北海道函館市の人気観光スポット「五稜郭」の桜紹介まとめ こちらの動画は「nippon.com」が公開した「Hakodate’s Cherry Blossoms Spring 2018 | nippon.com」です。 こちらの記事では、北海道函館市にある五稜郭の桜や箱館山からの夜景を紹介致します。 歴史ある日本の桜の名所と、古くから美しいと評価される夜景を、是非動画をご覧ください。 北海道函館市の人気観光スポット・五稜郭の歴史 五稜郭は、江戸時代末期に現在の函館市の中心地に建造されました。 もともとは外国船から箱館港を守るために建造されたようですが、戊辰戦争最後の戦場「箱館戦争」で旧幕府軍に占領され、木材不足のために一部が解体されて陸軍の訓練所として利用されるなどの紆余曲折がありました。 その後、1914年に五稜郭公園として一般開放され、現在は函館を代表する観光スポットとなっています。 1952年には北海道唯一の国指定特別史跡となりました。 「五稜郭」の桜の見頃や見どころ 五稜郭は函館市の桜の名所としても非常に有名で、ソメイヨシノを中心に1,600本もの桜があり、毎年桜の季節になると函館市民や観光客で大いに賑わいます。 五稜郭公園の桜の見どころは、お堀の外周の遊歩道。桜を見上げながらゆっくりと散策を楽しめます。桜を見ながらゆっくりと休憩ができるカフェ「自家焙煎コーヒー ピーベリー」もおすすめです。 また、五稜郭タワーの高さ約90mにあるガラス張りの展望台から見下ろす桜も人気で、五稜郭の星型を桜が彩る風景は一見の価値あり。 五稜郭の桜の見頃は、例年4月下旬から5月上旬にかけて。2024年の函館市の桜開花予想によると、2024年は例年よりも早く4月27日頃に見頃を迎えるようです。 隣接する五稜郭タワーの展望台からその景色を見下ろすと、星形の城郭に沿って綺麗な桜のピンク色を見ることが出来ます。 是非、地上と展望台の両方から五稜郭の桜を楽しんでみてはいかがでしょうか。 北海道函館市で夜景を楽しむ 昼間に桜を楽しんだ後は、箱館山で美しい函館市街の夜景を楽しむことが出来ます。 箱館山の山頂からは、海に挟まれた函館の街が光のアーチを作り、海岸線を縁取っています。 函館の夜景は古くから世界三大夜景と言われ、最近でも旅行ガイド「ミシュラン・グリーンガイド・ジャポン」で三ツ星を獲得する美しい景色です。 何度見てもまた行きたくなるような特別な魅力があります。 北海道函館市の人気観光スポット五稜郭紹介まとめ 北海道函館市にある五稜郭公園の桜と箱館山からの夜景について紹介させて頂きました。 どちらも日本が誇る非常に美しく素晴らしい景色です。 是非動画をご覧になって頂き、北海道旅行の際は実際に足を運んでいただければと思います。

Introducing Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture This video, titled "聖地｜和歌山県高野山 / Sacred place Koyasan, Wakayama" was created by "Hiraku KAWASHIMA." It introduces Koyasan a sacred place for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, registered as a World Heritage Site. Koyasan is located in Wakayama, in Japan's Kansai region. It is a sacred place for Japanese Buddhism, opened by Kobo Daishi Kukai at the beginning of the Heian period 794 AD - 1185 AD), more than 1200 years ago. In this video, you'll see some of the highlights of Koyasan in just 2 minutes worth of footage. Please enjoy the video and be sure to take notes on whatever interests you as well! Koyasan Photo：Koyasan Danjo Garan Hasuike (Lotus Pond) Koyasan is a region in Koya, Ito District, in the northern part of Wakayama Prefecture. It is surrounded by 1,000 meter tall mountains at an altitude of about 800 meters. Koyasan as a place name is a flat basin-shaped area surrounded by eight peaks: Imagi peak, Hoju peak, Mt. Hachibuse, Mt. Benten, Mt. Koya, Mt. Tenjiku, Mt. Youriyu, Mt. Mani, and Mt. Tenjiku all make up Mt. Koyasan. Koyasan is a Zen Buddhist seminary opened by Kobo Daishi Kukai and is a sacred place for Japanese Buddhism. Today, it is a religious city centered around the fundamental dojo "Danjo Garan," the precinct for religious practices. Danjo Garan, one of the two most sacred places along with Okunoin, can be seen from 0:27 in the video. In 2004, twelve buildings along the Koyasan-cho Ishimichi and Kongo-buji Temple precincts (six districts), along with Kumano Hongu Taisha, Wakayama Prefecture, Yoshinoyama Nara Prefecture, and Ominesan Nara Prefecture, were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 2016, the Koya Pilgrimage Route, Kuroco Road, Nyonin Road, Kyouosakamichi Fudouzaka, and Mitanizaka were registered as World Heritage Sites. In 2015, the temple's 1200 year ceremony was held, attracting many visitors. In Koyasan, there are many events throughout the year, but the ritual that has been going on every day for 1200 years is "living in nature." This is a ceremony where meals are delivered twice a day to the mausoleum where the spirit of Kukai is enshrined. Koyasan is a sightseeing spot full of history. There are many places where you can enjoy Japanese sweets and food. There are also educational facilities such as elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools and universities on the premises of Koyasan. Highlights of Koyasan Photo：Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple The video introduces the facilities and temples located at Koyasan. All are within the precincts of Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism. The admission fee for Kongobu-ji Temple is 500 yen for general admission, and 200 yen for elementary school students (※As of Nov. 2019). Next up are some of the structures at Koyasan: ・Daimon (~0:03) The large front gate sitting at roughly 25 meters tall. Designated as an important cultural property. The video shows it lit up and very shiny. ・Danjo Garan (~0:27) The main temple used for general activities. Registered as a National Historic Site and World Heritage Site. ・Konpon Daito (~0:31) The first Tahoto (a form of Japanese pagoda) in Japan with a height of 48.5 meters. Built as a symbol of Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. In the video, you can see the main tower shining under the night sky. ・Ichinohashi Bridge (~0:42) There is an approximately 2 km approach from here to Kobou Daishi Mausoleum. ・Shoujoshin-in (~0:46) Koyasan Bekkaku Honsan Shoujoushinin is a shukubo (accommodation facility) and temple that was built by Kukai and later rebuilt by Taira no Munemori. ・Kongobu-ji Temple (~0:50) Koyasan Shingon Buddhism is the headquarters of Koyasan. There are many attractions such as the largest rock garden "Banryu Garden," and fusuma paintings by the Kano School. ・Okunoin (~0:53) There are around 200,000 tombs belonging to the Imperial Family and Daimyo on the approach to the shrine. More than 60% of the graves belong to feudal lords of the warring states period. Miroku stone, which is called the Seven Wonders of Koyasan. It is said to be a stone that fulfills spiritual desire, and that there is benefit when touched. There is a tradition of paying a visit to this place to report on the completion of a pilgrimage to the 88 sacred places in Shikoku and to thank the pilgrims for their efforts. There is also a legend that Kukai, 1,200 years after being enshrined at the temple, is still practicing as a living Buddha. ・Mizumuke Jizo (~1:04) At the Jizo-son (the guardian deity of children), which stands along the banks of the Tamagawa River, sutra wood is offered to the god of Jizo to provide water for the ancestors of the deceased. ・Hasuike (~1:08) It is said that the Buddha is enshrined here. ・Gobyo-bashi (Mausoleum Bridge) (~1:22) The bridge closest to Kobou Daishi Mausoleum is a sanctuary, and photography is prohibited. Although it is not introduced in the video, there is also the "Okunoin approach," "Kondo," "Meaye dou," "Onsha," "Ajimi Jizou," "Sengoku samurai memorial tower," "Tokugawa Family Reidai," "Kongo Sanmaiin," "Koyasan Reihokan, Kurukayado, Ichijoin, Corporate memorial monument, and Hokiin which was built by Kangen. There are also spots where you can get your shuin. Summary of Koyasan Photo：Pilgrim So what'd you think about the holy place, Koyasan? The video introduces just some of the interesting things about Koyasan. Koyasan is also one of the most popular and powerful power spots in Japan. You might even get some power from the video! At Koyasan, you can stay in a shukubo, experience a devotional service, participate in religious events and meditation, and learn about sutras, poetry, and flower arranging, so you can feel the traditions of Koyasan. ◆ Koyasan overview information ◆ 【Address] Kongobu-ji Temple 132, Koyasan, Koyacho, Ito-gun, Wakayama 648-0294, Japan 【Access】 ・ Train: Get off at Gokurakubashi Station on the Nankai Koya Line and walk from Koyasan Station on the Nankai Koyasan Cable ・ By car: Approximately 2 hours from the center of Osaka, the nearest expressway exit “Hanwa Expressway Wakayama IC and Minamihanna Road Habikino IC 【Admission fee】Kongobu-ji Temple: General: ¥ 500 / Elementary school student: ¥ 200 (※as of December 2019) 【Hours】Kongobu-ji Temple 8: 30-17: 00 【Closures】Open daily 【Parking】There are many parking lots in the neighborhood, but please note that it is very crowded on the weekends. 【Phone number】Kongobu-ji Temple 0736-56-2011 【Official Website】Koyasan Shingon Sect Main Temple Kongobu-ji http://www.koyasan.or.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Koyasan https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121341-d1028543-Reviews-Mt_Koya-Koya_cho_Ito_gun_Wakayama_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Sanja Festival" in Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo: Charms and Highlights Video Introduction Source :YouTube screenshot This is an introductory video titled “SANJA MATSURI – IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI” (SANJA MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （三社祭／東京)), created by ANA Global Channel. It introduces Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, Three Portable Shrines Festival) in Asakusa, Tokyo. The old town Asakusa is a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreign tourists; It is famous for Sensoji Temple (浅草寺, Sensoji) and Kaminarimon Gate (雷門, Kaminarimon). Sanja Matsuri is the festival held at Asakusa Shrine (浅草神社, Asakusa Jinja) in this old town. The video shows various scenes, including a powerful portable shrine procession. Along with the video, Mr. Hamasaki of the Kaminarimon Seibu-cho Kai explains in detail the highlights and history of the Sanja Matsuri. The video will surely help you enjoy the Sanja Matsuri even more! The video will surely help you enjoy the Sanja Matsuri even more! When is the Sanja Festival held in Asakusa, Tokyo? How to get there? The Sanja Matsuri is held in Taito-ku, Tokyo, mainly in the 44 townships that are the Ujiko of the Asakusa Shrine. It is usually held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the third week of May every year. In 2024, it will be held from May 17 to May 19. Asakusa Shrine is a 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Toei Subway Asakusa Line. Please also enjoy the downtown area from the station. The Sanja Matsuri, which is becoming increasingly popular not only in Japan but also overseas, is now one of the most popular events in Japan. Sanja Matsuri: Day 1 Source :YouTube screenshot The first day of Sanja Matsuri starts with “Daigyoretsu Parade.” Beginning with a float accompanied by music, a line of chic Edokko (people born and raised in Edo), dressed as geisha and egrets, parade along the routes in each town of Asakusa. You can see this scene from 2:14 in the video. You especially don't want to miss the “Binzasara Dance,” the dance of rice planting. “Binzasara” is a traditional music instrumental made of 108 thin layers of Japanese cypress boards. Here, participants pray for a good harvest by dancing with the sound of Binzasara. The Binzasara Dance is also designated as an important intangible folk-cultural property of Tokyo; It is a special event you can see only at this festival. After that, the ceremony of transferring the Omi-Tama to the shrine of each town council, is held. Sanja Matsuri: Day 2 Source :YouTube screenshot On the 2nd day of Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, the event called "Mikoshi Togyo" is held by the 44 parishioners of Asakusa. A mikoshi is a portable shrine on which a god or a spirit rides during festivals. In the afternoon, approximately 100 “Portable Town Shrines (町内神輿, Chonai Mikoshi)” owned by 44 towns of Asakusa undergo a purification ceremony at Asakusa Shrine one by one. Then, Edokko carry Mikoshi together and walk around the town energetically. All the portable shrines are put behind the main hall of Sensoji Temple, so it is a very good spot to take some photos. It's definitely worth seeing the view of the 100 portable shrines. You can take some great pictures here as well! You can see this scene from 4:32 in the video. In the video, Mr. Hamasaki says that the events held on the 2nd day are practice for carrying the portable shrines on the following day. He also says that there are no rules for shouts; As long as everyone enjoys carrying the shrines, it's fine. Usually the area around Kaminarimon Gate is full of tourists. During the festival, however, many Edokko gather in this area to carry portable shrines. You can see some great scenes from 9:30 in the video. After that, you can see the female shrine maidens’ dance performance at Kagura Hall (神楽殿, Kaguraden). Sanja Matsuri: Day 3 On the final day of Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, you can see the main portable shrine (本社神輿, Honja Mikoshi) of Asakusa Shrine. The portable shrines where gods ride are called “Miya.” The three portable shrines are called “the first palace (一之宮, Ichino Miya),” “the second palace (二之宮, Nino Miya),” and “the third palace, (三之宮, Sanno Miya).” And taking the palaces out of each Mikoshi is called “Miyadashi.” People first move three spirits to the three portable shrines, and then they walk around the towns of Asakusa while carrying each portable shrine. Many people vie for handles of portable shrines wildly, which Mr. Hamasaki says the best part of Sanja Matsuri. However, Miyadashi, carrying Mikoshi out of the shrine, starts at 6 a.m. Moreover, people are not allowed to go inside Asakusa Shrine during this time. If you want to watch this scene with the best possible view, we recommend staying at a hotel in the area the day before the event. At 12:58 in the video, Mr. Hamasaki says that it is fun for visitors to watch Mikoshi Togyo because it is a participation type festival that is very close to the audience. On the same day, you can also see the ceremony of spirits returning from portable shrines, female attendants dancing, and the dance offering accompanied by a Japanese drum performance. Food at Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Don’t forget the food stalls at the festival! Enjoying street food is another fun part of Sanja Matsuri. Asakusa is famous for many kinds of delicious local food, such as Monja, Sukiyaki, and Unagi eels. Enjoy the sounds and flavors of Sanja Matsuri! Overview of Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Asakusa Sanja Matsuri is one of the three main festivals in Japan. In recent years, collecting the Goshuin (red seals) at temples and shrines has become popular. In addition, many temples and shrines are now popular among Instagrammers, which is why a large number of visitors come to Asakusa Shrine throughout the year. During the three days of this festival, Asakusa Shrine and the old town of Asakusa become full of the excitement of Edokko! Sanja Matsuri, a historical and traditional festival in Asakusa, now attracts people all around the world. This 18-minute video shows some highlights of Sanja Matsuri, including the powerful ceremony of transferring the spirits to portable shrines. Mr. Hamasaki introduces some must-see points of the festival, so be sure to check them out! Enjoy Sanja Matsuri, the historical festival in Asakusa! During the festival, traffic is very crowded due to traffic restrictions. The parking lots around the shrine can also not be used, so when you visit Sanja Matsuri, we highly recommend using public transportation. ◆Information of Asakusa Shrine◆ 【Address】2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032 JAPAN Seven-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line/Asakusa Line) 【Parking】There are some parking lots. You cannot park your car if you are only visiting the shrine. 【Phone Number】03-3844-1575 【Official Website】 Asakusa Shrine, Sanja Matsuri https://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/

紅葉の美しい日光の華厳の滝と中禅寺湖紹介動画について こちらの動画は「Discover Nippon」が公開した「4K Autumn Fall in Nikko 日光の紅葉 中禅寺湖 華厳の滝 日本の紅葉 JAPAN 日光観光 紅葉の名所 leaves Lake ChuzenjI 旅行」です。 秋の紅葉シーズンには、どこかへ紅葉狩りに出かけたくなりますよね。 しかし、なかなか天気に恵まれずに観光の予定を立てられないということもあると思います。 そんな時は、こちらの動画で栃木県日光市の紅葉狩りを楽しんでみてはいかがでしょうか？ 華厳の滝の水源である中禅寺湖の紅葉を、まるで遊覧船から鑑賞したような気分になります。 日本一標高が高い湖、「中禅寺湖」 日光国立公園内にある中禅寺湖は、男体山が噴火し、大谷川が塞き止められてできた湖です。 標高が1,269mもあり、4平方kmの自然湖としては日本一高いところに位置しています。 唯一の流出口は華厳の滝となっていて、多くの観光客が訪れる観光スポットとなっています。 中禅寺湖は釣りの名所としても有名。 日本各地から釣り人が集まり、ボートに乗り込みます。 四季ごとに景観を変える中禅寺湖ですが、動画でご覧になれるように紅葉の季節は格別の景色が広がります。 男体山や中禅寺湖の湖畔に生えるカエデ、ブナ、ウルシなど葉が一斉に色づき、水面を鮮やかに彩るのです。 紅葉シーズンには「紅葉廻り」コースの遊覧船も運行されており、ゆったりと絶景を楽しむことができます。 高級ホテルで有名な金谷ホテルもこのエリアに位置しています。 レストランからは紅葉の中禅寺湖畔を望むことができ、外国人旅行者にも人気です。 おすすめは、ホテル名物「百年カレー」。 紅葉の景勝地とともに味わう贅沢ランチを、堪能してください。 日本三名瀑の「華厳の滝」を楽しむ 四十八滝と呼ばれるほど、日光には滝が豊富です。 その中でも有名なのが、日本三名瀑としても知られる、華厳の滝です。 華厳の滝の水量は毎秒約3トン。 落差は97mもあり、中禅寺湖から流れ出た水が、荘厳な音を立て、落下していきます。 駐車場近くの華厳の滝エレベーターに乗れば、滝つぼにある観瀑台まで降りることも可能です。 周囲の紅葉と調和する華厳の滝の力強さを、ぜひ間近で体感してみましょう。 また、いろは坂の先にある明智平からは、中禅寺湖と華厳の滝を同時に鑑賞することができます。 中禅寺湖から溢れる華厳の滝の様子は、その雄大な景観から、国の名勝にも指定されています。 紅葉の美しい日光の華厳の滝と中禅寺湖紹介まとめ 華厳の滝や中禅寺湖周辺には、二荒山神社中宮祠という歴史のある神社やキャンプ場も点在しています。 奥日光には湯元温泉があり、戦場ヶ原は草の紅葉を楽しめる穴場となっています。 美しい紅葉の動画をご覧になり、心も体も癒される中禅寺湖、華厳の滝エリアへの旅を想像してみてください。

Tokyo Tower" in Minato-ku, Tokyo Video Introduction こちらの動画は「東京タワー」が公開した「東京タワー ビジョンムービー」だ。 東京のシンボルとして日本国民に愛されてきた「東京タワー」。 2018年12月には開業60周年を迎えた東京タワーは、2012年5月に「東京スカイツリー」が建設されるまで、日本で最も高い電波塔であり観光地だった。 そんな東京タワーは、現在でも人気の観光スポットとして日本国内の旅行者のみならず、海外からの観光客からも親しまれている。 動画では東京タワーの展望台での楽しみ方や施設情報の案内を元AKB48の人気メンバー梅田彩佳が行っている。 東京タワー観光に行く予定のある方は、動画で予習してみてはいかがだろうか。 日本一高い建物だった「東京タワー」の現在の役割 東京タワーは、1958年12月に建設完了した東京都港区芝公園にある高さ333メートルの電波塔であり、日本一高い建物だった。 日本の歴史において東京タワーが果たした役割は大きく、テレビ局などの電波を日本の多くの世帯に発信していた。 東京タワーは、現在東京スカイツリーが完成したことで、電波塔としての役割は無く、予備電波塔と位置づけられている。 しかしながら、日本国内でも有数の観光地として訪れる方は多く、観光客は年間で360万人にも登り、日本のランドマークとしての役割を担っている。 近年においては東京タワーが日本の観光地として更に親しまれるために、バリアフリー化やイルミネーションによる企画などさまざまな取組みを行っている。 エレベーターの先は別世界！絶景の360度パノラマ 東京タワーで観光客が訪れることが出来るスポットは、150メートル地点にある「メインデッキ（大展望台）」と250メートル地点にある「トップデッキ（特別展望台）」だ。 メインデッキは動画の0:36から紹介されている。 ここは「360度パノラマ展望台」となっており、貸し出しの双眼鏡「レンタルスコープ」で東京中を見渡すことが出来る。 また、ガラス張りの床がスリル満点の「ルックダウンウィンドウ」はまるで空中を歩いているような感覚になる。 メインデッキにある「タワー大明神」は東京都内で最も高い位置にある神社として知られている。 受験シーズンになると「一番高い」成績を祈願して多くの学生が訪れる。 その他にも、イメージキャラクターとして有名な「ノッポン」のオリジナルグッズを購入できるショップやおしゃれなイベント会場「Club333」、東京タワーの周辺情報をまとめた「展望解説ボード」などがある。 さらに高いトップデッキから東京を見渡す！ トップデッキ（特別展望台）は、予約制の「トップデッキツアー」に申し込んだ方のみが入れる特別な空間だ。 動画の3:33でトップデッキから見た景色を紹介している。 ここはメインデッキのような広い展望台ではないものの、メインデッキよりさらに100メートル高い250メートルから東京を見渡すことが出来る。 その景色は、まさに絶景だ。 設置された「ジオメトリックミラー」というオブジェは、風景が鏡に乱反射するよう設計されたもので、ロマンチックな雰囲気を演出する。 東京で人気のデートスポットだ。 「東京タワー」紹介動画まとめ 東京のシンボル「東京タワー」の魅力や施設情報を紹介した。 東京タワーは、東京都港区芝公園にあり非常にアクセスのしやすい観光施設だ。 電車で向かう場合、最寄り駅は大江戸線赤羽橋駅だ。 徒歩で10分以内で到着することができる。 バスで向かう場合は、目黒駅や品川駅などの主要な駅からバスが出ている。 また東京タワーには合計300台以上の車が収容可能な駐車場が併設されているので、車で来る観光者の方も安心だ。 建設から60年経ったが、魅力的な施設であることは変わりなく、満足できる観光地となっている。 動画を見て気になった方は、ぜひ足を運んで見てはいかがだろうか。

Ginkakuji Temple (Jisho-ji) Video Introduction Ginkakuji Temple (official name: Jisho-ji), located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. The video "Ginkakuji Temple (Jisho-ji)" introduces its charm in a beautifully filmed presentation. From the very beginning (00:00), viewers are greeted with scenes of bamboo fences, stone walls, and gently winding paths. The sight of the grounds, with visitors strolling quietly to the accompaniment of the soft sounds of birds, leaves a lasting impression. Highlights such as the Ginsadan (Silver Sand Terrace), a moss-covered garden, and a waterfall with soothing sounds are beautifully captured starting at (01:12). By the end of the video, you may feel as though you’ve actually walked through the site. What is Ginkakuji, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward? Ginkakuji is a Zen temple built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. Its official name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji. Alongside Kinkakuji (Rokuon-ji), this temple is highly regarded. It originated as Yoshimasa’s retirement villa, the “Higashiyama Palace,” and was later converted into a Zen temple after his death. Photo: Kannon Hall at Ginkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto At the heart of the complex is the Kannon Hall, commonly known as the “Silver Pavilion.” Despite the name, no silver leaf was used. Its subdued elegance symbolizes Higashiyama culture. In 1994, it was designated as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The Kannon Hall (Silver Pavilion), the central structure of teh temple, was also designated a National Treasure in 1951 for its architectural value as a masterwork from the Muromachi period. Garden Aesthetics at Their Finest: Highlights of Ginkakuji Photo: Ginsadan at Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto The artistic beauty of Ginsadan and Kogetsudai The Ginsadan, a dry landscape garden made of white sand, is one of the temple’s most iconic features. Designed to reflect moonlight, at night it conveys a mystical, otherwordly scene. The adjacent Kogetsudai is believed to have been built for moon viewing. Photo: Kannon Hall and Kogetsudai at Ginkakuji Temple, a UNESCO site in Kyoto These spots are popular for taking impressive photos. The patterns in the white sand change subtly with the light, offering something new with each visit. The serene moss garden and pond One of the first sights upon entering is the lush moss garden. Although moss thrives in shade and moisture, at Ginkakuji it spreads like a green carpet, perfectly maintained to offer a tranquil setting. Photo: Moss at Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto The color of the moss subtly changes with the seasons, with fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, brown mingled with fallen leaves in autumn, and a frosty silver hue in winter. Each season brings a unique atmosphere. Walking through the gardens, you may feel transported to a mental oasis, as if even the very air and atmosphere are different. It's a calming escape from daily life. The beauty of tradition found in the details Ginkakuji’s appeal goes beyond famous structures. Its true appeal lies in the refined beauty of the details that captivate visitors. For example, a small waterfall in the garden appears around (01:12) in the video. Its gentle sound blends imperceptibly with the moss-covered rocks and trees, creating a serene sense of harmony with nature. Photo: Sengetsusen at Ginkakuji Temple, Kyoto Along the paths are small stone bridges and delicately woven bamboo fences that softly divide garden spaces. These details draw attention the more you look. Seasonal plants and red-berried shrubs add subtle accents to the greenery. Though these may seem like minor elements, they play vital roles in Japanese gardens. Their restrained yet captivating beauty reflects the essence of *wabi-sabi*, the Japanese aesthetic of imperfection and impermanence. Stone lanterns and moss-covered steps along the path reveal something new with each step, like turning the pages of a picture scroll with your own feet. Visitor Information: Access and Admission To reach Ginkakuji, take a city bus from Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line) to “Ginkakuji-mae,” which takes about 10 minutes. From the bus stop, it's about a 5-minute walk. Walking along the Philosopher's Path is also recommended, offering seasonal scenery and a peaceful pace. Admission Fees Adults: 500 yen, Elementary/Middle School Students: 300 yen Opening Hours Open year-round8:30–17:00 (March–November)9:00–16:30 (December–February) Plan to spend around 40 minutes to 1 hour. Mornings are generally less crowded and more serene. Nearby Attractions Philosopher’s Path Photo: Philosopher’s Path in spring, Kyoto The Philosopher’s Path extends south from Ginkakuji along a canal lined with cherry trees. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, and fallen leaves cover the path in autumn. It’s known as the path walked by philosopher Nishida Kitaro and offers beautiful seasonal scenes. Eikando Temple & Nanzenji Temple Area Photo: Autumn light-up at Eikando Temple, Kyoto Within a 15–20 minute walk are Eikando, renowned for autumn foliage, and Nanzenji, famous for its aqueduct. Both are historic Zen temples, with exquisite gardens and architecture, making them ideal to visit along with Ginkakuji. Traditional Kyoto Cuisine Around Ginkakuji, you’ll find long-established restaurants serving dishes like yudofu (hot tofu), namafu dengaku, and Kyoto vegetables. Enjoying lunch in a calm Japanese-style setting is the perfect break during your visit. Voices from Visitors: Discovering the Appeal of Ginkakuji Highlights Shared in Reviews Reviews include comments like “More peaceful than expected, it was spiritually refreshing” and “Every view was so beautiful, I couldn’t stop taking pictures.” International visitors also praise it, saying it’s “a place to experience the spirit of Zen” and “one of the most serene temples in Kyoto.” A Photographer’s Paradise From Ginsadan to the Kannon Hall and pond reflections, Ginkakuji offers numerous photo-worthy scenes. Seasonal changes, such as the autumn leaves, spring greenery, and winter snow, make for stunning photographs year-round. The best time for photography is in the morning when the angled sunlight creates especially beautiful effects. Conclusion: A World of Tranquility that Embodies Japanese Culture Ginkakuji is more than a tourist attraction. It embodies the Japanese aesthetic of *wabi-sabi* and offers new insights and calm with each visit. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Ginkakuji—a place where you can step away from daily noise and restore your spirit. Access and Official Information Address: 2 Ginkakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Phone: 075-771-5725 Official Website: https://www.shokoku-ji.jp/en/ginkakuji/

A Healing Journey to the Nature of Miyakejima, Tokyo | About Okubohama Miyakejima, a southern paradise just a few hours from central Tokyo, is part of the Izu Islands and known for its active volcano. The island is home to untouched nature and a rich marine environment. Located in the northern part of the island, Okubohama is one of Miyakejima’s most popular diving spots. Its clear waters and diverse marine life attract divers from all over. Photo: Miyakejima, a remote island of Tokyo Miyakejima has experienced multiple volcanic eruptions, with the eruption in 2000 being particularly devastating, leading to a full evacuation of the island’s residents. However, the island has since made a strong recovery and evolved into a destination that promotes harmony with nature. Today, it welcomes many tourists who come for diving, birdwatching, hot springs, and more. Okubohama is especially popular among beginner divers thanks to its accessible beach entry. The seabed, a mix of rocky and sandy areas, is home to sea slugs, crabs, and small fish, offering an underwater experience that feels like a treasure hunt. The Stunning Clarity of the Sea — Highlights from the Diving Video The YouTube video “2020/06/11 Miyakejima Diving Okubohama” showcases actual footage of diving at Okubohama. Photo: Underwater scene in the ocean around Miyakejima, Tokyo (00:00) The video begins with a diver slowly entering the water at Okubohama. Surrounded by gentle waves, they descend into the crystal-clear underwater world, a moment that truly feels like becoming one with nature. (00:18) The seabed, dotted with white gravel and rugged rocks, comes into view. The visibility is remarkably clear, allowing viewers to spot small marine creatures hiding in the sand and shadows of rocks. (01:42) A sea slug slowly crawling along the seabed is a popular subject for divers. Their vivid colors and unique appearance make them ideal for underwater photography. (02:15) From the gravel-covered seabed, a small crab peeks out. Encounters with these creatures hiding among the rocks feel like playing hide-and-seek beneath the sea. (02:22) The video ends with the diver surfacing and returning to the beach. Surrounded by the serene sea and sounds of nature, the diving experience offers a deeply soothing moment. With easy beach access and calm currents, Okubohama is beginner-friendly. If you have the equipment, bringing an underwater camera is a great way to capture your personal underwater adventure. Enjoying Miyakejima — Attractions Beyond Diving Miyakejima offers more than just diving. A must-visit spot is the Akakokko-kan, where you can observe the island’s endemic bird, the Akakokko. The entire island is a birdwatcher’s paradise, promoting eco-friendly tourism in harmony with nature. Photo: Akakokko, a wild bird native to Miyakejima, Tokyo At the Volcano Trail, you can explore the remnants of past lava flows and experience the island’s volcanic history firsthand. Don’t miss the scenic views from observation decks — on clear days, you can even see Izu Oshima and Niijima. After diving, unwind at Miyakejima Onsen Furusato-no-Yu. The open-air bath with views of the Pacific Ocean is especially relaxing, and local gourmet dishes using regional ingredients enhance the travel experience. For Instagram-worthy photos, check out the coastal rock formation “Megane Iwa” and “Satado Cape,” popular sunrise and sunset spots. The coastline around Okubohama also offers many scenic, photogenic locations. Photo: Megane Iwa on Miyakejima, Tokyo By joining a diving tour package offered by travel agencies, you can conveniently book transportation, accommodation, and diving sessions all in one. Try searching “Miyakejima Diving Tour” online to find seasonal packages. Okubohama and Miyakejima — Summary and Access The diving experience at Okubohama lets you fully enjoy the nature and sea of Miyakejima, and you can truly sense its charm through video footage. Meeting underwater creatures and discovering hidden wonders offer both leisure and adventure, making it a satisfying experience whether for sightseeing or diving. For beginners, Okubohama is a safe and welcoming diving point with easy beach access. With nearby hot springs and tourist facilities, the entire island feels like a theme park of nature and relaxation. [Access Information] From Tokyo to Miyakejima: 　└ About 6.5 hours by overnight ferry (Tokai Kisen) from Takeshiba Pier in Minato City, Tokyo 　└ About 45 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport to Miyakejima Airport Transportation on Miyakejima: 　└ Local buses and rental cars are convenient for getting around 　└ Okubohama is about 10 minutes by car from the airport or port [Official Info & Reference Links] Miyakejima Tourism Association Official Website Tokai Kisen (Ferry Info to Miyakejima)

Biei-cho, Hokkaido "Shirohige-no-taki Waterfall" Light-up Video Introduction This video, titled "Illuminated Shirahige Falls in Biei," was uploaded by "Nao Akimoto." Shirahige Falls is a popular tourist attraction in Biei, Hokkaido. The sight of the illuminated waterfall is truly breathtaking. The waterfall's serene appearance, flowing amidst the snowy landscape, is definitely worth a trip to see. Check out the video to see the unforgettable appearance of Shirahige Falls illuminated in the darkness on a cold winter night. Shirahige Falls, Biei, Hokkaido Photo：Shirahige Falls on the Biei River, Hokkaido With a drop of 30 meters, underground water seeping out from between natural rocks falls into the Biei River with great force. A waterfall of this kind is called a subterranean waterfall, and it's one of the rarest waterfalls in Japan. Shirahige Falls is just a 5-minute walk from the Shirogane Onsen hot spring resort in Biei, Hokkaido. Shirahige Falls (白, Shira "White"; 髭, Hige 'Beard') gets its name from the white beard-like appearance of the water flowing out of the cracks in the rocks. The mixture of the Biei River and the waterfall creates a cobalt blue appearance, which is a mysterious and beautiful sight. Like in the video, the winter lighting of Shirahige Falls is also popular, which makes it ideal for taking beautiful photos throughout the seasons. In summer, the contrast of new green and blue is wonderful, and in autumn, the changing leaves add color. Regardless of the season, travelers will be delighted by the appearance of the waterfall that flows without freezing. How to Get To Shirahige Falls' to See the Illumination: Parking, Lighting Hours, Etc. Photo：An illuminated Shirahige Falls, Hokkaido Shirahige Falls has been lit up since December 2015. This initiative was launched as a follow-up to Shirogane Blue Pond, which was lit up the previous year. It is now a popular tourist attraction among both foreign and domestic tourists for its fantastical appearance. The waterfall is lit up all year-round and the lighting hours are as follows: Shirahige Falls Illumination November - April: 4:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ※Starting times vary by month. May - October: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more information, please check the Biei Town official website. Shirahige Falls can be reached by a single road from central Biei. It can be accessed by bus or car, and is a 20-to-30-minute drive full of beautiful scenery from Biei Station. There are two free parking lots nearby for those driving as well, so be sure to make use of them if you're coming by car. Other Attractions Near Shirahige Falls Photo：Shirogane Blue Pond, Biei, Hokkaido Shirahige Falls is also a power spot, known for its natural energy as underground water flows out from the Tokachi mountain range. Shirogane Blue Pond can be found about 3km downstream from Shirahige Falls. Mineral components such as aluminum contained in Shirahige Falls mix with the Biei River, creating particles called colloids. When the sunlight hits these colloids just right, they appear cobalt blue. Shirogane Blue Pond has become famous for its beautiful blue color, which is said to cleanse the mind and give one power. Biei Shrine is another popular power spot, known as one of the three major power spots in Hokkaido, alongside Hokkaido Shrine and Lake Toya. The shrine is dedicated to 5 deities, including Amaterasu, the sun god in Japanese mythology. The shrine has become popular as a power spot because it is believed to have the best chi flow in Biei. The shrine also contains many hidden heart-shaped patterns scattered about the shrine grounds, which are popular among young women as it's said the more you find them, the more likely you are to find love. Summary of the Shirahige Falls Illumination in Biei, Hokkaido Did you make sure to check out the video? The Shirahige Falls Illumination, along with the Shirogane Blue Pond Illumination, has become a popular tourist attraction in Biei, Hokkaido. Known as a power spot, it attracts many visitors each year who are captivated by its beauty. There is also the Shirogane Onsen hot spring resort area nearby, providing a variety of accommodation options, such as hotels and traditional Japanese-style inns. It's also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, including places like Furano. After viewing the beautiful snow-covered landscape and the popular tourist spot, Shirahige Falls, visitors can relax at the hot springs of Biei, Hokkaido. Come for a visit and recharge your batteries while enjoying the incredible scenery! 【TripAdvisor】Shirahige Falls

Hydrangea video introduction of “Yangtani-dera”, Yanagitani Kannon in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. This video, titled "Hydrangea and Yanagidanikannon Youkoku-ji Temple"(【京都の紫陽花】柳谷観音（楊谷寺）：hydrangea and Yanagidanikannon Youkoku-ji Temple/花手水）) was uploaded by "Kawaii Kyoto." Located deep in the mountains, approximately 10 minutes from the city center of Nagaokakyo in Kyoto via car, sits Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple), a temple with a variety of interesting sights throughout the year. A temizuya or chozuya is a basin at a temple or shrine where water is available for washing and purifying the hands and mouth before visiting the temple or shrine. It is often located alongside the approach to the temple/shrine. Yokokuji Temple is said to be the birthplace of hanachozu (花手水), which are chozuya filled with flowers. During hydrangea week, the temple grounds are filled with colorful hydrangeas. The color of hydrangeas, a cool light blue, is said to refresh the body and mind and relieve stress. Enjoy the beautiful images of Yokokuji Temple to the sound of birds chirping, along with the flower pots, the hydrangeas blooming on the temple grounds, and the lush greenery of the garden. Introduction to Yokokuji Temple, Kyoto, One of the Most Famous Ancient Temples in Japan Photo：Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple), Kyoto Located in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, Yokokuji Temple is an ancient temple that was opened in the early Heian Period (794 - 1185 AD). The principal deity is the eleven-faced, thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), who is said to cure people of eye diseases. The temple is open to the public on the 17th of every month, so be sure to remember that if you're planning on stopping by for a visit. The temple is also home to a spring water called "Okouzui," which is believed to be a holy water for healing eye diseases, and attracts many visitors. The Seasonal Faces of the Flower Pots at Yokokuji Temple Photo：Hanachozu at Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple), Kyoto Yokokuji Temple, rich in natural beauty, offers different views in each season. These include Hydrangea Week from early June to early July, when the hydrangeas are at their best, and Momiji Week from mid-November to mid-December, when the autumn leaves are at their best. The hanachozu (the water basins filled with flowers) are highly popular on Japanese social media. In addition to the hydrangeas, there are cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers and dahlias in summer, and colorful autumn leaves in the fall, all of which can be seen decorating the flower pots in their respective season. Be sure to check out the official Instagram page for Yokokuji Temple (@yanagidanikannon) to see the seasonal flowers floating in the flower basins. In the summer of 2022, the temple grounds were also decorated with pinwheels and wind chimes. Hydrangea Week at Yokokuji Temple Photo：Hydrangeas at Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple), Kyoto Hydrangea Week at Yokokuji Temple is usually held around early June to early July, the best time to view the hydrangeas. The official website confirms that the hydrangeas will be in full bloom on June 23 in 2023. There are approximately 5,000 hydrangeas at Yokokuji Temple, making it the largest hydrangea temple in Kyoto. If you're thinking about visiting during the full bloom period, be sure to check the official website or Instagram to see the blooming conditions before you visit. Moreover, crowds can be expected during the Hydrangea Festival and Momiji Week. There are several parking lots available, but please note that the parking lots in front of the gate fill up quickly during the high season. Hands-on Classes at Yokokuji Temple Yanagidani Kannon/Yokokuji Temple also offers a variety of hands-on classes. In addition to seal making using pressed flowers, which is held on the 17th of every month, bead bracelet making and other classes are held occasionally as well. If you're interested, be sure to follow their social media accounts to find out when these classes are held. They also have a variety of regular classes as well. Colorful Autumn Leaves at Yokokuji Temple Photo：Autumn leaves in a hanachozu at Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple), Kyoto In autumn, Yokokuji Temple is actually a great spot for viewing the autumn foliage. The entire mountain is beautifully colored and you can enjoy the autumn leaves from the temple precincts. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from November to mid-December. In 2022, the best time to view the leaves was in late November, so you can expect the same in 2023. It's a lesser-known tourist attraction, so it's possible to avoid the crowds here to a degree in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. The inner shrine approach and Ganriki Inari (眼力稲荷) shrine area of the precincts of the temple, as well as Kamishoin (上書院) and Meisho Garden (名勝庭園, Meisho Teien), which is open to the public only on the 17th of each month, are also highlights of the autumn foliage season. During Momiji Week, the garden is illuminated brilliantly at night, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Why not capture the beautiful scenery with your camera at Yokokuji Temple, where there are many scenic spots to view the autumn leaves? How to Get to Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple) Unfortunately, Yokokuji Temple is not the most accessible attraction. The easiest way to get to the temple if you don't have your own vehicle is by taxi from Nagaokakyo Station, Nagaoka-Tenjin Station, or Nishiyama-Tennozan Station (Approximately 10 mins.). Even by bus, from the nearest bus stop it's a 40-minute walk to the temple. If you like hiking or just want to explore a lesser-known tourist attraction in Japan, we definitely recommend making the hike. Other Temples to Visit in Kyoto Being the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to an estimated 3,000 temples. Below are 3 temples you should visit when traveling to Kyoto: Kiyomizudera A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its elevated stage with beautiful seasonal views. The temple is also home to a 3-story pagoda overlooking the city of Kyoto. Kinkakuji Also known as the golden pavilion, the temple, covered in golden leaf, was built in the 14th century and is located inside of a beautiful Japanese garden. It is also a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ryoanji Temple A Zen temple in northwest Kyoto that was founded during the Onin War (1467 - 1477 AD). On top of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple features a lovely dry rock garden. Summary of Yanagidani Kannon (Yokokuji Temple) Kyoto's Yanagidani Kannon, aka Yokokuji Temple, is a healing spot where you can have a wonderful time throughout the year. The flowers in the flower pots remind visitors of the changing seasons in Japan. When you visit Kyoto on a trip, be sure to stop by Yokokuji Temple! [TripAdvisor] Yokokuji Temple

Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park, Sasebo: Video Introduction This video, titled "A Carpet of Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park" (長串山公園のツツジの絨毯) was uploaded by "NAGASAKISHIMBUNSHA." It's a drone video of 100,000 azaleas blooming at Nagushiyama Park overlooking the sea. The pink and red azaleas are in full bloom during spring. Take your time and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of these flowers! This article will provide basic information on Nagushiyama Park, as well as information on sightseeing in Sasebo and its highlights. Read on to learn more. An Introduction to Sasebo, Nagasaki Sasebo, located in northern Nagasaki, is the second largest city in Nagasaki, second only to Nagasaki City, and is a 2-3-hour plane ride south from Tokyo. It's a port city known for its famous Sasebo Burgers which are handmade and made to order, as well as various attractions, such as Huis Ten Bosch, the largest theme park in Japan, and other places like the Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Gardens, etc. Being located far south of Tokyo, the weather is on average slightly warmer than Tokyo. Nagasaki Prefecture also has many tourist attractions to explore outside of Sasebo. Some things to do in Nagasaki include: ・Nagasaki Peace Park ・Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum ・Hashima Island (Gunkanjima) ・Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown If you're traveling to Nagasaki and looking for things to do, Sasebo is definitely worth a trip and you could easily spend more than a day exploring the area. Sasebo is located around 2 hours north of Nagasaki City via train. Features of Nagushiyama Park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Photo：Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park, Saikai National Park, Sasebo, Nagasaki Nagushiyama Park is located near the summit of the 234-meter-tall Mt. Nagushiyama in Sasebo, Nagasaki, in Japan's Kyushu region. The azaleas, which now number approximately 100,000, were first planted by local residents in 1969. In the language of flowers, azaleas have the meanings "first love," "the joy of love," and "passion. It's no exaggeration to say that the warm passion of the local people has created the spectacular scenery we see today. There are many azalea viewing spots across Japan, but only here in Nagushiyama Park can you enjoy a view of the sea beyond the brilliantly blooming azaleas. From here, visitors to the park can enjoy a panoramic view of the northern Kujuku Islands and Hirado Island in the sea. [Video] 0:50 - The Southern Slope of the Park Overlooking the Sea Nagushiyama Park also has a campground, a 100-meter-long roller slide, and playground equipment for kids to enjoy. You can experience an entire day of fun-filled activities with your family or friends while viewing the azaleas and the blue sea. Dogs are also permitted in the park, so if you're traveling with your best friend, you'll have nothing to worry about. What Do Azaleas Bloom at Nagushiyama Park? Photo：Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park, Saikai National Park, Sasebo, Nagasaki The best time to view azaleas at Nagushiyama Park varies slightly depending on the variety of azalea. Kurume azaleas bloom from mid to late April, while Hirado azaleas bloom from late April to early May. Although there are slight variations, it's recommended to visit the garden from early April, when the azaleas start to bloom, to early May, when the azaleas are in full bloom. [Video] 1:12 - Hirado and Kurume Azaleas in Full Bloom According to information from the Visitor Center, the schedule for the Azalea Festival in 2023 is as follows: The schedule of the "Chokushiyama Azalea Festival" in 2024 is as follows. Chokushiyama Azalea Festival in 2024 Period: April 3 - April 30 Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 Admission (during the azalea festival period): 250 yen per person (junior high school students and older) Please note that the Visitor Center is usually closed on Thursdays. For information on blooming and events, please visit the official website. The annual Azalea Festival is quite popular and is expected to be crowded on weekends. It's recommended that visitors look up information on sightseeing and traffic congestion in the area before visiting. Tourist Attractions in Sasebo in Spring Photo：Flower fields at Huis Ten Bosch Below is a list of popular tourist attractions during spring in Sasebo, Nagasaki. Consider adding them to your itinerary! ●Huis Ten Bosch Enjoy the Flower Festival and delicious food at the largest theme park in Japan! ●Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort A marine resort facility home to Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara, which introduces the marine life of the Kujuku Islands, and sunset cruises on large pirate ships. ●Tenkaiho Observatory This observatory offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the Kujuku Islands, and is the most popular viewing platform in Sasebo. ●Miyajidake Shrine Miyajidake Shrine is a beautiful shrine with a brightly painted vermilion building that is said to bring good fortune, luck, prosperous business, and traffic safety. Enjoy spring in Sasebo with Nagushiyama Park and a host of tourist attractions! Summary of Spring Sightseeing in Sasebo and Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park In the video, you can see azaleas in full bloom overlooking the sea. Nagushiyama Park offers spectacular spring views, that can't be found anywhere else in Japan. The 100,000 azaleas, which were planted by the local people, represent the spirit of Japanese hospitality. We recommend staying at a hotel in the area and taking your time to explore the rich nature and international character of Sasebo in spring. You're sure to make some awesome memories here! ◆Nagushiyama Park, Saikai National Park◆ [Address] 〒859-6206 174-12 Shikamachi-cho Nagushi, Sasebo, Nagasaki pref. [Hours] 9:00〜18:00 (Admission until 17:00) [Admission] Free ※But charged during the Azalea Festival Adults (junior high school students and older): 250 yen per person [Parking] Available [Access] From Sasebo Station, take a bus bound for Hirado, change to a bus bound for Kusudomari at Sasa Bus Center, get off at Nagushiyama Azalea Park Entrance, and walk about 15 minutes. [TripAdvisor] Nagushiyama Park

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

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

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan This video, titled "4K Yokohama Christmas Illumination｜Night View of Yokohama｜Sightseeing｜Christmas Market｜Red Brick Warehouse｜Minato Mirai" (4K Yokohama Xmas illumination 横浜クリスマスイルミネーション night view of Yokohama 横浜夜景 観光 クリスマスマーケット 赤レンガ みなとみらい), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." Known for its beautiful night views, Yokohama's Minato Mirai area in Yokohama, Kanagawa, in Japan's Kanto region, is a popular tourist destination that you don't want to miss when sightseeing in Yokohama. The area is dotted with many noteworthy attractions, including Yokohama Landmark Tower, various commercial facilities, and theme parks, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery unique to the port city. It's also one of the most popular date spots in Japan. Among the many tourist attractions in Yokohama's Minato Mirai area, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is by far one of the most popular. Especially during the Christmas season, a Christmas market, like one you'd find in Germany, is set up with a large Christmas tree. The entire area is great for taking photos, especially for Instagram. Enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional Christmas season at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market, which is only open during the winter month! Events at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Photo：The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historic building constructed in the late Meiji (1868 - 1912) and early Taisho periods (1912 - 1926) as a model warehouse for the national government. It was reborn as a cultural and commercial facility in 2002, retaining its original appearance, and continues to be loved by visitors today. The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse has a perfect location facing the sea, where visitors can enjoy shopping at trendy stores and dining at delicious restaurants. But that's not all! A wide variety of events are regularly held throughout the year, and each one draws attention. One of the most popular events is the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market. The event started in 2010 at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza and Red Brick Park because of its German connection, and has become a very popular winter event that attracts many people every year. Reminiscent of an authentic German Christmas market, the event attracts many visitors every year and has become the highlight of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market – Attractions & Things to Do! Photo：The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market The charm of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market is that visitors can enjoy an authentic German-style Christmas market. The symbol of the event, a real 10-meter-tall Christmas tree, will be lit up, and German-made wooden huts and decorations will adorn the venue as well. The variety of food and goods available at the venue is another highlight of the event. Visitors can enjoy authentic German cuisine, including grilled sausages and glühwein (mulled wine), as well as shopping for Christmas goods, European sundries, original mugs, and other goods that will make you feel like you're at a German Christmas market. This year's "Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse" will be the largest ever, with an expanded area, merchandise sales, and food and beverage booths. The event's first trial is the "Premium Lounge," a private space that can be rented out. Why not spend a winter moment in this relaxing space decorated with Christmas decorations? Reservations for the Christmas Market and Illumination Hours Photo：The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market Here we will tell you about the "Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 2023," including the date, time, lights, and admission fee. Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 2023 Period:November 24 - December 25, 2023 Place: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza and Red Brick Park Admission fee: 500 yen (free for elementary school students and younger) Lighting hours: 16:00 - until close of business　 *Illuminated garden: 16:00-21:00 　Christmas tree 16:00-23:00 If you become a member of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse official app, the admission fee is reduced to 300 yen. In addition, you can get discount coupons that can be used at each store. Mobile ordering is also available for ordering some food items, so be sure to check the app in advance! Summary of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market The collaboration of the historical building of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, one of Yokohama's most popular tourist attractions, and the Christmas Market is a winter tradition in Yokohama that can only be seen during the Christmas season. Enjoying the fantastic illumination at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market while enjoying tasty Christmas food and unique goods is guaranteed to make for a memorable experience. Experience an unforgettable time at the exciting Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market this Christmas in Japan! 【TripAdvisor】Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama

Mt. Sobo Video Introduction This video, titled "Kobara Gorge [Gorge Walking Video] Sobo, Katamuki and Okue Biosphere Reserve" (神原渓谷【渓谷散策動画】祖母・傾・大崩ユネスコエコパーク), was uploaded by "Sobo, Katamuki and Okue Biosphere Reserve" (祖母・傾・大崩ユネスコエコパーク). Mt. Sobo, one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, is the source of Kobara Gorge. Designated as Sobo-Katamuki Quasi-National Park, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the fresh greenery in summer and colorful autumn leaves in fall while enjoying a relaxing hiking experience. The Sobo, Katamuki and Okue Biosphere Reserve – Tons of Popular Tourist Attractions Photo：Takachiho Gorge Straddling Oita and Miyazaki prefectures, the area surrounding Mt. Sobo, Mt. Katamuki, and Mt. Okue is home to lush virgin forests, numerous valleys, and rare flora and fauna. The area is known as the "Sobo, Katamuki and Okue Biosphere Reserve." The Oka Castle Ruins, the motif of Kojo no Tsuki, a famous Japanese song, as well as Harajiri Falls, selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, and Takachiho Gorge, a place of scenic beauty and natural monument, are also located in the area. In addition, popular sightseeing spots such as Seiun Bridge, which is the largest bridge on a national highway in Japan, are scattered throughout the area. In order to protect the area's rich natural environment, the municipalities in the vicinity of the Mt. Sobo, Mt. Katamuki, and Mt. Okue mountain ranges have launched efforts to have the area registered as a UNESCO Eco-Park (Biosphere Reserve). Having been recognized as a registered site in 2017, the area is expected to conserve biodiversity, revitalize the local community, and serve as a center for environmental education and research. Mt. Sobo - Virgin Forests and Beautiful Valleys, Popular Among Mountaineers Mt. Sobo has an elevation of 1,756 meters and is located on the borders of Oita and Miyazaki Prefectures, and has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. It is also known for its rich natural forests, numerous valleys suitable for exploring waterfalls, and is a treasure trove of rare wildlife, with animals like the Japanese serow, which is a protected species. While there are well-maintained climbing routes and walking trails, the trail near the summit is a steep mountain path that involves rocky climbing. Mt. Sobo - Enjoy Extensive Hiking Trails Source :YouTube screenshot The Kobara Gorge Trekking Course, which climbs from the first to the fifth station of Mt. Sobo, is a course that's great for shorter mountaineering trips, with well-maintained trails and promenades. The video introduces the highlights of this trekking course. Gyouran Falls, located just outside the entrance of the first station, is one of the 100 Views of Oita. [Video] 0:38 - Gyouran Falls Ahead you'll find Oyashiro Falls, where it's said that Shugendo monks once purified themselves to reach the summit of Mt. Sobo. [Video] 1:07 - and 1:53 - Oyashiro Falls Other highlights include the fifth station hut, which is the turnaround point of the course, "Seirei no Ki" (精霊の木, lit. 'Spirit Tree'), a mysterious-looking tree with several intertwining trunks, and "Nezame Falls" (寝覚の滝), which has a drop of about 10 meters. [Video] 1:21 - The Fifth Station Hut [Video] 1:34 - Seirei no Ki [Video] 2:00 - Nezame Falls On the downhill route, stone walls that are believed to be the remains of a lumber trail, which was used to transport lumber, can still be seen, and precious remains of various industries can also be seen. An Easy Hike Up Mt. Sobo - Enjoy a Gorge Walk Recommended for Beginners The "Fujikawachi Gorge Walking Course" is recommended for a short mountain climbing, hiking, or waterfall touring trip on Mt. Sobo. The valley is dotted with unique spots that are great for taking Instagram photos, such as "Senmaidaira" (千枚平) where you can play in the water, "Hyotanbuchi" another place surrounded by nature, and "Odoiko Doi," an interesting rock formation that looks like an irrigation canal. Visitors can also use campgrounds with bungalows and camp sites, and "Fujikawachi Yu-topia," a day-trip hot spring facility. Summary of Hiking Information for Mt. Sobo Photo：A woman enjoying mountain climbing The popular Mt. Sobo/Kobara Gorge offers a relaxing experience for both body and soul, with waterfall tours and light hiking. The Kobara Valley Trekking Course and the Fujikawachi Valley Walking Course are great for beginners to try. However, climbing Mt. Sobo is not completely free from danger of accidents and other hazards. Please be sure to double check climbing routes and gather information on the day's weather and climbing conditions before setting out on the trail. A direct bus service runs from Bungo Taketa Station to the Mt. Sobo trailhead (Kobara), and a parking lot is also available. In the video, you can enjoy the rich nature and beautiful scenery of Mt. Sobo, the trekking course in the Kobara Valley and its attractions with vivid footage. In addition, spots where you can take awesome Instagram photos are introduced with still images as examples. be sure to check it out so you can get some photo ideas of your own! 【Official Website】Sobo, Katamuki and Okue Biosphere Reserve http://sobokatamuki-br-council.org/home-en

徳島県にし阿波でのワーケーションに興味がありませんか？ こちらの動画は　「徳島県チャンネル」が公開した「徳島県にし阿波地域プロモーション動画～Nishi-Awa, ideal Workation area in Japan～」です。 ワーケーションとは「ワーク（仕事・勤務）」と「バケーション（休暇）」を組み合わせた造語で、「仕事とバケーションを一緒にする」 という意味です。 旅行先やリゾート地でバカンスを楽しみながら働きたい！と考えている人には徳島県にし阿波でのワーケーションはおすすめです。 徳島県にし阿波ってどんなところ？ にし阿波は徳島県の北西部に位置し、美馬市、三好市、つるぎ町、東みよし町をエリアとする観光圏域です。 その8割以上を北部の阿讃山脈や南部の四国山地の森林が占め、中央部には日本三大暴れ川の1つとして数えられ四国三郎の異名を持つ吉野川が西から東へ流れています。 四季折々の表情を見せる美しい自然環境を有する地域として、にし阿波ではその自然を生かしたアクティビティ体験を行うことができます。 森林では山登りやトレッキング、河川では急流を利用したラフティングが特に人気です。 にし阿波ではグルメも歴史観光も欠かせません。 にし阿波にはそば米雑炊、でこまわし、ひらら焼きといった郷土料理があります。 これらは祖谷地方の水はけの良い急峻な斜面で栽培されたジャガイモやソバ、吉野川や祖谷川などで取った川魚等を利用したものです。 徳島県にし阿波のワーケーションで地域・国際交流 徳島県にし阿波は全国の13観光圏とともに滞在プログラムの誘致に取り組んでいます。 にし阿波にITサテライトオフィスを開設し、IT企業などがテレワークでのワーケーションを実践しています。 コワーキングスペースとして日本家屋をリノベーションしたオフィススペースがあり、Wi-Fi、プリンター、プロジェクターとスクリーンなどが利用できます。 そして、一部の施設では宿泊設備スペースも完備。 地域の人々との交流を楽しみながら新しいワークスタイルに挑戦するなら、にし阿波はベストな選択といえるでしょう。 オフィススペースの様子は、こちらの動画の0:14から紹介されています。 実際にコワーキングスペースで働く人たちの姿もご覧になることもできます。 徳島県にし阿波のワーケーション紹介まとめ 日本有数の美しい自然に恵まれているにし阿波のある徳島県は、東京から飛行機で2時間、大阪からは車で3時間の距離にあります。 地域の人々との交流、歴史ある街並み、伝統文化との触れ合いが、人生においての貴重な経験と何事にも代えがたい感動を与えてくれるに違いありません。 徳島県にし阿波でのワーケーションに興味があるなら今すぐ行動に移すことをおすすめします。

埼玉県秩父の伝統的な夏祭り「長瀞船玉まつり」紹介動画について こちらの動画は「公式チャンネルさいたまつり」が公開した「長瀞船玉まつり 2018 【4K】さいたまつり」です。 埼玉の「長瀞（ながとろ）船玉まつり」をご存知でしょうか？ 観光名所・埼玉県秩父郡で行われている夏祭りで、こちらの動画ではその様子を美しい4Kの高画質映像でご覧になることができます。 長瀞船玉まつりとは？ 夏の風物詩とも言われる日本の花火は年々進化しており、長瀞船玉まつりでも豪華な花火大会が催されます。 街の人総出で行われる祭りの準備様子は、活気に溢れています。 長瀞船玉まつりの歴史 「長瀞船玉まつり」の歴史は長く、昔荒川の周遊船の船頭が、船下りの際に水上の安全を祈願し、水神様を祀ったことが起源とされています。 この周遊船は現在も船頭さんたちによって運営されています。 長瀞船玉まつりの目玉！荒川に映る日本伝統の灯火 「長瀞船玉まつり」はまず、「万灯船」の運航から始まります。 18時になると水上安全修ばつ祭と呼ばれる神事が行われます。 そしてその後18時すぎには、およそ1,000基もの灯籠が流され、美しい光の川を生み出します。 19時すぎには花火大会がスタート！ ここで観衆の高揚はピークに達します。 万灯船、灯籠流し、そして仕掛け花火やスターマインの光が、日本埼玉の美しい景勝地を美しく色付けます。 長瀞船玉まつりの紹介まとめ 「長瀞船玉まつり 2018 【4K】さいたまつり」は、日本の文化を肌で感じられる「長瀞船玉まつり」を美しい映像で紹介してくれています。 祭りの準備の熱気や、夜に映し出される美しい光景を感じられる動画になっているので、長瀞の景勝地観光に興味のある人は是非ご覧ください。 日本の伝統ある文化に触れたい方は、ぜひこの機会に長瀞へ行ってみましょう！

The Sapporo Snow Festival, One of Hokkaido's Most Popular Winter Festivals This article features a video from nippon.com, titled "Hokkaido Sapporo Snow Festival: Colorful snow and ice art with digital technology" (北海道「さっぽろ雪まつり」：雪と氷の芸術がデジタル技術で色彩豊かに). The Sapporo Snow Festival shown in the video is a large-scale event that represents the long, harsh winter in Hokkaido. In fact, it is one of the three largest snow festivals in the world and is very popular overseas, attracting many visitors to Japan every year. It's a winter festival that truly represents Japan and is also recognized around the world. Odori Park, on the main street of Sapporo, is lined with snow sculptures of various sizes, and in recent years, a new way of exhibiting them together with projection mapping has become incredibly popular. At night, the streets of Sapporo are lit up with snow sculptures, and during the festival, the city is covered with the colors of the Sapporo Snow Festival. An Overview of the Sapporo Snow Festival, Its Features, and Highlights! Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows the 2019 Sapporo Snow Festival, named "Susukino Ice World 2019." The Sapporo Snow Festival is an event with a long history that celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019. What makes the Sapporo Snow Festival so special is that it has the snow sculptures of people who stood out from the crowd that year, such as Naomi Osaka, the first Japanese athlete to achieve such incredible feats in tennis. There's also Helsinki Cathedral and other large-scale snow sculptures. The biggest highlight of the 2019 Sapporo Snow Festival was the artworks made with AR (Augmented Reality) and other digital technology. The large horse racing snow sculpture (5-chome East Snow Square), which can be seen from 0:47 in the video, and at 1:12 of the video, you can see a collaboration snow statue of Hatsune Miku and Kasumi Toyama (4-chome STV Square). Let's now take a look at some of the highlights of other venues in the order they appear in the video. [0:22～] Shiroi Koibito PARK AIR Jumping Hill [0:31～] Food stalls at the 6-Chome Citizens' Square Food Park [0:40～] RED BEAR (a popular freight train of Muroran Railway) at the 8-chome snow HTB Square [1:00～] Skating rink in front of 1-chome J:COM Square [1:29～] Susukino Site illuminated with lights As shown in the video, the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place at several venues simultaneously. There are also various other snow attractions and Hokkaido gourmet treats to be found around the venue! In addition, from early February every year, tours of several snow sculptures across Japan are organized. The History of the Sapporo Snow Festival, a Popular Event With Overseas Travelers Source :YouTube screenshot The Sapporo Snow Festival is said to have started in 1950, when local students from middle school and high school made six snow sculptures. It attracted huge attention as a very popular event with approximately 50,000 people coming to see the snowball fight and carnival, and it has become a regular winter event in Sapporo, growing larger with each passing year. In 1959, the Self-Defense Forces participated for the first time. 2,500 Self-Defense Force personnel were mobilized to create a large and elaborate snow sculpture. The sculpture was entered in the International Snow Sculpture Contest and received coverage from foreign news outlets, which led to the Sapporo Snow Festival being recognized as a global winter festival. Nowadays, the charm of the Sapporo Snow Festival is widely known in English through video sites such as YouTube, and it has become a major event that attracts many international visitors every year. The history and materials related to the Sapporo Snow Festival are displayed at the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum located at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill in Sapporo. Summary of the Sapporo Snow Festival, a Winter Tradition in Sapporo, Hokkaido Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019 and 2020, efforts to introduce the culture and history of the Ainu, an indigenous originating in northern Japan, began. The 1.5-kilometer-long Sapporo Snow Festival 2019 featured a traditional Ainu food experience restaurant and FEEL AINU STAGE, where visitors could dress up in traditional Ainu clothing. For the latest information about the upcoming Sapporo Snow Festival, please visit the official website of the Sapporo Snow Festival at the Tsudome (Sapporo Community Dome) website. ※The above information is based on information from the website as of 2020. 【Official Website】Sapporo Snow Festival Official Website https://www.snowfes.com/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Sapporo Snow Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298560-d8820354-Reviews-Sapporo_Snow_Festival-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html

Lake Sagami Illumillion! This time, we'll introduce the video "Lake Sagami Illumillion 2019-2020 Digest" (さがみ湖イルミリオン2019-2020ダイジェスト), publicized by "Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest." Lake Sagami Illumillion is an illumination event held at Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, in Japan's Kanto Region. The video contains highlights of Lake Sagami Illumillion's 2019-2020 season. What Kind of Illumination Events Are There at Lake Sagami Illumillion? Source :YouTube screenshot There are many events at Lake Sagami Illumillion, including Rainbow Lift, shown at 0:04 in the video, the Hot Air Balloon of Light, which can be seen at 0:18 in the video, and more! From 0:34 in the video, you can see the City of Light and Music, the main attraction of Lake Sagami Illumillion 2019, in detail. Spots such as the Zoo of Light, the Flower Garden of Light and the Aquarium of Light are also shown in the video, so please take your time and enjoy it. Lake Sagami Illumillion Photo：Sagamihara Illumination Lake Sagami Illumillion is a popular event chosen as one of the 3 great illuminations of the Kanto Region. An astonishing 6 million lights are used for the event. In addition to the spots introduced in the video, there are many other mysterious areas such as the Sea of Light, Tulip Lane, Fantasy Walk: The Seven Colored Galaxy, Illumillion Tree, full of Christmas spirit, The Fortress of Trickery/The Maze of Light, and more! We recommend enjoying the nighttime attractions, such as the Ferris Wheel of Life, Pilot Paradise, or seeing a show. About Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest is a leisure destination located in Wakayanagi (若柳,Wakayanagi), Midori Ward (緑区, Midoriku), Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The amusement park area is popular for its outdoor sports facilities, such as the attractions of Paddington Town, the thrill ride "Ozoratengoku," and the "Muscle Monster" athletic facility. There is also a barbecue area, a souvenir shop, and a spot where you can enjoy spending time with your pets. Summary of Lake Sagami Illumillion Source :YouTube screenshot At Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest's popular "Lake Sagami Illumillion" event, you too can enjoy the stunning illumination featured in the video. Event times and lighting schedules change every year, so be sure to check the website before heading out. Please note that it is very crowded on weekends. We recommend taking a bus tour to visit. ◆Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest Facility Information◆ 【Address】〒252-0175 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori Ward, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture 【Access】An 8-minute bus ride from JR Sagamihara Station 【Admission Fee】Adults:1800 yen Children:1100 yen 【Hours】Weekdays 10:00〜16:00, Weekends 9:00〜17:00 【Closures】Irregular 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】0570-037-353 【Official Website】Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest https://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021282-d1881044-Reviews-Sagami_Lake_Resort_Pleasure_Forest-Sagamihara_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Introduction of sightseeing video of “Kyoto Railway Museum” in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture This video, titled "Things to Do: Kyoto Railway Museum [4K]," is an introduction to the Kyoto Railway Museum located in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. It is produced by Discover Kyoto. You can feel the history and tradition of Japanese railways at the Kyoto Railway Museum. It houses valuable train cars and is also one of the biggest railway museums in Japan. With beautiful 4K images, you can watch popular train cars from both the past and present. Experience the excitement you once felt as a child when you first saw a train, with this video. Various Experiences at the Kyoto Railway Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The main attraction of the museum is that you can experience riding a train car that is led by a real steam locomotive, the SL Steam. There are limited opportunities to ride a steam locomotive in Japan, so it'll definitely be an experience to remember. You can see the steam locomotives at the start of the video. After a day's work, the cinders are removed, and new coals and water are loaded. This process is referred to as feeding water to the boiler. Watching the steam locomotive dynamically change direction is a sight to behold. You can see your favorite cars up close and personal as they're displayed in the vehicle factory. You can train yourself as a train driver with the driving simulator in the new building which was reopened in 2018 (1:27) You can try operating a bullet train, too! In addition, there is a corner where visitors can try out the ATS/ATC experience, a train safety system that uses a camera mounted on a model train, a CTC display, a centralized vehicle management system, and there's also a track cycle experience as well. The railway diorama quite elaborate; diorama shows are performed by specialized operators with pictures, lights, and announcements. It is just like you are watching a live feed. You can actually purchase a train ticket and put it through a transparent automatic ticket gate, and learn about the structure of the gate. It's a Great Place for Kids! Source :YouTube screenshot The museum is well suited for kids as well. They can enjoy a spacious playground and a large W7 series model; they can spend the whole day there without getting bored. The video shows the kids’ park around 1:52. It's also unique in that there are a number of facilities where you can actually touch and learn about how railways work, such as, through the reproduction of a station. You can see reproductions of stations from the start of Showa Era (circa 1926) to the present. There also are sections where you can learn about the structure of a coupler, signals, blocks, and coordinating points. The Sky Terrace is on the third floor; you can see trains and bullet trains from the rooftop. You can take pictures of JR trains with cherry blossoms in the spring that go through Umekoji Park (2:00). The Facilities and Train Car Displays Source :YouTube screenshot There are various facilities at the museum. The Library, Special Exhibition Room, Life and the Railway, the Promenade, Twilight Plaza, Steam Locomotive No. 2 Service Shed, Roundhouse Platform, The Former Nijo Station House, Job Station, History Station, and Future Station are not to be missed. Among the fifty-three displayed train cars, there is the SL Steam, Bullet train, Sleeper Express Train, Bonnet-type Express Train (one of the National Railway’s major trains), Heavy Capacity Flatcars, Container Express trains, Diesel locomotives, and Diesel Cars. Access to the Museum The Kyoto Railway Museum is easily accessible from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station which was opened in March 2019. There is no parking lot available, so you should park your car at nearby metered-parking. If you ride a bus to the museum, you can buy a one-day ticket with 10% off. You can also get a great deal if you buy a ticket for Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Aquarium as a set. An advance ticket is very convenient as you can avoid waiting in a line. Restaurants at the Museum There is a restaurant in the museum where you can have lunch looking out big windows at bullet trains. A boxed lunch and kids’ lunch are also available in the dining car of a blue train, which is known as a moving hotel. Umekoji Park Café in Kyoto Umekoji Park is only a minute away on foot from the museum. It is a very popular place to eat, too. Recommended Souvenirs Getting souvenirs is one of the greatest experiences when visiting Japan. Otabe, which is famous for Nama Yatsuhashi, a Japanese-style confectionery, and Fugetsudo, a long-established confectioner, collaborated with the museum to produce a souvenir whose package features a train. It is a very well-received souvenir. Visit Kyoto Railway Museum Photo：Kyoto Railway Museum The museum collaborated with a popular Japanese toy called Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion in 2019, and a stamp collecting event was also held at the museum. After watching the video, you must be itching to visit the museum. Be sure to check out the video if you haven't yet. It's full of amazing trains that'll get your heart racing! ◆Kyoto Railway Museum◆ 【Address】Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8835 【Access】Approximately 2 minutes on foot from Umekoji-Kyotonishi station Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station 【Entrance fee】Adults: 1,200 yen (~$12 USD) University and high school students: 1,000 yen Junior high and grade school students: 500 yen Children (3 years and older): 200 yen 【Hours】10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 【Closures】Wednesdays except on holidays, year-end and New Year holidays(as of November 2019) 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】+81-570-080-462 【Official Website】Kyoto Railway Museum http://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Kyoto Railway Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d10251298-Reviews-Kyoto_Railway_Museum-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Introduction of "Hananori", a luxury ryokan in Ashinoko, Hakone, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa, Japan video This Video, titled “Hakone / Ashinoko HANAORI. Introduction video; Hanaori Long Version, HAKONE, Lake Ashi, Foot bath”, is showing the attraction of Hakone luxury hotel “HANAORI”. “HANAORI” is a Japanese Ryokan that just opened in 2017, and the location is a beautiful spot overlooking Lake Ashino-ko (Hakone Lake). This is a very popular accommodation with great reviews on travel sites. Hearing that a luxury inn with such a beautiful view exists you're probably thinking "it's gotta be expensive." Well actually, “HANAORI” is a place where you can enjoy a relaxing onsen (hot spring) resort with pretty reasonable prices. This makes it a pretty popular spot. Please watch this video, and enjoy the sights of Hakone Lake. HANAORI's Hot Springs Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's Ryokan are the embodiment of "Omotenashi" (hospitality in Japanese), and when you'll inevitably want to rid yourself of fatigue in the beautiful hot springs, like the one introduced at 1:42 in the video, you'll known exactly what Japan's hospitality is all about. “HANAORI” has 100% natural hot springs from Ubako Yamakoshi Asahi hot spring, a slightly thick hot spring (due to its rich mineral content). Tanayu, the open-air bath with views of Ashino-ko during any season, is like heaven. The hot springs qualities are calcium, magnesium, sodium sulfate, and hydrogen carbonate. These are effective against nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, cold sensitivity, fatigue, arteriosclerosis, cuts, burn injury, and chronic skin diseases. It also has a soothing effect, and helps cultivate health enhancement In addition to the public baths, make sure that you enjoy the private baths, foot-baths, and the after-bath relaxing space to soothe your body. There's also a powder room with skin care amenities. Dining and Room Information for Hakone Lake's “HANAORI” Source :YouTube screenshot After bathing in a hot spring, you'll want to change into a yukata and enjoy an exquisite dining experience. As introduced at 3:17 in the video, the Japanese Ryokan "HANAORI" has buffet dining, French Cuisine, and Japanese restaurants as well. Enjoy meals packed with local ingredients. You can enjoy time at a café time and lunch at the open-air terrace and take some memorable photos for your Instagram as well. In the Japanese Ryokan "HANAORI," there are Japanese and Western style rooms that combine the best of both worlds, as well as deluxe rooms with open-air baths. Check the accommodation plan and book a room before visiting. Facility Information for “HANAORI” Ashino-ko. The charm of “HANAORI” is that everyone can spend time enjoying their time however they wish. You can purchase traditional crafts and souvenirs just from Hakone, or relax with beauty treatments and massages. Summary of Hakone Lake's “HANAORI” Photo：Torii at Hakone Shrine Around the Hakone Ashino-ko area where “HANAORI” is located, there are various tourist attractions such as Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu, and Owakudani Kurotamagokan (Black Egg shop) in the Owakudani Garden. There are many activities such visiting the top of Mt.Hakone on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, enjoying the artwork at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Pola Museum, Hakone Museum, The museum of the Little Prince, and Okada Museum of Art. Also you can fully enjoy the natural scenery on the Lake Ashi no-ko Pleasure Boat, Hakone Pirate Ship, Hakone Tozan Railway, and even healing your tired body at a day-trip hot spring to make some unforgettable memories. These attractions are featured throughout the video. When you visit "HANAORI", be sure to enjoy sightseeing around the area! For those wanting to visit some of Japan's most famous hot springs, we hope you enjoy watching the video and experience how wonderful “HANAORI” is. Please check travel sites and the official website, as room rates for reservations can vary by season, room, plan, and tour. ◆Hakone Lake Ashino-ko HANAORI Facility Information◆ 【Address】160 Motohakone Togendai, Hakone-Cho, Ashigarashimo County, Kanagawa. 【Access 】3 minute walk from Hakone Ropeway “Togendai” station, and a free shuttle bus service is available from JR Odawara station. 【Parking】Available. About 100 spots. 【Tel】+81 460-83-8739 【Official website】For Hotels and Ryokan in Hakone Lake Ashino-ko: Hakone Lake Ashino-ko HANAORI https://hakone-ashinoko-hanaori-jp.book.direct/en-gb 【Trip Advisor】Hakone Lake Ashino-ko HANAORI https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298171-d12487229-Reviews-Hakone_Ashinoko_Hanaori-Hakone_machi_Ashigarashimo_gun_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html

■Contents Introduction Why Zao's Autumn Colour Changes With an 800-Metre Difference in Elevation Juhyo Kogen Station Sits at 1,331 m, Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m An Autumn Where the Colour at Your Feet and the Colour Overhead Are Out of Step When Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Reach Their Peak The Colour Moves From the Summit Down to the Hot Spring Village A Gradient of Yellow, Orange, Red and Brick Typical Peak Timing by Elevation How to Check This Year's Colour Before You Go Riding to the Summit on Two Connected Sections The Sanroku Line and the Sancho Line Make Up the Two Sections Juhyo Kogen Station, the Transfer Point The Gondolas Used on the Sancho Line Autumn Slopes Filling the Window Hyakumannin Terrace, a Short Walk From Juhyo Kogen Station Hyakumannin Terrace, Just Steps From Juhyo Kogen Station What You Actually See From Hyakumannin Terrace You Cannot Drive to Zao Terrace, So the Ropeway Is How You Get There Zao Jizo and the Summit Views at Jizo Sancho Station Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m Why There Is a Jizo Statue at the Summit The Weather Decides What You See Walking the Official Courses at Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira Trekking Courses for Beginners and General Walkers Iroha Numa, a Wetland Dotted With Dozens of Ponds What to Bring Before You Walk Guided Custom Trekking Fares, Operating Hours and Ticket Rules Fares by Section and Fare Categories Operating Hours and the Last Ride Up Luggage and Pets Discounts and Group Travel Ticket Refunds The Three Ropeway Systems at Zao Onsen and How They Differ Choosing Among the Three Systems by Where You Want to Go What to Wear and What the Weather Does Up the Mountain The Higher You Go, the Colder It Gets Dress in Layers You Can Adjust Service Can Be Suspended by Weather. Bring Rain Gear Too Getting to Zao Ropeway, and Where to Park By Bus From Yamagata Station Driving There, and Parking Coming From the Sendai Area A One-Day Model Course for Zao's Autumn Colour From Morning to Evening A Soak in Zao Onsen on the Way Back Where Okama Is, and How to Reach It Frequently Asked Questions About Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Q1. How long does it take to reach the summit? Q2. Is the foliage still worth seeing in rain or fog? Q3. Can you see the autumn leaves and the juhyo at the same time? Q4. Is a round trip only as far as Juhyo Kogen Station worth it for the foliage? In Summary, Going to See the Gap an 800-Metre Climb Creates Show more Introduction At the Zao Ropeway in Yamagata City, the autumn colour begins high on the summit and takes about a month to work its way down to the hot spring village. The Tohoku region occupies the northern part of Honshu, Japan's main island, and Yamagata Prefecture sits near its centre. Zao Onsen lies in the mountains on the edge of Yamagata City, the prefectural capital. The Zao Ropeway climbs from there towards the summit, spanning about 800 metres between base and top, and the autumn colour works its way down from the summit in late September to the hot spring village around late October, reaching the highest elevations first. This guide covers when each elevation band peaks, fares and operating hours, the trekking courses on the mountain, the differences between the three ropeway systems at Zao Onsen, and how to get there from Yamagata Station. By the end, you may well find yourself wanting to see Zao's autumn colour for yourself. Why Zao's Autumn Colour Changes With an 800-Metre Difference in Elevation When people plan a trip to see autumn leaves, most start by searching the name of the spot alongside the words "best time to see". At Zao, though, that search returns more than one answer. Visit the same mountain on the same day, and the colour is at a different stage above your head than it is at your feet. Photo: Yamagata City, Yamagata / A Zao Ropeway gondola spanning a climb of about 800 metres Juhyo Kogen Station Sits at 1,331 m, Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m The Zao Ropeway runs from Zao Sanroku Station via Juhyo Kogen Station up to Jizo Sancho Station. Juhyo Kogen Station, the transfer point, stands at 1,331 metres, and Jizo Sancho Station, the upper terminus, at 1,661 metres. In terms of vertical rise, the Sanroku Line climbs 464 metres and the Sancho Line 329 metres, which comes to roughly 800 metres for the two sections combined. That is more height than the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree, covered by changing gondolas once. An Autumn Where the Colour at Your Feet and the Colour Overhead Are Out of Step An 800-metre difference in elevation brings a substantial difference in temperature. That is why Zao's foliage does not turn all at once, but descends in order from the summit to the hot spring village. Arrive on the right day in October and you can see bare branches at the summit, peak colour on the middle slopes, and green still holding on down in the village. Three layers at once. Seeing the beginning and the end of autumn on a single mountain is the most interesting thing about a Zao autumn. When Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Reach Their Peak So which elevation will be at its best on the day you go? Here is the order in which the colour comes down, from Jizo Sancho Station to the Zao Onsen village, with dates attached. Photo: Zao mountain range / Slopes that turn colour from the summit downwards The Colour Moves From the Summit Down to the Hot Spring Village Colour appears first around Jizo Sancho Station. It starts there in late September, works its way slowly down the mountain, and reaches the area around Zao Sanroku Station by late October. At the lower elevations it varies by year, and some colour can linger into early November. The whole journey down takes about a month, with the higher ground peaking first from late September through late October. How quickly it moves, however, shifts considerably with the weather that year. In 2025, for instance, the area around the summit of Mt. Jizo had already lost its leaves by 21 October. Once your dates are set, check this year's conditions using the methods below. A Gradient of Yellow, Orange, Red and Brick Zao's autumn colour is described as yellow and orange, red and brick, because several colours mix together across the slope rather than the hillside turning a single shade. Japanese beech and a range of other trees each change at their own pace, which leaves the slope mottled. And you get to look down on that gradient from directly above. The way the colours layer and spread is nothing like looking up at foliage from the ground. That single fact is why the ropeway is inseparable from autumn at Zao. Typical Peak Timing by Elevation Usual timings are as follows. Around Jizo Sancho Station 【Elevation】1,661 m 【Usual peak】Colour starts in late September, peaking around early October Around Juhyo Kogen Station, Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira 【Elevation】1,331 m 【Usual peak】Early to mid October Zao Onsen village and around Zao Sanroku Station 【Elevation】The base area, where the hot spring village sits 【Usual peak】Around late October Please treat the above as typical timings. They shift by location and by year, so check the official website before you set out. 【Reference】Yamagata City Tourism Association How to Check This Year's Colour Before You Go Colour comes earlier or later depending on the weather that year. That is where the live camera near the summit comes in. You can see the colour and the sky on screen, so try opening it on the morning you leave. The Yamagata City Tourism Association's "Web Yamagata Juni Kagetsu" also updates its foliage information regularly. Zao Ropeway's official Facebook and Instagram accounts post updates on alpine flowers in bloom, so you can find out what is flowering up on the mountain as well. One more thing to look forward to on the day. Riding to the Summit on Two Connected Sections Once you have settled on when to go, the next question is the ride itself. The Zao Ropeway looks like a single line but is actually made up of two sections, and that distinction matters when you are choosing your destination at the ticket machine. Photo: Juhyo Kogen Station / The sign at the mid-mountain station where the two sections connect The Sanroku Line and the Sancho Line Make Up the Two Sections Zao Sanroku Station to Juhyo Kogen Station is the Sanroku Line; Juhyo Kogen Station to Jizo Sancho Station is the Sancho Line. The ride takes 7 minutes on the Sanroku Line and 10 minutes on the Sancho Line. Together, that is 17 minutes one way for a whole mountain's worth of height. Juhyo Kogen Station, the Transfer Point Take the Sanroku Line and you arrive first at Juhyo Kogen Station. From there you change to the Sancho Line for Jizo Sancho Station. You can also get off at Juhyo Kogen Station and go no further. Fares are listed separately for each station, so how high you go is yours to decide based on the time and energy you have that day. The Gondolas Used on the Sancho Line The Sancho Line uses a type of gondola called a Funitel, whose defining feature is that the two ropes are set further apart than the width of the cabin. The name is a French coinage combining Funiculaire, meaning funicular railway, and Téléphérique, meaning aerial ropeway. Very few installations in Japan use this system, and Zao was the second in the country, after Hakone Ropeway. Because the ropes sit further apart, there is less sway when passing towers and in strong wind, and you can take in the view from your seat. There is also no step or gap between the platform and the cabin, so boarding takes no particular care. Autumn Slopes Filling the Window The doors close, the gondola starts moving, and the slope opens up right outside the window. A band of yellow shading into orange runs on below your eye line, filling the view with foliage. Plenty of passengers keep a camera raised the whole way, and the 17-minute ride turns into viewing time in its own right.(0:52) On the way down, the same window shows something else. Where the slope breaks, the roofs of the hot spring village appear. Going up you watch the mountainside come towards you; coming down you look out over a town falling away behind. The same 17 minutes leave two quite different impressions.(3:13) And partway up, there is a place to sit down and take it all in. Hyakumannin Terrace, a Short Walk From Juhyo Kogen Station Step off at Juhyo Kogen Station, walk a short way, and you come out somewhere with benches and chairs lined up facing the slope. This is Hyakumannin Terrace. Photo: Hyakumannin Terrace / Benches and chairs arranged to face the slope Hyakumannin Terrace, Just Steps From Juhyo Kogen Station Hyakumannin Terrace is one of the Zao Terrace facilities maintained by Zao Ropeway. It sits just a short walk from Juhyo Kogen Station, the upper end of the Sanroku Line, close enough that you can head straight there from the platform without changing into hiking boots. Covered benches sit alongside chairs angled towards the slope, so you can pick your spot to suit the day: under the roof when the sun is strong, out on the chairs when there is no wind.(1:59) What You Actually See From Hyakumannin Terrace The terrace faces downhill. Closest to you are the trees in colour; beyond them the ski slopes fall away in a gentle sweep; and furthest out, the buildings of Zao Onsen sit small in the distance. Because you are looking down from 1,331 metres, the whole slope fits into a single view. The scenery that streamed past the gondola window is now yours to follow end to end from a seat. Foliage at this height usually peaks between early and mid October. It is the band that turns just as the colour at the summit is finishing, so if you are visiting in the middle of the month, spending your time here gives you a denser display than riding straight through to the top. All it asks is that you sit down and look ahead, which means families with small children and anyone who finds long walks difficult get exactly the same view as everyone else. The slope also makes an easy backdrop for portraits, and if you are after an Instagram-worthy shot, these front-row chairs are the place to take it. You Cannot Drive to Zao Terrace, So the Ropeway Is How You Get There Zao Terrace cannot be reached directly by car. Visitors take the Zao Ropeway instead, which means the view from here is something only gondola passengers get to receive. Even if you drive as far as Zao Onsen, you park at the base station and continue by gondola. Parking is covered in the access section later in this guide. Zao Jizo and the Summit Views at Jizo Sancho Station From Juhyo Kogen Station, one more section. Change to the Sancho Line and you arrive at the upper terminus, Jizo Sancho Station. The moment the doors open, the cold on your face tells you the height has changed. Photo: Jizo Sancho Station / Zao Jizo, visible in full outside the snow season Jizo Sancho Station at 1,661 m The highlights listed for this station are the Zao Natural Botanical Garden on Sanpo Kojin Yama, the Zao Jizo statue, and the trailheads for Mt. Jizo, Mt. Kumano and Mt. Karita. In other words, this station is both a place to look at the view and the entrance to the Zao mountain range on foot. Climbers with full gear and visitors out for a gentle stroll around the station step out of the same door. It is a mountain station through and through. Why There Is a Jizo Statue at the Summit Zao Jizo is enshrined about 100 metres from Jizo Sancho Station. Jizo is a figure of Buddhist devotion, enshrined across Japan as a protector of travellers and children. This particular statue was created in 1775. It is a seated figure 2.34 metres tall, carved from andesite, and is said to have taken 37 years to complete. Zao was long a centre of mountain worship, and the statue was placed at the summit as part of that tradition. After it was built, fewer people were lost on the mountain, and it came to be known as the Jizo that wards off misfortune. Kannon and Fudo Myoo stand to either side, and festivals are still held every year on 24 May and 24 September for protection from calamity and the granting of wishes. In winter the body disappears beneath the snow, and photographs from that season show only the upper half rising above the snowfield. During the autumn season you can take it in from the base to the crown of the head. For anyone who has only seen the winter pictures, the full height comes as a surprise. The Weather Decides What You See At 1,661 metres, you are at the height where clouds pass through. It can be clear at the base and misty at the summit, with the distant peaks softening until only the outline of the ridge remains. On the same day, what you see here and what you see from Hyakumannin Terrace can differ sharply. Jizo Sancho Station stands above the treeline, so nothing blocks the view, but when cloud moves in the whole scene turns white. Hyakumannin Terrace, surrounded by trees, keeps the foliage in front of you visible even in mist. For distant views, head for the summit; to be sure of seeing colour, stop at Juhyo Kogen Station. There is also a summit terrace at Jizo Sancho Station, with views across the Zao mountain range on a clear day. Plan to swap which station you linger at depending on the weather, and you will have somewhere worth being either way. Walking the Official Courses at Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira There are also proper paths to walk up on the mountain. They start from two places: Jizo Sancho Station, and the top of the Utopia Summer Lift, which you reach by transferring at Juhyo Kogen Station. Distances and times are published, so you can pick one that suits how you feel that day. Photo: Iroha Numa / A wooden boardwalk crossing the wetland Trekking Courses for Beginners and General Walkers The official trekking pages list the following six courses for beginners and general walkers, alongside others aimed at strong walkers. Beginner 【Iroha Numa Course】1.0 km on foot, about 1.0 hour 【Zao Natural Botanical Garden Loop】0.4 km on foot, about 0.5 hour 【Shigi no Yachi Numa Loop】2.0 km on foot, about 1.0 hour 【Mt. Jizo Loop】2.0 km on foot, about 1.5 hours General 【Zao Natural Botanical Garden and Mt. Jizo Loop】2.4 km on foot, about 2.0 hours 【Kanshodaira Loop】2.5 km on foot, about 1.5 hours The times are averages for an adult male. The Zao Natural Botanical Garden and Mt. Jizo courses start from Jizo Sancho Station. The Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira courses begin at the top of the Utopia Summer Lift, reached by transferring at Juhyo Kogen Station. Shigi no Yachi Numa lies on the Zao Onsen village side. Iroha Numa, a Wetland Dotted With Dozens of Ponds The easiest of them to walk is the Iroha Numa course. To get there, stay off the Sancho Line at Juhyo Kogen Station and head for the Utopia Summer Lift beside it instead. The top of the lift is the entrance to Kanshodaira, and following the signs from there brings you to Iroha Numa. Iroha Numa is a subalpine wetland scattered with several dozen ponds of varying size. The walk covers 1.0 kilometre and takes about 1.0 hour. A wooden boardwalk and a rest area cross the marsh, letting you walk out over the water. Beech woods spread out on either side of the path, and once the leaves are down, it is all pale trunks and open sky. The same path hands the lead role to something different depending on when you come.(2:20) What to Bring Before You Walk What you want is footwear and clothing suited to trekking, plus rain gear, since mountain weather changes easily even on courses that are mostly boardwalk. Crossing the mountain is treated differently. Visitors doing so are asked to fill in a climbing registration card at the summit station, which means riding up on a one-way ticket and walking back down is something to prepare for as a climb rather than a stroll. Guided Custom Trekking Walking an unfamiliar mountain with a guide is another option. Custom trekking starts at 15,000 yen for one guide, is available year-round, and must be booked at least five days in advance. Bookings go through the Zao Trekking Desk within the Zao Onsen Tourism Association. Learning the names of the flowers and trees as you go changes how much you notice in the same hour. Fares, Operating Hours and Ticket Rules Ride all the way to the summit, or stop partway? What decides it is the fare for each section and the time of the last service. The numbers you will need on the day are gathered here. All prices in this article are in Japanese yen. Photo: Zao Sanroku Station / The base-side gateway, where tickets are sold Fares by Section and Fare Categories Fares depend on how high you go. To Jizo Sancho Station (1,661 m) 【Adult】One way 2,200 yen / Round trip 4,400 yen 【Child】One way 1,100 yen / Round trip 2,200 yen To Juhyo Kogen Station (1,331 m) 【Adult】One way 1,200 yen / Round trip 2,200 yen 【Child】One way 600 yen / Round trip 1,100 yen Utopia Summer Lift 【Adult】One way 400 yen / Round trip 800 yen 【Child】One way 200 yen / Round trip 400 yen Fares are subject to change, so please check the official website before you set out. 【Reference】Zao Ropeway fares and operating information The categories are adult for junior high school age and above, child for elementary school age, and infant for pre-school age. If you plan to ride with a pre-school child, staff at the Zao Sanroku Station window can confirm how it is handled on the day. Operating Hours and the Last Ride Up Operating hours are 8:30 to 17:00 on the Sanroku Line and 8:45 to 16:45 on the Sancho Line, and the last upward departure for a return trip to Jizo Sancho Station leaves Zao Sanroku Station at 16:00. If you are heading to the summit, that 16:00 becomes the turning point of your day. The last downward times are posted at the station too, so a glance before you board means you can stop watching the clock up on the mountain. Extra runs operate at busy times. Luggage and Pets There are set rates for travelling with large items too. Luggage costs 400 yen per section for items up to 30 kilograms. Anything that will not sit on your lap is treated as a hand-carried item at 300 yen per section, with one set of skis or a snowboard carried free. If you leave items at the station, short-term storage costs 400 yen per item per day, rising to 600 yen a day from the sixth day. Pets may ride at the child fare during the period treated as the summer season, provided small breeds are placed entirely inside a hard case or similar carrier. Pets cannot ride during the winter season. Which period the autumn foliage season falls into varies by year, so if you want to bring one up with you, check the current arrangement on the official website. Assistance dogs, including guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs, ride free under Japan's Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons. Discounts and Group Travel A 50 percent discount applies to holders of a physical disability certificate. Holders of a rehabilitation certificate and their carers also receive 50 percent off, with the carer discount applying where the company recognises that assistance is required. If you hold a certificate issued outside Japan, an enquiry before you travel will clarify how it is treated on the day. Group travel requires a reservation for parties of 20 or more, made by phone to Zao Sanroku Station (the number is listed in the facility information at the end of this article). The group discount applies to four sections for 20 people or more: 400 yen off the standard fare, 600 yen off the student fare, and 400 yen off the child fare for kindergarten children, with accompanying teachers riding free. Ticket Refunds The refund fee is 100 yen per ticket. Reservations are described only for group travel; individual visitors buy tickets at the window on the day. The Three Ropeway Systems at Zao Onsen and How They Differ Search for "ropeway" at Zao Onsen and three similarly named services come up. An aerial ropeway, or sakudo in Japanese, is the general term for a vehicle that carries cabins suspended from cables strung through the air, and it covers both ropeways and gondola lifts. All three have their own boarding points and their own destinations, so working backwards from where you want to go is the quickest way to sort them out. Note that the Zao Chuo Ropeway and the Zao Sky Cable are both operated by Zao Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. Photo: Zao Onsen / A hot spring village where bathhouses and inns line the slope Choosing Among the Three Systems by Where You Want to Go The first is the Zao Ropeway covered in this guide. Operated by Zao Ropeway Co., Ltd., it runs from Zao Sanroku Station via Juhyo Kogen Station to Jizo Sancho Station. This is the one to take for Hyakumannin Terrace, Zao Jizo, Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira. The second is the Zao Chuo Ropeway, which links Onsen Station and Torikabuto Station in 7 minutes 30 seconds. A large 101-passenger gondola covers a vertical rise of 524 metres, with the Zao Onsen townscape and the Yamagata Basin in view on the way up. A one-minute walk from Torikabuto Station brings you to Torikabuto Observatory, where Zao Daikokuten is enshrined. The third is the Zao Sky Cable. Four-passenger gondolas connect Uenodai Station and Chuo Kogen Station in about 8 minutes. Dokko Numa, the pond known for its emerald-green water, lies in this Chuo Kogen area, and Zao Daigongen stands in front of the station. Three deities have long been enshrined at Zao: Zao Jizo, Zao Daikokuten and Zao Daigongen. Each of the three ropeway systems leads to one of them, and some visitors ride all three specifically to complete the Zao Sandaijin pilgrimage. Zao Ropeway 【Boarding point】Zao Sanroku Station 【Main highlights】Hyakumannin Terrace, Zao Jizo, Zao Natural Botanical Garden, Iroha Numa, Kanshodaira 【Fare】Adult round trip 4,400 yen to Jizo Sancho Station / 2,200 yen to Juhyo Kogen Station Zao Chuo Ropeway 【Boarding point】Onsen Station 【Main highlights】Torikabuto Observatory, Zao Daikokuten, views over the Yamagata Basin 【Fare】Adult round trip 2,400 yen / Child round trip 1,200 yen Zao Sky Cable 【Boarding point】Uenodai Station 【Main highlights】Chuo Kogen, Dokko Numa, Zao Daigongen 【Fare】Adult round trip 2,400 yen / Child round trip 1,200 yen The Zao Chuo Ropeway and the Zao Sky Cable share a fare table, with one-way tickets at 1,300 yen for adults and 650 yen for children. These two can be closed for parts of the year, so if you are building an autumn plan around them, look up whether they are running that day. Fares and operating status are subject to change, so please check the official website before you set out. 【Reference】Zao Chuo Ropeway and Zao Sky Cable What to Wear and What the Weather Does Up the Mountain The summit, and the hot spring village down at the base. Even on the same day, the two feel notably different, and whether you bring an extra layer decides how long you can comfortably stay up there. The Higher You Go, the Colder It Gets Air temperature is generally said to fall by about 0.6°C for every 100 metres of elevation gained. On elevation alone, 800 metres works out to a difference of roughly 5°C, which is the background to why the Zao Onsen bus terminal and Jizo Sancho Station feel so unlike each other. Actual temperatures and how they feel also shift considerably with the weather, the wind and the sunshine on any given day. Checking the forecast for the summit area of Mt. Zao, rather than for central Yamagata City, makes it easier to settle on what to wear. Dress in Layers You Can Adjust If the temperature differs between top and bottom, clothing you can add and remove becomes a real ally. A mid-layer over a shirt, plus a windproof outer layer. Those two pieces handle the swing between a cool summit and a warm base. On the mountain in October, gloves and a knit hat make a noticeable difference to your hands and ears. If you plan to walk a trekking course, comfortable walking shoes are worth bringing too. Service Can Be Suspended by Weather. Bring Rain Gear Too Zao Ropeway sometimes suspends operations depending on weather conditions. You can check the status for the day on the operating information page of the official website before you leave. The official trekking information lists rain gear among the things to bring, and mountain weather does change easily. Pack a folding rain jacket or poncho and a sudden shower stops being a problem. Getting to Zao Ropeway, and Where to Park Zao Onsen is reachable from Yamagata Station on a single bus. With no transfers to make, the journey stays easy even on days when you are carrying a lot. Photo: Zao Onsen Bus Terminal / The hub where buses from Yamagata Station arrive By Bus From Yamagata Station The starting point is Yamagata Station, a stop on the Yamagata Shinkansen. The Shinkansen is Japan's high-speed rail network, and the ride from Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station takes roughly two and a half to three hours. Visitors arriving from overseas usually travel from a Tokyo airport to Tokyo Station or Ueno Station and transfer to the Shinkansen there. From Yamagata Station, Yamako Bus route Z90 runs from bus stop 1 in front of the station to the Zao Onsen bus terminal in about 37 minutes. From the bus terminal to Zao Sanroku Station is a walk of roughly 10 to 15 minutes, up a slope lined with public bathhouses and souvenir shops, through steam that carries the smell of sulphur. It makes the distance feel about right. Route Z91 to the Zao Karita summit leaves from the same stop and also calls at Zao Ropeway Mae, beyond the bus terminal, which is worth timing your day around if you are carrying a lot. Fares and the timetable for the day are available on the Yamako Bus website, and it is worth checking how fares are paid and whether IC transit cards are accepted at the same time, so that all you have to do on the day is get on. Driving There, and Parking By car, allow about 35 minutes from the Yamagata Zao interchange on the Yamagata Expressway, or about 25 minutes from the Yamagata Kaminoyama interchange on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway. Parking is on the Yokokura ski slope side, where Zao Ropeway Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 provide 200 spaces. How charges are handled varies by season, so looking up what is open and what it costs on the official Zao Onsen website before you leave tells you what to expect on arrival. Visitors from overseas who plan to rent a car need a driving licence that is valid in Japan. In most countries and regions that means an International Driving Permit issued under the Geneva Convention, while Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan, among others, are covered by a system in which a Japanese translation is attached to the home-country licence. Which applies to your licence can be confirmed with the National Police Agency's guidance or with the rental company before you travel. Note also that Japan drives on the left. In early November, at the tail end of the foliage season, snow and icy road surfaces are possible up the mountain, so check at the booking stage whether you can choose a car fitted with winter tyres. Coming From the Sendai Area The Sendai to Yamagata Zao express bus is reservation-only and runs in winter only. Travelling from the Sendai area in autumn therefore means going via Yamagata Station and changing to route Z90. A One-Day Model Course for Zao's Autumn Colour Here is everything above laid out across a single day, morning to evening. The journey there is covered in the previous section, so this is about how to structure your time once you arrive. Photo: Zao Onsen / A public bathhouse known for its strongly acidic waters From Morning to Evening Arrive at Zao Sanroku Station early in the morning and ride straight through to the summit. The Sancho Line starts running at 8:45. At Jizo Sancho Station, visit Zao Jizo and walk the paths around the station, and if the weather holds, continue to the Zao Natural Botanical Garden. Around midday, come back down to Juhyo Kogen Station and sit at Hyakumannin Terrace to take in the slope. If you still have energy, transfer to the Utopia Summer Lift and loop the Iroha Numa course, which takes about an hour. With the last ride up at 16:00, leave yourself room in the afternoon for the descent. Once you are back at Zao Sanroku Station, walk down to the hot spring village. The days are short at this time of year, so finishing your moving around while it is still light keeps the last stretch enjoyable. A Soak in Zao Onsen on the Way Back What waits at the end of a day on foot is Zao Onsen. An onsen is a bathing facility using hot water or mineral water that rises from the ground. Zao Onsen is said to have been discovered some 1,900 years ago, and in the Edo period the village thrived as the western trailhead for the Zao Gongen pilgrimage. People walking the mountain and then soaking in the water is a pattern that goes back centuries. The water is a strongly acidic sulphur spring with a pH of 1.25 to 1.6. Source temperatures run from 45°C to 66°C, and the flow reaches roughly 5,700 litres a minute. It has long been known as the water that makes you beautiful. The Zao Onsen village has three public bathhouses, three foot baths and five day-use hot spring facilities, so a round of bathing is open to visitors who are not staying overnight. Public bathhouses are shared baths used by local residents as well, and a foot bath is an outdoor facility where you soak only your feet. After a day of walking, a foot bath does a lot of good. The three public bathhouses, Kami-yu, Shimo-yu and Kawara-yu, are open from 6:00 to 22:00 year-round. The Zao Onsen Tourism Association lists admission at 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. All three are unstaffed, and you pay into a box at the entrance before going in. Because the water is strongly acidic, visitors are advised to remove metal jewellery before bathing. Please also note that many hot spring facilities in Japan do not admit bathers with tattoos. Check with each facility about their policy. Opening hours and prices are subject to change, so please check the Zao Onsen Tourism Association website before you set out. Where Okama Is, and How to Reach It The other name that often comes up alongside Zao is Okama, a crater lake formed by water collecting in a volcanic crater and one of the landscapes Zao is known for. The Zao mountain range straddles Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, and Okama lies on the Miyagi side. It is not directly connected to any of the Zao Ropeway stations. The walking route described on Zao Ropeway's official website is the Mt. Kumano Komakusa Viewing Course, covering the Mt. Kumano and Okama area, at 5.0 kilometres and 4.0 hours one way for strong walkers. That is a generous distance to fold into a single day of leaf viewing. To reach Okama, the usual approach is from the Zao Karita summit side. Yamako Bus route Z91, mentioned in the previous section, connects Yamagata Station and the Zao Karita summit daily from 1 August to 25 October. Services are limited, so confirm the timetable for the day before building your plan around it. Frequently Asked Questions About Zao Ropeway's Autumn Leaves Finally, here are the questions most likely to remain before you travel. Q1. How long does it take to reach the summit? The ride is about 17 minutes each way in total. To that you add the transfer at Juhyo Kogen Station and however long you spend at the summit. If you are taking photographs and walking to the Jizo statue and back, allowing 30 minutes to an hour up there leaves room to enjoy it. Counting the return journey, around two hours from leaving the base station to getting back is a reasonable estimate. Q2. Is the foliage still worth seeing in rain or fog? On a foggy day, the colour of the nearby trees reads deeper and richer. Leaves wet with rain reflect less light, so reds and oranges settle into darker, denser tones. If the distant view is what you are after, checking the operating information and the weather on the official website before you set out makes it easier to switch plans. Q3. Can you see the autumn leaves and the juhyo at the same time? They belong to different seasons. Juhyo, sometimes called snow monsters in English, are trees encased in thick layers of snow and ice, and they are one of the things Zao is famous for. Since severe winter conditions are what create them, they are a winter sight rather than an autumn one. The name Juhyo Kogen Station leads some visitors to expect a winter scene, but what waits there in autumn is foliage and wetland. Q4. Is a round trip only as far as Juhyo Kogen Station worth it for the foliage? A round trip to Juhyo Kogen Station gives you plenty of autumn colour. The fare is 2,200 yen for an adult return, exactly half the 4,400 yen to Jizo Sancho Station, and Hyakumannin Terrace is a short walk from the station, so you can keep costs down and still spend the day looking out over the slope from a seat. Going all the way to the summit adds places to visit, including Zao Jizo and the Zao Natural Botanical Garden, so choose according to your time, your energy and your budget. In Summary, Going to See the Gap an 800-Metre Climb Creates With Zao Ropeway's autumn leaves, the plan is decided not by "when is the peak" but by "whose peak do I want to see". A difference of roughly 800 metres in elevation carries the autumn front from the summit down to the hot spring village over about a month. For colour at the summit, aim for late September to early October. To walk the wetlands and forest at Iroha Numa and Kanshodaira, early to mid October. To see the hot spring village itself turn colour, around late October. And if you want all three, the ropeway, a vehicle that moves you between elevation bands, is the answer in itself. Once you know which view you are after, all that is left is to check how far the colour has come this year. Open the live camera and the Yamagata City Tourism Association's foliage updates, and take a look at where Zao stands right now. Zao Ropeway (Zao Sanroku Station) Basic information 【Address】229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture 【Telephone】023-694-9518 【Operating hours】 Sanroku Line　8:30-17:00 Sancho Line　8:45-16:45 ※As of August 2026 【Last ride up】 16:00 from Zao Sanroku Station (return trip to Jizo Sancho Station) 【Other】 Service may be suspended due to weather; extra runs operate at busy times Group travel requires a reservation for 20 or more (call Zao Sanroku Station) Ticket refund fee is 100 yen per ticket Access 【Train and bus】 Yamagata Shinkansen　to Yamagata Station ↓　Yamako Bus route Z90 (bus stop 1 in front of the station), about 37 minutes Zao Onsen Bus Terminal ↓　About a 10 to 15 minute walk Zao Ropeway, Zao Sanroku Station 【Car】 Yamagata Expressway　about 35 minutes from Yamagata Zao IC Tohoku Chuo Expressway　about 25 minutes from Yamagata Kaminoyama IC 【Parking】 Zao Ropeway Car Parks 1, 2 and 3 on the Yokokura ski slope side　200 spaces 【Bus enquiries】 Yamagata Kotsu Bus Information Centre　023-632-7272 【Trekking enquiries】 Custom trekking From 15,000 yen for one guide / year-round / book at least five days ahead Bookings　Zao Trekking Desk, Zao Onsen Tourism Association　023-694-9328 Journey times, fares, parking capacity and charges are all subject to change, so please check the official website before you set out. 【Official Website】https://zaoropeway.co.jp/summer/en.php .text-bold { font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul { counter-reset: listnum; list-style: none; font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li { margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before { counter-increment: listnum; content: counter(listnum) ". 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Video introduction of the original capybara open-air bath at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This video, titled "Capybara with mandarin orange on head in the open-air bath☆みかんを頭にのせるカピバラ 伊豆シャボテン動物公園【元祖カピバラの露天風呂】," was released by "HIRO@sea." The video shows capybaras enjoying a relaxing soak in an open-air bath. The capybaras can be found at the Izu Shaboten Zoo, in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan's Tokai Region. Just like humans, the capybara enjoy a warm bath. The water is filled with yuzu, a type of citrus fruit. You can see the capybara with a yuzu on its head at 1:46 in the video! In this article, we'll introduce the Izu Shaboten Zoo and its open-air capybara bath. What is Izu Shaboten Zoological Park? When is the original capybara open-air bath held? Photo：Izu Shaboten Zoo The Izu Shaboten Zoological Park is a theme park in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy cacti and animals. The zoo opened in October 1959 (Showa 34), and the 200,000-square-meter park features greenhouses with cacti and succulents from around the world, as well as approximately 140 species of animals and birds, including kangaroos, capybaras, anteaters, squirrel monkeys, red pandas, chimpanzees, ponies, wild birds, the ever-popular motionless shoebill stork, flamingos, peacocks, and fennec foxes. The cacti are divided into five sections: the South American Pavilion, the African Pavilion, the Madagascar Pavilion, the Mexico Pavilion, and the Forest Cactus Pavilion. There are edible cacti available for tasting as well. In October 2016, the official name was changed from the former "Izu Shaboten Park" to "Izu Shaboten Zoological Park." A little to the east of Izu Shaboten Zoological Park, in the coastal area, you can find Izu Granpal Park, Izu Kogen Tabi no Eki Granpal Port, New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden, and the Izu Oceanic Park Diving Center as part of the Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group. Izu Shaboten Zoological Park also features life-size replicas of ancient American civilization sculptures, and the entire Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group offers a wide range of attractions, from animals and plants to artifacts, park golf, the "Ship-shaped 3D Maze KAiZOKU," "Zip Line 風KAZE," "Water Balloons," and more. There's also "Wan Wan Park," a dog run where you can enjoy taking your pet dog, and the "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination," an experiential illumination event—so many facilities that you could never experience them all in a single day. Nearby, the official hotels "Petit Hotel Izu Shaboten Village" and "Glamping Izu Shaboten Village" can be found. You can fully enjoy your Izu Shaboten experience with an overnight stay at either one of these locations. What is the capybara open-air bath? When can you see the original capybara hot spring? Photo：Open-air capybara bath First, let us introduce what kind of animal the "capybara" featured in the video is. Capybaras are members of the Caviidae family of rodents, native to South America, inhabiting areas from Panama to northeastern Argentina. They are large animals, measuring 106-134 centimeters in length, and are characterized by their gentle nature and friendly disposition toward humans. They have a habit of living in groups of 10 to 20 individuals. You can see multiple capybaras soaking in the hot spring together from 0:07 in the video. The "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath" shown in the video is a historic event that began at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park in 1982, marking its 43rd anniversary in the 2025-2026 season. It started when zookeepers were cleaning the exhibit with warm water, and the capybaras gathered and put their hands and feet in the puddles, which led to the preparation of a large bath for them. Now, it has become a winter tradition of Izu. Nowadays, many zoos across Japan offer capybara hot springs, but the originator is none other than Izu Shaboten Zoological Park. At Izu Shaboten Zoological Park, the capybara mascot character "Capyba" will also welcome you. The 2025-2026 season is held from November 22, 2025 (Saturday) to April 5, 2026 (Sunday). On weekdays, it is held once a day from 13:30 to 14:30, and on weekends, holidays, winter vacation period (December 20, 2025 to January 12, 2026), and spring vacation period (March 20 to April 5), it is held twice a day from 10:30 to 11:30 and 13:30 to 14:30. On weekends and holidays, various "special baths" such as "yuzu bath," "autumn leaves (momiji) bath," "rose bath," and "apple bath" are also offered. How to access Izu Shaboten Zoological Park? What are the operating hours and admission fees? Source :【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when social distancing was required, the "Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI" at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park seated capybara and red panda plush toys alongside customers to ensure social distancing. The adorable sight of the plush toys sitting in the restaurant chairs became a major topic at the time and was featured extensively on TV news. These plush toys and calendars can be purchased at the gift shop within Izu Shaboten Zoological Park. Many Izu Shaboten goods are also available at the official online shop (mail order) "IZU SHABOTEN HONPO," so please take a look! Please enjoy a moment of relaxation by watching this "Original Capybara Open-Air Bath" video. ◆Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Facilities Overview◆ 【Address】1317-13 Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Access】From JR Atami Station, take the Ito Line to JR Ito Station, then take the Tokai Bus bound for Shaboten Park (approximately 35 minutes). From Izu Kogen Station on the Izukyu Line, take the Tokai Bus for approximately 20 minutes or a taxi for approximately 10 minutes. 【Admission Fee】Weekdays: Adults (junior high school and above) 2,700 yen, Elementary school students 1,300 yen, Children (4 years and older) 700 yen Weekends/Holidays/Peak Season: Adults (junior high school and above) 2,800 yen, Elementary school students 1,400 yen, Children (4 years and older) 700 yen Group discounts, senior discounts, disability discounts, coupon discounts, and ticket discounts available. 【Hours】9:30-17:00 (last admission 15:30) *Subject to change depending on the season 【Closures】Open year-round 【Avg. Time Spent Here】2+ Hours 【Parking】400 regular car spaces, 18 bus spaces (Regular car: 500 yen, Bus: 1,000 yen) 【Capybara Open-Air Bath Period】November 22, 2025 (Saturday) - April 5, 2026 (Sunday) 【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoological Park https://izushaboten.com/lang/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298123-d1196864-Reviews-Izu_Shaboten_Zoo-Ito_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

■ Table of Contents A Miraculous Story You Can Only Encounter in Engaru, Hokkaido The National Treasure: The Obsidian Stone Tool Assemblage of Shirataki What Is Obsidian? The “Volcanic Glass” That Enchanted Ancient Peoples What sort of place is the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center? Learn about the natural beauty and enduring history of Engaru, Hokkaido Discover the Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center, Where National Treasure Obisidian Tools from Shirataki Are On Display How to Best Explore Geosites That Tell the Story of the Earth No. 8 Stream Outcrop (Obsidian Outcrop) Summit of Akaishiyama Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) Tengudaira Observation Point Taihei Plateau Yamabiko Falls Muri Wind Cave Tourist Spots to Enjoy in Engaru | Must-See Highlights in Each Area ■ Engaru District｜Spectacular Flower & Nature Spots Cosmos Garden Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park Roadside Station “Engaru Forest of Okhotsk”｜A Station Full of Activities ■ Maruseppu District｜Forest Railways & Insect Paradise Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori｜Ride the “Amemiya 21” Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum｜Insects Donated by SHO Aikawa ■ Ikutahara District｜Hands On Museums & Art World Chacha World｜A Dreamful World of Toys & Shadow Play Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum｜A Fantasy of Light & Shadow Hidden Tourist Spots Recommended by Engaru Locals Miharashi Farm｜Idyllic Pastoral Scene Typical of Hokkaido Engaru Station｜Switchback That Enthralls Railway Fans A Side of a Self Defense Forces Town Engaru Town Gourmet & Local Products｜Taste the Blessings of the Land Gourmet Inspired by Obsidian Shirataki Potatoes｜Brand Potatoes Renowned for Sweetness & Texture Engaru’s Asparagus｜Green Gift Heralding Spring Engaru Town Event Calendar｜Festivals & Events Coloring the Seasons Taiyō no Oka Cosmos Festa Engaru Ganbō Summer Festival Recommended Lodging and Hot Springs in Engaru | How to Enjoy the Ultimate in Relaxation “Mauresan sō” Maruseppu Hot Spring in a Forest Resort Day Use Hot Spring “Pokke no Yu” “Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori Campground” Surrounded by Nature Distinctive Lodgings by District Accessing Engaru and How to Best Sightsee Around Town 【By Air】 【By JR】 【By Car】 【In Town Sightseeing】 Summary of Engaru Town’s Attractions｜A Call to a Special Hokkaido Experience Show More A Miraculous Story You Can Only Encounter in Engaru, Hokkaido Here lies the obsidian that became the stone tools that are Japan’s oldest National Treasure. This is also the only town in all of Hokkaido where a National Treasure and a Geopark come together. Formed through the merger of the three towns of Engaru, Maruseppu, Ikutahara and the village of Shirataki, Engaru is a destination where flowers and forests, railways and hotsprings, and timeless history all come alive. On this wide northern expanse, where Ezo deer and red foxes run free, you can experience both the romance of the ancient past and the living breath of nature. In this article, we’ll dive into Engaru’s unique charms, from information about obsidian and geoparks to an introduction of the local hot springs, sightseeing spots, and gourmet dining beloved by locals. Seasonal landscapes, such as Taiyō no Oka with its fields of flowers, forest railways weaving through the trees, frozen waterfalls glistening in winter and star-filled night skies, leave unforgettable impressions on visitors. Come to Engaru, and discover the “miraculous stories” that can only be found here, admist the warmth and insight of those who live here in harmony with the land. The National Treasure: The Obsidian Stone Tool Assemblage of Shirataki The Shirataki area of Engaru Town in Hokkaido is best known for possessing Japan’s oldest National Treasure, the Obsidian Stone Tools Excavated from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites. In Hokkaido, only two items are designated as National Treasures: the “Hollow Clay Figurine (Chūkū Dogū)” in Hakodate City and this Shirataki assemblage. Its rarity underscores the significant cultural value that Engaru Town proudly holds. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The excavated stone tools date from the Paleolithic era, long before the Jomon period, approximately 30,000 to 12,000 years ago. That people of the time crafted sharp blades and hunting tools by skillfully processing obsidian testifies to their advanced techniques and wisdom. These items are not merely tools but precious cultural heritage that still convey human ingenuity and the breath of antiquity to us today. What Is Obsidian? The “Volcanic Glass” That Enchanted Ancient Peoples Obsidian is a natural glass formed when magma ejected from a volcano cools rapidly. Because obsidian breaks with fracture points as sharp as a knife, it was an ideal material for tools in ancient times. You can see this obsidian in the video from 0:40. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The Shirataki sourced obsidian is especially high in quality, distinguished by its jet black luster and a translucent aesthetic. During the Paleolithic era, it was fashioned into knives and arrowheads. Archaeological evidence confirms that it was transported not just across Hokkaido but also to Honshu and Sakhalin, suggesting Shirataki’s role as a hub in ancient wide area trade networks. Even today, its beauty continues to captivate. At Engaru’s Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center, obsidian is on permanently display, allowing visitors to examine it up close, and enjoy its mysterious, distinctive glow as light passes through it. Truly, obsidian is not just stone, but a jewel born from the earth. What sort of place is the Shirataki Geopark Visitor Center? Learn about the natural beauty and enduring history of Engaru, Hokkaido In 2010, the “Shirataki Geopark” was certified by the Japan Geopark Network. A geopark is akin to an “outdoor museum”, a place where you can enjoy learning how the earth was formed, and how life and human culture emerged from it. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association At the heart of it is the “Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center”. Inside, exhibitions showcase the allure of Shirataki obsidian and the formation of the land through volcanic activity. Displays show how obsidian emerges from magma, and how people in the Paleolithic era crafted it into tools through interactive videos and models. The Geotour is held annually from July to October, and allows you to go inside actual geosites accompanied by expert guides to get an intimate look at the Earth's magnificent natural forces firsthand. A must for anyone interested in visiting geosites! The mountaineering tour to Mt. Akaishi, the obsidian’s birthplace, is especially popular. Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0111 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki 138 1 【Hours】9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) 【Closed】Year end & New Year’s holidays 【Admission】Free 【Access】About 15 minutes on foot from JR Shirataki Station, about 5 minutes by car from Shirataki IC 【Official Site】Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center Discover the Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center, Where National Treasure Obisidian Tools from Shirataki Are On Display The Obsidian Stone Tools Excavated from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites were designated a National Treasure on June 27, 2023 (Reiwa 5). A total of 1,965 items were collectively designated: 1,514 stone tools and 451 sets of fragments for assembly. These artifacts are outstanding in both content and quantity among Japan’s Paleolithic relics, and are considered invaluable and significant even on a global scale. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association At the “Engaru Archaeological Heritage Center,” you can view the display of the National Treasure Obsidian Stone Tools from the Shirataki Archaeological Sites and learn about the process of tool making. The center also offers hands on experiences such as obsidian crafting, making it a perfect place to engage directly with the ancient past. Engaru Town Buried Cultural Heritage Center Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0111 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki 138 1 (2nd floor of Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center) 【Hours】9:00–17:00 (last admission) 【Closed】Year end & New Year’s holidays 【Admission】Adults: ¥320 (Groups: ¥260) High school students and younger: ¥160 (Groups: ¥130) * For participatory programs, additional learning fees apply: Adults ¥110, High school & younger (including preschoolers) ¥60 【Access】About 15 minutes walk from JR Shirataki Station, about 5 minutes by car from Shirataki IC 【Official Website】Shirataki Geopark Exchange Center How to Best Explore Geosites That Tell the Story of the Earth Within Shirataki Geopark, there are many “geosites”, points of interest where you can experience the landscapes, rocks, and human history shaped by the earth itself. From waterfalls and cliffs to obsidian outcrops and sweeping highland vistas, these are places where nature speaks its story. Shirataki’s geosites aren’t just for sightseeing; they are places where we are invited to wonder how rocks formed, or what life was like for people in ancient times. There are many spots that let you expand your imagination. Be sure to visit as many as you can! No. 8 Stream Outcrop (Obsidian Outcrop) One of Shirataki’s signature geosites, this outcrop represents one of the world’s largest obsidian deposits. The towering clif face, more than 15 meters high, clearly shows layers of obsidian lava, revealing traces of volcanic activity from about 2 million years ago. In Paleolithic times, obsidian was mined here and crafted into knives and arrowheads used in daily life. Visiting the site offers a striking understanding of the connection between humanity and earth, making it an inspiring spot not only for archaeology enthusiasts but also nature lovers. This geosite can be viewed in the video from 1:51. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099 0126 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki Oku Shirataki 【Viewing Method】Because it lies within national forest, free exploration is not permitted; you must join a tour held by the “Shirataki Geopark Promotion Association.” Summit of Akaishiyama The summit is strewn with large and small pieces of obsidian on its surface, which sparkle under sunlight. It resembles a galaxy spread across the sky. The hue and gleam shift with the angle of light, and each step reveals a different perspective. Geologically unique, tours along the Mt. Akaishi summit route are consistently popular. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Viewing method: Because it lies within national forest, free exploration is not permitted; you must join a tour held by the “Shirataki Geopark Promotion Association.” Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) Rising about 78 meters above ground, Ganbō Rock, called Inkarushi in Ainu, meaning “place with a good view”, is a symbol of Engaru. The town’s name is derived from this word. Visible from nearly every corner of the town, the rock offers ever-changing perspectives depending on where you view it. According to legend, it was once an Ainu battlefield, lending a dramatic historic dimension to its natural beauty. A climb from base to summit takes only minutes, and the view is breathtaking. Ganbō rock has been recognized as one of Hokkaido’s Top 100 Natural Sites. Ganbō Rock (Inkarushi) is viewable from the video at 2:53. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Nishimachi 1 chōme 【Access】Approximately 5 min by car from JR Engaru Station Tengudaira Observation Point This gentle grassland was formed by a volcanic phenomenon known as “pyroclastic flow.” Behind it stand Tengudake and Hirayama, volcanoes of the Northern Daisetsu range, making for a majestic view. In early morning, a sea of clouds may spread, creating a dreamlike panorama. The observation point is showcased in the video from 2:33. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Shirataki Tengudaira 【Access】Approximately 5 min by car from Roadside Station “Shirataki” Taihei Plateau At the Taihei Plateau, a 360-degree view stretches as far as the eye can see. While the daytime scenery is great, the highlight is the summer night sky, free from any obstructions or artificial lights. Under the full starry sky, many stars appear rapidly, creating an atmosphere that is perfect for couples looking for a romantic outing. Between late May and early October, hay bales dot the fields, adding a quaint rustic charm. It is selected as part of the “Taihei Geopark Road” and included among “Hokkaido’s 100 Roads.” Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Taihei 【Access】About 40 minutes by car from Maruseppu IC Yamabiko Falls Standing about 28 meters tall, Yamabiko falls is notable in that you can view the water from behind, a feature that has earned it the nickname “Back-view falls”. In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy the refreshing spray set against vibrant greenery, while autumn brings a stunning contrast between the colorful foliage and the cascading water. In winter, the fall may freeze entirely, lending a magical ambiance as it transforms into a curtain of ice. With distinct charms for every season, Yamabiko Falls is a spot you’ll never tire of visiting. Yamabiko Falls appears in the video starting at 3:48. Photo: Yamabiko Falls, Engaru, Hokkaido Basic Information 【Address】Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri In winter, vehicle traffic is blocked at a gate about 2 km before the falls’ parking lot. From January through March, a “Yamabiko Falls Night Tour (illumination)” and daytime “Yamabiko Falls Observation Event” are held, during which the gate is temporarily opened. Muri Wind Cave (Murifūketsu) A mysterious geologic formation where cold air blows even in summer. Cold air accumulated underground escapes from cracks, making the surroundings cool even in midsummer. This unique environment allows alpine plants to grow naturally, making it like a “natural refrigerator.” It is a place to experience a minor miracle created by nature, and is recommended as an oasis from the summer heat. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Location】Maruseppu District, Engaru Town Tourist Spots to Enjoy in Engaru | Must-See Highlights in Each Area After experiencing the earth’s history at Shirataki Geopark, why not venture out into the other areas of Engaru? The four districts, Engaru, Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara each offer unique attractions, from natural panoramas to cultural experiences. Based on popularity in local tourist association and travel sites, here are recommended must-sees for use in planning your trip. ■ Engaru District｜Spectacular Flower & Nature Spots Even in the town’s central area, nature thrives, and is brightened by seasonal flowers year-round. Home to one of Japan’s largest cosmos gardens and a new roadside station, along with many sights that truly reflect the spirit of Engaru. Cosmos Garden The symbol of tourism in Engaru is the cosmos garden at Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park. Covering a vast 10-hectare area, one of the largest in Japan, around ten million cosmos flowers bloom in the Cosmos Garden, entering their peak between late August and late September, creating a true “carpet of flowers.” About 20 varieties of cosmos are planted in the garden, and pink, white, orange blossoms sway in the wind to make for a natural masterpiece. The flower-picking experience is popular with families, while photographers and social media enthusiasts flock to the gardens for its perfect photo opportunities, especially at sunset when the fields glow. From the garden’s observation deck you can not only view the cosmos field but also gaze at distant mountain ranges. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park spans 65 hectares and offers seasonal floral views from spring through autumn. Within, the “Shibazakura Park” area features moss phlox blooms (known as Shibazakura in Japanese), from mid to late May a pink carpet spread across the hill. In early bloom, Ezo cherry blossoms appear, and at peak season combine with simultaneously blooming tulips for a spectacular seasonal display. Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0407 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Marudai 70 1 【Admission】Adults ¥600, Elementary School Students ¥300 (only during cosmos bloom period) 【Hours】9:00–17:00 【Open Season】Late April to early October Taiyō no Oka Engaru Park (Cosmos Garden) Official Site Roadside Station “Engaru Mori-no-Okhotsk”｜A Station Overflowing with Activities Opened in December of Reiwa 1 (2019), Mori-no-Okhotsk attracted attention as Hokkaido’s first roadside station with an integrated ski resort. Adjacent to the Engaru IC on the Asahikawa–Mombetsu Expressway, it serves as the gateway to the Okhotsk region. From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, the longest zipline in Japan with a 25% slope, as well as a treetop adventure course. The treetop adventure follows wires and ladders between trees across about 400 m and includes 29 attractions, allowing guests to walk from tree to tree high above the ground. In winter, skiing is available, making Mori-no-Okhotsk a year round tourist destination. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association The high concentration artificial carbonated footbath “Mori-no-Okhotsk Ashiyu” is also popular. The roadside station’s restaurant uses local asparagus and Shirataki potatoes in many dishes. The standout is a black “Geo Curry” inspired by obsidian: a rich black curry containing chunks of meat shaped like obsidian that is as unusual-looking as it is delicious. Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0344 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Nogami 150 1 【Hours】9:00–18:00 【Closed】None Roadside Station Engaru Mori-mo-Okhotsk Official Site ■ Maruseppu District｜Forest Railways & Insect Paradise Deep in the heart of the forest, you’ll find a unique area where Hokkaido’s only forest railway still runs, alongside exhibits of fascinating insects. This is a hands-on destination where both children and adults can enjoy learning and playing together, making it perfect for a family trip! Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori｜Ride the “Amemiya 21” Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori is home to Hokkaido’s last operating forest railway. The steam locomotive, affectionately called “Amemiya 21”, was built in the Taishō era (1912-1926) and is an authentic forest railway engine. The two-kilometer journey through the park takes you slowly into the depths of the woodlands, an exciting experience even for those who aren’t train enthusiasts. From your seat you can enjoy vibrant natural scenery, especially in the autumn. The insect ecology museum also has rare insects that can be observed, and along with enjoying nature at the campsite provides a variety of experiences for all ages. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 80 【Open Season】April 29 – late October Engaru Town Official: Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori • Steam locomotive “Amemiya 21” runs within the park from late April to late October (check official site for operating days) • Fare: Adults ¥800, ages 4+ ¥400 Engaru Town Official: Forest Railway Steam Locomotive Amemiya 21 Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum｜Featuring Insects Donated by Actor Sho Aikawa A museum exhibiting live insects in ecological displays throughout the year. Highlights include the “Butterfly Plaza”, which features tropical butterflies flying freely year-round, and the “Entrance Hall”, where visitors can see live beetles and stag beetles from around the world. The star of the show is the Hercules beetle, the world’s largest beetle species. In the “Aniki no Mori” (Big Brother’s Forest), donated by actor Sho Aikawa, visitors can encounter rare specimens such as the massive Acteon elephant beetle and the dazzling rainbow stag beetle, widely regarded to be the most beautiful beetle in the world. Children and adults alike can become engrossed in the wide variety of fascinating displays. Photo: Hercules beetle Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 68 【Closed】Tuesdays, Year end & New Year Engaru Town Official: Maruseppu Insect Ecology Museum ■ Ikutahara District｜Hands On Museums & the World of Art Ikutahara is a place where culture and creativity come alive. From wooden toys to shadow theater, this is the perfect place to relax, explore, and engage with art that sparks your imagination. Chacha World｜A Dreamland of Toys & Shadow Play Step into a museum showcasing wooden toys from around 40 countries! More than 10,000 pieces can be found, from intricate automata to puppets and classic nutcrackers. Toys are more than just displayed. There are numerous areas where visitors can build or play with toys, from puzzles like Cuboro or Capala to mechanical toys or blocks. Children love it, and adults often find themselves charmed as well. Finally, at the woodworking studio “Zevetto”, you can even craft your own toy from natural wood, for a unique personalized keepsake to remember your trip. Photo: Chacha World, Engaru Town Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0701 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Ikutahara 143 4 【Hours】 April–October: 9:30–18:00 November–March: 10:00–17:00 【Closed】 April–October: None November–March: Mondays (if holiday, closed next day) Year end & New Year holidays The woodworking studio “Zevetto” is closed Mondays & Thursdays Chacha World Official Site Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum｜A Fantastical World of Shadow & Light This museum permanently exhibits works by the renowned Japanese shadow play artist Seiji Fujishiro. Step inside to immerse yourself in an enchanting world light and shadow bring his creations to life. Around 30 of his works are on permanent display, including the masterwork Kosai Rikuri, “Brilliant Colors”, which encompasses the entire wall of an elevator hall at 9 meters high and 18 meters wide, making it one of the largest shadow works in the world. Photography is prohibited inside, so the only way to experience the magic is to see it with your own eyes. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0701 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Ikutahara 143 4 (co located with Chacha World) Seiji Fujishiro Koropokkuru Shadow Play Museum Hidden Tourist Spots Recommended by Engaru Locals Famous spots are nice, but it’s also worth experiencing the lesser-known charms of Engaru that only locals might know. From tranquil pastures with grazing cows to a railway treasures beloved by railway enthusiasts, and even unique events reflecting the town’s strong ties to the Japan’s Self Defense Force, these offbeat and unique experiences can make your trip especially memorable. Miharashi Farm｜Idyllic Pastoral Scene Typical of Hokkaido On the outskirts of Engaru, Miharashi Farm offers the quintessential Hokkaido landscape of open fields, grazing cattle, and endless blue skies. Especially in summer, the contrast between the vivid green meadows set against the horizon offers a sense of freedom openness that simply cannot be found in the city. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0407 Engaru Town, Marudai Engaru Station｜A Switchback That Enthralls Railway Fans Engaru Station on the JR Sekihoku Main Line is a special station for railway enthusiasts, as it is one of the few stations in Japan that uses a switchback system, where trains must reverse before continuing in a new direction. The station platform offers a close look at this unusual maneuver, attracting observers from across the country. Photo: JR Sekihoku Main Line Engaru Station Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0415 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Iwamidōri Minami 1 3 3 A Self Defense Forces Town Engaru Town hosts the Land Self Defense Force Engaru Garrison and is known as a Self Defense Forces town. Every August, the garrison opens its gates for a festival featuring equipment displays, training exercises and mock battles, offering a rare close-up look at JSDF activities. The warm interaction between the townspeople and service members of the garrison highlights the close relationship between the base and local community, contributing to a unique community atmosphere. Engaru Gourmet & Local Specialties｜Taste the Bounty of the Land No trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Engaru’s food culture, rooted in its vast nature and history, offers plenty of distinctive dishes. From creative obsidian themed cuisine to the sweet, hearty “Shirataki Potatoes” grown in volcanic soil, to the crisp asparagus that proclaims the arrival of spring and summmer, each bite captures the essence of Engaru. Be sure to enjoy these special local flavors alongside your sightseeing! Gourmet Inspired by Obsidian Obsidian is a symbol of Engaru, and is celebrated in many creative obsidian-themed dishes. The most popular is the striking black curry at Roadside Station “Engaru Okhotsk-no-Mori.” With the deep black obsidian color of its roux and its chunks of meat shaped to look like obsidian shards, it leaves both a visual and culinary impression. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Shirataki Potatoes｜Brand Potatoes Renowned for Sweetness & Texture Grown in the Shirataki area, “Shirataki Potatoes” benefit from the local climate’s dramatic temperature shifts and rich volcanic soil, resulting in natural sweetness and excellent texture. Particularly the three varieties “Danshaku,” “May Queen,” and “Kita Akari” are famous for their fluffy texture. Around October each year, local restaurants hold the “Engaru Love Fair,” offering a variety of original dishes using Shirataki Potatoes. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Asparagus｜Green Gift Heralding Spring Asparagus is a signature flavor of Engaru in spring and summer. Nurtured by snowmelt and abundant sunlight, Engaru’s asparagus grows thick, juicy, and sweet. Engaru Asparagus is also commercially known under the brand “Engaru Nyokkīs”. Engaru is notable in that asparagus has not one but two harvest seasons, and the summer harvest, also known as Komorebi Asparagus, meaning “sun-dappled Asparagus”, is especially prized. From July to August, local restaurants host the “Artisanal Summer Harvest Asparagus Fair,” offering original dishes featuring summer asparagus. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Town Event Calendar｜Festivals for Every Season Throughout the year, Engaru comes alive with seasonal events that showcase the best of the region. From fireworks illuminating summer nights to cosmos festivals with live musical performances and more, these events seamlessly combine nature’s beauty with the warmth and energy of the local community to make memorable moments. Wrapped in a community’s warm atmosphere, these events are sure to add color and excitement to your trip. Taiyō no Oka Cosmos Festa On the first Sunday of September, the “Cosmos Festa” is held at the town’s vast blooming cosmos gardens. Visitors can admire fields of colorful flowers while enjoying various stage performances and entertainment. February 14 is Valentine’s Day, and in Japan, March 14 is “White Day”, while exactly six months later, September 14 is known as “Cosmos Day.” Every year seeds are carefully sown to ensure the flowers will be in full bloom for this special date. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Engaru Ganbō Summer Festival Held in July, this summer tradition features music parades, the impressive “1,000 Person Dance, and various other performances. vHeld in July, this summer tradition features music parades, the impressive “1,000 Person Dance, and various other performances. Many food stalls with local specialties open, and the streets are filled with energy, giving you a chance to feel the town’s vibrancy and festive atmosphere. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Recommended Lodging and Hot Springs in Engaru | How to Enjoy the Ultimate in Relaxation Engaru offers a range of lodging options such as Mauresan sō and North King, that run the gamut from forest resorts to cozy onsen inns. Many feature distinctive facilities such as alkaline hot springs, prized for their skin-softening qualities. After a long day of sightseeing or outdoor excursions, they soothe fatigue, help you recharge, and make your stay even more memorable. Forest Resort “Mauresan sō” at Maruseppu Onsen Nestled in the forest of Maruseppu, this resort hotel with its striking triangular roofs and white walls offers hot springs that are both gentle on skin and retain warmth well. The resort has a chic “Ezo Modern,” atmosphere, featuring warm wooden interiors with reading spaces brimming with books and relaxation lounges throughout. Lodging plans vary greatly, with six types of rooms including both Japanese and Western styles and special rooms with private baths, with a total of 25 rooms available. Nearby, three cottages made of Finnish pine offer their own private hot spring, giving the visitors the feeling of staying in a secluded villa. Meals feature fusion courses that make use of seasonal local ingredients such as fresh sashimi, beef from near Okhotsk, handmade soba, allowing visitors to fully savor Hokkaido’s bounty. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 172 Day Use Hot Spring “Pokke no Yu” Opened in September 2019, this day use hot spring features a soothing alkaline spring that warms easily and is known for leaving skin feeling soft and silky. Particularly noteworthy is the wood-fired Finnish sauna, a rare sight even in Hokkaido. Many visitors come just to experience it. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 177 “Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori Campground” Surrounded by Nature Equipped with auto sites, bungalows, and free camping areas, this campground is perfect for combining river activities with forest exploration. Suitable for families or solo campers, it offers a more rustic, immersive way method of experiencing Engaru’s natural beauty Under a blanket of stars, gather around a campfire then awaken to fresh air and birdsong, for a unique alternative to hotel or onsen stays with its own type of luxury. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Basic Information 【Address】〒099-0213 Hokkaido, Mombetsu District, Engaru Town, Maruseppu Kamimuri 80 Distinctive Lodgings by District Lodgings near Engaru Station Several hotels within walking distance of the station make ideal bases for tourists and business travelers alike. Shirataki District “Makiba Hokkaido Taro chan House” A pet friendly entire house rental. With a spacious dog run, sauna, and even horseback riding, it’s a rare facility. It’s popular with families and dog lovers wanting to enjoy Hokkaido travel with pets. Ikutahara District “Ikutahara Onsen Hotel North King” A lodging with flowing natural hot springs, day-use bathing, a bedrock sauna, and its own restaurant. Surrounded by tranquility, it’s perfect for relaxed bathing in a peaceful atmosphere. Image source :Engaru Town Tourism Association Access to Engaru Town & How to Tour the Town Engaru, where you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors of Hokkaido, is accessible by air, train, or car. Flights from Memanbetsu, Asahikawa, or Okhotsk Mombetsu airports, taking the JR Sekihoku Main Line, or driving along scenic car routes are all viable options. Because the town’s attractions are spread over a wide area, renting a car is recommended for efficient sightseeing. Below is a quick guide to reaching Engaru and getting around. Access Methods to Engaru Town 【By Air】 The air gateways to Engaru Town are Memanbetsu Airport, Asahikawa Airport, and Okhotsk Mombetsu Airport. • From Memanbetsu: approximately 1h30m to 2h by car • From Asahikawa: about 2h to 2h30m by car • From Okhotsk Mombetsu: about 40–50 minutes by car While Kitami Bus links from Memanbetsu exist, buses are limited, so renting a car is more convenient for sightseeing. 【By JR】 Engaru is served by the JR Sekihoku Main Line, plus stations at Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara. Use express or local trains. (At JR Engaru Station) • From Sapporo: ~3h30m via the “Okhotsk” limited express • From Asahikawa: about 2h • From Kitami: about 1h30m by local train 【By Car】 Driving gives you freedom and is ideal for sightseeing. Engaru lies along National Route 39, with good access from major cities. • From Sapporo: ~280 km (about 4h) • From Asahikawa: ~100 km (about 1h30m) • From Kitami: ~40 km (about 45 min) Many roadside stations and scenic spots lie along the route, turning the drive itself into part of the journey. 【In Town Sightseeing】 Because Engaru’s attractions are widely dispersed, a rental car is the most efficient way to tour. Approximate travel times between districts: • Engaru district ⇔ Shirataki district: ~30 km (about 40 min by car) • Engaru district ⇔ Maruseppu district: ~20 km (about 30 min by car) • Engaru district ⇔ Ikutahara district: ~15 km (about 20 min by car) Summary of Engaru Town’s Attractions｜A Call to a Special Hokkaido Experience Engaru Town is a special place in Hokkaido where Japan’s oldest National Treasure whispers ancient memories, Shirataki Geopark tells the earth’s story, and majestic nature shifts through the seasons in harmonious procession. Once formed by merging three towns and a village, this vast town encompasses four unique districts: Engaru, Shirataki, Maruseppu, and Ikutahara each offering different emotional experiences. Ten million cosmos blooms, obsidian tools of the late Paleolithic era, the nostalgic whistle of a forest railway winding through the trees, serene hot springs and camping under pure blue skies, and the heartfelt smiles of the people you will meet are all treasures awaiting your visit. Feel the timeless romance exerted by obsidian’s jet black luster. Walk geosites and listen to the earth’s pulse. At night, immerse yourself in the starlit sky, all in Engaru. Let this special experience leave a lasting imprint on your next Hokkaido journey. Japan’s oldest National Treasure and miraculous natural landscapes await you in Engaru. See you there! Official Sites Engaru Town Official Engaru Town Tourism Association Information in this article was current as of September 2025, prepared under the supervision of the Engaru Town Tourism Association. 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Video introduction of “Kamogawa Noryo-doko” in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City This video, titled "Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka & Ponto-cho｜Summer in Kyoto" (鴨川納涼床と先斗町　京都の夏), was uploaded by "K Japan Traveler." Summer in Kyoto brings with it the Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka, a relaxing riverside dining experience. For a limited time, visitors can enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine on the riverbank in the quaint Ponto-cho area, where if you're lucky, you can also encounter maiko. In the video, you can see Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka from Shijo Ohashi Bridge in the evening and at night, as well as the stores in Ponto-cho. Be sure to check it out. The History of the Terraces of Kyoto's Kamo River Photo：Kamo River terraces, Kyoto Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka is one of the most popular summer traditions in Kyoto. While the terraces in Kibune are called "kawadoko," the terraces on the Kamo River are called "nouryou-yuka." The wooden platforms (eating and drinking spaces) on the right bank of the Kamo River between Nijo Ohashi Bridge and Gojo Ohashi Bridge are called "kamogawa nouryou-yuka," and each establishment offers special courses for a limited time. The history of kamogawa nouryou-yuka dates back to the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi after a war. The Kamo River was improved by replacing Sanjo Ohashi and Gojo Ohashi Bridge, and the area became crowded with peddlers. Later, in the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), many teahouses were built along the Kamo River. It is said that the first teahouses were built along the Kamo River, where wealthy merchants laid out benches with tables to entertain their guests who came from distant places so that they could enjoy the cool of the evening. When is Kyoto Kamogawa Noryokoyoko 2024? Photo：Kamo River terraces, Kyoto Kamogawa Noryokoko is associated with summer, but it is held every year from May. The 2024 event will be held from May 1 to September 30, 2024. [Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka] On the below websites, stores are introduced by area, such as the upper Kiyamachi Street area (Nijo Dori - Sanjo Dori), lower Kiyamachi Street area (Shijo Dori - Gojo Dori), Ponto-cho area, and Nishi-Ishigaki area, and you can check each store's opening hours, prices, and whether reservations are required by clicking the store you are interested in. Reservations required for dinner at Noryokoro? We introduce 4 recommended restaurants including hamo (Japanese conger eel), Kyoto cuisine, and Japanese beef! Photo：Ryokan Tsuruse Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka is a limited-time-only event that is very popular among both local Kyotoites and tourists. Advance reservations are recommended when visiting the river terraces. When making a reservation, be sure to let them know that you would like a terrace "yuka" seat. Below, we'll introduce some recommended restaurants when visiting the river terraces. ●Chimoto Chimoto is a long-established restaurant boasting fine Kyoto cuisine that has been loved by many writers and artists since its inception. This restaurant is recommended for those looking to enjoy the river terraces with a little luxury. Evening courses start at ¥19030 (~$140 USD). ●Robin Renovated from two 150-year-old teahouses, the restaurant's interior is like a maze. You can enjoy authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine and seasonal ingredients, such as conger eel. The Kawadoko Courses start at ¥7,000 (~$51 USD). ●Tsuruse This ryokan, with its majestic karahafu entrance evokes a sense of history. The nouryou-yuka (river terrace) can accommodate up to 200 people. The kawadoko course, which includes conger eel hot pot called "suzumi-ryori," starts at ¥8,500 (~$62 USD). ●Kyoto Yakiniku Shin Ponto-cho This is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy Wagyu beef on the Noryokoko. Why not enjoy Omi beef or black Wagyu beef while viewing the night scenery? The most popular course is the Kamo Course for ¥8,800(~$56USD). A Casual Way to Enjoy Kyoto's Cool River Terraces! 3 Recommended Cafes and Italian Restaurants For those who want to enjoy Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka a bit more casually and without breaking the bank, here are some cafes and Italian restaurants you can enjoy. ●Ushi no Hone A popular restaurant serving original Japanese cuisine and beef stew. The Nouryou-Yuka courses start at ¥6,000 (~$44 USD). ●Ikariya Shokudo A riverside bistro where you can enjoy confit a regional dish of southwestern France and handmade pasta. The kawadoko lunch course served on the Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka is ¥2,800 (~$21 USD). ●BABBI GELATERIA KYOTO How about some Italian gelato while cooling off on the river? Gelato is made daily using ingredients imported straight from Italy. There's tons of photogenic gelato for any instagrammers out there as well! ●Salon de Royal Kyoto Chocolate bonbons are the main attraction at this café, but macaroons, petit gâteau, and a variety of other desserts are also available. Access to Kyoto's Cool River Terraces Photo：A road sign The nearest station to Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka is Kawaramachi via the Hankyu Line. From the station, it is only a few minutes' walk to the entrance of Shijo Ponto-cho. From Kyoto Station, transfer at Shijo station on the subway Karasuma Line and get off at Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. If using a city bus, the nearest stops are "Kawaramachi-Gojo," "Shijo-Kawaramachi," and "Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae." Be sure to check the location of the restaurant and get off at the nearest stop. Summary of Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka, a Summer Tradition of Cool River Terraces in Kyoto You can find couples sitting along the banks of the Kamo River as seen from the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, regardless of the season. The summer nights along the Kamo River are lit up by the lights of the river terraces, creating a fantastic scene. [Video] 2:02 - Terraces on the Kamo River at Night The view from the river terraces is simply wonderful and has its own unique charm. In the hot summer of Kyoto, you can enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine while enjoying the breeze and the gentle murmur of the Kamo River. It is a very relaxing and even romantic experience. Consider dropping by Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka when visiting Kyoto in the summer. 【Official Website】Kyoto Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka https://yuka-kyoto.com/ 【TripAdvisor】Kamogawa https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1021271-Kamogawa_Chiba_Prefecture_Kanto-Vacations.html