Sightseeing in Ishioka, Ibaraki: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Ishioka Ibaraki Prefecture Official] SATOYAMA landscape ISHIOKA: See the Satoyama Landscape of Ishioka, the Original Landscape of Japan, With Seasonal Images and a Soul-Stirring Tsugaru Shamisen Performance" (【茨城県石岡市公式】SATOYAMA landscape ISHIOKA 　日本の原風景、石岡の里山風景を四季折々の映像と津軽三味線の魂を揺さぶる演奏とともにご覧下さい。), was uploaded by "Ishioka, Ibaraki" (茨城県石岡市). The Tsugaru shamisen performer in the video is Shotaro Yo, a hometown ambassador for Ishioka. This video of Ishioka's sightseeing spots lets you soar like a gust of wind along with the soft-yet-wild tones of the Tsugaru shamisen. The combination of beautiful Japanese scenery, Satoyama (an area between the natural environment and an urban space, consisting of a village, surrounding forests and farmland, reservoirs, grasslands, and so forth.) scenery, and the Tsugaru shamisen will transport you away from reality, and into a world overflowing with the near-forgotten spirit of "wa" (the Japanese concept of 'harmony'). What Kind of City is Ishioka, Ibaraki? Photo：Ishioka, Ibaraki Ishioka is located in Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan's Kanto region, less than 60 minutes from Tokyo by train, making it the perfect distance for a day trip from Tokyo. Gazing at the satoyama scenery, an image of a Japan untouched by human hands extends in every direction, a sight that's sure to wash away the stresses of daily life. Ishioka is a relatively flat place, and this geography allows for an even wider view of the awesome landscapes and satoyama scenery. Thanks to high quality groundwater, Ishioka is also a brewery town, where sake and soy sauce production have flourished for many years. Ishioka has many places to relax, including flower gardens and hot springs, and a variety of fun activities that can be enjoyed in the area, including leisure facilities where you can enjoy the blue skies, hiking through the mountains, and much, much more. We're certain you'll be able to refresh both your body and mind with a visit to Ishioka! Enjoying Cherry Blossoms at Hitachi Fudoki no Oka Photo：Kanokoshiseki Park near Hitachi Fudki no Oka Among Ishioka's many sightseeing locations, Hitachi Fudoki no Oka is one that brings you close to some important history. In addition to the location's credentials as a cultural resource, Hitachi Fudoki no Oka's "Chibiko Hiroba" (ちびっこ広場, lit. 'kid's park') has plenty for the kids to enjoy too. Another hit with the kids is the observation deck, that doubles as the largest lion mask in Japan, which was made famous through the Ishioka festival "Ishioka no Omatsuri" (石岡のおまつり). The imposing lion mask and the blue skies are great for taking Instagram photos! As for adults, you can enjoy seasonal flowers, including cherry blossom, lilies, lotuses and so on between spring and summer at the waterside park. Chibiko Hiroba, the lion mask observation deck, and the waterside park are all, happily, free of charge. [Video] 2:09 - Shishigashira Observation Deck! Inside the paid area is a plaza populated with reconstructed ancient houses, with reconstructions of houses from the Paleolithic/Jomon era (between around 14,000B.C. and 400B.C.) to the Yayoi period (between around 300B.C. and 250A.D.), and an exhibition and research facility where buried cultural resources and remains are on display. If you're a history buff, you'll definitely want to check this out! Popular Tourist Attractions in Ishioka, Ibaraki: Petting Zoos Photo：Ostrich Kingdom, Ishioka, Ibaraki Tsukuba Utopia (筑波ユートピア) and Ostrich Kingdom (ダチョウ王国, dacho okoku) are absolute musts if you're sightseeing in Ishioka. Both facilities offer the rare opportunity to interact with animals. These spots are great fun for both kids and adults alike, and are great for any sightseeing itinerary. In addition, you can enjoy a plethora of hands-on events as well as looking at the animals. There's plenty of fun to be had here, not just for families, but for couples on dates too! Enjoy an extraordinary time while getting in touch with nature and petting cute animals. Camping and Other Outdoor Activities in Ishikoka; Make Lifelong Memories Here! Ishioka has a wide range of facilities where you can enjoy nature. There are a total of four places offering paragliding experiences: Mt. Ashio (足尾山, ashio-san), Mt. Wagakuni (吾国山, wagakuni-san), Mt. Maie (真家山, maie-san), and Mt. Minedera (峰寺山, minedera-san). It's a great way to experience the beautiful scenery of the Japanese countryside from the sky! Also, those planning to climb Mt. Tsukuba (筑波山, tsukuba-san) often stay at "Tsukubane Autocamp" (つくばねオートキャンプ場), a campground from which hot spring facilities are easily accessible by car. You can spend time in nature with family, go for a date with your partner, or hang out with your friends in the natural surroundings. The special time you spend here is something you just won't find in day-to-day life, and is sure to make for some treasured memories. Chow Down on Some Local Specialties in Ishioka Photo：Soba Don't forget to try the food in Ishioka as well! Enjoy slurping on some delicious soba (Japanese buckwheat noodles) while enjoying the hot springs at Yasato Onsen Yuri no Sato. Ishioka is home to vast fields of buckwheat. Slurping down soba while smelling the fragrance of buckwheat makes it all the more delicious. The brewing industry is also big in the area, meaning you can enjoy the ultimate combination of Japanese sake and soba. Combine that with the breathtaking Japanese scenery, and you might understand what it would have felt like to live in Japan in the past! In addition, at Sanpoen (三宝園) you can indulge in apples and persimmons still dripping with morning dew, among a whole host of other fruits. The fruit tour, which can be enjoyed as part of a day trip, is another activity to consider. Ishioka Sightseeing Summary Did you watch the video introducing Ishioka's sightseeing spots, with backing provided by the tones of the Tsugaru shamisen? The video also includes scenes of Shobuzawa Yakushi Kodo (菖蒲沢薬師古道、lit. Old Shobuzawa Physician's Road), and old-school billboard architecture (an architectural style resembling the art deco style), that aren't mentioned in this article. [Video] 0:31 - Shobuzawa Yakushi Kodo [Video] 0:49 - Billboard Architecture Furthermore, at Daikakuji Temple (板敷山大覚寺, Itajikiyama Daikakuji), there is a splendid garden, modeled after Kyoto's Tenryuji Garden. If you're interested in Japanese culture, you ought to add it to your sightseeing itinerary. There's too much to do in Ishioka for just one day. From autumn tasting trips on bike, to experiencing the outdoors and paragliding, it might be worth picking a theme to explore before your visit. Either way, we definitely recommend adding Ishioka to your list of travel destinations in Japan! 【TripAdvisor】Ishioka

福島・栃木・茨城の観光「ダイヤモンド・ルート」の紹介動画 こちらの動画は「Diamond Route Japan」が公開した「【4K】SAMURAI Spirits : Diamond Route Japan 2019 - Fukushima, Tochigi, Ibaraki |」です。 動画の舞台である福島・栃木・茨城は、武士の精神が今も息づく地域です。 こちらの動画では侍や武士といったモチーフだけではなく、日本芸能も登場しています。 現代においても国内外問わず熱中させてくれる侍と武士、そして日本芸能。 日本芸能、そして舞台芸術を融合させた「剣伎衆かむゐ」 動画で演舞しているのは、パフォーマンス集団「剣伎衆（けんぎしゅう）かむゐ」。 武道など日本文化とダンスパフォーマンスを融合させた演技が特徴です。 武士と侍の精神 戦国時代に活躍した侍。 そして侍といえば武士道、というのが海外から見た日本のイメージです。 「道」とは宇宙や物事の道理・本質を表す言葉が起源です。 転じて、道という概念は日本古来の信仰である神道へと変化し、武士道などさまざまな形へ変化させていきました。 戦国時代に始まったこの精神は現代の武道や日本芸能にも浸透しています。 日本芸能として残る能 また、代々世襲制で継承している日本芸能もあります。 戦国時代に開花した能です。 こうした日本芸能は、文化の発展に寄与した人物が人間国宝として数えられます。 福島・栃木・茨城の観光「ダイヤモンド・ルート」紹介まとめ 福島・栃木・茨城は、武士道精神が今もなお強く残る地域です。 日本の伝統、そして和の心を知りたい方は是非、福島・栃木・茨城へ足を運んでみてはいかがですか。

Introducing Ibaraki Prefecture - A Tourist Destination Full of Attractions This video, titled "[Revised Version] Ibaraki Prefecture PR Video "Outlook IBARAKI" Japanese Version" (【改訂版】茨城県PR映像「Outlook IBARAKI」 日本語版), was released by "いばキラTV - IBAKIRA TV -." Ibaraki Prefecture is an area where you can enjoy beautiful, Instagram-worthy scenery such as Fukuroda Falls, one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls, Mt. Tsukuba, on the list of "Top 100 Mountains in Japan," and the beautiful Kasumigaura Lake, the second largest lake in Japan. The Beauty of Ibaraki The population of Ibaraki is about 3 million and this prefecture lets people enjoy the four seasons of Japan. It takes 70 minutes to get to Mito City, the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, from central Tokyo by the Joban Line. Kairakuen Garden, a sightseeing spot in Mito, is famous for its Ume flowers and when they’re in full bloom, the place is overflowing with visitors. Ibaraki Prefecture is an important region supporting Japan in agriculture and industry, and has a well-developed land, sea, and air transportation network, with the Port of Ibaraki and the Port of Kashima, as well as Ibaraki Airport, connecting the prefecture to countries around the world. Ibaraki has a historically deep culture, and you can find traditional Japanese culture, such as Kashima-Jingu Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, as well as traditional crafts. Ibaraki Prefecture supports Japan in various fields such as industry, agriculture, animal husbandry, cuisine and space technology. Check Out Ibaraki's Melons! Photo：Melon Ibaraki Prefecture is a major producer of fruits and vegetables, and Ibaraki's chestnuts, rice, Chinese cabbage and lotus root, boast the No. 1 market share in Tokyo. It is also the top producer of melons in Japan! “Ibaraking” is a famous melon because of its large size and elegant sweetness. This melon is introduced at past 1:40 in the video. You can tell how delicious it is just by watching. In addition to melons, you can enjoy chestnuts and pears in the fall, so it is recommended that you visit Ibaraki in each of the four seasons. Although it’s not well known, Mt. Tsukuba and the Northern part of the prefecture have an enriched hot spring where you can enjoy a relaxing time after a meal or sightseeing. Photo：Monkfish hot pot Try Out the Local Specialties in Ibaraki! Ibaraki is a reservoir for various seafood, such as mackerel and sardine. A standard dish during the winter in Ibaraki is monkfish hot pot. The annual "Monkfish Cleaning" event at Oarai Sun Beach has become a popular winter event, so much so that it has become a hot topic in the news. The livestock industry is prosperous as well. There's Hitachi beef which is famous throughout the world, and Rose Pork, with a quality of meat that ranks among the best in Japan! In this article's video, "Outlook IBARAKI," you can learn more about monkfish, Hitachi beef, and popular sightseeing and dining spots in Ibaraki. Speaking of local gourmet, in Ibaraki there's the “Mito roast pork burger,” “Kasama Inarizushi,” Clam rice, and of course locally produced sake. If you're going to Ibaraki be sure to try some of these out. They're all delicious. Ibaraki - A World Class Research City in Japan Photo：Tsukuba Space Center Ibaraki: One of the World's Leading Cities for Research and Education in Japan In addition to being famous for its cuisine and tourism, Ibaraki is also a hub for research and development. It is located 45 minutes from the center of Tokyo by the Tsukuba Express. There are research institutes from 29 countries, including the Tsukuba Space Center, which is famous for space development, and about 20,000 scientists support the world's most advanced research. It is one of the world's leading Japanese research cities, home to four Nobel Prize winners associated with Tsukuba! Bronze statues of Nobel Prize winners are introduced around 2:48 in the video. Major Japanese companies such as Hitachi, Komatsu, Canon, and Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal have their main factories here, and the robotics industry is particularly active in the industrial sector, where various robots are being developed and put to practical use. Ibaraki's Remarkable Sports Ibaraki Prefecture is known for its cuisine, tourism and research and development. In addition, Ibaraki Prefecture is also attracting attention in the field of sports. J-League powerhouse Kashima Antlers, named after Japan's oldest shrine, the Kashima Shrine, is loved by residents of Ibaraki Prefecture. Additionally, the Ibaraki National Athletic Meet was held in 2019. It’s the largest event and athletes from all over Japan gather to show their hard training. Summary of Ibaraki There are also many other attractive sightseeing spots in Ibaraki, such as Hitachi Seaside Park, where you can enjoy the seasonal flowers, as well as many gourmet foods. Check out the video, full of the attractions of Ibaraki, such as nature, industry, agriculture, livestock farming, gourmet food, space development, and more! This article can't convey all of the amazing things Ibaraki has in store for you, so be sure to check out the video to get a better idea of what there is to do! 【Official Website】Ibaraki Prefecture https://www.pref.ibaraki.jp/site/foreign-language/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Ibaraki https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298165-Ibaraki_Prefecture_Kanto-Vacations.html

A Myriad of Wonderful Sightseeing Spots in Ibaraki This video, "Ibaraki: Ever-Changing Beauty [4K Japan Cinematic]" was created by "Tokyo Creative Travel." There are many attractive sightseeing spots in Ibaraki Prefecture, including shrines and temples known as power spots, futuristic landmarks known as "towns close to space," and spots where you can experience the beauty of nature to the fullest. This article will introduce popular sightseeing spots in Ibaraki Prefecture alongside the video. Temples and Shrines in Ibaraki! Photo：Ushiku Daibutsu As you can see from 0:05 in the video, the Ushiku Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Ushiku), located in Ushiku, Ibaraki, is 120 meters tall. It is three times taller than the Statue of Liberty. Also, it's big enough to place the Great Buddha of Nara in its hand and is even recognized by Guinness Book of World Records. Arai Isomae Shrine, located on the Oarai Coast in Ibaraki, shown at 0:22 in the video, is a historical landmark known for "Kamiiso-no-Torii," a torii gate standing on a rocky reef. Kashima Shrine, the headquarters of Kashima Shrines throughout Japan, is also a popular sacred site. Tips when Traveling to Tsukuba, Ibaraki Photo：JAXA Tsukuba Space Center in Tsukuba, Ibaraki The city of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, where the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center is located, is called "the closest town to space in Japan." Mt. Tsukuba in Hokutan, Tsukuba, is a popular spot for hiking and mountain climbing. The most advanced robots come and go around the University of Tsukuba, and as of 2019, the town of Tsukuba is the only place in Japan where Segways are allowed to be driven on public roads. There are a Segway tours that you can take on public roads as well, so consider checking these out. They can be seen from 1:21 in the video. Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Ibaraki Photo：Ibaraki Prefecture, National Hitachi Seaside Park Fukuroda Falls is ranked as the third most beautiful waterfall in Japan after Nachi Falls and Kegon Falls. If you're looking to relax, be sure to stop by Fukuroda Onsen and enjoy the hot springs. Hitachi Seaside Park is a popular, photogenic sightseeing spot where you can see gorgeous, blue nemophila during early summer. Kasumigaura Bay, the second largest lake in Japan, is another tourist destination we highly recommend visiting. We also recommend seeing the Ryujin Suspension Bridge, the longest bridge in Honshu, and Hananuki Gorge, where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage in the fall. Ibaraki Prefecture is also known as a city of food. During your visit to Ibaraki, be sure to try monkfish dishes (あんこう料理), the Mito Chashu (Char Siu) Burger (水戸ちゃあしゅうバーガー), Kasama Inari Sushi (笠間いなり寿司), Hamaguri Meshi (はまぐりめし), Tsukuba Udon (つくばうどん), Soboro Natto (そぼろ納豆), and Sanpin Tako Meshi (三浜たこめし). Summary of Ibaraki Prefecture Photo：Ibaraki Prefecture, Hananuki Valley As you can see in the video, there are many places in Ibaraki where you can enjoy beautiful scenery. After a long day of sightseeing in Ibaraki Prefecture, nothing beats enjoying the local delicacies, and Ibaraki has them in spades. Visit Ibaraki, a prefecture full of charm!

Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture This video, titled "This is Kashima City"（This is Kashima City【この街、かしま 編】）, is a promotional video for Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan's Kanto region, produced by the "Kashima City Public Relations Promotion Division." Kashima City is a city in the southeastern part of Ibaraki Prefecture with a population of about 60,000. Although it is not a big city, it is rich in history, culture, and nature, and home to Kashima Shrine, the Kashima Antlers, and the surfing Mecca, Shimotsu Beach. This time, we'll tell you about the charms of Kashima city and give some insight into a few unknown sightseeing spots. Sports, nature, history, and the charms of Kashima City are all packed into this 2 minute video. Try to keep up! Sports Hall of Fame: Introduction to Kashima Soccer Stadium Photo：Soccer Kashima City is also known for the Kashima Soccer Stadium, home of the J-Leauge soccer team, the Kashima Antlers. The Kashima Antlers, a popular football team in the J-League, call Kashima City, Kamisu City, Itako City, Fukakata City (formerly Kitaura Town) and Hokota City home. To get to Kashima Soccer Stadium, use the JR Kashima Line "Kashima Soccer Stadium Station." The video the Kashima Antlers during one of their practices, at0:19. A Surfer's Paradise: Introduction to Shimotsu Beach (下津海水浴場, Shimotsukaisuiyokujō) Photo：Surfer Shimotsu Beach is a popular beach with a parking lot nearby, and is visited by surfers and family vacationers from all over Japan. During surfing season, the Kashima Lifeguard Team is on duty, so you can enjoy swimming safely. Take a dip in Ibaraki Prefecture's clearest waters! This can be seen at 0:44 in the video. Places to See in Kashima City: Kashima Shrine Photo：Kashima Shrine Kashima Shrine has ties to the founding of Japan and is dedicated to Takemikazuchi, a famous god of martial arts. Built in the first year of Emperor Jinmu, this shrine is an important hub for Japan's Shinto religion. To get to Kashima Shrine, use the Kashima Jingu Expressway Bus (from Tokyo Station) or Kashima Jingu Station on the JR Kashima Line. If you're coming by car, get off at the Itako Interchange on the Higashi-Kanto Expressway and it'll take about 1.5 hours to reach the hotel. Please note that there is a fee for parking. Kashima Shrine is the most popular tourist spot in Kashima City. It is introduced in the video from 1:07, and you can see cute deer at Kashima Shrine as well. Nature and Space: Ono Shiosai Hamanasu Park Ono Shiosai Hamanasu Park has a “Space Observation Tower '' where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. In the facility, there is a gallery where paintings, photographs and handicrafts are displayed, and there's also a planetarium, and a local museum, which introduces the history of Kashima City. As you tell from the name Ono Shiosai Hamanasu Park (潮騒, Shiosai "Roar of the Sea"), the park has a "Jumbo Slide" where you can slide down to the sea, a children's playground where you can try climbing a rope, and a mountain stream walking course with a natural stream, all of which can be enjoyed while listening to the sounds of the Kashima Sea. It's also a great place to see the beautiful seasonal flowers, such as Japanese roses, cherry blossoms, plums, rhododendrons, and azaleas in full bloom. Fresh Seafood: Kashima Port Fishing Park Kashima Port Fishing Park is the largest fishing spot in Japan where you can enjoy all-season fishing. As long as you pay the entrance fee, all the fish you catch can be taken home, so be sure to enjoy the fresh seafood of Kashima City. In the waters near Kashima Port where the Kuroshio Current and Oyashio Current meet, there is a popular leisure spot where you can catch a lot of flatfish, horse mackerel, and smelt. Summary of Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture Photo：Kashima Soccer Stadium After reading this article, we hope we've convinced you that there's more to Kashima than just Kashima Shrine and the Kashima Antlers! There are plenty of places where you can enjoy your time, such as "Kashima Jingu Kaen," "Hitachi Kuni Ichinomiya," "Okosakizaki Hermanus Indigenous South Boundary," "Kashima Space Technology Center," "Hirai Beach," and "Kashima City Dokidoki Center." The view of the windmills along the coast is especially beautiful! Be sure to watch the video produced by "Kashima City" and what it has to offer! 【Official Website】Kashima City, Ibaraki City Hall Homepage http://city.kashima.ibaraki.jp/

Sightseeing in Shimotsuma, Ibaraki In this article, we introduce the video "Shimotsuma City PR Video Digest 2019 Version" (下妻市PRビデオダイジェスト2019Ver.), produced by the "Shimotsuma City PR Video Library" (下妻市PR映像ライブラリー). Shimotsuma has a population of 41,964 (as of October 2019). It's a city full of attractive sightseeing areas and lively events. If you book a stay at one of Shimotsuma Onsen’s (しもつま温泉, Shimotsuma onsen) ryokans or hotels, you can take your time exploring the city. Let’s take a look at the attractive sightseeing destinations and events in Shimotsuma! Sightseeing Destinations in Shimotsuma, Ibaraki Photo：Mt. Tsukuba and poppies If you're planning a trip to Shimotsuma City in Ibaraki Prefecture, you should take time to admire the beautiful flowers, including rape blossoms, hydrangeas and poppies at the Flower Zone. You can get some amazing pictures here for your Instagram, so don't forget to bring your camera! Furthermore, the large zelkova tree at Muryoin Temple (無量院, Muryo-in), as well as the Holly Planted by Myoku (明空御手植の柊, Myoku o-teue no hiiragi) are particularly beautiful. Besides that, there are also other famous, yet hidden gems, such as Yakuoji Temple (薬王寺, Yakuo-ji), Komyoji Temple (光明寺, Komyo-ji), Rinnoji Temple (林翁寺, Rinno-ji), Fuji-jinja Shrine (富士神社, Fuji-jinja), Muneto-jinja Shrine (宗任神社, Muneto-jinja), as well as the former home of writer Nakatsuka Tadashi (長塚節生家, Nakatsuka tadashi seika). A car race at Tsukuba Circuit is shown at 0:24 in the video, a bouldering experience at 0:37, and a canoeing experience is shown from 1:33. Be sure to try these activities when you visit! Exciting Events in Shimotsuma, Ibaraki Photo：Daihohachimangu Shrine The Tabanka Festival (タバンカ祭, Tabanka-sai), also known as the Taimatsu Festival (松明祭, taimatsu-sai), held every year in September at Daihohachimangu Shrine of Shimotsuma (大宝八幡宮, Daihohachimangu), which can be seen at 1:42 in the video, is a popular fire festival that attracts attention as one of Japan's "bizarre festivals." Furthermore, a hydrangea festival is held at the shrine at the beginning of every summer. With a procession of horses and mikoshi palanquins (渡御, mikoshi), this is an exciting event for all. In addition, there's the Shimotsuma Festival (下妻祭り, Shimotsuma-matsuri), illumination events, Shimotsuma Fireworks Festival (下妻市花火大会, Shimotsuma hanabi-taikai), Setsubun (節分, Setsubun), and more – there are lively events in every season! Events are also held at the Shimotsuma Citizen Culture Hall (下妻市民文化会館, Shimotsuma shimin bunka kaikan) as well as nearby the municipal office. At these festivals and events, you’ll have the opportunity to hear Shimotsuma’s summer theme song, "Paprika" (パプリカ, Papurika). Local Cuisine of Shimotsuma, Ibaraki Source :YouTube screenshot At 0:56 in the video, Shimotsuma’s delicious cuisine is introduced. If you go on a trip to Shimotsuma, you can purchase fresh vegetables, seafood, and local beer, as well as have a taste of the city’s famed natto and pears at the Shimotsuma Rest Area (道の駅しもつま, Michi-no-eki shimotsuma). For lunch, enjoy a delicious bowl of local ramen! Summary of Shimotsuma, Ibaraki Shimotsuma, Ibaraki is a charming area that has begun to gain popularity in recent years. Its local character is Shimon-chan, and is designed after the great purple emperor butterfly. The various shopping areas such as Aeon Mall are convenient for both tourists and locals. If this article/video piqued your interest, do take the chance to visit Shimotsuma, Ibaraki! 【Official Homepage】 Shimotsuma City Municipal Office Homepage http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.shimotsuma.lg.jp%2F