Video introduction of "Hoshitoge Rice Terraces" in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture This video, titled "[4K] [Original Scenery of Japan] Rice Terraces at Hoshitoge, Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture" ([4K]【日本の原風景】新潟県十日町星峠の棚田。雲海と光芒。), was uploaded by "KYODO NEWS." In the video, you can see footage of the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, which were selected by foreign tourists as the #1 bucket list view in Japan. The reflections on the water-filled rice fields and the sea of clouds that looks different throughout the day are captured in this beautiful 4K video. You can't help but be moved by these views. The video is accompanied by closed captions with tourist information, so be sure to turn them on while watching the video! Rice Fields in Japan Cultivation of rice fields in Japan is believed to have started during the Yayoi Period (300 BC - 250 AD). Rice has played an important role in the history of Japan, and has even been used historically as currency by farmers to pay taxes. Today, rice is a staple food in Japan, and while the exact number of rice fields in Japan is not known, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, rice paddies account for 5.85 million acres of land. With Japan having a total landmass of 93.4 million acres, this means that more than 6% of Japan is rice paddies. Despite rice fields being made to grow rice, there are many places in Japan where you can see rice field art, such as Saitama and Aomori prefectures. The use of different colors of rice allows farmers to create incredible images inside the fields. Some other famous rice fields in Japan where you can see breathtaking views include the Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces of Ishikawa Prefecture, the Maruyama Senmaida Rice Terraces of Mie Prefecture, and many more. Terraced rice fields prevent erosion, runoff, flooding, and other undesirable conditions, which is why they are often used in rice farming. Furthermore, they help nurture the land by allowing the water in the fields to slowly seep back into the ground, replenishing the groundwater. What Are the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces? Discover the Beautiful Scenery of Tokamachi, Niigata Photo：The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces of Tokamachi, Niigata Located in Tokamachi, Niigata, in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, numbering some 200 paddies, are spread across the hillside. Among the terraced rice fields scattered throughout the region, the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are considered exceptionally beautiful. Depending on the weather and time of year, a sea of clouds and mirror-like water can also be seen at the rice terraces, making this a popular tourist spot with a variety of views. The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces have attracted attention both in Japan and overseas, as they were featured in the opening scene of NHK's historical drama "Tenchijin" (Heart of a Samurai) in 2009, and was recognized as a Japanese heritage that transcends borders by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2022. The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, a place where you can view the beautiful landscapes of Japan, are historic terraced rice fields created by the residents of Hoshitoge village more than 300 years ago. The area, including the village, has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Villages in Japan," and is one of Japan's leading scenic attractions. The Best Season to Visit the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces Photo：A sea of clouds over the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, Tokamachi, Niigata One of the highlights of Hoshitoge Rice Terraces is the breathtakingly beautiful sea of clouds and mirror-like pools of water covering the fields. Unfortunately, the sea of clouds and mirror-like pools can only be seen during certain times of the year and under certain conditions. In addition, in order to capture the beautiful scenery in photographs, it's important to know in advance the best places to take photographs, so be sure to check before you visit. The best seasons for seeing a sea of clouds is during spring (late June) and autumn (mid-September). During these seasons, a sea of clouds is more likely to occur, and photographers from all over Japan flock to the area to enjoy the spectacular view. On the other hand, the best season for viewing the mirror-like pools is spring (around May to June) and autumn (around October to November). If you want to see both a sea of clouds and the mirror-like pools, be sure to visit in June. However, whether or not you can see a sea of clouds and a water mirror depends entirely on luck. The view in front of you will change depending on the conditions of the day. You will need some luck to take a good picture. However, if the conditions are right, you will be able to see a glowing sea of clouds or a scene enveloped in fog, and you will be able to capture a miraculous shot. Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter: Seasonal Views at the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces Photo：The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces covered in snow, Tokamachi, Niigata The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are a beautiful sight in each of Japan's four seasons. In addition to the popular sea of clouds and mirror-like pools, you can enjoy colorful cherry blossoms in spring. In the summer, the rice terraces turn a deep green color and contrast with the bright blue sky. In autumn, the ears of rice shimmer with a golden glow, and in winter snow takes the place of water, creating a unique scene of pools of white snow. That being said, cars and motorcycles are unable to access the rice terraces when the snow gets too deep, and you may not be able to visit the rice fields during the winter. The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces also offer a different view during the daytime and at night. In particular, at sunrise and sunset, you can enjoy a beauty that is beyond words, no matter what season you visit in. Summary of the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces The Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are one of the most famous scenic views in Japan. It's a bucket list location, so if you're interested in visiting, we highly recommend adding it to your Niigata travel itinerary! To get to the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces in Tokamachi, Niigata, take the train to Matsudai Station and from there, it's about 20 minutes by taxi. For details on parking and directions, please check here. The rice terraces in Tokamachi, Niigata, including the Hoshitoge Rice Terraces, are not designed for the purpose of sightseeing. They are agricultural land that local people have inherited from their ancestors and carefully preserved. They are also private plots of land where farmers still cultivate rice. In addition to not entering the terraces, it's strictly prohibited to interfere with farm vehicles, take unauthorized photographs of farm work, or leave trash in the terraces. Please enjoy the spectacular scenery while observing proper manners and abiding by the rules. 【TripAdvisor】Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

Video introduction of "Skunk cabbage in Oze" taken in 2022 This video, titled "The Skunk Cabbage of Oze Marsh, 2022｜A Skunk Cabbage Colony in the Shimono Ohori River" (2022 尾瀬の水芭蕉 尾瀬ヶ原 下の大堀川ミズバショウ群生地), was uploaded by "Northen Japanese Alps Nature Video." The bright landscape of Oze National Park, introduced in the nine minutes of video, is as beautiful as an impressionist painting. In the video, taken on May 29th, 2022, you can see there is some snow left on the surface of Mt. Shibutsu (至仏山, Shibutsuzan) and the majestic mountain can be seen towering against the blue sky. Fully bloomed skunk cabbages sway in the wind on the vast marshland at the foot of Mt. Shibutsu. The abundance of water in Oze National Park is also home to frogs and other creatures and you can even hear frogs, a sound you won't hear in the cities. Walking along the boardwalk of Oze Marsh (尾瀬ケ原, Ozegahara) while listening to the bubbling of the Shimono Ohori River (下ノ大堀川 Shimono Ohori River) is therapeutic. Oze, a Place Whose Beauty is Sung About in Traditional Japanese Songs Photo：Oze National Park The beauty of Oze is no secret to the people of Japan, and it has even been featured in traditional Japanese songs dating back to the 1940s. But for those of us not familiar with Oze, here's a quick introduction. Oze is a plateau that straddles the four prefectures of Fukushima, Niigata, Gunma, and Tochigi. Oze is a basin surrounded by 2000-meter-tall mountains, such as Mt.Shibutsu (至仏山, Shibtsusan), Hiuchigatake (燧ヶ岳, Hiuchigatake), Mt. Keizuru (景鶴山, Keizuruyama), and Mt. Nakahara (中原山, Nakaharayama). The marshland centering on Oze Marsh, which is said to have been formed around 10,000 years ago, was designated as Oze National Park (尾瀬国立公園 Oze Kokuritsu Koen) in 2007 and as such, the terms "Oze" and "Oze National Park" are synonymous with one another. Oze National Park is a major scenic spot that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Views of Japan. Other than the marshland of Oze Marsh, many ponds and swamps can be seen on the nearby mountainsides. After the snow melts in May, all the plants and trees bloom at once. There are boardwalks and benches as well, so visitors can enjoy a refreshing walk while taking in all of the natural scenery. The Skunk Cabbage of Oze National Park – A Treat for the Eyes Photo：Skunk cabbage Asian Skunk Cabbage is characterized by its large white petals, but these white petal-like things are not actually petals, rather, they are bracts, which are specialized leaves. Skunk Cabbage is called "Mizubasho" in Japanese (水芭蕉, lit. 'Water Banana'). The name comes from the shape of its leaves, which resemble those of the Japanese banana plant, and from the fact that it grows near water. It's a perennial plant of the arum family that grows in mountainous marshlands, and its flowers are at their best from late May to mid-June in Japan. Although bloom dates are dependent on the amount of snowfall each year, the best time to see skunk cabbage in Oze National Park is the same; late May to early June. In the first week of June especially, Oze National Park is crowded with tourists looking to see the clusters of skunk cabbage in bloom. The Nature of Oze National Park & 2 Popular Hiking Courses in the Area There are many hiking courses in Oze National Park, but the two most popular hiking courses are the Ozegahara Course and the Ozenuma Course. These two courses are recommended for first-time visitors to Oze National Park. Incidentally, the hiking course introduced in the video is the Ozegahara Course. Photo：Ozegahara ●Ozegahara Course This course circles Oze Marsh, the largest marshland on Japan's mainland. The boardwalk is well maintained, so even beginners can walk the course with ease. [Main route] Hatomachi Toge (鳩待峠, Hatomachitoge)→ Yamanohana Visitor Center (山ノ花, Yamanohana)→ Kamino - Ohori River (上ノ大堀川, Kamino Ohori Kawa)→ Ushikubi (牛首, Ushikubi)→ Miharashi (見晴, Miharashi)→ Ryugu Hut (龍宮小屋, Ryugu Goya) (Overnight stay). ※If you're visiting on a day trip, turn back at Kamino - Ohori River or Ushikubi. Ryugu Hut→ Miharashi→ Akatashiro Branch (Akadashiro Bunki)→ Yoppi Suspension Bridge (ヨッピ吊橋 Yoppi Tsuribashi)→ Ushikubi→ Yamanohana Visitor Center→ Hatomachi Toge [Video] 1:28 - Walkers on a Well-Maintained Wooden Path Photo：Oze Marsh and Hiuchigatake ●Ozenuma Course This is a hiking course around Lake Ozenuma and it's the course with the least amount of inclines and declines. Although this course can be hiked on a day trip, it's recommended that you stay overnight at a lodge. Lake Ozenuma at sunset with the stars in the night sky makes for an unforgettable experience. The Numayama Pass Observation Deck (沼山峠展望台, Numayama Toge Tenboudai) is located at the end of a conifer forest uphill from the Oze Numayama Pass bus stop. Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Ozenuma. On the first day, go to Sanpeishita (三平下) via the east bank of Lake Ozenuma. From Sanpeishita, you can see Hiuchigatake (燧ヶ岳, Hiuchigatake) and Lake Ozenuma, making it a popular vantage point. On the second day, start from the south bank of Lake Ozenuma to Numajiri (沼尻, Numajiri). Numajiri is also a beautiful place with ponds and in spring and summer, you can see pygmy water-lilies and Japanese thistle. After passing through the north bank of Oze Marsh, return to Numayama Pass. [Main route] Numayama Pass→ Ozenuma Villa (Overnight stay) Ozenuma Villa→ Numajiri→ Oze Marsh→ Numayama Pass Hotels, Hot Springs, and Where to Eat Near Oze National Park Photo：The Hatomachi Toge Rest Area The Hatomachi Toge Rest Area is located at Hatomachi Toge, the starting point of Ozegahara in Gunma Prefecture. Many tourists use this spot to prepare before hiking and to eat. The Hanamame Soft Cream ice cream is also popular. For visitors to Oze National Park, we recommend the Sky Terrace (天空テラス, Tenku Terasu) located 2,000 meters above sea level and the free Foot Bath in the Sky (天空の足湯, Tenku no Ashiyu). It takes about 15 minutes by the Nikko Shiranesan Ropeway (日光白根山 Nikko-Shirane San) to reach the summit station. Located on the border with Nikko, Tochigi, you can relax while enjoying a view of Mt. Nikko-Shirane. At Oze Katashina, a roadside station in Tone, Gunma Prefecture, visitors can enjoy direct sales of fresh highland vegetables from Katashina Village (片品村, Katashina Mura), as well as delicious meals prepared using locally grown vegetables at Katashina Diner (かたしな食堂, Katashina Shokudo)" and "Village People's Kitchen (村民キッチン, Sonmin Kicchin)." If you are considering staying near Oze National Park, Oze Hut (尾瀬小屋 Oze Koya) is another great spot we recommend. Despite the name of "hut," it's clean and has excellent facilities, such as the Oze Hut Terrace (尾瀬小屋テラス Oze Koya Terasu), which is open to outside visitors, as well as hot springs. The food is so good that it's hard to believe that it's located in the middle of Oze Marsh. How to Get To Oze National Park From Tokyo From Tokyo there are several ways to get to Oze National Park and there are also several different trailheads to enter the park from. From Tokyo, the easiest entry to the park via public transportation is the Hatomachi Toge trailhead. Tokyo Station to Oze National Park: Hatomachi Toge Trailhead From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Jomokogen Station (1 hr. 10 mins), from Jomokogen Station, take a Kan'etsu Bus to Numata Station (25 mins), from Numata Station, take a Kan'etsu Bus to Togura Station (1 hr. 15 mins), and from Togura, once more take a Kan'etsu Bus to Hatomachi Toge (35 mins). In total it will take approximately 4 hours to reach the Hatomachi Toge trailhead from Tokyo Station. Keep in mind that this is just one route and there are many different trailheads with which to start a hike in Oze National Park. Summary of Oze National Park's Charming Skunk Cabbage Oze National Park is the largest high-altitude marshland on Japan's mainland, and straddles the four prefectures of Fukushima, Niigata, Gunma, and Tochigi. Because of its vast geographical area, you can enjoy the nature of Oze with both hiking and overnight stays. When the short summer comes, various flowers bloom in Oze National Park. From late May to June in particular, when skunk cabbages, the representative flower of Oze National Park, are in bloom, many people visit Oze National Park to see the beautiful scenery. We hope this article can help you enjoy your trip to Oze National Park. Be sure to follow the hiking courses introduced above if you visit! 【Trip Advisor】Oze Marsh

Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Site Park: Video Introduction This video, titled "Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Site Park｜One of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossoms Spots in Japan｜Breathtaking Cherry Blossom Blizzards and Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing" (【日本三大夜桜 高田城址公園の桜 圧巻の桜吹雪と夜桜 - Takada Castle Cherry Blossoms 2022 in full bloom - (BMPCC6K)), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." Takada Castle Site Park is located in Joetsu, Niigata, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. This video was taken on April 12th, 2022, when the cherry blossoms were blooming beautifully. The flowers had fully bloomed just two days before the shooting! The contrast between the blue sky and pink and white flowers is simply magical. The cherry blossom blizzard is a view that will definitely catch your eye! The illuminated cherry blossoms here are so beautiful that it they have been chosen as one of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the lovely cherry blossoms of Takada Castle Site Park! What Is Takada Castle Site Park Like? Photo：Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu, Niigata Takada Castle was built in 1614 by Matsudaira Tadateru, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle was built with a moat that utilized the river surrounding it. The castle was built in the Edo Period over the span of four months by order of the shogunate. In 1871, the castle was abandoned and converted into an army garrison. In 1908, the earthen mounds of the Ninomaru and Sanomaru (2nd and 3rd baileys) were removed and part of the moat was filled in. The moat and the restored three-story turret of Takada Castle are reminders of the castle's former glory. Today, the ruins of Takada Castle are maintained as Takada Castle Site Park, and the entire area is designated as a historic site by Niigata Prefecture. Takada Castle Site Park has many facilities, including the Takada Library, a history museum, athletic fields, and even a baseball field. Many citizens visit here because they can use both cultural and sports facilities. With a grass plaza and a promenade around the outer moat, visitors who take a stroll can enjoy the scenery of Japan's four seasons here. Festivals, Cherry Blossom Illuminations, and More! Everything to See at the Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party Photo：Takada Castle Site Park illuminated, Joetsu, Niigata The Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party is one of the biggest events of spring in Joetsu, Niigata. During the festival, the cherry blossoms are at their peak! Trees will be lit up from dusk till 9:00 P.M. In the year 1090 AD, approximately 2,200 cherry trees were planted here by local military personnel. In 1917, citizens were allowed to visit the area for leisure, and in 1926, the event was advertised nationwide and the first cherry blossom viewing party was held. Today, around 4,000 cherry trees bloom around Takada Castle Site Park. Most of them are Someiyoshino cherries, and from the beginning of the video, you can see a beautiful cherry blossom blizzard like a scene from a movie. The reflection of the blue skies and snow-covered Mt. Myoko on the surface of the moat is truly incredible. [Video] 0:59 - Cherry Blossoms and a Snow-covered Mt. Myoko As we mentioned, Takada Castle Site Park is so famous for its nighttime cherry blossoms that it was chosen as one of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. The three-story turret of Takada Castle is illuminated, and the illuminated cherry blossoms reflected on the dark surface of the moat creates a mystical scene. [Video] 3:00 - The Illuminated Turret and Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle If you visit Sakura Road, you can pass through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Sakura Road is illuminated at night, allowing visitors to take impressive photos, both during the day, and at night. When do Cherry Blossoms Bloom at Takada Castle Site Park? Photo：The Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party, Joetsu, Niigata The cherry blossoms are usually at their best at the beginning of April each year. On April 10, 2022, two days before the video was filmed, the cherry blossoms in Takada Castle Ruins Park were in full bloom, and a beautiful cherry blossom blizzard was observed during the shooting.However, in 2023, cherry blossoms were in full bloom at the end of March, which is earlier than usual. [Video] 0:00 - A Cherry Blossom Blizzard and the Three-story Turret of Takada Castle The Takada Castle Ruins Park Kanzakura-kai, which will be held in accordance with the cherry blossom season, is scheduled from March 29th to April 14th, 2024.The contents of the event during the period will be announced as soon as it is decided, so please check the website of the Joetsu Tourist Convention Association before going out. Summer at Takada Castle Site Park – Beautiful Lotuses In summer, the outer moat of Takada Castle Site Park will be filled with lotuses. At the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912 AD), people grew lotus roots to rebuilt the economy of the Takada Domain. This eventually led to the lovely views of lotuses we see today. The outer moat of Takada Castle was built using the nearby Sekikawa River (関川, Sekikawa). Although the eastern side has been filled in, it is still as large as approximately four Tokyo Domes. Every year, from the end of July to the middle of August, green leaves fill all the surface of this moat, while pink flowers bloom atop them. The scale and beauty of the blooms is said to be the best in the East. Lotus flowers tend to open at dawn or early morning and close around noon. To see the lotus flowers in full bloom, we recommend visiting early in the morning. A Brief Introduction to Niigata, Japan Niigata Prefecture is the fifth largest prefecture in Japan and is divided into three regions: Joetsu, Chuetsu, and Kaetsu (Upper, Middle, and Lower Niigata). With a population of nearly 2.2 million, it's the 15th most populated city in Japan. Niigata is known for its beautiful rice fields which yield delicious rice and make for great sake. Situated along the coast of the Sea of Japan, it also has delicious seafood. Additionally, Niigata is one of the snowiest regions of Japan, which make it a great place to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, but it's also known for its summer festivals, such as the Niigata Festival, which features dancing, parades, portable shrines, fireworks, and more. Summary of Takada Castle Site Park's Cherry Blossoms Photo：Cherry blossoms illuminated in Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu, Niigata A collaboration of approximately 4,000 cherry trees, historical sites, stunning views of cherry blossoms and Mt. Myoko, and a beautiful tunnel of cherry blossoms at night. The cherry blossoms at Takada Castle Site Park are nothing short of spectacular. Most of the cherry trees at Takada Castle Site Park are Someiyoshino cherries, but the large weeping cherry tree at the end of Sakura Road is a must-see. During the Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party, many stalls and vendors are set up around the area and the park can become quite crowded. This is a major event at a famous sightseeing spot, but there are some restrictions in place to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Be sure to research them before you go. ◆Takada Castle Site Park◆ [Address] 44-1, Motoshiro-cho, Joetsu-shi, Niigata [Access] Train: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Takada Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway's Myoko Haneuma Line Bus: Approximately 1 minute on foot from Takada Joshi Koen Iriguchi (高田城址公園入口) by Kubikino Bus [Closures] None [Admission Fee] Free [Parking] Available (Prices vary by parking lot) 【Official Website】Takada Castle Site Park 【TripAdvisor】Takada Castle Site Park

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

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/