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

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

Video introduction of "Bon Odori Izakaya" in Shinjuku, Tokyo This video, “Bon Odori Izakaya - 盆踊り居酒屋”, was created by “TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful”. This is a 4K video introducing a restaurant where you can experience Japan’s traditional dance. Bon odori is a well-loved traditional dance which has existed in Japan for centuries. Every year, during the Obon season, people in all areas of Japan gather to enjoy doing this traditional dance together. In Tokyo’s Shinjuku area, there is an intriguing place aimed at tourists where bon odori can be enjoyed year-round. Isn’t it strange to imagine enjoying bon odori, normally associated with the stages of summer festivals, in an izakaya of all places? The video introduces the spectacle in 7 minutes. You'll definitely get a sense of the festive atmosphere through this video. What Is Bon Odori? Photo：Image of Bon Odori During the Obon period, which is celebrated in August in Japan (July for places such as Tokyo), there are various events held to pay respects and offerings to ancestors. Bon odori is a type of dance where residents dressed in yukata surround a large stage and dance together. In the middle of the stage is a smaller stage where they perform the festival's music and play Japanese drums, providing the accompaniment to the dance. The exact moves of the dance differ according to each area of Japan, and it is said that there are over 1,000 types of bon odori choreographies throughout Japan. Visit a Summer Festival and Enjoy Bon-Odori! Photo：Siblings at a Japanese Summer Festival Bon odori is commonly held as a part of the summer festivals in Japan. Lanterns are lit in temples and shrines, food stalls are set up, and there is a lively, bustling atmosphere with many visitors. Summer festivals, which can even be said to be Japan’s summer tradition, are definitely a recommended event for visitors who wish to experience Japanese culture. There are many festivals where tourists are heartily welcomed to participate in the dance, so don’t hesitate to give it a try! A Look at the Bon Odori Izakaya! Source :YouTube screenshot Although Bon Odori is a piece of Japanese culture that can only be experienced during the Obon period, at the bon odori izakaya in Shinjuku, you can enjoy bon odori any time of the year. This exciting place is the Shinjuku Sanchoku Yokocho (新宿産直横丁) in Shinjuku’s Kabuki-cho (歌舞伎町) area. The Bon Odori Izakaya is a popular entertainment establishment where you can become immersed in dancing the bon odori. On top of that, the Edo-like atmosphere allows you to experience a piece of Japan’s history. From0:22 in the video is the Tokyo Ondo (東京音頭), and from 1:09 is the Tanko Bushi (炭坑節), traditional dances well-known to the Japanese. Even just watching your video, doesn’t your body start to move to the beat? Summary of the Bon Odori Izakaya Source :YouTube screenshot From 5:46 in the video, visitors are shown thoroughly enjoying dancing the bon odori in the izakaya. We highly recommend the Bon Odori Izakaya for visitors with an interest in Japanese culture, as well as those who just want to have a fun time. Be sure to check out the Bon Odori Izakaya shown in the video if you haven't yet! If this article/video have made you feel like you want to experience the culture of Bon Odori, or if you want to dance while enjoying drinks and food, be sure to visit the Bon Odori Izakaya in Shinjuku, Tokyo! ◆Shinjuku Sanchoku Yokocho◆ 【Address】Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho 1-27-5 APM Building 6th Floor (東京都新宿区歌舞伎町 1-27-5 APM ビル6階, Tokyo-to Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-27-5 APM biru rokkai) 【Access】Two minute walk from the Seibu Shinjuku Station off the Seibu Shinjuku Line (西武新宿線「西武新宿駅」, Seibu shinjuku sen seibu shinjuku eki) 【Hours】Mon-Thur 11:00～24:00, Fri・Sat 11:00～4:00 the next day, Sun・Public Holidays 11:00～24:00 【Closures】None 【Telephone Number】03-5285-9288 【Things to Note】As opening hours are irregular, be sure to confirm the opening days and hours of the izakaya before visiting. 【Official Website】Bon Odori Izakaya｜Experiential Entertainment Izakaya BonOdori IZAKAYA｜Tokyo Shinjuku https://bon-odori.net/izakaya/ja/

Tokyo Tower's 333 Koinobori: Video Introduction This video, titled "Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers" (東京タワー 333匹のこいのぼり), was uploaded by "Tokyo Tower Official Channel." Koinobori, or carp streamers, are a springtime tradition in Japan. They are displayed all over the country to wish for the healthy growth of children, just like the strong and sturdy carp of legend. Carp streamers (鯉のぼり, koinobori) used to be hung outside of houses with children, but in recent years, due to changes in housing conditions, fewer and fewer people decorate their homes with them. Tokyo Tower, located in Minato, Tokyo in Japan's Kanto region, also holds an annual spring event called "333 Carp Streamers" to celebrate Children's Day. In honor of Tokyo Tower's 333-meter height, 333 colorful carp streamers and a giant 6-meter-long "Sanmanobori" (Pacific Saury streamer) are flown in front of the main entrance on the first floor of Tokyo Tower, colorfully decorating the foot of the tower. The spectacle of so many carp streamers blowing in the wind and swimming in the sky at once is a sight to behold. [Video] 0:13 - Tokyo Tower and 333 Carp Streamers Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers – The History of the Event and the Reason For the Large Pacific Saury Streamer Photo：Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers, a spring event at Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower, a well-known symbol of Tokyo, is a former Japanese radio tower that was opened in December of 1958. At 333 meters tall, it was the world's tallest freestanding steel tower, surpassing the 312-meter Eiffel Tower in Paris. In 2011, Tokyo Tower handed over its role as a radio tower to Tokyo Sky Tree, but it continues to be loved as a symbol of Tokyo for its design and nostalgia. Located in Minato, the heart of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower's observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city of Tokyo. Various events and light ups are held throughout the year, making it a great tourist attraction for families and even couples. The Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is an annual spring event at Tokyo Tower that began in 2009. During the event, 333 brightly colored carp streamers and giant sanmanobori (Pacific Saury streamer) are displayed at the foot of the tower to symbolize the tower's 333-meter height. The sanmanobori were first displayed in April 2011 as a symbol of support for those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, who had forged friendships with one another through the Sanriku Ofunato Tokyo Tower Sanma Festival. Since then, the 6-meter-long pacific saury streamer from Ofunato, Iwate, has been displayed every year as a symbol to encourage the recovery of the area. If you visit Tokyo Tower for the event, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the large pacific saury swimming with the carp streamers. [Video] 0:30 - The Pacific Saury Streamer Highlights of Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers Light-Up Event! Photo：Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers lit up Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is a popular event for its photogenic views. Families and camera enthusiasts visit from all over to take pictures of Tokyo Tower together with the carp streamers during spring. Tokyo Tower is also illuminated at night. The tower under the blue sky is beautiful enough, but when it's lit up at night, it's simply marvelous! During Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers festival every year, the carp streamers are also lit up fantastically with Tokyo Tower. The composition of Tokyo Tower and carp streamers from below makes for some incredible photos. It's also great for visitors who come during the late afternoon. How long will the "333 Carp Streamers" be held in 2024? Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers event is usually held from early April to early May, In 2023, the "333 Carp Streamers" took place from March 24 to May 7; in 2024, it will be held from March 20 to May 6. Taking photos of your kids with the carp streamers at Tokyo Tower is a great way to celebrate Children's Day on May 5! Other Events at Tokyo Tower Photo：Tokyo Tower's outer staircase Tokyo Tower hosts a number of exciting events like Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers. One event in particular is the "Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk," which is a great way to enjoy Tokyo Tower to the fullest. Normally limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, Tokyo Tower's famous 600-step staircase, which rises 150 meters into the sky, is open to the public every day during the event. 600 steps may sound daunting, but it takes an adult about 12 to 13 minutes to climb the stairs, and a child can complete the climb in about 15 minutes. There are also quizzes from the Noppon Brothers (the Tokyo Tower mascots) displayed along the climb, and there's even a Noppon Approved Stair Climbing Certificate waiting for you at the end, which cannot be purchased regularly. Ascending Tokyo Tower on your own, step by step, while enjoying the pleasant breeze and a view of Tokyo, is a unique and precious experience that you can't experience anywhere else! The tower is also brilliant when illuminated at night. The Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk event has been extended due to its popularity, so be sure to check it out. How to Get to Tokyo Tower, Plus Admission Fees & Hours There are a number of ways to get to Tokyo Tower. Here, we'll introduce a few. A 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station via the Metropolitan Subway Oeda Line. A 15-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station via JR lines. A 1-minute walk from the Tokyo Tower Bus Stop via Tokyu Bus from Tokyo Station (Approximately 30 minutes). This is likely the simplest way to get to Tokyo Tower if you're at Tokyo Station. Hours: Main Deck (150m) 9:00 am - 10:30 pm (Last admission 10:00 pm) Top Deck Tour (150m & 250m) 9:00 pm - 10:15 pm (Last Tour 9:30 pm - 9:45 pm) Admission Fees: Adults (Main Deck): 1,200 yen, Adults (Top Deck Tour): 2,800 yen (Online), 3,000 yen (Ticket counter) High school students (Main Deck): 1,000 yen, High school students (Top Deck Tour): 2,600 yen (Online), 2,800 yen (Ticket counter) Junior high school students (Main Deck): 700 yen, Junior high school students (Top Deck Tour): 1,800 yen (Online), 2,000 yen (Ticket counter) Children (Main Deck): 500 yen, Children (Top Deck Tour): 1,200 yen (Online), 1,400 yen (Ticket counter) Be sure to check out the official website for more details. Summary of Tokyo Tower's Koinobori Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is a well-known springtime tradition. The collaboration of Tokyo Tower and the carp streamers is a must-see and can only be seen during spring. Consider a visit to Tokyo Tower this spring to see 333 colorful carp streamers and one giant 6-meter-long pacific saury streamer swimming powerfully in the heart of Tokyo! 【Official Website】Tokyo Tower 【TripAdvisor】Tokyo Tower

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

Yamanashi Minamitsuru-gun "Kawaguchiko" Autumn Foliage Movie Introduction This video, titled "Must-see Views at Lake Kawaguchi｜A Corridor of Autumn Leaves" (Must See in Kawaguchiko,Japan "Autumn Leaves Corridor" 河口湖 紅葉(もみじ)回廊), was uploaded by "ka2see tv." The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held in conjunction with the autumn leaves of Lake Kawaguchi, which are at their best from early to mid-November. Visitors are fascinated by the corridor surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves. Check out the relaxing illuminations and the pleasant rustling of leaves in the video below. Celebrate Autumn With the Colorful Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Photo：The corridor of autumn leaves at the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival The "Fuji Kawaguchi Lake Autumn Leaves Festival" is held at Lake Kawaguchi . Period: October 28 - November 23, 2023 Time: 9:00~19:00 Light up until 22:00 Admission: Free Main Venue: Momiji Corridor This is a popular sightseeing event where visitors can observe the autumn foliage of approximately 400 to 500 trees along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, with Mt. Fuji in the distance. [Video] 2:57 - The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival [Video] 0:16 - A View of the Illuminated Autumn Foliage A Spectacular View of Mt. Fuji and Autumn Leaves Around Lake Kawaguchi! Photo：Mt. Fuji from a tunnel of autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchi There are a number of places around Lake Kawaguchi where visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves. Here are some of the best places to take pictures around Lake Kawaguchi. ●The Tunnel of Autumn Leaves This is a famous spot where the autumn leaves along the road turn red and resemble a colorful tunnel. The composition of the autumn leaves, Mt. Fuji, and Lake Kawaguchi is very popular, and many photographers and tourists visit this spot to take photos. The view of the bright red autumn leaves over Mt. Fuji is like a painting, reminding us of the autumn season in Japan. The spot has been featured on tourism posters, and it's sure to be a popular on Instagram as well. ●Momiji-dai Momiji-dai, an observation deck for viewing the autumn leaves, is located on Mt. Ashiwada at the eastern end of the Aokigahara Sea of Trees on the north side of Mt. Fuji. The observation deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view. You can see Mt. Fuji and the Aokigahara Sea of Trees through the autumn leaves, as well and the views of Lake Motosu and Lake Nishiko are also outstanding. ●Lake Motosu Lake Motosu, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is a popular photo spot that even appears on the 1,000-yen bill. Lake Motosu is famous for its upside-down Fuji reflected on the surface of the lake, and in autumn, the reddish autumn leaves can be seen reflected on the surface of the lake as well. Enjoy a collaboration of colorful autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji in one place. Summary of Autumn Leaves at Lake Kawaguchi Photo：The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Come and enjoy Japan's unique autumn scenery at the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival. The illuminated autumn leaves of Fujikawaguchiko are a very different sight from those seen during the daytime. There are many places around Lake Kawaguchi where you can take photos of the autumn leaves as well, so be sure to bring a camera when sightseeing in Yamanashi! During the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, many people are expected to visit and crowds and traffic jams are likely to occur. Free temporary parking is available, but spaces are limited. To avoid congestion around the venue in 2023, please use the shuttle bus during weekends and holidays. Traffic near Kawaguchiko Bridge can be checked via live camera, so we recommend using it when you visit the area. 【Official Website】The 24th Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival https://fujisan.ne.jp/pages/433/ 【TripAdvisor】The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1165976-d10019717-Reviews-Fuji_Lake_Kawaguchi_Koyo_Festival-Fujikawaguchiko_machi_Minamitsuru_gun_Yamanas.html

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

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

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

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

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

Video Introduction of “Ohinasama Tour in Futami” in Ise City, Mie Prefecture This video, titled "Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) in Futami, Ise, Mie" (Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) ひな祭り「おひなさまめぐり in 二見」三重県伊勢市), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." What Is Hinamatsuri + A Brief Introduction to Mie Prefecture Hinamatsuri, also known as Girls' Day, is a traditional Japanese event/festival to celebrate the health and happiness of girls that takes place on March 3rd each year in Japan. The festivals generally feature dolls (called 'hina') dressed up in kimono, along with decorations, such as peach and cherry blossoms. During Hinamatsuri, the dolls are placed on a platform called a "Hina-dan," which generally features 7 tiers of dolls and a red cloth covering. The dolls used in Hinamatsuri can often be quite expensive, but they are more commonly handed down from the grandparents of the child as heirlooms when the baby is born. Common foods eaten during Hinamatsuri include different types of sushi, amazake (a type of sake with little or no alcohol content), mochi, etc. Mie Prefecture is located in southern Honshu, Japan's main island. It shares borders with Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Gifu, Shiga, and Aichi Prefectures, as well as the sea, allowing for it to have a thriving fishing industry. Mie is home to a number of attractions, including various shrines, the most famous of which is Ise Grand Shrine. Each year in Futami, Mie, where Futamiura, a National Site of Scenic Beauty famous for Meoto-iwa (夫婦岩, lit. "Wedded Rocks"), a pair of sacred rocks said to represent a married couple, is located, a Hinamatsuri festival is held. Approximately 1,500 hina dolls are displayed at Hinjitsukan, a historic building that once served as lodging for distinguished guests. Enjoy the historic, museum-like building and the various Hina dolls displayed there in the video. How Hinamatsuri is Celebrated in Futami, Mie Photo：Hina dolls The Hinamatsuri festival is held annually for about a month from February to March in the Futamiura area centering on the Meoto-iwa. The first Hinamatsuri festival in Futami was held by local volunteers in order to revitalize tourism in the area, which had been experiencing a decline due to aging facilities and changes in transportation. During the event period, visitors can see Hinamatsuri decorations everywhere, including public facilities, inns, restaurants, souvenir stores, and even in the yards of ordinary houses. There are many elaborate exhibits and plenty of things to see! The Hinamatsuri festival in Futami also offers workshops and events for visitors to enjoy Hinamatsuri and has become a spring tradition that many people participate in. What are the dates and highlights of the 2024 Ohinasama Meguri in Futami? The 20th Ohinasama Meguri in Futami was held from February 4 to March 5 in 2023, and will be held from February 4 to March 10 in 2024 in Futami-machi, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, in the Futamiura area. Since the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), Futamiura has been visited by many people as a place to purify oneself before visiting Ise Grand Shrine. During the event, Hina dolls will be displayed at the traditional Japanese-style inns along the Meoto-iwa approach to the inns. At the Futami Lifelong Learning Center (二見生涯学習センター, Futami Shogai Gakushu Senta), visitors can enjoy all sorts of popular Hinamatsuri decorations. You can enjoy the creative display in collaboration with Hinjitsukan. There are approximately 1500 priceless Edo period hina doll decorations and creative hina dolls on display at Hinjitsukan! The hina dolls depicting nobles sitting in the palace are really something else. [Video] 1:11 - Splendid Hina Doll Decorations Next, we'll take a look at Hinjitsukan, one of the exhibition halls during the Hinamatsuri festival of Futami, Mie. Unique Events at Hinjitsukan, a Guest House Turned Museum Photo：Hinjitsukan in Futami, Mie During the 20th Hinamatsuri festival in Futami, special exhibitions, workshops, and events are planned to take place at Hinjitsukan, an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The interior of the museum has a historic atmosphere, with gorgeous dolls from the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.) to the Showa period (1926-1989 A.D.) displayed in various places. There are also a number of dolls and decorations with unique designs. Visitors can take their time to appreciate the unique hina dolls here. [Video] 2:22 - Unique Hina Doll Displays The theme for 2023 was "Nostalgic School Trips," and the theme for 2024 will be "Futami no Shinji" (the Shinto rituals of Futami), with exhibits depicting the "Mogari Shinji," "vegetable and fruit cultivation at Jingu Gyoen," and "hard salt production at Goshiohama and Goshioyakijo" with hina dolls. There are also workshops offering a pearl hina doll-making experience that both children and adults alike can enjoy. On weekends, there will be various events, such as gospel concerts, erhu (Chinese violin), koto, and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) performances, rakugo (comedic Japanese storytelling), magic shows, and more. Kimono Rental Experiences and Discounts for Wearing Them! Guests who visit Hinjitsukan while wearing kimono on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays during the Hinamatsuri festival will be admitted free of charge! On days with free admission for those wearing kimono, there will be a matcha (powdered green tea) ceremony as well, and you can enjoy tea while viewing the strolling garden. [Video] 0:22 - Hinjitsukan, an Important Cultural Property of Japan Summary of Hinamtasuri in Futami, Mie Photo：The Meoto-iwa at Futami Okitama Shrine The Hinamatsuri festival of Futami, Mie started as a way to revitalize the community of Futami, and is now a springtime tradition and event enjoyed by many people in Futamiura. If you come to Mie, Japan for sightseeing during the spring, we definitely recommend coming by and enjoying a kimono rental experience while enjoying the attractions in the area. From JR Futamiura Station to the Meoto-iwa and Futami Okitama Shrine, it's about 10-15 minutes walking. This is a great chance to experience Japanese culture and traditions and see unique hina doll decorations you won't find in other parts of Japan. There's also a stamp rally that visitors can complete to receive a commemorative gift, providing another enjoyable way to tour the area. There are also restaurants serving special foods unique to Hinamatsuri that are only available during the festival. Enjoy Hinamatsuri in Mie, Japan with a sightseeing trip to Futamiura! ◆Hinjitsukan◆ 【Address】566-2 Futamicho Chaya, Ise, Mie 519-0609 【Hours】9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 【Closures】Tuesdays (If Tuesday is a national holiday, closed the following day) 【Admission Fee】Adults: 310 yen, Children (elementary, junior high, high school): 150 yen 　※During the Hinamatsuri festival: Adults: 400 yen, children: 200 yen 【Parking】None 【Access】Nearest station: An approximately 12-minute walk from Futamiura Station via the JR Sangu Line 【TripAdvisor】Hinjitsukan

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

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

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

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

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

Pikachu Jet Video Introduction This video, titled "[SKYMARK]☆Pikachu Jet BC2 Inaugural Video" (【SKYMARK】☆ピカチュウジェットBC2 就航記念動画☆), was uploaded by "- SKYMARK CHANNEL -" (スカイマーク チャンネル - SKYMARK CHANNEL -). This video introduces the BC2, the second aircraft of the "Pokémon Air Adventures" project, from its arrival at Haneda Airport to its first flight. The cute design of the Pikachu Jet with the image of the sea and Pikachus scattered throughout the cabin will help hype up your trip. Check out the video to see the Pikachu Jet's takeoff and landing, as well as a look inside the aircraft. About the Pikachu Jet BC2 and an Overview of the Cabin Source :YouTube screenshot The first Pikachu Jet (BC1) began service in June 2021 as part of the "Pokémon Air Adventures" Project. This video introduces the second Pikachu Jet, the BC2, which entered service on May 30, 2022. It's a great video where you can see the No. 1 and No. 2 Pikachu Jets together. [Video] 0:36 - BC1 and BC2 Pikachu Jets Pikachu, the famous Pokémon character, has been featured in video games and anime to express the joy of adventure. The "Pokémon Air Adventures" project was created with the aim of promoting the aviation and tourism industries with such Pokémon. The Pikachu Jet flies primarily to and from Okinawa and to airports served by Skymark flights. The design of the Pikachu Jet BC2 is inspired by the Okinawan sea. The design is fun and cute, with a large Wailord, Pikachu, Shaymin, Magikarp, and other Pokémon all over the aircraft! It's really photogenic and great for taking Instagram photos! Commemorative medals, mini pouches, and model planes are available for purchase on board the Pikachu Jet as well. There is also a special offer where children will receive a keychain plush of the specially painted plane (while supplies last). Keep an eye out for Pokémon on boarding passes, flight attendants' aprons, in-flight decorations (headrest covers, seat guides, etc.), equipment, in-flight services, and more. Pikachu can even be seen making an appearance in the Skymark uniform! [Video] 0:42 - Pikachu and the Pikachu Jet Operation Schedules and How to Ride the Pikachu Jet The Pikachu Jet operation schedule is currently being on the official Pikachu Jet website with plans through September 30, 2022. If you book your ticket according to the routes and times announced in this operation schedule, you will have a higher chance of riding on the Pikachu Jet. (Please note that the aircrafts are subject to change without notice.) Pikachu Jet BC2 – Flying Routes To/From Okinawa Photo：The Pikachu Jet BC2 The main routes served by the Pikachu Jet BC2 are as follows: Haneda - Naha Haneda - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose) Haneda - Kobe Sapporo (Shin-Chitose) - Haneda Kobe - Haneda Kobe - Nagasaki Nagasaki - Kobe At Naha Airport, the Skymark domestic flight counters and check-in machines are decorated with Pikachus! If you're a Pokémon fan, be sure to snap some photos. A special "Pokémon Air Adventures Pikachu Jet" store is also located inside the JAL side of the RYUBO Department Store on the 2nd floor of the Naha Airport Domestic Terminal. You can buy Okinawan souvenirs with a special Pikachu design here. In addition, airport vehicles will be wrapped in Pikachu-designs to add to the excitement. All the Pikachus! Yui Rail and Bus Tours! Pikachu and friends are also on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (nicknamed "Yui Rail") connecting Naha Airport and Urasoe! The operation schedule for this service will be posted on the Yui Rail website every Friday. Be sure to check it out in advance. If you're a Pikachu lover, you can also join the "Pokémon Air Adventures: Okinawa de Asobo" tour. You can enjoy Pikachu to your heart's content by receiving Pokémon goods and touring tourist facilities on a Pokémon-themed bus. Summary of the Pikachu Jet This article introduced the specially painted Pikachu Jet. A one-day flight from Ibaraki Airport was also available, but this flight is already sold out. If you'd like to board the Pikachu Jet, we recommend checking the flight schedule and making a reservation. If you broaden your criteria to include the first plane as well, you'll have an even better chance of getting on the plane. We hope you get the chance to board a Pikachu plane and have an exciting trip! The Pikachu Jet and other specially painted planes are very popular with airplane/airport photographers, and some people have even posted pictures of the first and second planes together on Instagram. There's even going to be a special collab with Pokémon GO as well, so be sure to keep an eye out for some special Pikachus! [Official Website] Skymark - Summer Memories with the Pikachu Jet https://www.skymark.co.jp/en/campaign/flying-pikachu/?cp=topmv1flying-pikachu-en

Toyokawa Inari Yolmowde" Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan Video Introduction This video, titled "A Temple Visit at Night With a Fantastical Atmosphere｜Using Technology to Prevent Infection｜Toyokawa Inari, Aichi (2022/7/25)" (幻想的な雰囲気の中で「夜の参拝」を　感染対策には驚きの演出も　愛知・豊川稲荷(2022/7/25)), was uploaded by "CBC News [CBC TV Official]" (CBCニュース【CBCテレビ公式】). Toyokawa Inari x NAKED YORU MO-DE, which began last July, is a safe and secure, new-style nighttime worship event that focuses on preventing infection. Be sure to check out the video as it shows Toyokawa Inari and the photogenic light art, illuminated approach, and many other attractions that can be seen at YORU MO-DE. Toyokawa Inari - Is It a Temple or Shrine? Photo：Reiko-Zuka, the Hill of Foxes at Toyokawa Inari, Aichi Prefecture Toyokawa Inari, located in Toyokawa, Aichi, in Japan's Tokai region, is a temple officially called Enpukuzan Myogonji Temple and is one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan. The reason it is called Toyokawa Inari is that it enshrines a deity called "Toyokawa Dakini Shinten," a god astride a white fox (Inari shrines are dedicated to foxes), who is believed to bring prosperity to business and safety to one's family. It is said that this may be due to the fact that the shrine is also associated with the Inari faith. Toyokawa Inari is famous for offering four types of shuin stamps. The summer-only shuin stamps with cool designs are quite popular. In addition, a variety of good luck charms are available, including some with cute foxes on them. Toyokawa Inari has branch temples throughout Japan. Toyokawa Kaku Myogonji Temple in Akasaka, Tokyo, also known as Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, is a popular urban power spot. The fortune-telling service at Toyokawa Inari Betsuin is particularly popular due to its accuracy, causing there to often be a queue of people waiting to receive their fortunes. Ticket and Event Information for Toyokawa Inari YORU MO-DE 2022 Source :YouTube screenshot Toyokawa Inari YORU MO-DE 2022 is from July 22 to August 6. This is a limited-time event to enjoy a nighttime temple visit, and tickets must be purchased in order to participate. Tickets can be purchased at the on-site reception during the event period, or in advance on ticket websites. Admission is 1,500 yen for adults. Elementary school students and younger can enter free of charge. During YORU MO-DE, visitors can enjoy a variety of illuminated artworks in the precincts of Toyokawa Inari, which attract a lot of attention due to how photogenic they are. In addition to the approach to the temple being lit up, this year the light-up area has been expanded even further! Reiko-Zuka, the Hill of Foxes, where approximately 1,000 fox statues are enshrined, will be illuminated with light and sound effects, creating an even more beautiful and mysterious atmosphere. In addition, the colorful flower-shaped mikuji that have become popular on Japanese social media will add color and delight visitors. Summer is also the best time for yukata! The FOX MASK, available in limited quantities, goes perfectly with yukata, and allows visitors to take memorable photos! Also, the "Tsukubai," a stone wash basin used to purify oneself, emits disinfectant when hands are held near it and projects motifs of goldfish and fireworks. In addition, the light patterns on the lanterns allow visitors to maintain safe social distancing while enjoying the attractions. How Crowded is Toyokawa Inari YORU-MODE 2022? Source :YouTube screenshot With the number of people infected with the new coronavirus on the rise, one concern people have inevitably expressed is how crowded the event will be. At this year's YORU MO-DE, in addition to infection prevention measures, such as alcohol disinfection and lanterns that allow people to naturally maintain distance from other visitors, as mentioned above, a new system has also been introduced. On the day of the event, visitors will obtain a digital numbered ticket by scanning a QR code before entering, and will receive a message on via LINE when it's time to enter. Through this system, the number of visitors allowed into the temple grounds per hour is limited to 1,500 to prevent crowding and to prevent the spread of the virus. Until you can enter with a digital numbered ticket, you can fill your stomach at the food stalls and stores in the shopping area. This system allows visitors to make good use of their time while waiting instead of just standing in line until they can enter. Delicious Food to Try at Toyokawa Inari! When you visit Toyokawa Inari, be it for sightseeing or to pray, there's one food that you've got to try. That is, Toyokawa Inari Sushi! Named after Inari Okami's favorite abura-age, this sushi is a must-try. We recommend Okitsune Honpo (おきつね本舗) if you want to try it! They also offer take-out, so it is perfect for eating while you walk around. The "Okitsune Burger," which uses fried tofu instead of buns, is also popular according to reviews. Consider giving it a try! Summary of YORU MO-DE at Toyokawa Inari If you haven't already seen the video introducing the precincts of the temple and other areas decorated with light effects, be sure to check it out. When visiting the event, although a large parking lot is available, we recommend using public transportation instead of a car, as parking is expected to be crowded during the event. Toyokawa Inari YORU MO-DE is a festival where visitors can enjoy beautiful art with the aim of revitalizing the local community. There are many hotels and other lodging facilities in the area. If you're visiting Aichi for sightseeing, definitely give YORU MO-DE a thought, it's a fantastic summer-only event!

Tourism Expo Japan 2022 is on! It's been two years since Cool Japan Video released its first video, and this will be our first coverage of the event! We will continue to publish articles about Cool Japan Video staff members who have actually visited Japan and provided first-hand accounts of their experiences. The first article in this series covers Tourism Expo Japan, which was held at Tokyo Big Sight for four days from September 22, 2022 (two days open to the public, from September 24 to 25)! The last time the event was held in Tokyo in 2018, a total of 200,000 people visited the big event over four days. This Tourism Expo Japan is one of the world's largest travel festivals and was held in Tokyo for the first time in four years. The exhibition is designed to bring various municipalities and companies a new form of travel that has been greatly changed by the Corona Transit. There were also many new styles of travel, such as VR experiences that make it seem as if you have actually visited the destination. With the convergence of the coronas in sight, the first and second days of the Japan Travel event were a great success. With the convergence of the coronas in sight, the first and second days of the Japan Travel event were a great success. Tourism Expo Japan 2022 - Photos from the First Day of the Expo Here are some photos from the first day, Thursday, September 22, 2022. The interview will be featured again later in this article, so stay tuned! Information has also been added for Friday, September 23, 2022. Photo：Japan Sake Brewery Tourism Promotion Council Photo：Maritime Tourism Promotion Photo：Ibaraki/Tochigi/Gunma/Kusatsu Onsen Photo：National Parks in Japan/Haku Japan: National Parks Project Photo：Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Photo：Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization / East Japan Railway Company Photo：Kyoto of the sea/ Kyoto of tea/ Kyoto of the forest/ Another Kyoto/ Nishiyama, Kyoto "Bamboo Village, Otokuni Photo：Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation Photo：VISIT JAPAN Travel & MICE Mart Lastly, ... To our surprise, former Prime Minister Suga also visited on that day! Tourism Expo Japan 2022, Day 2 The second day of Tourism Expo Japan was another great success. It will open to the public on the third day, Saturday, September 24, 2022, so here's a rundown of all the highlights for everyone to enjoy! First, booths of prefectures and local governments from all over Japan. Various booths will be lined up from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. It introduces recommended sights, top sights and gourmet foods, so it will help you decide what to plan for when you actually visit on your trip! At the Okinawa Prefecture booth, visitors were given information on sightseeing spots along with information from various remote islands. You can also learn about the history of Okinawa. The Kyushu booth features seven prefectures: Fukuoka/Saga/Nagasaki/Kumamoto/Oita/Miyazaki/Kagoshima! This day, September 23, 2022, marked the anniversary of the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen line. Of the 143-kilometer Shinkansen project between Hakata and Nagasaki Stations, 66 kilometers between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki Stations has been opened. At the Shikoku booth, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa, and Tokushima prefectures You will find a wide variety of natural activities and attractions. Hida Takayama, Matsumoto City, Kanazawa City, etc. in Hokuriku, Hida, and Shinshu 3 star road trip! You can also sample Shirakawa-go Cider, a local drink. Check out the booths where you can sample sake and other local beverages. Many of them have limited hours, so you need to check in advance. At the Ishikawa booth, visitors can compare three types of Ishikawa sake. I would have wanted to drink too if I wasn't working... The Hokuriku-Hida-Shinshu 3-star road trip includes a tasting of Shirakawa-go cider, a local drink. There are also several booths where you can try your luck at the gacha-gacha and raffle drawings. At the booth of the Eastern Kochi Tourism Council, visitors can win a stuffed yellowtail, a specialty of Kochi Prefecture, in the "Buri Lottery. You can't go wrong, so why not give it a try? The Japanese Heritage booth had a giant rumble machine that will be open to the public on September 24 and 25. Please visit and see what you can win. Experience booths and event booths that are a little bit different and can only be enjoyed here. You can actually enjoy the footbath! Why don't you try to heal your tired body in a hot spring? The history of life in Hokkaido is recreated. Actual seats from the Anpanman train running in Shikoku are on display. You can even sit down and have your picture taken! Take a great photo and feel like an astronaut! Yukimura Sanada's armor and ninja welcome you. This booth is a must-see for foreigners. There is also the World Scallop Fishing Championships: how many scallops can you catch in two minutes! If you can get the gold bars out of the box, you get a prize! I'd love to travel all over Japan in one of these campers! On the Overseas floor, you can also see booths from around the world. You will feel like you are on a round-the-world trip if you visit each booth. South Africa's colorful booth stood out in the large venue. In Malta, the holy land of cat lovers, of course, cats will welcome you! The Egyptian booth was so authentic, with its objects and costumes, I felt like I was actually visiting Egypt! There's so much more to see and do! Why not visit Tokyo Big Sight this weekend and find your favorite booth? On September 22, 2022, Prime Minister Kishida announced a policy of eliminating the cap on the number of people entering the country, allowing free personal travel, and waiving visa requirements for short-term stays, effective October 11, 2022, over waterfront measures for the new corona. We believe that the recovery of the tourism industry is another step closer to the after Corona. Tourism Expo Japan 2022 Details Date: September 22-25, 2022 (open to the public on September 24-25) Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Address: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan Admission: 1300 yen at the door, 1000 yen in advance By train: Approx. 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Rinkai Line, approx. 7 minutes walk from Kokusai Tenjijo Station / Approx. 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Yurikamome Line Official website:https://www.t-expo.jp/public

The History of Hino City, Tokyo, and the Shinsengumi Hino City in Tokyo is known as a place with deep ties to the Shinsengumi, and it still preserves the history and culture associated with them. Through historic shrines and temples from the Edo period, kimono-wearing experiences, martial arts demonstrations, and festivals, visitors can experience the turbulent times and culture of the late Edo period. This article introduces the attractions of Hino City, including sightseeing spots, cultural experiences, and historical insights. The Shinsengumi was an armed police force based in Kyoto during the final years of the Edo period. Their main role was to suppress pro-imperial and anti-foreign activists. What is the Shinsengumi? Photo: Image of a samurai through a shoji screen Formed in 1863 by ronin (masterless samurai) sent to Kyoto under orders from the Tokugawa shogunate, the group was led by Commander Isami Kondo and Vice-Commander Toshizo Hijikata. Skilled in swordsmanship, they worked to maintain public order and protect the shogunate under their banner marked with the kanji for “Makoto” (sincerity). Although their base was in Kyoto, many members were from the Tama area, including present-day Hino City and Chofu City in Tokyo. Hino is often referred to as the “hometown of the Shinsengumi.” The city is home to many historical sites and museums related to their legacy, making it a valuable place to connect with samurai history. Tracing the Legacy of the Shinsengumi Through Historic Sites and Traditions Toshizo Hijikata MuseumThis privately-run museum is located in the birthplace of Vice-Commander Toshizo Hijikata. It showcases his personal belongings and documents related to the Shinsengumi. It is open on the first and third Sundays of each month from 12:00 to 16:00, but please check the official website for special opening days and additional information.[Official Site] Toshizo Hijikata Museum Photo: Toshizo Hijikata Museum in Hino City, Tokyo Hino-juku Honjin This former lodging facility was built during the Edo period and served as both the residence and inn for Hiko-goro Sato, a local magistrate and wholesaler. It is open from 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Admission is 200 yen for adults and 50 yen for children.[Official Site] Hino City - Hino-juku Honjin Photo: Hino-juku Honjin in Hino City, Tokyo Takahata Fudoson: A Historic Temple Associated with Toshizo Hijikata Photo: Statue of Toshizo Hijikata at Takahata Fudoson in Hino City, Tokyo Takahata Fudoson (official name: Takahata-san Myoo-in Kongojii) in Hino City is a prominent temple of the Chizan School of Shingon Buddhism and is considered one of the three major Fudo temples in the Kanto region. It is also widely known as the family temple of Toshizo Hijikata, making it a special place for fans of the late Edo period. Within the temple grounds are a statue of Hijikata and a monument dedicated to both Hijikata and Isami Kondo. Their spirits are still honored in this tranquil space. The Dainichido Hall enshrines Hijikata’s mortuary tablet and a large memorial tablet for the Shinsengumi members. In the inner hall, visitors can view his letters and other valuable documents related to the Shinsengumi. A memorial service is held every year on May 11 to mark Hijikata’s death. In 2025, a special graveside memorial was held at Ishida Temple on May 10, organized by the Toshizo Hijikata Museum Friends Association. Around the same time, the “Hino Shinsengumi Festival” is held over the second weekend in May, drawing many Shinsengumi fans and history enthusiasts to the city. Following the footsteps of Toshizo Hijikata at Takahata Fudoson offers visitors a sense of the samurai spirit and historical significance. It is one of the must-visit locations in Hino City. Experiencing Shinsengumi Culture Hino Shinsengumi FestivalHeld on the second Saturday and Sunday of May, the Hino Shinsengumi Festival features parades with participants dressed as Shinsengumi members, martial arts demonstrations, and taiko drum performances. Locals and visitors come together to enjoy this lively event. For the latest information, please visit the official Hino City website.[Official Site] Hino Tourism Association - Hino Shinsengumi Festival Become a Shinsengumi Member! Cosplay Experience at the History Museum At the Shinsengumi Furusato History Museum in Hino, visitors can enjoy a cosplay experience by wearing a haori, a traditional coat like those worn by members of the Shinsengumi, and taking photos. The museum also displays portraits and documents of the members, allowing visitors to learn about the history while feeling like a part of the Shinsengumi. Wearing the haori marked with the character “Makoto,” visitors can tour the museum and historical sites in the city, offering an immersive experience of the late Edo period.[Official Site] Shinsengumi Furusato History Museum Getting to Hino City How to Get ThereMajor tourist spots are within walking distance from JR Chuo Line’s Hino Station. From Shinjuku Station, it takes about 40 minutes on the Chuo Line Rapid. Takahatafudo Station on the Keio Line also offers bus access to the area. Conclusion Hino City is a place where the history of the Shinsengumi and samurai culture still thrives. With numerous historical sites and hands-on experiences, it offers visitors new discoveries and deep inspiration. Be sure to visit Hino City and immerse yourself in the culture and history of the samurai. Please note that the information provided is current as of May 2025. For the latest updates, check the official websites of each facility.

Video introduction of "Omagari Fireworks" in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, Japan This time, we would like to introduce a video titled "[4K HDR] Omagari Fireworks Festival Offering Fireworks Suite "Pictures at an Exhibition" 900m Super Wide Starmine 2023" produced by "HANABI". This 5 minutes and 37 seconds video shows the Omagari Fireworks Festival in 2023. The powerful fireworks and music spreading across the night sky, the artistic fireworks set to the "Pictures at an Exhibition" suite, and the powerful wide starmine are breathtaking. Please take a look at the beautiful video first. What are the three major fireworks festivals in Japan? Photo：Omagari Fireworks It is said that there are more than 1,000 fireworks displays held throughout Japan. Among them, the Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition in Ibaraki Prefecture, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in Niigata Prefecture, and the Omagari Fireworks Festival in Omagari in Daisen, Akita, in Japan's Tohoku region, are considered to be the Top 3 Fireworks Festivals in Japan. The official name of the Omagari Fireworks Festival is the "All Japan Fireworks Competition." It is held every year on the last Saturday in August. What is the highlight of the Omagari Fireworks Festival, the "Wide Starmine"? While many fireworks displays are held as local town revitalization events or as summer traditions, the Omagari Fireworks Festival is a competition in which pyrotechnicians from all over the country compete with each other. Therefore, pyrotechnicians carefully prepare for this event with passion and pride. The "Wide Starmine," a 500-meter-long firework that has become a specialty of the event every year, takes as long as a year to produce. Starmine" is a method of setting off a number of fireworks at once at different times, ranging from a few dozen to hundreds of shots. Wide Starmine" is a set of the above "Starmine" fireworks set off at equal intervals. All sets of fireworks can be set off simultaneously or in sequence to create a powerful and dynamic display. The History of the Omagari Fireworks Festival and What Makes It Unique Every year, many people visit the festival to watch the passionate competition between the best pyrotechnicians in Japan, and the 93rd event attracted approximately 750,000 spectators! The city is said to have been flooded with people. Another feature of the Omagari Fireworks Festival is that there is not only a nighttime fireworks display, but also a daytime fireworks display. The daytime fireworks, which are colorfully depicted in the bright sky using multicolored smoke, have been popular among fireworks connoisseurs for many years. Currently, daytime fireworks can only be seen at the Omagari Fireworks Festival. If you are planning to visit the festival, be sure to get there early to see the daytime fireworks as well. What are the dates, times, and bleacher seating for Omagari Fireworks 2024? Date and time: Saturday, August 31, 2024, daytime fireworks: 17:10~ / nighttime fireworks: 18:50~. Tickets for paid spectator seats will be sold directly at the Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as on the Internet. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please check the official website in advance before obtaining tickets. Access and Location of the Omagari Fireworks Festival The Omagari Fireworks Festival is held at the Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park in Daisen, Akita. Access to the venue is a 30-minute walk from JR Omagari Station. On the day of the event, traffic will be regulated around the venue due to the large number of people expected to attend the event. Since public transportation is not available, the only way to get there is on foot. If you are coming from other prefectures, it's better to cross the prefectural border before noon. Summary of the Omagari Fireworks Festival, One of the Top Three Fireworks Festivals in Japan Photo：The Omagari Fireworks Festival Have you seen the video of the Omagari Fireworks? If you want to see the Omagari Fireworks Festival, where pyrotechnicians from all over Japan come to compete, be sure to make plans sooner rather than later! With fewer spectator seats available, seating competition is expected to increase. If you're coming from far away on a tour or trip, you'll need to make reservations for hotels and other facilities. The official website also says, "walking is unavoidable on the day of the event," so it's advisable to wear shoes that are easy to walk in and carry minimal luggage. It's said that people who see the Omagari Fireworks Festival often become repeat visitors. Create some lasting end-of-summer memories with this amazing fireworks show in Akita Prefecture! 　 Omagari Fireworks Festival is also held in spring and fall. Omagari's Fireworks -Spring Chapter The event was held on April 27, 2024 under the name of "New Fireworks Collection 2024: Fireworks of the World, Fireworks of Japan". The program includes opening fireworks, competition fireworks, interval fireworks, and finale fireworks, with approximately 8,000 shots. Omagari Fireworks -Autumn Chapter This festival was held on October 7, 2023 under the title of "Fireworks Art Festival. The program includes opening fireworks, presentation of works by local pyrotechnicians, Tsuchiura fireworks, fireworks theater "magic," and finale fireworks, with approximately 8,000 fireworks launched. If you travel to Akita Prefecture in the spring or fall, why not check out the schedule for the spring and fall chapters of "Omagari Fireworks" to see the fireworks? 【TripAdvisor】Omagari Fireworks Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022315-d10019456-Reviews-or10-Omagari_Fireworks-Daisen_Akita_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Video introduction of "Buubetsu no Mori Campsite" in Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido This video, titled "[Hokkaido Women's Camping] Bubetsu Forest Camping Field" (【北海道キャンプ女子】ブウベツの森キャンプ場), was uploaded by "Keco Cam　??ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ" (けこキャン　??ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ). Bubetsu Forest Camping Field: Information About the Campground in Hokkaido, Japan View this post on Instagram This post was shared by Bubetsu Forest Camping Field (@bubetsu.forest.camping.field) Bubetsu Forest Camping Field opened in Hokkaido in July 2020 in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, a town rich in nature. It is a handmade campground that was originally built by professional forestry workers. There are 13 auto-camping sites, 3 pet-friendly sites, 30 free sites, and 2 BIG sites. This cozy campground is popular with a wide range of campers, including beginner campers, solo campers, family campers, and women's campers. Since Bubetsu Forest Camping Field has only been open for a short time, reviews say that facilities such as restrooms and cooking facilities are new and clean. Although it is not a large campground, the quiet forest is comfortable and allows visitors to settle in and enjoy themselves. The ground at the site is covered with a thick layer of volcanic gravel, which is said to prevent puddles from forming. Furthermore, a wood-chopping station is available at the campground, and firewood can be used as much as you like free of charge. You can also enjoy a relaxing campfire. Those who wish to bring their pets camping can also rest assured that there are pet-friendly sites available. Reservations for Bubetsu Forest Camping Field must be made at least one day in advance, so please make reservations online or by phone. Tents, Camping Gear, and Supplies for Women's Solo Camping! View this post on Instagram This post was shared by Tentmark Design (@tentmark2011) Many female campers enjoy solo camping at Bubetsu Forest Camping Field as well. The video creator, Keco Cam, introduces some of her favorite camping gear in the video. One of the best parts about camping is the delicious food. Having useful kitchenware will make your camping experience more enjoyable. Women's Solo Camping Gear ・Tent: tent-Mark Designs CIRCUS TC ・Bedding mat: Hilander Inflator Mat (with pillow) ・Cot: FIELDOOR Wooden outdoor cot ・Rack: Hilander Wooden 3-tier Rack 600 ・Generator: Smart Tap Portable Power Station PowerArQ mini Red ・Cooker: Snow Peak Aluminum Personal Cooker Set, Chums Hot Sandwich Cooker ・Lantern: Snow Peak Hozuki Lantern ・Cutting Board: JUICY Of the above, the most notable is JUICY's cutting board, which is made to order and made from high-quality wood. In the video, the cutting board is used to cut asparagus and other vegetables, and is also used as a potholder for hot dishes. [Video] 6:35 - JUICY Cutting Board By having your favorite camping gear with you, you can create your own original space and enjoy women's solo camping even more. Women's Camping and Delicious Camping Food! Some Quick and Tasty Recipes! This camp meal is an omelet rice! Shiraoi, Hokkaido is famous for its eggs, and in the video they use fresh eggs from an egg vending machine and frozen chicken rice to make a delicious rice omelet. Here's the recipe. [Ingredients] ・Eggs: 2 ・Frozen chicken rice: 1 bag ・Ketchup: to taste 1. Stir-fry frozen chicken rice in a frying pan over heat. 2. Transfer the fried chicken rice to a Sierra cup and pack it in tightly. 3. Put the chicken rice (shaped like the Sierra cup) back in the pan. 4. Pour egg around the chicken rice, and finally pour ketchup over the rice. You can also watch the video to see how to make the simple, yet delicious camping meal. [Video] 5:06 - How to Make A Simple Camping Rice Omelet There are many different kinds of camping food, such as barbecue and curry, but as shown in the video, using frozen food is an easy way to make camping food. There's something about cooking in nature that makes this type of food taste better than it does at home. Also, while it's fun to cook camping meals with friends, the best part of camping solo is that you can cook whatever you want, whenever you want. Is Solo Camping in Japan as a Woman Dangerous? Things to Be Careful Of! Source :YouTube screenshot If you're a woman looking to do some solo camping, we recommend that you choose a location and be thorough with security. Let's look at some points to keep in mind. ・Choose a campsite with a resident caretaker Some campgrounds do not have a resident caretaker. Some campgrounds are not staffed, especially at night, so if you are planning to camp solo, choose a campground with a full-time caretaker. ・Set up your tent in a public place. When setting up your tent, you may be tempted to choose a quiet place to enjoy your time alone, but we recommend that you set up your tent in a place where there is a lot of pedestrian traffic. It's also a good idea to set up as close to family campers as possible to protect yourself from any campers looking for any women camping alone. ・Avoid posting on social networking sites in real time Be careful about social networking sites such as Instagram and YouTube. Posting photos on social networking sites in real time can expose your whereabouts. ・Prepare security goods and locks Always have some emergency supplies, such as a personal alarm, by your bedside, and lock your tent when you go to bed, so that if something should happen, you can immediately warn others of danger. Summary This time we introduced a video about solo camping for women. In winter, Bubetsu Forest Camping Field in Hokkaido is covered with snow and has different scenery in spring and summer. There are also hot springs in the area, so it's a good place to stretch your legs. In addition, there is a barbecue restaurant where you can enjoy Shiraoi beef, a specialty of the area, and a Shiraoi beef store that sells beef directly to customers. With Japan's recent camping boom, women's solo camping has become increasingly popular. The appeal of solo camping is that you can enjoy the luxury of having nature all to yourself with your favorite camping gear. The light of a lantern at night and the sunlight filtering through the lush hardwoods is sure to create a photogenic atmosphere to post on Instagram. Despite all of the enjoyment, women's solo camping can be dangerous. To enjoy camping safely, please keep in mind the precautions we introduced above. Bubetsu Forest Camping Field is a good spot for camping beginners and female solo campers. If you're planning on camping in Hokkaido, consider checking it out! ◆Bubetsu Forest Camping Field◆ 【Address】110-2, Ishiyama, Shiraoi 【Hours】10:00 – 16:00 【Telephone】080-4044-3388 【TripAdvisor】Bubetsu Forest Camping Field https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120904-d21149822-Reviews-Bubetsu_Forest_Campground-Shiraoi_cho_Shiraoi_gun_Hokkaido.html