float, Hachioji Festival The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Here, we'll introduce the floats of 19 towns that participate in the Hachioji Festival. ●Motohongo's Float This is a style of float built based on carts used before 1978. [Video] 10:21 - Motohongo's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Yagi's Float This float features an eye-catching carving of a giant eagle and a karahafu, a unique type of architecture often seen in Japanese castles, temples, and shrines. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 10:55 - Yagi's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Hiyoshi's Float This is the first float of its kind in Hachioji. Note the male and female peacock carvings on the front karahafu. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 11:28 - Hiyoshimachi's float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Oiwake's Float A two-tiered float built in 1914. What makes this float unique is the carvings of dragons on the panels. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:08 - Oiwake-machi float ●Hachimankami's Float This float was built in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). It's also called "Kurama no Dashi" (Float of Kurama) because it used to carry dolls of Kurama Tengu and Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It was extensively renovated in 1915, and has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:40 - Hachimankami's Float The video introduces the features and highlights of all the floats in an easy-to-understand manner, so please be sure to check it out. [Video] 12:01 - Okadomachi's Float [Video] 12:34 - Sennincho 1-chome's Float [Video] 14:15 - Hiraoka's Float [Video] 14:47 - Hachimancho 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 15:53 - Oyokocho's Float [Video] 16:26 - Yokamachi 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 17:00 - Honmachi's Float [Video] 17:34 - Kamiyokamachi's Float [Video] 18:06 - Minamishincho's Float [Video] 18:39 - Yokoyama 3-chome's Float [Video] 19:12 - Nakacho's Float [Video] 19:44 - Misaki's Float [Video] 20:19 - Moto-Yokoyama's Float [Video] 20:51 - Minamicho's Float In 2017, a total of 19 floats from different town councils lined up to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary. The sight of the illuminated floats all lined up in a row was incredible! Photo：Hachioji Festival floats 'Sengan Mikoshi' – A Powerful Event During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Sengan Mikoshi, Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi refers to a massive portable shrine. The name "Sengan Mikoshi" comes from the fact that the shrine is said to weighs as much as 1,000 kan (1 kan = 3.75 kg) or 3.75 tons. ※"Sen" means "one thousand" in Japanese. The sight of everyone working together to carry the Sengan Mikoshi, said to be one of the heaviest portable shrines in Japan's Kanto region, along the historic Koshu Kaido, is a spectacle in itself. The Sengan Mikoshi procession is held on the last day of the Hachioji Festival. Many portable shrines, led by the Sengan Mikoshi, parade through the streets of Hachioji. The mikoshi carriers wear matching costumes and shout loudly to liven up the festival. The solemn appearance of the mikoshi, the vigorous bearers, and the crowds of spectators that fill the streets are overwhelming. The Sengan Mikoshi is one of the largest and heaviest portable shrines in Japan, and many people work together to carry it. When you visit the Hachioji Festival, try to get a close look at it! [Video] 7:44 - The Portable Shrine Procession Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures – Popular Events at the Hachioji Festival Photo：Taiko drums, Hachioji Festival Two of the most popular and noteworthy events of the Hachioji Festival are the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle is an event in which taiko teams from Japan's Kanto region compete against one another. The teams compete to see who has the best taiko playing technique and performances. Visitors can enjoy listening to Japanese drum performances of various styles and genres. The sound of the taiko drums echoes across the land, resembling the beating heart of the festival. The audience is intoxicated by the roaring sound of the taiko drums, the excitement of the festival, and the brilliant baton work of the drummers. Source :Hachioji Matsuri, Hachinavi The Ice Sculpture Exhibition displays beautiful sculptures made of ice, and ice sculpting demonstrations are also popular. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the intricate techniques and fantastic creations of the ice sculptors, who skillfully carve the ice into a variety of shapes and designs. The cool, sparkling ice sculptures are a work of art that can only be seen for a limited time during the hot summer months. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition have become popular elements that add to the charm of the Hachioji Festival. Visitors enjoy the festival even more as they lose themselves in the power and rhythm of the taiko drums and are captivated by the beauty of the ice sculptures. [Video] 6:08 - Ice Sculpture Exhibition [Video] 6:44 - Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Min'yo Nagashi – The Hachioji Festival's Guinness World Record Bon Dance Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival Min'yo Nagashi, which has been certified as a Guinness World Record, is one of the many attractions of the Hachioji Festival. During the event, some 4,000 dancers in yukata gather along the 1.8-km-long Koshu Kaido and dance in unison. In August 2016, this annual event of the Hachioji Festival challenged the Guinness World Records for the largest number of people performing a bon dance. In the intense heat, 2,013 people formed a line and danced without missing a beat, and the event was successfully certified as a Guinness World Record. Food Stalls, Night Stalls, and Streets Vendors at the Hachioji Festival Approximately 230 stalls will be set up along the 2 km stretch of the Koshu Kaido from the north exit of Hachioji Station to Oiwake Intersection. Please note that the main event will be held on Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2, and no stalls will be set up around the north exit of Hachioji Station on Sunday, August 3. Stalls will be open from 12:00 to 21:00. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival, Another Popular Summer Event in Hachioji Photo：Hachioji Fireworks Festival Another popular summer event in Hachioji is the Hachioji Fireworks Festival. Every year, many spectators gather to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display that colors the summer night sky. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival will be held on July 26 (Sat.) in 2025. The venue is Fujimori Park. The night sky of Hachioji will be beautifully colored by approximately 3,500 fireworks of various types, including a rapid-firing series of starmines. What is the schedule for the three days of the Hachioji Festival in 2025? [Event Dates] August 1 (Fri.), 2 (Sat.) and 3 (Sun.), 2025 [Event Information] ■Every day during the event Period Photo：Ibayashi, Hachioji Festival ・Ibayashi performances Schedule: (Fri.) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, (Sat. & Sun.) 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Park Ichibangai Dori（パーク壱番街通り）, Ekimae Ginza Dori, opposite Textile Association（織物組合向い）, Joy 5th Avenue Dori, Kuwadou Terrace（桑都テラス）, Ekimae Terrace, opposite View Tower Hachioji ・Night stall Time: 12:00 - 21:00 Location：(Fri. and Sat.) Lower and Upper areas, (Sun.) Upper area only Photo：Hachioji Festival stall ・Night stalls Schedule: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm ■August 1, 2025 (Friday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :まえたけ's blog, Hachinavi ・Ice Sculpture Exhibition Schedule: 1:30 pm - 4:10 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Festival Eve Dance (Hachioji Geisha/Maiko) Schedule: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Nakamachi Park, Nishihoshasen You Road ■August 2, 2025 (Saturday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Photo：The Children's Ondo Performance, Hachioji Festival ・Children's Ondo Performance Schedule: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, Hachioji Festival ・Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Schedule: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival ・Min'yo Nagashi Schedule: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Kaohsiung, Taiwan Performance Schedule: 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm, 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：A festival float procession, Hachioji Festival ・Float and portable shrine parade Schedule: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ■August 3, 2025 (Sunday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Lion Dance Schedule: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road Source :Hachinavi's 'Enjoy the last day of the 2018 Hachioji Festival! Introducing numerous photos of the festival!' ・Kaohsiung, Taiwan Performance Schedule: 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm, 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Taga Shrine's portable shrine 'Sengan Mikoshi', Hachioji Festival ・Taga Shrine Sengan Mikoshi portable shrine parade Schedule: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Hachiman Yakumo Shrine portable shrine parade Schedule: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Upper ward area portable shrine parades Schedule: 6:10 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Festival float gathering, Hachioji Festival ・Upper ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:40 pm - Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float parades Schedule: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Other Things to Do in Hachioji There are a number of things to do in Hachioji besides the Hachioji Festival, and here we'll introduce a few. Enjoy the View From Mt. Takao Mt. Takao is a beautiful mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo. The mountain features 7 hiking trails, all of which offer different views of the mountain and the surrounding area. The night view from Mt. Takao is also superb, and from the southeast side of the mountain you can enjoy a view of Sagami Bay and Enoshima. Additionally, there is a cable car on the mountain as well, so less experienced hikers can enjoy the mountain without having to strain themselves. You can hike up or down and take the cable car for the other half of the trip, or if you don't feel like hiking at all, you can take it both ways. Takao Beer Mount Takao Beer Mount is a popular summer event in Hachioji that also takes place on Mt. Takao. The event features an all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink buffet. There are Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes served at the buffet, as well as craft beer from four different breweries in Hachioji. If you're planning on hiking up Mt. Takao and want to check out Takao Beer Mount as well, we recommend taking Trail 1, as most of the course is paved and it has rest areas as well. Try the Famous Hachioji Ramen Hachioji Ramen is a light, gentle, soy sauce-based ramen with chopped onions and fat floating in the soup. Although it's simple to make, it has been featured on many TV stations in Japan and is now a popular ramen from Hachioji, Tokyo. What makes Hachioji Ramen different from other ramen is the way the fat in the soup perfectly balances out the unique spiciness of the onions and enhances their flavor. The most common toppings for Hachioji Ramen are chashu (char siu, braised pork), nori (dried seaweed), and menma (bamboo shoots). There is an endless number of things to do in Hachioji besides the attractions listed above. You can enjoy Setsubun festivals in the spring or in the fall you can visit and view the beautiful autumn leaves. If you're looking for places to go in Tokyo, be sure to add Hachioji to your itinerary. How to Get to Hachioji If you're visiting Hachioji from Tokyo, it's incredibly simple. From Tokyo Station it's a straight shot to Hachioji Station via train. Take the JR Chuo Line rapid train bound for Otsuki and get off at Hachioji Station (1 hr.). Hachioji Festival Summary The Hachioji Festival is the largest festival in Hachioji. It's a festival that both children and adults can enjoy, with floats, dancing, musical performances, ice sculptures, and more. The Hachioji Festival is steeped in history and tradition, and in 2003 it was awarded the Grand Prize for Regional Traditional Performing Arts. The Hachioji Festival is so lively that it will help you forget the summer heat! 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Discover the Tranquil Beauty of Ukimido in Stunning 4K The YouTube video titled "Ukimido Mangetsuji Temple – Shiga – 満月寺 浮御堂 – 4K Ultra HD" offers a high-definition visual experience of the picturesque Ukimido in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. From the approach along the lakeside path and over the wooden causeway, to sweeping views of Lake Biwa from inside the hall, and the magical glow of sunset, this video takes you on a visual tour as if you were actually there. What Kind of Temple is Ukimido? Ukimido, officially known as the Kaimonzan Mangetsuji Temple, is a wooden Buddhist hall that extends over Lake Biwa. A walkway stretches from the shore to the temple, giving visitors the enchanting impression of the hall appearing to float on the water, transporting them to an extraordinary world. The temple’s origin dates back to the Heian period. The current structure was rebuilt in 1937 and underwent major renovations in 1982.The gentle presence of natural wood, the calming sound of the waves on the lake, and the tranquil atmosphere make for a serene place that soothes the soul. In spring, the hall is framed by cherry blossoms, while in fall the colorful foilage makes for a striking view. Sunset is especially spectacular, makking Umido a favorite location for photographers and sightseers alike. Photo: Kaimonzan Mangetsuji Temple, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture The Legend of High Monk Genshin and Ukimido Ukimido is steeped in legend, and particular associated with a story involving the renowned Heian-period monk Genshin (also known as Eshin Sozu.) Genshin is known for spreading Pure Land Buddhism in Japan and for his influential work, “Ojo Yoshu,” ("the Essentials for Rebirth"), which emphasizes the practice of reciting the name of Amida Buddha.One night, while gazing out over Lake Biwa from Yokogawa on Mount Hiei, Genshin saw a mysterious golden light appear above the lake. Curious, he went to the lakeshore and cast a fishing net into the water. To his amazement, he pulled a small golden statue of the Amida Buddha from the lake. Believing it to be a manifestation of Amida’s vow to avoid harming all living things, he enshrined the statue as the temple’s principal image and carved 1,000 Amida statues to place in a hall he had built over the lake offering them as a prayer for the souls of the fish whose lives had been taken. The hall built over the lake for the repose of the fish's souls is said to be the place we now know as Ukimido. This legend of the temple's origin has been passed down through generations. Even today, the temple remains a place of deep reverence and spiritual importance for the local community. *Please note that this story is a legend passed down over generations and is not a verified historical fact. Photo: Ukimido at Kaimonzan Mangetsuji Temple, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture What is “Katata no Rakugan,” One of the Eight Views of Omi? Ukimido is also renowned as “Katata no Rakugan,” one of the “Eight Views of Omi”, a classic set of scenic landscapes chosen during the Edo period. This iconic scene portrays a flock of wild geese descending over Ukimido at sunset, silhouetted against the still waters of Lake Biwa. capturing the serene and poetic beauty of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Photo: Scenic view of Lake Biwa, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture Ukimido has been immortalized in ukiyo-e prints by artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige and in many classical Japanese poems, earning high praise in the world of art and literature. Visiting in person, it is easy to understand why. The view of the lake reflecting the soft evening light makes for a transcendentally picturesque scene. The lake in Fall at sunset, in particular, offers a truly unforgettable experience. Sightseeing Spots Around Ukimido Several appealing sightseeing spots can be found within walking distance of Ukimido. Here are some recommendations where you can enjoy history, nature, and local cuisine: ■ Kozoku-no-Sato Museum (Museum of the Lake Warriors) ・Address: 1-21-27 Honkatata, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture ・Overview: Learn about the culture of the Katata-shū, a group of medieval boatmen, and the role of Lake Biwa in local commerce and transport. The museum features maps, documents, and historical displays. ・Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays) ・Admission: 200 yen (Free for high school students and younger) ・Official Website: https://www.kozokunosato.com/ ■ Izu Shrine ・Address: 1-19-26 Honkatata, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture ・Overview: The guardian shrine of the Katata area. It features a heart-shaped stone known for bringing good fortune, attracting visitors seeking blessings in love and wishes. ・Related Website: https://otsu.or.jp/en/thingstodo/spot186 ■ Wagashi Shop Kintokido ・Address: 2-11-31 Honkatata, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture ・Overview: A long-established Japanese confectionery store that sells traditional sweets, including dry confections inspired by “Katata no Rakugan.” Great for souvenirs. ・Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Tuesday and Sunday afternoons) ・Related Website: https://otsu.or.jp/en/thingstodo/spot136 ■ Dejima Lighthouse ・Address: 1-chome, Honkatata, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture ・Overview: A wooden lighthouse built in 1875, one of the few remaining in active use. It offers beautiful views with Lake Biwa in the background. ・Related Website: https://otsu.or.jp/en/thingstodo/spot195 Access & Basic Information for Ukimido (Mangetsuji Temple) ・Location: 1-16-18 Honkatata, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture ・Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Until 4:30 PM in December) ・Admission Fee: 300 yen (Group discounts available) ・Access: ◦ About 20 minutes on foot from JR Kosei Line "Katata Station" ◦ By bus: 7-minute walk from “Katata Demachi” bus stop (on holidays, “Ukimido-mae” stop also available) ◦ By car: About 10 minutes from Mano IC on the Kosei Road (30 parking spaces available) ・Related Website: https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/spot/detail/91 Conclusion: A Place Where Tranquility and Inspiration Meet Ukimudo is a unique place of solace and healing where nature, history and spiritual tradition have come together in perfect harmony. Its beauty is difficult to fully convey through photo or video, and has to be experienced to convey its full emotional impact. With a range of nearby historical sites and local attractions nearby, it`s perfect for a half-day trip or a leisurely day visit. For those seeking a quiet moment, stunning views, or a historical journey, Ukimido is a destination worth visiting.

Toshogu Shrine - Nikko - 日光東照宮 - 4K Ultra HD Video Introduction Located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Japan's top tourist attractions. The featured YouTube video, "Toshogu Shrine - Nikko - 日光東照宮 - 4K Ultra HD," vividly captures the shrine’s majestic presence and seasonal beauty in immersive 4K footage. What is Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Nikko City, Tochigi? Nikko Toshogu Shrine enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, as the deity "Toshogu Daigongen." It was established in 1617 and later underwent extensive renovations under the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, resulting in its current ornate appearance. Along with Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 as part of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko." Highlights of Nikko Toshogu Shrine: Yomeimon, the Three Wise Monkeys, and the Sleeping Cat Photo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage Site in Tochigi Prefecture One of the main attractions at Nikko Toshogu Shrine is the splendidly decorated Yomeimon Gate, adorned with vibrant carvings. Due to its captivating beauty, it is often called "Higurashi-no-mon" (the gate you never tire of looking at). Each carving tells a story、drawing upon sources ranging from Chinese legends to mythical creatures and scenes from Japan’s seasonal nature, making it a truly mesmerizing sight. Photo: The Three Wise Monkeys at Nikko Toshogu Shrine Another famous feature is the carving of the Three Wise Monkeys—"See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil." This is part of eight monkey carvings on the sacred stable, symbolizing the moral teaching for children to grow up with innocence. It also has humorously depicts various life lessons, making it a popular spot for photos. Photo: Wood carving of the Sleeping Cat at Nikko Toshogu Shrine Further into the shrine grounds, you’ll encounter the famous wooden carving of the Sleeping Cat attributed to Hidari Jingoro. Though the cat appears to be asleep, a sparrow is carved on the back side, symbolizing peace and coexistence. It’s said to reflect Tokugawa Ieyasu’s wish for peace. The carving was restored in 2016 for the first time in about 60 years. It is located along the path leading to the Inner Shrine (Okumiya), up about 200 stone steps. Visit Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Mausoleum—A Sacred Site Surrounded by Forest Photo: Grave site of Tokugawa Ieyasu at Nikko Toshogu Shrine Passing through the Sleeping Cat Gate and climbing the 207 moss-covered stone steps, you’ll reach the Inner Shrine (Okumiya), the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Though simple in design, this sacred site is surrounded by towering cedar trees and exudes a profound spiritual presence. The path to the mausoleum is enveloped in the sound of rustling leaves, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Visiting in the early morning or late evening offers a tranquil experience away from the crowds, allowing you to feel a slower passage of time and leaving a lasting impression. Visitor Information and Access Guide Admission Fee (as of June 2025) ◎ Adults (including high school students): 1,600 yen ◎ Elementary & Junior High School Students: 550 yen ◎ Combo ticket with the Treasure Museum: 2,400 yen for adults, 870 yen for children *Audio guides available in Japanese, English, and Chinese for an additional 500 yen Recommended Time Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a leisurely tour of the shrine grounds. Access ◎ From JR Nikko Station / Tobu Nikko Station → Tobu Bus Take the "World Heritage Tour" or "Chuzenji Onsen" route for about 10 minutes. Get off at either "Omotesando" or "Nishisando Iriguchi," then walk 5–10 minutes. ◎ From Tokyo, take the Limited Express "Spacia" from Asakusa Station to Tobu Nikko (approx. 1 hour 50 minutes), or take JR from Tokyo to Utsunomiya to Nikko (approx. 2–2.5 hours). Convenient for day trips. ◎ Signage and audio guides are available in English for foreign visitors, making the site tourist-friendly. Nearby Attractions and Recommendations Photo: Rinnoji Temple While visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine, be sure to also explore the adjacent Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine. These three sites together form the World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" and are especially photogenic during spring’s fresh greenery and autumn foliage seasons. They are also great spots for collecting goshuin (temple/shrine stamps), available at four locations: beside Yomeimon Gate, in front of the Main Gate, at the Worship Hall, and at the Inner Shrine. For a relaxing break during your visit, try local specialties like yuba (tofu skin) cuisine and traditional sweets. Many restaurants along the approach and temple town offer dishes like yuba set meals, yuba rice bowls, and matcha parfaits, a perfect match for enjoying the cultural ambiance. Conclusion Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a rare place where architecture, sculpture, and nature harmoniously blend, offering a unique opportunity to experience the traditional beauty and spirituality of Japan. We invite you to visit in person and immerse yourself in its majestic atmosphere. [Official Website] https://www.toshogu.jp/