Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima: Video Introduction Photo：Daisho-in Temple at Mt. Misen, Miyajima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan This video, titled "Daisho-in Temple Grounds｜4K Video" (大聖院境内風景４K撮影動画), was uploaded by "Daisho-in Temple, Mt. Misen, Miyajima] Official YouTube Channel" (【宮島弥山 大本山 大聖院】公式YouTubeチャンネル). Daisho-in Temple is a historic temple in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima, in Japan's Chugoku Region. In this video, you can see the highlights of the temple's precincts. You can't help but feel a sense of power from the solemnity of the temple and the many Buddhist statues and Jizo statues, which can be felt even through your screen. Daisho-in Temple is located on Miyajima Island at the base of Mt. Misen, and offers a panoramic view of Miyajima. In the video you can enjoy the changing of the seasons and the beautifully colored leaves in the fall. Be sure to check out the highlights of Daisho-in Temple in the video as you read along. Daisho-in – A Temple in Hiroshima With 1,200 Years of History Photo：Hakkaku Manpuku Hall where the Seven Lucky Gods are enshrined at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Daisho-in Temple is the main temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism, founded by the famous Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). It was founded in 806, after Kukai returned from Tang Dynasty China and practiced asceticism at Mt. Misen, and is considered the oldest temple on Miyajima. Daisho-in Temple is home to Kobo Daishi as well as the Sanki Daigongen, the three guardian deities of Mt. Misen. The temple also enshrines Fudo Myoo (Acala, a Buddhist wisdom king), the Seven Lucky Gods, and the eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), all of which were prayed to by the Sengoku Period warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Along with Mondo Yakujin Tokoji Temple in Hyogo Prefecture and Ryusenji Temple in Saitama Prefecture, Daisho-in Temple is known as one of Japan's "Three Great Masters of Fortune and Evil Warding," and is said to be beneficial in warding off bad luck and opening the door to good fortune. Along with Itsukushima Shrine, it is the most prominent power spot on Miyajima, and is also a tourist spot visited by many people. Henjokutsu Cave – Home to 88 Statues Representing the Shikoku Pilgrimage Photo：Henjokutsu Cave, Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Henjokutsu Cave is a cave located underground in Daishoin's Daishido Hall. The principal images of the 88 sacred sites of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are enshrined in this cave, and sand from each site is buried in front of them. Walking on the buried sand is said to have the same effect as making the pilgrimage to the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku. In the cave, illuminated by the soft light of the lanterns, the voices of sutra reciters echo through the air, creating a mystical atmosphere. The sight of the numerous Buddhist statues lined up in rows is breathtaking. [Video] 2:14 - Henjokutsu Cave Chokugando – A Hall Dedicated to the Buddhist Wisdom Kings Source :YouTube screenshot Chokugando is the main hall of Daisho-in Temple. It's said that the hall was originally built by Emperor Toba during the Heian period (794-1185 A.D.) as a place to hold ceremonies for the offering of wishes. A statue of Fudo Myoo (Acala) is enshrined in the hall. Toyotomi Hideyoshi prayed to Acala for victory and safety at sea during his invasion of Korea. The statue is said to provide protection to those who cross the water to visit Miyajima. With Acala at the center, 1,000 Buddhist statues and 36 Doji (attendants) are enshrined in the four directions. The solemn atmosphere here will leave you speechless. [Video] 1:54 - Chokugando Make a Wish at Daishi Hall Photo：Daisho-in Temple's Daishi Hall, where Kobo Daishi is enshrined on Miyajima The Daishi Hall, where Kobo Daishi is enshrined, is the oldest building at Daisho-in Temple. Surrounding it are statues of the 33 guardian deities of western Japan, a statue of Kobo Daishi as a child, and Ichigan Taishi, a jizo statue. The Ichigan Taishi statue is one of the reasons Daisho-in Temple is called a power spot. As the name suggests (一願, Ichigan, lit. "One Wish"), it is said to grant a single wish. Behind Daishi Hall, there are many daruma-themed ema (votive tablets) with wishes written on them. Some say it's hard to notice because it's located far from Niomon Gate, the entrance to the temple grounds. If you are traveling from far away to visit the temple, be sure to pick up a map so you can explore the temple grounds in their entirety. Rid Yourself of Sin at the Kannon Hall Photo：Stone steps and Onarimon Gate at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Kannon Hall is located on the right side of the approach to the shrine, up the stairs and through Onarimon Gate. It houses a statue of the eleven-faced Kannon (Avalokitesvara), which is the principal object of worship at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima. It is said to have been hand-carved by the Japanese Buddhist priest Gyoki. In the basement of Kannon Hall, there is a pitch-dark space where visitors can participate in a practice called "Kaidan Meguri," a type of meditation in the dark. In the darkness, visitors face themselves and rid themselves of their past sins through spiritual cultivation. It is said that by walking through the path in complete darkness, one will be guaranteed a peaceful life in paradise. The Garden of Five Hundred Arhats, a Place Where Expressive Jizo Statues Are Gathered Photo：The Five Hundred Arhats Garden at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima The Garden of Five Hundred Arhats is located next to the stone steps leading to Daisho-in Temple's Onarimon Gate. The many Jizo statues lined up in rows, each with a different expression of joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness, are called the "Five Hundred Arhats" and are modeled after the 500 people who gathered for a Buddhist council to reaffirm Buddha's teachings. The sight of so many Jizo statues lined up in a row is truly remarkable, and the variety of expressions on their faces is a sight to behold. The handmade hats, made by visitors to the temple, are also warm and inviting, reminding us of the ancient connection between Buddha and the people. Autumn Leaves and Fire Walking Ceremonies – Seasonal Events at Daisho-in Temple! Photo：Autumn leaves illuminated at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Surrounded by nature, Daisho-in Temple offers visitors the opportunity to experience the changing of the seasons. In spring, the temple is famous for its cherry blossoms, and in the fall for its autumn foliage. During autumn, the illuminated leaves can be seen floating in the darkness, creating a magical atmosphere. The 31-year-old vice abbot of the temple is the one who planned this illumination. He devised the lighting with a photogenic image in mind, hoping to attract the younger generation to visit the temple. Through trial and error, the vice abbot was able to create a unique fusion that blends the historic temple with the modern social networking culture. The collaboration with the temple hall is also beautiful. Among the temple's annual events, the Daisho-in Fire Walking Ceremony is also worth seeing. The Fire Walking Ceremony is held twice a year, in spring and fall. Originally, the ceremony was derived from a secret ceremony of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. The fire is transferred from the "unquenchable sacred fire" that has been burning for 1,200 years since Kobo Daishi practiced Buddhism, and ignites the platform. A path is made on top of the fire pillar with white smoke, and visitors walk barefoot over it while chanting their prayers. Worshippers are welcome to participate if they wish, and on the day of the fire-walking ceremony, there is a long line of people waiting in line. If you're interested in making your wish come true, why not give it a try? Daisho-in Temple – Admission Fees, Required Time, and More! Photo：Maniden Hall at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Admission to Daisho-in Temple is free. There is a fee for prayers, memorial services, and other experiences, so please check the official website for more information. At Daisho-in Temple, shuin stamps of Acala are also available for collectors. Colorful kiri-e shuin stamps are also available, and limited time seasonal designs are also popular. If you're a collector, be sure to pick one up when you visit. There are also other red seals that are only available on Mt. Misen, where Daisho-in Temple is located, so we recommend that you take a look at them before visiting the temple. Niomon Gate Niomon Gate, the entrance to the temple grounds, is decorated with intricate carvings, and visitors are greeted by two statues of Nio (two Buddhist guardians), one on the left and one on the right. Like in a shrine, a net with a bell is hung down so that visitors can pray to each statue. Maniden Hall Maniden Hall is the only place in the country where a deity of oni (Japanese ogre demons) is enshrined. The three oni are believed to be incarnations of Buddha. "Mani" means a sphere that produces treasures at will, and is compared to the merits of sutras. The stairs past Niomon Gate are lined with "mani-sha" (prayer wheels). The prayer wheels are metal cylinders on which the Heart Sutra is inscribed, and turning them once is said to have the same merit as reading a whole scroll of the sutra. Daisho-in Temple is also home to the Hakkaku Manpuku Hall, which enshrines Miyajima's Seven Lucky Gods, and the Amida Hall, which houses a standing statue of the Amida Nyorai (the Amitabha Buddha) among other things. Daisho-in Temple is a temple with a lot to see and do, and it takes about 30 minutes to see everything the temple has to offer. To see each spot in detail, it's recommended that you set aside at least an hour. How to Get To Daisho-in Temple Photo：The torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine To get to Daisho-in Temple, take a ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajima. There you'll find Miyajima Pier, and from there it's a 20 to 30 minute walk to the temple. The temple is located next to Itsukushima Shrine and is a 5-minute walk from the exit. If you are planning to visit Miyajima, it may be easier to visit Itsukushima Shrine and then go to Daisho-in Temple. Other Things to Do Near Daisho-in Temple Photo：The Mt. Misen Observatory at the top of Mt. Misen Besides Daisho-in Temple and Itsukushima Shrine, there are a number of other places of interest in the area that are worth checking out. Below are two places we recommend: Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street A shopping street that leads to Itsukushima Shrine, it's full of shops selling various drinks and snacks, souvenirs, and folk crafts. There are also restaurants where you can sit down for lunch and even breweries selling craft beer. Hours: Most shops on the shopping street will close around 5:00 pm, although some shops may close earlier or later. Mt. Misen Observatory The Mt. Misen observatory is located at the top of Mt. Misen and offers an incredible panoramic view of the area. You can reach the top of Mt. Misen via a 20-minute ropeway ride from Momijidani Station, and from there it's about a 20-minute hike to the observatory. Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain which will take around 1.5-2 hours. Additionally, at the top of Mt. Misen there is a temple complex with ancient temples, Buddhist statues, and spectacular views. The views are especially lovely when the leaves change colors during autumn. You can reach the temple complex via a short hike from the observatory. Ropeway Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Final descent 4:30 pm) Ropeway Fees: Adults (Ages 12+): 2,000 yen round trip, 1,100 yen one way. Children (Ages 6-12): 1,000 yen round trip, 550 yen one way. ※Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Summary of Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Photo：The Five Hundred Arhats Garden at Daisho-in Temple, Miyajima Along with Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple is one of Miyajima's premier power spots and a tourist attraction with much to offer. If you haven't already check out the video, be sure to do so! If you're thinking about visiting Miyajima, consider visiting in time for the autumn foliage illumination and fire-walking ceremony. They're sure to be unforgettable experiences! 【TripAdvisor】Daisho-in Temple

■Contents Introduction Why Zao's Autumn Colour Changes With an 800-Metre Difference in Elevation Juhyo Kogen Station Sits at 1,331 m, Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m An Autumn Where the Colour at Your Feet and the Colour Overhead Are Out of Step When Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Reach Their Peak The Colour Moves From the Summit Down to the Hot Spring Village A Gradient of Yellow, Orange, Red and Brick Typical Peak Timing by Elevation How to Check This Year's Colour Before You Go Riding to the Summit on Two Connected Sections The Sanroku Line and the Sancho Line Make Up the Two Sections Juhyo Kogen Station, the Transfer Point The Gondolas Used on the Sancho Line Autumn Slopes Filling the Window Hyakumannin Terrace, a Short Walk From Juhyo Kogen Station Hyakumannin Terrace, Just Steps From Juhyo Kogen Station What You Actually See From Hyakumannin Terrace You Cannot Drive to Zao Terrace, So the Ropeway Is How You Get There Zao Jizo and the Summit Views at Jizo Sancho Station Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m Why There Is a Jizo Statue at the Summit The Weather Decides What You See Walking the Official Courses at Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira Trekking Courses for Beginners and General Walkers Iroha Numa, a Wetland Dotted With Dozens of Ponds What to Bring Before You Walk Guided Custom Trekking Fares, Operating Hours and Ticket Rules Fares by Section and Fare Categories Operating Hours and the Last Ride Up Luggage and Pets Discounts and Group Travel Ticket Refunds The Three Ropeway Systems at Zao Onsen and How They Differ Choosing Among the Three Systems by Where You Want to Go What to Wear and What the Weather Does Up the Mountain The Higher You Go, the Colder It Gets Dress in Layers You Can Adjust Service Can Be Suspended by Weather. Bring Rain Gear Too Getting to Zao Ropeway, and Where to Park By Bus From Yamagata Station Driving There, and Parking Coming From the Sendai Area A One-Day Model Course for Zao's Autumn Colour From Morning to Evening A Soak in Zao Onsen on the Way Back Where Okama Is, and How to Reach It Frequently Asked Questions About Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Q1. How long does it take to reach the summit? Q2. Is the foliage still worth seeing in rain or fog? Q3. Can you see the autumn leaves and the juhyo at the same time? Q4. Is a round trip only as far as Juhyo Kogen Station worth it for the foliage? In Summary, Going to See the Gap an 800-Metre Climb Creates Show more Introduction At the Zao Ropeway in Yamagata City, the autumn colour begins high on the summit and takes about a month to work its way down to the hot spring village. The Tohoku region occupies the northern part of Honshu, Japan's main island, and Yamagata Prefecture sits near its centre. Zao Onsen lies in the mountains on the edge of Yamagata City, the prefectural capital. The Zao Ropeway climbs from there towards the summit, spanning about 800 metres between base and top, and the autumn colour works its way down from the summit in late September to the hot spring village around late October, reaching the highest elevations first. This guide covers when each elevation band peaks, fares and operating hours, the trekking courses on the mountain, the differences between the three ropeway systems at Zao Onsen, and how to get there from Yamagata Station. By the end, you may well find yourself wanting to see Zao's autumn colour for yourself. Why Zao's Autumn Colour Changes With an 800-Metre Difference in Elevation When people plan a trip to see autumn leaves, most start by searching the name of the spot alongside the words "best time to see". At Zao, though, that search returns more than one answer. Visit the same mountain on the same day, and the colour is at a different stage above your head than it is at your feet. Photo: Yamagata City, Yamagata / A Zao Ropeway gondola spanning a climb of about 800 metres Juhyo Kogen Station Sits at 1,331 m, Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m The Zao Ropeway runs from Zao Sanroku Station via Juhyo Kogen Station up to Jizo Sancho Station. Juhyo Kogen Station, the transfer point, stands at 1,331 metres, and Jizo Sancho Station, the upper terminus, at 1,661 metres. In terms of vertical rise, the Sanroku Line climbs 464 metres and the Sancho Line 329 metres, which comes to roughly 800 metres for the two sections combined. That is more height than the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree, covered by changing gondolas once. An Autumn Where the Colour at Your Feet and the Colour Overhead Are Out of Step An 800-metre difference in elevation brings a substantial difference in temperature. That is why Zao's foliage does not turn all at once, but descends in order from the summit to the hot spring village. Arrive on the right day in October and you can see bare branches at the summit, peak colour on the middle slopes, and green still holding on down in the village. Three layers at once. Seeing the beginning and the end of autumn on a single mountain is the most interesting thing about a Zao autumn. When Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Reach Their Peak So which elevation will be at its best on the day you go? Here is the order in which the colour comes down, from Jizo Sancho Station to the Zao Onsen village, with dates attached. Photo: Zao mountain range / Slopes that turn colour from the summit downwards The Colour Moves From the Summit Down to the Hot Spring Village Colour appears first around Jizo Sancho Station. It starts there in late September, works its way slowly down the mountain, and reaches the area around Zao Sanroku Station by late October. At the lower elevations it varies by year, and some colour can linger into early November. The whole journey down takes about a month, with the higher ground peaking first from late September through late October. How quickly it moves, however, shifts considerably with the weather that year. In 2025, for instance, the area around the summit of Mt. Jizo had already lost its leaves by 21 October. Once your dates are set, check this year's conditions using the methods below. A Gradient of Yellow, Orange, Red and Brick Zao's autumn colour is described as yellow and orange, red and brick, because several colours mix together across the slope rather than the hillside turning a single shade. Japanese beech and a range of other trees each change at their own pace, which leaves the slope mottled. And you get to look down on that gradient from directly above. The way the colours layer and spread is nothing like looking up at foliage from the ground. That single fact is why the ropeway is inseparable from autumn at Zao. Typical Peak Timing by Elevation Usual timings are as follows. Around Jizo Sancho Station 【Elevation】1,661 m 【Usual peak】Colour starts in late September, peaking around early October Around Juhyo Kogen Station, Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira 【Elevation】1,331 m 【Usual peak】Early to mid October Zao Onsen village and around Zao Sanroku Station 【Elevation】The base area, where the hot spring village sits 【Usual peak】Around late October Please treat the above as typical timings. They shift by location and by year, so check the official website before you set out. 【Reference】Yamagata City Tourism Association How to Check This Year's Colour Before You Go Colour comes earlier or later depending on the weather that year. That is where the live camera near the summit comes in. You can see the colour and the sky on screen, so try opening it on the morning you leave. The Yamagata City Tourism Association's "Web Yamagata Juni Kagetsu" also updates its foliage information regularly. Zao Ropeway's official Facebook and Instagram accounts post updates on alpine flowers in bloom, so you can find out what is flowering up on the mountain as well. One more thing to look forward to on the day. Riding to the Summit on Two Connected Sections Once you have settled on when to go, the next question is the ride itself. The Zao Ropeway looks like a single line but is actually made up of two sections, and that distinction matters when you are choosing your destination at the ticket machine. Photo: Juhyo Kogen Station / The sign at the mid-mountain station where the two sections connect The Sanroku Line and the Sancho Line Make Up the Two Sections Zao Sanroku Station to Juhyo Kogen Station is the Sanroku Line; Juhyo Kogen Station to Jizo Sancho Station is the Sancho Line. The ride takes 7 minutes on the Sanroku Line and 10 minutes on the Sancho Line. Together, that is 17 minutes one way for a whole mountain's worth of height. Juhyo Kogen Station, the Transfer Point Take the Sanroku Line and you arrive first at Juhyo Kogen Station. From there you change to the Sancho Line for Jizo Sancho Station. You can also get off at Juhyo Kogen Station and go no further. Fares are listed separately for each station, so how high you go is yours to decide based on the time and energy you have that day. The Gondolas Used on the Sancho Line The Sancho Line uses a type of gondola called a Funitel, whose defining feature is that the two ropes are set further apart than the width of the cabin. The name is a French coinage combining Funiculaire, meaning funicular railway, and Téléphérique, meaning aerial ropeway. Very few installations in Japan use this system, and Zao was the second in the country, after Hakone Ropeway. Because the ropes sit further apart, there is less sway when passing towers and in strong wind, and you can take in the view from your seat. There is also no step or gap between the platform and the cabin, so boarding takes no particular care. Autumn Slopes Filling the Window The doors close, the gondola starts moving, and the slope opens up right outside the window. A band of yellow shading into orange runs on below your eye line, filling the view with foliage. Plenty of passengers keep a camera raised the whole way, and the 17-minute ride turns into viewing time in its own right.(0:52) On the way down, the same window shows something else. Where the slope breaks, the roofs of the hot spring village appear. Going up you watch the mountainside come towards you; coming down you look out over a town falling away behind. The same 17 minutes leave two quite different impressions.(3:13) And partway up, there is a place to sit down and take it all in. Hyakumannin Terrace, a Short Walk From Juhyo Kogen Station Step off at Juhyo Kogen Station, walk a short way, and you come out somewhere with benches and chairs lined up facing the slope. This is Hyakumannin Terrace. Photo: Hyakumannin Terrace / Benches and chairs arranged to face the slope Hyakumannin Terrace, Just Steps From Juhyo Kogen Station Hyakumannin Terrace is one of the Zao Terrace facilities maintained by Zao Ropeway. It sits just a short walk from Juhyo Kogen Station, the upper end of the Sanroku Line, close enough that you can head straight there from the platform without changing into hiking boots. Covered benches sit alongside chairs angled towards the slope, so you can pick your spot to suit the day: under the roof when the sun is strong, out on the chairs when there is no wind.(1:59) What You Actually See From Hyakumannin Terrace The terrace faces downhill. Closest to you are the trees in colour; beyond them the ski slopes fall away in a gentle sweep; and furthest out, the buildings of Zao Onsen sit small in the distance. Because you are looking down from 1,331 metres, the whole slope fits into a single view. The scenery that streamed past the gondola window is now yours to follow end to end from a seat. Foliage at this height usually peaks between early and mid October. It is the band that turns just as the colour at the summit is finishing, so if you are visiting in the middle of the month, spending your time here gives you a denser display than riding straight through to the top. All it asks is that you sit down and look ahead, which means families with small children and anyone who finds long walks difficult get exactly the same view as everyone else. The slope also makes an easy backdrop for portraits, and if you are after an Instagram-worthy shot, these front-row chairs are the place to take it. You Cannot Drive to Zao Terrace, So the Ropeway Is How You Get There Zao Terrace cannot be reached directly by car. Visitors take the Zao Ropeway instead, which means the view from here is something only gondola passengers get to receive. Even if you drive as far as Zao Onsen, you park at the base station and continue by gondola. Parking is covered in the access section later in this guide. Zao Jizo and the Summit Views at Jizo Sancho Station From Juhyo Kogen Station, one more section. Change to the Sancho Line and you arrive at the upper terminus, Jizo Sancho Station. The moment the doors open, the cold on your face tells you the height has changed. Photo: Jizo Sancho Station / Zao Jizo, visible in full outside the snow season Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m The highlights listed for this station are the Zao Natural Botanical Garden on Sanpo Kojin Yama, the Zao Jizo statue, and the trailheads for Mt. Jizo, Mt. Kumano and Mt. Karita. In other words, this station is both a place to look at the view and the entrance to the Zao mountain range on foot. Climbers with full gear and visitors out for a gentle stroll around the station step out of the same door. It is a mountain station through and through. Why There Is a Jizo Statue at the Summit Zao Jizo is enshrined about 100 metres from Jizo Sancho Station. Jizo is a figure of Buddhist devotion, enshrined across Japan as a protector of travellers and children. This particular statue was created in 1775. It is a seated figure 2.34 metres tall, carved from andesite, and is said to have taken 37 years to complete. Zao was long a centre of mountain worship, and the statue was placed at the summit as part of that tradition. After it was built, fewer people were lost on the mountain, and it came to be known as the Jizo that wards off misfortune. Kannon and Fudo Myoo stand to either side, and festivals are still held every year on 24 May and 24 September for protection from calamity and the granting of wishes. In winter the body disappears beneath the snow, and photographs from that season show only the upper half rising above the snowfield. During the autumn season you can take it in from the base to the crown of the head. For anyone who has only seen the winter pictures, the full height comes as a surprise. The Weather Decides What You See At 1,661 metres, you are at the height where clouds pass through. It can be clear at the base and misty at the summit, with the distant peaks softening until only the outline of the ridge remains. On the same day, what you see here and what you see from Hyakumannin Terrace can differ sharply. Jizo Sancho Station stands above the treeline, so nothing blocks the view, but when cloud moves in the whole scene turns white. Hyakumannin Terrace, surrounded by trees, keeps the foliage in front of you visible even in mist. For distant views, head for the summit; to be sure of seeing colour, stop at Juhyo Kogen Station. There is also a summit terrace at Jizo Sancho Station, with views across the Zao mountain range on a clear day. Plan to swap which station you linger at depending on the weather, and you will have somewhere worth being either way. Walking the Official Courses at Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira There are also proper paths to walk up on the mountain. They start from two places: Jizo Sancho Station, and the top of the Utopia Summer Lift, which you reach by transferring at Juhyo Kogen Station. Distances and times are published, so you can pick one that suits how you feel that day. Photo: Iroha Numa / A wooden boardwalk crossing the wetland Trekking Courses for Beginners and General Walkers The official trekking pages list the following six courses for beginners and general walkers, alongside others aimed at strong walkers. Beginner 【Iroha Numa Course】1.0 km on foot, about 1.0 hour 【Zao Natural Botanical Garden Loop】0.4 km on foot, about 0.5 hour 【Shigi no Yachi Numa Loop】2.0 km on foot, about 1.0 hour 【Mt. Jizo Loop】2.0 km on foot, about 1.5 hours General 【Zao Natural Botanical Garden and Mt. Jizo Loop】2.4 km on foot, about 2.0 hours 【Kanshodaira Loop】2.5 km on foot, about 1.5 hours The times are averages for an adult male. The Zao Natural Botanical Garden and Mt. Jizo courses start from Jizo Sancho Station. The Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira courses begin at the top of the Utopia Summer Lift, reached by transferring at Juhyo Kogen Station. Shigi no Yachi Numa lies on the Zao Onsen village side. Iroha Numa, a Wetland Dotted With Dozens of Ponds The easiest of them to walk is the Iroha Numa course. To get there, stay off the Sancho Line at Juhyo Kogen Station and head for the Utopia Summer Lift beside it instead. The top of the lift is the entrance to Kanshodaira, and following the signs from there brings you to Iroha Numa. Iroha Numa is a subalpine wetland scattered with several dozen ponds of varying size. The walk covers 1.0 kilometre and takes about 1.0 hour. A wooden boardwalk and a rest area cross the marsh, letting you walk out over the water. Beech woods spread out on either side of the path, and once the leaves are down, it is all pale trunks and open sky. The same path hands the lead role to something different depending on when you come.(2:20) What to Bring Before You Walk What you want is footwear and clothing suited to trekking, plus rain gear, since mountain weather changes easily even on courses that are mostly boardwalk. Crossing the mountain is treated differently. Visitors doing so are asked to fill in a climbing registration card at the summit station, which means riding up on a one-way ticket and walking back down is something to prepare for as a climb rather than a stroll. Guided Custom Trekking Walking an unfamiliar mountain with a guide is another option. Custom trekking starts at 15,000 yen for one guide, is available year-round, and must be booked at least five days in advance. Bookings go through the Zao Trekking Desk within the Zao Onsen Tourism Association. Learning the names of the flowers and trees as you go changes how much you notice in the same hour. Fares, Operating Hours and Ticket Rules Ride all the way to the summit, or stop partway? What decides it is the fare for each section and the time of the last service. The numbers you will need on the day are gathered here. All prices in this article are in Japanese yen. Photo: Zao Sanroku Station / The base-side gateway, where tickets are sold Fares by Section and Fare Categories Fares depend on how high you go. To Jizo Sancho Station (1,661 m) 【Adult】One way 2,200 yen / Round trip 4,400 yen 【Child】One way 1,100 yen / Round trip 2,200 yen To Juhyo Kogen Station (1,331 m) 【Adult】One way 1,200 yen / Round trip 2,200 yen 【Child】One way 600 yen / Round trip 1,100 yen Utopia Summer Lift 【Adult】One way 400 yen / Round trip 800 yen 【Child】One way 200 yen / Round trip 400 yen Fares are subject to change, so please check the official website before you set out. 【Reference】Zao Ropeway fares and operating information The categories are adult for junior high school age and above, child for elementary school age, and infant for pre-school age. If you plan to ride with a pre-school child, staff at the Zao Sanroku Station window can confirm how it is handled on the day. Operating Hours and the Last Ride Up Operating hours are 8:30 to 17:00 on the Sanroku Line and 8:45 to 16:45 on the Sancho Line, and the last upward departure for a return trip to Jizo Sancho Station leaves Zao Sanroku Station at 16:00. If you are heading to the summit, that 16:00 becomes the turning point of your day. The last downward times are posted at the station too, so a glance before you board means you can stop watching the clock up on the mountain. Extra runs operate at busy times. Luggage and Pets There are set rates for travelling with large items too. Luggage costs 400 yen per section for items up to 30 kilograms. Anything that will not sit on your lap is treated as a hand-carried item at 300 yen per section, with one set of skis or a snowboard carried free. If you leave items at the station, short-term storage costs 400 yen per item per day, rising to 600 yen a day from the sixth day. Pets may ride at the child fare during the period treated as the summer season, provided small breeds are placed entirely inside a hard case or similar carrier. Pets cannot ride during the winter season. Which period the autumn foliage season falls into varies by year, so if you want to bring one up with you, check the current arrangement on the official website. Assistance dogs, including guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs, ride free under Japan's Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons. Discounts and Group Travel A 50 percent discount applies to holders of a physical disability certificate. Holders of a rehabilitation certificate and their carers also receive 50 percent off, with the carer discount applying where the company recognises that assistance is required. If you hold a certificate issued outside Japan, an enquiry before you travel will clarify how it is treated on the day. Group travel requires a reservation for parties of 20 or more, made by phone to Zao Sanroku Station (the number is listed in the facility information at the end of this article). The group discount applies to four sections for 20 people or more: 400 yen off the standard fare, 600 yen off the student fare, and 400 yen off the child fare for kindergarten children, with accompanying teachers riding free. Ticket Refunds The refund fee is 100 yen per ticket. Reservations are described only for group travel; individual visitors buy tickets at the window on the day. The Three Ropeway Systems at Zao Onsen and How They Differ Search for "ropeway" at Zao Onsen and three similarly named services come up. An aerial ropeway, or sakudo in Japanese, is the general term for a vehicle that carries cabins suspended from cables strung through the air, and it covers both ropeways and gondola lifts. All three have their own boarding points and their own destinations, so working backwards from where you want to go is the quickest way to sort them out. Note that the Zao Chuo Ropeway and the Zao Sky Cable are both operated by Zao Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. Photo: Zao Onsen / A hot spring village where bathhouses and inns line the slope Choosing Among the Three Systems by Where You Want to Go The first is the Zao Ropeway covered in this guide. Operated by Zao Ropeway Co., Ltd., it runs from Zao Sanroku Station via Juhyo Kogen Station to Jizo Sancho Station. This is the one to take for Hyakumannin Terrace, Zao Jizo, Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira. The second is the Zao Chuo Ropeway, which links Onsen Station and Torikabuto Station in 7 minutes 30 seconds. A large 101-passenger gondola covers a vertical rise of 524 metres, with the Zao Onsen townscape and the Yamagata Basin in view on the way up. A one-minute walk from Torikabuto Station brings you to Torikabuto Observatory, where Zao Daikokuten is enshrined. The third is the Zao Sky Cable. Four-passenger gondolas connect Uenodai Station and Chuo Kogen Station in about 8 minutes. Dokko Numa, the pond known for its emerald-green water, lies in this Chuo Kogen area, and Zao Daigongen stands in front of the station. Three deities have long been enshrined at Zao: Zao Jizo, Zao Daikokuten and Zao Daigongen. Each of the three ropeway systems leads to one of them, and some visitors ride all three specifically to complete the Zao Sandaijin pilgrimage. Zao Ropeway 【Boarding point】Zao Sanroku Station 【Main highlights】Hyakumannin Terrace, Zao Jizo, Zao Natural Botanical Garden, Iroha Numa, Kanshodaira 【Fare】Adult round trip 4,400 yen to Jizo Sancho Station / 2,200 yen to Juhyo Kogen Station Zao Chuo Ropeway 【Boarding point】Onsen Station 【Main highlights】Torikabuto Observatory, Zao Daikokuten, views over the Yamagata Basin 【Fare】Adult round trip 2,400 yen / Child round trip 1,200 yen Zao Sky Cable 【Boarding point】Uenodai Station 【Main highlights】Chuo Kogen, Dokko Numa, Zao Daigongen 【Fare】Adult round trip 2,400 yen / Child round trip 1,200 yen The Zao Chuo Ropeway and the Zao Sky Cable share a fare table, with one-way tickets at 1,300 yen for adults and 650 yen for children. These two can be closed for parts of the year, so if you are building an autumn plan around them, look up whether they are running that day. Fares and operating status are subject to change, so please check the official website before you set out. 【Reference】Zao Chuo Ropeway and Zao Sky Cable What to Wear and What the Weather Does Up the Mountain The summit, and the hot spring village down at the base. Even on the same day, the two feel notably different, and whether you bring an extra layer decides how long you can comfortably stay up there. The Higher You Go, the Colder It Gets Air temperature is generally said to fall by about 0.6°C for every 100 metres of elevation gained. On elevation alone, 800 metres works out to a difference of roughly 5°C, which is the background to why the Zao Onsen bus terminal and Jizo Sancho Station feel so unlike each other. Actual temperatures and how they feel also shift considerably with the weather, the wind and the sunshine on any given day. Checking the forecast for the summit area of Mt. Zao, rather than for central Yamagata City, makes it easier to settle on what to wear. Dress in Layers You Can Adjust If the temperature differs between top and bottom, clothing you can add and remove becomes a real ally. A mid-layer over a shirt, plus a windproof outer layer. Those two pieces handle the swing between a cool summit and a warm base. On the mountain in October, gloves and a knit hat make a noticeable difference to your hands and ears. If you plan to walk a trekking course, comfortable walking shoes are worth bringing too. Service Can Be Suspended by Weather. Bring Rain Gear Too Zao Ropeway sometimes suspends operations depending on weather conditions. You can check the status for the day on the operating information page of the official website before you leave. The official trekking information lists rain gear among the things to bring, and mountain weather does change easily. Pack a folding rain jacket or poncho and a sudden shower stops being a problem. Getting to Zao Ropeway, and Where to Park Zao Onsen is reachable from Yamagata Station on a single bus. With no transfers to make, the journey stays easy even on days when you are carrying a lot. Photo: Zao Onsen Bus Terminal / The hub where buses from Yamagata Station arrive By Bus From Yamagata Station The starting point is Yamagata Station, a stop on the Yamagata Shinkansen. The Shinkansen is Japan's high-speed rail network, and the ride from Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station takes roughly two and a half to three hours. Visitors arriving from overseas usually travel from a Tokyo airport to Tokyo Station or Ueno Station and transfer to the Shinkansen there. From Yamagata Station, Yamako Bus route Z90 runs from bus stop 1 in front of the station to the Zao Onsen bus terminal in about 37 minutes. From the bus terminal to Zao Sanroku Station is a walk of roughly 10 to 15 minutes, up a slope lined with public bathhouses and souvenir shops, through steam that carries the smell of sulphur. It makes the distance feel about right. Route Z91 to the Zao Karita summit leaves from the same stop and also calls at Zao Ropeway Mae, beyond the bus terminal, which is worth timing your day around if you are carrying a lot. Fares and the timetable for the day are available on the Yamako Bus website, and it is worth checking how fares are paid and whether IC transit cards are accepted at the same time, so that all you have to do on the day is get on. Driving There, and Parking By car, allow about 35 minutes from the Yamagata Zao interchange on the Yamagata Expressway, or about 25 minutes from the Yamagata Kaminoyama interchange on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway. Parking is on the Yokokura ski slope side, where Zao Ropeway Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 provide 200 spaces. How charges are handled varies by season, so looking up what is open and what it costs on the official Zao Onsen website before you leave tells you what to expect on arrival. Visitors from overseas who plan to rent a car need a driving licence that is valid in Japan. In most countries and regions that means an International Driving Permit issued under the Geneva Convention, while Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan, among others, are covered by a system in which a Japanese translation is attached to the home-country licence. Which applies to your licence can be confirmed with the National Police Agency's guidance or with the rental company before you travel. Note also that Japan drives on the left. In early November, at the tail end of the foliage season, snow and icy road surfaces are possible up the mountain, so check at the booking stage whether you can choose a car fitted with winter tyres. Coming From the Sendai Area The Sendai to Yamagata Zao express bus is reservation-only and runs in winter only. Travelling from the Sendai area in autumn therefore means going via Yamagata Station and changing to route Z90. A One-Day Model Course for Zao's Autumn Colour Here is everything above laid out across a single day, morning to evening. The journey there is covered in the previous section, so this is about how to structure your time once you arrive. Photo: Zao Onsen / A public bathhouse known for its strongly acidic waters From Morning to Evening Arrive at Zao Sanroku Station early in the morning and ride straight through to the summit. The Sancho Line starts running at 8:45. At Jizo Sancho Station, visit Zao Jizo and walk the paths around the station, and if the weather holds, continue to the Zao Natural Botanical Garden. Around midday, come back down to Juhyo Kogen Station and sit at Hyakumannin Terrace to take in the slope. If you still have energy, transfer to the Utopia Summer Lift and loop the Iroha Numa course, which takes about an hour. With the last ride up at 16:00, leave yourself room in the afternoon for the descent. Once you are back at Zao Sanroku Station, walk down to the hot spring village. The days are short at this time of year, so finishing your moving around while it is still light keeps the last stretch enjoyable. A Soak in Zao Onsen on the Way Back What waits at the end of a day on foot is Zao Onsen. An onsen is a bathing facility using hot water or mineral water that rises from the ground. Zao Onsen is said to have been discovered some 1,900 years ago, and in the Edo period the village thrived as the western trailhead for the Zao Gongen pilgrimage. People walking the mountain and then soaking in the water is a pattern that goes back centuries. The water is a strongly acidic sulphur spring with a pH of 1.25 to 1.6. Source temperatures run from 45°C to 66°C, and the flow reaches roughly 5,700 litres a minute. It has long been known as the water that makes you beautiful. The Zao Onsen village has three public bathhouses, three foot baths and five day-use hot spring facilities, so a round of bathing is open to visitors who are not staying overnight. Public bathhouses are shared baths used by local residents as well, and a foot bath is an outdoor facility where you soak only your feet. After a day of walking, a foot bath does a lot of good. The three public bathhouses, Kami-yu, Shimo-yu and Kawara-yu, are open from 6:00 to 22:00 year-round. The Zao Onsen Tourism Association lists admission at 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. All three are unstaffed, and you pay into a box at the entrance before going in. Because the water is strongly acidic, visitors are advised to remove metal jewellery before bathing. Please also note that many hot spring facilities in Japan do not admit bathers with tattoos. Check with each facility about their policy. Opening hours and prices are subject to change, so please check the Zao Onsen Tourism Association website before you set out. Where Okama Is, and How to Reach It The other name that often comes up alongside Zao is Okama, a crater lake formed by water collecting in a volcanic crater and one of the landscapes Zao is known for. The Zao mountain range straddles Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, and Okama lies on the Miyagi side. It is not directly connected to any of the Zao Ropeway stations. The walking route described on Zao Ropeway's official website is the Mt. Kumano Komakusa Viewing Course, covering the Mt. Kumano and Okama area, at 5.0 kilometres and 4.0 hours one way for strong walkers. That is a generous distance to fold into a single day of leaf viewing. To reach Okama, the usual approach is from the Zao Karita summit side. Yamako Bus route Z91, mentioned in the previous section, connects Yamagata Station and the Zao Karita summit daily from 1 August to 25 October. Services are limited, so confirm the timetable for the day before building your plan around it. Frequently Asked Questions About Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Finally, here are the questions most likely to remain before you travel. Q1. How long does it take to reach the summit? The ride is about 17 minutes each way in total. To that you add the transfer at Juhyo Kogen Station and however long you spend at the summit. If you are taking photographs and walking to the Jizo statue and back, allowing 30 minutes to an hour up there leaves room to enjoy it. Counting the return journey, around two hours from leaving the base station to getting back is a reasonable estimate. Q2. Is the foliage still worth seeing in rain or fog? On a foggy day, the colour of the nearby trees reads deeper and richer. Leaves wet with rain reflect less light, so reds and oranges settle into darker, denser tones. If the distant view is what you are after, checking the operating information and the weather on the official website before you set out makes it easier to switch plans. Q3. Can you see the autumn leaves and the juhyo at the same time? They belong to different seasons. Juhyo, sometimes called snow monsters in English, are trees encased in thick layers of snow and ice, and they are one of the things Zao is famous for. Since severe winter conditions are what create them, they are a winter sight rather than an autumn one. The name Juhyo Kogen Station leads some visitors to expect a winter scene, but what waits there in autumn is foliage and wetland. Q4. Is a round trip only as far as Juhyo Kogen Station worth it for the foliage? A round trip to Juhyo Kogen Station gives you plenty of autumn colour. The fare is 2,200 yen for an adult return, exactly half the 4,400 yen to Jizo Sancho Station, and Hyakumannin Terrace is a short walk from the station, so you can keep costs down and still spend the day looking out over the slope from a seat. Going all the way to the summit adds places to visit, including Zao Jizo and the Zao Natural Botanical Garden, so choose according to your time, your energy and your budget. In Summary, Going to See the Gap an 800-Metre Climb Creates With Zao Ropeway's autumn leaves, the plan is decided not by "when is the peak" but by "whose peak do I want to see". A difference of roughly 800 metres in elevation carries the autumn front from the summit down to the hot spring village over about a month. For colour at the summit, aim for late September to early October. To walk the wetlands and forest at Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira, early to mid October. To see the hot spring village itself turn colour, around late October. And if you want all three, the ropeway, a vehicle that moves you between elevation bands, is the answer in itself. Once you know which view you are after, all that is left is to check how far the colour has come this year. Open the live camera and the Yamagata City Tourism Association's foliage updates, and take a look at where Zao stands right now. Zao Ropeway (Zao Sanroku Station) Basic information 【Address】229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 【Telephone】023-694-9518 【Operating hours】 Sanroku Line　8:30-17:00 Sancho Line　8:45-16:45 ※As of August 2026 【Last ride up】 16:00 from Zao Sanroku Station (return trip to Jizo Sancho Station) 【Other】 Service may be suspended due to weather; extra runs operate at busy times Group travel requires a reservation for 20 or more (call Zao Sanroku Station) Ticket refund fee is 100 yen per ticket Access 【Train and bus】 Yamagata Shinkansen　to Yamagata Station ↓　Yamako Bus route Z90 (bus stop 1 in front of the station), about 37 minutes Zao Onsen Bus Terminal ↓　About a 10 to 15 minute walk Zao Ropeway, Zao Sanroku Station 【Car】 Yamagata Expressway　about 35 minutes from Yamagata Zao IC Tohoku Chuo Expressway　about 25 minutes from Yamagata Kaminoyama IC 【Parking】 Zao Ropeway Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 on the Yokokura ski slope side　200 spaces 【Bus enquiries】 Yamagata Kotsu Bus Information Centre　023-632-7272 【Trekking enquiries】 Custom trekking From 15,000 yen for one guide / year-round / book at least five days ahead Bookings　Zao Trekking Desk, Zao Onsen Tourism Association　023-694-9328 Journey times, fares, parking capacity and charges are all subject to change, so please check the official website before you set out. 【Official Website】https://zaoropeway.co.jp/summer/en.php .text-bold { font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul { counter-reset: listnum; list-style: none; font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li { margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before { counter-increment: listnum; content: counter(listnum) ". 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An Eye-Catching Introduction to Japan This approximately 4-minute video, focusing on modern-day Japan as seen by foreign tourists and travelers, boasts a level of quality that has attracted major interest not only in Japan but in various countries throughout the world. This video's footage goes above and beyond other Japan PR videos and keeps viewers glued to the screen. By the video's end, you'll most likely feel an indescribable surge of emotions, such as those experienced after viewing a magnificent movie of epic proportions! Highlights of the Japanese Introduction Video, "in Japan" This video, "In Japan," taken in 2015 by German filmmaker/creator Vincent Urban, is a nearly 4-minute collection of footage of his 3-week journey in Japan to locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. In taking a look at images of landscapes and scenery natural and commonplace to Japanese people which are projected from a foreigner’s perspective, even we as Japanese natives can perceive such images as unknown, brand new discoveries and never-before-seen sights and scenes, and this video therefore allows us to learn about the appeal and charm of Japan in a brand new light. Viewers of this video can also agree that its high quality BGM and camera work is yet another reason for its high acclaim both in and out of Japan. This video condenses a wide variety of discoveries in Japan ranging from regularly seen daily scenery and landscapes to famous tourist spots. Examples of such sights include Asakusa Temple in the Shitamachi area of Tokyo, festivals, Kendo (Japanese martial art with bamboo swords), Buddhist temples, Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine as well as convenience stores, Tokyo Tower, street performances, Tokyo Skytree, sumo wrestlers, clubs and idols, in addition to shinkansen (bullet trains), natural landscapes, the Atomic Bomb Domes in Hiroshima & Nagasaki, Mt. Fuji and metropolitan night scenes. Japan as Seen Through Cultural Changes Photo：Sumo Learning about shifts in modern Japanese culture gives us deeper insights into the allure and attraction of Japan as a nation in the present day. Japan of yore once had superb classic culture primarily consisting of artistic traditional crafts, and as you can see in the video, festivals and martial arts passed down to Japan from ancient times have been regarded as symbolizing the very culture of "Nihon no Wa," or "The Spirit of Japan." It is also well-known that Japan is the birthplace of kendo and sumo wrestling which are now sports famous all the world over. In addition, present-day Japan is going through transitions in which its forms of entertainment, such as manga (Japanese comics/cartoons) and anime (Japanese animation), formerly considered to be types of sub-culture, have been disseminated throughout the globe to be cherished by multitudes of people as pop culture. This signifies shifts in the image of "Japan" in the eyes of foreigners abroad from that of a land of ninja and samurai to an anime & manga nation. The Akihabara area, now the "Mecca" of anime and manga which serves as the center of Japanese contemporary culture, has become a well-known tourist location which draws huge numbers of sightseers visiting Japan, and it's also popular as a town for shopping. Japan as Seen Through Tourist Meccas & Architectural Buildings Photo：Sensoji Temple and women If you're watching this video you probably know that Japan, due to its also being famous as a country abound with history and nature, sees immense numbers of foreigners who visit for sightseeing on a daily basis. Locations in Japan shown in the video, such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo and the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, are highly recommended tourist spots in Japan which are renowned even on a global scale. The existence of temples and shrines in Japan, whose number is too great to mention here, attracts hosts of foreign sightseers day by day, and this is proof of how Japan enjoys deep-rooted popularity as a tourist destination amongst abroad residents all over the world. Japan as Seen Through Nature ©Izu City Modifying The richness and abundance of nature, amongst other aspects, is definitely a thing to behold here in Japan. Japan's largest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and its bamboo forest, also featured in the video, are without a doubt natural tourist spots that represent the glory of Japan. The view from Mt. Fuji's summit, in particular, is easily summed up by the words "magnificent scenery," and once you experience climbing this mountain on your own, you'll be able to appreciate the thrill and excitement of this spectacle all the more. Such natural splendor is just one more example of a globally sought-after sightseeing attraction highly recommended in Japan, a fact testified to by the unceasing droves of tourists from abroad who visit day-to-day without end. Japan Introduction Video Summary We hope you enjoyed this video introduction of Japan with its simple yet profound delivery of information. Year after year, Japan sees increasing numbers of tourists from abroad coming in search of such fascinating sightseeing spots as well as world-renowned gourmet Japanese food. Japan still has yet a great deal of appeal which, unfortunately, we can't completely encapsulate into such a short introductory video on Japan’s culture, history, entertainment, nature and festivals. We truly hope that this video and article have piqued your interest in Japan more than ever before!

■Contents Introduction Why Tomakomai Is Chosen as a Base for a Hokkaido Trip A Port Town Where the Gateways of Air and Sea Overlap Major Spots Divided Between the Airport Side and the City Center Why Tomakomai Has So Many Places You Can Enter for Free A One-Day Model Itinerary for Tomakomai Start the Morning With the Lake and the Observation Deck Head for the Space Station and the Port Photo Spot in the Afternoon Travel Times Until Evening and How to Rearrange the Plan The Lake and Airplane Views at Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko An Observation Deck With a 360-Degree View From the Rooftop Walking the Nature Trail Along the Shore Local Seafood and Regional Goods Inside the Building Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko Basic Information Inside a Space Station at the Mir Exhibition Hall Why There Is a Backup Unit of Mir in Tomakomai What You Can See Inside, From Control Panels to Living Quarters Enjoying the Planetarium and the Main Exhibition Room Too Tomakomai Science Center Basic Information Tomakomai Seen From Two Heights, the Port and the Hill The PORT OF TOMAKOMAI Monument at Kirakira Park Mount Tarumae and the Sea From the Midorigaoka Park Observation Deck The Factory Lights That Emerge After Dark Basic Information for the Two Parks Port Town Flavors and Souvenirs to Try in Tomakomai A Plate of Hokki Clam, the Taste of a Port Town The Soft Serve That Placed at a Grand Prix Choosing Yoitomake and Haskap Sweets at the Mitsuboshi Main Store Basic Information for Each Shop How to Pick a Season When You Cannot Decide When to Go When Can You See Swans Mount Tarumae and the Lakeshore at Their Best in the Green Season Temperature Differences by Season and What to Wear Wider Sightseeing With Tomakomai as Your Base A Half-Day Plan Out to Lake Shikotsu The Route Toward Shiraoi and Noboribetsu Short Plans That Fit Into a Layover at the Airport Getting to Tomakomai and Around the City Traveling From New Chitose Airport by Car, JR or Bus Getting Around After Arriving by Ferry Points to Watch When Getting Around by Public Transportation Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Tomakomai Can You Visit Tomakomai From New Chitose Airport as a Day Trip Can You Get Around the Sights in Tomakomai Without a Car Are There Places to Enjoy on Rainy or Cloudy Days Can You Fill a Whole Day With Children Along When Can You See Swans at Lake Utonai Ways to Spend a Day in Tomakomai, Chosen by What You Want もっと見る Introduction Hokkaido is the island at the northern end of the Japanese archipelago. Tomakomai, in its southwestern part, sits about 30 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, and it is also a port town that serves as a gateway by sea, with ferries arriving and departing. Here you will find Lake Utonai, registered under the Ramsar Convention, a real backup unit of the space station Mir, and the view of Mount Tarumae and the ocean from a hill. This article gathers a model itinerary for Tomakomai and the highlights of each spot, based on a route actually covered in a single day. Photo: Tomakomai, Hokkaido / A Pacific port town where greenery, factories and harbor sit side by side Why Tomakomai Is Chosen as a Base for a Hokkaido Trip You may have seen the name Tomakomai on expressway signs or on ferry destination boards without ever getting off and walking around. Tomakomai is a transport hub, easy to reach from New Chitose Airport and served by ferry routes linking ports across Honshu. Photo: Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal / Hokkaido's sea gateway, linked by ferry to ports across Honshu A Port Town Where the Gateways of Air and Sea Overlap New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's gateway by air. From there to central Tomakomai is 22.7 km on ordinary roads, roughly 30 minutes by car. You get there without ever using the expressway, so the afternoon of your arrival day, or the morning of your departure day, turns straight into sightseeing time. The other gateway is the Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal. Four routes serve it, running to Hachinohe, Sendai, Nagoya and Oarai, and this is the port where travelers who have crossed from Honshu with their cars first set foot. Few cities in Hokkaido act as an entrance both by air and by sea. If you are coming from overseas, the usual route is to connect to a domestic flight at a major airport such as Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya and fly into New Chitose Airport. Travel time varies with your point of departure and your flight, so check connection times in the airline timetables. Major Spots Divided Between the Airport Side and the City Center The sights of Tomakomai fall into two broad clusters. The Uenae district, nearer the airport, has Lake Utonai and the roadside station on its shore, while the city center side lines up the Tomakomai Science Center, Kirakira Park by the port, and Midorigaoka Park up on the hill. Because the sights are split between the airport side and the city center side, you can head for the lake first with the airport still fresh behind you, then work your way down into town, and build a day that never doubles back. On a day when you arrive at the port by ferry, follow the same route in reverse and you come out at the airport. Why Tomakomai Has So Many Places You Can Enter for Free Sightseeing in Tomakomai is easy on the wallet. At the Tomakomai Science Center, the main exhibition room, the Mir Exhibition Hall and the planetarium are all free to enter, and the Midorigaoka Park observation deck is free as well. Neither Kirakira Park nor Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko charges admission. Most of the main spots introduced here are free to enter. A One-Day Model Itinerary for Tomakomai Before going into what each spot holds, here is the shape of the day as a whole. Each sight is explored one by one from the next section onward. Start the Morning With the Lake and the Observation Deck The first stop of the day is Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko, on National Route 36. A michi-no-eki is a roadside rest facility you can drop into partway through a journey, where local produce, souvenirs and light meals are also on offer. It opens at 9:00, so if you pick up a rental car at New Chitose Airport and drive straight south, you arrive right around opening time. Here you go up to the rooftop deck to look out over the lake, then walk a short stretch of the trail along the shore. Allowing about an hour for the view and the walk together gives you a pace that never feels rushed. 【Video】2:37〜　The lake and a passenger plane seen from the observation deck at Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko If you want to browse local products at the shop or grab something light at the food court, add another 30 minutes or so. Head for the Space Station and the Port Photo Spot in the Afternoon After leaving the lake, drive toward the city center and go into the Tomakomai Science Center. It is open from 9:30 to 17:00, so arriving early in the afternoon leaves you time for both the Mir Exhibition Hall and the planetarium. Figure on one hour to an hour and a half for the visit. From there, drop down toward the sea to Kirakira Park. Photograph the monument with the moored ferries behind it and spend around 30 minutes. Finish by going up to the Midorigaoka Park observation deck on the hill, where Mount Tarumae, the city and the ocean all come into view at once. Travel Times Until Evening and How to Rearrange the Plan Travel times within the city change with the route and the time of day. Checking the day's travel times on a map app before you set out keeps the second half of the plan from falling apart. On a day when you only have half a day, narrow it down to two places, the lake and the science center. If photography is your aim, rearranging the day around the port and the hill works well. Time your climb to the Midorigaoka Park observation deck to sunset and you can stay on after the sun has gone down, since it is open until 21:00 from April 20 through October 31. The Lake and Airplane Views at Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko Many people probably think of Lake Utonai as a place for birdwatching. Stand there, though, and you notice a combination you cannot see anywhere else, created by the closeness of the lake and the airport. Photo: Lake Utonai / A Ramsar-listed wetland for birdwatching, with New Chitose Airport flights crossing overhead An Observation Deck With a 360-Degree View From the Rooftop The building at Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko has three floors, with an elevator up to the outdoor space on the third. The second floor is an indoor observation room, a place to view the lake through glass. Step outside on the third floor and climb one more flight of stairs to the rooftop deck, and the view opens up a full 360 degrees. What you see, in order, is the parking lot and National Route 36 in the foreground, grassy lakeshore beyond that, and the surface of the lake spreading out at the very back of your line of sight. New Chitose Airport is close by, so you may catch sight of an airliner crossing the far side of the lake as it loses altitude. Flight paths change with the time of day and the wind direction, so there is no guarantee you will see one. Walking the Nature Trail Along the Shore If you want to get down to the water's edge, there is the nature trail of the Wild Bird Society of Japan's Utonai-ko Sanctuary. Observation points are set out along the way, including the Common Sandpiper terrace, the alder terrace, the Greater White-fronted Goose terrace, the grassland observation hut and the barrier-free course, on a route that takes you through woodland, grassland and waterside. Some facilities are currently out of use, so check the latest status before you set out. The path is surfaced with wood chips, so even a short walk leaves you feeling you have been out in the forest. The sanctuary's nature center is open Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 9:30 to 16:30. If you visit on a weekday, the neighboring Utonai-ko Wildlife Protection Center serves as the point of contact. It closes every Monday and is open from 9:00 to 17:00. Local Seafood and Regional Goods Inside the Building Inside there is a local products corner and a direct sales counter for farm, forest and marine products, alongside takeout windows where you can eat on the spot. There is a food court too, so on a day when you set out without breakfast, one option is to simply have a meal here. The toilets and the car park are open 24 hours, and inside the building there is a tourist information and luggage counter, a kids' corner where small children can play, and a nursing room. On a day of long-distance driving with small children, this roadside station makes the first rest stop. Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko Basic Information Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko 【Address】156-30 Aza-Uenae, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 【Phone】0144-58-4137 【Hours】9:00-18:00 (March-October), 9:00-17:00 (November-February) 【Closed】New Year period (December 31-January 2) 【Admission】Free 【Time needed】1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes 【Parking】93 standard cars, 10 large vehicles, 2 accessible spaces 【Official Website】Tomakomai City tourist information, "Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko" ※Prices and opening hours are as of September 2026. Please check the official website for the latest details. Inside a Space Station at the Mir Exhibition Hall A real space station, sitting in a city better known as an industrial town. That fact alone is surprising enough, but what follows is more so. The exhibit is not something you only view from the outside, because you can go inside and look around. COOLJAPANVIDEOS Why There Is a Backup Unit of Mir in Tomakomai Mir was a space station launched by the former Soviet Union. Its core module was launched on February 19, 1986, and observation and experiment modules were added to it one after another. In April 1996 it became the largest space station in history up to that time, and on March 23, 2001 it came down off the coast of New Zealand in the South Pacific, ending 15 years of operation. What stands in Tomakomai is the actual backup unit. Tomakomai received it as a donation from Iwakura Corporation in 1998, and the Mir Exhibition Hall opened the following December, in 1999. It is not the craft that actually went into space, but it is a genuine article built to the same design, so the interior remains exactly as it was. 【Video】5:36〜　Walking through the inside of the Mir Exhibition Hall What You Can See Inside, From Control Panels to Living Quarters Two modules are on display, the core module Mir and the astrophysics observation module Kvant. Mir means peace in Russian, and Kvant means quantum. The core module weighs 20.4 tons and is 13.13 m long, with a pressurized section of 90 cubic meters where people could live, holding the life support system and the power system driven by solar panels. Kvant weighs 11.5 tons and is 5.8 m long, and it carried telescopes, various observation instruments, gyroscopes and an oxygen generator. There are six docking ports on the outside of the craft, where other modules and supply vessels could connect. Go inside and you find a control room lined with automatic control panels, with the living quarters continuing behind it. The private cabin where a cosmonaut slept is about the size of half a tatami mat, and the sleeping bag was fixed to the wall. A toilet and faucet adapted to zero gravity, a shower designed so the water does not fall away, an oven and a refrigerator, and even a treadmill for preventing muscle loss all remain. Standing in front of the real thing, you understand why the same daily life as on the ground had to be provided in a form so unlike it. Enjoying the Planetarium and the Main Exhibition Room Too The same building also holds a planetarium with a dome 10 m across. It has 84 seats, and a projector made by Goto Optical Manufacturing projects about 6,500 fixed stars down to magnitude 6.25. The main exhibition room, the Mir Exhibition Hall and the planetarium are all free. When rain or strong wind wrecks your plans, this facility, which works entirely indoors, is the first place to head for. Tomakomai Science Center Basic Information Tomakomai Science Center (Mir Exhibition Hall) 【Address】3-1-12 Asahicho, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 【Phone】0144-33-9158 【Hours】9:30-17:00 【Closed】Every Monday (the next weekday if Monday is a public holiday), New Year period (December 29-January 3) 【Planetarium screenings】Twice a day on weekdays, at 14:00 and 15:30; three times a day on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and the spring, summer and winter school holidays, at 11:30, 14:00 and 15:30. Each screening seats 40, with priority given to advance bookings. Reservations open the month before the screening date, and same-day booking is also possible 【Admission】Free (main exhibition room, Mir Exhibition Hall and planetarium all included) 【Time needed】1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes 【Parking】Free. 20 cars, 4 large buses (large buses must contact the center in advance) 【Official Website】Tomakomai Science Center ※Admission and opening hours are as of September 2026. Screenings are suspended on some days for maintenance, so please check the official website for the current schedule. Tomakomai Seen From Two Heights, the Port and the Hill So far we have looked at the lake and at indoor exhibits, but Tomakomai offers one more pleasure, that of looking at the city itself. A quay close to sea level, and a hill overlooking the built-up area. Even in the same city, what you see changes with where you stand. Photo: Kirakira Park / A photo spot backed by the port, its base inscribed PORT OF TOMAKOMAI The PORT OF TOMAKOMAI Monument at Kirakira Park Kirakira Park is the popular name for a green space on the north wharf of Tomakomai Port. It appears in the city's list of parks under the name Kitafuto Ryokuchi, or North Wharf Green Space, and it was laid out as part of the redevelopment of the port. In 2011 it received national certification as a "Minato Oasis." If you are visiting to take photographs, the target is the PORT OF TOMAKOMAI monument, installed to mark the 60th anniversary of the opening of Tomakomai Port. The lineup runs from a lawn in the foreground to the quay beyond it, with moored ferries and the factories on the far shore at the back of the view. 【Video】7:31〜　The monument and a large ferry berthed at the port The park also has combination play equipment, a wading pool and a zip line, so families with children can pass the time on the playground. Mount Tarumae and the Sea From the Midorigaoka Park Observation Deck Midorigaoka Park, spreading across the north side of the city center, is a sports park covering 87.0 ha. The observation deck standing in one corner of it was built in 1998 to mark the 50th anniversary of Tomakomai's founding as a city. An elevator takes you up to the viewing level. What you see from here is the park's trees and the rooftops of the city in the foreground, the chimneys of the Oji Paper Tomakomai mill and the port beyond them, and the foothills of Mount Tarumae and Mount Fuppushi stretching out on the opposite side. Mountains, city and sea line up in a single field of view. 【Video】9:59〜　Mount Fuppushi and the mill chimneys seen from the viewing level Opening hours switch with the season, running from 9:00 to 21:00 between April 20 and October 31, and from 10:00 to 18:00 between November 1 and April 19. Days are long in summer, so even if you go up in the evening you can enjoy the scenery while it is still light. The Factory Lights That Emerge After Dark Tomakomai is also a city of paper manufacturing and petrochemicals, and after sunset the plants along the coast light up. The Midorigaoka Park observation deck closes at 21:00 in summer, so you can go up in the hours after the sun has set. If night views are your goal, build your plan by lining up that day's sunset time with the deck's closing time. In winter it closes at 18:00, so from November through April the short window just after sunset is the one to aim for. Basic Information for the Two Parks Kirakira Park (Kitafuto Ryokuchi) 【Address】3-1 Irifunecho, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 【Phone】0144-34-5551 (Tomakomai Port Authority) 【Open】Always open 【Closed】None 【Admission】Free 【Time needed】30 minutes 【Parking】About 70 standard cars 【Official Website】Tomakomai Port Authority, "Kirakira Park" Midorigaoka Park Observation Deck 【Address】1 and 3 Chome Shimizucho and Aza-Takaoka, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 【Phone】0144-33-6933 (Midorigaoka Park management) 【Open】9:00-21:00 (April 20-October 31), 10:00-18:00 (November 1-April 19) 【Closed】First Monday of the month (April 20-October 31), every Monday (November 1-April 19). New Year period (December 31-January 2) 【Admission】Free 【Time needed】30 minutes 【Parking】8 lots across the whole park, 931 spaces in total 【Official Website】Tomakomai City, "Midorigaoka Park" ※Admission and opening hours are as of September 2026. Please check the official websites for the latest details. Port Town Flavors and Souvenirs to Try in Tomakomai Once you have made the rounds of the scenery, food and souvenirs are the next thing on your mind. Tomakomai has flavors that could only come together in this city. Photo: Yoitomake, a Tomakomai specialty / Mitsuboshi's signature cake, haskap jam swirled inside and coating the outside A Plate of Hokki Clam, the Taste of a Port Town No account of Tomakomai is complete without hokki clam, the Sakhalin surf clam. In Japan it is a familiar type of bivalve, eaten either raw or cooked. According to materials from the city of Tomakomai, the annual catch is around 800 tons, said to be the largest of any municipality in Japan. The figure for 2024 (Reiwa 6) was about 750 tons. On Marine Day, July 20, 2002, it was also designated the city's official shellfish. Behind those numbers lies years of resource management. Only large clams with a shell length of 9 cm or more are landed, and the spawning season from May to June is a closed period for fishing. Restaurants around the city use hokki clam in a wide range of dishes, from sushi to curry to ramen, and comparing how each place serves it is a pleasure in itself. The Soft Serve That Placed at a Grand Prix Shiawase no Nama Soft Petit Lapin, in Misonocho, took second place at the first Hokkaido Soft Serve Grand Prix. It has moved from Shirakabacho and is takeout only, with no seating inside. Its signature item, the "shiawase no nama soft," is made with select fresh cream from pasture-raised cows in eastern Hokkaido. In summer, seasonal items using haskap, which grows wild on the Yufutsu Plain, join the menu. Slotting a stop in between your time in the city center and the observation deck makes for a well-timed break. Choosing Yoitomake and Haskap Sweets at the Mitsuboshi Main Store For souvenirs, head to the main store of Mitsuboshi in Itoi. This confectionery maker was founded in 1898, in the 31st year of the Meiji era. Its signature product, Yoitomake, is a rolled castella that went on sale in 1953, castella being a sponge-style baked cake. This sweet is wrapped on the outside in haskap jam. Alongside the standard haskap version, the store also carries a lemon flavor, a related product called Nanakamado, and cakes. The name comes from the call workers used when raising and lowering logs at the timber yard of the paper mill. Haskap is a shrub of the honeysuckle family that grows wild on the Yufutsu Plain and bears dark purple berries in summer. The name comes from the Ainu word "hasikap," meaning something that grows in abundance on the branches. The Ainu are the Indigenous people who have lived in Hokkaido and northern Japan since ancient times. The main store is open from 8:00 to 19:00 with no closing days, so you can fit it in before a ferry departure or during an early morning drive. 【Video】0:31〜　Tasting Yoitomake and Nanakamado side by side Basic Information for Each Shop Mitsuboshi Main Store 【Address】141 Itoi, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 【Phone】0144-74-5221 【Hours】8:00-19:00 【Closed】Open year-round 【Prices】Vary by product 【Time needed】20 to 30 minutes 【Parking】Available 【Official Website】Mitsuboshi (Yoitomake) Shiawase no Nama Soft Petit Lapin 【Address】2-3-22 Misonocho, Tomakomai, Hokkaido 【Phone】080-3537-5025 【Hours】11:00-20:00 (closes at 18:00 on machine maintenance days) 【Closed】Irregular 【Prices】Please check with the shop 【Time needed】20 minutes 【Parking】Available on site 【Official Website】Shiawase no Nama Soft Petit Lapin ※Prices and opening hours are as confirmed in September 2026. Petit Lapin has only just moved to Misonocho, so please check its official social media for opening hours, closing days and prices. How to Pick a Season When You Cannot Decide When to Go Tomakomai is a city where what you see changes dramatically with the season. What you are coming for decides which time of year to choose. Photo: Lake Utonai in winter / A birdwatching site in Tomakomai where whooper swans appear even when the lake freezes When Can You See Swans Lake Utonai became a nationally designated wildlife protection area in 1982, and in 1991 it became Japan's fourth wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty aimed at conserving wetlands. The number of bird species recorded is given as about 270 both in the city of Tomakomai's nature information and on the official website of Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko, and as more than 260 in Ministry of the Environment materials. Swans are easiest to see during the migration seasons. According to observation records kept by the city of Tomakomai, Whooper Swans are frequently seen from December through March, and Tundra Swans in November and from February through April. Greater White-fronted Geese center on September through November and February through April. In spring, the period up until they fly north in early April is when the lake is at its busiest. Arrival timing shifts earlier or later depending on the year's weather, so check the current situation in the nature updates for that year from the Utonai-ko Wildlife Protection Center or the Wild Bird Society of Japan sanctuary before you set out. Mount Tarumae and the Lakeshore at Their Best in the Green Season From summer into early autumn, the species you can spot differ from those of the spring and autumn migrations, and the greenery around you deepens. The foot of Mount Tarumae as seen from the Midorigaoka Park observation deck also looks sharpest at this time of year. Long days, plus a deck that stays open until 21:00, make up another reason to choose summer. Temperature Differences by Season and What to Wear According to Japan Meteorological Agency normals for 1991 to 2020, the monthly average temperature in Tomakomai is minus 3.6°C in January and 20.4°C in August, with an annual average of 7.9°C. May averages 10.0°C and October 11.5°C, so for spring and autumn, plan on one more layer than you would in Honshu. On the day of the visit in early May, the sky was overcast and the temperature was around 15°C, cool enough to want a jacket. Even in summer it stays around 20°C, so bring a light layer to throw on even for an August visit. In winter it drops to around minus 3°C, and there is nothing to block the wind at the port or on the observation deck. Along with warm outerwear, you will need gloves and shoes with good grip. Wider Sightseeing With Tomakomai as Your Base You have spent a day in Tomakomai, and you have another half day to spare. On days like that, the destinations are waiting in this city. Photo: Shiraoi, Hokkaido / The National Ainu Museum at Upopoy, its walls set with Ainu patterns A Half-Day Plan Out to Lake Shikotsu Head north from central Tomakomai on National Route 276 and you reach Lake Shikotsu after about 25 km, roughly 30 minutes by car. The lake is known for the clarity of its water, and the shore is equipped with walking paths and a visitor center. Public transportation is the thing to watch. According to information from the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center, there are no scheduled bus routes to Lake Shikotsu from Sapporo or Tomakomai. To get there by bus, use the Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Sora 4 Lake Shikotsu Line." It runs from New Chitose Airport with no transfer and takes about an hour, calling at Minami-Chitose Station and Chitose Station on the way. The Route Toward Shiraoi and Noboribetsu Follow the coast west and you come to Upopoy, the National Ainu Museum and Park, in the town of Shiraoi. From the Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal it is 26 km via National Route 36. This national facility deals with Ainu culture, and between the museum and the traditional kotan outdoors it takes about half a day to see. A kotan is the Ainu word for a settlement or village. Continue west and you reach Noboribetsu Onsen. Onsen, bathing in naturally heated hot spring water, is a distinctly Japanese bathing culture. Note that many hot spring facilities decline entry to people with tattoos. Please check with each facility. From Tomakomai it is about 25 minutes by JR limited express and about 45 minutes by local train, so it fits into an itinerary without a car as well. Leaving Tomakomai in the morning and spending the afternoon in Noboribetsu is a realistic plan. Short Plans That Fit Into a Layover at the Airport If you have a few hours to spare at New Chitose Airport, there are options that do not involve going far. Northern Horse Park, 15 minutes from the airport by car, has 500 free parking spaces and a free shuttle bus running to and from the airport. Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko is also in Uenae, on the airport side, so another way to use the time is to stop by before returning your rental car, take in the lake from the rooftop deck, and then head back to the airport. Getting to Tomakomai and Around the City Now that we have gone through the sights, here is a summary of how to get there. This city has two gateways, so which one you enter by decides your first move. Traveling From New Chitose Airport by Car, JR or Bus By car it is 22.7 km on ordinary roads such as National Route 36, roughly 30 minutes. You arrive without using any toll roads, so you can drive into the city as soon as you pick up a rental car. If you use JR (Japan Railways), Japan's main railway operator, there is no direct train from the airport to Tomakomai. From New Chitose Airport Station you transfer at Minami-Chitose Station and take the Chitose Line to Tomakomai Station. It takes about 30 minutes, costing 700 yen on a local train. A limited express carries an additional charge, so please check the latest fares on the JR Hokkaido official website. For those who would rather avoid a transfer, there is the Donan Bus Chitose Airport Line. It links New Chitose Airport with the area in front of Tomakomai Station in 1 hour 5 minutes, and the fare is 630 yen one way. There are 13 services on weekdays. Getting Around After Arriving by Ferry The Tomakomai West Port Ferry Terminal is in Irifunecho, the same district as Kirakira Park. The Hachinohe route is operated by Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen with four sailings a day, taking 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes. The Sendai route is run daily by Taiheiyo Ferry and takes about 15 hours, while the Nagoya route, also Taiheiyo Ferry, runs every other day, taking about 39 hours 30 minutes from Tomakomai to Nagoya and about 40 hours from Nagoya to Tomakomai. The Oarai route is operated by MOL Sunflower six days a week and takes 18 hours to 19 hours 15 minutes. If you have brought your car with you, you can move straight into sightseeing in the city after disembarking. Foot passengers should check in advance how to get from the terminal to the city center, matching the times of their arriving sailing. Points to Watch When Getting Around by Public Transportation The Tomakomai Science Center is a 20-minute walk from JR Tomakomai Station. Using the Donan Bus it is a 4-minute ride plus a 3 to 5 minute walk, and the nearest stops are "Hoken Center" and "Shiyakusho-mae." Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko, on the other hand, is some way from Tomakomai Station. The Midorigaoka Park observation deck is about a 30-minute walk from the north exit of Tomakomai Station according to its official guide. If you are getting around by public transportation alone, build a half-day plan around the science center and the restaurants in the city center. Visitors from overseas who want to rent a car need an International Driving Permit. Japan uses left-hand traffic, so anyone coming from a country that drives on the right should take particular care. From around November to March there is snow and ice on the roads, so choose a car fitted with studless tires, or confirm with the rental company whether winter equipment is included. Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Tomakomai Here are the questions that tend to come up just as you are finalizing an itinerary, gathered in one place. Can You Visit Tomakomai From New Chitose Airport as a Day Trip? Yes. It is about 30 minutes from the airport on ordinary roads, so on an itinerary that leaves the airport in the morning and returns in the evening you can cover all four places, the lake, the science center, the port and the observation deck. It is also possible to build a half-day plan using only the afternoon of your arrival day or the morning of your departure day. Can You Get Around the Sights in Tomakomai Without a Car? Some of them, yes. The Tomakomai Science Center is a 20-minute walk from JR Tomakomai Station, or a 4-minute ride on the Donan Bus plus a few minutes on foot. Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko has the Utonai-ko stop on the Donan Bus Chitose Airport Line 30, and Midorigaoka Park has the Sogo Undo Koen and Shiritsu Byoin stops on the Donan Bus. Services are not frequent, though, so allow extra time when you plan. Are There Places to Enjoy on Rainy or Cloudy Days? At the Tomakomai Science Center, the main exhibition room, the Mir Exhibition Hall and the planetarium are all indoors, and admission is free on top of that. The second floor of Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko is an indoor observation room as well, so you can look out over the lake through the glass. When the weather turns, rebuild the day around these two places. Can You Fill a Whole Day With Children Along? Kirakira Park has combination play equipment, a wading pool and a zip line, so you can work in time for running around. Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko has a kids' space and a nursing room, and the science center's planetarium has 84 seats, making it a place to sit down regardless of the weather. Another point in its favor is that many facilities are free, so costs do not balloon as the group grows. When Can You See Swans at Lake Utonai? According to observation records kept by the city of Tomakomai, Whooper Swans are frequently seen from December through March, and Tundra Swans in November and from February through April. In spring, the season runs until they migrate north in early April. The timing shifts from year to year, so check the nature updates from the Utonai-ko Wildlife Protection Center or the Wild Bird Society of Japan sanctuary for that year's situation before you head out. Ways to Spend a Day in Tomakomai, Chosen by What You Want Even within the same single day in Tomakomai, what you are after changes how you put it together. If you want a day centered on nature, give the morning generously to Michi-no-Eki Utonai-ko and the trail along the shore, then spend the afternoon looking at Mount Tarumae from the Midorigaoka Park observation deck. Time it to the migration seasons and the number of birds on the lake is on another level entirely. With children along, the two anchors are the science center and Kirakira Park. Allow an hour and a half for the Mir Exhibition Hall and the planetarium, and an hour at the park with the play equipment. Neither costs anything, and being able to cut things short when everyone tires out helps. If you want photographs, work backward from sunset. Shoot the monument and the ferries at Kirakira Park, then go straight up to the Midorigaoka Park observation deck and wait for the hour when the city lights and the glow of the factories come into the frame. Admission and opening hours can change. Checking the day's operating status on the Tomakomai Tourist Association site or the official sites of each facility before you visit also makes it easier to rearrange things on the day. If your Hokkaido itinerary still has half a day open in it, why not give that time to Tomakomai. 【Official Website】https://www.tomakomai-kanko.jp/ .text-bold { font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul { counter-reset: listnum; list-style: none; font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li { margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before { counter-increment: listnum; content: counter(listnum) ". 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Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing at Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park in 2026 This video, titled "4K Japan's Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots｜Ueno Park｜Hirosaki Park｜Takada Park｜Famous Nighttime Cherry Blossom Locations｜Sakura｜Hanami｜Cherry Blossom Evening" (4K 日本三大夜桜 上野公園 弘前公園 高田公園 Top３ Night cherry Blossom 夜桜の名所 sakura hanami 花見 Cherry blossom evening), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." The video features plenty of beautiful 4K images showing the fantastic scenery of Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park, which are known as the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. This article provides sightseeing information on the 2026 cherry blossom events at Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park. First, be sure to check out the video to enjoy the fantastic views of the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. After seeing this you'll definitely want to visit these spots in person! When Is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms at Ueno Park in 2026? Highlights and Festival Dates Photo：Cherry blossoms at night in Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo Ueno Park, introduced at 0:19 in the video, is located in Taito, Tokyo, and is the first urban park in Japan, making it a place with a long history. Officially named "Ueno Onshi Park," Ueno Park has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan" and is also home to Ueno Zoo, museums, art galleries, and cafes such as Starbucks. The park has also been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" and attracts a total of approximately 4 million visitors during the cherry blossom viewing season when all sorts of vendors and food stalls line its paths. In Ueno Park, there are approximately 800 cherry trees of 50 species, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for around two full months. The most popular cherry blossom viewing spots are Sakura-dori (さくら通り), Shinobazu Pond (不忍池), and Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, an Important Cultural Property. The 77th Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival (うえの桜まつり) will be held from March 14 to April 5, 2026. During the festival, approximately 800 "bonbori" (Japanese paper lamps) will be lit to create a fantastic illuminated scene. The bonbori light-up will run from March 20 (Fri, public holiday) to April 19 (Sun), 2026, from sunset until around 8:00 p.m. Ueno Park is just a two-minute walk from Ueno Station on all lines, and a one-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station off the Keisei Main Line. When Is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms at Hirosaki Park in 2026? Special Highlights You Won't Want to Miss Photo：Cherry blossoms at night at Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki, Aomori Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki, Aomori, is introduced at 3:02 in the video. The highlights of Hirosaki Park include Hirosaki Castle's keep and three turrets, which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. Hirosaki Park is home to approximately 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties that bloom each year. The most famous is the large weeping cherry tree (Shidarezakura), which was planted in 1914. The 2026 Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival (弘前さくらまつり), where you can enjoy nighttime cherry blossoms, will be held from April 17 (Fri) to May 5 (Tue, public holiday), 2026 — a total of 19 days. In response to the recent trend of earlier blooming, the festival will begin earlier than usual this year (dates are subject to change depending on blooming conditions). Special nighttime illumination of the cherry blossoms will take place every evening throughout the festival, and various events are also planned, including boat tours on Hirosaki Park's middle moat. Please note that 2026 is a particularly significant year for Hirosaki Castle. As part of ongoing stone wall repair work, the castle keep is scheduled to be moved back to its original foundation from July 2026 — its first relocation in approximately seven years. As a result, public access to the interior of the keep was suspended on November 23, 2025, and visitors will not be able to enter the keep during the 2026 cherry blossom festival. That said, the stunning springtime view of cherry blossoms, the castle keep, and the Tsugaru Fuji (Mt. Iwakisan) remains as breathtaking as ever. There is also a reservation-only "cherry blossom viewing party," which is popular because it allows visitors to enjoy Tsugaru's local cuisine while viewing the cherry blossoms, with no need to bring anything along. It is a 20-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, and there is a parking lot nearby. When Is the 2026 Kanoukai Held at Takada Park? Nighttime Cherry Blossoms and the Three-Story Turret Photo：Cherry blossoms at night at Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu, Niigata At 5:19 in the video, Takada Park is introduced. As of April 1, 2020, the name of this park was changed to "Takada Castle Site Park" (高田城址公園). Takada Castle Site Park (Takada Park) in Joetsu, Niigata, is a large approximately 50-hectare park that includes the restored three-story turret of Takada Castle, the Municipal Museum (renovated into a Museum of History), and sports facilities. You can also check out live cameras of Takada Castle Site Park on the "Gurutto Shinetsu" (ぐるっと信越, ※Japanese only) website. In addition to cherry blossoms, the park is also famous for its beautiful lotus flowers. Takada Castle Site Park (Takada Park) is home to approximately 4,000 Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry) trees illuminated by bonbori lanterns, creating a breathtaking nighttime spectacle. The 101st Takada Castle Site Park Kanoukai (Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival) will be held from April 3 (Fri) to April 19 (Sun), 2026. Nighttime illumination will also take place during the event (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., extended until 10:00 p.m. during peak bloom). Various events are also planned, including stage performances, a local product fair, and a photo contest. (Please check the official website for details.) To get to Takada Park, it is a 15-minute walk from Takada Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway, or approximately a 10-minute drive from Joetsu-Takada IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. A parking lot is available. Japan's Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in 2026: Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park & Takada Park This video introduces the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots of Japan in stunning detail. Enjoy the spectacular nighttime views of cherry blossoms lit up and glowing in beautiful shades of pink. Each of the three spots has its own unique charm — be sure to visit during the 2026 cherry blossom season! 【Official Website】Ueno Park/Ueno Onshi Park Official Website - Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Bureau of Construction https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html 【Official Website】Hirosaki Park https://www.hirosakipark.jp/en/

■ Table of Contents A Miraculous Story You Can Only Encounter in Engaru, Hokkaido The National Treasure: The Obsidian Stone Tool Assemblage of Shirataki What Is Obsidian? The “Volcanic Glass” That Enchanted Ancient Peoples What sort of place is the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center? Learn about the natural beauty and enduring history of Engaru, Hokkaido Discover the Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center, Where National Treasure Obisidian Tools from Shirataki Are On Display How to Best Explore Geosites That Tell the Story of the Earth No. 8 Stream Outcrop (Obsidian Outcrop) Summit of Akaishiyama Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) Tengudaira Observation Point Taihei Plateau Yamabiko Falls Muri Wind Cave Tourist Spots to Enjoy in Engaru | Must-See Highlights in Each Area ■ Engaru District｜Spectacular Flower & Nature Spots Cosmos Garden Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park Roadside Station “Engaru Forest of Okhotsk”｜A Station Full of Activities ■ Maruseppu District｜Forest Railways & Insect Paradise Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori｜Ride the “Amemiya 21” Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum｜Insects Donated by SHO Aikawa ■ Ikutahara District｜Hands On Museums & Art World Chacha World｜A Dreamful World of Toys & Shadow Play Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum｜A Fantasy of Light & Shadow Hidden Tourist Spots Recommended by Engaru Locals Miharashi Farm｜Idyllic Pastoral Scene Typical of Hokkaido Engaru Station｜Switchback That Enthralls Railway Fans A Side of a Self Defense Forces Town Engaru Town Gourmet & Local Products｜Taste the Blessings of the Land Gourmet Inspired by Obsidian Shirataki Potatoes｜Brand Potatoes Renowned for Sweetness & Texture Engaru’s Asparagus｜Green Gift Heralding Spring Engaru Town Event Calendar｜Festivals & Events Coloring the Seasons Taiyō no Oka Cosmos Festa Engaru Ganbō Summer Festival Recommended Lodging and Hot Springs in Engaru | How to Enjoy the Ultimate in Relaxation “Mauresan sō” Maruseppu Hot Spring in a Forest Resort Day Use Hot Spring “Pokke no Yu” “Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori Campground” Surrounded by Nature Distinctive Lodgings by District Accessing Engaru and How to Best Sightsee Around Town 【By Air】 【By JR】 【By Car】 【In Town Sightseeing】 Summary of Engaru Town’s Attractions｜A Call to a Special Hokkaido Experience Show More A Miraculous Story You Can Only Encounter in Engaru, Hokkaido Here lies the obsidian that became the stone tools that are Japan’s oldest National Treasure. This is also the only town in all of Hokkaido where a National Treasure and a Geopark come together. Formed through the merger of the three towns of Engaru, Maruseppu, Ikutahara and the village of Shirataki, Engaru is a destination where flowers and forests, railways and hotsprings, and timeless history all come alive. On this wide northern expanse, where Ezo deer and red foxes run free, you can experience both the romance of the ancient past and the living breath of nature. In this article, we’ll dive into Engaru’s unique charms, from information about obsidian and geoparks to an introduction of the local hot springs, sightseeing spots, and gourmet dining beloved by locals. Seasonal landscapes, such as Taiyō no Oka with its fields of flowers, forest railways weaving through the trees, frozen waterfalls glistening in winter and star-filled night skies, leave unforgettable impressions on visitors. Come to Engaru, and discover the “miraculous stories” that can only be found here, admist the warmth and insight of those who live here in harmony with the land. The National Treasure: The Obsidian Stone Tool Assemblage of Shirataki The Shirataki area of Engaru Town in Hokkaido is best known for possessing Japan’s oldest National Treasure, the Obsidian Stone Tools Excavated from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites. In Hokkaido, only two items are designated as National Treasures: the “Hollow Clay Figurine (Chūkū Dogū)” in Hakodate City and this Shirataki assemblage. Its rarity underscores the significant cultural value that Engaru Town proudly holds. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The excavated stone tools date from the Paleolithic era, long before the Jomon period, approximately 30,000 to 12,000 years ago. That people of the time crafted sharp blades and hunting tools by skillfully processing obsidian testifies to their advanced techniques and wisdom. These items are not merely tools but precious cultural heritage that still convey human ingenuity and the breath of antiquity to us today. What Is Obsidian? The “Volcanic Glass” That Enchanted Ancient Peoples Obsidian is a natural glass formed when magma ejected from a volcano cools rapidly. Because obsidian breaks with fracture points as sharp as a knife, it was an ideal material for tools in ancient times. You can see this obsidian in the video from 0:40. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The Shirataki sourced obsidian is especially high in quality, distinguished by its jet black luster and a translucent aesthetic. During the Paleolithic era, it was fashioned into knives and arrowheads. Archaeological evidence confirms that it was transported not just across Hokkaido but also to Honshu and Sakhalin, suggesting Shirataki’s role as a hub in ancient wide area trade networks. Even today, its beauty continues to captivate. At Engaru’s Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center, obsidian is on permanently display, allowing visitors to examine it up close, and enjoy its mysterious, distinctive glow as light passes through it. Truly, obsidian is not just stone, but a jewel born from the earth. What sort of place is the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center? Learn about the natural beauty and enduring history of Engaru, Hokkaido In 2010, the “Shirataki Geopark” was certified by the Japan Geopark Network. A geopark is akin to an “outdoor museum”, a place where you can enjoy learning how the earth was formed, and how life and human culture emerged from it. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association At the heart of it is the “Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center”. Inside, exhibitions showcase the allure of Shirataki obsidian and the formation of the land through volcanic activity. Displays show how obsidian emerges from magma, and how people in the Paleolithic era crafted it into tools through interactive videos and models. The Geotour is held annually from July to October, and allows you to go inside actual geosites accompanied by expert guides to get an intimate look at the Earth's magnificent natural forces firsthand. A must for anyone interested in visiting geosites! The mountaineering tour to Mt. Akaishi, the obsidian’s birthplace, is especially popular. Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0111 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki 138 1 【Hours】9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 【Closed】Year end & New Year’s holidays 【Admission】Free 【Access】About 15 minutes on foot from JR Shirataki Station, about 5 minutes by car from Shirataki IC 【Official Site】Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center Discover the Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center, Where National Treasure Obisidian Tools from Shirataki Are On Display The Obsidian Stone Tools Excavated from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites were designated a National Treasure on June 27, 2023 (Reiwa 5). A total of 1,965 items were collectively designated: 1,514 stone tools and 451 sets of fragments for assembly. These artifacts are outstanding in both content and quantity among Japan’s Paleolithic relics, and are considered invaluable and significant even on a global scale. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association At the “Engaru Archaeological Heritage Center,” you can view the display of the National Treasure Obsidian Stone Tools from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites and learn about the process of tool making. The center also offers hands on experiences such as obsidian crafting, making it a perfect place to engage directly with the ancient past. Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0111 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki 138 1 (2nd floor of Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center) 【Hours】9:00–17:00 (last admission) 【Closed】Year end & New Year’s holidays 【Admission】Adults: ¥320 (Groups: ¥260) High school students and younger: ¥160 (Groups: ¥130) * For participatory programs, additional learning fees apply: Adults ¥110, High school & younger (including preschoolers) ¥60 【Access】About 15 minutes walk from JR Shirataki Station, about 5 minutes by car from Shirataki IC 【Official Website】Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center How to Best Explore Geosites That Tell the Story of the Earth Within Shirataki Geopark, there are many “geosites”, points of interest where you can experience the landscapes, rocks, and human history shaped by the earth itself. From waterfalls and cliffs to obsidian outcrops and sweeping highland vistas, these are places where nature speaks its story. Shirataki’s geosites aren’t just for sightseeing; they are places where we are invited to wonder how rocks formed, or what life was like for people in ancient times. There are many spots that let you expand your imagination. Be sure to visit as many as you can! No. 8 Stream Outcrop (Obsidian Outcrop) One of Shirataki’s signature geosites, this outcrop represents one of the world’s largest obsidian deposits. The towering clif face, more than 15 meters high, clearly shows layers of obsidian lava, revealing traces of volcanic activity from about 2 million years ago. In Paleolithic times, obsidian was mined here and crafted into knives and arrowheads used in daily life. Visiting the site offers a striking understanding of the connection between humanity and earth, making it an inspiring spot not only for archaeology enthusiasts but also nature lovers. This geosite can be viewed in the video from 1:51. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0126 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki Oku Shirataki 【Viewing Method】Because it lies within national forest, free exploration is not permitted; you must join a tour held by the “Shirataki Geopark Promotion Association.” Summit of Akaishiyama The summit is strewn with large and small pieces of obsidian on its surface, which sparkle under sunlight. It resembles a galaxy spread across the sky. The hue and gleam shift with the angle of light, and each step reveals a different perspective. Geologically unique, tours along the Mt. Akaishi summit route are consistently popular. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Viewing method: Because it lies within national forest, free exploration is not permitted; you must join a tour held by the “Shirataki Geopark Promotion Association.” Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) Rising about 78 meters above ground, Ganbō Rock, called Inkarushi in Ainu, meaning “place with a good view”, is a symbol of Engaru. The town’s name is derived from this word. Visible from nearly every corner of the town, the rock offers ever-changing perspectives depending on where you view it. According to legend, it was once an Ainu battlefield, lending a dramatic historic dimension to its natural beauty. A climb from base to summit takes only minutes, and the view is breathtaking. Ganbō rock has been recognized as one of Hokkaido’s Top 100 Natural Sites. Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) is viewable from the video at 2:53. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Nishimachi 1 chōme 【Access】Approximately 5 min by car from JR Engaru Station Tengudaira Observation Point This gentle grassland was formed by a volcanic phenomenon known as “pyroclastic flow.” Behind it stand Tengudake and Hirayama, volcanoes of the Northern Daisetsu range, making for a majestic view. In early morning, a sea of clouds may spread, creating a dreamlike panorama. The observation point is showcased in the video from 2:33. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki Tengudaira 【Access】Approximately 5 min by car from Roadside Station “Shirataki” Taihei Plateau At the Taihei Plateau, a 360-degree view stretches as far as the eye can see. While the daytime scenery is great, the highlight is the summer night sky, free from any obstructions or artificial lights. Under the full starry sky, many stars appear rapidly, creating an atmosphere that is perfect for couples looking for a romantic outing. Between late May and early October, hay bales dot the fields, adding a quaint rustic charm. It is selected as part of the “Taihei Geopark Road” and included among “Hokkaido’s 100 Roads.” Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Taihei 【Access】About 40 minutes by car from Maruseppu IC Yamabiko Falls Standing about 28 meters tall, Yamabiko falls is notable in that you can view the water from behind, a feature that has earned it the nickname “Back-view falls”. In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the refreshing spray set against vibrant greenery, while autumn brings a stunning contrast between the colorful foliage and the cascading water. In winter, the fall may freeze entirely, lending a magical ambiance as it transforms into a curtain of ice. With distinct charms for every season, Yamabiko Falls is a spot you’ll never tire of visiting. Yamabiko Falls appears in the video starting at 3:48. Photo: Yamabiko Falls, Engaru, Hokkaido Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri In winter, vehicle traffic is blocked at a gate about 2 km before the falls’ parking lot. From January through March, a “Yamabiko Falls Night Tour (illumination)” and daytime “Yamabiko Falls Observation Event” are held, during which the gate is temporarily opened. Muri Wind Cave (Murifūketsu) A mysterious geologic formation where cold air blows even in summer. Cold air accumulated underground escapes from cracks, making the surroundings cool even in midsummer. This unique environment allows alpine plants to grow naturally, making it like a “natural refrigerator.” It is a place to experience a minor miracle created by nature, and is recommended as an oasis from the summer heat. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Location】Maruseppu District, Engaru Town Tourist Spots to Enjoy in Engaru | Must-See Highlights in Each Area After experiencing the earth’s history at Shirataki Geopark, why not venture out into the other areas of Engaru? The four districts, Engaru, Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara each offer unique attractions, from natural panoramas to cultural experiences. Based on popularity in local tourist association and travel sites, here are recommended must-sees for use in planning your trip. ■ Engaru District｜Spectacular Flower & Nature Spots Even in the town’s central area, nature thrives, and is brightened by seasonal flowers year-round. Home to one of Japan’s largest cosmos gardens and a new roadside station, along with many sights that truly reflect the spirit of Engaru. Cosmos Garden The symbol of tourism in Engaru is the cosmos garden at Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park. Covering a vast 10-hectare area, one of the largest in Japan, around ten million cosmos flowers bloom in the Cosmos Garden, entering their peak between late August and late September, creating a true “carpet of flowers.” About 20 varieties of cosmos are planted in the garden, and pink, white, orange blossoms sway in the wind to make for a natural masterpiece. The flower-picking experience is popular with families, while photographers and social media enthusiasts flock to the gardens for its perfect photo opportunities, especially at sunset when the fields glow. From the garden’s observation deck you can not only view the cosmos field but also gaze at distant mountain ranges. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park spans 65 hectares and offers seasonal floral views from spring through autumn. Within, the “Shibazakura Park” area features moss phlox blooms (known as Shibazakura in Japanese), from mid to late May a pink carpet spread across the hill. In early bloom, Ezo cherry blossoms appear, and at peak season combine with simultaneously blooming tulips for a spectacular seasonal display. Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0407 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Marudai 70 1 【Admission】Adults ¥600, Elementary School Students ¥300 (only during cosmos bloom period) 【Hours】9:00–17:00 【Open Season】Late April to early October Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park (Cosmos Garden) Official Site Roadside Station “Engaru Mori-no-Okhotsk”｜A Station Overflowing with Activities Opened in December of Reiwa 1 (2019), Mori-no-Okhotsk attracted attention as Hokkaido’s first roadside station with an integrated ski resort. Adjacent to the Engaru IC on the Asahikawa–Mombetsu Expressway, it serves as the gateway to the Okhotsk region. From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, the longest zipline in Japan with a 25% slope, as well as a treetop adventure course. The treetop adventure follows wires and ladders between trees across about 400 m and includes 29 attractions, allowing guests to walk from tree to tree high above the ground. In winter, skiing is available, making Mori-no-Okhotsk a year round tourist destination. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The high concentration artificial carbonated footbath “Mori-no-Okhotsk Ashiyu” is also popular. The roadside station’s restaurant uses local asparagus and Shirataki potatoes in many dishes. The standout is a black “Geo Curry” inspired by obsidian: a rich black curry containing chunks of meat shaped like obsidian that is as unusual-looking as it is delicious. Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0344 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Nogami 150 1 【Hours】9:00–18:00 【Closed】None Roadside Station Engaru Mori-mo-Okhotsk Official Site ■ Maruseppu District｜Forest Railways & Insect Paradise Deep in the heart of the forest, you’ll find a unique area where Hokkaido’s only forest railway still runs, alongside exhibits of fascinating insects. This is a hands-on destination where both children and adults can enjoy learning and playing together, making it perfect for a family trip! Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori｜Ride the “Amemiya 21” Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori is home to Hokkaido’s last operating forest railway. The steam locomotive, affectionately called “Amemiya 21”, was built in the Taishō era (1912-1926) and is an authentic forest railway engine. The two-kilometer journey through the park takes you slowly into the depths of the woodlands, an exciting experience even for those who aren’t train enthusiasts. From your seat you can enjoy vibrant natural scenery, especially in the autumn. The insect ecology museum also has rare insects that can be observed, and along with enjoying nature at the campsite provides a variety of experiences for all ages. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 80 【Open Season】April 29 – late October Engaru Town Official: Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori • Steam locomotive “Amemiya 21” runs within the park from late April to late October (check official site for operating days) • Fare: Adults ¥800, ages 4+ ¥400 Engaru Town Official: Forest Railway Steam Locomotive Amemiya 21 Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum｜Featuring Insects Donated by Actor Sho Aikawa A museum exhibiting live insects in ecological displays throughout the year. Highlights include the “Butterfly Plaza”, which features tropical butterflies flying freely year-round, and the “Entrance Hall”, where visitors can see live beetles and stag beetles from around the world. The star of the show is the Hercules beetle, the world’s largest beetle species. In the “Aniki no Mori” (Big Brother’s Forest), donated by actor Sho Aikawa, visitors can encounter rare specimens such as the massive Acteon elephant beetle and the dazzling rainbow stag beetle, widely regarded to be the most beautiful beetle in the world. Children and adults alike can become engrossed in the wide variety of fascinating displays. Photo: Hercules beetle Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 68 【Closed】Tuesdays, Year end & New Year Engaru Town Official: Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum ■ Ikutahara District｜Hands On Museums & the World of Art Ikutahara is a place where culture and creativity come alive. From wooden toys to shadow theater, this is the perfect place to relax, explore, and engage with art that sparks your imagination. Chacha World｜A Dreamland of Toys & Shadow Play Step into a museum showcasing wooden toys from around 40 countries! More than 10,000 pieces can be found, from intricate automata to puppets and classic nutcrackers. Toys are more than just displayed. There are numerous areas where visitors can build or play with toys, from puzzles like Cuboro or Capala to mechanical toys or blocks. Children love it, and adults often find themselves charmed as well. Finally, at the woodworking studio “Zevetto”, you can even craft your own toy from natural wood, for a unique personalized keepsake to remember your trip. Photo: Chacha World, Engaru Town Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0701 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Ikutahara 143 4 【Hours】 April–October: 9:30–18:00 November–March: 10:00–17:00 【Closed】 April–October: None November–March: Mondays (if holiday, closed next day) Year end & New Year holidays The woodworking studio “Zevetto” is closed Mondays & Thursdays Chacha World Official Site Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum｜A Fantastical World of Shadow & Light This museum permanently exhibits works by the renowned Japanese shadow play artist Seiji Fujishiro. Step inside to immerse yourself in an enchanting world light and shadow bring his creations to life. Around 30 of his works are on permanent display, including the masterwork Kosai Rikuri, “Brilliant Colors”, which encompasses the entire wall of an elevator hall at 9 meters high and 18 meters wide, making it one of the largest shadow works in the world. Photography is prohibited inside, so the only way to experience the magic is to see it with your own eyes. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0701 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Ikutahara 143 4 (co located with Chacha World) Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum Hidden Tourist Spots Recommended by Engaru Locals Famous spots are nice, but it’s also worth experiencing the lesser-known charms of Engaru that only locals might know. From tranquil pastures with grazing cows to a railway treasures beloved by railway enthusiasts, and even unique events reflecting the town’s strong ties to the Japan’s Self Defense Force, these offbeat and unique experiences can make your trip especially memorable. Miharashi Farm｜Idyllic Pastoral Scene Typical of Hokkaido On the outskirts of Engaru, Miharashi Farm offers the quintessential Hokkaido landscape of open fields, grazing cattle, and endless blue skies. Especially in summer, the contrast between the vivid green meadows set against the horizon offers a sense of freedom openness that simply cannot be found in the city. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0407 Engaru Town, Marudai Engaru Station｜A Switchback That Enthralls Railway Fans Engaru Station on the JR Sekihoku Main Line is a special station for railway enthusiasts, as it is one of the few stations in Japan that uses a switchback system, where trains must reverse before continuing in a new direction. The station platform offers a close look at this unusual maneuver, attracting observers from across the country. Photo: JR Sekihoku Main Line Engaru Station Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0415 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Iwamidōri Minami 1 3 3 A Self Defense Forces Town Engaru Town hosts the Land Self Defense Force Engaru Garrison and is known as a Self Defense Forces town. Every August, the garrison opens its gates for a festival featuring equipment displays, training exercises and mock battles, offering a rare close-up look at JSDF activities. The warm interaction between the townspeople and service members of the garrison highlights the close relationship between the base and local community, contributing to a unique community atmosphere. Engaru Gourmet & Local Specialties｜Taste the Bounty of the Land No trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Engaru’s food culture, rooted in its vast nature and history, offers plenty of distinctive dishes. From creative obsidian themed cuisine to the sweet, hearty “Shirataki Potatoes” grown in volcanic soil, to the crisp asparagus that proclaims the arrival of spring and summmer, each bite captures the essence of Engaru. Be sure to enjoy these special local flavors alongside your sightseeing! Gourmet Inspired by Obsidian Obsidian is a symbol of Engaru, and is celebrated in many creative obsidian-themed dishes. The most popular is the striking black curry at Roadside Station “Engaru Okhotsk-no-Mori.” With the deep black obsidian color of its roux and its chunks of meat shaped to look like obsidian shards, it leaves both a visual and culinary impression. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Shirataki Potatoes｜Brand Potatoes Renowned for Sweetness & Texture Grown in the Shirataki area, “Shirataki Potatoes” benefit from the local climate’s dramatic temperature shifts and rich volcanic soil, resulting in natural sweetness and excellent texture. Particularly the three varieties “Danshaku,” “May Queen,” and “Kita Akari” are famous for their fluffy texture. Around October each year, local restaurants hold the “Engaru Love Fair,” offering a variety of original dishes using Shirataki Potatoes. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Asparagus｜Green Gift Heralding Spring Asparagus is a signature flavor of Engaru in spring and summer. Nurtured by snowmelt and abundant sunlight, Engaru’s asparagus grows thick, juicy, and sweet. Engaru Asparagus is also commercially known under the brand “Engaru Nyokkīs”. Engaru is notable in that asparagus has not one but two harvest seasons, and the summer harvest, also known as Komorebi Asparagus, meaning “sun-dappled Asparagus”, is especially prized. From July to August, local restaurants host the “Artisanal Summer Harvest Asparagus Fair,” offering original dishes featuring summer asparagus. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Town Event Calendar｜Festivals for Every Season Throughout the year, Engaru comes alive with seasonal events that showcase the best of the region. From fireworks illuminating summer nights to cosmos festivals with live musical performances and more, these events seamlessly combine nature’s beauty with the warmth and energy of the local community to make memorable moments. Wrapped in a community’s warm atmosphere, these events are sure to add color and excitement to your trip. Taiyō no Oka Cosmos Festa On the first Sunday of September, the “Cosmos Festa” is held at the town’s vast blooming cosmos gardens. Visitors can admire fields of colorful flowers while enjoying various stage performances and entertainment. February 14 is Valentine’s Day, and in Japan, March 14 is “White Day”, while exactly six months later, September 14 is known as “Cosmos Day.” Every year seeds are carefully sown to ensure the flowers will be in full bloom for this special date. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Ganbō Summer Festival Held in July, this summer tradition features music parades, the impressive “1,000 Person Dance, and various other performances. vHeld in July, this summer tradition features music parades, the impressive “1,000 Person Dance, and various other performances. Many food stalls with local specialties open, and the streets are filled with energy, giving you a chance to feel the town’s vibrancy and festive atmosphere. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Recommended Lodging and Hot Springs in Engaru | How to Enjoy the Ultimate in Relaxation Engaru offers a range of lodging options such as Mauresan sō and North King, that run the gamut from forest resorts to cozy onsen inns. Many feature distinctive facilities such as alkaline hot springs, prized for their skin-softening qualities. After a long day of sightseeing or outdoor excursions, they soothe fatigue, help you recharge, and make your stay even more memorable. Forest Resort “Mauresan sō” at Maruseppu Onsen Nestled in the forest of Maruseppu, this resort hotel with its striking triangular roofs and white walls offers hot springs that are both gentle on skin and retain warmth well. The resort has a chic “Ezo Modern,” atmosphere, featuring warm wooden interiors with reading spaces brimming with books and relaxation lounges throughout. Lodging plans vary greatly, with six types of rooms including both Japanese and Western styles and special rooms with private baths, with a total of 25 rooms available. Nearby, three cottages made of Finnish pine offer their own private hot spring, giving the visitors the feeling of staying in a secluded villa. Meals feature fusion courses that make use of seasonal local ingredients such as fresh sashimi, beef from near Okhotsk, handmade soba, allowing visitors to fully savor Hokkaido’s bounty. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 172 Day Use Hot Spring “Pokke no Yu” Opened in September 2019, this day use hot spring features a soothing alkaline spring that warms easily and is known for leaving skin feeling soft and silky. Particularly noteworthy is the wood-fired Finnish sauna, a rare sight even in Hokkaido. Many visitors come just to experience it. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 177 “Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori Campground” Surrounded by Nature Equipped with auto sites, bungalows, and free camping areas, this campground is perfect for combining river activities with forest exploration. Suitable for families or solo campers, it offers a more rustic, immersive way method of experiencing Engaru’s natural beauty Under a blanket of stars, gather around a campfire then awaken to fresh air and birdsong, for a unique alternative to hotel or onsen stays with its own type of luxury. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 80 Distinctive Lodgings by District Lodgings near Engaru Station Several hotels within walking distance of the station make ideal bases for tourists and business travelers alike. Shirataki District “Makiba Hokkaido Taro chan House” A pet friendly entire house rental. With a spacious dog run, sauna, and even horseback riding, it’s a rare facility. It’s popular with families and dog lovers wanting to enjoy Hokkaido travel with pets. Ikutahara District “Ikutahara Onsen Hotel North King” A lodging with flowing natural hot springs, day-use bathing, a bedrock sauna, and its own restaurant. Surrounded by tranquility, it’s perfect for relaxed bathing in a peaceful atmosphere. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Access to Engaru Town & How to Tour the Town Engaru, where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors of Hokkaido, is accessible by air, train, or car. Flights from Memanbetsu, Asahikawa, or Okhotsk Mombetsu airports, taking the JR Sekihoku Main Line, or driving along scenic car routes are all viable options. Because the town’s attractions are spread over a wide area, renting a car is recommended for efficient sightseeing. Below is a quick guide to reaching Engaru and getting around. Access Methods to Engaru Town 【By Air】 The air gateways to Engaru Town are Memanbetsu Airport, Asahikawa Airport, and Okhotsk Mombetsu Airport. • From Memanbetsu: approximately 1h30m to 2h by car • From Asahikawa: about 2h to 2h30m by car • From Okhotsk Mombetsu: about 40–50 minutes by car While Kitami Bus links from Memanbetsu exist, buses are limited, so renting a car is more convenient for sightseeing. 【By JR】 Engaru is served by the JR Sekihoku Main Line, plus stations at Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara. Use express or local trains. (At JR Engaru Station) • From Sapporo: ~3h30m via the “Okhotsk” limited express • From Asahikawa: about 2h • From Kitami: about 1h30m by local train 【By Car】 Driving gives you freedom and is ideal for sightseeing. Engaru lies along National Route 39, with good access from major cities. • From Sapporo: ~280 km (about 4h) • From Asahikawa: ~100 km (about 1h30m) • From Kitami: ~40 km (about 45 min) Many roadside stations and scenic spots lie along the route, turning the drive itself into part of the journey. 【In Town Sightseeing】 Because Engaru’s attractions are widely dispersed, a rental car is the most efficient way to tour. Approximate travel times between districts: • Engaru district ⇔ Shirataki district: ~30 km (about 40 min by car) • Engaru district ⇔ Maruseppu district: ~20 km (about 30 min by car) • Engaru district ⇔ Ikutahara district: ~15 km (about 20 min by car) Summary of Engaru Town’s Attractions｜A Call to a Special Hokkaido Experience Engaru Town is a special place in Hokkaido where Japan’s oldest National Treasure whispers ancient memories, Shirataki Geopark tells the earth’s story, and majestic nature shifts through the seasons in harmonious procession. Once formed by merging three towns and a village, this vast town encompasses four unique districts: Engaru, Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara each offering different emotional experiences. Ten million cosmos blooms, obsidian tools of the late Paleolithic era, the nostalgic whistle of a forest railway winding through the trees, serene hot springs and camping under pure blue skies, and the heartfelt smiles of the people you will meet are all treasures awaiting your visit. Feel the timeless romance exerted by obsidian’s jet black luster. Walk geosites and listen to the earth’s pulse. At night, immerse yourself in the starlit sky, all in Engaru. Let this special experience leave a lasting imprint on your next Hokkaido journey. Japan’s oldest National Treasure and miraculous natural landscapes await you in Engaru. See you there! Official Sites Engaru Town Official Engaru Town Tourism Association Information in this article was current as of September 2025, prepared under the supervision of the Engaru Town Tourism Association. 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Video introduction of “Shirahage Shrine” in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "Shirahige Shrine - Shiga - 白鬚神社 - 4K Ultra HD," introduces the beautiful scenery of Shirahige Shrine, a tourist attraction located on the shores of Lake Biwa in northern Shiga prefecture. Shirahige Shrine is a beautiful shrine that is also popular as a power spot. If you're headed out on a sightseeing trip to Shiga prefecture's Lake Biwa, be sure to visit Shirahige Shrine! The vermilion torii gate floating on the lake is a mysterious and beautiful sight. The History of Shirahige Shrine, a Power Spot in Shiga Prefecture Photo：The torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, Shiga Prefecture Shirahige Shrine, located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is a historical shrine that is considered to be the main shrine of all Shirahige Shrines throughout the country. Shirahige Shrine is said to have been built some 1900 years ago, around the time of Emperor Suinin, the 11th emperor of Japan, and is believed to be the oldest shrine in Omi, Shiga Prefecture. Originally, there is a theory that god Hira who dwelt in the Hira Mountains of Shiga Prefecture was enshrined here as a deity. It is believed that Shirahige Shrine blesses people with longevity, and after the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), the Ashikaga shogun often visited the shrine and it was widely revered by warlords. Check Out the Sights at Shirahige Shrine on the Shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture! Photo：The torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, Shiga Prefecture The charm of Shirahige Shrine is of course the superb view of the vermilion Shirahige Shrine Torii that stands in Lake Biwa. When traffic on Lake Biwa thrived, the Shirahige Shrine Torii is said to have served as a place of worship. The large torii gate of Shirahige Shrine has a strong power that protects Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. If you go to Shirahige Shrine for sightseeing, don't forget to receive a shuin stamp as well! In the precincts of Shirahige Shrine, there's a monument to Murasaki Shikibu, famous for "The Tale of Genji," and Matsuo Basho, who composed many waka poems in Omi. We highly recommend checking this out if you have the chance. Sightseeing Around Shiragane Shrine, Near the Famous Lake Biwa! Source :YouTube screenshot At the far end of the premises of Shirahige Shrine is a small hut called Iwato Shrine. This shrine can be seen from 4:09 in the video. In addition, there are several ancient tombs scattered deep in the mountains behind the shrine. When the weather is nice, take a hike along the trail to enjoy the natural scenery and visit the historical tombs. After sightseeing, we recommend stopping by Shirahige Shokudo (白ひげ食堂) or Shirahige Soba (白ひげ蕎麦) in the surrounding area to enjoy the unique, hole-in-the-wall gourmet food of Shiga Prefecture. Summary of Shiga Prefecture's Shiragane Shrine Photo：The torii gate of Shirahige Shrine, Shiga Prefecture The majestic, vermillion torii gate of Shirahage Shrine that stands in the dignified Lake Biwa is, as you can see at 0:08 in the video, a beauty that can hardly be described in words. In recent years, the mystical Shirahige Shrine Torii standing in Lake Biwa, has become a popular place for taking Instagram photos. Be sure to visit Shirahige Shrine by Lake Biwa, one of the most popular power spots in Shiga Prefecture! ◆Shirahige Shrine｜General Information◆ 【Address】215 Ukawa, Takashima, Shiga 【Access】Approximately 3 km from JR Omi Takashima Station 【Telephone】0740-36-1555 【Tripadvisor】Shirahige Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023578-d1529714-Reviews-Shirahige_Shrine-Takashima_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Mishima Skywalk, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture: Video Introduction Photo：Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture This video, titled "Mishima Skywalk Facility Introduction" (三島スカイウォーク　施設紹介), was uploaded by "[Official] Mishima Skywalk" (【公式】三島スカイウォーク). The video introduces various facilities and attractions at Mishima Skywalk in Mishima, Shizuoka. If you're looking to get active, take a break and enjoy the scenery, or just see what kind of souvenirs you can find when visiting, be sure to check out this video before you go! Home to the Longest Walkable Suspension Bridge in Japan Photo：Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture Located in Mishima, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai Region, Mishima Skywalk (officially named Hakone Seiroku Mishima Suspension Bridge) opened in December 2015. Located along Japan National Route 1 leading to Hakone Pass, it's known as a spot with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay on clear days. With easy access to Hakone, Izu, Atami, and other tourist spots, it's one of the best sightseeing courses around Mount Fuji. Ziplines, Outdoor Activities and More! Everything to Do at Mishima Skywalk! Photo：Mori no Kitchen at Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture Mishima Skywalk is located beyond the South Gate. The south area is from the parking lot to the suspension bridge (Mishima Skywalk), and the north area is after crossing the bridge. Here, we'll introduce places where you can enjoy the scenery, delicious food, and souvenirs so you can have fun at at your own pace. At Sky Garden in the south area, you can enjoy a light meal while admiring the flowers blooming all over the ceiling. The original Mishima croquettes from Mori no Kitchen are a popular menu item. [Video] 0:06 - Sky Garden (South Area) [Video] 1:09 - Mori no Kitchen (South Area) From the observation deck in the north area, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the suspension bridge and the majestic Mt. Fuji. In addition, Tree Tree Tree in the north area has a café, a store where you can buy souvenirs, an exhibit about the suspension bridge, and a reception desk where you can sign up for various activities. [Video] 2:04 - Observation Deck (North Area) [Video] 3:22 - Tree Tree Tree (North Area) For those looking to get active and have fun with friends and family, we recommend the Long Zipline. This is a thrilling 560-meter round-trip zipline that takes you downhill in a single bound while enjoying views of the cityscape and Mt. Fuji. [Video] 2:37 - Long Zipline (North Area) In addition, Forest Adventure (North Area), an athletic facility in the forest, offers three courses with varying difficulty levels. Moreover, Cliff Challenger features a 10-meter-tall climbing wall that beginners and advanced climbers can enjoy. [Video] 2:56 - Forest Adventure (North Area) [Video] 3:13 - Cliff Challenger (North Area) Other facilities and activities include Dinosaur Adventure, E-bike trail tours, and more. [Video] 1:54 - Dog Run [Video] 2:27 - Flower Drop [Video] 1:44 - Segway Guided Tours Mishima Skywalk: Hours, Tickets, Parking, and Other Information Photo：Kicoro, the mascot of Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture The Mishima Skywalk suspension bridge takes less than 10 minutes to cross each way, accounting for time spent admiring the scenery and taking photos. In the north area, there's also a walking path called Kicoro Forest, an observation deck, and a number of stores, so it can take more than an hour if you take your time and fully explore the area. [Video] 2:13 - Kicoro Forest If you plan to participate in any of the activities, be sure to plan your schedule to allow for the time required for each activity. The facility also offers discounts for those with disabilities, and package tickets for the suspension bridge and activities in the area, so be sure to check out the official website for details on how to save money. You can also get a discount by showing your Hakone Freepass. A free parking lot is located at the south gate side and can accommodate up to 400 vehicles. Tickets for Mishima Skywalk: Adults - 1,100 yen Junior high school students - 500 yen Elementary school students - 200 yen ※Infants are free of charge ※Prices may change due to events and time of year. ※Other activities in the facility are charged separately. Mishima Skywalk is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily, and is open all year round. ※Hours may change due to events and/or weather. Other Services Available at Mishima Skywalk: Strollers - 500 yen Dog Carts - 500 yen ※Dog rental carts are only available for dogs under 25 kg and of a size that will fit in the cart. You may bring your own cart if it is less than 70 cm wide. Cages, bags, and carrying pets are not allowed. Raincoats - Free Things to Do Near Mishima Skywalk Photo：Mishima Taisha Shrine, Shizuoka Prefecture Here, we'll introduce some things to do near Mishima Skywalk. ※The travel time by car from Mishima Skywalk is listed in parentheses. [Sightseeing spots on the Shizuoka Prefecture side] Yamanaka Castle Ruins (6 minutes) The nearest historical site from Mishima Skywalk. Nearby is the cobblestone path of the old Hakone Highway, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1868). Mishima Taisha Shrine (20 minutes) This shrine is famous as the shrine where Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed for the revival of the Minamoto clan. Kakita River (25 minutes) The Kakita River is one of the three clearest streams in Japan and was selected as one of the 100 Famous Bodies of Waters. It's well worth a visit to see its cobalt-blue water! [Sightseeing spots on the Kanagawa Prefecture side] The Hakone Barrier (15 min.) This is a reconstruction of the Edo period (1603-1867) barrier station, which provides visitors with a glimpse of what travel would have looked like back in the day. Hakone Shrine (20-25 minutes) This shrine was revered by Tokugawa Ieyasu. It's visited by many worshippers every year as a power spot in Hakone. Summary of Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture Photo：Mishima Skywalk, Shizuoka Prefecture We hope you enjoyed this introduction to Mishima Skywalk in Shizuoka Prefecture. Although people tend to focus on the views and activities from the suspension bridge, the park also offers a wide range of facilities to enjoy. Consider taking a leisurely stroll through the park. In 2023, the "Hydrangea Festival" will be held from June 10 to July 14, and there will be night lighting on weekends and Saturdays. Be sure to check the official website for more details. 【Official Website】Mishima Skywalk – Enjoy a View of Mt. Fuji From the Longest Suspension Bridge in Japan 【TripAdvisor】Mishima Skywalk (Mishima Suspension Bridge)

Isonokami Shrine – The Oldest Shrine in Japan: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Nara / National Treasure] Rainy Scenery at Isonokami Shrine in NARA, JAPAN -" (【奈良／国宝】石上神宮 - Rainy scenery of the Isonokami Jingu Shrine in NARA, JAPAN -), was uploaded by "channel WASABI." This video, shot during autumn, shows both the beauty of nature and the divinity of the area. Be sure to check out the video before reading along. Isonokami Shrine – A Brief History of the Shrine Photo：Isonokami Shrine, Tenri, Nara Isonokami Shrine is located in Tenri, Nara, in Japan's Kansai Region, at the western foot of Mt. Ryuo. The haiden (拝殿, hall of worship) is the oldest existing hall of worship in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure. Isonokami Shrine has been worshipped as the ancestral deity of the Mononobe Clan, a powerful clan in the Asuka Period (circa 592-710 A.D.). The shrine is also known for its blessings of health and longevity, its power to heal illnesses, protect from disaster, and fulfill wishes, and is designated as the 19th site on the Shinbutsu Reijo Junpai no Michi, a pilgrimage route to sacred Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The pilgrimage route is made up of 152 sacred sites in Japan's Kinki region, including Ise Jingu Shrine. The Gods Worshipped at Isonokami Shrine Isonokami Shrine worships three main deities. Here we'll introduce them briefly. Futsunomitama no Okami – A sword that appears in Japanese mythology. The deity is said to have been inspired by the sword held by Takemikazuchi no Kami, a god of thunder. Furunomitama no Okami – Said to refer to one of the sacred treasures given to Nigihayahi no Mikoto (a god and ancestor of the Mononobe Clan) by Amatsukami Mioya, as well as its mysterious powers. Futsushimitama no Okami – A divine sword used by Susanoo no Mikoto when he defeated Yamata no Orochi, a legendary 8-headed dragon serpent, and the spiritual power of the sword itself. Chickens: Messengers of the Gods at Isonokami Shrine Photo：The sacred chickens of Isonokami Shrine, Tenri, Nara The 30 to 40 chickens at Isonokami Shrine are called goshinkei (御神鶏, lit "sacred chickens") and are designated as a protected species by the Japanese government. They are free-range chickens at Isonokami Shrine and welcome visitors to the shrine. Chickens, which appear in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), are believed to be messengers of the gods, and their crowing is thought to ward off evil. On the temple grounds, Goshinkei Mikuji (御神鶏みくじ, sacred chicken mikuji), which come in containers shaped like chickens, and ema (wooden prayer plaques) depicting a chicken crowing at dawn, are also popular. [Video] 2:05 - Chickens at Isonokami Shrine Highlights of Isonokami Shrine Photo：Izumo Takeo Shrine at Isonokami Shrine, Tenri, Nara The tower gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property, was built in 1318 in the late Kamakura Period (1185-1333), and in the past, a bell was hung on the upper level of the gate. The space behind the hall of worship, which is the oldest in Japan and is designated as a National Treasure, is a consecrated ground, and serves as a sacred space where the shrine's deities reside. The worship hall of Izumo Takeo Shrine, an auxiliary shrine to Isonokami Shrine, has also been designated as a National Treasure. The historic and solemn atmosphere of the shrine as well as its divine appearance can be seen in the video. [Video] 3:25 - Izumo Takeo Shrine's Worship Hall Seven-Branched Swords, Divine Amulets & More Photo：Isonokami Shrine, Tenri, Nara The seven-branched sword of Isonokami Shrine is an ancient relic that has been handed down within the treasury of Isonokami Shrine. It's assumed to be the same as a sword which was presented by the Baekje people (an ancient Korean kingdom) many years ago. The uniquely shaped sword, measuring 74.8 cm in length, is made of iron and has three "branch" swords on each side. The amulet called Go-shinken Mamori, which represents this seven-branched sword, is said to be a lucky charm with the power to rescue someone on the brink of death. The shrine's shuin stamp also depicts a seven-branched sword. Summary of Isonokami Shrine Isonokami Shrine is known as a power spot and is visited by many people seeking blessings. In addition to Isonokami Shrine, there are many other interesting historical sightseeing spots in Nara Prefecture. If you're planning a visit to Nara, consider visiting Isonokami Shrine as well! 【Official Website】Isonokami Shrine Official Website｜Tenri, Nara 【TripAdvisor】Isonokami Shrine

Chinoike Jigoku at Beppu Onsen This video is a 4K video that introduces Chinoike Jigoku at Beppu onsen, Beppu, Oita. This video was published by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." Seeing the blood red hot springs and hearing the name "Blood Pond of Hell" might cause some readers fear. Well before you get too scared let us explain what kind of place Oita's Chinoike Jigoku is. Be sure to follow along with the video! Chinoike Jigoku Photo：Beppu's hot springs at night There are many famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Among them, Beppu City in Oita Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region is the most abundant in Japan in terms of both the sheer number of hot springs and the amount of water that flows from the springs. Beppu onsen is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan. Even regular city hotels have natural hot springs here. Chinoike Jigoku, located in the Beppu area, is a natural hell with a distinctive red hot spring. It has a long history and has existed in Beppu for over 1,300 years. Take a tour of Chinoike Jigoku and the surrounding area to enjoy the charm of this unique Japanese hot spring. Must See Spots and Key Points of Chinoike Jigoku Photo：Chinoike Jigoku Once you go through the gate, Jigoku mon (lit. "Hells Gate"), the first thing you'll see is the vivid red springs. The spring is shown from 0:56 in the video, and if you've never seen it before, you'll be really surprised at how red it actually is. Chinoike Jigoku looks like a pool of boiling hot blood as it bubbles and steams. This acidic melanterite spring is around 78 degrees Celsius. Why is the spring so red you might be wondering. This is because red hot mud, containing an abundance of magnesium oxide and iron oxide, erupts from the geological strata after a chemical reaction occurs naturally under high temperature and pressure underground. There is also a footbath at Chinoike Jigoku where you can dip your feet in the red hot water. After sightseeing, we recommend buying a souvenir called "血の池軟膏" (Blood Pond Ointment), a skin disease remedy made from the hot mud of Chinoike Jigoku. The "Hell Tour" of Beppu Onsen In addition to Chinoike Jigoku, there are many other locations called "Hells." Photo：Umi Jigoku Beppu Onsen's "Jigoku" hell tour includes 7 spots: Umi Jigoku, Oniishi Bouzu Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, Oniyama Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Chinoike Jigoku, and Tatsumaki Jigoku. These 7 spots are all part of the Beppu Jigoku Association. Chinoike Jigoku is easily accessible by train and bus. First, take the train from Beppu Station to Kamegawa Station in Oita Prefecture, and then take a bus to Kannawa. Admission to Chinoike Jigoku is 400 yen for adults and high school students and 200 yen for junior high school students and elementary school students, and there is also a discounted "Hell Tour" ticket that allows you to visit all seven natural hells (*Prices as of July 2020). Summary of Chinoike Jigoku As you can see in the video, Chinoike Jigoku is an amazing tourist destination where you can see a vivid red, natural hot spring. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (as of July 2020). If you're driving, there are total of 700 free parking spots available for the 7 Jigoku hot springs (as of July 2020). Enjoy the unique hot spring scenery of Japan to your heart's content and experience a tour of the hells of Beppu! Be sure to check out the amazing view of the spring in the video! ◆Beppu Hell Jigoku Tour◆ 【Address】778 Noda Oaza, Beppu, Oita 874-0016 【Access】25 minutes by foot from Kamegawa Station on the Nippou Line 【Hours】8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 【Parking】Free parking for up to 130 cars 【Telephone】0977-66-1191 【Admission fee】Adults and high school students 400 yen, junior high school students and elementary school students 200 yen (as of July 2020) 【Official Website】Beppu Hell Tour Official Homepage ( Beppu Jigoku Association) http://www.beppu-jigoku.com/

Video Introduction of “Hozu River Rafting” in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture This video, titled “Beautiful Kyoto: Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari) [4K],” is an introductory video about the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride, created by Discover Kyoto. Many people go sightseeing in Kyoto to see the rich history and culture and to experience the Japanese atmosphere. If you want to truly enjoy the nature of the surrounding area, we recommend trying the Hozugawa River Boat Ride in Arashiyama! But first, sit back, relax, and enjoy the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride. The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride Photo：Boatman going down Hozu River The Sagano (嵯峨野, Sagano) / Arashiyama area is one of the most popular tourist sights in Kyoto. On the scenic Hozu River that flows through Arashiyama, you can experience an amazing boat ride. The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride started about 400 years ago, when the waterway was made by cutting down the valley of the Hozu River, to transport supplies from Tanba (丹波, Tanba) to Kyoto. In Saga Arashiyama, near the end of the Kyoto Kameoka/Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride, lays Daihikaku Senkouji Temple, which was built to mourn for the spirits of victims of the excavation work at the time. The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride starts from the Shin-Hozu Ohashi Bridge area in Kameoka City (亀岡市, Kameoka-shi). The journey is about 16 km long and lasts until the Arashiyama wharf shown in 2:12 in the video. The boat does not have an engine. Instead, each boatman uses a single rod instead of an oar to navigate the river with ease. For your own safety, passengers are required to wear life jackets when boarding. Please note that there is no restroom on the boat. The Beauty of the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride! Photo：The Sagano Romantic Train There are scenic spots, such as the suspension bridge at Hozukyo and the Red Rocks of Ose that are in the middle of the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride. These are great for Instagram, so get your cameras ready! Be sure to take a photo of the amazing sightseeing train "The Sagano Romantic Train," shown at 1:18 in the video. It's a good idea to have a blanket or something to protect you from the splashing of waves in areas with rapids such as Koyayu Falls. We also recommend trying some oden that's made and can be purchased on the boat; This can be seen at 1:48 in the video. Tips to Enjoy Your Boat Ride! Photo：Oi River and Houseboat in Arashiyama, Kyoto To fully enjoy the scenery of Kyoto Arashiyama, purchase a set ticket that includes The Sagano Romantic Train and the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride. It's also convenient to use the ticket that includes both the Keihan-Kyoto Bus and the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride. There are some package tours and plans for hotels that come with the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride as well. You can also experience rafting in the Hozu River valley. Taking a horse-drawn carriage to get to the boarding area for the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride will make for an unforgettable experience. Summery of the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride! This video introduces the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride amongst the beautiful autumn leaves. In spring, you can enjoy a boat trip surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms, and in summer, you can enjoy cooling off in a yukata. The Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride uses a tarp to shelter passengers on rainy days, but we recommend checking the weather in advance as trips may be canceled due to inclement weather. Also, please make sure you make a reservation in advance as it an be crowded during cherry blossom season and during the changing of the leaves in the fall. Every October, the “Hozu Fire Festival,” an annual festival of "Ukeda Shrine" and "Hachimangu Shrine," is held. At this festival, you can see the Kyoto Kameoka / Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride entering the valley. We recommend going on the river boat ride when this event is taking place. If you want to make the most of your visit to Kyoto, take a thrilling boat ride down the Hozu River at Kameoka / Arashiyama in Kyoto. ◆Kyoto Kameoka/ Arashiyama Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari◆ 【Duration】About 90 minutes 【Fare】Adult 4,100 JPY、 Child 2,700 JPY (Group Discount and Charter Available) *As of October, 2019. 【Access】8 minutes on foot from JR Kameoka Station, 15 minutes by Bus from The Sagano Romantic Train Kameoka station. 【Parking】Available (About 80 spots) 【Official Website】Welcome to the official website for the Hozugawa River Boat Ride. (Hozugawa Yusen Sightseeing Boat Association) https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en 【Official Website】The official website of municipal office. Kameoka City, Kyoto https://www.city.kameoka.kyoto.jp/foreign/english/index.html

Video introduction of free spots in "Ghibli Park" in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture This video, titled "Ghibli Park - Want to Go Without a Ticket? Learn About Free Areas You Can Enjoy (November 1, 2022)" (「ジブリパーク」チケットなしでも行きたい！無料で楽しめるスポットも【あらいーな】(2022年11月1日)), was uploaded by "ANNnewsCH." Ghibli Park is a theme park opened by Studio Ghibli in November 2022, and is located at Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) in Nagakute, Aichi. As the park states, "It's a park that expresses the world of Ghibli, created together with the forest," and there are no major attractions or rides. However, it's a dreamlike place, and as you walk around and explore the lush greenery of the park, you'll have chances to meet popular characters like Totoro! Each area requires a reservation and a ticket for a specific date and time, but there are also free areas that can be enjoyed without a ticket. Be sure to read along to learn more about the free areas at Ghibli Park. How to Buy Tickets for Ghibli Park in 2022 Source :YouTube screenshot Ghibli Park opened on November 1, 2022. There are free areas, but designated areas require a ticket for a specific date and time, which must be reserved in advance. As initially anticipated, the park has been extremely popular, and as of mid-November 2022, tickets for January 2023 are already hard to come by. The ticket sales process has changed for the February 2023 admission, which went on sale on November 10, 2023. The lottery system will end and tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis from the 10th of each month until the day of admission. In addition to Boo-Woo tickets, which are purchased online, tickets can also be purchased with Loppi terminals at Lawson and Ministop convenience stores across Japan. ※Please check the official website for ticket types, admission time slots, and prices. Introducing Free Areas at Ghibli Park + Other Highlights Source :YouTube screenshot Naturally, some people are going to be disappointed that they couldn't get tickets. However, Ghibli Park also has many areas where visitors can have fun for free. You can even get some popular Ghibli souvenirs! Let's check out some of the exciting free areas below. ◆Ghibli Park Main Gate The Main Gate can be found right after you get off at the nearest station, Ai-Chikyuhaku-Kinen-Koen Station. There are Ghibli Park logos on the pillars of the gate, making it a popular photo spot for instagrammers. ◆Rotanda Kazegaoka Rotunda Kazegaoka is a round-shaped building located beyond the main gate of Ghibli Park. In addition to a café with a Japanese-style interior where you can enjoy light meals, Ghibli goods and souvenirs are also available for purchase. Source :YouTube screenshot ◆Elevator Tower The Elevator Tower is inspired by the imaginary scientific world of the late 19th century, like Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Howl's Moving Castle, and visitors can experience the world of Ghibli while riding the elevator. The composition with the light from the street lamps at dusk and the elevator tower is sure to be great for taking photos! [Video] 2:18 - Elevator Tower ◆World Emporium in the Hill of Youth Area The World Emporium is located in the Hill of Youth area and was featured in the movie Whisper of the Heart. Although a reservation ticket is required to enter the building, the exterior of the building can be enjoyed without a ticket, so be sure to take some photos. Don't miss the small building next to it, the office of the cat from "The Cat Returns." ◆The Cave Under the World Emporium in the Hill of Youth Area Do you remember the scene in Whisper of the Heart where the main character searches for a jewel in a tunnel while dreaming? This is the spot where that cave is recreated, and the countless shining stones are simply beautiful. [Video] 3:40 - The Cave Under the World Emporium ◆The 'Lost Article Benches' at Ghibli Park Several of the benches in the park are decorated with objects that resemble lost articles of characters from Ghibli's works. There are 15 "Lost Article Benches" in the park, so visitors can have fun strolling around the park while searching for them. [Video] 2:55 - A "Lost Article Bench" With a Student Bags and Cap, Themed After "From Up on Poppy Hill" ◆The Red Gate The Red Gate was relocated and restored from a traditional Japanese-style restaurant in Nagoya City. Inside the gate, which fits perfectly with the world of Spirited Away, is a statue of a stone man from the scene at the beginning of the movie where Chihiro wanders into the mysterious town. Visitors can also enjoy this statue free of charge and are encouraged to take pictures with it. ◆Satsuki and Mei's House The Dondokoro Forest area, where Satsuki and May's house from "My Neighbor Totoro" is located, requires a reserved ticket for a specific date and time, but you can see the exterior from the free area with an elevator building in the vicinity. ◆Dondoko-doro Located at the entrance of the Dondoko Forest Area, Dondoko-doro is a souvenir shop open to everyone free of charge. The shop sells many goods related to My Neighbor Totoro, which will have you picking up souvenirs left and right! [Video] 4:18 - Dondoko-doro Popular Ghibli Goods & Souvenirs at Ghibli Park's Free Areas Source :YouTube screenshot There are two places in the free areas where you can buy souvenirs of Ghibli goods: Rotunda Kazegaoka and Dondoko-dokoro. Here are some popular souvenirs available at each. Lots of limited-edition goods full of ingenuity based on Ghibli works can be found in the shops! Be sure to pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit. [Rotunda Kazegaoka] ※Tax-included prices as of November 2022. Straw hat (Mei Kusakabe, Tatsuo Kusakabe, Ursula, Sophie, Shizuku Tsukishima) 3,300 yen+ Frixion ballpoint pen: 1,320 yen Limex pens (pink and blue): 550 yen each Plantable pencils (11 types including Daisy, Sunflower, Basil, etc.): 715 yen each Wooden ruler: 495 yen Kodama moss pet: 1,540 yen Porco Rosso Savoia soft glider: 825 yen Levistone soap bubbles: 770 yen Teacups: 1,320 yen Hand towels: 1100 yen Pin badges: 715 yen Stickers: 385 yen [Dondoko-dokoro] ※Prices include tax as of November 2022. Dondoko candy: 540 yen Dondoko umbrellas: 1980 yen+ Bench-patterned vinyl umbrella 2200 yen ※Limited to Rotunda Kazegaoka Hand towels: 2,200 yen Bird calls: 1980 yen Very ordinary ramune 200 yen Also, Breitling's limited edition Porco Rosso-themed wristwatch, a popular souvenir at Ghibli Park, costs 1,199,000 yen (tax included)! It appears to be available at the store in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse Shop. Enjoy Ghibli-Themed Lunches at Ghibli Park! Introducing Cafes Where You Can Enjoy Lunch and Tea Time Source :YouTube screenshot There are three places to eat and drink in Ghibli Park: Transcontinental Flight Cafe, Dagashi Nekokaburi Hime, and Milk Stand Sibelli An in Ghibli's Grand Warehouse Shop. The concept of Transcontinental Flight Cafe was inspired by the image of guests resting their wings after exploring Ghibli's Grand Warehouse Shop. The menu features sandwiches, pizza, and sweets inspired by foods that require only one hand to eat while flying, just like the many long-distance flight pilots in Ghibli's works. The highly reputed sandwiches come with 10 different types of flags with randomly chosen illustrations drawn by Hayao Miyazaki. Many people want to collect all of them as souvenirs, making the sandwiches very popular with visitors. [Video] 1:21 - Transcontinental Flight Café In addition to nostalgic old-fashioned sweets, the "very ordinary ramune" with a label designed by director Goro Miyazaki is also popular at Dagashi Nekokaburi Hime, which resembles a retro Showa-period shopping arcade. At the kiosk-style store Milk Stand Sibelli An, visitors can enjoy "Sibera," a triangular snack made of sponge cake and yokan (a traditional Japanese confection made from red bean paste), which was eaten by Jiro Horikoshi, the main character in the film The Wind Rises. If you're feeling hungry after walking around the spacious park, consider relaxing with some tasty sweets! Summary of Free Areas at Ghibli Park You might have thought that a theme park should have attractions and rides, but this Ghibli theme park has an awesome atmosphere without them! Many fans of Ghibli have commented on this as well, saying how they love the park's natural setting and the atmosphere. Ghibli lovers and even those who are not familiar with Ghibli are sure to have a wonderful time at the park, which shows Studio Ghibli's attitude of respecting nature. If you watched Ghibli movies growing up, you'll definitely get a blast of nostalgia here! If you can't get tickets, be sure to check out these free spots! 【Official Website】Ghibli Park 【TripAdvisor】Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park

This video, titled "What is Yokohama Ramen Museum like? - 4K," was released by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." Ramen is the soul food of the Japanese. The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is the world's first food amusement park specializing in ramen. Famous ramen restaurants from all over the country are gathered at the facility, making it a great place to visit if you love ramen. The interior of the museum recreates the retro cityscape of the Showa period. In addition to the ramen shop, there are also candy shops, coffee shops, and other snack shops. The video takes you through a stroll of an area full of snacks with a Showa atmosphere. Those born in the Showa area will get a nostalgic feeling while watching it. This video gives you a nostalgic feeling as if you've wandered into a 100 year old snack parlor.

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

Fuji, "Oshinohakkai" in Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture - Sightseeing Video Introduction This video, titled "Yamanashi Oshino Hakkai - 忍野八海 - 4K Ultra HD," was released by "TokyoStreetView-Japan The Beautiful." It introduces the scenery of Oshino Hakkai in Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture. Oshino Hakkai is a spot where the snowmelt of Mt. Fuji is filtered underground forming 8 springs. Oshino Hakkai, which allows you to feel the magnificent natural beauty of Japan, is designated as a World Heritage Site, as well as a nationally designated natural monument, one of Japan's Top 100 Spring Waters, one of the Top 100 New Views of Mt. Fuji, and one of the Top 100 Prefectural Views of Mt. Fuji. Exploring the History of Oshino Hakkai Photo：Yamanashi Prefecture, Oshino Hakkai & Mt. Fuji Oshino Hakkai, located near Lake Yamanaka at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji, is a general term for the 8 springs there: Deguchi-ike Pond, Sokonashi-ike Pond, Okama-ike Pond, Choshi-ike Pond, Waku-ike Pond, Nigori-ike Pond, Kagami-ike Pond, and Ayame-ike Pond. Originally, there was a large lake at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji and there is a legend that this lake was later divided into Lake Yamanaka and Oshino Hakkai. Mt. Fuji garnered faith as a historic spiritual site during the Edo Period. It's said that in the past, believers of the Mt. Fuji faith would cleanse themselves in the waters of Oshino Hakkai and then ascend Mt. Fuji. Oshino Hakkai - A Sightseeing Destination With Beautiful Scenery Photo：Yamanashi Prefecture, Chuike Pond Oshino Hakkai is an excellent location where you can fully enjoy the grandeur of nature. As shown at 2:47 in the video, you can enjoy the beautiful Instagrammable scenery, especially when the leaves begin to change color and the surroundings are dyed in vivid shades of red and orange. The clear springs are so beautiful that, as it is shown from 1:03 in the video, you can clearly see the carp swimming in the water. Due to its mysterious scenic beauty, in recent years it has been garnering attention from tourists as a power spot along with Mt. Fuji. Also, as you can see from 2:04 in the video, old fashioned houses are lined up around the perimeter of Oshino Hakkai. It's a rustic, yet luxurious atmosphere that you can't experience in big cities like Tokyo. Tourist Information Around Oshino Hakkai Photo：Yamanashi Prefecture, World Heritage Site Oshino Hakkai There are many souvenir shops and restaurants around Oshino Hakkai. After going sightseeing around Oshino Hakkai, we highly recommend trying some of the delicious food in the area, such as soba and udon, the specialties of Oshino Village, at an old fashioned home-style restaurant where you can experience the atmosphere of a Japan long past. If you're sightseeing in the Fuji-Yoshida area of Yamanashi Prefecture, using the Oshino Hakkai parking lot or the parking lot near Shibokusa Sengen Shrine is very convenient. Summary of Oshino Hakkai Photo：Yamanashi Prefecture, Oshino Hakkai & Mt. Fuji The video introduces the beautiful Mt. Fuji and the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding area. If you're headed out sightseeing to Mt. Fuji, a sacred mountain of Japan, you don't want to miss Oshino Hakkai when you visit Lake Yamanaka and the Fuji Five Lakes. ◆Oshino Hakkai｜Facility Overview◆ 【Address】Shibokusa, Oshino Village, Minamitsuru County, Yamanashi Prefecture 【Access】Approximately 20 minutes from the Lake Kawaguchi I.C. Chuo Expressway 【Hours】24 hours 【Closures】None 【Admission Fee】Free admission 【Parking】Paid parking available 【Telephone】0555-84-3111 【Official Website】Oshino Hakkai | Oshino Village Official Tourism Website http://www.vill.oshino.yamanashi.jp/8lake.html 【Tripadvisor】Oshino Hakkai https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1165978-d1425547-Reviews-Oshino_Hakkai-Oshino_mura_Minamitsuru_gun_Yamanashi_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Why Is Tohoku's Akita Considered One of the World's Greatest Cherry Blossom Destinations? This video, titled "KAKUNODATE｜A Famous Cherry Blossom Spot in Tohoku｜Bukeyashiki Street and Hinokinai River Bank, Akita｜4K UHD Cherry Blossoms, Akita Tohoku Japan" (KAKUNODATE 東北の桜名所 秋田・角館武家屋敷通りと桧木内川堤の桜並木 4K UHD Cherry Blossoms, Akita Tohoku Japan), was uploaded by "Japan Videography." Cherry blossoms are now a popular flower all over the world, but many of them were selectively bred in Japan and have been designated as protected species. The Yoshino Cherry, which came to be in the Edo period (1603 to 1868), is exported the most around the world and many people enjoy viewing it during the blooming season because of its beauty. Japan is said to be a mecca for cherry blossom fans around the world, which means that Japan's cherry blossom viewing spots are some of the best in the world. This is a 4K video showcasing the breathtaking weeping cherry trees along Kakunodate's Bukeyashiki (武家屋敷, Samurai Residence) Street — said to be the most beautiful row of weeping cherries in Japan — as well as the Yoshino Cherries along the Hinokinai River in Akita Prefecture. Enjoy the beautiful footage of the entire area dyed in shades of pink. What Is the History Behind Kakunodate's Bukeyashiki Street? Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 0:39 in the video, Bukeyashiki Street in Kakunodate is a sightseeing destination in Semboku, Akita. Within a roughly 2 km radius, samurai residences from the Edo period stand side by side, and each spring, magnificent weeping cherry trees burst into bloom against the stylish black-boarded fences, filling Bukeyashiki Street with color. Bukeyashiki Street in Kakunodate is known as "the Little Kyoto of Michinoku" and has been designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. Every year during the cherry blossom season, visitors from both Japan and abroad flock here to admire the gorgeous contrast between the delicate weeping cherries and the stately samurai residences. Kakunodate is a historical castle town that has thrived since the Edo period. Akita was ruled by the Satake clan, and the Kakunodate of today was once the domain of Satake Yoshichika, the first deputy of the Satake Kita family of Kakunodate, whose birthplace still retains its former appearance today. The history of Kakunodate as a cherry blossom destination traces back approximately 400 years, when the wife of Yoshiaki, the second-generation head of the Satake Kita family, is said to have brought three weeping cherry sapling from Kyoto upon her arrival as a bride and planted them in the residence garden. Those three trees became the origin of what is now a magnificent promenade of approximately 400 cherry trees stretching from Bukeyashiki Street all the way to the banks of the Hinokinai River. Of these, 162 weeping cherry trees have been designated as National Natural Monuments, and the area has also been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites. You can see the weeping cherries filling Bukeyashiki Street from 1:26 in the video. What Makes the Yoshino Cherries Along Hinokinai Riverbank So Special? Source :YouTube screenshot The Hinokinai Riverbank, shown from 3:04 in the video, is a bank built along the Hinokinai River that runs behind Bukeyashiki Street. Unlike the weeping cherries on Bukeyashiki Street, the trees planted here are Yoshino Cherries (Somei Yoshino). The Yoshino Cherries along the Hinokinai Riverbank were first planted in 1934 to commemorate the birth of the 125th Emperor of Japan — known today as the Emperor Emeritus (上皇陛下). Designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty and one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Sites, the promenade stretches for approximately 2 km in a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms. Another highlight unique to this spot is the view of the Akita Shinkansen "Komachi" passing alongside the cherry-lined riverbank — a scene that has become a beloved photo opportunity for visitors. The 2026 cherry blossom season is the perfect time to visit this historically significant promenade and experience its timeless beauty for yourself. When Is the 2026 Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival and What Is the Best Time to Visit? Photo：Cherry blossom tunnel, Akita Prefecture Both Kakunodate's Bukeyashiki Street and the Yoshino Cherries along Hinokinai Riverbank are typically at their best from mid-April to early May. During peak bloom, the "Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival" is held, offering daytime hanami (flower viewing), spectacular illuminated night cherry blossom viewing, food stalls, and live stage performances — drawing crowds of visitors from across the country and beyond. In 2026, the festival is scheduled to run from Wednesday, April 15 to Tuesday, May 5 (a national holiday), with the possibility of a pre-opening event depending on blooming conditions. If you are visiting during this season, be sure to enjoy local gourmet experiences such as sweetfish fishing, an oyakodon rice bowl made with Akita's prized Hinai Jidori chicken, silky Inaniwa Udon noodles, and exquisitely crafted Japanese sweets. A visit to the Kakunodate Birch Textile Museum is also highly recommended. There are also shops nearby that offer full kimono rental sets, so strolling through the cherry blossom promenade by rickshaw in traditional Japanese dress is a wonderfully elegant way to take in the scenery. How Do You Get to Kakunodate's Bukeyashiki Street and Hinokinai River Cherry Blossom Promenade? Source :YouTube screenshot The cherry blossom promenades along Bukeyashiki Street in Kakunodate and the Hinokinai Riverbank in Akita have been designated a National Site of Scenic Beauty. As Akita is located in the northern part of Honshu, cherry blossoms bloom later here than in the Kanto region — with mid-April onward serving as a general guide for the 2026 bloom season. A live camera is set up on Bukeyashiki Street, allowing you to check the current blooming status online before your visit. Bukeyashiki Street is approximately a 20-minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station. By car, it is about 40 minutes from the Omagari IC on the Akita Expressway, or approximately 80 minutes from the Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Note that Bukeyashiki Street is closed to vehicles during the festival period, and surrounding roads can become heavily congested, so the use of public transportation is strongly recommended. Paid parking is available nearby (approximately 400 spaces, ¥500 per day for standard vehicles), with free temporary parking lots also provided during the festival. Please check the official website for the latest information on nearby attractions and traffic regulations. 【Official Website】Live Camera https://www.city.semboku.akita.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Hinokinai River https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022324-d15296391-Reviews-Hinokinai_Kawa_Tustusmi-Semboku_Akita_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Tokyo's Famous Cherry Blossom Spot, Chidorigafuchi If you're wondering where you can enjoy the beauty of Japan's 4 seasons, then look no further than Chidorigafuchi! When people think about visiting Tokyo, they probably think of gourmet food, shopping, and theme parks. But they're missing out, because while Tokyo may be the big city, there's still plenty of nature to be seen there. This video was created by “Japan Explorers.” It introduces cherry blossom viewing at night in Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo. The video is called “Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom [8k]（千鳥ヶ淵の夜桜　ライトアップ　Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom [8K]）.” This article provides historical information about Chidorigafuchi, located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, as well as information on the lit up cherry blossoms during the "Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival." It also explains the history of the cherry blossoms. The video demonstrates the beauty of the cherry blossoms as they light up under the night sky with high resolution 8K quality. It's amazing that you can find such a beautiful place in the middle of Tokyo. Please enjoy article and be sure to follow along with the video showcasing beautiful cherry blossoms. Chidorigafuchi, a famous sightseeing spot in Tokyo Photo：Cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi Chidorigafuchi in Chiyoda, Tokyo is a moat northwest of the Imperial Palace. There is an event called the “Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival” where the cherry blossoms are lit up at night in the spring. We recommend taking a look at the breathtaking cherry blossoms reflecting off the surface of the water. Chidorigafuchi is a moat made after the opening of Edo in 1603. The moat was constructed as an expansion of the former Edo Castle. To create it, they blocked the river using earthen bridges at Hanzomon gate and Tayasumon gate. It used to be connected to the moat bordering Daikancho street, but it was reclaimed for road construction in 1900, and it became a separate moat. Hanzo moat is next to Chidorigafuchi park. There is a boat dock in the Chidorigafuchi green way, and you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms from the boat. We recommend taking a boat ride to avoid the crowds. The nearest stations are Hanzomon station and Kudange subway station. It is only a 5-minute walk from both stations. There are no parking spots near Chidorigafuchi green way, so we recommend taking public transportation to Chidorigafuchi. Most poeple probably think of Tokyo tower and Tokyo Sky Tree when they think of tourist spots in Tokyo, but Chidorigafuchi is an amazing place for sightseeing. There's also Nippon Budokan and the British Embassy in the area as well. What is the best time and place to see cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi? Photo：Cherry blossoms lit up in Chidorigafuchi Yasukuni-dori Street and Chidorigabuchi are known as the most popular cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, attracting about 1.3 million visitors from home and abroad every year. Cherry blossoms in Chidorigabuchi are at their best from late March to early April.You can see beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom in white and pink, and by the time they are past their full bloom, the "zero cherry blossoms" that have fallen on the water surface create another tasteful scene. On the Chidorigabuchi Green Road in spring, where 260 cherry trees bloom beautifully, you will be able to see plenty of cherry blossoms that you can see. There are about 330 cherry trees on the Kitanomaru side of the park and about 260 Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees along the Chidorigafuchi Greenway avenue. All these cherry blossoms turn the area around the moat pink. The Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year according to the bloom conditions. The night light up as “Chiyoda Cherry Blossom” entertains you with the fantastic view of cherry blossoms. Parties and securing spaces is banned at Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival. There are also no street markets and the number of bathrooms is limited. We recommend viewing the beautiful, illuminated cherry blossoms from the Chidorigafuchi greenway in the spring. In the video at 0:42, you can see an amazing view of the cherry blossoms lit up. It's truly a sight unlike any other. Be sure to take some pictures to commemorate your trip and to post on Instagram! Information about the cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. The best time to see cherry blossoms is from late March to early April. The types of cherry blossoms are Someiyoshino, Oshima-zakura, and Shidare-zakura. The Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival is held based on the bloom forecast, so be sure to check the official website if you're planning to come to the festival. Summary of Cherry Blossoms at Chidorigafuchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo ©r_abe01 Modifying Be sure to check out the video if you're curious about the cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. As you can see in the video, Chidorigafuchi's cherry blossoms are quite the spectacle. Enjoy the beautiful night light up of the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi. If you want to relax in an oasis in the city or enjoy the Japanese springtime tradition of hanami, this is the place to be! Be sure to watch the video to see the beautiful cherry blossoms!

Introducing this video of Okunoshima This video, titled "Okunoshima, AKA 'Rabbit Island,' in the Seto Inland Sea" (瀬戸内海の「うさぎ島」大久野島), was created by "AQUA Geo Graphic." The video shows scenes of Okunoshima, an island in Takehara City, Hiroshima, in Japan's Chugoku region. Adorable rabbits fill the screen, hopping around freely and you can enjoy their cuteness to your heart's content. More than 900 rabbits currently inhabit Okunoshima, and in recent years, the island has been attracting attention as a tourist area, with many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Why is Okunoshima known as "Rabbit Island"? Photo：Rabbits on Ohkuno Island, Takehara, Hiroshima You're probably wondering, "Are there really that many rabbits on the island"? Originally there were only 8 rabbits on the island. They were raised at a local elementary school in 1971. Over time, the island was deserted, and the rabbits were released to live in the wild. The rabbits belong to the European rabbit species, and are so fertile that they have actually been designated one of the 100 worst invasive alien species in the world. After being released into the wild, they multiplied rapidly, leading to a massive rabbit population in just a short amount of time. The trading of European rabbits is currently strictly regulated and Okunoshima is one of the few places in Japan where these wild rabbits can be seen. In fact, Okunoshima became a hot topic overseas before it gained attention in Japan. A foreign tourist who visited the island for sightseeing posted a video playing with the rabbits, and the video gained a lot of attention online. In addition, it just so happens that in 2011, it was the zodiac year of the rabbit and Japanese media introduced the island as "Rabbit Island" and that became the reason for the island's rise in popularity. A Look at Okunoshima Photo：Okunoshima, Takehara, Hiroshima Okunoshima is a small island with a circumference of about 4 km. You can make a full trip around the entire island on foot or on bicycle, and driving is prohibited. Additionally, be sure to follow the island's rules when interacting with the rabbits. Rabbits are anxious animals and are very sensitive to sound. Although the rabbits living on the island are wild, they are very friendly towards humans due to having become used to being fed by hand. This can be seen from 0:44 in the video. Unfortunately, the sounds of engines, braking, and honking are frightening and confusing to the rabbits. Furthermore, if you attempt to forcibly pick up or touch the rabbits, they may bite in self-defense, causing injury. Their bites are quite strong, so be careful! There are devices installed along the coastline which visitors can use to find out what the world sounds like to rabbits. This will show you why it's important to be careful around the rabbits. Okunoshima was temporarily uninhabited during World War II, but now almost the entire island has been designated a tourist destination. The land is owned by the Ministry of the Environment, with the Kyukamura Association being in charge of the daily operations of "Kyukamura Okunoshima Hotel". In other words, most of the current inhabitants of the island are the employees of the hotel and their families. The History of Okunoshima Photo：Ruins on Okunoshima, Takehara, Hiroshima Okunoshima Island is now a place visited by many tourists who come to play with the adorable rabbits. However, during the early Showa Period, it was actually home to Japan's only poison gas factory, built by the Imperial Japanese Army. Additionally, it was originally meant to host a factory for building warships. This dark history led to the island being erased from maps for many years. There were a few private houses on the island, but the original islanders were forced out of their homes in order to build the poison gas factory. The history of that time is recorded in the Poison Gas Museum (毒ガス資料館). Summary of Okunoshima Island Photo：Okunoshima Wharf, Takehara, Hiroshima The island can be accessed via the ferry that departs from the Mihara area (三原地域). There is no plane access to the island. A trip by ferry takes only about 15 minutes, which means you can enjoy taking a day trip to see the rabbits on the island. The main facilities of the Kyukamura Hotel are as follows: ・ Tennis field ・ Fishing area ・ Beach ・ Outdoor pool ・ Camping site and more! You can also enjoy lunch at the restaurant. Detailed information can be found on the official website of the Okunoshima Visitor Center. 【Official Website】Okunoshima｜Tourist Area｜Takehara City Official Tourism Site Hiroshima Takehara Tourism Navigation https://www.takeharakankou.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Okunoshima https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022436-d3243254-Reviews-Okunoshima_Island-Takehara_Hiroshima_Prefecture_Chugoku.html

北海道和寒町エリアの魅力紹介動画の見所 こちらの動画は「わっさむ 食と観光の魅力発信/北海道和寒町役場」が公開した「「総集編」　北海道和寒町［和寒町観光PV］」です。 自然の多く残る北海道和寒町は、冬にはウィンタースポーツが盛んな地域で、多くの日本人のスキー選手を輩出している歴史があることでも有名です。 今回はそんな北海道和寒町について、動画と共にこちらの記事で紹介していきます。 北海道和寒町はウィンタースポーツとアウトドアが盛ん！ 日本の北に位置し、気候的にかなり冷え込む北海道和寒町はウィンタースポーツ盛んで、スノーモービルやスキー、クロスカントリーやスノボー楽しむことが出来ます。 動画の0:20から北海道和寒町で楽しめるウィンタースポーツの様子をご覧になることができます。 雪原でのウィンタースポーツの印象がある北海道ですが、夏は綺麗な緑溢れる自然の良い景色を堪能することができ、アウトドアイベントも盛んに行われているので、夏の観光もおすすめです。 三笠山自然公園キャンプ場や南丘森林公園、三笠山自然公園はどれも自然いっぱいで日本でも屈指の絶景を堪能出来る人気の観光名所で、その様子は動画でもご覧になれるので、お楽しみください。 北海道の楽しみは冬だけじゃない！北海道和寒町の秋の祭り！ 実は北海道はかぼちゃの作付け日本一で、秋にはかぼちゃをメインとした祭りの「パンプキンフェスティバル」が開催され、沢山のかぼちゃがハロウィン仕様にデザインされ飾られたり、実際に食したりすることができます。 『熱気球搭乗体験』『南瓜ランタン彫り体験』等も楽しめるので、北海道和寒町へ観光する際には、紅葉も綺麗な秋の時期に予定を合わせてみてはいかがでしょうか？ 北海道和寒町の魅力紹介まとめ 春夏秋冬、日本の四季の良さを遺憾なく堪能出来る観光スポットとして、まさに万人におすすめが出来る北海道和寒町の良さ、ぜひ動画でご覧下さい。 北海道と言えば、日本でも屈指のグルメが多くある地域としても有名で、ジンギスカンや冬キャベツの元祖とも言われている越冬キャベツ等も観光の際には外せませんね。 今回紹介させて頂いた動画とこの記事が、北海道和寒町への観光をご検討する際の手助けとなれば、幸いです。

Autumn color video introduction of “Entsunomori” in Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture This video, titled "Entsuin Temple｜Autumn Leaves Illumination｜Matsushima, Miyagi｜2019｜Panasonic FZ1000" (円通院　紅葉ライトアップ　松島　宮城　2019　Panasonic FZ1000), was uploaded by "JMF Japan Miyagi Film." It introduces the breathtakingly beautiful autumn foliage illumination event at Entsuin Temple. A Closer Look at Entsuin Temple – Its History and What Makes It Unique Photo：The garden and mausoleum of Entsuin Temple Entsuin Temple is a temple associated with the Date clan, the feudal lords of Sendai, located in Matsushima, Miyagi, in Japan's Tohoku region, a place known as one of the "Three Views of Japan." Entsuin Temple was built in 1647 by Date Tadamune as the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune, the grandson of Date Masamune. Located in the inner part of the temple grounds is a mausoleum from the early Edo period (~1603-1700 AD) which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Within the grounds of Entsuin Temple, visitors can enjoy several gardens, including a dry landscape garden that depicts Matsushima, a garden designated as a Cultural Property by the Town of Matsushima, a moss garden that takes advantage of the natural beauty of the inner mausoleum, and a garden mainly featuring roses, created by the temple's head priest. Entsuin temple is located just a few minutes' walk from Zuiganji Temple, and as you pass through the temple gate, you'll see many kokeshi dolls that have been used in marriage ceremonies, and enshrined on the back side of the gate is Enmusubi Kannon. Enmusubi Kannon (the Buddhist goddess Avalokiteshvara depicted as a matchmaker) is said to bring together men and women or those who have never had a chance to be together, and is famous as a power spot for marriage. Thus, Entsuin Temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Matsushima, together with Zuiganji Temple, a National Treasure. When to See the Autumn Illumination Event at Entsuin Temple + Highlights of the Event Photo：Shinji Pond at Entsuji Temple in Matsushima, Miyagi Entsuin Temple is also known for its beautiful autumn foliage. Every year from late October to late November, when the autumn leaves are at their best, an autumn illumination event takes place. The event is held in the historic Matsushima Rikyu, which is planted with ancient maple trees. The autumn illumination event is held every year from early November to mid-November, when the autumn foliage is at its best. [Autumn Foliage Illumination in 2023]. Period: October 28 - November 19, 2023 Venue: Zuiganji, Entonji, Zuiganji approach, and Sanseido, Matsushima Fee: Zuiganji and Entsuji [common admission ticket] 2,000 yen 　　　 Zuiganji and Entsuji [single ticket] 1,300 yen each In 2023, a special tour with the Date Busyoutai and a mini-concert will be held on the Entsuji temple grounds. In addition, a "Matsushima Bay Twilight Cruise" by Matsushima Island Tour Boat will be available during the festival period. We hope you have a chance to visit Entsuin Temple and enjoy the fantastic autumn leaves as shown in the video. The Rose Garden at Entsuin Temple Photo：The garden of Entsuin Temple Entsuin Temple is famous not only for its autumn foliage but also for its roses, and is also known as "Bara-ji" or "Rose Temple." The origin of this name is that the oldest Western roses in Japan were brought back by Hasekura Tsunenaga of the Date Clan, who traveled to Europe as an envoy during the Keicho Mission to Europe. As a symbol of his achievement, Entsuin Temple created a garden mainly composed of roses. In addition, roses are painted on the zushi (minature shrine) of the inner mausoleum, which is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. Entsuin Temple is a baroque garden born from a fusion of Buddhism and Christianity. The best time to see the roses is in early June, when the roses in the rose garden are in full bloom. However, bloom times vary according to the variety of rose. Traditional Prayer Bead Making Experiences and More! At Entsuin Temple, which is famous for its matchmaking activities, visitors can try their hand at making their own original Buddhist prayer beads. Buddhist prayer beads, called Juzu (数珠) in Japanese, are important Buddhist ritual objects that are worn during funerals, memorial services, visits to graves, and other occasions when one prays to Buddha. It's said that just by holding them, one can rid themself of misfortune and gain peace and tranquility. In the bead making experience, participants can choose their favorite beads and make their own unique prayer beads. The beads are made of natural stone, plastic, and glass, all of which are used to pray and express gratitude to the deity of Entsuin Temple. The process takes 20 minutes, is relatively simple, and does not require an appointment. Entsuin Temple also has its own original shuin stamp books. All of these books are also used to pray and make offerings of gratitude to the main deity of Entsuin temple. By depositing your shuin stamp book at the entrance before visiting the temple, you can receive a shuin stamp when visiting. Summary of Autumn at Entsuin Temple Photo：Entsuin Temple, Matsushima, Miyagi Entsuin Temple is a place where visitors can enjoy various gardens, autumn leaves, Buddhism, and bead-making workshops in a relaxing atmosphere with lots of nature and rich history. It's a sightseeing spot with many attractions. In particular, the beautiful autumn foliage illumination, which can be viewed for a limited time only, is great for taking photos, and looks great on Instagram too! Come and see it for yourself! ◆Entsuin Temple◆ 【Address】Entsuin, Chonai-67 Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213 【Telephone】022-354-3206 【Hours】(Open all year round) Weekdays 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Weekends & Holidays 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 【Admission Fee】Adults 300 yen, High school students 150 yen, Children (junior high and elementary school students) 100 yen ※The bead-making experience has a separate fee 【Access】 Train: A 5-minute walk from JR Matsushima-kaigan Station on the Senseki Line. A 20-minute walk from JR Matsushima Station on the Tohoku Line Car: A 5-minute drive from the Matsushima-kaigan IC on the Sanriku Expressway via Route 45 【Parking】Please use the prefectural parking lot on National Route 45. 【TripAdvisor】Entsuin Temple https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g319095-d319868-Reviews-Entsu_in_Temple-Matsushima_machi_Miyagi_gun_Miyagi_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

■Table of Contents The Nayoro Sunflower Festival, the most famous summer event in Nayoro (名寄市, Nayoro-shi), Hokkaido Introducing the Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival 2025 Nayoro Sunflower Festival event information Recommended Event #1: Sunflower Goods Market Recommended Event #2: Sunflower picking & wrapping Recommended Event #3: Photo spots in the sunflower field! About Nayoro, where the Nayoro Sunflower Festival is held Recommended spots to enjoy along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival Introducing spots for fun activities in Nayoro Airsoft Survival Game Canoe Cycling Introducing sightseeing spots in Nayoro Nayoro Munincipal Observatory Kitasubaru Sun Pillar Community Center Nayoro Health Forest (なよろ健康の森, Nayoro Kenkou no Mori) Nayoro Museum of the North (名寄市北国博物館 , Nayoro-shi Kitaguni Hakubutsukan) Roadside Station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro" Recommended Specialty Products for Nayoro Souvenirs Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Sunflower Oil Dressing Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Edible Chili Oil (Rayu) (Medium Spiciness) Local gourmet foods you should be sure not to miss when sightseeing in Nayoro Restaurants where you can eat sunflower oil pork, a local gourmet dish of Nayoro Soba Restaurant Benihana The Soul Food loved by Nayoro Residents! What is Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan? Introducing restaurants where you can eat Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan Restaurant Akagera Ajidokoro Toricho Western Izakaya Bistro Shoraku Kitchen Nagominiwa Nayoro Restaurant Minefuku 4season Recommended places to stay when visiting for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar Grand Hotel Fujika Hotel Bird Inn Hotel Mystays Nayoro New Fujiya Hotel Hotel Sunflower Sengiya Ryokan A list of articles introducing the Nayoro Sunflower Festival and recommended spots for sightseeing in Nayoro VIEW MORE The Nayoro Sunflower Festival, the most famous summer event in Nayoro, Hokkaido In Nayoro, where many sunflowers are grown, the entire city is covered in sunflowers! Every August, Nayoro's big summer event, the Nayoro Sunflower Festival is held at Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, and many people come to enjoy the wonderful scenery. This article will focus on information about the "Nayoro Sunflower Festival", a summer event held in Nayoro! In addition, various spots for activities, sightseeing spots, and local gourmet food throughout Nayoro city that you can enjoy when visiting for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival will also be introduced. This article will introduce the charms of Hokkaido's Nayoro city you may not have heard of, from its spectacular natural beauty to its popular tourist attractions! Please enjoy it until the end. Photo: "Sunflower field at Sun Pillar Park", Nayoro, Hokkaido Introducing the Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival At Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, around 300,00 sunflowers bloom over an area of about 3 hectares (around 0.6 the size of the Tokyo Dome). This park became famous nationally as the filming location for the movie "Stargazing Dog (星守る犬, Hoshi Mamoru Inu) "starring Toshiyuki Nishida, which was released in 2011. The film "The Destiny" starring Mickey Curtis was also filmed there in 2023. The highlight of Hokkaido Sunflower Park is "Sunflower Hill". You can see the city of Nayoro beyond a vast carpet of flowers! This beautiful scenery can be seen from 0:55 in the video. The sowing of the seeds is timed to ensure that the flowers are at their best for being seen around Mountain Day (August 11th). Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park Photo: Sunflower Field at Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park General Information 【Address】147 Nisshin, Nayoro City, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro station 【Blooming information】 The time of full bloom depends on the weather, but is usually around Mountain Day (August 11th). 【Parking】Available Event Information (Subject to change depending on the year) The Nayoro Sunflower Festival held at Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park is usually held from the first Saturday in August to the third Sunday after Obon, although it may change depending on the weather conditions of the year. The 2025 event will be held from Saturday, August 2 to Sunday, August 17, 2025. The Nayoro Sunflower Festival is a major summer event in Nayoro that attracts many tourists from outside Hokkaido! During the festival a variety of events are held, and along with the sight of many sunflowers blooming to face the open sky, you can see the smiling faces of many visitors! Photo: "Sunflower Tourist Information Center", Nayoro, Hokkaido Recommended Event #1: Sunflower Goods Market Sunflower goods are on sale at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center. At the Sunflower Tourist Information Center, which will be set up in the sunflower field for the duration of the event, Nayoro specialties such as sunflower oil and other agricultural products, and original goods such as limited edition T-shirts, will be on sale! Other popular items include "Shaved Strawberries", a sweet made from shaved frozen strawberries, shaved ice and grilled corn available at food stalls. Business hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the duration of the event. Photo: Goods for sale at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center Recommended Event #2: Sunflower picking & wrapping You can pick sunflowers blooming at the festival, wrap them at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center, and take them home with you! Available for sale from 9:00 AM to 18:00 PM for the duration of the event. Photo: Nayoro Sunflower Festival Sunflower picking and wrapping Recommended Event #3: Photo spots in the sunflower field! In the middle of the sunflower field, a yellow door that matches the sunflowers and a monument with the word "NAYORO" in large letters suddenly appears. Why not take out your camera and take a picture that will look great on Instagram or other social media? A photo that captures a moment of beauty is sure to become a wonderful memory. The yellow door can be seen at 1:48 and 2:17 of the video. Photo: Monument with the letters "NAYORO" Recommended Event 4: A New Café Opens in the Sunflower Field! In 2025, the "Sunflower Field Café" will open right in front of the sunflower field. We’ve prepared a relaxing menu that everyone—from children to adults—can enjoy. Additionally, on Saturday, August 9; Sunday, August 10; and Monday, August 11, 2025, you can enjoy a special experience of making your own original uchiwa (traditional Japanese fan). The Nayoro Sunflower Festival is an event beloved not only by locals, but by tourists from outside Hokkaido! Visitors can experience Hokkaido's nature, food and culture, all in a spectacular setting surrounded by beautiful sunflowers in full bloom! About Nayoro, where the Nayoro Sunflower Festival is held Nayoro, Hokkaido is a city located in the northern part of Hokkaido, with a population of around 25,000 people (as of October 31, 2023.) The name Nayoro comes from the Ainu language "Nai Oro Puto", meaning "The place where rivers meet." This is due to the fact that Nayoro is the meeting point of the Teshio river (天塩川, Teshiogawa) and Nayoro river (名寄川, Nayorogawa). Despite being surrounded by nature, Nayoro is well provided for with large commercial facilities, general hospitals, and a public transportation system, with Nayoro continuously placing highly in "Best Places to Live" rankings for Hokkaido. In recent years an increasing number of people from other prefectures have moved to Nayoro, and Nayoro has been making efforts to provide job and housing opportunities for those moving into the area. Access to Nayoro is as follows. ◆ Asahikawa Airport → Nayoro City (Around 94 minutes) Take a bus from Asahikawa Airport to Asahikawa Station (35 minutes), then take a limited express train from Asahikawa Station to Nayoro Station (59 minutes) ◆ Sapporo City → Nayoro City By car: Around 2 hours and 45 minutes from Sapporo city By train (limited express): Around two and a half hours Agriculture is a key economic activity in Nayoro, which produces a variety of specialties, from the largest production of sticky rice in Japan by both production volume and area, as well as green asparagus, pumpkins, potatoes, and sweet corn. In Nayoro, the temperature drops to around -20°C in February, visitors can see "diamond dust", a phenomenon where the water vapor in the air freezes to form small ice crystals that sparkle in the light of the sun. The "Sun Pillar", a phenomenon where diamond dust reflecting sunlight appears as a pillar of light, is a winter specialty of Nayoro. Photo: Diamond Dust Sun Pillar Recommended spots to enjoy along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival When visiting Nayoro to see the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, why not take a tour of the city? Here is an introduction of popular spots in Nayoro, such as spots for activities, sightseeing spots, and accomodations to recover from the fatigue of your journey! Along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, here are other activities to make your trip even more memorable! Introducing spots for fun activities in Nayoro Airsoft Survival Game A survival game played using airsoft guns that fire BB bullets can be enjoyed in Nayoro exclusively in the summer. The completely grass-covered field is located in the parking lot of the Pyashiri Ski Resort, and plywood panels, drum cans, scrap tires, etc. are scattered around the field to add excitement to the game. You can rent a complete set including an airsoft gun and necessary equipment, so you don't have to bring anything! Infrared guns and water guns are also available, so even small children can have fun. The field is also available for one-day private reservation by parties of up to 20 people! Photo: Airsoft Survival Game General Information 【Address】096-0066, Nisshin, Nayoro City, Hokkaido, Nayoro Pyashiri Ski Resort 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro station, or about 6 minutes by car from Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival 【Ages 】3 years and up 【Period】July to August (period may vary) 【Hours】Morning 9:00-12:00, Afternoon: 1:00-4:00 【Rental Contents】 Pack for empty-handed visitors: Airsoft gun, infrared gun, magazine, battery, clothing (poncho or jacket), goggles, face mask, gloves, BB bullets (around 2,000 rounds) Airsoft Survival Game (half-day experience) reservation page Airsoft Survival Game (1 day private reservation) reservation page Canoe Cycling "Canoe Cycling" is an activity featuring both bicycling and canoeing along the Teshio river. The Teshio river is the second longest river in Hokkaido (after the Ishikari river, 石狩川, Ishikarigawa), and the fourth largest in Japan. Canoe Cycling can be enjoyed during the summer period from early June to the middle of October, and the entire journey takes around three hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. While riding to the starting point for canoeing, cyclists can feel the beautiful breeze of Hokkaido's natural beauty. The canoe journey begins at the riverbank right after the cycling ends. Because 70% of the Teshio river basin is covered by forest, visitors are afforded a view of nature that cannot normally be seen. Local canoe guides will accompany visitors, so both beginners and families can participate with peace of mind. Photo: Canoe cycling General Information 【Ages】Elementary Students and up 【Period】Early June to Mid-October 【Meeting Area】 The 1st floor of Station Exchange Plaza Yorona Tourist Information Center Around 6 minutes by car from the Nayoro Sunflower venue Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park 1-10 Higashi 1-jo Minami 7-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0001 【Time requires】From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, around 180 minutes Canoe Cycling Reservation Page 【Meeting Location Map】 Introducing sightseeing spots in Nayoro Here are some of the must-see spots in Nayoro. If you enjoy these along with the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, you are sure to double the memories of your trip! Nayoro Munincipal Observatory Kitasubaru The Nayoro Munincipal Observatory Kitasubaru is an observatory with an attached planetarium, and is the second largest telescope in Japan that is available to the public. The planetarium features the latest digital planetarium equipment projected on a dome screen 8 meters in diameter! Since the planetarium also has a piano, concerts are sometimes held. Photo: Nayoro City Observatory Kitasubaru, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】157-1 Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Access】15 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Hours】 April-October: 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM November-March: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sun Pillar Community Center The central space of the Sun Pillar Community Center is a multipurpose hall, used as a curling hall in the winter and as a playground for light sports like ball pool and ping pong in the summer! Beginners must be accompanied by someone with experience to use the curling hall. Children's play equipment, including large equipment, is located near the main entrance and is available for use throughout the year. Photo: Sun Pillar community Center, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】147 Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 090-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Hours】 April to October: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM May to September: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM November to March: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Nayoro Health Forest Nayoro Health Forest is a vast park with a total area of around 200 hectares, roughly 42 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. It is a facility designed to improve both health and motivation through sports and cultural exchange! In addition to sports facilities such as a 400-meter track for track and field events, a soccer field, and a 36-hole golf course park, walking trails are also available to be enjoyed by both children and adults! In winter, it offers one of the best cross-country ski courses in Hokkaido, and the area is crowded with officially recognized competitions and training camps. Photo: Nayoro Health Forest, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Aza Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro Station Nayoro Museum of the North The Nayoro Museum of the North is a facility where visitors can learn about the northern winter lifestyle and natural phenomena particular to the north, under the themes of "Winter, Snow and Cold". Visitors can experience the wisdom of our ancestors born from the harsh natural climate of the north. The "Kamuy Forest Corner" introduces the natural environment and culture of the Ainu. The Nayoro Museum of the North is surrounded by greenery, and from the gallery hall visitors can obsere nature and wild birds in each of the four seasons! There are also hands-on activities such as making shika-fue (traditional japanese bamboo flutes) and baking your own rice crackers, so why not make a reservation in advance and give it a try yourself? Photo: SL Snowplow at "Nayoro Museum of the North", Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】222 Midorigaoka, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0063 【Access】Six minutes by car from Nayoro station 【Official Website】Nayoro Museum of the North Roadside Station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro" Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro is a roadside station located at the southern entrance to Nayoro. The store is full of dependable, reliable agricultural products from Nayoro, products made using Nayoro's famous glutinous rice, special products such as sweets and soba made in Nayoro. At the restaurant "Kaze Yorimichi" visitors can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, such as 100% soba noodles or dishes made with local mochi. Photo: Roadside Station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro" Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】334-2 Nishimachi, furencho, nayoro, Hokkaido 098-0507 【Access】Ten minutes on foot from Furen Station Recommended Specialty Products for Nayoro Souvenirs Products made from sunflowers grown in Nayoro are especially recommended as special local product souvenirs for sightseers. These unique products are sure to please as souvenirs! If you bring them home for your own dining table, you may enjoy a meal that is a little different than usual. Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Photo: Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki The sunflower oil "Kita no Kagayaki" is made from 100% non-genetically modified sunflower seeds grown in Nayoro. It is a raw, first-pressed sunflower oil made without the use of food additives and using only the first oil to be pressed, letting the flavor, richness and minerals of of sunflower seeds be enjoyed to the fullest. Sunflower Oil Dressing Photo: Sunflower Oil Dressing This dressing utilizes the characteristics of Nayoro sunflower oil to the fullest and has no peculiar or unpleasant aroma. It is a versatile dressing that goes with a variety of dishes, such as salads or as a sauce for cold shabu-shabu. Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Edible Chili Oil (Rayu) (Medium Spiciness) Photo: Sunflower Oil Kita no Kagayaki Edible Chili Oil (Rayu) (Medium Spiciness) Fried garlic and fried onions are added to "Kita no Kagyaki" sunflower oil to give this rayu a savory aroma and texture. It goes well with rice and a variety of Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes, and its rarity makes it a popular souvenir. The products that have been introduced here are available for purchase at the Sunflower Tourist Information Center at the Nayoro Sunflower Festival venue. They are also available throughout the year at the roadside station "Mochi Rice Village ☆Nayoro", 「 the Nayoro branch of the Aeon shopping mall」and the gift shop Clim, which can be found on the first floor of Station Exchange Plaza Yorona. These products are also available as hometown tax return gifts. Local gourmet foods you should be sure not to miss when sightseeing in Nayoro Restaurants where you can eat Sunflower Field Pork, a local gourmet dish of Nayoro. "Sunflower Field Pork" is pork from pigs raised on a diet of the leftovers from locally grown sunflower seeds after their oil has been extracted. Sunflower Field Pork is characterized by its mild, refreshing taste and lack of oiliness. Photo: "Sunflower Field Pork", a local gourmet dish from Nayoro, Hokkaido Soba Restaurant Benihana The most popular item on the menu is the Cutlet and Rice (カツめし Katsumeshi), Meal Set, which includes "Sunflower Field Pork" covered in the restaurant's original sauce. Photo: "Cutlet and Rice Meal Set" at Soba Restaurant Benihana in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 4-jo Minami 4-chome, Nayori, Hokkaido, 096-0014 【Telephone】01654-3-3553 【Hours】11:AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM 【Access】14 Minutes on foot from Nayoro station When visiting Nayoro, a local gourmet dish you should be sure not to miss is "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan". Here the characteristics and history of Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan will be introduced, as well as restaurants where you can eat Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan. The Soul Food loved by Nayoro Residents! What is Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan? Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan is a home-cooked dish eaten in Nayoro that has been passed down as part of Nayoro's unique food culture since the early Showa era, and is the soul food of Nayoro. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan", a local delicacy of Nayoro, Hokkaido While regular Jingisukan is grilled, Nayoro is stewed in a butcher shop's secret signature sauce. Along with vegetables such as onions and Nayoro bean sprouts, other ingredients including rice cake, udon noodles, and fried tofu are used to soak up the flavor of the sauce. Jingisukan has long history in the Nayoro area. Sheep were valued for their wool's use as raw materials for military uniforms during the Taisho era, and bred in the Chiebun district of Nayoro, with the sheep tending including some 3,000 sheep at its height. Mutton had a strong odor and was initially thrown away without being used as food, but dipping the meat in sauce to remove the odor became popular in the Nayoro area in the early Showa era, and mutton began to be consumed, initially mainly among wool producers. Although sheep farming has ended in Nayoro since the latter half of 1955, Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan remains popular among Nayoro residents as a home-style dish throughout the year. There are six restauraunts in Nayoro that serve the town's original Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan! Introducing restaurants where you can eat Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan Restauraunt Akagera This restauraunt is located on the 1st floor of the Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar Lodging. The single-person pot "Stewed Jingisukan Set Meal" is very popular. Photo: "Stewed Jingisukan Set Meal" at "Restauraunt Akagera" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Telephone】01654-2-2131 【Hours】 Lunch 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Dinner 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM 【Access】15 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Official Website】 Restaurant Akagera Ajidokoro Toricho This long-established store has been in business for 75 years. Besides Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan, there are over 100 items on the menu, with yakitori and kamameshi (A type of rice cooked together with various ignredients) also being particularly popular. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "Ajidokoro Toricho" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 2-jo Minami 6-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0012 【Telephone】01654-2-2379 【Hours】5:00 PM to 11:00PM 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Western Izakaya Bistro Relax in a restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere based on a wood-grain interior, where all dishes are handmade without the use of any ready-made products. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "Bistro" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Ogawa Building, 1F, 4-23-1 Nishi 4-jo Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0014, Japan 【Telephone】01654-2-0080 【Hours】5:30 PM to 10:00PM 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Shoraku Kitchen Nagominiwa Nayoro Enjoy a menu that focuses on Hokkaido-sourced ingredients, such as seafood directly delivered from Wakkanai. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "Shoraku Kitchen Nagominiwa Nayoro" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 4-jo Minami 4-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0014 【Telephone】01654-9-5055 【Hours】5:00 PM to 12:00AM 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station 【Official Instagram】 Shoraku Kitchen Nagominiwa Nayoro Restaurant Minefuku A long-established restaurant where sushi and eel can also be enjoyed. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "Restaurant Minefuku" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】3 Minami-cho, Furencho, Nayoro, Hokkaido 098-0505 【Telephone】01655-3-2308 【Access】4 minutes on foot from Furen Station 4season A snack bar with 12 counter seats and 16 box seats. Photo: "Nayoro Stewed Jingisukan" from "4season" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 4-jo Minami 5-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0014 【Telephon】01654-3-4564 【Hours】8:00 PM to 1:00 AM 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Recommended places to stay when visiting for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival Here is a list of recommended accommodations for those visiting Nayoro for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival! Please contact each separate lodging facility for reservations or room rates. Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site The Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site is located within Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park, the venue for the Nayoro Sunflower Festival. Besides the center house, there are also five cottages and twenty expansive lawn tent sites. The indoor play garden in the Sun Pillar Community Center contains a large playground where children can play free of charge. In the evening, visitors may also enjoy stargazing at night at the Nayoro Astronomical Observatory Kitasubaru, located within the park. There is a bathing facility called "Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar" just 10 minutes by car from Mori no Kyukamura, so you can recover from the fatigue of your journey with a sauna or bath. Photo: "Mori no Kyukamura Auto Camp Site", Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Access】10 minutes by car from Nayoro Station, within Hokkaido Sun Pillar Park 【Business Periods】 Summer Period: from April 29th/ October 31st Tent sites and cottages are available Winter Period: From November 1st to April 28th only cottages are available Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar "Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar" is the only hot spring facility in Nayoro, and the large public bath also includes a sauna. Visitors can stay there overnight, or just visit during the day to enjoy the hot springs. Photo: Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nisshin, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0066 【Telephone】01654-2-2131 【Access】15 minutes by car from Nayoro Station 【Official Website】Nayoro Onsen Sun Pillar Grand Hotel Fujika The Grand Hotel Fujika has the largest number of guest rooms in all of Nayoro with 165 rooms in total, and is also located in the center of the city, making it a recommended lodging to use as a base for your travels. Photo: "Grand Hotel Fujika" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 5-jo Minami 4-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0015, Japan 【Telephone】01654-3-2323 【Access】5 minutes by car from Nayoro Station Hotel Bird Inn The Hotel Bird Inn, with its impressive, spacious entrance, is a hotel where all rooms are barrier-free. All twenty-one guest rooms are spaciously designed, and each room has its own separate bathroom and toilet space. Photo: "Hotel Bird Inn" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】Nishi 2-jo Minami 4-chome, Nayori, Hokkaido, 096-0012 【Telephon】01654-9-4567 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Hotel Mystays Nayoro Hotel Mystays Nayoro, located right next to Nayoro shopping arcade, is a convenient hotel for both shopping and dining. Besides the large public bath, there is also a laundry area to provide peace of mind for long-term guests. Photo: "Hotel Mystays Nayoro" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】5-11 Nishi 3-jo Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0013 【Telephone】01654-8-8100 【Access】10 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station 【Official Website】Hotel Mystays Nayoro New Fujiya Hotel New Fujiya Hotel is conveniently located just a short two minute walk from Nayoro Station on the JR Soya main line. A complementary light breakfast service including bread, coffee and eggs is provided at no additional charge. Photo: New Fujiya Hotel, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】5-chome Odori Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0010 【Telephone】01654-2-2167 【Access】2 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Hotel Sunflower Hotel Sunflower has a distinctive yellow exterior, appropriate for a hotel in Nayoro, the city of sunflowers. Both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms are available, so please choose according to your preference. Photo: Hotel Sunflower, Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】8-13-2 Odori Minami 8-chome, Nayoro, Hokkaido 090-0010 【Telephone】01654-3-2929 【Access】3 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station Sengiya Ryokan Photo: "Sengiya Ryokan" in Nayoro, Hokkaido General Information 【Address】9-1-1 Odori Minami, Nayoro, Hokkaido, 096-0010 【Telephone】01654-2-3254 【Access】5 minutes on foot from Nayoro Station A list of articles introducing the Nayoro Sunflower Festival and recommended spots for sightseeing in Nayoro Can you imagine the sight of 300,000 sunflowers in full bloom? Visitors can enjoy the unimaginably beautiful sight of a carpet of yellow sunflowers blooming under the big open sky and wide landscape at the Nayoro Sunflower Festival. The sights you see at the Nayoro Sunflower Festival, a cherished summer tradition of Nayoro, will surely remain in your heart for the rest of your life as a precious memory of your sightseeing in Hokkaido. Nayoro in Hokkaido has many spots for activities that you should be sure to try at least once, as well as a number of recommended sightseeing spots you should be sure to visit. Be sure to visit these other places as well as the Nayoro Sunflower Festival. Make great summer memories in Nayoro! If you are interested in sightseeing in Nayoro, be sure to check out the official website listed below as well as the "Cool Japan Video" account, which are both full of the latest information about Nayoro. 【Official Website】Official Nayoro Tourism and Town Development Association COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, a Social Networking Site Dedicated to the Beauty of Japan .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". 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More About the Dynamic Ogawa Falls of Kagoshima Prefecture This video, titled "(4K) Drone Aerial Photography "Ogawa Falls" Minami Osumi (南大隅町, minamioosumimachi), Kimotsuki district (肝属郡, kimotsukigun), Kagoshima prefecture" filmed by drone, was created by Studio Kama. Ogawa Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in south-eastern Kagoshima prefecture in an area called Nejime on the Osumi peninsula. It's approximately 60 meters wide with a drop of 46 meters. If you're looking to enjoy sightseeing in Japan, we highly recommend the beautiful, dynamic scenery of Ogawa Falls. In this video you can take a look at the picturesque scenery of the crystal clear river and the flowing waterfall. You're sure to be captivated by its beauty. Ogawa Falls Was the Filming Location for a Famous Japanese Drama! Photo：Ogawa Falls Ogawa Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Minami Osumi, Kimotsuki district in Kagoshima prefecture. The opening scenes for the Japanese drama "Segodon," released in 2018, were shot at Ogawa Falls, leading to a huge increase in popularity. Ogawa Falls was also used as a filming location for the 2019 movie "Kingdom." Many fans have been known known to visit Kagoshima to see these film locations as well as many visitors on pilgrimages. Enjoy Hiking to Ogawa Falls The walk from the tourist parking area to Ogawa Falls is approximately 1200 meters. You can access the parking area by bus or car and then enjoy walking the invigorating trekking route to Ogawa Falls that takes past mountain streams and is surrounded by nature. If you plan to go to Ogawa Falls for sightseeing, we recommend stopping by Aqua Base Café, which can be found just before arriving at the trekking route parking area. Why not buy a drink and enjoy the much talked about scenery from the café, overlooking the basin of the waterfall. It's the perfect spot to take photos to share on Instagram! You can take a look at the area surrounding the waterfall at 0:59 in the video. More of the Amazing Features of Ogawa Falls Source :YouTube screenshot There are many tourists who visit the dynamic Ogawa Falls to experience the healing effects of the negative ions. Here you can enjoy your time relaxing whilst looking out onto the emerald green waters of the waterfall basin and sparkling waters of the waterfall. The highlight of this video has to be in the second half of the video at 02:11, where you can catch a beautiful panoramic view of Ogawa Falls. We highly recommend stopping by the observation deck found upstream of Ogawa Falls. There generally tends to be less people here making it a relaxing spot to enjoy the scenery of the waterfall and towering gorge. Summary of Kagoshima Prefecture's Ogawa Falls The beautiful and fascinating Ogawa Falls is gaining popularity as a tourist destination in Kagoshima prefecture. The scenery of the emerald green waters of the waterfall basin seen in this video, is a sight you're sure not to forget. Be sure to take a look at the wonderful scenery in the video! We highly recommend a trip to Ogawa Falls in Kagoshima prefecture to anyone who wants to make the most of their trip to Japan! ◆Ogawa waterfall◆ 【Address】Nejime Kawakita 12222, Minami Osumi, Kagoshima prefecture 【Access】Around a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Kagoshima airport (鹿児島空港, kagoshimakuukou) 【Admission Fee】Free of charge 【Hours】No entry during evening hours 【Closures】None 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】0994-24-3115 (Minami Osumi Town Hall Tourist Section) 【Tripadvisor】Ogawa Falls https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121596-d4564546-Reviews-Ogawano_Taki_Falls-Minamiosumi_cho_Kimotsuki_gun_Kagoshima_Prefecture_Kyushu.html 【Tripadvisor】Minami Osumi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1121596-Minamiosumi_cho_Kimotsuki_gun_Kagoshima_Prefecture_Kyushu-Vacations.html

The Vast Sceneries of Hokkaido This video, titled "Hokkaido , Japan / 4K UHD," was produced by SL Film Studio. Hokkaido is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Japan, and there are many things to see and do there. In this article, we'll show you some of the best places to visit in Hokkaido, alongside the video! Recommended Destinations in Hokkaido The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist attractions, and Odori Park is the site of major festivities in Hokkaido. The Okurayama Observation Deck was the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo. Shiroi Koibito cookies are a famous souvenir found in the area. Asahikawa has unique tourist attractions, such as Asahikawa Ramen Village. Asahiyama Zoo is another famous location in Hokkaido. The zoo features behavioral exhibits that show the animals in their natural state. When we think of Hokkaido's wildlife, bears and foxes are the first things that come to mind. If you want to learn more about the ecology of foxes, there's Kitakitsune Farm (Fox Farm), which is famous for its wooden bear carvings and traditional crafts. Historical Sightseeing Locations in Hokkaido Otaru Port, where the Otaru Canal is located, is the gateway of pioneers in Hokkaido. Along the walkway, you'll see gas lamps and stone warehouses that retain remnants of days long passed. Goryokaku in Hakodate is an essential part of Hokkaido's history, and is one of the top tourist attractions in Hokkaido. It's based on early modern European castle technology. Abashiri Prison is an inseparable part of the eastern Hokkaido area's history. Despite its name, the Abashiri Prison has an impressive modern interior with a touch of Western architecture. Hokkaido's Spectacular Natural Scenery and Winter Leisure If you visit Hakodate in Hokkaido, you can take the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway to enjoy the beautiful night view. Cape Soya, the northernmost cape in Japan, and Lake Akan, introduced at 1:49 in the video, are also worth a visit. Ainu Kotan in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, is a tourist attraction that conveys the traditional culture of the Ainu people. Lake Mashu, on the other hand, is a popular scenic spot famous for being the clearest lake in Japan. Shirogane Blue Pond and the famous Shirahige Waterfall in the Shirogane Onsen area, can be seen at 1:25 in the video. The clear blue water is a natural wonder and great for taking Instagram pics! There are also hot springs in Noboribetsu and Toyako (Toya Lake). From 2:52 in the video, you can see a cruise on Lake Toya. In addition to the rich natural scenery, you can also enjoy skiing and other leisure activities. Kiroro Resort, which takes its name from the Ainu language, is a famous hotel resort in the area. Enjoy the Gourmet Cuisine of the Cold Climate Hokkaido is full of delicious food. Representative dishes include the lamb dish Genghis Khan (Jingisukan), ramen, seafood dishes with crab, soup curry, and pork bowls. Other typical Hokkaido delicacies include "chanchan yaki," a dish made with grilled fish such as salmon, and vegetables and seasoned with miso, Ishikari Nabe, a hot pot dish with salmon as the main ingredient, and Zangi, which is similar to fried chicken. Summary of Hokkaido - An Easy-To-Visit Tourist Destination Thanks to the Diversified Transportation With the diversification of transportation, including airplanes and the shinkansen (bullet train), you can enjoy your trip to Hokkaido through a variety of means. There are 14 airports in Hokkaido, and rental cars are also available. The weather from November to March can be colder than in the middle of winter on the mainland, so you'll want to be prepared for the elements. Check out the video to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Hokkaido!

Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka: Video Introduction Photo：Hydrangeas at Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka This video, titled "Katsuoji Temple, a beautiful temple of Kachi Daruma in Minoh, Osaka, Japan" (勝ちダルマの勝尾寺｜大阪箕面市の美しいお寺 - Katsuo-ji Temple（Osaka、 Japan）), was uploaded by "BURARI JAPAN." This 5-minute video shows Okiyome Bridge which leads to the temple gate of Katsuoji Temple, along with fog, the beautiful contrast of green trees and red-colored architecture on the temple grounds, and the many Daruma dolls placed throughout the temple. Be sure to check out the video, which was shot during hydrangea season on the temple grounds, to see the temple in Osaka, Japan known for luck in victory. Katsuoji Temple – The History & Name of the Temple and Its Unique Kachi Daruma Dolls Photo：Spring at Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka Katsuoji Temple, which is known for its kachi daruma ('kachi' meaning victory, and 'daruma' being dolls modeled after Bodhidharma that are symbols of good luck), dates back to the Nara Period (710-794 A.D.) in Japan. The temple was founded in 775 under the name Mirokuji Temple. The sixth head priest, Gyojun, used the power of Buddhism to cure Emperor Seiwa, who was ill, through prayer. For this reason, the temple was given the name "Katsuoji Temple" (勝王寺) meaning "the temple that defeated the king" (勝: Win, 王: King, 寺: Temple) (referring to the temple having better healers than the imperial palace). However, out of a sense of humility, Gyojun changed the "王" (King) to "尾" (Tail) and called the temple "Katsuoji Temple" without changing the pronunciation. However, despite this, the temple still gradually came to be known for blessings of luck in victory. The "Katsu" (勝: Win) in "Katsuoji" has the meaning of "facing oneself" and "defeating oneself," which is consistent with Bodhidharma's idea of zazen Buddhism. Therefore, it is said that the temple adopted the kachi daruma, a daruma doll with the character "勝" (kachi 'victory') on its belly. Many people visit Katsuoji Temple to pray for success in entrance examinations, employment, and prosperous business. The Meaning of Daruma, How Much they Cost, and How to Use Them Photo：Daruma dolls at Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka Kachi daruma have the meaning of "victory over oneself" and "to fall down 7 times, but get back up 8." It represents a pledge to fulfill the wish written on the daruma doll within one year from the date the wish is written on it. Kachi daruma dolls range in price from 2,000 to 200,000 yen ($15-$150). After receiving the daruma and writing your goal(s) for the year on the back and your life goals on the bottom, light incense sticks filled with your thoughts and let the smoke seep into the daruma. Make a vow to make every effort to achieve your goals, and draw an eye in the daruma doll's right eye. After taking it home, place it in a place where you can see it. Then, either when you achieve your goal or one year later, dedicate it to Katsuoji Temple. If you are successful, draw in the left eye, and if not, leave it blank and go to the main hall to report your progress and express your gratitude. [Video] 2:02 - Dedicating a Daruma Katsuoji Temple – Beautiful Autumn Leaves and Nighttime Illuminations Photo：Benten Hall and autumn leaves at the pond, Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka Every year in early November, visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves at Katsuoji Temple. The temple grounds, which extend from the temple gate, beautiful shades of red and yellow, and are enhanced by the greenery of the surrounding mountains. The temple is also illuminated at night, and the views looking up at the pagoda are simply breathtaking. Other spots to check out at Katsuoji Temple are as follows: ●Sanmon Gate - Okiyome Bridge - Benten Hall - The Two-Story Pagoda From Okiyome Bridge, after passing through the temple gate, you'll find the two-story pagoda and Benten Hall. The autumn leaves and buildings reflected on the surface of the water together with the mist around Okiyome Bridge create a magical atmosphere. [Video] 0:05 - Sanmon Gate, Okiyome Bridge, and Benten Hall ●The Approach to the Main Hall and Nikaido (the fifth sacred site of Honen, the founder of Pure Land Buddhism) The approach to the main hall and Nikaido is like a tunnel of autumn leaves. It's a special space that can be seen only during a limited period of time. [Video] 2:56 - The Main Hall of Katsuoji Temple ●The View From Nikaido Nikaido is located on a hill and offers a panoramic view of the entire temple grounds. The view from Nikaido is different from looking up at the autumn leaves, and is unique to Katsuoji Temple. How to Get to Katsuoji Temple Photo：Near Osaka Station Here is how you can get to Katsuoji Temple from various locations in Osaka. Katsuoji Temple From Osaka Station: 40-50 mins Take the subway from JR Osaka Station to Senri-Chuo Station (~20 mins), and from there, take a bus (~30 mins) or taxi (~20 mins) to Katsuoji Temple. Alternatively, you can the train from Osaka Station to Ishibashi Handai-mae Station (~16 mins), then take a train to Minoo Station (~6 mins), and from Mino Station take a bus (~30 mins) or taxi (~20 mins) to Katsuoji Temple. Katsuoji Temple From Osaka International Airport: 30-60 mins To get to Katsuoji Temple from Osaka International Airport, take the monorail (~3mins) or bus (~20 mins) to Hotarugaike Station, and from there take the monorail, take the monorail to Senri-Chuo Station (~9 mins). From there take a bus (~33 mins) or taxi (~20 mins) to Katsuoji Temple. Other Things to Do Near Katsuoji Temple Photo：Autumn colors at Minoh Falls, Minoh, Osaka Since Katsuoji Temple is located a ways from the city, there isn't a ton of stuff to do in the immediate area. That being said, it is located somewhat close to Minoh Falls. Minoh Falls Minoh Park has two entrances: one on the back side of the park, and the other close to the city of Osaka. From either entrance, it's an approximately 45-minute walk to the waterfall, meaning you can either hike to Minoh Falls from the city and then hike to Katsuoji Temple afterwards, or visit Katsuoji Temple first, hike to Minoh Falls, and then hike back to the entrance near Minoo Station. Minoh Park is especially beautiful during autumn when the leaves have changed color, so if you're visiting during this time, we highly recommend checking it out. Hours: Open 24 hours Admission Fee: Free Summary of Katsuoji Temple and Its Kachi Daruma Dolls Photo：Daruma dolls at Katsuoji Temple, Minoh, Osaka Did you watch the video of Minoh, Osaka's Katsuoji Temple? The temple is full of things to see and do, from its rich natural scenery and quaint atmosphere to the overflowing daruma dolls on the kachi daruma dedication racks. Katsuoji Temple also sells daruma dolls with omikuji (fortunes) inside, so be sure to purchase one and display it on a shelf at home! During the special nighttime illumination period in the fall, when the autumn leaves are in season, the temple is visited by people from all over Japan, and the approach to the main hall and the Nikaido Hall attracts many visitors every year to see the tunnel of autumn leaves. Although there is a parking lot at Katsuoji Temple, you should consider taking a taxi from Minoo Station, as it will inevitably be crowded when the autumn leaves are in season. There's a ton of things to do at Katsuoji Temple, and it's a recommended spot where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Japan. Why not visit spring and early summer at the shrine are also great times to visit, so be sure to consider it! 【Official Website】Katsuoji Temple 【TripAdvisor】Katsuoji Temple