Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture "Winter Blooming Sakura Light-up" Video Introduction This video, titled "【4K】2022 Hirosaki Park 'Sakura Illumination Blooming in Winter'" (2022年 弘前公園「冬に咲くさくらライトアップ」【4K】 2022 Hirosaki Park 'Sakura Illumination Blooming in Winter), was uploaded by "TheEAGLEBOM." Did you know that you can see cherry blossoms blooming in the snow? We hope you'll enjoy these winter cherry blossoms filmed at night at Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki, Aomori, in Japan's Tohoku region. Snow piles up on the cherry blossoms, which are imbued with a light pink hue. It truly looks as though these cherry blossoms are actually in full bloom. The snow gathering on the river's surface is reminiscent of cherry blossoms floating on the surface of the water, and stretches out like a carpet of petals. Keep thoughts of spring in your mind as you enjoy this supremely breathtaking scenery, dyed in a heart-warming pink. [Video] 2:39 – Snow Floating on the Water Like Cherry Blossoms Hirosaki Park and Its Popular Winter Cherry Blossom Illumination Photo：The winter cherry blossoms illumination at Hirosaki Park What exactly are these season-defying winter cherry blossoms? Well, in reality, this winter cherry blossom illumination makes use of the fact that snow accumulated on the branches of cherry trees makes it look like the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This illumination event takes place during winter at Hirosaki Park, in Hirosaki, Aomori. The inspiration for the event came from a single photo taken by a member of the regional development team. The photo caused a stir on social media, with commenters unable to tell whether it was taken in spring or winter. The event carries with it the feelings of Hirosaki citizens who long to see the warming views of cherry blossoms in the cold of winter. Illuminated in pink in the moat surrounding Hirosaki Park, the subtle coloring almost makes it look as if the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and help onlookers to forget about the cold weather. To see the cherry blossoms, you'll need to arrive the same day the snow settles on the branches. The best days to see the cherry blossoms are on days when it snows heavily and it's not too cold or windy. [Video] 0:53 – What Inspired the Illuminations? What are the duration and hours of the Winter 2023-2024 "Winter Blooming Sakura Light-up"? Photo：Weeping cherry blossoms of snow at Hirosaki Park Winter 2023 will be held as follows.I hope you have a heartwarming time with your lover, family, and loved ones. The recommended time to visit the cherry blossom light-up in winter is from late December to mid-February. [Period] December 1, 2023 - February 29, 2024 *The lights may be turned off from December 1st to 7th due to equipment adjustment. [Lighting time] Sunset to 21:00 *Extended from December 22nd to January 3rd, and from February 9th to 14th until 23:00 [Parking] Hirosaki City Tourist Hall/Underground Parking Lot (24 hours in and out) 2-1 Shimo-Shirogane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture (Otemon/Hirosaki City Hall Headquarters Soba) *Parking is free for one hour [Parking] Hirosaki City Tourist Hall/Underground Parking Lot (24 hours in and out) 2-1 Shimo-Shirogane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture (Otemon, near Hirosaki City Hall headquarters building) *1 hour free parking Hirosaki City Hall (7:00~21:30) 1-1 Kamishiroganmachi, Hirosaki City (Otemon soba) *1 hour free parking *Please note that you cannot leave the warehouse after 21:30 just before lighting up ends Outair Motoko-cho (24-hour entry and exit allowed) 2 Motoko-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture (near the main building of Hirosaki City Hall, Otemon) Springtime at Hirosaki Park – Spectacular Cherry Blossom Illuminations! Photo：Hirosaki Park cherry blossom illumination, Aomori Prefecture From the end of April and throughout Golden Week (a period of around one week at the end of April/beginning of May containing a number of Japanese national holidays), Hirosaki Park hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival" (弘前さくらまつり, hirosaki sakura matsuri), timed to coincide with the cherry blossom season. This cherry blossoms festival at Hirosaki Castle has been touted by some as the best in Japan. The rooftop of Hirosaki City Hall - usually inaccessible to the public - is opened up, and the festival receives over 2 million visitors each year. While the location of the "cherry blossoms heart" popular on Japanese social media is sadly not in the public domain, we hear that there will be heart shaped tree stumps placed to lead you in the right direction. Be sure to keep an eye out for it as you explore the park! What's more, during the cherry blossoms festival there's a special train linking Hirosaki to other famous cherry blossoms spots around Japan's northern Tohoku region. Why not take a ride and go on a tour to view the cherry blossoms? [Cherry blossoms Festival Opening Dates] 　Late March–Early May (Generally held to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossoms) [Hours] 　Special nighttime lighting (illuminations): Sundown – 8:30 p.m. 　※Subject to change depending on cherry blossom blooming conditions. The Colorful Autumn Illuminations of Hirosaki Park Are a Must-See as Well! Photo：Hirosaki Park's autumn illumination In the fall, the autumn leaves that have for so long added a touch of color to Hirosaki Castle, the symbol of this ancient Japanese city, are brightly illuminated. The elegant lights, which are as beautiful as any other seasonal light up, are sure to impress. While enjoying the various events and stalls, visitors can catch a glimpse of Hirosaki's history by viewing the old castle in its colorful autumn attire and the autumn leaves adorning the castle walls. [Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival Dates] 　Late October–Early November [Hours] 　Sundown – 8:00 p.m. And as the 1000 Japanese maples and 2600 cherry blossom trees take on the colors of fall, make sure you don't forget to check out the giant 300-year-old ginkgo tree, "Neagari Icho" (lit. lifted-root ginkgo, so named for its exposed roots). Hirosaki Park Illuminations: Roundup With illumination events in each season, Hirosaki Park, located at Hirosaki Castle, a symbol of the historical Japanese city, adds a layer of excitement to the beauty of its bountiful nature. This place deserves a spot in any travel itinerary, no matter the season, as it's one of the most popular places to visit in Japan's Tohoku region. Take your family, friends, or loved one with you, and breathe in the history in this vast park! ◆Hirosaki Park◆ 【Address】1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 【Admission Fee (for paid areas）】 　[Hirosaki Castle center/northern section] Adults: ¥320 | Children: ¥100 　[Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden] 　Adults: ¥320 | Children: ¥100 　[Discount bundle tickets for the above areas] Adults: ¥520 | Children: ¥160 【Hours】Please check the official website for opening times for paid areas. 【Access】 　On foot from Hirosaki Station (弘前駅, hirosaki-eki): Around 30 minutes 　Taxi from Hirosaki Station: Around 10 minutes 　From Hirosaki Station by bus: 4 minutes on foot when disembarking from the City Hall (市役所前, shiyakushomae) 【TripAdvisor】Hirosaki Park

Wakakusa Yamayaki: Video Introduction This video, titled "'Yamayaki' Mountain Burning and Fireworks at a Traditional Winter Event on Mt. Wakakusa, Nara" (冬の風物詩・奈良の伝統行事『若草山焼き』：『Yamayaki』Mountain Burning and Fireworks at Mt.Wakakusa in Nara), was uploaded by "Nara Tourism Concierge JUN" (奈良観光コンシェルジュ JUN). Wakakusa Yamayaki is a traditional winter event held on Mt. Wakakusa in Nara city, Nara prefecture, as a requiem for the souls of the deceased that rest in Uguisuzuka Kofun (Uguisuzuka Tumulus), a keyhole-shaped burial mound located on the summit of Mt. Wakakusa. Today, the three major temples and shrines in Nara, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple, unite to hold this event to repose the souls of our ancestors, to pray for protection of the entire Nara area from fire, and to wish for the peace of people all over the world. Wakakusa Yamayaki takes place on the fourth Saturday of January every year, and many tourists come to Nara to watch to see the both the event and the fireworks show. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, the night sky of the ancient capital of Nara is decorated with fireworks and roaring flames, and the sight of the mountains rising up in the darkness is truly divine. Be sure to check out the amazing footage in the video before reading along. 　[Video] 0:53 - Wakakusa Yamayaki 　[Video] 1:50 - Wakakusa Yamayaki 　[Video] 2:55 - Wakakusa Yamayaki Mt. Wakakusa Highlights and Characteristics Photo：A deer on Mt. Wakakusa, Nara Prefecture Mt. Wakakusa is a famous tourist spot and a symbol of Nara. It is a small, gently sloping mountain 342 meters above sea level with an expanse of grass called "Noshiba." The mountain is also referred to as "Uguisuyama" due to the presence of the large keyhole-shaped tumulus Uguisuzuka Kofun, and "Mikasayama" (三笠山, lit. "Mountain of three hats") because it looks like three kasa (straw hats) stacked on top of each other. The mountain is also home to many deer. The summit provides a panoramic view of Nara Park and the city of Nara, and the night view of Nara from the top of the mountain has been recognized as one of the Top 3 Night Views of New Japan because of its beauty. When the mountain is open to the public, visitors can enjoy a 30-minute climb to the summit. The mountain is home to cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and mountain burnings, offering beautiful views in every season. Wakakusa Yamayaki, a fire festival that signals a visit from spring, is popular among Nara residents and tourists alike as a wintertime tradition in Nara.It is held on the fourth Saturday of January each year, with the 2024 event scheduled for January 27. The History and Significance of Wakakusa Yamayaki Photo：Uguisuzuka Kofun, Mt. Wakakusa Wakakusa Yamayaki originated as a festival to appease the spirits buried in Uguisuzuka Kofun at the top of Mt. Wakakusa. People in the past feared that ghosts buried in Uguisuzuka Kofun would appear, so they decided to burn the mountain to prevent ghosts from appearing. From there, superstition spread that bad things would happen if Mt. Wakakusa was not burned, and there have been many incidents of people passing by the mountain setting it on fire without permission. In December 1738, the Nara Magistrate's Office issued an ordinance banning arson on Mt. Wakakusa, but even still it continued, and nearby temples and shrines, including Todaiji Temple, a famous World Heritage site, were in danger of catching fire. As a result, toward the end of the Edo period (approx. 1853 to 1868 A.D.), Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and the Nara Magistrate's Office, all of which are located near Mt. Wakakusa, began to cooperate in the burning of the mountain. Today, the Shinto and Buddhist traditions of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple work together to conduct this traditional event, which is meant to repose and comfort the souls of the dead, prevent fires throughout Nara, and pray for the peace of people around the world. Where to See Wakakusa Yamayaki and Fireworks Photo：Wakakusa Yamayaki, Nara Prefecture One of the reasons why Wakakusa Yamayaki is so popular is that visitors can enjoy fireworks in winter. During Wakakusa Yamayaki, a large fireworks display is held with beautiful midwinter night sky. Once the fireworks start, the mountain is ignited simultaneously. Among the fireworks, there's Nara Prefecture's specialty "shakudama." This massive firework, with a one-foot diameter, measures 320 meters in diameter when it explodes, making it one of the most powerful fireworks in Nara Prefecture and heightening the anticipation for the Wakakusa Yamayaki fireworks display. 　[Video] 0:25 -Fireworks 　[Video] 1:22 - Fireworks 　[Video] 2:18 - Fireworks 　[Video] 3:01 - Fireworks Here, we'll introduce viewing spots where you can enjoy both the fireworks and the Wakakusa Yamayaki mountain burning. ●Daibutsuden Intersection (Ukigumo Enchi) At the Daibutsuden Intersection in front of Ukigumo Enchi (Ukigumo Park, 浮雲園地) and by the Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae Bus Information Center (大仏殿　春日大社前バス案内所, Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae Basu Annaijo), visitors can enjoy a nice view of Wakakusa Yamayaki. There's a bus stop and a parking lot as well, making this a popular spot for viewing the event. ●Kasugano Enchi Kasugano Enchi (Kasugano Park, 春日野園地) is a grassy open space located near the Daibutsuden Intersection. It's a spacious location where visitors can enjoy the fireworks and Wakakusa Yamayaki with an outstanding view. For details on traffic regulations, etc., please check the official website for the latest information before you go. Other viewing spots are as follows: ●Sarusawa Pond Sarusawa Pond (猿沢池, Sarusawa-ike) is a good spot to enjoy fireworks under the five-story pagoda of Kofukuji Temple. Although you have to climb up the hill to the five-story pagoda of Kofukuji to see the fireworks, you can take pictures of the five-story pagoda illuminated by the fireworks and the flames from Wakakusa Yamayaki. ●Rooftop of Nara Prefectural Office The rooftop of the Nara Prefectural Office Building (奈良県庁屋上, Nara Kencho Okujo) is open to the public on the day of Wakakusa Yamayaki. There is a lottery system in place to select viewers, so you need to apply in advance, but if you win, you can enjoy a relaxing view from the rooftop of the Nara Prefectural Office Building. ●Heijo Palace At Heijo Palace, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collaboration of Suzakumon Gate, fireworks, and the burning mountainside. The romantic view from here is recommended for dates. Wakakusa Yamayaki will be streamed live on YouTube, so if you're unable to make the event, consider watching it from the comfort of your own home! Summary of Wakakusa Yamayaki Photo：Wakakusa Yamayaki, Nara Prefecture The sight of the flames spreading over Mt. Wakakusa, a symbol of the ancient capital of Nara, is unforgettable. The night sky becomes colored by the flames from Wakakusa Yamayaki and the fireworks that are set off just before the event, and you'll be able to enjoy the divine sight of the mountain emerging in the darkness. Come to Nara this winter and experience a visit from spring with a trip to Wakakusa Yamayaki. ◆Mt. Wakakusa◆ 【Address】469 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 【Mountain Opening Period】The Third Saturday in March - Second Sunday in December 【Hours】9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Excluding temporary openings of the mountain) 【Admission Fee】Adults (Junior high school, high school, and college students) ¥150, Elementary school students ¥80 【Access】A 12-minute walk from the Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae bus stop by city loop bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station. Car: Nara Okuyama Driveway's "Shin-Wakakusa Mountain Course" (新若草山コース, Shin-Wakakusa Yama Kosu) 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Wakakusa

Video Introduction of “Setsubun Matsuri” at Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto This video, titled "Yoshida Shrine's Setsubun Festival, Kyoto, 2016｜Demon Exorcising Ritual (Oniyarai)" (京都 吉田神社 節分祭2016 追儺式（鬼やらい）), was uploaded by "Kyo-yumoto Hatoya Zuihokaku" (京湯元ハトヤ瑞鳳閣). Every year, a Setsubun Festival is held at Yoshida Shrine in Sakyo, Kyoto, in Japan's Kansai region. In this video, you can see the traditional event "Oniyarai," a ritual to drive away demons that has been passed down for many years. Three oni (demons), blue, red and yellow, rush into the shrine grounds, shouting and scaring the shrine-goers. This is followed by spear and shield-wielding officials valiantly driving away the demons. Children attending the festival sometimes even cry at the terrifying sight of the demons. The powerful performance with the demons is a must-see! [Video] 1:17 - The Vigorous Red Oni The History and Benefits of Yoshida Shrine, Kyoto Photo：A torii gate at Yoshida Shrine, Kyoto Yoshida Shrine, located in Sakyo, Kyoto, is famous for its traditional wedding ceremonies and for warding off bad luck. The shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Yoshida, right next to Kyoto University's Yoshida Campus, where beautiful autumn foliage can be seen in the fall. The history of Yoshida Shrine dates back to 859, when Fujiwara no Yamakage invited the four deities of Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara to serve as shrine deities. The four deities enshrined at the shrine are Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, Iwainushi no Mikoto, Amenokoyane no Mikoto, and Himegami, and are believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Various deities, including the god of cooking and the god of sweets, are enshrined in the shrine grounds, and many aspiring chefs and pastry chefs from all over Japan visit the shrine. The Setsubun Festival, a major event of faith and tradition in Kyoto since it began in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573 A.D.), attracts many tourists as well as locals. In this article, we'll introduce some of the highlights of Yoshida Shrine's Setsubun Festival. Oniyarai, a Demon Exorcising Ritual at Yoshida Shrine's Setsubun Festival Photo：Oniyarai The Tsuina Ceremony held every February 2nd at Yoshida Shrine is also called "Oniyarai." Setsubun is commonly associated with mamemaki (bean throwing), but at Yoshida Shrine, Oniyarai is the main attraction. In this ceremony, three oni (demons), red, blue, and yellow, are chased away by "Housoshi." The Housoshi, who wears a mask with four golden eyes, is a sorcerer with divine powers originating from China. Holding a shield and a halberd, he walks through the shrine to ward off evil spirits by striking the ground with the halberd and shouting loudly. Children who cry out loudly in fear of the oni are said to grow up healthy. Since actual oni are gentle, it is common to see them comforting children who cry. We recommend bringing a camera so you can take some awesome photos of the oni during the ceremony. [Video] 1:58 - Housoshi Driving Away the Oni When will Yoshida Shrine's Setsubun Festival be held in 2024? Yoshida Shrine's Setsubun Festival is scheduled to be held from February 2-4, 2024. The festival usually attracts around 500,000 visitors, and the shrine grounds are filled with crowds of people who come to pray for good luck and to receive the popular "fuku-mame," or lucky beans. The festival will feature 800 booths and food stands on the 2nd and 3rd, making it an exciting event. For three days from February 2nd to 4th, you can make a special visit to the Imperial Palace. Win Lucky Beans and Other Prizes at the Yoshida Shrine Lottery! The "Yaku-yoke Fukumame" (lucky beans to ward off bad luck) that come with lottery tickets are extremely popular each year. Those who purchasers the lucky beans are entered into a drawing for a chance to win a variety of prizes sponsored by a number of famous companies. The event has long been enjoyed by visitors to the shrine. Visitors are sure to be amazed by the luxurious prizes! The luck that comes with the lucky beans, which may bring you a car, electrical appliances, or other items, makes one's heart leap with excitement. Each bag of lucky beans is priced at 300 yen (~$2.30), and each bag comes with one raffle ticket. The lottery is usually held on February 4 at 1:00 p.m., and the winners will be announced simultaneously at the shrine grounds and on the website after February 5. The deadline for redeeming a lucky drawing is usually around February 20, so don't forget to redeem your prizes if you win! Summary of Yoshida Shrine's Setsubun Festival Photo：Yoshida Shrine, Sakyo, Kyoto Yoshida Shrine has a temporary parking lot, but it is not available during the three days of the Setsubun Festival. There are several paid parking lots, but not many parking spaces are available, so you may have less trouble with congestion if you use public transportation. Please note that there will be extensive traffic restrictions in the surrounding area (from Yoshida Shrine to Higashi Ichijo Intersection (東一条交差点, Higashi Ichijo Kosaten)). Winter in Kyoto can be quite cold, so be sure to pack warm clothing for your visit. For those with small children, it's recommended that you visit the shrine during the daytime when there is less crowding. The three oni who are driven away during the Tsuina Ceremony walk around the shrine grounds and along the approach to the shrine during the daytime. It can be a bit scary, but you can only encounter the oni during the Setsubun Festival. It's sure to make for good memories. 【TripAdvisor】Yoshida Shrine

Nagasaki Kunchi, an Autumn Festival of Suwa Shrine: Video Introduction Photo：A float at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture This video, titled "【8K UHD】Nagasaki-Kunchi Festival 8K (2018)" (【8K UHD】Nagasaki-Kunci Festival 8K / 長崎くんち（2018）), was uploaded by "8K Video Album." Nagasaki Kunchi, an autumn festival of Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, located in Japan's Kyushu Region, is a traditional event that has been held for more than 380 years since the Edo period (1603-1868). For three days from October 7 every year, the town of Nagasaki is full of festivities! A number of unique dances are performed, gathering large audiences. Be sure to check out the video to see the dances at Nagasaki Kunchi and tourist attractions in the area, which attract crowds of people to Nagasaki each year. The History of Nagasaki Kunchi and Dances During the Festival Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi is an autumn festival of Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, held for three days from October 7 to October 9 each year. It's said that the festival began in 1634 when two women dedicated song and dance to the god of Suwa Shrine. For more than 380 years since then, these dances have been handed down by shrine parishioners of Nagasaki, and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government of Japan. The 58 towns in Nagasaki are divided into 7 groups, with each group dedicating a dance once every 7 years, and each town having their own unique performance. The festival features many attractions, including Japanese dance to the accompaniment of nagauta (traditional Japanese music played on the shamisen), dragon dances to the sound of exotic musical instruments, and powerful floats and bearers! The festival becomes even more exciting as the audience cheers in response to the various performances. Where to See the 2023 Nagasaki Kunchi Dance Performances Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture The 2023 Nagasaki Kunchi event will be held in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, for three days from October 7 to 9, 2023. The dances and portable shrine procession were canceled for three years starting in 2020 due to the global pandemic, but the festival is finally back in 2023 and is expected to be even more exciting than usual! In 2023, just like previous years, there will be a number of dances and performances. For these, paid spectator seats will be set up at Suwa Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, the Otabisho, and the Central Park Kunchi viewing area. The performances can also be seen at the Niwasaki Mawari (dances performed for homes, businesses etc. to share good fortune) in the town center. Around the end of September, a map/schedule with the schedule of the Niwasaki Mawari will be distributed at various locations in the city. "Kokkodesho," a Highlight of Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：Kokkodesho at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi, an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated as such by the government of Japan, features a number of performances, including "Kokkodesho." The following is an introduction to the performance. ●Kokkodesho "Kokkodesho" is a dynamic performance in which 36 performers carry a 1-ton palanquin, which 4 drummers ride on, vigorously throwing it into the air and catch it with one arm each. [Video] 5:32 - Kokkodesho ●Kujira no Shiofuki "Kujira no Shiofuki" is a performances based on whaling that occurred in the past. The whale-shaped float spews water 4 to 5 meters into the air and wildly rampages around. On the 9th, a whale (fake) caught in a net will be shown. ●Oranda Manzai "Oranda Manzai" is a votive dance in which performers dressed as Dutch men, and other performers with drums and dressed in yellow, dance to the accompaniment of "Minshingaku" (Ming and Qing period music popularized in Japan). ●Goshuinsen "Goshuinsen" is a votive dance based on the theme of the wedding of Araki Sotaro, a Nagasaki merchant, and a Vietnamese princess. The audience is mesmerized by the float atop which noh musicians ride. ●Hon Odori "Hon Odori" is short for "Honcho no Odori" meaning "The dance of our country," and refers to a traditional Japanese dance. The dance is performed on various themes to the accompaniment of nagauta. [Video] 3:27 - Hon Odori ●Ryu Odori "Ryu Odori" (lit "Dragon Dance") is a typical Nagasaki Kunchi votive dance performed by four towns. The dragon dancers manipulate the dragon as if it were alive and dance to the unique music played on gongs, drums, trumpets, and other musical instruments. The dynamic floats and carriers, which can only be seen once every seven years, fascinate people every year. Food During Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：An okonomiyaki stall In the past, Nagasaki Kunchi had a unique type of cuisine called "Kunchi Ryori" (Kunchi Cuisine). Kunchi Ryori includes "azuki gohan" (red bean rice), "zakuro namasu" (a vegetable dish with pomegranate seeds), amazake (sweet sake), and other traditional dishes. During the festival period, many people make these dishes at home to celebrate the festival. While you're unlikely to find them at the festival, you can still enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods. Like most Japanese festivals, there will be a number of food stalls open where festivalgoers can purchase snacks like okonomiyaki, yakitori, candied applies, parfaits, and more. Be sure to pick up some delicious snacks when you visit! How to Get There Photo：Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki Prefecture There are several venues where Nagasaki Kunchi will take place. Below, we'll introduce how to get to each location. Suwa Shrine From Nagasaki Station, take the streetcar to Suwa Shrine (~10 mins), or walk from Nagasaki Station (~20 mins). Yasaka Shrine Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Sofukuji Temple (~7 mins). From there, it's a short walk to Yasaka Shrine. Otabisho Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Ohato Station (~7 mins), or walk from Nagasaki Station (~12 mins). Central Park Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Meganebashi Bridge (~6 mins), or walk to Central Park from Nagasaki Station (~15 mins). Summary of Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi, an autumn festival held at Suwa Shrine, begins on June 1. Caretakers and performers of the various towns involved pray for the safe completion of their major roles by undergoing purification before the deities of Suwa Shrine and Yasaka Shrine, and begin rehearsals for their performances. In 2023, the festival will be held for the first time in four years. There will be many locals as well as tourists from all over Japan and abroad looking forward to the event! If you have the chance to visit Nagasaki during the event, be sure to join in the festivities! 【Official Website】Nagasaki Kunchi｜Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Promotion Association 【TripAdvisor】Nagasaki Kunchi

Tokyu Kabukicho Tower" in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Video Introduction Photo：Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku This video, titled "Tokyu Kabukicho Tower: A Hotel and Entertainment Complex Aimed at International Tourists" (【東急歌舞伎町タワー】インバウンド需要狙い　ホテルとエンタメの複合施設), was uploaded by "NTV News24" (日テレNEWS). The video introduces the entertainment facilities of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, which opened in April 2023. The video is full of exciting images, such as the flashy food hall Shinjuku Kabukicho Hall, where guests can enjoy sampling cuisine from different regions of Japan, and the movie theater, where every seat is a premium seat. [Video] 0:48 - All Premium Seats [Video] 0:57 - The Flashy Food Hall What is Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku, Tokyo Photo：Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku On April 14, 2023, an entertainment complex tower that allows visitors to play, watch, eat, and stay opened in Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The 225-meter-tall skyscraper complex stands majestically on the former site of the sadly closed Shinjuku Milano-za Theater. Its name is Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. The exterior of the tower is extremely stylish, and the skyscraper, designed in the image of a fountain, has a strong presence in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district. The concept of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is to "pursue your passions." Admission to Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is free, and anyone can enter. The tower houses restaurants, cafes, an evolutionary food court in the style of an alleyway you'd find in Tokyo, live music clubs, cinemas, theaters, and accommodations, offering a variety of experiences within a single building. In addition, reflecting the diversifying society, gender-less restrooms have been introduced on the 2nd floor. The revolutionary restrooms, which can be used by both men and women, have been quite the controversy on social media. Experience Japanese Festival Culture and Delicious Food on the 2nd Floor at Shinjuku Kabuki Hall Photo：Shinjuku Kabuki Hall, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku Shinjuku Kabuki Hall is a flashy food hall with a Japanese festival theme. Located on the 2nd floor of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, the interior combines the glitz and glamour of Kabukicho with authentic alley-way-style areas that Tokyo is known for. Delicious foods from all over Japan and cuisine from the neighboring country of Korea can be enjoyed here as well. Hours for Shinjuku Kabuki Hall are from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next day. Events are held every night on the stage set up inside the food hall, adding to the festive nighttime atmosphere of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. [Shop Information for the Food Hall] ●Hokkaido Food Festival (北海道食祭) Visitors can enjoy local delicacies of Hokkaido, such as ramen, zangi (a special type of fried chicken), Tokachi pork bowls, Muroran yakitori (pork and onions skewers), and various seafood products. ●Tohoku Food Festival (東北食祭) A restaurant where you can try beef tongue from Sendai, a major city in Japan's Tohoku region, Morioka reimen (cold noodles), Hinai Jidori chicken characterized by its firm texture and umami flavor, and Fukushima enban gyoza (disc dumplings) beautifully arranged in the shape of a frying pan. ●Kanto Food Festival (関東食祭) Kanto Food Festival is popular for its sushi platters and Edo tempura rice bowls, which allow visitors to enjoy Edomae techniques, motsuyaki (grilled beef offal) from Shibaura, Sano ramen from Tochigi, and Tochigi gyoza (dumplings). ●Yokohama Chinese Food Festival (横浜中華食祭) A restaurant where you can enjoy popular dishes from Yokohama Chinatown in a casual atmosphere. ●Chubu Food Festival (中部食祭) Here, visitors can enjoy dishes such as Nagoya's classic miso pork cutlet and chicken wings, dishes made with Japanese glass shrimp, the jewels of Toyama Bay, and Hanton Rice from Kanazawa, which has become a popular tourist destination since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train. ●Kinki Food Festival (近畿食祭) Visitors can enjoy "B-class gourmet" foods such as Osaka's okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, as well as Kyoto's udon noodles and obanzai (traditional Kyoto-style cuisine), famous for their elegant soup stock. The lineup also includes first-class Japanese beef dishes, such as Kobe Beef and Omi Beef! ●Chugoku-Shikoku Food Festival (中四国食祭) This restaurant focuses on fresh ingredients sent from the regions that produce them, such as bonito (dried skipjack tuna flakes) shipped directly from the remote Okinoshima island in Kochi, oysters shipped directly from Hiroshima, and noodles from a long-established Sanuki Udon noodle store in Kagawa that attracts large crowds of customers. ●Kyushu-Okinawa Food Festival (九州沖縄食祭) A restaurant where you can try Hakata's yakitori ramen, torikawa (chicken skin) skewers, and tetsunabe gyoza (a special type of dumpling). You can also try chicken dishes made with Miyazaki jidori chicken, goya chanpuru (Okinawan bitter gourd stir-fry), rafute, and more. Enjoy a combination of foods together with shochu and awamori. ●Korean Food Festival (韓国食祭) From Korean dishes like cheese dakgalbi, sundubu, and samgyeopsal, which are very popular in Japan, to sweets from Korean food stalls, you can enjoy a wide variety of Korean food here. ●KABUKI CAFÉ A casual Italian restaurant that can be enjoyed as a café or a bar. The Arts at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower! Theater, Cinema, a Live Music Club and More! Source :YouTube screenshot No matter how rewarding the tourist attraction or wonderful the live performance is, if your accommodations are far away or if you have to travel by crowded train, you won't be able to enjoy it as much as you'd like... With that said, we recommend utilizing the accommodations inside Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower has two hotels opening on May 19, 2023. They are "BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel," a facility that offers one of the most luxurious lodging experiences in Japan, and "HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel," which features pop-style guest rooms with art and music inspired by Shinjuku. After a long day of fun at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, an entertainment complex tower, you can return to your hotel room at the press of a button! You're sure to have an enjoyable time if you do so! Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is also connected to airports via a direct limousine bus service. If you're looking for a base to explore tourist attractions around Tokyo, this is it! Tokyu Kabukicho Tower: An Entertainment Facility & Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo Photo：Tokyu Kabukicho Tower at night, Shinjuku Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, an entertainment complex and tower, combines a state-of-the-art theater, movie theater, and a live music hall. Located on the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, THEATER MILANO-Za has been opened, taking the name of Shinjuku Milano-za, a beloved movie theater that was open in Shinjuku for 58 years, as a live entertainment theater. It offers a top-notch stage for artists, not only for plays, but also for seated live music performances and visual events. 109 Cinemas Premium is located on the 9th and 10th floors. The viewers-only lounge, which can be used one hour before a movie starts, has a relaxing atmosphere and is decorated with artwork inspired by Shinjuku's Kabukicho district. All seats are premium seats, and the design of the sound system was overseen by Ryuichi Sakamoto. Zepp Shinjyuku (TOKYO), located in the basement of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower from B1F to B4F, can accommodate 1,500 people standing, making it one of the largest live music halls in Shinjuku. Equipped with the latest video equipment, it offers a special live performance experience in a luxury venue where music and video are fused together. Tokyu Kabukicho Tower Floor Guide Photo：Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku Tokyu Kabukicho Tower has 48 floors above ground and 5 floors below ground for a total of 53 floors. Of the 53 floors, 45 floors are accessible by the public. Below is a floor guide for Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel (39-47F) A luxury hotel at the top of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower with a panoramic view of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. The hotel has 97 rooms and 5 penthouse suites where you can enjoy an unforgettable stay. Floors 45-47 feature a bar and restaurant that can be used by all visitors to the hotel. HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel (18-38F) A hotel with a view of Tokyo with fancy furnishings and unique art installations. The hotel has 538 rooms that come in a variety of styles. From suites, to rooms with tatami flooring, and rooms designed by artists, there's something for everyone here. JAM 17 DINING & BAR (17F) JAM 17 DINING & BAR features an Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and fresh vegetables from Japan's Kanto region. The restaurant also features a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy dinner with friends or a romantic night out with your special someone. The bar is a great place to relax after enjoying other facilities in the tower, and features guest bartenders, original cocktails, and a tasteful ambience. 109 Cinemas Premium (9-10F) A movie theater with completely premium seating inside Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. THEATER MILANO-Za (6-8F) Carrying on the name of the former Shinjuku Milano-za, this theater is used for plays, live performances, etc., and seats up to 907 guests in relatively spacious seating. EXSTION (5F) EXSTION is a members-only wellness club located inside of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower with a relaxing atmosphere. It features a lounge, sauna, gym, pool, restaurant, art gallery, and other facilities. THE TOKYO MATRIX (4F) A real-life dungeon based on the story of Sword Art Online. Players will have to use sword skills, and critical thinking to solve puzzles and collect items for a chance to face off against Kirito and Asuna. namco TOKYO (3F) Namco TOKYO is an arcade located inside of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. The arcade features 250 gachapon machines, a variety of games, as well as food and drinks with which to enjoy a break between fun. Shinjuku Kabuki Hall (2F) Shinjuku Kabuki Hall is a café inside of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower with 10 restaurants all offering a different style of cuisine from somewhere in Japan, and even with Korean food. Tourist Information Center (1F) The first floor is where you can get father tourist information if you're visiting the area, but also houses a Starbucks, a burger and taco restaurants, and a variety of other facilities. Zepp Shinjuku/ZEROTOKYO (B1-B4) The basement floors are home to Zepp Shinjuku, a live music hall with state-of-the-art video equipment for live performances that can accommodate up to 1,500 guests, and ZEROTOKYO, a club where you can enjoy music, DJs, scenography, and all kinds of awesome performances. Summary of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, a Flashy New Tourist Attraction in Shinjuku Photo：Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is a new type of entertainment complex that is raising the bar for quality entertainment in Japan. You can experience the Japanese spirit of hospitality, which is to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable, together with endless entertainment and state-of-the-art facilities. 【Official Website】TOKYU KABUKICHO TOWER

Video introduction of "Mt. Takao Beer Mount" in Hachioji City, Tokyo This video, titled "Solo Drinks at a Beer Garden - Mt. Takao Beer Mount" (おひとりさまでもビアガーデン・高尾山「ビアマウント」で呑む), was uploaded by "furo1010." In the video, furo1010 is shown heading to Mt. Takao Beer Mount. With its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and tasty beer, Mt. Takao Beer Mount is a place you'd want to visit even if you are not a mountaineer or a hiking enthusiast. Be sure to check out the video to see how the buffet-style food and beer, as well as local sake and other beverages, are enjoyed. Mt. Takao Beer Mount – Experience Hospitality at 488 Meters Above Sea Level! A Look at the Event's Nearly 70 Years of History Photo：Mt. Takao Beer Mount (beer garden), Mt. Takao Located in Hachioji, Tokyo, in Japan's Kanto region, Mt. Takao boasts the largest number of climbers in the world. In the summer, the observation deck restaurant, which is adjacent to the Mt. Takao cable car, transforms into Mt. Takao Beer Mount and hosts a beer garden. Mt. Takao Beer Mount is a beer garden that began in 1954 as a film festival and summer evening karaoke contest held to encourage the use of the Mt. Takao cable car and has been ongoing for nearly 70 years. The view from the top terrace of the observation deck restaurant—located 488 meters above sea level—is spectacular, offering a panoramic view from the Tokyo cityscape to the Boso Peninsula during the day. It's also a popular spot on Japanese Instagram for its beautiful night views. Being just an hour away from central Tokyo, you can enjoy delicious food and beverages while surrounded by nature at Mt. Takao Beer Mount. When does the 2024 Beermount start? Learn about the duration and fees! Photo：Mt. Takao Beer Mount (beer garden), Hachioji, Tokyo The Mt. Takao Beer Mount has been held as usual since 2022. In 2024, it will be open from Saturday, June 15 to Tuesday, October 15, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The price for all-you-can-eat and drink is 5,000 yen for adults, 4,700 yen for seniors (65 and older), 2,800 yen for junior high school students, 1,800 yen for elementary school students, and 500 yen for infants (3 years old to under elementary school students). It is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious gourmet food and a wide variety of beverages at this price with all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink options. Please enjoy it with your family and friends. Food at Mt. Takao Beer Mount – The Perfect Dishes to Go With Your Beer! Photo：The buffet at Mt. Takao Beer Mount (beer garden) Dishes served buffet style will include Japanese, Western, and Chinese menu items. [Video] 2:55 - Buffet-Style Dishes Among the dishes we recommend are local specialties of Hachioj, including salads using vegetables grown in Hachioji and Hachioji Ramen. [Video] 4:00 - Local Specialties of Hachioji, Tokyo The beer goes perfect with the delicious food, and there's beers being served from four major breweries, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors. [Video] 4:13 - Beers From 4 Major Breweries In addition to beer, there's a wide range of beverages, including sake, sours, highballs, etc. Of course, non-alcoholic drinks for children are also available. [Video] 4:52 - A Wide Selection of Alcoholic Beverages Mt. Takao Beer Mount is a great place to enjoy delicious food and drinks, and is recommended for both families and solo guests alike. Information About Wait Times, Crowding, Recommended Seats, Reservations, and More! Mt. Takao Beer Mount has approximately 500 seats and all guests can enjoy the buffet for up to 2 hours. Although there are many seats, the beer garden can be quite crowded on weekends and during the Bon Festival, so be sure to keep this in mind if you're planning on visiting. If you want to enjoy the restaurant without any hassle, we recommend making reservations in advance. Reservations can be made for a minimum of 4 people on weekdays, and for 10 or more people on weekends and holidays. The best seats at Mt. Takao Beer Mount are on the top floor, called the slab. The night views from here are incredible. For those who want to enjoy nature, we recommend the garden surrounded by the forest. You can dine while relaxing in nature. The indoor hall is perfect for rainy or windy days. For rainy days, there's no need to worry, as there is also tent seating set up in the outdoor area. Use the Cable Car for Easy Access to the Mt. Takao Beer Mount Photo：Mt. Takao cable car To get to Mt. Takao, where the beer garden is located, first take the Keio Line from Shinjuku for 53 minutes to Takaosanguchi Station. From Takaosanguchi Station, head to the Kiyotaki Station cable car, a 5-minute walk away. Take the cable car (a 6-minute ride) and get off at Mt. Takao Station to reach the venue. Mt. Takao Beer Mount can also be reached on foot without using the cable car. The food and drinks will taste even better after a nice hike up the mountain! Trail 1 – Hiking Mt. Takao as an Inexperienced Climber/Hiker Source :Hachinavi Mt. Takao Feature Mt. Takao is so famous among mountaineering enthusiasts that around 3 million climbers visit the mountain each year. For those who wish to hike up to the beer garden, here are some recommendations. To get to Takao Beer Mount on foot, we recommend Trail 1. There are seven trails on Mt. Takao: Trails 1-6 and the Inariyama Course. Trail 1 is easy for beginners to climb as most of the course is paved and there are rest areas. It takes approximately 100 minutes to reach the summit and around 60 minutes to reach the beer garden. After a nice workout, why not enjoy the beer garden with some friends in the outdoors? Things to Do Near Mt. Takao There are a number of things to do near Mt. Takao. Below we'll introduce some places we recommend checking out when visiting the area. Takaosan Yakuoin Temple Takaosan Yakuoin Temple is a temple located on Mt. Takao. They have many seasonal events, such as New Years events and Setsubun, and they even have a fire walking event that's held during March each year. The temple is a 20-minute walk from the same cable car used to access the beer garden. Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Admission Fee: Free Takao 599 Museum A museum with a relax atmosphere that features exhibits relating to the unique ecosystem on Mt. Takao. The museum is located just 4 minutes from Takaosanguchi Station by foot. Hours: April to November: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last admission 4:30 pm), December to March: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Last admission 3:30). ※Hours are subject to change due to events. Admission Fee: Free ※Some events/exhibits may have an admission fee Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu is a natural hot spring located at the foot of Mt. Takao. The facility offers hot springs and massages, as well as restaurants where you can enjoy delicious soba and sashimi after relaxing in the hot springs. The facility is a quick 2-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station. Hours: 8:00 am - 10:45 pm (Last admission 10:00 pm) Admission Fee (Weekdays): Adults: 1,100 yen, Children: 550 yen (Weekends/Public holidays/Peak season): Adults: 1,300 yen, Children: 650 yen ※Peak season fees apply during the following periods: December 29 - January 3, Golden Week, mid-August, November 1 - November 30, and other dates ※Free admission for children under 3 Mt. Takao Monkey Park & Wild Plant Garden A monkey park on Mt. Takao home to some 70 monkeys. The park also features a garden with walkways made from tree cookies and beautiful autumn leaves in the fall. The park is a 3-minute walk along Trail 1 after taking the cable car to Takaosan Station. Hours: December - February: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm, March - April: 10:00 am - 4:30 pm, May - November: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm Admission Fee: Adults (Junior high school students and older): 430 yen, Children (Ages 3 and older): 210 yen Takao Trick Art Museum A museum full of mind-bending, Egyptian-themed optical illusion art where you can enjoy taking funny photos. The museum receives support from the Egyptian Embassy, and so the souvenir store has popular souvenirs imported directly from Egypt. The museum is a 2-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station. Hours: April - November: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, December - March: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Closed: Thursdays Admission Fee (General): Adults: 1,300 yen, Junior high and high school students: 1,000 yen, Elementary school students: 700 yen, Young children (ages 4 and under): 500 yen (People with disabilities): Adults: 1,100 yen, Junior high and high school students: 800 yen, Elementary school students: 500 yen, Young children (ages 4 and under): 300 yen ※Discounts available for groups. Please see the official website for more information Summary of Mt. Takao Beer Mount Mt. Takao Beer Mount is held both in the summer and in the fall. Last year, it was held from October 19. The atmosphere is quite different during autumn, but just as enjoyable! Also, until the summer beer garden begins, the Mt. Takao Beer Buffet event is held, where visitors can enjoy barbecue cooked on an eco-friendly craft grill imported specially from Denmark. Mt. Takao, is a great place where visitors can enjoy both mountain climbing and gourmet food. Mt. Takao Beer Mount is the perfect for those looking to enjoy a cold beer to beat the summer heat! Relax and take a break from the daily grind and head to Mt. Takao Beer Mount, where you can enjoy nature, tasty food, and satisfying drinks! 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Takao Beer Mount

The Otaue Rice Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: Video Introduction This video, titled "Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine's Otaue Rice Planting Festival" (大阪・住吉大社「御田植」 3年ぶりに歌や踊りも披露), was uploaded by KYODO NEWS. The "Otaue Shinji (rice planting ritual)" is usually held on June 14 to pray for a bountiful harvest. It was suspended after the Corona disaster, but will be restored in 2022. The video shows how the "ueme" (rice planting maidens) receive the seedlings from the gods and how the farmers plant them in the paddy fields on the shrine grounds, as well as the samurai event and the dancing of the yaotome maidens. Be sure to check out the footage of the Otaue Festival held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in the video. The Otaue Rice Planting Festival of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: History, Etc. Photo：The samurai procession during the Otaue Rice Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka, Japan The history of the rice planting ritual held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is long, dating back to the time when the legendary Empress Jingu was enshrined at the shrine, according to legends. It appears that the festival was held on a large scale as well, as there are records of performing arts such as sarugaku and dengaku being performed during the Kamakura period (circa 1185-1333 A.D.). Although the festival was in danger of being discontinued during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912 A.D.), it has continued to survive to the present day and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government of Japan. It's also known as one of the three major rice planting festivals in Japan, along with the festivals held at Katori Jingu Shrine and Izawa no Miya Shrine. The rice planting festival of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine has many highlights. The first is the dance performed in the center of the rice field by the yaotome. Eight Yaotome dancers dance around an umbrella to the accompaniment of songs sung by the priests. [Video] 0:06 - Yaotome Dancing There is also a samurai procession, in which brave warriors in armor appear. It is said that the warriors prayed for the longevity of their military fortunes, and the highlight of the festival is the warriors showing off their military prowess. The event is also believed to be a prayer to ward off evil spirits. [Video] 0:18 - The Samurai Procession The children can also be seen performing the traditional rice planting dance and songs for the first time in three years, reviving one of the highlights of the festival. [Video] 1:09 - The Rice Planting Song and Dance Another highlight of the festival is the Sumiyoshi Odori dance, performed in unique costumes to the sound of tapping umbrella handles. Deities Worshipped at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Photo：Hatsutatsu-mairi, a visit to four shrines, at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is said to have been established approximately 1,800 years ago. The shrine was originally built by Empress Jingu upon her safe return from the Silla (an ancient Korean kingdom) invasion. It is also known as the head shrine of the more than 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan. The three deities of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine are Sokotsutsuno-o no Mikoto, Nakatsutsuno-o no Mikoto, and Uwatsutsuno-o no Mikoto. Amaterasu and Empress Jingu are also enshrined here as well. These gods were born when Izanagi no Mikoto cleansed the land. These deities are said to have been born when Izanagi no Mikoto performed misogi (A Shinto water purification ritual), and are said to protect against all kinds of misfortune by purifying the body and mind. Many Japanese shrines use dragons as motifs for their handbasins, but Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine uses rabbits. There is also a "nade-usagi" (petting rabbit) made of stone on the shrine grounds that can be stroked to pray for good health. The origin of this festival is said to be that Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine was founded on the first day of the first month of the year of the hare in the year of the "Kano-tou" (the year of the hare). In the year of the Rabbit, the shrine is especially crowded with people. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: A Power Spot in Osaka Photo：The light-heavy stone at Shumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is well-known by the people of Osaka and Japan's Kinki region. The shrine has been worshipped as the first shrine in the Settsu Province since ancient times, and is now regarded as one of the best power spots in Osaka. Power spots are places in Japan that are deemed sacred, and are said to be places where one can receive healing or blessings. Additionally, there are many good luck charms that can be purchased at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. One attraction at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the "Omokaruseki" (light or heavy stone), which will tell you if your wishes will come true, and a rare maneki neko (beckoning cat) wearing a kamishimo (formal samurai attire). It's very photogenic and many people come visit to take Instagram photos here. The Sumiyoshi Festival: A Unique Summer Festival in Osaka Photo：The portable shrine washing ritual of the Sumiyoshi Festival, Osaka The Sumiyoshi Festival is the last of the three major festivals of Osaka. It's a summer festival of Osaka that is said to begin with the Aizen Festival and end with the Sumiyoshi Festival. It's held as an annual festival of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and the portable shrine procession is held on the last day of the festival. ●Mikoshi Arai Shinji (washing of the portable shrine) Mikoshi Arai Shinji is a ceremony to purify the portable shrine by sprinkling seawater on it prior to the portable shrine procession on the last day of the Sumiyoshi Festival. In the early morning, a special boat is launched with the cooperation of the local fishermen to pump the seawater. ●Nagoshi no Harae Shinji (summer purification ceremony) After the purification ceremony, visitors to the shrine, together with shrine maidens and children, walk through a ring of cogon grass to cleanse themselves of the impurities of the past six months. This is a ceremony to pray for good health for the remaining six months of the year. ●Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine procession) Mikoshi Togyo is a ceremony held on the last day of the Sumiyoshi Festival. The portable shrine carries the spirit of Sumiyoshi Ookami in a portable shrine and parades along the road to Shukuin Shrine in the city of Sakai. Weighing nearly 2 tons and measuring 11 meters long, the sight of the extremely large portable shrine crossing Sorihashi Bridge is a heroic sight. When it arrives at the Shukuin Shrine, a purification ceremony is held. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: Admission Fee, Hours, and How to Get There Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is located slightly south of central Osaka where major tourist attractions like Osaka Castle are located. The easiest way to get to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is to take a train to Sumiyoshitoriimae Station. After arriving at the station, it's an approximately 3-minute walk to the shrine. From Osaka Station you can take the Osaka Loop Line to Tennoji Station, walk to Tennojiekimae Station (5 minutes) and then take the Hankaidenki-Uemachi Line (阪堺電気軌道上町線)—a streetcar—to Sumiyoshitoriimae Station (住吉鳥居前) (approximately 40 minutes). Admission Fee: Free Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm (April to September), 6:30 am - 5:00 pm (October to March) ※The Souvenir shop is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Summary of Festivals at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Various events and rituals are held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. However, in the past few years, events and rituals have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now that travel restrictions have been lifted, the Otaue Rice Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is now able to include worshippers and we can once again see the splendid dances of the shrine maidens and heroic appearance of the samurai procession. Sumiyoshi Taisha's rice planting festival is held to pray for a good harvest and to ward off epidemics. If you're in Osaka around this time of year, be sure to stop by and see the festival. You're sure to be fascinated by the solemnity and splendor of the ancient Shinto rituals! 【Official Website】Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine 【TripAdvisor】Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Diving Video Introduction at Ido, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "Tateyama Ito Diving" (館山 伊戸ダイビング), was uploaded by "munecyan." It introduces diving in Ito, Chiba. If you're interested in diving but aren't very familiar with it, be sure to check out the diving you can do in Ito, Chiba in the video! Are There Sharks in Tokyo and Chiba? There are a variety of different sharks in both Tokyo and Chiba. Some sharks you can find in Tokyo are houndsharks, sawsharks, angelsharks, etc. Additionally, in Chiba there are shortfin mako sharks, salmon sharks, thresher sharks, and many more varieties. Going on the shark diving tour in Ito is the best way to see sharks near Tokyo, but there are also other diving spots in Japan where you can go shark diving. Ito, Chiba Prefecture – A Popular Diving Spot Close to Tokyo! Ito, Chiba, in the Kanto region, is known as the southernmost diving spot in Japan's Kanto region. Divers from all over the world gather here to enjoy the diving spots of the Boso Peninsula. Ito is also known as a shark diving spot. You can see schools of sharks from up close. In addition to sharks, Ito is also a fascinating diving spot where you can see sunfish, nudibranchs, and a variety of other marine creatures up close. The Various Marine Life You Can See in Ito, Chiba Photo：Banded houndsharks and red stingrays One of the greatest attractions of diving is to be able to see sea creatures swimming in the sea up close. As mentioned above, in Ito and the Tateyama area, you can see beautiful coral reefs as well as various types of creatures up close. You can enjoy the marine world of Ito through an unforgettable diving experience. [Video] 4:55 - Coral Reef [Marine Life in Ito, Chiba] Here are some of the sea creatures you may encounter in the sea of Ito. ・Short barbeled velvetchins ・Longtooth groupers ・Banded houndsharks ・Goniobranchus tinctorius (sea slug) ・Red stingrays ・Dorid nudibranchs (sea slug) ・Striped boarfish ・Asian sheepshead wrasse ・Spotted white sea slugs ・Sun fish Tateyama Shark Scramble – The Main Attraction in Ito, Chiba! Photo：A group of banded hounsharks Tateyama Shark Scramble is attracting a lot of attention in the Tateyama/Ito area. Tateyama Shark Scramble refers to the phenomenon when more than 100 sharks can be seen swimming in a whirlpool in the ocean. It's also known as the "Shark Tornado." Ito was originally called Shark City because of the large number of sharks that inhabit the area. However, serious damage was caused by the large number of sharks. The problem was that the sharks ate the fish caught by fisherman, who were left with insufficient catches. The local fishing cooperative wanted to somehow solve this problem, so they consulted a man named Mr. Shiota, who provides diving services in Ito. As a result, a shark guiding operation was launched in 2009 which successfully kept sharks away from captured fish. As a result of these efforts, Okimaene, a dive point in Ito, Chiba, is now attracting attention from all over the world as a spot where you can swim with sharks. Underwater Bird Watching in Ito, Chiba? Photo：A Japanese cormorant Underwater bird watching might sound like a fever dream, but it's actually something that can be enjoyed in the Tateyama and Ito areas in winter. During the winter you can see Japanese cormorants diving into the ocean. This bird is native to Japan, Korea, and other parts of East Asia. Its body is 84-92 cm in length and it's generally greenish-black with a yellow beak. In addition to the cormorants that originally inhabit the Tateyama/Ito area, some cormorants come to Ito from other areas for the winter. In winter, the water temperature drops and the cormorants cannot catch fish in the shallows, so they dive into the water to catch fish. You can watch them catch fish underwater when diving. Another attraction of diving in Tateyama and Ito is that you can experience underwater bird watching of sea cormorants only in winter. When Is the Best Season to Go Diving in Ito, Chiba? Photo：Diving Diving is possible throughout the year in the Tateyama/Ito area in Chiba, and from late August to early September, the water is warm enough to dive in a wetsuit. Shark schools can be seen throughout the year, but some species and scenes can only be seen at certain times of the year. ・January to March: Underwater bird watching 　The water is crystal clear and the cormorants can be seen diving up to 20 meters below the surface. ・June-August: You can view the courtship ritual of the longtooth grouper from up close. ・Autumn - Winter: You can see powerful scenes of large fish attacking their prey. How to Get to Ito, Chiba Since it's only a two-hour bus ride from Tokyo, visitors can enjoy diving on a day trip. There are also restaurants in the area, with the seafood restaurant "Gyoko Shokudo Daibo" being particularly popular for its delicious seafood and hamayaki (a style of cooking where the entire fish is skewered and cooked whole over a grill). While the Tateyama/Ito area is popular for diving, it's also a great place for sightseeing and fishing, as there are many fishing ports, restaurants, guest houses, and hotels, some of which have open-air baths with a view of the sea. Summary of Diving in Ito, Chiba The Tateyama/Ito area is a popular diving spot for beginners and experienced divers alike, and has attracted attention from around the world. The shark diving is especially exciting! You can see sharks swimming around from up close in the video. Located just 2 hours from Tokyo, Ito, Chiba is a great spot for a day trip. Why not try diving in the Tateyama/Ito area, where you can see schools of sharks and sea cucumbers being captured in the ocean? It's an experience you can't have anywhere else in Japan! [TripAdvisor] Ito, Chiba

The Hydrangeas of Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka: Video Introduction This video, titled "Osaka Walk - Kyuanji Temple Hydrangea in the pond 4K HDR Japan," was uploaded by "Osaka BlackCat." In Japan, hydrangeas blooms in June, the rainy season. This video shows the beautiful floating hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple—a temple on the Kansai Flower Temple pilgrimage—which can be seen each year in June. Please enjoy the photogenic sight of the colorful hydrangeas floating on the surface of the water, as well as the solemn beauty of the temple's rich natural setting. An Introduction to Kyuanji Temple, a Kansai Flower Temple Photo：Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka Kansai Flower Temples refers to a group of 25 temples in Japan's Kansai region that are famous for their flowers. Kyuanji Temple in Ikeda, Osaka, is the 12th temple on the list of Kansai Flower Temples and is a member of the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism. Surrounded by nature, the temple grounds cover an area of 20,000 tsubo (16 acres), where beautiful scenery, such as hydrangeas, cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, azaleas, and peonies can be seen throughout the year. Kyuanji Temple has a history of more than 1,200 years. In the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598 A.D.), the temple was visited by the famous Japanese warlord and well-known hobbyist Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and has been loved by many visitors as a historic temple used for tsukimi (moon viewing) and tea ceremony. Shuin stamp collectors can pick up a special kirie shuin, available only during the rainy season. It features a hydrangea and the main deity of the temple, Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy). The artistic kirie shuin stamp is truly one-of-a-kind. In the fall, a shuin stamp with a design of autumn leaves is also available for a limited time, making it a must-visit spot for collectors. See the Photogenic Floating Hydrangeas in June! Photo：Hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka Kyuanji Temple has approximately 1,000 hydrangea plants of six different varieties planted on its grounds. The sight of the colorful purple, yellow, red, and blue hydrangeas floating on Gusokuike Pond is especially photogenic. The hydrangeas glistening in the sunlight are so beautiful that it's like paradise. [Video] 0:00 - Floating Hydrangeas The hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple begin blooming in early June each year, and the Ajisai Ukabe "Floating Hyndragea" event is held in mid-June, when the early blooming hydrangeas can be seen floating on the pond. The hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple can be enjoyed from mid-June to early July, an in 2022, they were at their best in late June. The blooming status is announced on the Kyuanji Temple Instagram (@kyuanji) from time to time. Be sure to check it out before visiting. Other Attractions at Kyuanji Temple Photo：Autumn leaves at Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka Kyuanji Temple is decorated with a variety of flowers throughout the year, but its highlights are not limited to hydrangea and autumn leaves. The large tower gate is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The roof of the gate has a unique appearance and is said to resemble a bird spreading its wings in preparation for flight. The Hall of the Reclining Buddha, a pagoda where the image of the reclining Buddha is enshrined, is decorated with relief sculptures of Buddha on the walls, creating a mysterious atmosphere. In the garden Koku-en, visitors can enjoy weeping cherry blossoms and other seasonal flowers. The entrance fee to Kyuanji Temple is 300 yen. [Video] 1:09 - Koku-en Garden How to Get to Kyuanji Temple in Ikeda, Osaka Since Kyuanji Temple is surrounded by nature, it is often thought to be in an inconvenient location in the mountains, but it's surprisingly accessible! From Ikeda Station, on the Hankyu Raolway, it's a 15-minute ride to the temple via Hankyu bus. If you're driving, the temple is located approximately 5 km (~15 mins) from Hankyu Ikeda Station. The temple has a free parking lot, but please note that during the hydrangea season, the free parking lot can fill up quickly. Things to Do Near Kyuanji Temple Kyuanji Temple is another temple located in a somewhat remote location. Because of this, you'll need to make your way back into the nearby city of Ikeda to find other things to do, but there's no shortage once you arrive. Here are a couple things to do nearby. Satsukiyama Zoo Satsukiyama Zoo is located approximately 20 minutes from Kyuanji Temple. The zoo is home to a variety of different animals, such as rabbits, wallabies, ponies, etc., and is a nice spot to see the cherry blossoms in Osaka in the spring. The zoo is also completely free to enter. Hours: 9:15 am - 4:45 pm. Shop hours are 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (Mon. - Fri.) and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sat. & Sun.) Closed: Tuesdays Admission Fee: Free CUPNOODLES MUSEUM Located 25 minutes from Kyuanji Temple and 20 minutes by train or on foot from Satsukiyama Park, the CUPNOODLES MUSEUM shares the story of cup noodles and how they came to be, as well as the life of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of cup noodles. There are also workshops inside the museum where you can make chicken ramen or make your own unique cup noodles package. Admission to the museum is free. Hours: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (Last entry 3:30 pm) Closed: Tuesdays and Year-end/New Years Holidays. ※If Tuesday is a National Holiday, the museum will be closed the following day. Admission Fee: Free There are many more things to do in the area, so we recommend doing your research before visiting so you can build the perfect itinerary! Summary of Hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple Photo：Hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple, Ikeda, Osaka We hope you enjoyed this introduction to the hydrangeas at Kyuanji Temple. In the video, it was a beautiful sunny day with the sun shining through the trees, but hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season. If you plan on visiting Kyuanji Temple to see them, don't forget to bring rain gear. Summer is just around the corner once the rainy season ends, so consider visiting Kyuanji Temple in June. You can take some wonderful photos during your visit and share the traditional Japanese aesthetics on Instagram! 【TripAdvisor】Kyuanji Temple

Video Introduction of "Shirane Kite Battle" in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture This video, titled "Shirane Kite Battle 2022, June 5, 2022｜Giant Kites Dancing in the Sky｜Otaka group vs. Kenshin group, Yakusha group vs. Isshin Tasuke group｜Japanese Shirone Giant Kite Battle" (空に舞う大凧を撮ってきた・白根大凧合戦2022・令和４年６月５日 大高組VS謙信組 役者組VS一心太助組), was uploaded by "pikineko【photographer】." The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is held every year in early June in Shirone, Niigata and in Nishi-shirone, Niigata, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. Thirteen groups of kites, divided into Eastern and Western forces, crash their kites into one another and compete for victory or defeat in this heroic festival. It's a popular event for taking photos. The video shows the competition between the East Army's Otaka and Yakusha groups and the West Army's Kenshin and Isshin Tasuke groups. The sight of these giant kites fighting in the air is very exciting to watch. Be sure to check out the video before reading along to see how the history and tradition of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle has been passed down from generation to generation. A Brief Introduction to Kites in Japan Kites, called "tako" (凧) in Japanese, are said to have been introduced to Japan by the Heian Period (794 - 1185). They are made by affixing Japanese paper to a bamboo frame, and often come in a rectangular shape, although some regions of Japan have hexagonal kites, etc. Japanese kites are often decorated with traditional imagery, such as samurai. In the past, kites were incredibly popular in Japan, to the point that they were a common cause of damage to residences. Even today, they can be enjoyed at a wide variety of Japanese festivals and other events. Why Is the Shirone Giant Kite Battle Held? A Look at the History of the Event Photo：Shirone Giant Kite Battle The Shirone Giant Kite Battle, held in Shirone, Niigata, is a tradition with 300 years of history. It's a well-known festival that signals the arrival of early summer in Niigata. The origin of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle dates back to the middle-Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It began when people on the Shirone side of the Nakanokuchi River flew kites to celebrate the completion of the Nakanokuchi River embankment repair work. However, the kites fell on the Nishishirone side, the other side of the river, resulting in damage to some fields. People on the Nishishirone side, angered by this, began to fly their own kites in an attempt to knock down the kites of the Shirone side. This story is said to be how the event started. Like festivals in other parts of Japan, the Shirone Giant Kite Battle is also symbolic in nature. Kites are flown high to celebrate the birth children and to wish that prayers for a bountiful harvest will reach the heavens. Shirone Giant Kite Battle Rules and How Winners Are Decided Photo：A giant kite The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is divided into six groups from the east (Shirone side) and seven groups from the west (Nishishirone side) across the Nakanokuchi River. The kites are flown from both banks, and pitted against each other until the other kite's rope is broken. The kite that remains standing is the winner. The kites used in the Shirone Kite Battle are as large as 44 square meters (~470 square feet) and weigh a whopping 50 kg (110 lbs.). The Eastern side flies their kite low in the sky, while the Western side crosses the rope of their kite over the Eastern side's kite and slams it headlong into the river water. They continue fighting like this until one of the ropes is broken. If the rope is broken, the winner is awarded with one point. If the rope is not broken within the set time limit, the match is a draw, and both sides receive half a point. If the kites separate from each other before a rope is broken, the match is deemed "nakiwakare" (泣き別れ, A tearful parting) and there is no winner. These are the basic rules for scoring and determining winners and losers in the kite battle, but in reality, several kites may become tangled up together, as several pairs fly their kites at the same time. Since the method of determining winners and losers changes depending on the situation, spectators are kept on the edge of their seats as they await the outcome of the battle. The ranking of each pair is determined by their performance during the festival, which in turn determines the winning side. Shirone Giant Kite Battle 2023 Schedule and Attractions to See During the Festival Photo：Fireworks The Shirone Giant Kite Battle, which was shortened in duration in recent years, was held normally in 2022, but because the other events were canceled, many tourists were not able to enjoy the festival to the fullest. Luckily, it was been announced that the 2023 festival will be held for five days from June 1 to 5, with the previously canceled children's kite competition on May 31 and the citywide parade on June 1. In addition, a fireworks display is expected to be held as well, which will be a major event that will liven up the kite battle. In previous years, the event was held on Saturday during the festival period, and in case of rain, it is held on the following Sunday. Shirone Kite Museum: Learn More About the Exciting Shirone Giant Kite Battle The Shirone Kite Museum in Minami, Niigata, is one of the world's largest kite museums, where visitors can learn about kites and kite battles. You're sure to be captivated by the museum's collection of rare kites from all across Japan and around the world on display here. A full-size kite, like the ones used in kite battle, greets visitors at the entrance! You can also see the materials used to make the kites in the exhibition area. Inside the museum, visitors can experience what it's like to watch a kite battle through pictures and videos on the walls. If you can't make it to the actual event, we recommend checking this out. Visitors can also participate in a kite-making experience, after which, they'll have their very own kite that they can try flying in the wind tunnel laboratory. It's a great way to commemorate a trip to the area and will make you feel like a kid again. Incidentally, it's a great experience for kids as well. If the weather is nice, you can also fly your kite outside. Furthermore, at the souvenir corner, you can buy a kite with your desired design and name on it, which is popular as a gift. A temporary parking lot is available during the Shirone Giant Kite Battle, and free shuttle buses run from the parking lot to the venue. How to Get to the Shirone Giant Kite Battle Venue The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is located somewhat far from Niigata, but the easiest way to reach the event venue if you're coming from Niigata Station is via bus. There are buses scheduled on both weekends and weekdays that you can take to Shirone. You can opt to get off at at the Go no Machi (五の町) bus stop which takes you within a couple minutes' walk of the event venue (~1 hr. 15 minutes), or take a bus to the Shirone Kite Museum, enjoy a tour of the museum, and then take a free shuttle bus to the event venue from there (~1 hr. 30 mins). Either route with cost you 660 yen. Summary of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle The giant kites soar through the sky and engage in an exciting battle. It's a must-see event and allows visitors to experience a rich aspect of Japanese culture. The battle will be even more lively this year, as food stalls, etc. are back as of 2022. If you love festivals and want to see giant kites made with Niigata's traditional kite-making techniques, or if the sight of a kite battle gets your blood pumping, be sure to plan a trip to Niigata in June. Watching the powerful Shirone Giant Kite Battle is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Nanao Castle" in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, one of the 100 best castles in Japan, video introduction This video, titled "Nanao Castle in ISHIKAWA, JAPAN / #34 of the Top 100 Castles of Japan｜4K" (【石川／日本100名城】七尾城／難攻不落の天宮 4K - Nanao castle in ISHIKAWA, JAPAN / The Top 100 Castles in Japan No.34 -), was uploaded by "channel WASABI." Introduces the ruins of Nanao Castle, a mountain castle in Nanao, Ishikawa, in Japan's Koshinetsu region, in beautiful 4K quality! Nanao Castle, one of the Top 100 Castles of Japan and a Nationally Designated Historic Site, is located at an elevation of 300m, overlooking Nanao Bay and the Noto Peninsula from the honmaru (inner citadel). Nanao Castle was considered an impregnable fortress during its prime, and you can still see the stone walls where the major parts of the castle were previously located. In this article, we'll introduce tourist information and travel tips for anyone planning to visit Nanao Castle. The video introduces the breathtaking scenery of Nanao Castle, a vast area located on a mountain ridge in the forests of Japan. For those who have studied or are interested in Japanese history, it paints a good picture of what the Sengoku Period (Japan's warring states period; around 1467 - 1615 AD) was like. Exploring the History of Nanao Castle Photo：Nanao Castle inner bailey ruins, Nanao, Ishikawa Nanao Castle is a mountain castle with a "kuruwa" (castle wall) on each of the seven ridges: Matsuo, Takeo, Umeo, Kikuo, Kameo, Torao, Tatsuo. There are still references that show it was also referred to as "Matsuo Castle," written both "松尾城" and "末尾城" (same pronunciation different kanji/spelling). Nanao Castle was built in the first half of the 16th century as the residence of the Hatakeyama Clan, a Japanese samurai clan who governed the province of Noto. It is a fortified castle that is said to be one of the Five Great Mountain Castles of Japan, and it fell after a roughly year-long battle with Uesugi Kenshin's forces. After that, Oda Nobunaga appointed Maeda Toshiie as Lord of Noto giving him the castle, however, after Toshiie moved to Kanazawa Castle, Nanao Castle was abandoned. Nanao Castle - Highlights and Tourist Information Photo：The view from Nanao Castle, Nanao, Ishikawa Nanao Castle is a large mountain castle. Highlights of Nanao Castle include the many stone walls that remain in nearly the same condition they were in hundreds of years ago, as well as the scenery of Nanao Bay and the Noto Peninsula which can be seen from the top of the mountain. The climbing route to reach Nanao Castle is covered with wood chips, but we recommended wearing shoes that are easy to walk in. If you want to climb from the foot of the mountain, you can use the Nanao Castle Trailhead Parking Lot (七尾城登山口駐車場), or you can park your car in the parking lot of the Nanao Castle History Museum and purchase a Nanao Castle Seal Stamp or a memorial stamp of the Top 100 Castles of Japan before starting your hike. At the Nanao Castle History Museum, visitors can explore exhibits such as excavated items related to Nanao Castle and reconstructions of Nanao Castle via computer generated architecture. In addition, the Nationally Registered Cultural Property "Kaikokan" (the former Iida family residence), which is adjacent to the museum, is another tourist attraction worth checking out. The time required to climb the mountain is about ~40 minutes from the parking lot of the Nanao Castle History Museum, following the formerly used road to the honmaru (inner citadel) ruins. There is also a 150-minute course for those looking to really explore and conquer the vast grounds of Nanao Castle. Photo：Nanao Station If you visit Nanao Castle via public transportation, you can reach the Nanao Castle History Museum from "Nanao Station" on the JR Nanao Line by taking the city circuit bus "Marin-go" (まりん号) and getting off at "Joyama no Sato" (城山の里). From there it's about a 60-minute walk. The stone wall of the Sakurababa Bailey Ruins above Chodo-maru (a former weapon's warehouse) is shown at 0:40 in the video, and the stone wall of the Honmaru Ruins at 2:42 are some of the highlights of Nanao Castle. There's also a shrine in the honmaru, and the scenery you can see from the Nanao Joyama Observatory, which is known to have been praised by Uesugi Kenshin, is shown at 3:52 in the video. Summary of the Nanao Castle Ruins This video, titled "Nanao Castle in ISHIKAWA, JAPAN / #34 of the Top 100 Castles of Japan｜4K," introduces Nanao Castle, a formerly impregnable mountain castle in Ishikawa Prefecture, in beautiful 4K. Be sure to refer to this article and visit Nanao Castle if you're planning on traveling in Noto! 【TripAdvisor】Nanao Castle Ruins https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021236-d1424256-Reviews-Nanao_Castle_Ruins-Nanao_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

The Giant Floats of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa: Video Introduction This video, titled "Seihakusai Festival – Dekayama Floats Parading Through Town｜2017 in 4K" (青柏祭 でか山が街を行く 2017 in 4K), was uploaded by "officeliquid." It's a powerful 4K video of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. At the Seihakusai Festival, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the largest floats in Japan, referred to as "Dekayama," are pulled through the streets of the city. The sight of the Dekayama going from one alley to the next is an incredible sight. The shouting of the crowds and the gentle May breeze make it feel like the festival is taking place right before your eyes, something that can only be achieved with such high-definition video. Enjoy the 3-minute movie showing what it's like to travel to Noto during summer! About Ishikawa Prefecture Ishikawa Prefecture is located approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Tokyo via bullet train. It's bordered by Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu Prefectures, as well as the sea. Bordering the sea, Ishikawa is known for its delicious seafood, and is also home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Kenrokuen Garden, one of the "Three Most Beautiful Gardens in Japan," and Kanazawa Castle, both of which are located in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa. In addition, it's home to unique cultures and traditional crafts, such as Kanazawa Lacquerware, and Kanazawa Gold Leaf. An Introduction to Festivals in Japan Japan is home to thousands of festivals each year. The Japanese word for festival is "matsuri" (祭り), which comes from the word "matsuru" (祭る, to deify, to enshrine). The reason Japan has so many festivals has to do with Japanese culture and religion. Japan is said to be home to 8 million gods, and practically every area in Japan has a shrine that worships a particular god. Because of this, many shrines also have their own annual festivals, with different meanings and origins. There are seasonal festivals to pray for good harvests, bon festivals to pray for the souls of the dead, and even dance festivals showcasing traditional dances of a particular regions. There is a seemingly endless list of festivals, many of which are held near shrines or temples, and which often have food stalls, music, etc., for the enjoyment of participants. Some of the most famous festivals in Japan are the Gion Festival of Kyoto, the Tanabata Festival of Sendai, and the Nebuta Festival of Aomori which features large, intricate floats. Summer is particularly known to have a lot of festivals, thanks to the warm weather, so be sure to keep an eye out for them if you're visiting Japan during this time of year! What Is the Seihakusai Festival? Unraveling the History and Origins of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage! Photo：The Seihakusai Festival, Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is said to have been started as a national festival by Minamoto no Shitago in the Heian period (794-1185). Yoshimune, the third lord of the Noto Hatakeyama Clan, dedicated a float to the Seihakusai Festival, following the example of the yamaboko floats of Kyoto's Gion Festival, in an attempt to incorporate Kyoto culture into the festival, and this was the beginning of the Dekayama. The Seihakusai Festival got its name from the fact that the food offered to the gods (shinsen) was served on the young leaves of an oak tree which are called "seihaku" (青柏) in Japanese. It's said that when people went to Noto, they paid a visit to Otokonushi Shrine and offered seihaku to the gods. The Seihaku Festival is an annual spring festival held at Otokonushi Shrine. [Video] 0:22 - The Large Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival The Seihakusai Festival has a history of more than 1,000 years. In 1983, the Seihakusai Festival and its large floats were designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, and in 2016, the events with the floats were registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages as well. The Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival + The Dolls That Adorn Them "Dekayama" is the common name for the largest floats in Japan. The huge floats are 12 meters tall, weigh 12 tons, and have wheels which are 2 meters in diameter. They're pulled by people and are a powerful sight. However, the magnificence of Dekayama is not limited to their size. The stages and dolls depicting famous Kabuki scenes which decorate the front of the Dekayama are also a highlight of the festival. The stage is also decorated with a single young pine tree, which is used to pray for the gods' descent and for the eradication of disease and a prosperous life. The puppets/dolls displayed on the Dekayama's stages are called "Ningyomi" (人形見) and are unveiled at a designated "Ningyoyado" (doll inn) in each town on the evening of May 2, where they can be viewed by the general public. The Nigyomi dolls are a rare opportunity to see the Dekayama floats from up close. After the one-night exhibition, the newly created dolls go up on the Dekayama stages each year. The Dekayama are the stars of the show, giving a large-scale performance that allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Noto Region. Tsujimawashi and Fireworks at the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the turning of the floats, which is called "tsujimawashi." To turn the floats, a special lever called an "Oteko," is wedged beneath the wheel to change the direction of the float. Seeing the tsujimawashi performed on the narrow streets of the city with an 8-meter-long lever is quite the show. Young men climb on top of the Oteko and use leverage to lift the front wheel and turn the floats. The scene of the dangerous rotation of the floats is a spectacular sight to behold. [Video] 2:35 - Young Men Riding on the Oteko as the Float Is Turned The powerful Tsujimawashi can be seen from the night of May 3 to the night of May 5 at various locations in the city center. Another highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the fireworks. The first shot at around 8:30 pm on May 3 is for Kajicho, the first town to pull out its floats. The second shot goes off at 1:00 am on May 4, signaling Fuchu to pull out its floats, and the last shot goes off at 8:00 am on May 4 for Uomachi. Unlike the other two towns, only Uomachi has two fireworks signals, one at 7:00 am and the other at 8:00 am. The time of the fireworks may change, and fireworks may not be displayed on rainy or cloudy days. Please check weather information, etc. in advance on the official websites. When will the 2024 Aokashi Festival be held? Where will it be held? The Aokashiwa Festival, held at the Daichishu Shrine in the center of downtown Nanao, is usually held from May 3 to 5. However, from 2020, due to the spread of the new coronavirus, only the Shinto ritual was held. After the end of the outbreak, in 2023, the Dekayama Matsuri was resumed for the first time in four years, and the festival was very lively. However, the Aokashiwa Festival in 2024 was cancelled due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake. We hope that the local people will return to their daily lives as soon as possible and that the Aokashiwa Festival will resume after reconstruction. The surrounding area will be very crowded during the festival. Traffic regulations will be enforced, so we recommend that you look up information in advance, including information on temporary parking lots, if you plan to visit the area by car. How to Participate in the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot In previous years, the Seihakusai Festival was open to public participation in the form of pullers. Unfortunately, this was not possible in 2022 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recently, with the national policy of wearing masks after March 13th being left to the discretion of individuals, it's possible that the event will be open for public participation once again. It's best to wait for an official announcement regarding whether pullers can participate in the event. During the Seihakusai Festival, many sightseeing events will be held in the region, so be sure to check them out as well. 3 Popular Japanese Festivals Celebrated in May Here are 3 more festivals that you could consider checking out if you're visiting Japan during May: Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto Aoi Matsuri is festival with origins dating back 1,500 years. The festival features a large procession of 600 people wearing traditional clothing of Heian Period court nobles. The procession, the main event of the festival, takes place on May 15. Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo Sanja Matsuri is a festival held on the 3rd Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in May. It's one of the most famous festivals in Japan and attracts nearly 2 million spectators each year. The festival is held at the popular Sensoji Temple in Asakusam Tokyo and consists of musical floats, geiko (apprentice geisha), dancers, etc. Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo Kanda Matsuri is held at Kanda Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It is one of the 3 major festivals of Tokyo. The festival's main event is a procession of around 500 people dressed in Heian Period attire that passes through Akihabara, the electronics capital of Japan. Summary of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is a spring festival that is regarded as one of the most representative festivals of the Noto Peninsula. The tradition of Hikiyama, which has been passed on since ancient times, is filled with the wishes of many people. Before the Dekayama parade, the biggest highlight of the festival, be sure to visit the Ningyoyado, where you can see the elaborate dolls and decorations up close every year. It's an awesome part of the Seihakusai Festival! Nanao, Ishikawa is one of the most accessible tourist destinations, being only about an hour away from Kanazawa, which has many tourist attractions, by train or car. We recommend visiting here for a relaxing trip to enjoy traditional events, the delicious cuisine of the Noto Peninsula, and a variety of tourist attractions!

Video introduction of herring spawning "Gunrai" in Rumoi County, Hokkaido This video, titled "The Sea Turned White?! Drone Footage of a Pacific Herring Swarm!" (海が白くなる!? ニシン群来のドローン撮影に成功！), was uploaded by "Hidemi Imai" (今井秀美). In Obira, Hokkaido, the blue sea is dyed white as if milk has been spilled in it. This phenomenon is caused by herring swarms, which occurs when herring (in this case pacific herring), a fish heralding the arrival of spring in Hokkaido, spawn and fertilize eggs. A video shot from the sky captures the phenomenon that looks like a white sash on the blue sea. Large schools of pacific herring come to Obira to spawn, and you can see the beauty of life as they flop about the surface of the water. Check out the video to see the pacific herring swarm up close! What Kind of Place is Obira? Obira is a small town in western Hokkaido with a population of just a few thousand. It's located a few hours north of Sapporo via train, making it a bit of an out-of-the-way destination, but it's home to many tourist attractions. There are golf courses and surf spots, as well as facilities for learning about the local culture. In addition, there are ski resorts that can be enjoyed during the winter months, and campsites that can be visited during the summer. Obira is a nice destination to check out if you're looking for things to do in Hokkaido that are a bit more off the beaten path. Information about the Pacific Herring and the Causes and Conditions for Swarms in Hokkaido, Japan Photo：Pacific herring spawning The pacific herring (scientific name: clupea pallasii) is a silvery-white fish found mostly in the Pacific Ocean. Pacific herring are generally 30-35 cm (12-13 inches) long but can grow as large as 45 cm (~17.5 inches). Pacific herring feed on phytoplankton and zooplankton, and their natural predators are salmon, whales, seabirds, etc. Every year from February to March, the coast of the Sea of Japan in Hokkaido turns a milky white color. The pacific herring come to the coast in large numbers during spring, so much so, that they are said to herald the arrival of spring in Hokkaido. In the world of haiku, a type of Japanese poetry, the word "Nishin Kuki" (鰊群来, herring coming in large schools) is a seasonal word to symbolize spring. Herring swarms occur when herring come to the coast to spawn and fertilize eggs. The white colors are a phenomenon that occurs when males simultaneously fertilize eggs that have been laid on seaweed. In 1954, after being observed along the coast from Yoichi to Oshoro, a 20km stretch on the peninsula northwest of Sapporo, the pacific herring swarms were not observed again for many years. It wasn't until 1999 that the pacific herring swarms were observed in the area, for the first time in 45 years. In order for the herring swarms to occur, two conditions must be met: the sea must be calm during the herring spawning season, and the water temperature must be relatively high, around 5 degrees Celsius. In addition, the herring swarms seem more likely to occur on cloudy days from February to April. When and Where to See the Pacific Herring Swarms Source :YouTube screenshot The herring swarms are a phenomenon seen during the spawning season, which, for the pacific herring in Japan, is from late January to early May, and February to March is said to be the most active season. In addition, since spawning often takes place at night, the ocean can be seen turning milky white around dawn, disappearing around noon. This means that you have a higher chance of seeing the phenomenon during the morning. The places where herring swarms can be seen are the coasts of Hokkaido along the Sea of Japan and within Ishikari Bay. In Otaru, herring is synonymous with spring. If you want to see the herring swarms, we recommend visiting the Otaru coast from February to March! However, because it's a natural phenomenon, it's not always possible to see the pacific herring swarms, even if you visit at the right time and place. That being said, it's still worth a try to see the incredible sight. Delicious, Seasonal Pacific Herring Recipes! Photo：Nishin soba In Hokkaido, which is famous for herring production, there are various ways to eat delicious seasonal herring. Pacific herring are considered to be in season only in spring, but it's said that they are also in season in autumn. In Japan, pacific herring are processed in many different ways. Some of these are herring roe, kombu-maki (kelp rolls), nuka nishin (herring in rice-bran paste), and migaki nishin (dried and sliced herring). One of the rarest products is frozen herring stuffed with mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Migaki nishin is famous for its use in nishin soba (a bowl of soba topped with a dried herring), a specialty of Kyoto. In addition, we also recommend carpaccio, which is made by cutting the fish into three pieces and pouring a seasoning mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper over the meat. The herring and pumpkin pie from Ghibli's "Kiki's Delivery Service" is another dish that tastes even better when made with pacific herring caught during season in Hokkaido. If you like cooking, we recommend trying a simple recipe, which requires just some cooked herring, vegetable paste, white sauce, and cheese inside a pie topping, and then baking. Seaweed With Roe From the Pacific Herring Photo：Komochi kombu When herring come to the shallows to spawn in large schools, they lay their eggs on seaweed. Because the eggs are sticky, they tend to adhere to seaweed, such as kombu (edible kelp) and wakame seaweed. Originally, natural seaweeds on which the eggs were laid naturally were harvested, but due to a decrease in catches, there are fewer and fewer of them. Therefore, seaweed is now hung where the pacific herring will pass by to encourage spawning. The result of pickling these seaweeds in salt creates 2 delicious types of seaweed called komochi kombu and komochi wakame. They are often used in festive New Year's dishes in Japan to bring good luck. Summary of Herring Swarms and Spawning in Hokkaido The pacific herring swarms resemble a milky white sash fluttering in the blue sea. The contrast between the blue and white colors allows for some vivid photography as well. It's fascinating to think that this phenomenon occurs when large schools of herring gather to spawn and release their sperm in order to procreate. If you're traveling to Hokkaido in February and March during spring, consider visiting the coast of Otaru. If you're lucky, you may be able to see the herring swarms, a mysterious phenomenon of life.

Video introduction of "Isumi Railway" & "Kominato Railway" rape blossoms and cherry blossoms in Boso Peninsula, Chiba Prefecture This video, titled "[4K UHD] Kominato and Isumi Railways in Spring (shot on Samsung NX1)" ([ 4K UHD ] 春の小湊鉄道といすみ鉄道 - Kominato railway and Isumi railway in Spring - (shot on Samsung NX1), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." The video shows the Kominato Railway (小湊鉄道, kominato tetsudo) and Isumi Railway (いすみ鉄道)—which run across Chiba prefecture's Boso Peninsula—in spring. No matter your age or where you come from, this is definitely a place you'll want to check out, especially if you’re a train enthusiast. Visible in the window across from the train driver are the figures of excited children. Check out this uplifting three-and-a-half-minute video, filled with pink cherry blossoms and vibrant yellow rapeseed blossoms. [Video] 1:28 - Cherry Blossoms, Rapeseed, and the Smiling Faces of Children The Difference Between the Isumi and Kominato Railways Photo：Kominato Railway The Isumi Railway covers around 27 kilometers on the JR Boso line (JR房総線, JR Bososen), stretching from Ohara station (大原駅, ohara-eki) to Kazusa-Nakano station (上総中野駅, kazusanakano-eki). The Kominato Railway makes up around 39 kilometers of the JR Uchibo line (JR内房線, JR uchibo sen) between Goi station (五井駅, goi-eki) and Kazusa-Nakano Station. The two railways meet at Kazusa-Nakano station, and if you switch trains there, it's possible to ride across the entire Boso peninsula—just the right distance for a railway day trip. There's even a "Boso Coast to Coast Commemorative Ticket" (房総横断記念乗車券, boso odan kinen joshaken) available as a souvenir via a collaboration between the two companies. If you're visiting from Tokyo, it should take a little under an hour via the JR Sobu Rapid (JR総武快速線) and Uchibo lines. Arriving at Chiba's Goi station, a walk across the bridge will take you to the local line (the Kominato railway) and the start of your journey. In a location that can be enjoyed as a day trip from downtown Tokyo, those with train-loving kids can have an enjoyable day out as well. Cherry Blossoms & the Nanohana Ressha on the Isumi Railway Most famous amongst the Isumi railways trains is the "Nanohana Ressha," (菜の花列車, lit. 'Rapeseed Train'), whose rolling stock is yellow, just like the rapeseed blossoms. The best time to see the rapeseed that lines the railway and is famous for its incredible views is between early March and early April of each year. From late March, the cherry blossoms are in season, and by early April you can see beautiful scenes of cherry blossom in full bloom. Keep an eye on the cherry blossom bloom maps and enjoy both cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms from the window of a train. The Best Spots to Photograph the Isumi Railway's Rape Blossoms & Cherry Blossoms! Photo：Isumi Railway On the Isumi Railway between Kazusa-Azuma Station (上総東駅, kazusa azusa-eki) and Nittano Station (新田野駅, nittano-eki), Shiromiaoka Station (城見ヶ丘駅, shiromigaoka-eki) and Otaki Station (大多喜駅, otaki-eki), as well between as Fusamoto station (総元駅, fusamoto-eki) and Nishihata Station (西畑駅, nishihata-eki), you can see rapeseed blossoms and cherry blossoms competing for the spotlight. See if you can't capture a shot of the pinks and yellows under the blue skies of spring. Rapeseed blossoms bloom along 15 kilometers of the Isumi Railway's 27-kilometer span, meaning you can enjoy them along almost the entire length of the track. If you're a train enthusiast, finding the best photo spot is part of the fun! The Isumi Railway is often compared to Moomin Valley in Japan. The comparison originates from the Moomin Train (ムーミン列車, mumin ressha) which operated on the line until March 2019. Apparently at the time there was a Snufkin Lake, and statues of popular characters such as the Moomins, Little My, and Snufkin, in addition to the Moomin-themed trains. There's no doubt that the lush scenery was a good match for the world of the Moomins as well. The Best Spots to Photograph the Kominato Railway Photo：Kominato Railway's Satoyama Romantic Train Kominato Railway's Satoyama Romantic Train (里山トロッコ, satoyama torokko) is hugely popular with tourists. Rail enthusiasts gather from across Japan to get a photo of the sightseeing train against the backdrop of the rapeseed blossom fields. A particularly notable photo spot is the Ishigami Rapeseed Blossom Field (石神菜の花畑, ishigami nanohana-batake), which allows visitors to take some really incredible photos. ■ Ishigami Rapeseed Blossom Field | Chiba, Ichihara, Ishigami, 225 If you get off part way along the Kominato Railway, you'll find Yorokeikoku Station (養老渓谷駅, yoro keikoku eki), where there is a footbath that is available free of charge when using the railroad. It's a 15-minute walk from the station. People visiting by car can use the parking lot by the road—from which there are several superb photo spots within a few minutes' walk—and wait for the sightseeing train. Incredibly, the sightseeing train actually slows down as it passes through the middle of the rapeseed blossom fields—a show of consideration for railway enthusiasts. [Video] 2:18 - The Sightseeing Train Passing Through Rapeseed Blossom Fields Additionally, within the wooden station building of Tsukizaki Station (月崎駅, tsukizaki-eki) is Mori Radio Station (森ラジオステーション, mori rajio suteshon), a popular tourist attraction also known as "Mori Radio" (森ラジオ, mori rajio). The building, which was originally a filling station for railroad maintenance workers of the Kominato Railway, was exhibited as an art installation covered with moss and wildflowers during the Naka-boso International Art Festival's (中房総国際芸術祭, nakaboso kokusai geijutusai) Ichihara Art x Mix (いちはらアートxミックス, ichihara ato x mikkusu) event in 2014. Its atmospheric appearance makes it a popular spot for tourists even now. [Video] 2:53 - Mori Radio Station, Covered in Moss and Wild Grasses Another recommended stop on the Kominato Railway is Itabu Station (飯給駅, itabu-eki). Known as the "world's largest toilet," the spot is quite popular during the daytime. It's a single toilet, surrounded by glass walls that was created as an art installation. At night, the station is popular as a place to take photos of the illuminated cherry blossoms along with the trains. Sightseeing Along the Kominato and Isumi Railways While the cherry blossoms and rapeseed are of course beautiful, they're best enjoyed between visits to various tourist attractions along the railway lines. Below is a list of several tourist attractions you can consider visiting along the railways. Yoro Valley (Yorokeikoku Station) Yoro Valley (Yoro Gorge) is one of the most famous hot spring areas in Chiba Prefecture, and is located roughly in the middle of the Boso Peninsula. The valley is home to numerous waterfalls with popular hiking courses and during the fall, it's a great place to enjoy the autumn leaves. Kasamori Temple (Kazusa-Ushiku Station) This temple sits atop a large boulder and features a unique architectural style. Founded in 784 AD, the temple has been dubbed the "Temple of Prayer and Fragrance" thanks to the lovely scent of the flowers that cover the temple grounds. Hours: April - September: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, October - March: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Admission Fee: Adults: 300 yen, Children: 100 yen Otaki Castle (Otaki Station) Otaki Castle is said to have been built in 1521 by Honda Tadakatsu, one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of the Tokugawa." Although the castle was demolished in 1871, the ruins of the castle were designated as a historical site in 1966 and the castle tower was rebuilt in 1975. Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Closures: Irregular (Please check the official website) Admission Fee: Adults: 200 yen, High school and university students: 100yen, Elementary and middle school students, seniors (65+), and those with disabilities: Free There are many other spots along the railway lines to check out, so if you see something that looks interesting, don't be afraid to hop off the train and explore! Summary of the Kominata and Isumi Railways in Spring The sight of trains reflected in rice paddys and the spring rapeseed and cherry blossoms featured in the video are enough to capture anyone's heart, railway fan or not. There are plenty of wonderful hotels and ryokan (Japanese style inns) in the surrounding area. Even if you usually travel by car, consider booking a trip across the Boso peninsula by train! Take in the fresh spring air and relaxing scenery from the window of your carriage.

Omizutori, a Unique Event at Todaiji Temple: Video Introduction This video, titled "'Omizutori' at Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall, an Ancient Ceremony That Has Continued for More Than 1,200 Years" (東大寺二月堂「お水取り」　1200年以上続く不退の行法), was uploaded by "KYODO NEWS." Omizutori (water-drawing ceremony) is held at Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall for two weeks from March 1 to 14 every year. This video introduces the traditional ceremony from the first day to the last day. On the final day, when the "Kagotaimatsu" (large torches made with pine) are lit, the temple is crowded with tourists and people wishing for good health and good fortune. Be sure to check out the videos to see what it's like. The History and Meaning Behind the Unique Event at Todaiji Temple, Nara Photo：Todaiji Temple, Nara Todaiji Temple is a temple in Nara, Japan famous for the "Great Buddha of Nara" and its principal image is the Vairocana Buddha. It was built in the Nara Period (710-794 A.D.) at the request of Emperor Shomu. Omizutori, a traditional event to herald the coming of spring, is held at Todaiji Temple every year. It's said that this event was first held in 752 by Jichu, a high disciple of Roben, and has a history of more than 1,200 years. Originally, in February of the lunar calendar, "Shunie," a ceremony of repentance for more than two weeks, was held. "Omizutori," a widely known ceremony in Japan, is a part of this ceremony. During Shunie, 6 repentance sessions called "Rokuji no Gyoho" are performed from noon to midnight. During the six repentance sessions, beautiful shomyo (Buddhist chanting) is performed. The six repentance sessions are: "Nichu" (midday), "Nichimotsu" (dusk), "Shoya" (late evening), "Hanya" (midnight), "Goya" (after midnight), and "Jinjo" (dawn). The name "Omizutori" is derived from the transportation of okozui (scented water used for purification) from the manor of the Wakasa well. The water drawn is from a well in a building to which only parade performers are allowed. It is believed that drinking the okozui will cure all illnesses. The official name of "Omizutori" is "Juichi-men Kekka." During the ceremony, priests who have purified their bodies and souls chant the name of the Buddha in front of the eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), repenting for their sins and praying for peace and tranquility under heaven. In recent years, many events have had to be canceled due to the Corona pandemic, but the Shunie and Omizutori ceremonies have never been canceled, even when various natural disasters and epidemics have occurred. Highlights of the Event at Todaiji Temple, Nara Photo：Omizutori at Todaiji Temple, Nara The famous scene of Todaiji Temple's Omizutori is the spectacular sight of torch sparks dancing from the stage of Nigatsudo. The torch sparks, called "o-taimatsu," are known to bring blessings of good health and good fortune, and every year many tourists visit Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall to see them. It's said that if you take home cinders from the burnt torches, wrap them in a piece calligraphy paper and tie it with mizuhiki (a decorative Japanese cord) to decorate your entrance or kitchen, you will be blessed with good luck that will ward off misfortune and evil. [Video] 0:53 - Monks Led by a Large Torch Enter Nigatsudo One After Another There are 10 torches lit each night during the procession, but on the night of March 12th, the largest basket torch appears, bringing the total to 11. The sight of these torches, 8 meters long and weighing about 70 kg each, leading the procession with fiery sparks amidst the solemn sound of bells is a sight to behold. [Video] 1:40 - The Large Basket Torches After the date changes to dawn on the 13th, the Omizutori, from which the festival takes its name, begins. The ceremony is extremely sacred, so the inside of the Omizutori itself is kept secret. [Video] 2:10 - Torchlight and Monks Heading for the Omizutori What is the schedule of the 2024 Omizutori Shunikai and the time of the torches? Photo：The Omizutori stage, Nigatsudo, Todaiji Temple, Nara The following are the plans for the 2024 Mizutori and Shujikai. [Date] March 1-14th, 2024 [Matsumitsu time] During the period / from 19:00 ※ However, from 19:30 on the 12th and 18:30 on the 14th During the festival, the hall will be decorated with artificial "camellia" flowers made by the parade performers to delight the eyes of visitors. It's recommended that you check schedules and event times in advance. How to Get to Todaiji Temple to See the Events Although admission to Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall, where the "Omizutori" ceremony is held, is free of charge, the crowds usually increase with each passing day. It's said that the first half of the week from March 1st, when the "Omizutori" ceremony begins, excluding weekends, is the best time to visit the hall. The crowds peak on the 12th, when the dynamic "Kagotaimatsu" can be seen burning, and the area around Nara Park, located near Todaiji Temple, is so crowded that police are dispatched to guide tourists. Therefore, public transportation is recommended to access Nigatsudo. The nearest station is Kintetsu Nara Station. If you're driving, please use toll parking lots in the area, as there is no parking at Todaiji Temple. Summary of Omizutori, a Unique Event at Todaiji Temple Omizutori is a unique ceremony held at Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall. On March 15th, after the full performance of the ceremony, there's an event held for small children in which the hats worn by the monks who perform in the ceremony, is placed on the child's head to pray for his or her healthy growth. This marks the end of the traditional "Omizutori" ceremony at Todaiji Temple. Although this event heralds the beginning of spring, Nara in early March can be quite cold, so be sure to dress warm when visiting. There are a variety of tours available for families, friends, or solo travelers as well. Planning a spring trip to Nara will be tons of fun! Witness the sparks of the giant torches and experience 1,200 years of history at a famous temple in Nara, Japan! [Official Website] Todaiji Temple [Tripadvisor] Nigatsudo, Todaiji Temple

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort in Japan's Shinshu Region: Video Introduction This video, titled "2020–21 Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Promotion Video" (2020-21 野沢温泉スキー場プロモーションビデオ), was uploaded by "nozawaonsen." Blanketed in a veil of silvery white snow, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has something for the whole family, with a variety of courses, ranging from beginner to expert level. In addition to skiing and sledding, facilities include a kids' park and even a day-care center, so visitors with small children can enjoy the slopes too. Once you've had your fun on the powder, at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort you can soothe your tired body in the thermal springs, or enjoy some delicious cuisine. Before we go any further, check out Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's gorgeous snow-covered scenery and people enjoying winter activities in the video. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort’s Distinctive Features, and Course Difficulty Photo：Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is located in northern Nagano prefecture in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, and its slopes — which cover an area the size of 63 Tokyo Domes — set it apart from all other ski resorts. Twinkling prettily, trees decorated with icicles dot the landscape, which, with its 100% natural snow, boasts some of the best powder in Honshu (the main island of the Japanese archipelago) and there are plenty of gorgeous views to be seen as well. The vast slopes play host to a total of 36 runs, divided in a 40/30/30 ratio between beginner, intermediate, and expert difficulties respectively. The resort is popular amongst skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from novices to seasoned experts. What’s more is, there's the Nagasaka Gondola, a large gondola which can ferry 10 people from the Nagasaka area to the Yamabiko area in one go. These gondolas are the first in Japan to have an all-glass structure, which boasts excellent ventilation properties, and allows riders to take in the natural scenery as they travel from one point to the next. Plenty of Courses for Beginners and Families! Photo：Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan Thanks to its abundance of runs and areas aimed at beginners and children, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is popular among visitors with no skiing experience and families with small children. There's even a rental shop, so there's no need to worry if you don't have your own equipment. The Uenotaira Course (上ノ平ゲレンデ, uenotaira gerende) and Paradise Course (パラダイスゲレンデ, paradaisu gerende) are recommended for beginners or kids who aren't yet familiar with skis or snowboards. These slopes are both gentle and wide, making them the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the snow without worrying about having an accident. Furthermore, thanks to lower temperatures than those at the foot of the mountain, the quality of the snow is great. The lift adjacent to the slopes has a handrail and can take up to four people, meaning you can ride as a group; a boon for those with young children who may struggle with the lifts. Once you've had your fill of skiing about at the summit, you can leave the Paradise Course behind you and head for the Rinkan Course (林間コース, rinkan kosu). This course allows skiers to enjoy some spectacular views as they descend the mountain along a beautiful wooded trail. If you aren't confident in your skiing abilities, you can take the gondola to the bottom, so be sure to keep this in mind if you're new to skiing or snowboarding. The area at the foot of the mountain is also recommended for beginners and kids. There are wide and gentle slopes here too, ideal for kids who are experiencing skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Ziplines, Indoor Playgrounds and More! Check Out the Exciting Activities at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Photo：Zip Sky Ride at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, Nagano, Japan "Zip Sky Ride" is one of the most popular facilities at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. This zipline, comprising of a seated harness mounted on a wire rope using a pulley is located above the Hikage Course, and is 652 meters with a total altitude difference of 122 meters. The zipline can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h! This aerial activity lets visitors soar above the slopes like a bird. The ride is accessible to everyone elementary school age and up, so consider flying over the mountains with your kids! In addition, the Kids' Park and Nasky Room are great for those with kids who haven't started elementary school yet. The Kids' Park offers sledding, tubing, and more, and the Nasky Room (ナスキールーム) has educational toys, making these places great for both relaxing and playing. There's a day-care as well! "Yumin," has qualified childcare professionals present, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your kids are in good hands while you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities on the slopes. How to Get the Best Deals at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort! Photo：Friends chatting with smartphones Buying one of the special package tickets from Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's home page will allow you to save a little money. Priced at ¥6,500 for adults and ¥4,300 for kids, the special package tickets include a gondola ticket, which would usually sell for ¥6,000, or ¥3,600 per child, as well as ¥1,000 worth of lunch tickets. Furthermore, a package that includes a 1-day lift ticket, a ¥1,000 lunch ticket, and a Nozawa Onsen Sparena bath ticket is also available for ¥7,000 for adults and ¥4,600 for children. These perks are also available to those visiting one a day trip, so save yourself some money while enjoying Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. Additionally, there are a variety of seasonal value passes available to skiers, including a spring skiing service pass, and family-oriented passes, such as the spring break family pack campaign, etc. Enjoy a trip to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort next spring with your little ones and make some unforgettable memories! Check out Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort's homepage for more details. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort Roundup: A Ski Resort Recommended for Families and Kids The beautiful slopes covered in powdery snow offer tons of photogenic views that would look great on Instagram. There are a variety of courses tailored for both children and adults, and the views are fantastic. The area surrounding Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has a wide range of hotels, inns, and ryokan (traditional Japanese style inns) as well. A shuttle bus runs between the spa town and the ski resort, so guests can unwind with a dip in the hot springs and some delicious food after a fun-filled day of skiing. We implore you to head to Nagano Prefecture in Japan's Shinshu region and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and memorable winter activities! 【Official Website】Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort 【TripAdvisor】Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Sapporo, Hokkaido - Video Introduction This video, titled "2018-2019 SAPPORO TEINE PV," was uploaded by "TEINE CHANNEL - Sapporo Teine Official" (TEINE CHANNEL ～サッポロテイネ公式～). Sapporo Teine Photo：Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Teine, Sapporo, Hokkaido Sapporo Teine is a ski resort located on Mt. Teine, 1,023 meters above sea level, in Teine, Sapporo, located on Hokkaido, Japan's Northernmost Island. The summit overlooks the city of Sapporo and Ishikari Bay, making it a popular destination due to its splendid scenery. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort features 15 courses, with a total of 9 lifts and gondolas, and offers courses for beginners and advanced skiers alike. This popular ski resort is located approximately 15 km (~9 miles) from downtown Sapporo. 2 Zones Used as Venues During the Sapporo Winter Olympics Sapporo Teine is characterized by its division into two zones: "Highland" and "Olympia." The Highland Zone has hosted four technical alpine skiing events (slalom and giant slalom) during the Sapporo Olympics, while the Olympia Zone hosted the torch stand and five bobsledding and luge events. Sapporo Teine's 'Highland Zone' Photo：Snowboarding The Highland Zone features a total of seven courses. The City View Cruise allows you to enjoy skiing while looking out over the city of Sapporo. You can enjoy high-quality powder here until spring. [Video] 0:03 - Highland Zone This video shows snowboarders and skiers enjoying the powdery snow at Sapporo Teine. The conditions are perfect! [Video] 0:19 - Snowboarders and Skiers Enjoying the Powdery Snow Kitakabe is one of Sapporo Teine's most difficult courses and is loved by advanced skiers. It's full of steep slopes and uneven planes, making it challenging but enjoyable. At the Yuichiro Miura & Snow Dolphin Ski School held at the Highland Zone, staff members who know the snow well at Sapporo Teine will teach you not only skiing and snowboarding techniques, but also the charm of the snowy mountains. Olympia Zone: Great for Beginners and Families Photo：Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Teine, Sapporo, Hokkaido The Olympia Zone, with its many gently sloping courses, is recommended for beginners and novice skiers. The popular Rainbow Course is 1,700 meters long! Beginners can enjoy skiing here at their own pace. The Teine Olympia Ski School, accredited by the Professional Ski Instructor’s Association of Japan (SAJ), allows both kids and adults to learn how to ski, so people of all skill levels can take lessons appropriate for their level. The advanced course in the Olympia Zone, the Olympic Cauldron Ocean Dive, allows you to ski steep slopes while enjoying the view of Ishikari Bay, so if you're a confident skier/snowboarder, you should definitely give it a try! The Olympia Zone's Dinosaur Kids Park! Dinosaur Kids Park is recommended for those with kids. You can enjoy the Triceratops slide, sledding, tubing, and more. Sleds and snow tubes can be rented free of charge. The 116-meter-long wind-shielded snow escalator allows visitors to easily climb gentle slopes without being hit by snow or wind. Access to Sapporo Teine Photo：New Chitose Airport Sapporo Teine is located approximately 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport and 40 minutes from central Sapporo by car. The resort features 2,800 parking spaces available for use free of charge. If you're coming from far away, be sure to check out their special rental car plans and taxi packages. Summary of Sapporo Teine Ski Resort Sapporo Teine is a ski resort with a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. If you get tired from skiing, take a break at the rest house North Maple or the cafeteria Skadi in the Highland Ski Center, which seats up to 650 people. If you plan on doing some sightseeing in Hokkaido as well, we recommend making hotel reservations as early as possible. Last-minute reservations might not be possible. Sapporo Teine is a ski resort where both national and international competitions have been held. It's a place where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at the same venue where high-level competitions have been held. During the warmer months, the golf course offers three courses. Visitors can enjoy golfing in a place surrounded by the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. Mountain climbing is another popular activity for experiencing the outdoors of Hokkaido, and the waterfall Heiwa no Taki (平和の滝, lit. "Peace Falls") is a popular place for it. Sapporo Teine is a leisure facility that can be enjoyed throughout the year! 【Official Website】Sapporo Teine - Sapporo Teine Golf Club 【TripAdvisor】Sapporo Teine

Video introduction of Setsubun Festival at Taga Taisha Shrine, Inukami-gun, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. This video, titled "Good Sign 12th Broadcast: The Taga Taisha Shrine Setsubun Festival" (Good Sign 第12回放送 多賀大社節分祭), was uploaded by "Good Sign." The Setsubun Festival is held every February at Taga Taisha Shrine in Taga, Shiga, in Japan's Kansai region. This article will introduce "Oni no Mai" (鬼の舞, Dance of Demons) and the throwing of lucky beans and rice cakes. Setsubun is an essential event in Japanese culture. Through the Setsubun Festival at Taga Taisha Shrine, visitors can learn the meaning of Setsubun's bean-throwing custom. Check out this 4-minute video showing the charms of Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival. What Is Setsubun? The Traditional Japanese Event and When It's Celebrated Photo：Setsubun oni masks and mamemaki Setsubun means "division of the seasons," and refers to the day before the first day of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Since the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), the day before "Risshun" (立春, the first day of spring) has been called Setsubun. In the old calendar, Setsubun fell on New Year's Eve, which was meant to drive away evil spirits and welcome in a good year before the New Year. Mamemaki (豆まき) is a ritual in which an oni (Japanese ogre demon) appears and people throw beans at it while shouting "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi!" (鬼は外福は内, Demons out, luck in!). It's a popular event at kindergartens and nursery schools in Japan. It's also customary for Japanese families to eat "ehomaki," a thick sushi roll commonly made with 7 types of ingredients inside, representing the 7 Lucky Gods. It's believed that it's best to sit facing the lucky direction for the year (the direction of the god Toshitoku, who is in charge of the year's blessings), and sit quietly while eating. It's also customary to eat as many beans as one's age plus 1. Setsubun is often thought to be held on February 3, but in some years is held on the 2nd or 4th because Risshun (the first day of spring) sometimes changes. The God of Taga Taisha Shrine Photo：Taga Taisha Shrine, Shiga Prefecture Taga Taisha Shrine is the largest shrine in Shiga Prefecture, and is known as Otaga-san. There are two sayings, "Oise Mairaba, Otaga e Maire" (If you visit Ise, visit Otaga), and "Oise, Otaga no Ko Degozaru" (I am Ise, child of Taga). The second saying is derived from the fact that Taga Taisha Shrine is dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami, the parents of Amaterasu, the deity of Ise Jingu, giving the shrines a parent-child relationship. Taga Taisha Shrine is also believed to be the god of longevity and marriage, and a protector against evil. Visitors to the shrine can enjoy seasonal scenery, such as beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves of Okushoin Garden, which is associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Taga Taisha Shrine is also a tourist attraction with many other points of interest, such as a sacred tree called Sanbonsugi located on the site where Izanagi is said to have descended from the heavens, Jumyoseki (the Stone of Longevity), a white stone on which you can write your prayers and offer to the shrine, and Otaga-jakushi, a replica of a ladle made for Empress Gensho when she was ill. Oni Dances & Bean and Rice Cake Throwing – Highlights of Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of the Setsubun Festival is the "Oni no Mai" dance by the Shimane Prefecture Inbara Kagura Troupe. Three oni (demons) appear accompanied by the sound of taiko drums and flutes. They glare at the audience with frightening expressions as they perform the dance, creating a powerful scene! [Video] 1:51 - Oni no Mai The two priests gradually drive the demons to the edge of the corridor and exterminate them while scattering beans and shouting "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi" (Demons out, luck in!). This is a ritual to drive away evil spirits that bring bad luck. After the demons are gone, beans and rice cakes are thrown from the stage by participants who share the same zodiac sign as the current year. [Video] 3:00 - Lucky Beans and Lucky Rice Cakes Being Thrown Zodiac Signs + Lucky Bean and Rice Cake Throwing: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience! The lucky bean and rice cake throwing experience is for participants who share the same zodiac sign as the current year that will also turn 60 in that year. It's a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. An orientation session is held in advance. The application deadline is mid-December of the previous year. The service fee to participate is as follows 32,000 yen for one person, 42,000 yen for couples. A prayer fee, group dinner, group photo, and souvenirs such as fans are also included. ※Details based on the 2021 event. If you have family members who will celebrate their 60th birthday, maybe gift them with the chance to participate! Summary of Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival Taga Taisha Shrine is a 10-minute walk from Taga Taisha-mae Station on the Ohmi Railway. Shiga Prefecture boasts a variety of tourist attractions, including Taga Taisha Shrine, Hikone Castle, and more. If you're planning a trip in February, be sure to add a Setsubun Festival to your itinerary!

Video Introduction of “Kami-Hikkiuchi Paper Balloon Raising” in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture This video, titled "[Aerial Footage] Paper Balloon Festival Kamihinokinai Night Flight Filming" (【空撮】2017冬祭り上桧木内の紙風船上げ Paper Balloon Festival Kamihinokinai Night Flight Shooting) was uploaded by "DIRECT Kaneko." The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is a winter festival in Nishiki, and the one shown in the video was held on February 10, 2017 in Semboku, Akita, in Japan's Tohoku region. During the day, you can see the unique scenery of Japan's snow country, and at night, when the moon comes out, you can see the exciting aerial footage taken via drone. Please enjoy the collaboration of paper balloons and fireworks soaring high into the night sky! [Video] 1:27 - Paper Balloons and Fireworks in the Night Sky Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival – The Characteristics and History of the Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is a winter festival held in the Kamihinokinai district of Nishiki, Semboku, Akita on February 10 in the middle of winter. The festival features around 100 large paper balloons with paintings of warriors and beautiful women rising into the winter night sky like hot air balloons. It's a winter tradition in the Kamihinokinai area and attracts many visitors every year. The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is an event that has been handed down as a winter festival in one of Japan's higher snowfall areas. It has been handed down along with "mushiyaki" (虫焼き, an event where rice straw is piled up in a rice field and burned) to pray for a bountiful harvest and the safety of one's family. According to legends, the origin of the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is said to come from Hiraga Gennai, a scientist from Edo period Japan who passed on the principles of hot air balloons. Highlights of the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival Photo：Paper balloons The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated as such by the city of Semboku, Akita. Lit paper balloons soar one after another into the cold winter night sky. Roughly 100 paper balloons of various sizes are said to be made by residents of the Kamihinokinai area. The highlight of the festival is the giant paper balloons. In recent years, the paper balloons are getting bigger and bigger. They are made of commercial Japanese paper about 1 meter wide and 3 to 12 meters long, pasted together. The sight of the giant paper balloons rising into the night sky as the fire inside them rages on is quite the spectacle. Be sure to bring a camera as well, because the lit paper balloons rising up into the night sky surrounded by the beautiful snowy landscape of Akita are sure to be popular on Instagram. [Video] 1:20 - Paper Balloons Soaring Up Through the Snow What are the dates for the 2024 "Paper Balloon Raising in Kami-Hinokouchi"? The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is held every year from 6:00 p.m. on February 10th at the Nishiki Paper Balloon Square (紙風船館広場, Kami Fusen-kan Hiroba). In 2022, the event was canceled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection, but a small-scale paper balloon event was held by locals to carry on the culture. No official announcement has been made at this time (December 2023) regarding the 2024 event; if you would like to attend the 2024 event, please check the event information before you go. Rice Paddy Art – Summer in Kamihinokinai! Photo：Rice paddy art Rice field art can be seen from late June to early September along the Akita Nairiku Line, which connects Takanosu Station in Kitaakita and Kakunodate Station in Semboku, Akita. There are works that can be viewed from the platform of Kamihinokinai Station as well. Akita Inland Area Public Transportation Association and Kita-Akita Regional Development Bureau are recruiting design proposals for rice field art.Four 2024 designs have been decided out of 101 entries, and rice planting will take place around late May 2024, based on the design proposal. Among the selected works are cute works drawn by elementary school students with colored pencils.The design requirement of the Uehiki area is that it expresses the characteristics of paper balloon hoisting in Uehiki.The 2024 film also features a dog along with paper balloons flying into the night sky.It may be an Akita dog. It will be interesting to see how it looks as rice paddy art! Sightseeing in Kamihinokinai Photo：Dogtooth Violet Colony, Akita Prefecture Kamihinokinai, in Semboku, Akita, where the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is held, is located to the northeast of Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, and is a peaceful area surrounded by rich vegetation. Below is a list of some sightseeing spots in the area. ● Dogtooth Violet Colony (かたくり群生の郷, Katakuri Gunsei no Sato) Katakuri (dogtooth violet) is a bulbous plant of the lily family. At the Dogtooth Violet Colony, the largest colony of dogtooth violet in Japan, visitors can walk along a carpet of pretty flowers blooming at the foot of the mountain in spring. Check the Katakuri-kan (かたくり館) website for information regarding the blooming of the flowers and the opening of the facility. ● Semboku City Paper Baloon Museum (紙風船館, Kamifusenkan) This is a facility that displays the paper balloons used in the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival ● Lake Tazawa (田沢湖, Tazawako) Lake Tazawa, home to the legend of Princess Tatsuko, is a beautiful blue lake where visitors can enjoy various views from season to season. In addition to historic sites, there are plenty of leisure spots to enjoy here. Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival Summary The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is a winter festival in one of Japan's heavy snowfall areas. It's a lovely festival where paper balloons made by the locals soar in to the night sky. If you're traveling to Akita in winter, consider visiting to see the fantastic balloons rising into the night sky. Don't forget to warm up in the hot spring village around Lake Tazawa as well!

Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker “Oorora” Video Introduction This video, titled "Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora" (網走流氷観光砕氷船おーろら), was uploaded by "Aurora Channel" (おーろら チャンネル). One of the most spectacular winter sights in the Sea of Okhotsk, east of Hokkaido, is drift ice. When the drift ice arrives in Abashiri, the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora becomes active. In this video, you can see the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora moving boldly through the drift ice blanketing the surface of the sea. Enjoy the magnificent view of the drift ice and even a majestic Steller's sea eagle taking off from the pure white drift ice! When Can You See Drift Ice in Abashiri? Photo：Drift ice seen from the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora The best time to see drift ice in Abashiri, located in eastern Hokkaido, is usually from mid-February to early March. The first day of the drift ice season (the first day when drift ice is visible to the naked eye from the coast) is in late January. After that, the first contact between the drift ice and the shore is usually in early to mid-February, and the best time to see drift ice is any time after that. After the drift ice has reached the coastline, there are no navigable waterways for ships. Abashiri's drift ice comes from the fresh water of the Amur River, which flows along the border between China and Russia. The fresh water poured into the Sea of Okhotsk becomes small ice cubes when exposed to the severe cold at sea. The small pieces of ice are then carried by cold seasonal winds and ocean currents, and slowly move southward across the Sea of Okhotsk, forming large chunks. Then, in late January or early February, the large blocks of ice arrive off the coast of Abashiri. The Tentozan Observation Deck, which is attached to the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum (オホーツク流氷館, Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum), is a popular tourist spot, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the ice floes from a great distance. Drift Ice Cruises on the Aurora, a Sightseeing Ice Breaker – Reservations, Prices, & More Photo：Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora The Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora is a large ship with the power to break the ice. The ship's ice-breaking mechanism can withstand heavy impacts, and the power of the ship's ice-breaking system is impressive as it boldly hits the ice floes and breaks them into pieces. [Video] 3:15 - Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora Breaking a Large Piece of Ice On board the Abashiri Icebreaker Aurora, passengers can view the drift ice from various locations. ・On the observation deck, passengers can enjoy the powerful sound of the ice floes breaking. ・The first-floor guest rooms are unreserved seating with sofas facing the sea, and the first-floor deck offers the best view of the ice floes from the lowest point near the surface of the sea. ・The special guest room at the front of the second floor offers a view of the ice breaking from comfortable seating. Special seating cannot be reserved in advance. Seats are limited to the first 50 arrivals on the day of the tour. Below is information on how to make reservations for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora, as well as the fees and required time. ●Reservations Reservations for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora can be made by phone or via the Internet. If there are still rooms available on the day of the tour, you can board without a reservation, but advance reservations are more reliable. ●Fees Individual Adults: ¥4,000, Elementary school students: ¥2,000 Groups (15 or more people): Adults: ¥3,600, Elementary school students: ¥1,800 Special seating: +¥400/Payment on the day: cash only ●Time required Approximately 1 hour Location Information + Roadside Station Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri Photo：Roadside Station Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri The arrival and departure terminals for the Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora are located at Roadside Station Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri. The tourist information center on the first floor of the Roadside Station provides not only tourist information, but also information on local events, dining, and a variety of other information. In addition, during the winter, information on drift ice is provided via satellite. There's also a corner selling local specialties with a variety of unique souvenirs from Abashiri, and a multi-purpose exchange space where events are held. At the take-out corner and food court, you can taste popular dishes of Abashiri, such as Abashiri Burgers, Abashiri Zangi Manju (steamed buns with a unique type of fried chicken), Drift Ice Soft Serve ice cream, Drift Ice Curry and more. You can fill your stomach while waiting to board the ship, buy souvenirs, or walk along the deck and enjoy a view of the Abashiri River, the Sea of Okhotsk, and Boshi Iwa (a rock shaped like a hat). Summary of the Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora The Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora is 10 minutes from Abashiri Station by direct bus from the city center. There are no age restrictions, so families can board the ship together. This is a winter-only, Hokkaido-only drift ice sightseeing tour. On a clear day, the contrast between the blue sky and the pure white drift ice floating on the sea makes for beautiful photos. We recommend wearing outerwear that is easy to put on and take off, such as a windproof down jacket, and hats and gloves to protect yourself from the cold and wind. Please come to Abashiri to see the spectacular winter scenery. If you are lucky, you may see seals and Steller's sea eagles too! [Video] 2:36 - A Steller's Sea Eagle Resting Its Wings on Drift Ice 【Official Website】Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker: Aurora

Video introduction of “Yasaka Shrine's Okera Pilgrimage” in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture This video, titled "Yasaka Shrine "Okera Mairi" (December 31, 2021, Higashiyama, Kyoto)" (八坂神社「おけら詣り」（2021年12月31日　京都市東山区）), was uploaded by "Kyoto Shimbun" (京都新聞). The video introduces Okera Mairi, a New Year's Eve ritual performed by priests on a night with light snowfall. Be sure to check it out as you read along. Highlights, History, and Facts About Yasaka Shrine Photo：Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Yasaka Shrine is called "Gion-san" ("san" being an honorific title attached to names in Japanese to show respect) by the people of Kyoto. Yasaka Shrine is the head shrine of all 2,300 shrines following the Gion faith in Japan. The shrine's deity is Susanoo no Mikoto, who is believed to be a god who purifies all manner of misfortune. Yasaka Shrine is home to many Important Cultural Properties, including the main shrine, which is also a National Treasure, and is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The shrine is also famous for its beauty and is known as a power spot for love. The shrine also has a power spot for beauty called "Utsukushi-gozensha." The "biyou-sui" (美容水, "beauty water") next to the torii gate is also popular. Maiko and geiko from Gion, a temple town, as well as people in the beauty and hairdressing industry, and many women from all over the country visit this shrine with prayers of beauty. It's said a few drops on the skin is said to promote both beautiful skin and a beautiful, and it's so popular that visitors come regardless of the season. Yasaka Shrine is also said to be the largest power spot for love in Kyoto because Kushinadahime (Kushinadahime no Mikoto), a god of love, is enshrined together with Susanoo no Mikoto, the god of the shrine, and they are regarded as a god couple that gets along very well. The shrine is thought to grant good fortune. Okera Mairi – Event Hours and the Meaning Behind the Event Source :YouTube screenshot The Okera Mairi (おけら詣り) event of Yasaka Shrine, held on the night of December 31st (New Year's Eve), is a custom to welcome the New Year and is unique to Kyoto. Starting at 4:00 a.m. on the 28th, the rhizomes of atractylodes (朮, Okera in Japanese), which are believed to ward off bad luck, are placed in a lantern to make an "okera fire." At 7:00 p.m. on the 31st, the fire is transferred from the okera lanterns in the main shrine to the okera lanterns hanging in the precincts by the priests after the New Year's Eve ceremony. Be sure to watch the video to see what this looks like. [Video] 0:44 - Priests Solemnly Proceeding Through the Precincts of the Shrine as Snow Falls Atractylodes (Okera) is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect people from illness and misfortune because of its strong and distinctive smell. After the kitchounawa (lucky ropes) are lit using the fire from the okera lanterns, the ropes are whirled around to keep the fire burning until it is brought back home. [Video] 2:01 - Shrine Goers Lighting Their Lucky Ropes In the past, the okera fires were lit in front of the shrine and used as fuel for cooking New Year's food. Later, as lifestyles changed, it became common to display the rope in one's kitchen after the fire had gone out as a good-luck charm to pray for good health throughout the year. Other Events at Yasaka Shrine Photo：Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Yasaka Shrine, which usually attracts one million worshippers on the three days of the New Year, has other New Year's events in addition to the okera-mairi. The first ritual of the New Year, the Okera Festival will be held in the main hall of the shrine starting at 5:00 a.m. on January 1. In this ritual to pray for a safe and peaceful new year, dried atractylodes roots and special sticks are mixed together. After the sacred okera fires are lit, they are thrown down from the main shrine onto the stone pavement of the shrine grounds to purify it of pestilence and evil spirits. On January 3, from 9:00 a.m., the heads of the Kongo and Kanze schools of noh will perform a New Year's noh performance, a noh and shimai dance performance, followed at 1:00 p.m. by Karuta Hajime-shiki, a ceremony to start the New Year with a traditional card game called "Karuta." It's a great way to experience the New Year in Japan. Summary of Okera Mairi at Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto Yasaka Shrine is one of the most popular and crowded spots in Kyoto during the year-end and New Year holidays. Following the Okera Mairi on the night of New Year's Eve, Yasaka Shrine is filled with the excitement of people visiting the shrine for Hatsumode. During the Hatsumode period, many food stalls are set up on the shrine grounds and around the outer garden, creating a festival-like atmosphere. If you plan to visit the shrine to see the New Year rituals and festivities, we recommend that you allow plenty of time for your visit, as the shrine can be quite crowded. 【Official Website】Yasaka Shrine 【TripAdvisor】Yasaka Shrine

Video Introduction of "Namahage Shibatou Festival" in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "50 Incredible Namahage! Namahage Sedo Festival in Oga" (50匹のなまはげに圧巻！！男鹿の「なまはげ柴灯まつり」), was uploaded by "JAPAN CALENDAR." Every Japanese person has seen the frightening faces and heard the terrifying cries of these mask-wearing figures. Namahage are part of a traditional event that takes place in Oga, Akita in Japan's Tohoku region, and is very popular among tourists. The video shows footage from the Namahage Sedo Festival. You can enjoy the traditions of Akita, including solemn scenes and local folk performances. Check out the video to see what the event is like! Namahage, a Unique Japanese Folklore – Demons or Gods? Photo：Namahage Are you familiar with Japan's namahage culture? Namahage are creatures that go from house to house with scary masks and knives looking for bad children, and are often mistaken as yokai. The word "namahage" comes from the phrase "namomi wo hagu" (ナモミを剥ぐ, to tear off "namomi") which comes from the Akita dialect. Namomi are red scab-like sores caused by low-temperature burns from sitting next to a fire for too long. In other words, namomi represent a lazy person who spends too much time sitting by the fire. Thus, the word "namahage" is derived from the existence of a being who comes to "tear off a lazy person's sores" (namomi hagi) and warn them not to be lazy. Although namahage look like evil ogre demons, they are in fact messengers of the gods and are responsible for exorcising evil spirits. So then, why do Namahage act in such a terrifying manner? Namahage, as messengers of the gods, go into villages and are invited into homes where they are treated hospitably. The namahage not only warn children and lazy people, but also bring blessings of good health, bountiful harvests, and a safe year for people. The straw that falls from the namahage's garments is sacred, and is said to bring blessings such as protection from evil and good health. Children Scared to Death at this Traditional Japanese New Year's Eve Event Namahage are part of a traditional event held on New Year's Eve around the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. Young men in the village wear oni masks and go from house to house dressed in straw costumes, holding large knives or machetes in their hands. They come into houses shouting and asking if there are any bad children or lazy people inside. The sight of the namahage banging on doors and swinging around knives and other objects in their hands frightens the children and makes them cry. On TV each year in Japan, you can see children vowing to be good while simultaneously crying. This custom, which has a long history as a folk tradition in Akita Prefecture, was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan by UNESCO in 2018. Learn About Namahage at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum's Namahage Museum! Photo：Namahage Museum For those unable to watch the actual New Year's Eve event, we recommend checking out the Namahage Museum and Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum located in Mayama, Oga. At the Namahage Museum, visitors are greeted by namahage masks from various villages in Akita, as well as namahage costumes, and other materials on display that will help you learn about the culture and history of Oga. At the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, visitors can watch a short movie called "Namahage no Ichiya" (なまはげの一夜, The Night of the Namahage) to learn about the traditions, and experience namahage in an old private Japanese house. This rare experience of seeing a conversation between a namahage and the homeowner and watching the namahage search for children is quite interesting. If you're interested in learning about traditional Japanese culture and enjoying some beautiful scenery, we highly recommend visiting Akita Prefecture! Namahage Sedo Festival – A Fusion of Traditional Events and Namahage at Shinzan Shrine Photo：Namahage Sedo Festival The Namahage Sedo Festival is a combination of namahage, a traditional culture of Akita, and the Sedo Festival, a Shinto ritual held annually on January 3 at Shinzan Shrine in Oga, Akita. The event started in 1964 as a winter event in Oga, Akita. The festival is usually held over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), including the second Saturday in February. Namahage Taiko is a sightseeing event that involves namahage drumming loudly and dancing and is quite popular among tourists. [Video] 1:06 - Namahage Taiko The fantastic sight of Namahage coming down the snowy mountain path with torches in their hands as messengers of the mountain gods is truly a captivating experience. It's like stepping back in time. [Video] 1:20 - Namahage Descending From the Mountain As shown in the video, this Namahage Festival marked the 50th anniversary since the event began, and 50 namahage made an appearance! They prayed for the safety of tourists and locals alike. [Video] 1:55 - Children Frightened at the Sight of Namahage The festival will be held for three days from Friday, including the second Saturday in February, as in 2022, with advance registration and infection control measures, etc. Since 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the festival, various gifts will be given to visitors. For more information, please visit the official website. Summary of Akita's Namahage Did you watch the video of the Namahage Sedo Festival? Despite their scary faces, namahage are loved by the local people of Akita as messengers of the gods. The voice of the namahage as they search for children, while of course scary, has a kindness to it as well, reminding us that they are not evil, but rather messengers of the gods that prevent people from being bad or lazy. There's even an application where parents can apply for a special phone call from an oni when a child does something bad. Experience the charm of namahage in Oga, Akita! The spectacular sight of the namahage holding torches is sure to make for some memorable Instagram photos as well!

Tokyo Christmas Market: Video Introduction This video, titled "Tokyo Christmas Market 2017 Announcement" (東京クリスマスマーケット2017　告知 / Tokyo Christmas Market 2017), was uploaded by "Tokyo Christmas Market Organizing Committee" (東京クリスマスマーケット実行委員会). This event, which shows beautiful and warm buildings, is Tokyo Christmas Market. The exciting atmosphere of the market informs people living in Japan that the Christmas season has arrived. The symbol of the market, a 14-meter-tall Christmas pyramid from the German village of Seifen, is a work of art and a symbol of the winter season in Germany. The stores lined with Christmas ornaments and other European goods imported directly from Europe allow visitors to enjoy shopping for exotic goods and delicious foods. At night, the market is lit up to create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy the Tokyo Christmas Market via video as you read along. Tokyo Christmas Market – Enjoy Christmas at This Winter Wonderland! Photo：A Christmas market, Germany Tokyo Christmas Market, which began in 2015, is an outdoor event held in Hibiya Park, a well-known urban oasis. It was inspired by the Christmas market held in Dresden, Germany, the birthplace of the Christmas market. Tokyo Christmas Market is known for its Christmas Pyramid, the largest Christmas pyramid in the world, which is composed of six tiers, each with a unique wooden puppet. The puppets, made in the village of Seifen in Saxony, famous for the Nutcracker, spin a fantastical tale as they rotate. Other popular spots for couples include a hut decorated with gorgeous decorations and a spot where visitors can take pictures with their faces peeking out from a heart-shaped wreath. There is also a diorama called "Krippe" (German for 'Crib') that depicts the birth of Christ, and there are plenty of photo spots as well! Activities at Tokyo Christmas Market – Everything You Need to Know About This Exciting Christmas Event! Photo：The Christmas pyramid at the Tokyo Christmas Market There are many things to do at the Tokyo Christmas Market. For lighting and illumination, there's the giant Christmas pyramid. The lights create a fantastical atmosphere as the various puppets tell a story. The roofs of the huts are also a must-see! The illuminated Christmas motifs on the roofs, including Santa, reindeer, and snowmen, create an exotic atmosphere! It's sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! [Video] 2:58 - The Christmas Pyramid Light-up/Illumination Tokyo Christmas Market is also a great place for foodies. The market features authentic German beer as well as glühwein (mulled wine), a traditional German Christmas drink. You can also enjoy German sausage, eisbein (pickled ham hock), and other classic German dishes, as well as hot soups to keep you warm in the cold winter weather. In addition, you can enjoy German Christmas sweets such as stollen and lebkuchen. [Video] 1:55 - Stalls Selling Glühwein, German Food, & Sweets Visitors can also enjoy shopping for European-style Christmas ornaments and European sundries for Christmas. 2022 will see the debut of a teddy bear shop, which is loved by children and adults around the world. There will also be original Christmas-only products. If you like teddy bears, be sure to stop by. Tokyo Christmas Market 2022 – Book Your Tickets in Advance! Photo：Tokyo Christmas Market Tickets for this year's Tokyo Christmas Market can be reserved in advance. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, tickets are divided into 2-hour periods, so be sure to choose the time slot that works best for you. Advance tickets for the 2022 event will be on sale from November 21 at 11:00 am. Same-day tickets will also be available, but be aware that if the event is crowded, there may be long wait times or tickets may sell out. Event hours are 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (food, drinks, and miscellaneous goods are sold until 9:30 pm). Prices are 1,000 yen for adults on weekdays, 1,500 yen on weekends, and 500 yen for children (free for children 5 and under). Visitors will also receive a cute original mug as a special gift with their admission! Be sure to check out the official twitter account for more information (Japanese). Tokyo Christmas Market Summary In Germany and other parts of Europe, Christmas is a month-long celebration. The Christmas markets held during this time are events that both children and adults look forward to. Check out Tokyo Christmas Market and enjoy the authentic European atmosphere while indulging in some glühwein and hot soup in the cold winter weather! Tokyo Christmas Market 2022 in Hibiya Park 【Date】December 9 - December 25, 2022 【Time】11:00-22:00 (16:00-22:00 on the first day) 【Venue】Hibiya Park Fountain Plaza + Nire no Ki Plaza 【Access】Hibiya Park Fountain Plaza + Nire no Ki Plaza Hibiya Station via the Hibiya Line or Chiyoda Line, Exit A14, approx. 1 min. walking Kasumigaseki Station via the Marunouchi Line, Exit B2, approx. 5 min. walking Uchisaiwaicho Station via the Toei Mita Line, Exit A7, approx. 5 min. walking An approximately 20-minute walk from the Marunouchi Exit of JR Tokyo Station An approximately 10-minute walk from the Hibiya Exit of JR Yurakucho Station 【TripAdvisor】Hibiya Park