The Rock Ptarmigan - An Endangered Species This video, titled "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜A Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)" (絶滅危惧種 雷鳥　登山で出会った貴重なニホンライチョウ動画 特集 【4K】), was created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel). It contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, a protected species in Japan, as well as the Crested ibis and Red-crowned crane. Due to the effects of global warming, the number of rock ptarmigan in Japan has dwindled to around 1,500 and it is now recognized as an endangered species. This video contains a compilation of footage of the adorable rock ptarmigan, which was spotted whilst mountain climbing. In this article, we'll introduce the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species! More About the Rock Ptarmigan, an Endangered Species Photo：Tateyama ptarmigan Said to have survived the ice age, the rock ptarmigan is now an endangered species belonging to the order Galliformes, family Phasianidae and genus Lagopus (キジ目キジ科ライチョウ属, kijimokukijikaraichouzoku). The subspecies of rock ptarmigan which inhabits Japan is a very adorable and friendly bird, making it a favorite among mountain climbers. It has a characteristic call that sounds similar to that of a frog. From 0:14 in the video you can see the rock ptarmigan at Mt. Senjo (仙丈ヶ岳, senjogatake), and at Mt. Tsubakuro (燕岳, tsubakurodake) from 1:38, Mt. Chogatake (蝶ヶ岳, chougatake) from 2:09, and Mt. Jonen (常念岳, jounendake) at 2:04. Rock ptarmigan chicks average 6 cm in height. A fully grown adult rock ptarmigan measures 37 cm in height and weighs approximately 400-600g. They lay their eggs in early summer from the beginning to the middle of June. The color of their feathers also changes depending on the season. In summer, their feathers are a dark brown color, and in winter they change to a snowy white. Furthermore, the rock ptarmigan is a symbol of Toyama Prefecture (富山県 toyamaken), Nagano Prefecture (長野県, naganoken) and Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, gifuken). Photo：Northern Alps The rock ptarmigan lives in a harsh environment at an altitude of 2,400 m. In the warmer summer months they live in the alpine zone, moving to the subalpine zone in the cooler winter months. In 1980, there were an estimated 3,000-4,000 rock ptarmigans living in Japan. However that number has dropped to around 1,500. The effects of global warming are considered to have been the direct cause of this decrease in numbers. It is thought that the decrease in creeping pine (ハイマツ, haimatsu) numbers, a main food source for the rock ptarmigan, due to global warming is one of the main causes of the decline in rock ptarmigan numbers. Several measures are being taken in order to conserve the rock ptarmigan, such as protecting the species from predators and breeding in zoos. Incidentally, rock ptarmigans have been kept in Ueno zoo (上野動物園, uenodoubutsuen) since 2019. The Habitat of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Photo：Tateyama mountain range and a ptarmigan There are 6 genera and 17 species of rock ptarmigan found across the world. They can be found in North America, the coast of the Arctic Ocean in Eurasia, Europe, and the alpine zone in Asia. In Japan, they inhabit the central area of Honshu (Japan's main island) (本州中部地方, honshuuchuubuchihou). In this video, you can see footage of the rock ptarmigan spotted whilst climbing Mt. Senjo, Mt. Chogatake, Mt. Tsubakuro and Mt. Jonen. Snacks shaped like rock ptarmigan are sold in Nagano prefecture, the home of the Northern Alps. A similar bird, the Hazel grouse (エゾライチョウ, ezoraichou), of the genus Tetrastes (エゾライチョウ属, ezoraichouzoku), inhabits Hokkaido (北海道), Japan's northernmost Island. Summary of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Source :YouTube screenshot This video "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜a Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)," created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel), contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species. We highly recommend the video to animal lovers as it has footage of the rock ptarmigan from different places all over Japan! This video of the adorable rock ptarmigan is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

Video introduction of sightseeing information of "Narusawa Village" in Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture This video introduces Narusawa, Narumitsuru county, Yamanashi in Japan's Kanto region, using time lapse and an air footage from a drone. It was produced by “Narusawa Sightseeing Site.” The title of the video is “Narusawa tour PR movie（鳴沢村観光PRムービー）”. Narusawa, Minamitsuru in Yamanashi is located at the bottom of Mt. Fuji, surrounded by nature. Narusawa, Minamitsuru, Yamanashi, in Fuji Hakone Izu national park, has an elevation of ~3,300 ft. Be sure to watch the video as you follow along with this article to learn more about Narusawa, a place where many tourists come to visit and enjoy the view of the beautiful, World Cultural Heritage site, Mt.Fuji. Sightseeing at Narusawa, Yamanashi Photo：Narusawa Ice Cave Aokigahara Forest is a very dense and wide sea of trees. "Narusawa Ice Cave," which you can see in the video at 0:19, is a sacred place created by nature. We recommend walking around Fujigoko, Sankodai, Gokodai as well as one of the hiking routes of Mt. Fuji to experience the magnificent Japanese nature. Enjoy the Beautiful View of Mt. Fuji in Narusawa, Yamanashi Photo：Mt. Fuji Fuji, which takes on different appearances depending on the season and time of day, is great for taking Instagram photos. Watch the video at 0:31 to see how the shadow of Mt Fuji appears over Susono city. The shadow of Mt. Fuji floating in a sea of clouds is a very rare view only available from a viewpoint close to the top of another mountain. Pearl Fuji, which can be seen at 0:37 in the video, shows a full moon seemingly resting on the top of Mount Fuji. It's a spectacular view that can only be seen if the weather is just right. One of the appeals of climbing Mount Fuji is that you can enjoy the magnificent nature. (Also the bragging rights that come with it). There are several different ways to enjoy sightseeing at Mt. Fuji. If you are climbing Mt Fuji, look up the stars from the 5th station. Enjoy the cherry blossom views of Tongenji Temple when the temperatures warm up in the spring, watch the maple leaves turn a magnificent red in the fall, admire the scenery of the nearby villages, or enjoy the views around Mt. Fuji. Activities and Gourmet Food in Narusawa, Yamanashi Photo：Hoto noodle Try different activities in the nature of Narusawa, Yamanashi. Fujiten Snow resort, Forest Adventure Fuji, Narusawa Ikiki park, and Okuniwa nature park (which you can see in the video at 2:02) are all great places you can visit. Unsurprisingly, several golf courses are also available in the magnificent nature of Narusawa, Yamanashi, so if you enjoy playing golf be sure to check it out. For gourmet food, we recommend you visit Koyodai Tenbo Rest house and Roadside Station Narusawa in the Fuji Goko area. The local specialty cuisine includes “Hoto noodles” and “Yoshida Udon.” Roadside Station Narusawa also has the “Narusawa Museum of Mt Fuji” where you can learn about the history and nature of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area. There is a life-sized model of dinosaur, a natural walking path in a lava tube, and an observatory to enjoy a whole view of Mt. Fuji. Fun events that occur throughout the year in Narusawa include: “Narusawa Tsutsuji Festival,” “Narusawa Harvest Festival,” “Narusawa Agriculture Festival,” “Fuji Narusawa Koyo Roadrace,” and the “Blueberry Festival.” We also recommend booking a hotel or ryokan near Kyuka village and enjoying the natural hot springs. Summary of Narusawa, Yamanashi As you can see in the video, there is so much to see and enjoy in the nature around Mt. Fuji. Which sightseeing spot captured your attention? There are many more popular tourist attractions such as “Blueberry picking,” “Hot springs Yurari,” where you can relax in an onsen with the spectacular Mt. Fuji right in front of your eyes, the “Paddy field,” “Narusawa indoor tennis court,” and more. Be sure to visit Narusawa and discover your favorite tourist spot! If you want to enjoy the fascinating natural scenery to your heart's content, please visit these popular locations in Narusawa, Yamanashi 【Official Website】Narusawa, Narumitsuru, Yamanashi, Town Hall Website https://www.vill.narusawa.yamanashi.jp/forms/top/top.aspx 【Official Website】Home page, Narusawa Official Sightseeing site Narusawa Sansaku Guide https://www.narusawa-kanko.jp/

Introduction of the official "Mountain Climbing in the Hakuba Mountain Range of the Northern Alps" video from Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This official PR video of Hakuba village, titled “Hakuba village [Dramatic Nature Days – Mountain]"（白馬村公式ムービー【Dramatic Nature Days - Mountain】）” is a time-lapse video produced by the Hakuba tourist office. The Northern Alps' Hakuba Mountain Range is located in the middle of the Japanese archipelago. Its structure, which lies between the Japanese sea and the Pacific Ocean, creates dynamic scenery. This two minutes video features the beautiful views of the Hakuba mountain range and recommended tourist spots in Hakuba village. Events in Hakuba, Nagano Photo：Hakuba Village in the Spring Hakuba village in Nagano prefecture is a popular tourist spot in Japan. Tourists can enjoy various activities throughout the year, such as hot springs, mountain climbing, skiing, cycling, and camping. It is also famous as a summer resort where many tourists visit due to it's comfortable climate. The Northern Alps is a great location where people can enjoy various outdoor activities such as trekking and mountain climbing while seeing fabulous natural views including flowers, snow, wildlife, and more. The Northern Alps - The Mountaineer Mecca Photo：The Northern Alps The rugged mountains shown in the video are the Northern Alps. Hakuba Village is one of Japan's most famous mountaineering spots thanks to the Hakuba mountain range. The Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji are two of the world's most sacred mountaineering destinations and attract many climbers every year, but the Hakuba mountain range has more than 17 of the most famous peaks. “Shirouma-dake,” “Shakushi-dake,” and “Yariga-dake” are well-known as “The Three Peaks of Hakuba.” Some of the peaks are: ・Goryu-dake (9,232 ft.) (~0:44) ・Karamatu-dake (8,845 ft.) (~0:49) ・Yariga-dake (9524 ft.) (~1:22) ・Shakushi-dake (9,225 ft.) (~1:26) ・Shirouma-dake (9,619 ft.) (~1:42) If you enjoy climbing, be sure to carry rain gear and a map, even if you're enjoying a beginner's trekking trail, as the weather in the mountains can change easily. In the Hakuba mountain range, you can see rare alpine flowers and animals that cannot be found in the plains. Taking a commemorative photo with the Hakuba mountain range in the background is a great way to remember your trip. Be sure to share it on Instagram! The Hot Springs of Hakuba Village Source :YouTube screenshot Hakuba village is very popular as a hot springs area. The most recommended spot is "Hakuba Yari Onsen" (白馬鑓温泉) in the middle of Yariga-dake. You can see this hot spring in this video at 0:33. The view of the rising sun and star sprinkled sky from the open air bath are remarkable! 100 people can stay at the Hakuba Yari Onsen lodge and about 15 people can stay in a tent. The Yari Onsen lodge is a great spot where visitors can enjoy both hot springs and nature. If you would like more information about other accommodations in Hakuba village as well as access information, please see the official website of Yariga Onsen or the Hakuba village tourist office's website. The Nagano Olympics in Hakuba Village Be sure to check out the following facilities used as competition venues during the Nagano Olympics: ・HAPPO ONE SNOW RESORT ・Hakuba Ski Slope ・Hakuba Cross Country Stadium "Snow Harp" Hakuba village is in a snowy area of Japan. Visitors can enjoy skiing or snow boarding in fresh powdery snow. You'll be amazed at the amazing snowscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. Summary of Hakuba Village Photo：Hakuba mountain and Oide Park in spring Hakuba village is a great tourist spot with fierce weather and rich natural surroundings. There are other attractive places that weren't shown in the video as well. For example, you can remnants of the Jomon period at Aoni in Hakuba village. Also there are other experienced based activities where you can feel the history and culture of Japan, such as making Tonbo dama (glass beads), watching fireflies, or making soba (Japanese noodles). You can enjoy the magnificent views of Hakuba mountain range in this video. The vast sea of clouds extending to the horizon (0:06) and the star sprinkled skies (1:08) will take your breath away. 【Official Website】Hakuba Village Official Tourist Website https://www.vill.hakuba.nagano.jp/english/ 【Official Website】Hakuba Village Office Official Website https://www.vill.hakuba.lg.jp/

Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing at Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park This video, titled "4K Japan's Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots｜Ueno Park｜Hirosaki Park｜Takada Park｜Famous Nighttime Cherry Blossom Locations｜Sakura｜Hanami｜Cherry Blossom Evening" (4K 日本三大夜桜 上野公園 弘前公園 高田公園 Top３ Night cherry Blossom 夜桜の名所 sakura hanami 花見 Cherry blossom evening), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." The video features plenty of beautiful 4K images showing the fantastic scenery of Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park, which are known as the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. This article provides sightseeing information on the nighttime cherry blossom events in Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park. First, be sure to check out the video to enjoy the fantastic views of the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. After seeing this you'll definitely want to visit these spots in person! Cherry Blossom Viewing at Tokyo's Ueno Park Photo：Cherry blossoms at night in Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo Ueno Park, introduced at 0:19 in the video, is located in Taito, Tokyo, and is the first urban park in Japan, making it a place with a long history. Officially named "Ueno Onshi Park," Ueno Park has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan" and is also home to Ueno Zoo, museums, and art galleries, and cafes such as Starbucks. The park has also been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" and attracts a total of nearly 3.3 million visitors during the cherry blossom viewing season when all sorts of vendors and food stalls line its paths. In Ueno Park, there are approximately 800 cherry trees of 50 species, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for around two full months. The most popular cherry blossom viewing spots are Sakura-dori (さくら通り), Shinobazu Pond (不忍池), and Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, an Important Cultural Property. The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival in Ueno Park will be held from March 17 to April 9, 2024. During the festival, 800 "bonbori" (Japanese paper lamps) will be lit to create a fantastic illuminated scene. Ueno Park is just a two-minute walk from Ueno Station on all lines, and a one-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station off the Keisei Main Line. Cherry Blossom Viewing at Aomori's Hirosaki Park Photo：Cherry blossoms at night at Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki, Aomori Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki, Aomori, is introduced at 3:02 in the video. The highlights of Hirosaki Park include Hirosaki Castle's castle tower and the three turrets, which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties by the government of Japan. Hirosaki Park has some 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties that bloom each year. The most famous cherry tree is the weeping weeping cherry, which was planted in 1914. The Hirosaki Sakura Festival, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night, is held from April 19th to May 5th, 2024. There is also a reservation-only "cherry blossom viewing party," which is popular because it allows visitors to enjoy Tsugaru's local cuisine while viewing the cherry blossoms. It's a 20-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, and there is a parking lot nearby. Cherry Blossom Viewing at Takada Park in Niigata Photo：Cherry blossoms at night at Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu, Niigata At 5:19 in the video, Takada Park is introduced. As of April 1, 2020, the name of this park was changed to "Takada Castle Site Park" (高田城址公園). Takada Castle Site Park (Takada Park) in Joetsu, Niigata, is a large 124-acre park that includes the restored three-story turret of Takada Castle, the Municipal Museum (renovated into a Museum of History), and sports facilities. You can also check out live cameras of Takada Castle Site Park on the "Gurutto Shinetsu" (ぐるっと信越, ※Japanese only) website. In addition to cherry blossoms, the park is also famous for its beautiful lotus flowers. "Takada Castle Million-man Viewing Party" (高田城百万人観桜会) , where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night, will be held from March 29th to April 14th, 2024.Various events will also be held, including fireworks to color the opening, stage events and photo contests. To get to Takada Castle Site Park, it is a 10-minute drive from Joetsu Myoko Station off the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. A parking lot is available. Summary of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots of Japan! This video introduces the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots of Japan. Enjoy the spectacular nighttime views of cherry blossoms lit up and glowing beautiful shades of pink. Be sure to check out these locations during the next cherry blossom season! 【Official Website】Ueno Park/Ueno Onshi Park Official Website - Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Bureau of Construction https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html 【Official Website】Hirosaki Park https://www.hirosakipark.jp/en/

Noto Peninsula, Hakui, Ishikawa [Senrihama Nagisa Driveway] Video introduction This video, titled "Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in ISHIKAWA, JAPAN" (【石川／自然景勝地】千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ - Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in ISHIKAWA, JAPAN -), was uploaded by "channel WASABI." Driving on the Beaches of Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Photo：Chirihama Nagisa Driveway The magnificent 8-kilometer-long Chirihama Beach is located in Noto Hanto Quasi-National Park on the west coast of the Noto Peninsula. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is a popular sightseeing spot in Noto where cars and motorcycles can enjoy a ride along the seashore. Enjoy the blue sea and skies while driving next to the beach as the waves lap against the shore. It's like a scene from a movie. Which is why it's no surprise that Chirihama Nagisa Driveway was selected as the No. 1 beach in Japan in "Travelers' Choice World's Best Beaches 2016." You can also capture Instagram-worthy photos and videos when visiting. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is popular among couples, but it is also crowded with families in summer as they can enjoy swimming, fishing, and clam digging. The campgrounds along the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway are also popular. From the high ground, you can enjoy watching the sunset over the sea. Sightseeing Attractions Around Chirihama Nagisa Driveway! Photo：Freshly-caught seafood being grilled One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is the food you can find at different cafes, and restaurants. The Noto-Chirihama Resthouse is a great place to grab a bite to eat and look for souvenirs. It's located at the end of Chirihama Nagisa Driveway. The wooden deck overlooking the Sea of Japan offers a sense of freedom and a spectacular view of the sunset that's sure to look great on Instagram. The café, which is produced by SSTR, Japan's largest touring event, offers fresh seafood grilled on the beach. It's popular among motorcycle enthusiasts as well as general tourists. Furthermore, with a space for selling souvenirs and a coworking space, this spot is used for a wide range of purposes from sightseeing to business. We also recommend Roadside Station Noto Chirihama, located near the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway. In addition to lunch, a café, and souvenirs, visitors can enjoy a footbath here as well. In the information space, you can also watch the driveway on a live camera. There are also facilities available for you to wash your tires after a drive along the beach. Tolls, Closures, and Information About Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Photo：Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is essentially a tourist road that can be accessed by private cars, rental cars (some companies prohibit the use of rental cars due to erosion concerns), motorcycles, bicycles, buses, etc. It is open 24 hours a day, and there is no fee. However, please note that the road will be closed when it is deemed unsafe to dive on, such as when waves are high. For access information, call the Ishikawa Hakui Public Works Office (Japanese only) or check Ishikawa Michi Information Network (Japanese only). Summary of Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is a popular tourist spot where you can drive your car along the sandy beach and experience movie-like scenery. Park your car by the beautiful Chirihama Beach on a sunny day to take Instagrammable photos, or enjoy marine activities, such as swimming and clam digging with your family. When you visit Noto and Kanazawa, be sure to stop by Chirihama Nagisa Driveway as well. 【Official Website】Chirihama Nagisa Driveway https://www.city.hakui.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyoukensetsubu/syoukoukankouka/12/1/2505.html 【TripAdvisor】Chirihama Nagisa Driveway https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021238-d1237921-Reviews-Chirihama_Nagisa_Driveway-Hakui_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

Outdoor Sightseeing Video Introduction of Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture This is a video to promote outdoor tourism in Tokamachi, a city located in the southern part of Niigata prefecture. Here, we will introduce you to some of the nature-rich sightseeing spots in the Shinanogawa area of Niigata Prefecture. The video introduces a variety of outdoor activities in various spots and seasons, including rivers, plateaus, and snowy mountains. There's sure to be something for everyone! Outdoor Locations in Tokamachi, Niigata Photo：glamping If you want to go camping in Tokamachi city, we recommend the beautiful Daigonji Kogen Camping Ground or the Fushikurojoseki Camping Ground. You can see the scenery at each campground at 0:29 in the video. Besides that, there are also facilities where you can enjoy the popular activity "glamping" around Tokamachi. There are various outdoor activities to enjoy in Tokamachi city, such as cycling along the Shinanogawa river, SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) at the Shinanogawa river, canoeing, and rafting down the amazing Shinanogawa river. These can be seen at 0:39 in the footage. Known as one of the areas of Japan that has extremely heavy snowfall, there are many famous tourist spots where you can enjoy winter activities in Tokamachi city. It's been designated a special heavy snowfall area, so you know the snow will be great! You can also try cross-country skiing in the scenery of the great outdoors, or airboarding and snow biking at the Matsunoyama Onsen Ski Resort. These winter activities are shown from 1:24 in the video. Appealing Tourist Spots in Tokamachi City ©Koichi_Hayakawa Modifying In addition to Chotokuji Temple, which is famous for Senju Kannon (the thousand-armed Goddess of Mercy), the stone Buddha of Hachi, where approximately 200 stone Buddhas are enshrined, Suwa Shrine and Matsuo Shrine, Saieiji Temple, and Jinguji Temple, a nationally renowned sight and national monument, and Tashiro no Nanatsugama, are all must-see tourist spots that show the history of Tokamachi city. You can also visit the ruins of Oida Castle, which was home to a local wealthy family during the Kamakura period. At the Tokamachi Museum, you can see the flame-shaped earthenware that was found in the area. Kiyotsu Gorge, the Hoshitoge rice terrace fields, and the beech forest, given the name Bijinbayashi, are all secret tourist spots overflowing with natural beauty. The Art Festival of the Earth - Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, one of the world's largest art festivals, attracts many visitors as well. When you visit Tokamachi city of Niigata prefecture, be sure to try the local cuisine. The Kashiwazaki Tai Chazuke (sea bream rice with tea), Soba inari, and Hegi soba are famous local specialties. Traditions of Tokamachi City In Tokamachi, Shinbo Kodaiji Bushi, which is said to be the root of Japanese folk music, has been passed down since ancient times. Akakura Kagura, which has been passed down from one generation to the next in Akakura Village, is a Shinto ritual within which you can feel the traditions of Japan. Tokamachi Kouta, which was made for the commercial of the traditional "Akashi Chijimi," is performed at the Tokamachi Summer Festival. In the city, the Tokamachi Snow Festival is held in the winter season and it's always a lively event. There are places where you can experience making Tsumariyaki, a traditional craft of Tokamachi, using soil from the area. Tokamachi city is also the second largest producer of silk fabrics after Kyoto, and is even called “Kimono town” for having many kimono and fabric shops. Accommodations in and Around Tokamachi If you're traveling to Tokamachi, we recommend staying at Hikari no Yakata, a hotel built by James Turrell in the image of Junichiro Tanizaki’s book “In the Praise of Shadows.” There are also many appealing hot spring inns in the city, so choose the one that suits you best. Summary of Tokamachi, Niigata Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we introduced the outdoor activities in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture as well as tourist attractions and traditional performing arts that are featured in the video. We hope you enjoyed reading about some of the attractions of Tokamachi, as it has a lot to offer. As you can see in the video, Tokamachi city, where the magnificent Shinanogawa river flows, is a great place to visit for those looking to actively experience nature. This video introduces many outdoor activities, such as skiing and SUP. Find anything you're interested in? It might be difficult deciding what to do when there's so many options! 【Official Website】Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture Town Hall Website http://www.city.tokamachi.lg.jp/english/index.html

The Popular Tourist Destination, Matsumoto This video, titled “Matsumoto Area Sightseeing Excursion” (松本地域観光周遊プラン動画), is a promotional video for Matsumoto produced by the “Matsumoto Region Union” of Matsumoto City Office. The city of Matsumoto, the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, in Japan's Koushin'etsu Region, is a former castle town surrounded by the Japanese Alps, with Japan's national treasure Matsumoto Castle at its center. Its population is 240,415 as of June, 2019. Since the city of Matsumoto was unaffected by the allied bombing in WW2, plenty of valuable landmarks and cultural properties still remain in and around the city today. Movies and TV shows are often set in the city; visiting Matsumoto is a must when traveling around Nagano Prefecture. There are quite a few famous tourist spots in Matsumoto that are also featured in the video. As well as the natural landscape, culture, history, cuisine, and so on. Which one caught your eye? Sightseeing and Instagrammable Locations Around Matsumoto Photo：Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure, is undoubtedly the most instagrammable spot around Matsumoto. Matsumoto Castle's towers against a backdrop of nature are shown at 0:15 in the video. Of course, there's much more to see than just the castle; there are a myriad of hidden gems throughout the city where you can enjoy the seasonal scenery of Matsumoto as well. Places rich in nature such as Takabocchi Highlands, Sashikirikyo, and Lake Hijiri are famous for their beautiful scenery. For example, Kiritoshi, a road cut through the hilly terrain, leading to Zenko Temple. There's also the mountainous villages of Asahi, Yamagata, Omi, and Ikusaka that pass on the traditions of good old Japan. Kamikochi (0:29) is a popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps with two million visitors each year; it offers one of the most famous mountain views in the country. You can both go on a hike and try mountain climbing here as well. Kamikochi, a prominent mountain resort, has attracted many foreign visitors in recent years as hiking and mountain trails at the foot of Mt. Yakedake (burning mountain) have been well developed. Photo：Kappa Bridge The hiking trail through a virgin forest, starting from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Bridge around Myojin Pond, is another great way to see the natural scenery, and is very popular. The shiny emerald color of the rivers and ponds is incredibly beautiful. Walter Weston, an English missionary, introduced the Japanese Alps to the world for the first time in the early 1900’s. He is called the father of modern mountain climbing; Weston Monument, a relief to honor his memory, is situated on the gigantic rocks facing Mt. Kasumizawa and Mt. Roppyaku. The Weston Festival is held annually in June. In terms of lodging, there's Kamikochi Onsen Hotel, Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, and Kamikochi Taishoike Hotel. For reservations and pricing, please refer to the official website. These tourist hotspots are shown throughout the video, so be sure to check out what Matsumoto has to offer. The local horse race held in Takabocchi Higlands (1:10) is another popular event. Seeing the race horses running before your eyes is an exhilarating experience. If you go up north a bit, Chikuhoku Village (2:25) will welcome you with Shunara Buddha Stone Statues and Mount Kamurigi, also called Ubasuteyama after an old fable. There are many other tourist spots, such as Kiritoshi, in the area. You can also get a taste of art at the Matsumoto Museum of Art in downtown Matsumoto. The History of Matsumoto Photo：Narai-juku Matsumoto is now a part of central Nagano Prefecture, and one of the most famous places in the city is Kaichi School, the oldest elementary school in Japan. It's often featured in the media, and is registered as an important cultural and historical property. There are many other places to visit in Matsumoto, but if you're looking for a place to walk around, Narai-juku is the best place to visit. Narai, located in the middle of Nakasendo, flourished as a prominent post town. It was once referred to as "Narai of a Thousand Houses." It used be at the highest altitude among all the 11 towns of Kiso; the townscape is registered as an "Important Preservation District of Historic Buildings." Dining in Matsumoto Photo：A Watermill at Azumino Daio Wasabi Farm, Nagano Prefecture The area around Matsumoto is known for its deep mountainous villages and harsh weather, yet these very conditions make it possible for you to enjoy the rustic food of the mountains. The countless local products include Shiojiri Grand Wine, Azumino soba noodles, wasabi from Daio Wasabi Farm, Ikusakarat, premium branded grapes of Ikusaka village, and various highland vegetables which are grown utilizing the high altitude. In addittion, Karasawa Soba Village boasts seven soba restaurants on a single street. You should try Takana-meshi (rice), a leading local specialty of Nagano. Takana (mustard leaf) is very popular as a souvenir as well. Furthermore, the Shinshu Region, where Matsumoto is located, is the second largest apple producer in the country ranked second only after Aomori Prefecture. The smell of sweet apples fills the orchards of Misato in the fall. The video shows ripe apples at 1:48. There are 14 major streets in the downtown area around Matsumoto Station. Nakamachi and Nawate Street provide you with a plethora of cafes, sweets parlors, and ramen restaurants; you can pick any of them for lunch or enjoy several as you eat your way through the area. Summary of Matsumoto, Nagano There are numerous fun-filled sightseeing spots around the city where you can take in the magnificent scenery and sweeping views. We can’t cover all the attractions here, but the video, “Matsumoto Area Sightseeing Excursion,” shows everything you need to know about the beautiful city. Once you see the images yourself, you'll be packing your bags in no time! Come check out Matsumoto- It'll be an experience you won't soon forget!