Introducing Ibaraki's Suigo Itako Iris Festival The title of the video is "Wedding Boat Summary - A Bride from Itako Goes by a Boat- (Suigo Itako Iris Festival)（嫁入り舟ダイジェスト～潮来花嫁さんは舟でゆく～ （水郷潮来あやめまつり））” When the rainy season starts, irises are in bloom and the Suigo Itako Iris Festival is held in Suigo Itako Iris Garden (水郷潮来あやめ園). The beautiful bride, wearing a pure white dress is shown in the video. Enjoy Japanese tradition and culture by watching this video. What Is a Wedding Boat? Photo：The Wedding Boat of Itako The Suigo Itako Iris Festival is famous for the wedding boat. The video shows what a traditional marriage in Itako looks like. As shown in the video from 1:09, at the festival, a bride, a boatman and a mediator go through the park full of irises. They then row a boat across the river towards where the groom is waiting. The boat move slowly and it is watched over by people who came to enjoy the festival. It is quite the site. After meeting with the groom, wearing a hakama with a family crest, they take hands and promise everlasting love. This is shown from 3:38 in the video. How to Enjoy the Festival Source :This article Video Fountain spot "WAiWAi Fantasia" which is across the garden, is popular as a spiritual site for love and marriage. It's shown from 3:50 in the video. After sharing their vows, the groom and bride lock the "key to happiness" in the fountain. At the festival, there are dance contests and illuminations making it a very lively event. Sightseeing at the Suigo Itako Iris Garden Photo：The Suigo Itako Iris Festival At the Suigo Itako Iris Garden in Ibaraki, people can enjoy 500 different kinds of over a million irises. It is a very popular spot and was selected as one of “the 500 most beautiful roads in Japan.” Itako has a history of using a water transportation system and many boats came and went during the Edo period (1603 to 1868). If you're going to the Suigo Itako Iris Festival, be sure to keep an eye out for the wedding ceremony to see the bride going downriver. You can also try a Yuki Tsumugi experience where you try on handmade silk kimono as well. Summary The Suigo Itako Iris Festival, introduced in the video, is a very popular event and 800 thousand people visit it annually. Enjoy looking at the beautiful Japanese bride wearing a pure white dress. If you want to visit the Suigo Itako Iris Festival, we recommend first checking out the bloom conditions, the schedule of the festival, sightseeing spots and then booking a hotel. ◆Suigo Itako Iris Garden Information◆ 【Address】Iris 1-5 Itako city Ibaraki prefecture 【Access】A 3-minute walk from JR Itako Station. Buses available during the time of the festival 【Parking】Available (A toll parking lot is available during the Suigo Itako Iris Festival) 【Telephone No】0299-63-1111 【Entrance fee】Free 【Official Website】Suigo Itako Iris Festival https://english.ibarakiguide.org/itako-iris-festival.html

Ginkgo Trees and Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park: Video Introduction This video, titled "Autumn Foliage in Tokyo, 2014" (東京の紅葉 Autumn Foliage in Tokyo 2014), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." It introduces the mystical scenery of autumn in Japan accompanied by the sun and the wind, with lovely piano music. The Best Time to See the Beautiful Ginkgo Trees at Hikarigaoka Park Photo：A row of ginkgo trees Hikarigaoka Park, located in Tokyo's Nerima Ward, is the fourth largest park in the 23 wards of Tokyo. Strolling through the autumn foliage in the grassy plaza with its large ginkgo trees is a delightful experience allowing visitors to enjoy autumn in Japan. You and your family or loved ones can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the 200-meter-long ginkgo-lined avenue, which is more than 100 years old. The "yellow tunnel" created by the ginkgo trees is a popular spot among photographers and Instagrammers for viewing the autumn leaves in Hikarigaoka Park, and is usually at its best around mid-November. The "yellow carpet" created by fallen ginkgo leaves can be enjoyed from late November to early December. Hikarigaoka Park's Zelkova Field - A Wonderful Spot for Viewing the Autumn Foliage! Photo：Hikarigaoka Park, Nerima, Tokyo After Passing through the ginkgo trees and crossing Futago Bridge, you'll be welcomed by the silver Arch of Light, an art installation at Keyaki Field. Here, you're sure to be captivated by the autumn colors of the zelkova trees. The reddish leaves of the zelkova trees are what makes autumn in Japan so delightful. The best time to view the leaves is usually from mid-November to mid-December. Experience autumn in Japan to the fullest with the yellow ginkgos and red zelkovas. [Video] 0:51 - The Autumn Colors of Japan's Zelkova Trees A Moving Scene of Falling Leaves at Hikarigaoka Park One way to enjoy the autumn leaves at Hikarigaoka Park is take some time to enjoy the leaves as they fall onto the surface of the pond. Although a somewhat melancholy sight, the red and yellow leaves floating on the surface of the pond in Hikarigaoka Park create a very emotional scene, captivating onlookers. While looking up at the colorful leaves in the trees, don't forget to look down for another perspective. You may even capture some breathtaking photos as well... [Video] 1:51 - Fallen Leaves on the Surface of the Water The Miraculous Art Found in Nature Photo：A duck swimming on a pond Visitors can also experience a convergence of red and yellow leaves at Hikarigaoka Park. There's an amazing carpet of autumn leaves that can only be seen at special times when the falling leaves and the wind are just right. The yellow and red streets, each covered with their own color, are exciting enough in themselves, but when you encounter the boundaries separating them, it's a truly magical experience. [Video] 2:25 - A Boundary of Red and Yellow Leaves A Myriad of Autumn Colors With Each Passing Day Photo：A tunnel of autumn foliage One might ask when the best time to view the autumn colors might be. However, the answer to this question is simply the moment that you visit. In the video, you can see the beautiful green, yellow, and red colors. Enjoy the exquisite atmosphere created by the changing colors. [Video] 2:58 - The Changing of the Leaves to Various Colors Hikari Pageant Festa - A Mesmerizing Light Up Event at Hikarigaoka Park Hikari Pageant Festa, held at Hikarigaoka Park, usually in mid-December around Keyaki Field, is a festival of light and art. The annual illumination, which can be enjoyed from early December to mid-January, features approximately 125,000 LEDs lighting up the ginkgo-lined avenue leading to the park. On the day of the event, there's plenty to see and do, including light displays, candle art, various music and dance events, and an exhibition stage. Please be sure to take warm clothing and enjoy a magical, heartwarming time. Summary of Ginkgo Trees and Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park Hikarigaoka Park, the largest park in Tokyo's Nerima ward, boasts an area of approximately 600,000 square meters. The grassy plaza built on a gently sloping hill is dotted with cherry blossoms and zelkova trees, providing delightful scenery in all four seasons. The park also has a wealth of playground equipment, a bird sanctuary for bird watching, and day camping and barbecue areas, making it a popular recreational spot for people of all ages. In this article, we introduced the Zelkova Field and ginkgo trees of Hikarigaoka Park as popular spots for enjoying the autumn foliage of Japan. The area is also easily accessible by train, and is just a 10-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station. These are highly recommended places in Tokyo's Nerima Ward that you should definitely visit during autumn in Japan. ◆Hikarigaoka Park◆ Address: Hikarigaoka Park Service Center 4-1-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku 179-0072 For inquiries: Hikarigaoka Park Service Center (TEL: 03-3977-7638) Parking: Available (Paid) Access: An 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station (E38) on the Toei Subway Oedo Line, a 15-minute walk from Narimasu Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Subway Narimasu (F02), and Narimasu Station (Y02) on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line 【Official Website】Hikarigaoka Park - Let's go to the park! https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index023.html 【TripAdvisor】Hikarigaoka Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066453-d4889941-Reviews-Hikarigaoka_Park-Nerima_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Sunflower Sapporo: Video Introduction This video, titled "Japan's Overnight Capsule Ferry 24 Hour Travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido｜Mitsui MOL Ferry Co.｜Sunflower｜Boat Journey｜Oarai to Tomakomai" (Japan's Overnight Capsule Ferry｜24 Hour Travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido 商船三井フェリー さんふらわあ 船旅 大洗→苫小牧), was uploaded by "Travel Alone Idea." On the very same commercial route, MOL Ferry's Sunflower Sapporo has attracted attention for its success in unmanned operation. This article/video will guide you through the ferry trip as if you were on a tour. If you're looking for different ways to travel in Japan knowing what each type of transportation offers is important. The video will also take a look at the accommodations and restaurants on board, so be sure to check it out. Sunflower Sapporo – A Ferry for Travelers Photo：Tomakomai Ferry Terminal, Tomakomai, Hokkaido The Sunflower Sapporo ferry runs between Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture and Tomakomai Port in Hokkaido. Fares vary from 9,800 yen to 63,200 yen depending on the accommodation type you choose. Fares also vary by season. If you're planning on bringing a car with you on the ferry, you'll need to check those rates as well. The Sunflower Furano is a ferry of the same type as the Sunflower Sapporo, and both ferries operate at night. Guest Rooms on the Sunflower Sapporo Source :YouTube screenshot The Sunflower Sapporo offers several types of accommodations. The large "Tourist" accommodations with only a curtain partition are recommended for seasoned travelers and those who wish to enjoy a cruise that doesn't break the bank. The "Comfort Type" accommodations shown in the video are casual rooms that are set up as private rooms and offer more privacy. Each room is equipped with a TV so you can relax during your trip. [Video] 3:18 - Comfort Type Guest Room Other accommodations include the "premium" type, which features deluxe rooms with private balconies, as well as the "suite" type, and even Japanese-style accommodations. Breakfast and Services on the Sunflower Sapporo Source :YouTube screenshot The Sunflower Sapporo has a buffet-style restaurant where passengers can enjoy a meal with a lovely view of the sea, for an additional fee. The ship also has a store where you can buy souvenirs, a large public bath, a sauna, coin-operated laundry machines, a game center, and other services to help you enjoy your trip. Free Wi-Fi is also available on board, although the connection might be a bit slow for video streaming. [Video] 5:40 - Restaurants Onboard the Ferry Sunflower Sapporo's Pet Policy Pets are allowed on the Sunflower Sapporo. Pet rooms are available for pets, and the ferry also offers rooms for those who wish to stay with their pets during their voyage. Both require advance reservations and filling out a confirmation form, so please keep this in mind when making reservations. There is also a free dog run so your pet can enjoy the cruise as well. It's quite accommodating for those looking to travel with their pets! Tokyo-Sapporo Pacific Story: An Affordable Way to Explore Japan Pacific Story is a connecting ticket that offers special discount rates for express buses and ferries from Tokyo Station to Sapporo Station. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing a ticket when transferring between buses and ferries, allowing you to enjoy a hassle-free journey. You can also arrange your trip so that you can stay overnight in Mito or Oarai, or in Tomakomai or Sapporo. To use Pacific Story, reservations must be made at the Passenger Booking Centers. Summary of the Sunflower Sapporo Photo：Sunset from a ferry The Sunflower Sapporo and Sunflower Furano are overnight ferries and are favorites among boat travelers. The best part of traveling by boat is that you can spend time relaxing and enjoying the view of the sea, something you cannot experience when traveling by plane or train. Consider trying this means of transportation as a way to enjoy the sea as you travel between Tokyo and Sapporo! 【Official Website】Mitsui O.S.K. Ferry Co.｜If You're Traveling by Sea, MOL Ferry https://www.sunflower.co.jp/en/

Nippon Sports Science University's Shudan Kodo This video, titled "Nippon Sport Science University Shudan Kodo 2017" (日体大 集団行動2017), is a recorded video of shudan kodo, uploaded by “nogutan2.” Some people might have heard or seen shudan kodo on TV or on a news website before. Shudan kodo is synchronized movements performed by students from Nippon Sports Science University. Students make perfect lines and march while changing formations and crossing paths without disturbing the lines. Check out the video of the world-class beautiful performance. Nippon Sports Science University's Historic Shudan Kodo Source :YouTube screenshot It all started about 40 years ago when the idea of shudan kodo was brought up at Nippon Sports Science University. Shudan kodo was started to practice disciplined movement, and every year the quality of the performance increases. You can hear the audience cheering during this beautiful performance of high quality shudan kodo. Several reactions from both Japan and different countries after they have seen the performance of shudan kodo. Many people say it's impressive, and some people even mention getting goose bumps from the performance. It's also very reminiscent of precise military marching. The Rigorous Practice of Shudan Kodo Source :YouTube screenshot Shudan kodo is not forced on students at Nippon Sports Science University. Students who are willing to participate gather and practice on a daily basis. There are actually too many students who are willing to join the club, therefore, auditions are held in order to decide who can participate. The current coach of shudan kodo at Nippon Science University is Nobuhiko Kiyohara. Since Kiyohara became coach 5 months ago, the total length of walk in the practice is said to have increased to over 1,000 km. Recently, more research towards the performance of shudan kodo is being conducted, and it has been evolving and becoming more precise and beautiful. At Nippon Sports Science University, a sports research presentation is held every other year to show the audience the results of practice. The performance of shudan kodo is one of the most popular performances at this demonstration. There is a world tour of shudan kodo as well, and it has become very popular globally. The Highlight of Shudan Kodo Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the beautiful performance born of the hard work of the students in this video. Make sure to also pay attention to 0:40 in the video to see the walking performance. The movement of the arms and swinging of the legs is perfectly aligned. Also, don't miss the skill of the performers crossing paths with each other while at a trot. There are so many more impressive performances in this 10 minutes video, so we recommend not skipping anything. Find your favorite performance! Summary of Shudan Kodo Shudan kodo continues to gain attention, as some other schools have already started new club activities like shudan kodo, such as Shudan Taisou (Gymnastics), and mass games. The presentation of Nippon Sport Science University's shudan kodo has been very popular and it's very difficult to purchase tickets. If you wish to watch the live performance of shudan kodo, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to see the amazing performances of shudan kodo!

The Traditional Japanese Instrument: Koto We recommend this article to anyone interested in learning about traditional Japanese craftsmanship, or those who enjoy traditional Japanese instruments. In this article we’ll take a look at the "Koto," a traditional Japanese instrument that has been handed down for hundreds of years. The video “Introduction to the Manufacturing Process of the Koto" (琴の製造過程の紹介), produced by "Japanese Music Navi" (邦楽なび), features the manufacturing process of the Koto manufacturing company "Mitsuya Koto Corporation," in Saitama. The beautiful sound of the Koto is the result of age-old craftsmanship. This is a brief overview not only of how to make a Koto, but also about the history and style of the Koto. The production process of the Koto introduced in the video is so beautiful one cannot help be entranced by its beautiful chords. The BGM in the video is “Yaozoku bukyoku” performed on a Guzheng (another type of Chinese zither) made by the Mitsuya Koto Corporation. Be sure to listen closely as you watch the video. The History of the Koto Photo：Woman playing the koto The Koto is a traditional Japanese musical instrument. In the "Kojiki" (古事記, Records of Ancient Matters), there are scenes describing the playing of the Koto. In fact, remnants of what appears to be a koto have been found in Yayoi period ruins dating back to the 10th century BC. It is thought to have been used as a magical instrument at that time. Normally a koto has 13 strings but there was another type of Koto with 17 strings in the Edo Period. There are various types of Japanese stringed instruments, or "zithers": "Koto," “Sou," "Yamatogoto," "Ichigen goto" (a one stringed zither), "Nigen goto" (a two stringed zither), "Shichigen goto," (a seven stringed zither) and the "Nagoya harp." People often confuse the "Koto" and "So," but they are actually quite different. The biggest difference is that the Sou has a movable pole, called a "pillar," to adjust the pitch of the strings, while the Koto does not have a pillar, and the pitch is solely determined by where the strings are pressed. Other Traditional Japanese instruments besides the Koto include: Shakuhachi, Miyadaiko, Kodaiko, Naruko, Mokugyo, Sansen, Shamisen, Kokyu and the Biwa. The Type of Music Played on the Koto The music played on the Koto is called "Soukyoku" (筝曲, lit. "Koto Music." There are various music types such as the Tsukushi school, Yatsuhashi school, Ikuta school, the Yamada school, and more. Each school performs unique koto music. In terms of appearance, each school differs in posture and how the instrument in played. The shape of the instruments also differs from one school to the next. How a Koto Is Made Source :YouTube screenshot The manufacturing process of Kotos by the Mitsuya Koto Corporation consists of three main processes: "sawing," "instepping," and "wrapping," and the materials used are paulownia, red wood, rosewood, and silk threads. ・Sawing (0:08) The bark is stripped from trees one by one by hand. The length is then adjusted and it is marked. Next, they are cut into the shape of a koto and dried. Some are said to be dried for several years. ・Instepping (0:52) Using a number of special tools such as a planer and chisels, the insteps are carefully carved in detail. As you can see in the video, when the carving is finished, the instep is branded with the craftsman's name. After that, the surface of the Koto is baked evenly. The charred grain of the Koto looks beautiful. ・Wrapping (2:15) In this process, decorative accessories are created. These accessories are embedded into the Koto. ・ Completion (3:41) The beautiful wood grain and hand-embedded ornaments adorn the koto, making it look like a work of art. These masterpieces are a sight to behold. Summary of the Koto Photo：Koto This video features the detailed process of making the koto as well as the craftsmanship of the artisans. Take a moment to marvel at the craftsmanship. Kotos are available at online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. High quality goods are sold at the price of several million yen (thousands of dollars). If you are interested in the Koto, considering taking lessons or watching online courses. There are various lessons for both veterans and beginners. 【Official Website】Mitsuya Koto Corporation http://www.mitsuyakoto.com/

Adorable Capybaras Enjoying the Hot Springs! Capybaras are the largest members of the rodent family, and the video 「みんなで入浴　カピバラ温泉～桶風呂～始めました！　2017.12.5（埼玉県こども動物自然公園　公式/SaitamaChildrensZoo　official ）capybara onsen』, created by 「埼玉県こども動物自然公園（SaitamaChildrensZoo）」compiles scenes of capybaras enjoying bathing in the hot springs. These scenes of six capybaras considerately entering the hot springs together will warm your heart. The video has also become popular, not only among the Japanese, but also with people from overseas. The Capybaras Introduced in the Video, and Why They’re in the Hot Springs Photo：Capybaras Capybaras are members of the rodent family, and can be found from Panama in South America, all the way to Northeast Argentina. With calm and gentle personalities, capybaras are also popular as pets, and are the largest members of the rodent family, growing up to 106 to 134 centimeters. Males weigh around 77 to 141 pounds, while females weigh around 81 to 145 kilograms. Being proficient swimmers, capybaras tend to escape to the water once they sense approaching danger. They can remain underwater for up to 5 minutes. Although the water is their shelter and haven, due to their warm natural habitat, capybaras are weak to the cold. As a countermeasure to combat cold winters, the “Capybara Hot Springs” was created. The Capybara Hot Springs and the Saitama Children's Zoo Source :YouTube screenshot The Saitama Children's Zoo holds a “Capybara Hot Springs” event every year. The event lasts from November through March, with the location being at the Capybara/Wallaby enclosure. Pools built to look like rock baths are filled with water warmed to a suitable temperature by the sun. Besides the unique springs such as the yuzu bath, a waterfall bath and tub bath are also prepared. The video begins with five capybaras heading towards the hot springs. Of the five, three enter the bath with floating yuzu, one makes for the smaller tub bath, and the last heads for the waterfall bath. Without any jostling or competition for space, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. From 1:22 in the video, another capybara appears. The scene of this capybara unobtrusively lowering itself backside-first into the yuzu bath is extremely heartwarming. From 1:43 in the video, the capybara in the waterfall bath can be seen wiping its face, and from 1:53 is seen staring peacefully into space, contently settling into the water. The fact that these capybaras act just like little humans will bring a smile to your face. In the Saitama Children's Zoo, you can enjoy viewing the capybaras while warming your feet in the foot baths. Why not stop by and enjoy the relaxing hot springs together with the capybaras? Saitama Children's Zoo Photo：Saitama Children's Zoo Saitama Children's Zoo is a spacious park located in Saitama Prefecture, Higashi-Matsuyama City in Japan's Kanto region (関東地方・埼玉県東松山市, Kanto-chiho・Saitama-ken Higashi-matsuyama-shi). Besides the zoo, the park also boasts the "Children’s Castle" (こどもの城, Kodomo no jo) as well as a large playground (みんなの広場, Minna no hiroba) where children can run around and play. In the playground is the “Adventure Forest Athletics” area (冒険の森アスレチック, Bouken-no-mori asurechikku) as well as the “Shabu-shabu Pond” (じゃぶじゃぶ池, Shabu-shabu ike) with water activites. Here, children can enjoy playing and being active. In the animal area, pony-riding as well as animal-feeding activities are available. Also, from September of 2019, the “Small Animals Enclosure” (ecoハウチュー, eco hauchu) was opened. There, you can observe small animals such as hedgehogs. Where to Enjoy Japan's Capybara Hot Springs Photo：Capybara hot springs, Kobe Animal Kingdom Below is a list of some of the capybara hot spring areas throughout Japan. With so many facilities available, you're sure to be able to enjoy the capybara hot springs! Hokkaido ・Banya no Yu (番屋の湯) [Ishikari, Hokkaido] ・North Safari Sapporo (ノースサファリサッポロ) [Sapporo, Hokkaido] Tohoku/Kanto Regions ・Akita Omoriyama Zoo (秋田市大森山動物園) [Akita Prefecture] ・Nasu Animal Kingdom (那須どうぶつ王国) [Tochigi Prefecture] ・Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland (草津熱帯園) [Gunma Prefecture] ・Aloha Garden Tateyama (アロハガーデンたてやま) [Chiba Prefecture] ・Mother Farm (マザー牧場) [Chiba Prefecture] ・Yokosuka Soleil Hill (長井海の手公園ソレイユの丘) [Kanagawa Prefecture] Chubu Region ・Ishikawa Zoo (いしかわ動物園) [Ishikawa Prefecture] ・Asuwayama Amusement Park (足羽山公園遊園地) [Fukui Prefecture] ・Suzaka Zoo (須坂市動物園) [Nagano Prefecture] ・Izu Shaboten Zoo (伊豆シャボテン動物公園) [Shizuoka Prefecture] ・Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park (豊橋総合動植物公園　のんほいパーク) [Aichi Prefecture] Kansai/Chugoku Regions ・Kobe Animal Kingdom (神戸どうぶつ王国) [Hyogo Prefecture] ・Himeji Central Park (姫路セントラルパーク) [Hyogo Prefecture] ・Daisen Tom Sawyer Pasture (大山トム・ソーヤ牧場) [Tottori Prefecture] ・Ikeda Zoo (池田動物園) [Okayama Prefecture] Shikoku/Kyushu Region ・New Reoma World (レオマリゾート) [Kagawa Prefecture] ・Tobe Zoo (愛媛県立とべ動物園) [Ehime Prefecture] ・Nagasaki Bio Park (長崎バイオパーク) [Nagasaki Prefecture] ・Aso Farm Land (阿蘇ファームランド) [Kumamoto Prefecture] ・Hirakawa Zoo (平川動物公園) [Kagoshima Prefecture] Summary of the Capybara Hot Springs Video The video introduced in this article shows capybaras enjoying a nice soak in the hot springs of the Saitama Children's Zoo. Definitely take a second to relax by watching this video of capybaras relaxing in the hot springs. 【Tripadvisor】Saitama Children's Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021372-d1425140-Reviews-Saitama_Children_Zoo-Higashimatsuyama_Saitama_Prefecture_Kanto.html

About the Demonstrational "Dragon Beard's Candy" Video This video features footage of a professional making traditional dragon beard's candy by hand at a food stall in the Shin-Okubo area of Shinjuku, Tokyo (東京都新宿の新大久保). The delicate sweets, which are known for being difficult to make, are a traditional sweet in Korea which are also known by the name Kkul-tarae (クルタレ) or Ronshutan (ロンシュータン). In this video, you can see the techniques used to make dragon's beard candy and learn more about the history and characteristics of this traditional sweet. We hope you enjoy the video! What Is Dragon's Beard Candy? Source :YouTube screenshot Dragon's beard candy is a traditional sweet which has been eaten in countries such as China, Korea and Taiwan for hundreds of years. Its popularity has spread to other foreign countries, such as the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong. Dragon beard's candy originated in China over 2,000 years ago, when the delicate treat was originally prepared for the emperor; however, it eventually came to be eaten by ordinary citizens and has been loved to this day. The main ingredient used to make dragon beard's candy is maltose syrup, known as "mugi mizuame" in Japanese. Cornstarch is also an essential ingredient. It's made by stretching a hard piece of candy over and over again to create a candy with a light and crunchy texture. The mildly sweet Dragon's beard candy is often given as a gift (lucky charm) in Seoul, Korea. Watch the Amazing Skills of This Professional Dragon Beard's Candy Maker in Shin-Okubo! Source :YouTube screenshot Each piece of dragon's beard candy is carefully handmade by craftsmen. As can be seen in the video, the street vendor first prepares the maltose syrup candy. He creates a hole in the hard candy and proceeds to stretch the candy using this hole. You can take a look at the stretching process throughout the video. The vendor then stretches the candy over and over while continually covering it in cornstarch until the threads of the candy reach the thickness of what is thought to resemble a dragon's beard. Only highly skilled professionals can make the candy incredibly thin without it breaking or snapping. A single piece of candy is stretched into an amazing 16,384 strands. From 4:26 in the video, the street vendor explains that this is the perfect number of strands to create the most pleasant melt-in-your-mouth texture. At 2:20 in the video, he begins to fold the candy to create the 16,384 strands, which he completes in roughly 35-40 seconds. The highlight of the video has to be when the professional dragon's beard maker shows off the finished product to the customers, at which point it looks beautifully smooth like threads of silk. Many customers are amazed by the look of the finished product! You can take a look at this in the video at 4:18. If you get a chance to see it up close, be sure to take a video of your own and share it with your friends! Source :YouTube screenshot After stretching out the candy, crushed peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds, or coconut can be added as a filling. One piece of candy costs approximately a few hundred yen (a couple bucks (USD)). There are very few people who know how to make the candy as the skills required are so difficult to master. Summary of Dragon Beard Candy There are food stalls in Shin-Okubo and Yokohama's Chinatown (横浜中華街, yokohamachuukagai) where you can watch dragon beard's candy being made right before your eyes. You can also buy dragon beard's candy online, sometimes sold under the name "Dragon Candy." For those interested in tasting and experiencing the delicate texture of dragon beard's candy, we highly recommended purchasing some and trying them out for yourself! Watching how the amazing dragon beard candy is made is guaranteed to pique your curiosity! Be sure to check it out in the video!

Introducing Tamagoyaki- A Staple of Japanese Dining This video shows a large number of Japanese omelettes being baked by tamagoyaki craftsmen at the renowned tamagoyaki shop “Tsukiji Yamachou” in Tsukiji, Tokyo. Tokyo has several Japanese restaurants where you can enjoy exquisite dashi tamagoyaki, baked by superb omelette artisans. Let’s delve into the secrets of the delicious taste of tamagoyaki, an ever-popular Japanese gourmet specialty. As introduced in this video, Tsukiji, a well-liked tourist spot among foreign travelers, boasts numerous tamagoyaki shops side-by-side, which offers a good view of what the preparation and cooking of these omelettes is truly like. You can also enjoy these piping hot tamagoyaki omelettes cooked before your eyes by sticking them on a skewer and eating them on the spot. The Appeal of the Traditional Japanese Food, Tamagoyaki Photo：Tamagoyaki Ever since olden days, Japanese dining tables have been host to meals with fluffy omelettes thick-grilled to perfection and eaten with delight. Tamagoyaki is, indeed, a beloved menu item that has captured the hearts of people from all generations. The Tokyo metropolitan area is home to an enormous number of shops and restaurants selling high-grade tamagoyaki elaborately prepared with carefully selected ingredients. It can also be said that tamagoyaki, handled and cooked by craftsmen at lightning fast speed, is yet another undeniable part of Japan’s unique culture. Source:YouTube screenshot The Amazing Skills of Tsukiji Yamachou's Tamagoyaki Chefs One unique aspect of dashi-rolled omelettes at the long-established tamagoyaki shops in Tokyo is that you can appreciate the delicious taste of tamagoyaki's ingredients as well as the melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a joy just to see the near-supernatural skill of the artisans at the prestigious Tsukiji Yamachou as they use their square frying pans to roll their omelettes into a succulent shape. The storefront, which allows for observation of this amazing omelette cooking spectacle, has virtual lines of customers wanting a taste of tamagoyaki at its freshly baked best. Check Out the Recipe for Tsukiji Yamachou's Tamagoyaki! As was just mentioned, tamagoyaki from Tokyo's specialty restaurants is characterized by how they're cooked with square frying pans. The omelette artisans in this video use great finesse to prepare their tamagoyaki with as many as three frying pans going at one time! These culinary experts create their omelettes solely with eggs, dashi soup stock, and mild soy sauce, without the use of any unnecessary ingredients or seasonings. The tamagoyaki preparation process starts by mixing in an ample amount of dashi stock and seasonings into the egg liquid, which is then poured into the frying pan in a few gradual batches. An important point in making delicious tamagoyaki is that it’s rolled with impeccable timing. Tamagoyaki at specialized shops is deliberately and diligently prepared, so that customers may enjoy its fluffy texture to their heart’s content. Those viewing this video may want to pay careful attention to the tamagoyaki-baking techniques of the pros seen here, so that you can try to emulate them in your own home! Taste the Ultimate Tamagoyaki at Japan's Traditional Shops! Source :YouTube screenshot Tokyo has several, well-established tamagoyaki speciality restaurants. One such location in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, known as Marutake, has a history of more than 80 years since its inception. The tamagoyaki at this shop, prepared one by one with care by practiced artisans every morning from 3:00 a.m., are ideal, not only for dining, but as souvenirs as well. Tamagoyaki from Yamachou in Tsukiji, Tokyo, as presented in this video, can be purchased on sticks for the reasonable price of just 100 yen. We recommend this to tourists who are looking for a quick snack around lunchtime. When sightseeing in Tokyo, please be sure to taste the scrumptious tamagoyaki that can only be found in Japan! Summary of Tamagoyaki As noted in the video, people in Tsukiji, Tokyo can eat hot and fresh tamagoyaki as it's made before their very eyes! We suggest watching the video to try and learn how to make this seemingly simple yet deeply profound Japanese dish! You might find that even you can enjoy tasty tamagoyaki, just like pro chefs make it, in your very own home! 【Official Website】Tsukiji Yamachou http://www.yamachou-matue.jp/index.shtml 【Yelp】Tsukiji Yamachou https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E5%B1%B1%E9%95%B7-%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA?osq=%E7%AF%89%E5%9C%B0%E5%B1%B1%E9%95%B7

An Eye-Catching Introduction to Japan This approximately 4-minute video, focusing on modern-day Japan as seen by foreign tourists and travelers, boasts a level of quality that has attracted major interest not only in Japan but in various countries throughout the world. This video's footage goes above and beyond other Japan PR videos and keeps viewers glued to the screen. By the video's end, you'll most likely feel an indescribable surge of emotions, such as those experienced after viewing a magnificent movie of epic proportions! Highlights of the Japanese Introduction Video, "in Japan" This video, "In Japan," taken in 2015 by German filmmaker/creator Vincent Urban, is a nearly 4-minute collection of footage of his 3-week journey in Japan to locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. In taking a look at images of landscapes and scenery natural and commonplace to Japanese people which are projected from a foreigner’s perspective, even we as Japanese natives can perceive such images as unknown, brand new discoveries and never-before-seen sights and scenes, and this video therefore allows us to learn about the appeal and charm of Japan in a brand new light. Viewers of this video can also agree that its high quality BGM and camera work is yet another reason for its high acclaim both in and out of Japan. This video condenses a wide variety of discoveries in Japan ranging from regularly seen daily scenery and landscapes to famous tourist spots. Examples of such sights include Asakusa Temple in the Shitamachi area of Tokyo, festivals, Kendo (Japanese martial art with bamboo swords), Buddhist temples, Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine as well as convenience stores, Tokyo Tower, street performances, Tokyo Skytree, sumo wrestlers, clubs and idols, in addition to shinkansen (bullet trains), natural landscapes, the Atomic Bomb Domes in Hiroshima & Nagasaki, Mt. Fuji and metropolitan night scenes. Japan as Seen Through Cultural Changes Photo：Sumo Learning about shifts in modern Japanese culture gives us deeper insights into the allure and attraction of Japan as a nation in the present day. Japan of yore once had superb classic culture primarily consisting of artistic traditional crafts, and as you can see in the video, festivals and martial arts passed down to Japan from ancient times have been regarded as symbolizing the very culture of "Nihon no Wa," or "The Spirit of Japan." It is also well-known that Japan is the birthplace of kendo and sumo wrestling which are now sports famous all the world over. In addition, present-day Japan is going through transitions in which its forms of entertainment, such as manga (Japanese comics/cartoons) and anime (Japanese animation), formerly considered to be types of sub-culture, have been disseminated throughout the globe to be cherished by multitudes of people as pop culture. This signifies shifts in the image of "Japan" in the eyes of foreigners abroad from that of a land of ninja and samurai to an anime & manga nation. The Akihabara area, now the "Mecca" of anime and manga which serves as the center of Japanese contemporary culture, has become a well-known tourist location which draws huge numbers of sightseers visiting Japan, and it's also popular as a town for shopping. Japan as Seen Through Tourist Meccas & Architectural Buildings Photo：Sensoji Temple and women If you're watching this video you probably know that Japan, due to its also being famous as a country abound with history and nature, sees immense numbers of foreigners who visit for sightseeing on a daily basis. Locations in Japan shown in the video, such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo and the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, are highly recommended tourist spots in Japan which are renowned even on a global scale. The existence of temples and shrines in Japan, whose number is too great to mention here, attracts hosts of foreign sightseers day by day, and this is proof of how Japan enjoys deep-rooted popularity as a tourist destination amongst abroad residents all over the world. Japan as Seen Through Nature ©Izu City Modifying The richness and abundance of nature, amongst other aspects, is definitely a thing to behold here in Japan. Japan's largest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and its bamboo forest, also featured in the video, are without a doubt natural tourist spots that represent the glory of Japan. The view from Mt. Fuji's summit, in particular, is easily summed up by the words "magnificent scenery," and once you experience climbing this mountain on your own, you'll be able to appreciate the thrill and excitement of this spectacle all the more. Such natural splendor is just one more example of a globally sought-after sightseeing attraction highly recommended in Japan, a fact testified to by the unceasing droves of tourists from abroad who visit day-to-day without end. Japan Introduction Video Summary We hope you enjoyed this video introduction of Japan with its simple yet profound delivery of information. Year after year, Japan sees increasing numbers of tourists from abroad coming in search of such fascinating sightseeing spots as well as world-renowned gourmet Japanese food. Japan still has yet a great deal of appeal which, unfortunately, we can't completely encapsulate into such a short introductory video on Japan’s culture, history, entertainment, nature and festivals. We truly hope that this video and article have piqued your interest in Japan more than ever before!

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

"Bo-Taoshi," the Famous Sport Played by Students of the National Defense Academy of Japan This video was created by ‘wasabiesince2002’ and was entitled ‘Punch! Kick! Hurl! And choke! "Bo-taoshi" of National Defense Academy of Japan is a combat sport!! 2013 National Defense Academy of Japan, the 61st Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival, Bo-taoshi, 1st Match, 1st Game, No.4（殴る！蹴る！投げる！絞める！防衛大学校の棒倒しは格闘技だ！！ H25年 防衛大学校 第61回 開校記念祭 棒倒し 第１回戦第一試合 No.4）’. Usually locked by airtight gates leaving common people with no clue on what’s inside, the National Defense Academy of Japan, introduced in this video, is, in a sense, an unexplored location left in modern-day Japan. Annually, the academy hosts a famous event that is broadcast on TV as well. That event is called "Bo-taoshi" and it is performed during the autumn academy festival: ‘Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival’. Bo-taoshi, that leaves spectators breathless, is more of a combat sport than something you'd see at a school festival. A chaotic brawl of punches, kicks, throws, and chokes leaves many injured! But watching this traditional sport, the students of the National Defense Academy of Japan don’t fail to assure that they are the guardians of Japan's future. Please enjoy the powerful battle between these future self-defense officers in the video. It's sure to be very exciting. The History of the Extreme "Bo-Taoshi" Photo：Self-Defense Officer Bo-taoshi is a traditional event with a long history played in the Imperial Military Academy, Imperial Military Air Force Academy, and the Imperial Naval Academy. It is a precious game that brings the history of modern Japan to the present. Bo-taoshi in the National Defense Academy has been played since 1954 at the ‘Founding of the Academy Festival’ and it is considered one of the three major games of the academy along with the ‘Cutter Games’ and ‘Long-Distance Running’. What Exactly Is "Bo-Taoshi’" Source :YouTube screenshot The autumn academy festival in National Defense Academy is similar to a sports festival. However, Bo-taoshi is a literal fight between youngsters, whose shoulders bare the burden of the security of Japan, and a town sports fesitval comes no where close to this level of brutality. The game is a team sport played by battalions. Each battalion, both the attacking and the defending side, consists of 150 people. The rules are simple: the pole, which is the target of attack, is erected at the center of the field and the attacking side wins if they manage to make it fall within 2 minutes. The defending students, equipped with headgear, first surround the pole and 1 person climbs to the upper end of the pole. Next, 4 students climb to the second stage. This can be seen from 0:10 in the video. At the fire of the starting pistol, the attacking battalion charges fiercely to the pole. This is shown from 1:11 in the video. The defending battalion prevents the charge, and the fight, quite literally, is on. The student at the top of the pole is forcefully brought down from 1:47, and you can see the ferocious onslaught of the attacking side as they attempt to knock the pole down. Some of the students shed tears after the competition, showing that this is the result of the rigorous training they do every day. Becoming the champion is an irreplaceable honor for them. Simple, Yet Complex! Bo-Taoshi and Its Refined Tactics Source :YouTube screenshot At a glance, the attack may seem like a reckless charge, but, in fact, it is thoroughly planned out into a sophisticated strategy. The defending battalion, too, consists of the robust and trained students of the National Defense Academy, so a reckless charge would easily be taken in stride. Because of this, the offense and defense plan out their tactics and act accordingly during the 2-minute game. Here, we'll introduce some basic strategies used in Bo-taoshi. ・Offense Scrum: The attacking battalion forms a scrum and leads the charge toward the pole. The scrum acts as stepping stones after the charge so pole attackers can jump over the barrier and get closer to the top of the pole. Pole attackers: Attackers who jump at the pole and attempt to bring it down. General support attackers: Do anything they can to weaken the defense of the defending battalion. ・Defense Pole support: Hold the pole in the upright position and keep it from being brought down. Ninja: This is the single man at the top of the pole who tries to kick off the pole attackers jumping onto the pole. Killers: Harass and interrupt the attacking enemies. Scrum Disablers: Do whatever they can to invalidate the scrum of the attacking battalion. The Warriors of the Future! Summary of Bo-Taoshi The National Defense Academy’s autumn festival, the ‘Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival,’ which is introduced in this video, is a very important event for the academy. On the day of the event, the academy will be open to the public and anyone can walk around campus. Booths and stands will open inside the property which make for a lively and exciting atmosphere perfect for a school festival. The main event is of course Bo-taoshi, the specialty of the National Defense Academy! Many people visit just for the sake of watching it! Battalions of 150 people brawl over the pole, punching and kicking, and the battalions wear shirts of different colors so that people can see what’s happening more easily. Spectators cheer on the team they want to win with a massive cheer or, at other times, by screaming. Please take your time and enjoy the spectacular game of Bo-taoshi shown throughout the video. 【Official Website】National Defense Academy of Japan – Ministry of Defense・Self-Defense Force https://www.mod.go.jp/nda/english/index.html

Introducing the Red Spider Lily Festival of Saitama Prefecture This video, titled "[4k] Lycoris (red spider lily) at Kinchakuda, Saitama｜Red Spider Lily Festival (Higanbana) Japan Flower garden" (［4k］巾着田の曼珠沙華（彼岸花）埼玉、Lycoris（red spider lily) in Kinchakuda 曼珠沙華まつり ヒガンバナJapan Flower garden), was released by "Discover Nippon." The video introduces the "Red Spider Lily Festival" (曼珠沙華まつり, Manju-shage Matsuri) held in Hidaka, Saitama, when red spider lilies are in bloom. The Red Spider Lily Festival, held every year from mid-September to early October at Kinchakuda Manjushage Park in Hidaka, Saitama, is an event to admire the beautifully blooming spider lilies in Kinchakuda Manjushage Park. In this article, we'll introduce tourist information, such as transportation access and the best time to see the Red Spider Lily Festival. From 0:46 in the video, you can see the greatest display of red spider lilies in Japan. The sight of so many beautiful spider lilies blooming in one location is truly breathtaking. Kinchakuda, A Famous Sightseeing Location for Flowers in Saitama Prefecture Photo：Red spider lilies at Kinchakuda, Saitama Prefecture Kinchakuda, located in Hidaka, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto region, is a flat land spanning roughly 54 acres, the equivalent of about 4.7 Tokyo Domes. The Komagawa River also crosses through this area. Kinchakuda is also popular as a tourist destination where visitors can observe rape blossoms in spring and spider lilies and cosmos in autumn. The red spider lilies of Kinchakuda creates one of the largest blooming areas in Japan with approximately 5 million flowers, and around 300,000 visitors when the flowers are in bloom. Access to Kinchakuda Manjushage Park are, if coming by train, about a 15-minute walk from Koma Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. There is a paid parking lot available as well, but the surrounding roads can be quite crowded when the spider lilies are in bloom, so we highly recommend visiting the park by train. The Red Spider Lily Festival of Hidaka, Saitama, One of the Largest Red Spider Lily Displays in Japan Photo：Red spider lilies at Kinchakuda, Saitama Prefecture Dates for the Red Spider Lily Festival vary depending on the bloom each year, but it is generally held from mid-September to early October. During this period, stalls, including food vendors, will also be set up around the area. Admission to Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is 300 yen. You can see spider lilies blooming as far as the eye can see from 0:27 in the video. The number one spider lily location in Japan awaits you! Summary of the Red Spider Lily Festival at Kinchakuda in Hidaka, Saitama Photo：Red spider lilies at Kinchakuda, Saitama Prefecture This video introduces the best spider lily blooming area in Japan. The images in the video are incredibly beautiful, so please enjoy the scenery of Kinchakuda, a famous place of flowers in Japan. In this article, we introduced tourist information, including transportation access and dates for the Red Spider Lily Festival of Saitama Prefecture. We hope this article has you interested in seeing the beautiful natural scenery of Saitama! 【Tripadvisor】Kinchakuda Manjushage Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021408-d1367853-Reviews-Kinchakuda_Manjushage_Park-Hidaka_Saitama_Prefecture_Kanto.html

A Look at Japan's Sumo Wrestling "Sumo Match - Tokyo - 相撲" is a video produced by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, featuring Japan’s national sport! Sumo is a traditional martial art loved by the masses since old times in Japan. As the matches are held internationally, the sport has many overseas fans and is capturing the world’s attention. Matches between top wrestlers in the sumo rankings such as Yokozuna or Ozeki, are very spectacular and spectators can fully enjoy the thrilling matches. The video features footage of a match between sekitori (a sumo ranking) during the New Year’s tournament held in January 2017. Check out Japan’s spectacular sport - sumo wrestling! About Sumo – Japan’s National Sport Photo：Sumo Wrestling The first written record of sumo in Japan is said to be found in a Shinto document called Kojiki. Sumo matches used to be held as rituals and festivals dedicated to the deities and was mostly loved by nobles. After gaining popularity among the masses during the Edo period (1603 – 1868 AD), sumo has been enjoyed as a form of entertainment and sport in Japan. Today, matches are held both nationwide and internationally and many Japanese and foreigners enjoy it. The manners and conventions rooted in the rituals are passed down and given special importance even in modern sumo wrestling. The Excitement of Sumo Source :YouTube screenshot As the national sport of Japan, sumo wrestling starts from matches between low-ranking wrestlers, and matches between makuuchi (senior-grade wrestlers) are held in the evening. Honbasho refers to the official tournaments that decide the rankings and rewards of the wrestlers and six tournaments are organized throughout the year: the first tournament in January (Tokyo), the spring tournament in March (Osaka), the summer tournament in May (Tokyo), the Nagoya tournament in July, the autumn tournament in September (Tokyo), and finally, the Kyushu tournament in November (Fukuoka). Many Japanese people have probably watched the official tournaments aired on NHK (the national broadcaster in Japan). Some may have a stiff image of the national sport, but that's not true at all. Spectators can enter the venue at any time and watch the match in a relaxed manner while eating and drinking. Matches between senior-grade wrestlers are a must-watch and you'll surely get excited watching the spectacular matches between well-built wrestlers. Spectators get excited during matches, especially when a maegashira (the lowest grade of the highest ranking sumo class) wins against a yokozuna (the highest ranking sumo class) champion, as well as in deciding matches. Tickets and information of those exciting sumo wrestling matches are available on the official website of Nihon Sumo Kyokai. The Flow of a Sumo Match Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see at 0:22 in the video, wrestlers step into the ring with their colorful ornamental aprons before a match. As businesses can offer rewards to support wrestlers, the “reward banners” with the names of those businesses go around the ring as you can see at 3:14 in the video. With the company names printed on the program of the matches and publicly announced, those businesses play a similar role to sponsors in other sports. Before a match, a ritual called "chirichouzu" is held. You can see this at 3:08 and 7:52 in the video. This is a declaration "to fight fair and square without any weapons." Source :YouTube screenshot Next, the wrestler creates distance from the opponent, bends forward, and places his hands on the ground. This is called "shikiri" (仕切り). Then, with the signal of the referee, the wrestlers push each other. This is called "tachiai" (立合い). This series of events can be seen in the video. There are different means of attacking, such as thrusts, slapping, and body strikes. Kimarite (決まり手, winning move) refers to the move that the opponent is defeated by. Punching and grabbing the opponent's hair are prohibited moves in sumo. Summary of Japan’s National Sport Photo：Sumo "Sumo Match - Tokyo - 相撲," produced by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, features conventions before matches and match footage of Japan’s national sport. From the cultural aspect of sumo that originates from Japanese Shinto to the spectacular matches, the video shows the sport at its best. Sumo is a fascinating martial art that a wide range of people including those who are interested in Japanese culture and martial arts lovers can enjoy! 【Official Website】Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official Website http://www.sumo.or.jp/En/

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan's Sleepless City, at Night The video featured here is titled "Cyberpunk 2018 TOKYO Shinjuku 4K." It was released by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." Shinjuku is home to Japan's busiest train station and is also known as the "City that Never Sleeps." At night, the city is brilliantly illuminated and the night view of Shinjuku from the skyscrapers is breathtakingly beautiful. In this article, we'll go over the spectacular night view of Shinjuku, Tokyo, the largest entertainment district in the East! On rainy days in particular, the neon lights reflected in the puddles on the road's surface create exotic scenery that reminds us of artwork from the cyberpunk movie "Blade Runner." You can watch the 4K video here to enjoy all of the beauty that Shinjuku has to offer. Enjoy! The City That Never Sleeps, Where You Can See Godzilla, the Pride of Japan! Tokyo's Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Its Neon Lights Photo：Godzilla in Kabukicho, Tokyo The symbol of Japan's All-night entertainment City is Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo. In Kabukicho, you'll find TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku where you can see a life-sized replica of Godzilla's head, and the shop Don Quijote. The district contains restaurants and sex-oriented shops and is crowded with tourists every day and night. You can see this from 0:16 in the video. The Godzilla head at TOHO Cinemas is the most Instagrammable spot in Shinjuku. The Kabukicho area also has other facilities, such as the Shinjuku City Office and Ohkubo Hospital. Most Japanese people have probably seen the famous neon sign of Kabukicho Ichibangai facing Ome Kaido Street at least once, as it has been featured in many TV programs and movies. The night view of Shinjuku's Kabukicho is one of the most famous views of Shinjuku and a symbol of Japan's nightlife culture. A Beautiful Night View of Shinjuku 3-Chome, the Most Densely Populated Restaurant District in Japan Photo：BICQLO, Tokyo, Japan Kabukicho is a popular tourist spot among foreigners, but some people may have a scary image of it. Though it has a cyberpunk vibe that makes it an ideal night view spot for those who like it, if you go to the JR Shinjuku Station side across the Oume Kaido Street, you will find the Shinjuku 3-chome area where you can enjoy eating and drinking in a safe and relaxed environment. Shinjuku 3-chome is a busy shopping and entertainment district lined with Isetan Shinjuku, a long-established department store that boasts the highest sales in Japan, major electronic and home appliance retail stores, such as BICQLO and MARUI, Shinjuku Takano, and luxury brand shops. It is said to have the largest number of restaurants in Japan, and is a popular area as a nightlife and gourmet spot where women can safely walk amongst the neon lights.

Introducing Recommend Spots To View Autumn Leaves in Tokyo, via Video! This video, titled "4K Top12 Tokyo Autumn Leaves Fall Foliage Trip Sightseeing, Travel, Inui-dori, Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Jingu Gaien, Otaguro Park, Hibiya Park, Rikugien Gardens, Showa Kinen Park" (4K 東京の紅葉TOP12 Tokyo autumn leaves Fall Foliage Trip 観光 旅行 乾通り 新宿御苑 上野公園 神宮外苑 大田黒公園 日比谷公園 六義園 昭和記念公園), was released by Discover Nippon. This video introduces 12 popular places for viewing autumn leaves in Tokyo in Japan's Kanto region. From mid-November to early December, when autumn is in full swing, the deciduous trees in Tokyo are bursting with color. Enjoying the scenery of the leaves turning to brilliant shades of red and yellow is one of Japan's favorite autumn pastimes. This article will go over sightseeing information for 12 different destinations to view the autumn foliage in Tokyo. In the video, each location is seen via an aerial view using Google Earth, followed by an introduction to the scenery of the autumn leaves. You can also see the autumn foliage lit up in some parts of the video and the sheer beauty of it will take your breath away. 12 Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo Photo：Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Tokyo, in autumn with beautiful autumn foliage ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #1 [The Imperial Palace & Inui Street (Inui-dori)] (Video 0:27-) The first locations to be introduced are The Imperial Palace & Inui Street. The Imperial Palace is a vast, lush green area in Tokyo where official government events are held. In order to enjoy the autumn foliage at the Imperial Palace, Inui Street is opened to the public during the fall. No reservations are required to enter and it is free of charge. There's a grove of various trees in the Imperial Palace where you can enjoy the autumn colors of various oak trees, such as konara and kunugi oaks. Access is a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Otemachi Station to Otemon Gate, or approximately 15-minutes from Tokyo Station on foot. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #2 [Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens] (Video 1:37-) Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is designated as a special historic site and a special place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government. The red maple trees are beautiful and you can enjoy viewing the beautiful scenery reflected on the water's surface. Adjacent to Tokyo Dome, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is a 3-minute walk from Iidabashi Station off the Toei Subway Oedo Line and an 8-minute walk from the west exit of JR Suidobashi Station. The entrance fee is 300 yen for adults. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #3 [Tonogayato Garden] (Video 2:42-) At Tonogayato Garden, visitors can enjoy the garden of maple trees from the former tea house "Koyo-tei." Tonogayato Garden is a two-minute walk from Kokubunji Station, and the admission fee is 150 yen for adults. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #4 [Shinjuku Gyoen] (Video 3:33-) Shinjuku Gyoen is a Japanese garden located in Shinjuku, a city of high-rise buildings. Shinjuku Gyoen is a five-minute walk from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station off the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. The entrance fee is 500 yen for adults. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #5 [Gyoko-dori, Marunouchi] (Video 4:57-) Marunouchi Gyoko-dori connects the Marunouchi Central Exit of Tokyo Station to Uchibori-dori in front of the Imperial Palace. The official name of the road is "Tokyo Metropolitan Road No. 404, Imperial Palace Tokyo Station Line" (東京都道404号皇居前東京停車場線). Photo：Autumn leaves in Hibiya Park, Tokyo ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #6 [Hibiya Park] (Video 5:46-) Hibiya Park, opened in 1903, is Japan's first "modern Western-style park.” At Hibiya Park, visitors can enjoy the beautiful rows of maple and ginkgo trees, and admission is free. Hibiya Park is a two-minute walk from Hibiya Station. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #7 [Ueno Onshi Park] (Video 6:47-) On top of hosting museums and a zoo, Ueno Onshi Park is also a great place for viewing the beautiful autumn foliage. Ueno Onshi Park is a two-minute walk from Ueno Station and the bright yellow ginkgo trees are especially breathtaking. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #8 [Showa Kinen Park] (Video 8:37-) Showa Kinen Park, a national park, is a short walk from Nishi Tachikawa Station off the JR Ome Line, and is a popular spot where you can enjoy a tunnel of ginkgo trees. The entrance fee is 450 yen for adults. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #9 [Ginkgo Trees at The University of Tokyo's Hongo Campus] (Video 9:59-) The row of gingko trees that stretch from the front of the Yasuda Auditorium to the main gate are a sight to behold. An approximately 1-minute walk from Todai-mae Station off the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #10 [Ginkgo Trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien] (Video 11:22-) Meiji Jingu Gaien’s Ginkgo Avenue is a popular spot for viewing the autumn foliage, with a total of 146 ginkgo trees. There are also stylish open cafes around the area, which are lit up at night. Meiji Jingu Gaien’s Ginkgo Avenue is a 10-minute walk from Shinanomachi Station off the JR Sobu Line. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #11 [Otaguro Park] (Video 15:10-) Otaguro Park (Ootaguro Park) was built on the site of the former residence of Mr. Otaguro, a famous music critic. You can enjoy zelkova and ginkgo trees, and the park is lit up beautifully at night. Otaguro Park is a 10-minute walk from the south exit of Ogikubo Station. ◆Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo - Location #12 [Rikugien Garden] (Video 16:50-) Rikugien is a garden that truly represents the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.), and is decorated with maples and ginkgo trees in a garden with mountains and ponds, and is also illuminated. Rikugien Garden is a 7-minute walk from Komagome Station off the JR Yamanote Line, and the general admission fee is 300 yen. Summary of Popular Locations to View the Autumn Foliage in Tokyo Photo：Autumn leaves at Tonogayato Garden, Tokyo This video, titled “4K Top12 Tokyo Autumn Leaves Fall Foliage Trip Sightseeing, Travel, Inui Street, Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Jingu Gaien, Otaguro Park, Hibiya Park, Rikugien Gardens, Showa Kinen Park,” introduces 12 popular locations to view the autumn foliage in Tokyo. If you're looking for places to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage of Tokyo this season, be sure to check out the video to get some ideas on where to visit!

Shibuya Gone Wild! Tokyo's Nightscape in a Masquerade of Colors and Costumes! Halloween has become one of October's main features in Japan, too, and in Tokyo, both Shibuya and Roppongi host a variety of Halloween events. TOKYObrah's video “HALLOWEEN IN TOKYO, JAPAN! Tokyo Halloween! Shibuya Party 4K（HALLOWEEN IN TOKYO, JAPAN! 東京ハロウィン! 渋谷パーティ 4K）” presents Shibuya’s Halloween celebrations from the eyes of a foreigner. Just watching the participants wearing their costumes is indeed a lot of fun! The Heart of Tokyo’s Halloween Is in Shibuya Photo：Halloween masquerade A crowd of dressed-up people piles up in front of the JR Shibuya train station, moving towards Shibuya Crossing. Even the Japanese, known for being shy, become open and friendly on Halloween, and people in the video often wave at the cameraman with a smile. Join Tokyo’s Halloween Parade! Source :YouTube screenshot When asked to pose for the video, many girls in their different costumes gave their best shot at it in spite of their shyness. The cameramen, too, who was dressed as Lionel Messi, managed to gather a crowd of people all dressed the same as him, with minimal effort. Wearing a costume makes it easier to open up with strangers, which is what makes Halloween so special. Other Foreigners Joined the Halloween Party, Too! Many foreigners gather in the city for Halloween, and some of them show up dressed as famous characters. The celebrations have been getting bigger and bigger every year, and this makes it easier for people from abroad to participate. Everybody chants with a smile “Happy Halloween!” and “Trick or Treat!” It’s Not Just a Halloween Costume Party! Source :YouTube screenshot Even among the more casual costumes there are some that really catch the eye, like the cute bunny girls or the TV characters from local comedy shows. The Jack Sparrow costume at 5:40 and 6:45 are really spectacular, and deserve a special mention. High quality costumes are one of the main attractions of Shibuya's Halloween, and often get featured in the news. Halloween’s Origins: The Harvest Festival The Jack-o'-lantern, Halloween’s omnipresent carved pumpkin, is a symbol everyone knows. Halloween was originally a religious celebration aimed at getting rid of the evil spirits during the harvest season, but as the years went by it shifted towards a more folkloristic event where kids dressed up in scary costumes and were rewarded with treats. In Japan, trick-or-treating was soon abandoned in favor of a costume party event for young people. Tokyo’s Halloween: Summary In Tokyo, lots of young people cosplay during the last weekend of October. As you can see from the video many people dressed as famous Japanese anime characters, while others chose more old-fashioned costumes, like witches and zombies. This is an event that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age or nationality. Even though the video conveys the excitement of Shibuya’s Halloween, it's even better to experience it in person. If you’re in Tokyo in October, make sure you don't miss it!

Introducing the Popular “Xiv Yugawara Rikyu” If you're thinking to yourself "I want to stay somewhere luxurious when I visit Japan" then look no further than Xiv Yugawara Rikyu! Check out the video “Xiv Yugawara Rikyu PV,” created by “Resort Trust Official.” It introduces a membership-only luxury resort hotel called Xiv Yugawara Rikyu. This hotel is used by VIPs and is very popular on review sites. The facilities are photogenic, food is delicious, and it has a lot of attractions. This video will make you want to stay at this hotel. In this article, we'll introduce the attractions of Xiv Yugawara Rikyu. Delicious Food at XIV Yugawara Rikyu Source :YouTube screenshot At Xiv Yugawara Rikyu, you can enjoy a variety of exquisite cuisine. There's a teppan-yaki restaurant where guests can enjoy the finest of seasonal ingredients, as well as an Italian restaurant where you can dine in an open space. There's also a Chinese restaurant with a beautiful yin and yang interior with a variety of dishes to choose from. In addition, Xiv Yugawara Rikyu offers a wide range of other gourmet services such as Japanese cuisine and a buffet breakfast, all of which use a variety of ingredients from the sea and mountains. You can check out some of the beautiful dishes at 2:06 in the video. Relaxing Hot Springs at Xiv Yugawara Rikyu Source :YouTube screenshot Make sure to visit the hot springs when staying at Xiv Yugawara Rikyu. There are 4 different types of outdoor hot springs at Xiv Yugawara Rikyu: Takebayashi-no-yu, Tsukimi-no-yu, Iwami-no-yu, and the single person baths, each of which have their own unique features. It's perfect for hot spring lovers. There are also dry saunas, private baths for a fee, and a range of other amenities. br> The benefits of each bath are as follows: ■Iwami-no-yu Spring qualities: Sodium, calcium chloride, sulfate (alkaline). Effective against: burns, scars, chronic skin diseases, neuralgia, arthralgia, chronic digestive diseases, cold sensitivity, and fatigue. Aids in relaxation and promotes beautiful skin. ■Single Person Baths Spring qualities: Sodium, calcium chloride, sulfate (alkaline) Effective against: burns, scars, chronic skin diseases, neuralgia, arthralgia, chronic digestive diseases, cold sensitivity, and fatigue. Aids in relaxation and promotes beautiful skin. ■Tsukimi-no-yu Spring qualities: Simple alkaline hot spring Effective against: neuralgia, arthralgia, chronic digestive diseases, and cold sensitivity. Aids in relaxation and promotes beautiful skin. ■Takebayashi-no-yu Spring qualities: Simple hot spring Effective against: neuralgia, arthralgia, chronic digestive disease, sensitivity to cold and fatigue The feeling of getting into an open-air bath while admiring the beautiful nature of Yugawara is unbeatable! Take a break from your daily grind at these hot spring spots. The hot springs are shown at 1:31 in the video. How to Spend Your Day at Xiv Yugawara Rikyu The interior of XIV Yugawara Rikyu is an extraordinary space that utilizes the traditional Japanese beauty motif “Rimpa modernism,” where you will be greeted with traditional and modern designs in the four colors: gold leaf, jet black, oboro silver, and white sesame. Admire the amazing entrance and beautiful gardens surrounded by the main building. Places to See at Xiv Yugawara Rikyu Be sure to enjoy the tourist attractions in Yugawara. There are so many places to visit, such as Makuyama Park, Yugawara Plum garden, Hakone Turnpike Daikanyama Parking Lot,Anest Iwata Sky Lounge, Fudou Waterfall, Ningenkokuhou Museum, Nishimura Kyotaro Museum, Yugawara beach, Gojo Shrine, Choritsu Yugawara Museum, and more. Also, there are places where you can enjoy hot springs, like Doppo-no-yu and Miyakami-no-yu. Summary of Xiv Yugawara Rikyu Source :YouTube screenshot The video “Xiv Yugawara Rikyu PV,” created by “Resort Trust Official,” introduces the popular luxury resort hotel. Its hot springs and restaurants are loved by VIPs, and there's a ton of places to visit in the area. You need to be a membership in order to stay here, so be sure to check out the official website for prices and reservations. The hotel definitely won't fail to impress, and it's a great way to relax. ◆Xiv Yugawara Rikyu◆ 【Address】631-1 Miyakami, Yugawara-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref. 259-0314 Japan 【Access】Approximately 30 minutes from the Ishibashi Interchange on the Odawara-Atsugi Road or Seisho Bypass 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】0465-60-2555 【Tripadvisor】XIV HakoneRikyuHakonemachiAshigarashimogun https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298171-d16780381-Reviews-XIV_Hakone_Rikyu-Hakone_machi_Ashigarashimo_gun_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Aogashima Island - A Hidden Sightseeing Destination Rich in Nature Photo：Aogashima's rich natural scenery If you're looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of Japan but looking for a less crowded location with all sorts of beautiful scenery, then look no further than Aogashima Island, a hidden gem located among Tokyo's Izu Islands! You're actually not alone in this thinking. While Japan is full of beautiful temples and shrines, stepping away from the cliche sightseeing destinations to enjoy some lesser explored locations is something many people want to do. The problem is that they don't know how... Popular tourist sites are so packed with people that it can often be difficult to relax during your vacation, especially if you aren't good with crowds. Which is why we're introducing this video, titled "Aerial view of Aogashima Volcano, Aogashima Aerial Drone Footage [4K]" (Aerial view of Aogashima Volcano,青ヶ島 ドローン空撮【4K】). It's a video showing the entirety of Aogashima from up high. It's hard to believe this is actually part of Tokyo. This article will give you an overview of Aogashima, one of Tokyo's best-kept secret sites, including its attractions, and how to get to it. Aogashima Island Near Hachijojima Island, Tokyo Located 358 kms from Tokyo, Aogashima is a unique island with rich natural scenery. Aogashima is an isolated island with a distinctive double caldera topography. The unique shape of Aogashima, which was created by an active volcano, is growing in popularity, both inside and outside of Japan, as this type of landscape cannot be seen in many other places, especially in one so beautiful. In the olden days, the island was forbidden to women, and they say there was a time when it was called "Onga-Shima" (男ヶ島, Onga-Shima), meaning roughly "Man's Island." The island has the smallest population of any village in Japan, and is full of beautiful scenery. Aogashima - An Isolated Island in Tokyo Photo：Aogashima Observatory Park Aogashima, a hidden tourist site outside of Tokyo, has a variety of attractions. First of all, Aogashima offers a spectacular view of the island's natural scenery. Aogashima has a number of observation decks, which are famous places where you can admire the island's distinctive scenery and spectacular views of the beautiful ocean. When you travel to Aogashima, the observation decks are a must-visit. Tokyo's Aogashima is also famous for its beautiful starry sky. The starry sky seen from the vicinity of Ikenozawa (池ノ沢, Ikenozawa) is spectacular and you'd be missing out if you didn't take the opportunity to admire it. Aogashima is a great spot for those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery as the area is still relatively untouched humans. The Isolated Island of Tokyo - How to Get to Aogashima, the Hidden Gem in the Izu Islands Access to Tokyo's Aogashima Island is as follows: First, take a ship from the mainland, passing Miyakejima Island (三宅島, Miyakejima) and Mikurajima Island (御蔵島, Miyakejima), to Hachijojima (approx. 11 hours). Alternatively, you can fly to Hachijojima from Haneda Airport. This takes about 50 minutes. From the relay point on Hachijojima, you take a helicopter to Aogashima, which takes about 20 minutes. It takes some time to get to the island, and you may feel it's inconvenient, but once you are surrounded by the stunning nature of Aogashima, you'll feel that it was worth the effort. Summary of Aogashima, a Hidden Gem in the Izu Islands Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Aerial view of Aogashima Volcano, Aogashima Aerial Drone Footage [4K]," produced by winteroptix, is a 4K video that captures the charm of Aogashima. You'll be absolutely amazed at what you can see and discover. It will have you wondering if it's really part of Tokyo. If you're curious about Aogashima, the hidden sightseeing destination in Tokyo, be sure to check out the video!

A Beautiful Night View of Sensoji Temple This video, titled "Asakusa Sensoji Temple at Night" (浅草雷門 昼間とは別世界 浅草寺の夜景 - Asakusa Sensoji Temple at Night), was created by "AQUA Geo Graphic." The video shows scenes of Sensoji Temple at night. Sensoji Temple is located in Tokyo's Taito Ward (台東区, taito-ku). Every day from sunset to around 11:00 in the evening, the Kaminarimon Gate (雷門, kaminarimon), Nakamise Shopping Street (仲見世, nakamise), and the main hall of Sensoji Temple are lit up beautifully. Even at night, visitors are allowed to worship at the brilliant red Kaminarimon Gate and the temple itself. Many people pop in to visit after checking in at a hotel, or while waiting for the bullet train. Nighttime Events at Sensoji Temple Photo：Nakamise Street at night, Tokyo Sensoji Temple is hosting a light-up event to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Edo Period, aiming to promote the image of Asakusa as an international city under the slogan "Asakusa - Shining in the 21st Century" (輝く21世紀の浅草). The main hall, Hozomon Gate, and the five-storied pagoda of Sensoji Temple are lit up, creating a mystical, breathtaking night view. As seen from 2:13 in the video, on Nakamise Shopping Street, there are also painted shutter murals known as "asakusa emaki (浅草絵巻)" painted on the gates to the shops. The night view of Sensoji Temple, with Tokyo Skytree soaring into the sky opposite Nakamise Shopping Street, coupled with beautiful weeping cherry blossoms, is great for taking Instagram photos, so be sure to bring along your camera when exploring the area. More About Sensoji Temple Photo：Sensoji Temple Kaminaramon, Asakusa, Tokyo Sensoji Temple is known for being the oldest temple in Tokyo, on top of having huge numbers of visitors (ranked within the top 10 temples in all of Japan). The temple belongs to the Sho-Kannon Sect and is dedicated to Kannon Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of compassion), with a statue of the deity enshrined within Kannon Hall. Sensoji Temple is the only temple in Tokyo to be part of the "Bando Sanjusankasho" (The Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage) (#13), a series of 33 Buddhist temples in Eastern Japan sacred to Goddess Kannon. Additionally, Sensoji Temple is also the only Temple in Tokyo to be part of the "Sites of Edo Sacred to Kannon Bosatsu" (江戸三十三箇所観音霊場の札所) (#1). Sensoji Temple's omikuji are known to contain many bad luck fortunes, but why not test your luck?! We also recommend purchasing an omamori, a protective charm. Summary of Sensoji Temple at Night Photo：Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo As you can see, Sensoji Temple is a must-visit spot not only during the day, but also at night! As times vary by season, be sure to check out times for the light-up event before visiting. There are also many restaurants near Sensoji that serve delicious food! Kamiya Bar (神谷バー), Asakusa ROX (浅草ROXまつり湯), and Hoppy Street (ホッピー通り), are a few popular spots. In the video, you can also see Tokyo Skytree, another popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. The beauty of the crossover between "new" and "old" in Tokyo is one of the highlights of the video! ◆Sensoji Temple｜Facility Overview◆ 【Address】2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo 【Access】A 5-minutes walk from Asakusa Station off Toei Asakusa Subway Line' Tobu Skytree Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Tsukuba Express. 【Hours】Open 24 hours (The Main Hall is open from 6:00 - 17:00) 【Parking】None 【Telephone】03-3842-0181 【Official Website】Sho-Kannon Sect Asakusa Kannon Sensoji Temple Official Site https://www.senso-ji.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Sensoji Temple https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134311-d320447-Reviews-Senso_ji_Temple-Asakusa_Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Introducing the Traditional Japanese Food "Oden"! This video, titled "ODEN – IS JAPAN COOL WASHOKU," introduces the traditional Japanese food "Oden." It was created by "ANA Global Channel." The video introduces Sakae Funadaiku (舩大工栄), the owner of the oden restaurant "Otafuku" in Asakusa, Taito ward (台東区), Tokyo. From 2:01 in the video, you can take a look at the delicious oden being served at Otafuku. What Kind of Dish Is Oden? Photo：Oden Oden dates all the way back to the Muromachi period (1336 AD-1573 AD). A dish known as "Tofu-dengaku" (豆腐田楽) became popular amongst the people of that time and eventually became the "Oden" known and loved today. Sakae Funadaiku shares more about the history of oden starting from 0:50 in the video. Oden is a comfort food that has gained popularity over the years and is commonly sold in Japanese izakaya and at food stands called "Yatai." In recent years, the number of convenience stores selling oden is on the rise. You can also purchase the ingredients yourself and prepare oden at home. There are many recipe sites online such as "Cookpad" where you can learn how to make oden. We highly recommend giving this low calorie yet highly satisfying dish a try! How To Make Oden Photo：Oden Oden is a popular hot pot dish that contains a variety of different ingredients. These often include daikon, konjac, boiled egg, atsuage (thick, deep-fried tofu), satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cakes), hanpen (pounded fish paste), tsumire (fish dumplings), ganmodoki (fried tofu fritter made with vegetables) and chikuwa (tube-shaped fish paste cake). There are some areas that also include beef sinew and chikuwabu (tube-shaped wheat cake). Slowly simmering the ingredients over a long period of time is what makes oden so delicious! Try Different Kinds of Oden All Over Japan! Photo：Shizuoka oden The seasonings and ingredients used to make oden vary depending on which area of Japan you are in, so you can enjoy comparing the different flavors of each region! You can try the Kansai-style tsuyu sauce-based oden or the characteristically dark broth of Shizuoka-style oden! In Hokkaido, it's common to eat miso oden in the summer! There is also a popular anime and story book character in Japan based on oden called Oden-kun (おでんくん)! Summary of Oden Photo：Oden This introductory video is packed full of oden footage that will leave your mouth watering! Oden can be enjoyed for either lunch or dinner as well! If you are interested in trying oden, check out some restaurant reviews and hours online and visit a restaurant to try it for yourself! The next time you go traveling in Japan, definitely check out the traditional Japanese dish "Oden" which has been loved by the Japanese people for hundreds of years!

Rockabilly Culture in Japan by James Partridge It is a documentary that follows a young man living in Tokyo, who loves Rockabilly culture. This video was created by NOWNESS. The young man in the video is Daigo Yamashita, known as JOHNNY. He uses pomade to help him rock his 50's hairstyle. This video focuses on Daigo’s daily life of dancing and singing as a musician. How deep is his passion for Rockabilly? Let's find out! What Is Rockabilly? The History and Origin of Rockabilly in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot Rockabilly started in the early 1950s, and it is a mix of country music, bluegrass and other kinds of music. Famous Rockabilly singers are Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins. The history of Rockabilly culture started around the late 1950s. However, around the late 60s, the "group sounds" boom arrived, and Rockabilly slowly started to fade out. Enjoy “Rockabilly culture” in the middle of Japan! A revival of this 50's style? Source :YouTube screenshot There are people who get together on weekends at Yoyogi park to enjoy Rockabilly culture. These people are called “Rockabilly Zoku (Tribe)”. Watching the video of elderly men dancing at Yoyogi park might tempt you to go join in on the fun. Take a look at the video from 3:14 to see Rockabilly Zoku’s activity at Yoyogi park. As Daigo Yamashita stated in the video at 3:33, people who enjoy Rockabilly culture are getting older. Sharing Rockabilly Culture With the Younger Generation Source :YouTube screenshot Daigo Yamashita, known as JOHNNY, works as a musician at night. He works as a musician about 20 times a month to spread the Rockabilly culture. Check the video to see a man and a woman dancing at a dance hall with the oldies music from the 50s. You can also see Daigo Yamashita as a musician from 4:55. Daigo’s goal is to spread the Rock n Roll and Rockabilly cultures to the younger generations. He was influenced by many Japanese rock singers when he was a child, and it seems like he is seeking to influence young people through his music the same way he was influenced as a child. Summary of Japan's Rockabilly Culture Source :YouTube screenshot This article talked about the video of Rockabilly culture in Japan. You can see Daigo Yamashita enjoying his daily life of following the old trend. The video of Daigo enjoying the old trend might make you feel like something is missing in your life. If this video has you interested in Rockabilly culture, be sure to find a local venue to enjoy some Rock n Roll music! There are some classic stores like “Jumpin’ Jack’s” in the video at 1:56, where you can purchase some fancy rockabilly style clothing. Who knows, Rockabilly culture might make a comeback and another rockabilly boom could occur in the future. 【Official Website】NOWNESS https://www.nowness.com/

What is Keio Plaza Hotel? "Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo released a promotional video titled "Keio Plaza Hotel Official Video" (京王プラザホテル　オフィシャル動画). The hotel is highly rated on various hotel rating sites. JR Shinjuku Station, which is now the busiest station in Japan, and the Nishi-Shinjuku area, are home to some of the world's best hotels. However, the area wasn't fully urbanized when Keio Plaza Hotel was completed in 1971. The Keio Plaza Hotel was the first modern, high-rise hotel to be built in Japan. Its 170-meter tall tower attracted a million visitors within 6 months of completion. You can see the original landscape around the building in the video. The video tells the history of Keio Plaza Hotel which has devoted itself to providing the best service for guests, and its history as a venue for more than 1,200 international conferences. The Hospitality Services Praised by International Guests Source :YouTube screenshot Having a great location, the hotel has received many international guests in recent years and thus provides a wide variety of Japanese-style services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay catering to all guests from over 100 countries. The Japanese foods and beverages served at the hotel are highly rated by international guests. The hotel offers some Japanese-style rooms, rare for a city hotel, and offers an authentic tea ceremony experience. The kimono rental service, as well as the art exhibitions in the modern interior space, forges a fusion of modernity and tradition, which makes for a hot topic of discussion on Instagram. It also holds some unique events such as a Hinamatsuri (Japanese traditional doll festival for girls) exhibition displayed in the lobby (from 1:03) to offer experiences unique to Japan. The number of rooms in the Main and South Towers totals 1428. Various types of rooms are provided, such as: the "Club Lounge," "Premier Grand," "Premier Grand Suite," "Plaza Luxe," "Deluxe," "Superior," "Standard," Universal Design Room," and the "Four Bedded Room." Keio Plaza Hotel - Dining Information Source :YouTube screenshot Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo has a large collection of in-house restaurants and bars including ones specialized in Japanese foods and beverages on the 1st-3rd floor and 7th floor of the Main Tower, and the second floor of the South Tower is dedicated to French and Italian restaurants. Perched on the top floor of the Main Tower is the Aurora Sky Lounge. A large variety of foods are offered to cater to all tastes and budgets. This is introduced at 1:20 in the video. Keio Plaza Hotel offers the food and beverage units listed below. All of them are open also to walk-in guests. Buffet "Super Buffet Glass Court" French & Italian "Duo Fourcettes" All Day Dining "Jurin" Teppan Yaki "Yamanami" Japanese Cuisine "Kagari" Kaiseki Cuisine "Soujyuan" Tempura "Shun" Chinese Dining "Nan-en" Korean Dining "Gokokutei" Sushi "Kyubey" Soba "Fumotoya" Main Bar "Brilliant" Lobby Lounge "Cocktail and Tea Lounge" Art Lounge "Duet" Japanese Sake Bar "Amanogawa" Sky Lounge "Aurora" Karaoke "Karaoke 47" Food Boutique "Poppins" Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo - Facilities & Services Information Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video from 2:08, Keio Plaza Hotel also serves as a venue where international travelers meet the local art scene. The art exhibitions in the lobby display artworks such as paintings, sculptures, ceramic art or textiles of well-known artists as well as young emerging artists from Japan. The hotel also provides various facilities. The facilities and services include: Reflexology, a beauty salon, a kimono fitting service, and a photo studio. This makes it an ideal venue for wedding receptions. A variety of health facilities are also provided, such as the fitness room and outdoor pool for a complete wellness experience. These facilities are provided to respond to the every need of guests. Access to Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo The hotel is conveniently located, being just a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR and private railway lines and is directly connected to Exit B1 of Tocho-mae Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line. For those who are flying in, there are limousine buses from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport that go directly to the hotel. If you come by car, there is a paid parking lot with a maximum capacity of 509 vehicles. As its location allows guests to get around easily, Keio Plaza Hotel is by far the best place to stay in Tokyo. Keio Plaza Hotel also operates hotels in Sapporo, Hachioji, Tama and Kyoto. You can book your room or inquire about room fees on their official website or on other travel sites. The Surrounding Area of Keio Plaza Hotel Nishi-shinjuku district features a variety of sightseeing spots and shopping areas including "Metropolitan Governors Office Observation Deck," "Odakyu Department Store," "Keio Department Store" "Yodobashi Camera," "Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Nipponkoa Museum of Art," "Shinjuku Chuo Park," "The conran shop" and "Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery." There are also a plenty of attractions in a walking distance, such as: "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden," "Hanazono Shrine," "Kabuki-cho District," "Robot Restaurant," "Shinjiku Southern Terrace," "Godzilla Head," "Fire Museum," "Shinjuku Golden Gai," "Omoide Yokocho," "Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal Pedestrians Square," "Suica Penguin Square," "Shinokubo Korean Town," or "Anahachimangu Shrine." Summary of Keio Plaza Hotel Photo：Nishi Shinjuku-Skyscrapers Keio Plaza Hotel is a hotel chain operating hotels in Nishi-shinjuku, Sapporo, Hachioji, Tama and Kyoto. It also provides some unique accommodation plans. Keio Plaza Hotel Tama, for example, has a hotel plan that includes an admission ticket to the onsen facility "Gokurakuyu," located in the vicinity. Shinjuku is a popular area in Tokyo that features many attractions. The sweeping view of Tokyo from the sky lounge is sure to look great on Instagram. It's location also makes it very convenient for guests. The underground passage, directly connected to the metro station, allows you to stay dry on rainy days. Enjoy the video introducing the charms of Keio Plaza Hotel, which is, in itself, a tourist attraction. 【Address】2-2-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo (Zip 160-8330) 【Access】By Train - 10 minutes from JR Shinjuku 【Parking】Yes. 509 parking spaces 【Telephone No】 (+81) 03-3344-0111 【Official Website】Keio Plaza Hotel https://www.keioplaza.com/ 【Tripadvisor】 Keio Plaza Hotel https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g14133673-d304305-Reviews-Keio_Plaza_Hotel_Tokyo-Nishishinjuku_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

VR Artist Aimi Sekiguchi This video, titled "Tokyo Crossing #56 "VR (Virtual Reality)" - VR artist Aimi Sekiguchi" (東京交差点 ＃56「VR（仮想現実）」-VRアーティスト　せきぐちあいみ) was published by "テレビ東京公式 TV TOKYO." Aimi Sekiguchi is a VR artist who creates works of art in an empty virtual space. She has been performing live in Japan as well as abroad, including the United States and Russia. This video shows an interview with VR artist Aimi Sekiguchi as she talks about the appeal of VR art. Be sure to follow along as you read this article! What Is a VR Artist? Source :YouTube screenshot VR (Virtual Reality) is a technology that allows you to perceive, as if it were real, phenomena that appear in a VR/virtual space, that do not actually exist in real life. In other words, VR art uses an empty space as a canvas to draw three-dimensional pictures by wearing VR goggles Viewers are able to see the work through a monitor. For example, the painting in the frame has depth and allows the viewer to go further into the painting, creating a new way to experience art. The artworks have depth and the ability to be experienced in 360 degrees of wonder. You can watch the actual creation of a work of art using the VR equipment and tools at 1:01 in the video. The people who create and perform this VR art are called VR artists. About VR artist, Aimi Sekiguchi Source :YouTube screenshot Aimi Sekiguchi (せきぐちあいみ), introduced in the video, started out as a TV personality before turning into a VR artist. Her real name is Aimi Sekiguchi (関口愛美, written in kanji), and she was born in 1987, making her 33 years of age. She became famous after responding to an interviewer in a TV street interview when asked about the female-only cars on Japanese trains, saying "I don’t really care where I am on the train." The video quickly went viral. Aimi Sekiguchi is currently working as a VR artist with the VR painting app Tilt Brush, as well as doing live painting in various countries, such as the 45th WorldSkills Competition, and is also a main personality of her own local radio show called "Aimi Sekiguchi Virtual Radio"(0:43). She also shares her three-dimensional art on YouTube and shares information about her work and activities on Instagram. As you can see from 2:11in the video, Aimi is seen learning how to use space at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Edogawa-ward, Tokyo. It's hard to connect the space where the bonsai trees are lined up with VR art, but Aimi explains "Bonsai is an art work that includes all of the space around it, therefore, it's very helpful when I paint VR art." Summary of VR Artist Aimi Sekiguchi Source :YouTube screenshot In the video "Tokyo Crossing #56 "VR (Virtual Reality)" - VR artist Aimi Sekiguchi," Aimi explains that she would like to "stimulate peoples' imagination" through her work. In the video, you can see Aimi Sekiguchi's passion for VR art. If you're interested in Aimi Sekiguchi or VR art after reading this article, be sure to check out the video if you still haven't yet. Also be sure to check out Aimi's official website and social media sites! 【Official Website】Aimi Sekiguchi -VR official Site - Creative Village https://www.creativevillage.ne.jp/lp/aimi_sekiguchi/

Tokyo's Famous Cherry Blossom Spot, Chidorigafuchi If you're wondering where you can enjoy the beauty of Japan's 4 seasons, then look no further than Chidorigafuchi! When people think about visiting Tokyo, they probably think of gourmet food, shopping, and theme parks. But they're missing out, because while Tokyo may be the big city, there's still plenty of nature to be seen there. This video was created by “Japan Explorers.” It introduces cherry blossom viewing at night in Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo. The video is called “Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom [8k]（千鳥ヶ淵の夜桜　ライトアップ　Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom [8K]）.” This article provides historical information about Chidorigafuchi, located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, as well as information on the lit up cherry blossoms during the "Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival." It also explains the history of the cherry blossoms. The video demonstrates the beauty of the cherry blossoms as they light up under the night sky with high resolution 8K quality. It's amazing that you can find such a beautiful place in the middle of Tokyo. Please enjoy article and be sure to follow along with the video showcasing beautiful cherry blossoms. If You're Visiting Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi Is a Must See Spot! Photo：Cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi Chidorigafuchi in Chiyoda, Tokyo is a moat northwest of the Imperial Palace. There is an event called the “Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival” where the cherry blossoms are lit up at night in the spring. We recommend taking a look at the breathtaking cherry blossoms reflecting off the surface of the water. Chidorigafuchi is a moat made after the opening of Edo in 1603. The moat was constructed as an expansion of the former Edo Castle. To create it, they blocked the river using earthen bridges at Hanzomon gate and Tayasumon gate. It used to be connected to the moat bordering Daikancho street, but it was reclaimed for road construction in 1900, and it became a separate moat. Hanzo moat is next to Chidorigafuchi park. There is a boat dock in the Chidorigafuchi green way, and you can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms from the boat. We recommend taking a boat ride to avoid the crowds. The nearest stations are Hanzomon station and Kudange subway station. It is only a 5-minute walk from both stations. There are no parking spots near Chidorigafuchi green way, so we recommend taking public transportation to Chidorigafuchi. Most poeple probably think of Tokyo tower and Tokyo Sky Tree when they think of tourist spots in Tokyo, but Chidorigafuchi is an amazing place for sightseeing. There's also Nippon Budokan and the British Embassy in the area as well. Spring at Chidorigafuchi! Beautiful Cherry Blossoms Lit up at Night! Photo：Cherry blossoms lit up in Chidorigafuchi As you can see in the video, the fully bloomed pink and white cherry blossoms of Chidorigafuchi are lit up during the night. Yasukuni Street and Chidorigafuchi are one of the best cherry blossoms viewing spots in Tokyo. There are about 1.3 million visitors annually, from both Japan and overseas. With hundreds of fully bloomed cherry blossoms, you can enjoy a superb view unique to spring in Japan. There are about 330 cherry trees on the Kitanomaru side of the park and about 260 Someiyoshino and Yamazakura cherry trees along the Chidorigafuchi Greenway avenue. All these cherry blossoms turn the area around the moat pink. The Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year according to the bloom conditions. The night light up as “Chiyoda Cherry Blossom” entertains you with the fantastic view of cherry blossoms. Parties and securing spaces is banned at Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival. There are also no street markets and the number of bathrooms is limited. We recommend viewing the beautiful, illuminated cherry blossoms from the Chidorigafuchi greenway in the spring. In the video at 0:42, you can see an amazing view of the cherry blossoms lit up. It's truly a sight unlike any other. Be sure to take some pictures to commemorate your trip and to post on Instagram! Information about the cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. The best time to see cherry blossoms is from late March to early April. The types of cherry blossoms are Someiyoshino, Oshima-zakura, and Shidare-zakura. The Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival is held based on the bloom forecast, so be sure to check the official website if you're planning to come to the festival. Summary of Cherry Blossoms at Chidorigafuchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo ©r_abe01 Modifying Be sure to check out the video if you're curious about the cherry blossoms in Chidorigafuchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo. As you can see in the video, Chidorigafuchi's cherry blossoms are quite the spectacle. Enjoy the beautiful night light up of the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi. If you want to relax in an oasis in the city or enjoy the Japanese springtime tradition of hanami, this is the place to be! Be sure to watch the video to see the beautiful cherry blossoms!