Chokaisan-Tobishima Geopark, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, Japan Video Introduction This video, titled “[4K UHD ] Mt. Chokai/Tobishima Geopark: Fresh Greenery and Mototaki Falls (Shot on GH5 With Gimbal)” ([ 4K UHD ]鳥海山･飛島ジオパーク: 新緑の元滝伏流水 Moto-taki Waterfall ( shot on GH5 with Gimbal)), was released by “AQUA Geo Graphic.” Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Geopark is the name of Akita Fuji (秋田富士), Dewa Fuji (出羽富士), and Shonai Fuji (庄内富士), which have been selected as some of the 100 Famous Mountains and 100 Famous Geographical Features of Japan. Furthermore, it is also the name of the "Mysterious Island Tobishima" and "Chokai National Park," which is located about 30 km west of Mt. Chokai, and was recognized as a Japan Geopark in 2016. Nowadays it's called Mt. Chokai, but in ancient times it was known as "Torimiyama" and you could see a 360-degree view of the horizon from the top. Due to volcanic eruptions and other volcanic activities, this view is no longer visible and it is now called Mt. Chokai. The overall theme is "The cycle of water and life created by the Japan Sea and the plateau," and the sub-theme is "Nature and life created by warm currents, active volcanoes, and spring water." In this article, we'll introduce the "Mototaki Underflow," an ethereal waterfall flowing down a rock face at the foot of Mt. Chokai in the Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Geopark area. What Exactly is a “Geopark”? Photo：Mototaki Underflow, Akita Prefecture The word "geopark" (“ジオパーク” jiopaaku in Japanese) is a combination of the words “geo” and “park.” It was selected for the purpose of learning about the natural environment and ecosystems that spread across the land, as well as the culture and industries that people have created. At present, there are 43 areas selected as Japan Geoparks, and 9 of them are also recognized as UNESCO Global Geoparks. As they are sometimes called "大地の公園" (Daichi no Kouen, lit. "Earth Parks") in Japanese, they are famous for the various scenery they offer throughout the year, and are especially popular during the fall with the autumn leaves change to beautiful shades of red and yellow. There is also a sake brewery in the area that uses clean spring water, so if you like sake, be sure to take a tour of the brewery. The Mototaki Underflow Located at the Foot of Mt. Chokai Photo：Mototaki Underflow, Akita Prefecture The Mototaki Underflow is located at Mt. Chokai in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. Although it is called "Mototaki" (元滝, lit. "source waterfall"), the original source of the subterranean waterfall is currently closed to traffic, and the Mototaki Underflow is located about 200 meters downstream. As you can see from 0:42 in the video, the waterfall is relatively small, only 5 meters tall and about 30 meters wide, yet 50,000 tons of water flow from it each day. The fantastic scenery created by the moss and the subterranean stream flowing out of the gaps in the green rocks is fascinating, and surely allows for some beautiful photos to share on Instagram. Recommended Sightseeing Destinations Around the Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Geopark Area Photo：Scenery from Hokotate Observatory, Akita Prefecture 1. Mt. Chokai Omonoimi Shrine/Fukura Kuchinomiya (Chokaisan Omonoimi Jinja Fukura Kuchinomiya) An old shrine, said to be the oldest shrine in the Shonai region, with origins dating back to 1963. It sits on the summit of Mt. Chokai, and there are two satomiya (shrines built in a village for the convenience of worshippers) called "Kuchinomiya" (口ノ宮, lit. "entrance shrines") at the foot of the mountain, one at Fukuura and the other at Warabioka. 2. The Shirai Rice Fields and Weirs This farmland was developed in 1800 based on the concept of rice fields for the Han-School of Shonai Chido-kan by Yadayu Shirai, the county representative of the Shonai domain. There are many innovative ways to heat and utilize the cool spring water of Mt. Chokai, and you can see the fruits of the wisdom of the area's ancestors here. It's a 10-minute drive east from Yuza Station. 3. Hokotate Observatory Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Geopark is also famous for its mountain climbing, and the Hokotate Observatory is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Chokai. The observatory is located at the fifth station of the mountain, which can be reached by car, so it's possible to stop by during your drive, and there are a number of mountain lodges on the way to the summit, so you can take breaks as you go. When climbing the mountain, we recommend asking for a mountain guide or participate in a geotour so that you can learn more about Mt. Chokai. 4. Chokai Blue Line Chokai Blue Line is a mountainous road that rises from zero to 1,100 meters above sea level, and during the fall, amongst the autumn foliage, it offers a spectacular view worthy of any bucket list. Summary of Mt. Chokai & Tobishima Geopark Photo：Mototaki Underflow, Akita Prefecture Mt. Chokai and Tobishima Geopark has become a nature-rich spot called "緑のダム" (The Green Dam) due to the planting of beech trees by the townspeople to preserve water quality and purify the water source. In addition to sightseeing, be sure to try some gourmet foods like delicious Akita Iwagaki Oysters, which contain many minerals from the spring water! 【Tripadvisor】Mt. Chokai https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298237-d1397297-Reviews-Mt_Chokai-Tohoku.html

Autumn color video introduction of "Koankyo Onsen" in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture This video, titled "JG☆☆☆8K HDR Akita Oyasu Onsen Gorge in Autumn," shows footage of Oyasu Gorge, a spectacular place to enjoy the autumn colors in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. Oyasukyo Daifunto, located within Kurikoma Quasi-National Park (栗駒国定公園, Kurikoma Kokuteikoen), is a scenic spot that provides beautiful seasonal scenery. Coming into sight at 0:14 in the video, is a breathtaking scene of the fiery autumnal foliage. During the peak of the autumn foliage, there are events that light up the area, and so many tourists visit, filling up the nearby parking lots. Enjoy the entrancing scenery and the mystical views of hot springs shown in the video. Oyasukyo Onsen, Akita Photo：Akita Prefecture・Oyasu Gorge Oyasukyo Onsen, which offers a spectacular view of steam rising from the gorge, is a popular tourist spot in the Tohoku region. has a long history and prospered as a therapeutic bath in the Edo period (1603-1868). It takes about 50 minutes to get to by bus from Yuzawa Station on the Ou Main Line by use of the local Ugo Transport Bus. At 2:20 in the video, you can hear the sound of the hot springs bubbling up from the Minase River (皆瀬川, Minasegawa). Oyasu Gorge Geyser (小安峡大噴湯, Oyasukyo Daifunto), where boiling water and steam are ejected, is the most famous hot spring in the Oyasu Gorge area. There is a promenade around the 60-meter-high V-shaped valley in Oyasu Gorge, where you can enjoy hiking while admiring the autumn colors. You can also see the beautiful red and yellow mountains in this video. Be sure to step out of the hot spring town and visit Fudo Falls (不動滝, Fudotaki) and Yakushi Falls (薬師滝, Yakushitaki) as well. Where to Stay at Oyasukyo Onsen Photo：Hot springs If you're looking for a great way to spend your time, try staying at one of the inns or hotels at Oyasukyo Onsen, Akita, when the autumn leaves are about. Hotels such as Motoyu Kurabu, where you can enjoy excellent food and relaxing hot springs, and the warm and inviting Oyado Yamanosuna, are perfect for those looking to make their trip special. Ryokan Tarobee, Hotel Matsubakan, Abe Ryokan, Komakusa, and Yadoya Sanpei are all popular Japanese ryokan in the area. Oyasukyo Onsen is a sodium-chloride, sulfuric acid, alkaline hot spring. There are many inns and hotels in the vicinity where you can take a day trip to the hot spring. The day after your stay, you may want to venture out and check out Ishinomaki Seafood Market (石巻海の市, Ishinomaki Uminoichi) and other popular tourist destinations after a good night’s sleep. Tourist Center (観光物産館, Kankobussankan), Oyasu Gorge Icicles (小安峡大つらら, Oyasukyo Daitsurara), Tokotonyama Campsite, Kawarayu Bridge (河原湯橋, Kawarayuhashi), Mt. Magusa (秣岳, Magusadake), Oyasu Gobansho Remains (小安御番所跡, Oyasu Gobanshoato), and Kijiyama Plateau (木地山高原, Kijiyamakogen) are some of the many popular sightseeing spots nearby. If you're interested in Japan's public baths, try visiting Oyasukyo Onsen. You can enjoy the beautiful autumnal foliage here as well. Summary of Oyasu Gorge Photo：Akita Prefecture・Oyasu Gorge Oyasukyo Onsen in Akita Prefecture, is a popular out-of-the-way place with breathtaking scenery and colorful autumn leaves. Check out the beautiful autumnal foliage at 0:14 in the video. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Japan first, and get into the mood for traveling! 【Official Website】Kurikoma Quasi-National Park – Miyagi Prefecture https://www.pref.miyagi.jp/soshiki/kohou/foreign.html 【Official Website】Oyasukyo Onsen, Minase, Yuzaka City, Akita Prefecture https://www.oyasukyo.jp/

Enjoy Sightseeing in Japan's Snowy Tohoku Region in the Cold Winter This video, titled "[4K] Snowy Landscapes in Tohoku, Japan｜Winter Travel in Japan's Tohoku Region｜Sightseeing in Tohoku｜Ouchi-Juku, Tsugaru Railway Stove Train｜Samurai Houses in Kakunodate｜Mogami River Boat Ride｜Ginzan Onsen" (［4K］JAPAN 東北の雪景色の風景 Winter travel in Tohoku region 東北の観光 大内宿 津軽 鉄道ストーブ列車 角館武家屋 最上川舟下り 銀山温泉), is a 4K video released by "Discover Nippon" that introduces the Tsugaru Railway stove train running in Aomori Prefecture, as well as tourist information on Japan's Tohoku region in winter. In the Tohoku region, where you can enjoy the natural scenery of Japan's four seasons, you can also enjoy the snowy landscape in winter. The Tsugaru Railway, which goes through the snowy scenery of the Tohoku region, is a simple sightseeing train with a potbelly stove, through which you can feel the culture of Japan while riding the train. This can be seen from 3:05 in the video. Take the Tsugaru Railway Stove Winter Train, known as the winter event train, and experience a fascinating trip to enjoy the scenery around Japan's Tohoku region in winter. Recommended Tourist Destinations in Fukushima, Yamagata, Akita, Aomori Photo：Ouchi-juku Ouchi-juku in Fukushima Prefecture, which can be seen from 0:23 in the video, is a popular tourist destination where the landscapes of old Japan remain. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint cityscape that will have you feeling as though you've traveled back in time to the Edo period. In Yamagata, we recommend experiencing a Mogami River boat ride that can be seen from 7:55 in the video, and enjoying the views of nature, or stopping by Ginzan Onsen, which has a beautiful "Taisho Roman" style scenery. Ginzan Onsen can be seen from 10:07 in the video. We also recommend stopping by Tamasudare Falls, a lesser-known tourist spot, and enjoying the amazing view. If you stop by Akita, be sure to take a commemorative photo with the armored warrior on the Kakunodate Samurai House Museum Street, and take in the history. It will make your sightseeing trip an even more memorable experience. If you're traveling along the coast of Aomori, we recommend trying some of the delicious seafood. After strolling through the snowy landscapes, enjoy the luxurious "Aomori Nokke Don," a seafood bowl at Aomori Gyosai Center & Auga Shinsen Ichiba (魚菜センター＆アウガ新鮮市場), which can be seen from 5:37 in the video. Spending the Winter in Japan's Tohoku Region Photo：samurai doll Icicles hang from the eaves of the historic Japanese houses in the winter, creating a beautiful scene. People in Tohoku spend their time in traditional Japanese-style rooms with an irori hearth on cold days, looking out at the snowy landscape from the snow-viewing window of the shoji screen. Some families make snowmen or igloos after shoveling snow. In Tohoku, there are many local dolls, such as Hina dolls and various samurai dolls. After sightseeing in the snowy Tohoku region, consider picking one up as a souvenir. Summary of Snowy Landscapes of Japan's Tohoku Region Photo：Ouchi-juku In the Tohoku region, we recommend taking the winter stove train shown in the video to experience the wonderful scenery, or relaxing at a traditional Japanese inn. If you want to enjoy the snowscapes of Japan, then the Tohoku region during winter is the place to be!

Unshoji Temple in Oga, Akita: Video Introduction This video, titled "[4K] A Temple Where Hydrangeas in All Shades of Blue Bloom Across the Precincts: Oga, Akita｜nippon.com" (【4K】青一色の紫陽花（あじさい）が境内一面に咲き誇る寺：秋田県男鹿市| nippon.com), was uploaded by "nippon.com." The 1,500 hydrangeas that cover the temple grounds, also known as 'Blue Heaven,' make Unshoji a popular spot in Oga, Akita. It was also selected as one of "The Best Scenery in Japan" in 2017. Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple Photo：Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple, Oga, Akita The highlight of Unshoji Temple is the beautiful blue world that can be seen there. On a clear day, the blue of the cloudless sky, the blue of the sea in Oga, and the blue of the hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple all combine to create a unique view that you won't find anywhere else. Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple, also known as "hydrangea temple," date back to when the temple's deputy chief priest was captivated by the beauty of a single hydrangea that was blooming quietly in a corner of the temple's grounds. After seeing this he began to take cuttings and plant the hydrangea to the delight of his parishioners and local residents. After 15 years, the hydrangea bloomed like a carpet of blue, moving the hearts of all who saw it. At night, when the hydrangeas are lit up, their blue color becomes deeper and more beautiful than in the daytime, creating fantastic scenery. The best time to view the hydrangeas is usually from mid-June to early July, and they are in full bloom in late June. [Video] 0:55 - Hydrangeas Lit Up at Unshoji Temple Unshoji Temple and Highlights of the Temple Photo：A cute Jizo statue at Unshoji Temple, Oga, Akita Usually in June and July, the precincts of Unshoji Temple are filled with vivid blue hydrangeas. Even before you pass through the temple gate, you'll be overwhelmed by their beauty, and your soul will be spirited away. Now we'll introduce some of the other highlights of Unshoji Temple besides the hydrangeas. Unshoji Temple belongs to the Soto sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1624 (early Edo period). In the main hall, there are statues of the Gautama Buddha, Kannon, the Goddess of Compassion, Bodhidharma, and Manjushri. In addition to the joint tomb of the statues of Kannon and Kshitigarbha, the temple grounds are dotted with photogenic spots where you can take great pictures for Instagram, including elegant bamboo groves, Japanese umbrellas (wagasa), and the view from the observation deck. There are also "heart stones" in seven locations around the temple, which are said to grant wishes if found, and the gentle-looking Smiling Jizo. Be sure to check them out when you visit. [Video] 1:26 - Smiling Jizo Charms and Souvenirs at Unshoji Temple Charms and other souvenirs, like shuin stamps available only at Unshoji Temple, are also popular. One charm containing a single hydrangea petal costs 700 yen. Hydrangeas are believed to ward off evil spirits, prevent women from getting sick, bring families together, and bring good luck. There are three types of shuin stamps available at Unshoji Temple, all Hydrangea-themed, and they can be purchased for 500 yen each. However, during the hydrangea viewing period, there are special shuin stamps you can collect as well. Summary of Unshoji Temple, a Hydrangea Temple in Akita, Japan Photo：Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple, Oga, Akita The deputy chief priest of Unshoji Temple spent 15 years painstakingly cultivating the hydrangeas, and this 4K video enhances their beauty and transports the viewer into a fantastical world. With 1,500 blue hydrangeas blooming all over the temple grounds, Unshoji Temple is a must-see spot! ◆Unshoji Temple◆ 【Address】Kitaura-57 Kitaurakitaura, Oga, Akita 010-0683 【Access】 ・Approximately 45 minutes (34 km) by car from the Showa Oga Peninsula IC. ・Approximately 1 hour from JR Akita Station to Oga Station or Hattachi Station on the Oga Line. Approximately 20 to 40 minutes (16 km) by Namahage shuttle (なまはげシャトル), local bus, or cab. ・From Oga Onsen (Oga Hot Spring), it's about 7 minutes (4 km) by car. 【Parking】Designated parking lots are available. Free parking for standard cars. 【Hydrangea viewing (2022)】 Period: Saturday, June 11, 2022 - Monday, July 18, 2022 Viewing Hours and Admission Fees: ・Daytime: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) 500 yen (200 yen for admission fee + 300 yen for special admission fee during hydrangea viewing period) ※6/25 (Sat), 6/26 (Sun), 7/2 (Sat), 7/3 (Sun): 800 yen (200 yen for admission fee + 600 yen for special admission fee during hydrangea viewing period) ・Special nighttime illumination viewing: 18:45 - 21:30 (last admission 21:00) 1,000 yen (200 yen entrance fee + 800 yen special nighttime admission fee) ※6/24 (Fri.) - 6/26 (Sun.) and 7/1 (Fri.) - 7/3 (Sun.) 1,300 yen (200 yen for admission fee + 1,100 yen for special nighttime admission fee) Free for junior high school students and younger. Regular admission fee outside the hydrangea viewing period is 200 yen.