About Shikoku Henro The video "Japan the Beautiful, Shikoku Henro" ([美しき日本] 四国 四国遍路), is about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, also known as Shikoku Henro. Shikoku Henro is a walking route that takes you to the 88 temples of Shikoku Island, in the four prefectures of Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi. This article takes a look at the charms of this ancient route. The video navigates us through the beautiful landscapes of Shikoku Henro, and the distant view of the mountains, clad in green amongst the blue skies, make viewers feel as if their on the pilgrimage themselves. What is Shikoku Henro Photo：Kobo Daishi training statue Shikoku Henro is a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples associated with the Buddhism monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) on Shikoku Island. Pilgrims are called "ohenro-san." The pilgrimage was practiced exclusively by ascetic monks until the Edo Period when the teaching of Kukai became widely spread across the country due to infrastructure developments, and commoners subsequently traveled to Shikoku Island to trace the path of Kukai and pray for good health. The culture of "osettai" by the Shikoku locals to support the safe journeys of ohenro-san by offering meals and shelter, has been maintained for roughly 300 years. In 2015, Shikoku Henro was added to the Japan Heritage list. The pilgrimage is quite exhausting due to the mountains and valleys, but it gives you a profound spiritual experience. Making the Shikoku Henro Photo：Shikoku Henro You can visit any temple you want, but many people start at Temple 1 and visit them in order. After offering prayers at a temple, pilgrims receive a red seal stamp (known as Goshuin) in their stamp book. The motto to symbolize Shikoku Henro is expressed by the word "dogyo ninin" (Traveling together), which means that a pilgrim traveling alone is accompanied in spirit by the monk Kukai at all times. There exists a custom to visit the mausoleum of Kukai, Koyasan (Mt.Koya) Okunoin Temple in Wakayama Prefecture, after completing the pilgrimage route as well. Tips for Making the Pilgrimage Source :YouTube screenshot Shikoku Henro takes around 50 days on foot. You can take breaks to go sightseeing or enjoy local dishes. Staying at local inns, referred to as "henro-yado," also offers a refreshing experience, allowing you to relax and continue the Henro at your own pace. The video portrays a traveling pilgrim taking steps forward on the route winding through the mountains and valleys. The natural beauty of Shikoku Henro is breathtaking. There is no designated clothing that pilgrims must wear, but they are often clad in white robes and a ceremonial stole, a conal hat to protect them from the sun and rain, and holding a wooden staff which is said to represent the body of Kukai and support the pilgrim along the way. Wearing the classic ohenro-san clothing will help you feel ready for the journey. Summary of Shikoku Henro Experiencing the Henro will lead you to discoveries that lay deep within the depths of Japanese culture and history. Tracing the ancient path of the pilgrimage, you may encounter yet undiscovered gems. Furthermore, the beautiful natural environment and the local custom of selflessly helping and supporting another may also lead to self-discovery and personal growth.

四国ライオンアドベンチャーの吉野川ラフティング紹介動画について こちらの動画は「アウトドア撮影隊 GOAT」が公開した「【吉野川ラフティング】 「四国ライオンアドベンチャー」公式movie （2016.07.22公開）」です。 迫力満点の川下り！時には岩の上から水面へジャンプ！ 日本観光にでは綺麗な清流でラフティングを楽しんでみませんか？ 四国のど真ん中を流れる吉野川では吉野川ラフティングが人気のアクティビティです。 今回紹介する動画は近年、訪日外国人にも人気の吉野川ラフティングをピックアップ！ 四国ライオンアドベンチャーで「吉野川ラフティング」を楽しもう！ 四国の徳島県小歩危（こぼけ）で吉野川ラフティングを体験できるのが四国ライオンアドベンチャー。 吉野川は激流として有名ですが、経験豊富なインストラクターが付き添い、安全に吉野川ラフティングを楽しむことができます。 四国ライオンアドベンチャー「吉野川ラフティング」の１日コースの見所 まず、受付が済んだら、移動中のバスで安全講習。 その後、川に着いたらボートに移りスリル満点の吉野川ラフティングの旅へ出発！ 最初の難関が鉄橋の下の瀬。 動画に出てくる激流をこれから超える吉野川ラフティングの開幕です。 鉄橋の下の瀬を越えると森囲いの瀬で「小歩危」最大の難関。 別名でモーニング　グローリーとの名を持ちます。 次にくる大滝の瀬は多くのボートが転覆するポイント。 ここを超えたら美味しいランチが待っています。 ランチを食べた後も「吉野川ラフティング」を堪能！ 午後は曲がり戸の瀬。 小歩危最大の格差に挑戦です。 ここを越えたら後はゴールを目指すだけ。 ゴールに着いたら吉野川ラフティングをまた体験したいと思うはずです。 今日1日で吉野川の美しさや自然に満足したことでしょう。 四国ライオンアドベンチャー「吉野川ラフティング」をおすすめする理由 四国ライオンアドベンチャーは四国でも一番綺麗な小歩危（こぼけ）渓谷でラフティングを楽しめます。 また、粗谷渓谷（いやだにけいこく）にも近く、宿泊場所も多数あります。 疲れたら一泊してゆっくりされてみてはいかがですか？ 四国ライオンアドベンチャー「吉野川ラフティング」紹介まとめ 四国ライオンアドベンチャーのコースの特徴は１日・半日コース（要予約）を選べます。 体力に少し自信がない方は半日コース。 吉野川ラフティングを満喫したい人は存分に１日体験。 みなさんも四国ライオンアドベンチャーで吉野川ラフティングを満喫してみてはどうでしょうか。

The Traditional Japanese Atmosphere of Uchiko, Ehime This is a PR video for Uchiko, titled ‘UCHIKO GENIC Trailer,’ made by the Uchiko Tourism Association in Ehime prefecture on Shikou Island. The town of Uchiko, in Ehime Prefecture, is home to a strong tradition of Japanese performing arts and traditional events. population of about 300 people, is a beautiful place where traditional culture has been preserved through "village-preservation activities" by the residents. In Ishidatami district, the local people hold festivals in every season, such as the "Water Wheel Festival" and the "Soba Festival," and many tourists visit the festivals to experience traditional Japanese culture. This video introduces the traditions, culture, history and cuisine of Uchiko, Ehime with fantastic music. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! A Heavenly Time in Uchiko, Ehime Source :YouTube screenshot Ishidatami no Yado hotel in Uchiko, Ehime is an inn with a traditional Japanese style house, where you are served Japanese cuisine using local ingredients. You can relax in the onsen bath and enjoy delicious Japanese meals. This can be seen at 1:30 in the video. A popular cultural experience in Uchiko, Ehime is strolling through the town in Kimono. We recommend giving it a try to relax. In the video, you can see a woman strolling through the streets of Uchiko while wearing a kimono at 0:26. You can also get some great Instagram pictures of yourself in a kimono! When you're sightseeing in Uchiko, be sure to stop drop in on the local shops, such as Road Station Uchiko's Fresh Park Karari and Odanokyo Seseragi, where you can buy local sake, as well as Uchiko's famous traditional bamboo crafts and souvenir. Karari Bridge (からり橋 Kararibashi) at Uchiko Fresh Park Karari, is decorated with Koinobori streamers in spring. It's a truly beautiful scene. You can see the Koinobori streamers at 2:34 in the video. Many Koinobori streamers, big and small, elegantly swim through the air of Uchiko. Traditional Entertainment and Events in Uchiko! Photo：Uchiko-za Yokaichigokoku in Uchiko, has been given the status of "Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings." Once upon a time, this district was a busy merchant town with a focus on candle making. There's a theater for plays in this district, called Uchiko-za. This theater has been operating since the Taisho period, showing traditional Japanese bunraku plays. The theater can be seen at 0:47 in the video. The Kite Festival, shown at 2:38, has around 400 years of history and is an event in Uchiko that we highly recommend checking out. It's held on May 5th every year, so be sure to line up your visit if you can. At Takekobo Studio, shown at 0:31 in the video, you can see traditional bamboo crafts being hand crafted by artisans. These are perfect as souvenirs from Uchiko. Experience the Natural Landscape Uchiko! Photo：Taiko Bridge, Yuge Shrine Uchiko also attracts people with its beautiful natural landscape. We recommend walking around Odamiyama Valley (小田深山渓谷 Odamiyama Keikoku) in the deep forest and visiting the beautiful rice terrace at Izumidani. Uchiko has a lot to offer when it comes to scenic views. The rice terraces are can be seen throughout the video, and thanks to the drone footage, you get a great aerial view! We also recommend visiting Kosho Temple (高昌寺 Koshoji) and seeing the beautiful view from Yuge Shrine (弓削神社 Yuge Jinja). Don’t forget to try some tasty soba made with the pure water of Uchiko. You can see it at 2:24 in the video. Summary of Uchiko, Ehime Uchiko is a famous tourist spot in Ehime Prefecture where you can experience unique Japanese history. There are many more sightseeing spots in Uchiko that we couldn't get to in this article, so be sure to watch the video to see more of the charms that Uchiko has to offer! We hope we sparked your interest in Uchiko. Visit Uchiko, a town where you can discover Japanese culture and beautiful scenery! 【Official Website】Ehime prefecture Uchiko Town Hall Website https://www.town.uchiko.ehime.jp/ 【Official Website】Uchiko Town Official Tourism Site Uchiko Sanpo https://www.we-love-uchiko.jp/

The Udon Prefecture - Kagawa! This video, titled "VISIT KAGAWA Promotion," was produced by "Udon Prefecture" (うどん県), the official channel of Kagawa Prefecture. As you may or may not know, Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its Sanuki udon. You can see delicious looking udon, such as kake udon or kamaage udon during this video (0:34). However, Kagawa Prefecture has more to offer than just its delicious udon! Art and History in Kagawa Photo：A Woman Traveling Around Shrines and Temples Naoshima (直島: Naoshima), shown in the video (1:00), is a famous island where you can enjoy modern art. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of art, we recommend visiting Kagawa Prefecture's Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum, the “Marugame Genichiro – Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art,” and Kagawa Prefectural Art Museum.” Also, don't miss the Hyoryu Post Office, with a collection of unaddressed letters, and Zenigata Sunae of Kannongi City (観音寺市: Kannongi – Shi ). Kagawa Prefecture, is also famous for Shikoku Henro, a pilgrimage through the 88 temples of Shikoku. You can visit famous historical temples, shrines, and castles such as Kotohiragu, Zentsuji, Marugame jyo and Takamatsu jyo. We also recommend checking out Japanese traditional art and culture at the former Konpira Grand Theatre, the oldest theatre in Japan. Art Appreciation in Kagawa Prefecture! Photo：Ogijima seen from Megijima Ogijima (男木島: Ogijima), known as "Cat Island," and Megijima (女木島: Megijima) with the Onigashima cavern are two more famous tourist spots in Kagawa. Shodoshima (小豆島: Shodoshima), famous for "Angel Island", and Tsushima (津島: Tsushima), known as a power spot of Tsushima Shrine are also great places to visit. From a ferry, you can see a beautiful view of Seto Shirube (The guide of Seto), a famous red light house. Also, Yashima (屋島：Yashima) in the middle of Seto O-Hashi bridge is another spot where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean! Tons of Sightseeing Locations in Kagawa Prefecture! Photo：Low tide at Chichigahama Kagawa Prefecture has many scenic locations to visit, such as Kuribayashi park, Sanuki Manno National Government Park, Flower Park Urashima, and the Shotsuji Mountain observation deck. Also you shouldn’t miss Chichibugahama (父母ヶ浜: Chichibugahama), an instagrammable location known as the “Salar de Uyuni of Japan,” and Honenike Dam, a dam with the oldest masonry in Japan. If you have children, we recommend visiting New Reomaworld or Sanuki Kodomonokuni. Kagawa Prefecture Summary Kagawa prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea, has more than enough tourist locations to see during a one or two day trip. We recommend lining up your visit with the Sanuki Takamatsu Festival, the Kotohira Festival, the Sanuki Toyohama Chosa Festival, and other popular festivals and events if possible. 　 There is various transportation, including buses and trains, in Kagawa prefecture as well. You can go anywhere you want without needing car. Also there are many places to stay as well, making Kagawa Prefecture very tourist friendly. If you want to see beautiful views and rare contemporary art, be sure to visit Kagawa Prefecture! 【Official Website】Official Website run by Kagawa Prefecuture https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/ 【Official Website】Udon Prefecture Travel Net: Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association Official Site https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/

The 0 Series Shinkansen Returns as the World’s Slowest Bullet Train/Railway Hobby Train! The video "[Railway Hobby Train] Debut｜Ehime Newspaper," (「鉄道ホビートレイン」デビュー・愛媛新聞), released by "ehimenp," is about the 0 series Shinkansen (The world’s slowest bullet train) running on the JR Shikoku Yodo Line, which stops at Uwajima station and Chikanaga station. This line runs along the Shimanto River. The Shinkansen is Japan's high-speed railway, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The first Shinkansen train to celebrate this anniversary is the 0 series, a car with a cute round nose that everyone has seen at one time or another. The 0 series Shinkansen can be seen at 1:10 in the video. Although the 0 series Shinkansen was retired in 2008, a diesel train car was converted to a 0 series Shinkansen-style train in 2014 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Yodo Line, which runs from Kochi Prefecture to Ehime Prefecture in the Shikoku region. That happens to be the "Railway Hobby Train" introduced in the video. The nicknames of the 0 series shinkansen are Hikari and Kodama. At the time, it attracted a lot of attention in Japan and around the world as a high-speed train that ran at the world's highest speed of 210km/h. Of course, the Railway Hobby Train is a sightseeing train, and since it is a slow-moving diesel train, it cannot achieve such high speeds, but you can enjoy a scenic tour of Shikoku while being gently rocked by the lovely dumpling-nosed cars of the nostalgic 0 series Shinkansen, which look just like the original. The cute Railway Hobby Train can be seen at 0:55 in the video. The Charm of the 0 Series Shinkansen Photo：Railway Hobby Train The Railway Hobby Train is a set of three cars that run on the Yodo Line. In addition to the 0 series Shinkansen train introduced in the video, there is the Shiman Trolley, which can be seen from 6:04 and the Kaiyodo Hobby Train, which can be seen at 6:09. Together with these trains, the three brothers of the Yodo Line are the centerpiece of the regional development. In other words, when we talk about railway hobby trains, we're referring to these three types of trains. Among them, the 0 series hobby train shown in the video is the most popular! Children and Adults Alike Are Excited! the Secrets of the Railway Hobby Train! Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 3:06 in the video, the Series 0 Shinkansen Railway Hobby Train has a model display area inside the train, where the very popular Plarail issue is on display, making it a true dream train for train enthusiasts and children. The Series 0 Shinkansen Hobby Train is based on the Kiha 32 series train, and a fully colored version of the popular N gauge product called "Micro Ace" is also available. The 0 series Shinkansen was also featured in the popular children's anime "Shinkansen Transforming Robot Shinkarion," so the 0 series Shinkansen is not only for old fans, but a dream come true for children as well. We recommend checking the operation status of the train on the official JR Shikoku website in advance, as it is expected to be very crowded on the days when the train is running. Summary of the Railway Hobby Train Source :YouTube screenshot There is a museum called Shikoku Railway Cultural Center in Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture. Here, there are 0 series train cars, that actually were once active as shinkansen, on display. In other words, Shikoku is a holy land for railway enthusiasts. The Railway Hobby Train also has a photo corner, but for those who want to take photos of the cute train cars traveling through the magnificent nature of Shikoku, the best place to do so is near the railway bridge on the Yodo Line over the Shimanto river. Don't forget to check the timetable in advance, as Shikoku is often hit by typhoons and operations are cancelled when the weather is bad. Also, the three hobby train brothers are limited to one run per day! Don't miss your chance! 【Tripadvisor】Railway Hobby Train https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g608510-d10758981-Reviews-Tetsudo_Hobby_Train_Yodo_Line_JR_Shikoku-Uwajima_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

Yoichiro Amari - 40 Years a Puppet Craftsman This video, titled "Making Puppet Ningyo Joruri and Bunraku Puppet Heads for 40 Years｜nippon.com" (人形浄瑠璃、文楽の人形の首（デコ）を作り続けて40年 | nippon.com), was released by "nippon.com." This video is an interview with Amari Yoichiro, an Awa Deko craftsman who is known by the name "Ningyo Yo" (Yoichiro). In the interview, he talks about interesting stories and how the heads are made. Bunraku, also known as Ningyo Joruri, is a form of traditional theater Japanese puppet. "Bunraku" has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Ningyo Joruri has received a lot of attention. Let's take a look at the interview with "Ningyo Yo," an Awa Deko craftsman who inherited the traditional performing art, Ningyo Joruri. After watching this video, you'll surely be captivated by Ningyo Joruri. Keeping Ningyo Joruri Alive Source :YouTube screenshot Ningyo Yo (Yoichiro Amari), interviewed in the video, was born in Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku in 1945. In 1974, he entered Ningyo Tsuneo and honed his skills as a specialist in making Ningyo Joruri. In 1984, he was certified as an Awa Deko Ningyo Production Preservation Society (master), and in 2006, he was recognized as a Tokushima Prefecture Outstanding Technician "Master Craftsman of Awa" by Tokushima Prefecture In 2007, he was appointed as the Awa Deko Ningyo Writers Association (Vice Chairman), and is currently active as the Awa Ningyo Joruri Promotion Association (Director). The technique of making cleverly designed dolls based on photographs and other information is highly regarded, and he receives requests to make and restore dolls from all over Japan. In the video, you can see the contraptions that give the dolls their detailed expressions at 0:14. What Is Ningyo Joruri and When Did It Start? Source :YouTube screenshot Ningyo Joruri is a play in which the music from gidayu-bushi is performed together with shamisen and puppets. The stories are presented in a fun way with narrative and other elements. Ningyo Joruri started at the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama period more than 400 years ago and developed in the early Edo period. Later, Gidayu Takemoto, a native of Awaji Island, founded the Bunraku Theater in Osaka's Dotonbori district, where the theatre's form was developed and it spread around Osaka as "Bunraku." Among the many performances, "Sonezaki Shinju" (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), which depicts the hearts of men and women by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, is one of the most representative performances. The skillful manipulation of the puppets using wigs, props, swords, fans, umbrellas, etc. has been accepted by the common people and is loved by many even today. In 1955, it was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, and in 2008, it was registered as an Intangible World Heritage under "Bunraku," and its name has spread throughout the world. Ningyo Joruri Introduction Summary Source :YouTube screenshot In this article we introduced Ningyo Joruri. The puppet theatre, which started as a form of entertainment, has attracted a lot of attention worldwide in modern times. It has also attracted many people in places such as Kyoto, as a Shinto ritual. There is also a Kabuki performance from Ningyo Joruri. We hope this video has sparked your interest in the history and culture of Ningyo Joruri. At the National Bunraku Theater and the National Theater of Japan, it's easy for beginners to puppet theatre to watch as there are earphone guides to help you understand. Why not enjoy some traditional Japanese puppet theatre and make your experience in Japan even more memorable?

An Introduction to Ozu, Ehime This video, titled "A Journey to the Good Old Days of Japan - Ozu, Ehime Prefecture (5-minute version)" (古き良き、往年の日本を訪ねる旅～愛媛県大洲市～（英語：5分Ver)), is a promotional video uploaded by the official channel of Ozu. Ozu, Ehime, located in Japan's Shikoku Region (四国地方, Shikokuchiho), is known as the "Little Kyoto of Iyo" for its beautiful scenery and tasteful vibe. Nagahama Bridge (長浜大橋, Nagahamaohashi) astrides the Hiji River (肱川, Hijikawa) that runs through Ozu, at its estuary. It's a drawbridge that opens and closes in the center. Under the cold winter sky, a crisp wind known as the Hiji River Storm (肱川嵐, Hijikawa Arashi), a hallmark of the season for Ozu, and it is followed by a vast fog. This can be seen from 0:12 in the video through time-lapse footage. The video introduces all of the must-see tourist locations in Ozu, Ehime. The attractions of the city are packed into this 5-and-a-half minute video. More About Ozu, Ehime - An Introduction to Beautiful Sightseeing Spots Photo：Ohanahan Street In the city, rickshaws run on cobblestone of Ohanahan Street (おはなはん通り, Ohanahandori), along the historical housings from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). The cobblestone streets can be seen in the video from 1:11. Pokopen Alley (ポコペン横丁, Pokopen Yokocho), a nostalgic and instagrammable side street, as well as the exotic Ozu Red Brick Building (おおず赤煉瓦館, Ozu Akarengakan), are two popular tourist destinations. We recommend visiting Nagahama Port (長浜港, Nagamahako) in Ozu if you fancy yourself some gourmet seafood! You can also travel to Aoshima Island (青島, Aoshima) in the Seto Inland Sea from the beach. Amago no Satsuma, a specialty of Ozu, is a must-eat local cuisine. Relaxing at Hiji River Wind Museum – Utamaro Building (肱川風の博物館・歌磨館, Hijikawa Kaze no Hakubutsukan – Utamarokan) is another great option. It passes on locally cultivated history, culture and tradition to the next generation. Historical Tourist Sites in Ozu, Ehime! Photo：Ozu Castle Ozu Castle (大洲城, Ozujo), built during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) by governor Shugo, the castle was rebuilt by Takatora Todo more than a century later. It is designated as one of the hundred best castles of Japan. The castle is shown in the video from 2:42. Ozu is also home to many temples and shrines such as Myoho Temple (妙法寺, Myohoji) (from 2:05), Zuiryu Temple (瑞龍寺, Zuiryuji) (from 2:29), Shusseki Temple (出石寺, Shussekiji) and Sukunahikona Shrine (少彦名神社, Sukunahikona Jinja). Garyu Sanso(臥龍山荘,Garyu Sanso) (from 2:49), surrounded by the tasteful scenery of a Japanese garden, is known for its characteristic Sukiya Style (数寄屋建築, Sukiya Kenchiku). It has a different feel depending on the season. Obie Bridge (帯江橋, Obiebashi) (from 3:23) is a wooden, covered bridge, not often seen in Japan, beloved by locals as a social hub. Ozu is home to tons of delicious food as well. Amago no Satsuma, shown in the video from 3:52, is a traditional cuisine consisting of grilled salmon served with a miso-based soup poured on rice. Other Tourist Destinations in Ozu, Ehime Photo：Aoshima's cats There are many sightseeing spots uncovered in the video. Iyo Ozu Sukunahikona Shrine, Aoshima, Tomisuyama Park (冨士山公園, Tomisuyama Koen), Yanetsukibashi Covered Bridge (屋根つき橋, Yanetsukibashi) (also known as Roman Yatsuhashi (浪漫八橋, Romanyatsuhashi)) and Sambaidani Waterfall (三杯谷の滝, Sambaidaninotaki) are just a few places to visit in Ozu. The "Kanko Sakura Festival" (観光さくらまつり, Kanko Sakura Matsuri), "Hataki Sakura Festival" (八多喜さくらまつり, Hataki Sakura Matsuri), "Suitengu Fireworks Festival" (水天宮花火大会, Suitengu Hanabi Taikai), "Nagahama Akahashi Summer Festival" (ながはま赤橋夏まつり, Nagahama Akahashi Natumatsuri), "Dragon Boat Festival" (ドラゴンボート大会, Dragon Boat Taikai), "Ozu Festival" (おおずまつり, Ozu Matsuri), "Ebisu Festival" (えびすまつり, Ebisu Matsuri) and "Gion Festival" (祇園まつり, Gion Festival) are some of the popular festivals in Ozu, Ehime. We recommend scheduling your trip around these events. You can't go wrong staying in Ozu, thanks to its abundant supply of Onsen Ryokan and hotels. Summary of Ozu, Ehime A lot of attractive tourist destinations are captured in this video. If you're interested, we recommend riding the all-red tourist train "Iyo-Nada Monogatari," shown in the video from 4:11, to access Iyo-Ozu Station. Ozu and the surrounding area was badly damaged by severe flooding in 2018, but the people are working together to restore the city. Be sure to go on a sightseeing trip to Ozu, Ehime to support the recovery effort! 【Official Website】Ozu, Ehime Prefecture City Hall Homepage http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.ozu.ehime.jp%2F&sandbox=1 【Tripadvisor】Ozu, Ehime https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1022355-Ozu_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku-Vacations.html

Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans This is a promotional video created by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, that introduces the production process of Marugame uchiwa fans, a specialty product of Marugame, Kagawa prefecture. The fascinating craftsmanship of these traditional artisans is a sight to behold. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read this article. The History of Marugame Uchiwa Fans Source :YouTube screenshot Marugame uchiwa fans are a craft that have been produced in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, also known as Sanuki, since the Edo period. Kagawa prefecture is promoted as the "Udon prefecture" by both the prefecture and the tourism association, with the local specialty being Sanuki Udon. Marugame uchiwa fans were invented by the chief priest of Konpira Shrine in the Edo period (1603 to 1868) as an affordable souvenir for visitors. It was made of inexpensive materials, was lightweight, and came in a variety of designs, making it the perfect regional specialty. It uses Washi which is strong, yet light, and other traditional Japanese materials that are easy to process, such as bamboo. The Marugame uchiwa fans of today refer to the Otokodake-Hirae design (男竹平柄) which was first created in Meiji era. (1868 to 1912) Long-jointed Otokodake is used as the material for the skeleton of the fan, but round Otokodake was used in the original fans. During the Tenmei era(1781 to 1789), when the Marugame clan warriors were making fans as a manual occupation, Onnadake-Marue(女竹丸柄) became mainstream, and in the Meiji era, the "Otokodake-Hirae" became more common as it was considered a simpler technique. The process of creating Marugame uchiwa fans is shown in detail from 0:16 in the video. Please enjoy the techniques of these Japanese artisans. Kagawa Prefecture's Marugame Uchiwa Fans as Souvenirs Source :YouTube screenshot These days, Japanese fans can be bought online, and they come in a variety of different designs and prices. There are cool traditional Japanese designs, cute flower patterns like morning-glory and Chinese bellflower, and artistic patterns that show off the craftsman's skills, making them a great gift for people who enjoy Japanese crafts and culture. Uchiwa no Minato Museum is located in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, and is operated by the Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association. It displays different kinds of Japanese fans such as Shibu Uchiwa (渋うちわ, Shibu-Uchiwa) and Ikkanbari, introduces the production process, and sells them as well. There's also a workshop where you can experience Japanese culture by creating an original and unique Japanese fan for yourself. Summary of Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans The Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association has also started putting effort into training successors of the traditional craft. Marugame uchiwa fans have been certified as a traditional Japanese craft since 1997. At the peak of their popularity in 1955, 120 million fans were produced. In the video we're shown the production process, and you can come to understand the beauty and appeal of the traditional Marugame uchiwa fans that have been passed down for generations. 【Official Website】Uchiwa no Minato Museum https://marugameuchiwa.jp/facility 【Official Website】Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

四国三大祭として知られる愛媛の新居浜太鼓祭り紹介 こちらの動画は「ANA Global Channel」が公開した「NIIHAMA TAIKO MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （新居浜太鼓祭り／愛媛）」です。 愛媛県新居浜市で開催される新居浜太鼓祭りを紹介します。 日本三大喧嘩祭りとして知られる新居浜太鼓祭りとは？ 愛媛県新居浜市の新居浜太鼓祭りは、秋の豊作を祝った神事です。 豪華絢爛で迫力のある日本の祭りで、県内外からたくさんの観光客が訪れます。 特徴的なのは、なんといっても巨大な神輿でしょう。 太鼓台と呼ばれる神輿を山車（だし）に積み、総勢150人余りの男性によって担がれます。 山車の長さは12メートルもあり、重さも3トンとかなり重い太鼓台を持ち上げる姿は圧巻の光景。 太鼓台の飾りも絢爛豪華で、金糸で刺繍された飾り幕など美しい神輿です。 2019年には、東京ドームで新居浜太鼓祭りが行われ、注目されました。 日本三大喧嘩祭りとして知られる新居浜太鼓祭りの歴史 愛媛の新居浜太鼓祭りの起源は、はっきりとわかっていません。 地域の伝承によると、太鼓台は秋の豊作を感謝して神さまに奉納しており、その起源は鎌倉時代や平安時代までさかのぼります。 江戸時代後期の文禄年間になると、太鼓台の記録が残っており、当時は太鼓台ではなく神輿太鼓と記載されています。 四国三大祭として知られる愛媛の新居浜太鼓祭りの魅力 愛媛県新居浜市の新居浜太鼓祭りの魅力は、太鼓台ごとに競い合う「かきくらべ」にあります。 重さ3トンもある太鼓台を必死で持ち上げて競う姿は大迫力。 太鼓台を高く担ぎ上げる「さしあげ」や、神輿を地面に降ろさずにどれくらい耐えられるかなどで競い合います。 とても白熱する祭りなので、喧嘩（鉢合わせ）が起こることもあり、それを楽しみに見物にくる観光客もいるそう。 とにかく熱く、男らしさが魅力の愛媛県新居浜市の新居浜太鼓祭りは一見の価値あり。 四国三大祭として知られる愛媛の新居浜太鼓祭り紹介まとめ エネルギッシュでパワーをもらえる日本の新居浜太鼓祭り。 興味をもった方はぜひ動画をご覧ください！

The World of Japanese Paper Is Deeper Than You Think This video, titled "Making the Thinnest Sheet of Paper in the World," was released by "Great Big Story." Introducing the characteristics, history, and production process of Tengu Joshi paper, a traditional craft of Kochi prefecture. English subtitles is also included for English-speakers. Japanese paper is a traditional culture of Japan. The process of making a single sheet of paper is filled with various considerations, from the selection of raw materials to the manufacturing process. Tengu Joshi paper made in Kochi prefecture is one of many Japanese papers. We hope that you'll take this video and article as an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture. A Closer Look at Japanese Paper Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see at 0:45 in the video, many people are involved in the making of Tengu Joshi paper. In this video, Mr. Hiroyoshi Chinzai, the president of Hidaka Washi Yugen Co., Ltd, explains about Tengu Joshi. In the video, he says he has a sense of responsibility for manufacturing and is challenging things that no one has before. What is Tengu Joshi Paper? Source :YouTube screenshot Tengu Joshi paper is a special Japanese paper made by Hidaka Washi Co., Ltd. in Kochi Prefecture. The diameter of the raw material, mulberry fiber, is 0.002 mm. It is the thinnest Japanese paper in the world. Tengu Joshi paper weighs 1.6 grams per square meter. A sheet of this amazing paper, at about half the size of a tatami mat, is lighter than two one-yen coins. The Roots of Tengu Joshi Paper Source :YouTube screenshot The knowledge required for the production of Tengu Joshi paper has been passed down from generation to generation, and continues to this day. It is said that the roots of Tengu Joshi paper is not based in Tosa, but in "Usumino" produced in Mino (present-day Gifu prefecture) around the 17th century. Tengu Joshi paper was created in the middle of the Meiji era (1868-1912). At that time, Kochi Prefecture had the production capacity to export wrapping paper, coffee filter paper, typewriter paper to Europe and the United States. In response to the need for rolled products, Hidaka Washi Co., Ltd. began to focus on mechanization and OEM production. The Process of Making Tengu Joshi Paper Source :YouTube screenshot First, "kozo," a type of hybrid mulberry, is purchased from farmers. The mulberry is then boiled to break it into fine fibers. The crushed mulberry is then mixed with water and kneaded to make a sheet. The resulting paper, made up of long fibers is highly transparent, strong, and supple. What is Tengu Joshi Paper Used For? Photo：Tokyo National Museum You might be wondering where Tengu Joshi paper is used. As it turns out, Tengu Joshi paper is used in various places. The National Archives of Japan, the Tokyo National Museum, and the British Museum are just a few examples. The paper is used to repair and protect deteriorated exhibits. The uses of Tengu Joshi Paper are expanding not only in Japan, but also overseas in places such as the United Kingdom. One could say that the paper is a technology recognized around the world. According to Mr. Chinzai Hiroshi, inquiries come from all over the world asking for Japanese paper that to restore exhibits, etc. In order to meet these needs, Tengu Joshi paper has been filled with innovations, such as using only natural fibers and dyeing the paper in colors suited to the object to be restored, during the raw material stage. Tengu Joshi Paper and Other Information Hidaka Washi Co., Ltd. doesn't just produce Tengujo paper either. They also provide thorough aftercare after delivery. One of the reasons why the world trusts them is that they carefully explain how to use their products. Tengu Joshi paper is also sold online, so if you're interested in getting some, considering checking it out. Tengu Joshi Paper Introduction Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Hidaka Washi Co., Ltd., founded in 1949, thoroughly selects the raw materials when making Tengu Joshi Paper. The completed Tengu Joshi paper is useful for national libraries and museums. In fact, you've probably seen it before and just didn't know. As you can see in the video, the world of Japanese paper is deeper than you'd guess. It will be interesting to see what kind of activities Hidaka Washi Co., Ltd., a company that specializes in the production of Japanese paper, will do in the future. 【Official Website】Hidaka Washi Co., Ltd. https://www.hidakawashi.com/

Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime - A Popular Tourist Destination in Japan This video, titled "Beautiful Japan- Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama" ([美しき日本] 愛媛　松山市道後温泉), was produced by N.a. It introduces the public bathhouse, Dogo Onsen, which is said to be the oldest spa resort in Japan, as well as other famous sites in Matsuyama. The focus of the video is the historical public bathhouse Dogo Onsen, which earned three stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan" and is also the first public bathhouse in Japan designated an Important Cultural Property. The video does a great job at capturing the appeal of the destination that is even mentioned in ancient Japanese mythology. The History of Dogo Onsen Source :YouTube screenshot At Dogo Onsen, the legend of the white egret has been passed down for centuries; legend tells of an egret soaking its injured wings in the hot spring and being cured. The locals who watched observed the miracle tried the hot spring for themselves and discovered its healing powers. Dogo Onsen is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Nihon Shoki, Manyoshu, Iyokoku Fudoki, and the Tale of Genji. It is counted as one of the Three Ancient Springs, with the two others are being Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen, and has 3000 years of history. The public bathhouse at Dogo has a restroom and drinking the green tea and confectioneries is provided in the admission fee. Besides Natsume Soseki, Dogo Onsen was a favorite retreat of many notable people, including Masaoka Shiki, a famous poet/author, Prince Shotoku, Issa Kobayashi, Hirobumi Ito (the first prime minister of Japan), and Kyoshi Takahama. You can enjoy traveling back in time by watching the video that tells of the history of Dogo Onsen. Dogo Onsen's hot spring water is simple alkaline, and it's known as a beauty spring, making it a popular destination for female travelers. Water is pumped directly from the natural hot springs without being reheated or mixed with cold water for controlling the temperature, so you'll feel the non-diluted, refreshing effects of the hot spring almost immediately. The hot spring is said to be effective in treating neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, skin disease, gout and anemia. The Attraction of Dogo Onsen's Main Building Photo：Dogo Onsen The main building of Dogo Onsen is allegedly an inspiration to Hayao Miyazaki's blockbuster Spirited Away. The stunning exterior is a combination of four buildings that were repeatedly expanded and remodeled over a period of 125 years. Full-scale conservation repair work was executed in January 2019. It has three different day-visit baths, known as Sotoyu. The Dogo Onsen Annex: Asuka no Yu features a large resting hall using traditional Ehime handcrafts. The admission fee is 610 Yen (as of November 2019). Two other day-visit baths are in the Dogo Onsen Main Building and the Dogo Onsen Tsubaki no Yu. Four different admission plans provide visitors with varying levels of access in the Main Building, and an English pamphlet provided at the counter will help you understanding the differences. "Shinrokaku," a taiko drum in the main building's tower, is sounded three times a day. You can see it being struck at 1:04 in the video. The sound of Dogo's taiko drum is listed in the government-led project "100 Soundscapes of Japan." All of the guests look up at the tower when it is sounded, providing a picturesque scene. Be sure to take some pictures for your Instagram! Tourist Spots Around Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Photo：Bocchan Train Dogo Onsen is 40-minute drive from Ehime Matsuyama Airport by limousine bus. From JR Dogo Onsen station, it's just a few minutes walking. You may be able to see the "Bocchan" train waiting at the station, a replica of a steam locomotive named after the Natsume Soseki novel "Bocchan". This old-fashioned train appears in the video at 0:30. Matsuyama castle is famous for cherry blossoms, and is one of only 12 castles that features a keep built prior to the Edo period (1603-1868). The Inland Sea and Matsuyama city can be seen from the keep. The castle is introduced at 0:41. Be sure to check it out! Summary of Dogo Onsen Photo：Matsuyama Castle There are many hotels and inns in the Dogo Onsen area, so you can enjoy a relaxing stay while going hot spring hopping. In recent years, Matsuyama has put efforts into art events to capture the attention of travelers looking for something new to experience, which makes the city a year-round destination in Ehime. The video tells of the long history and charms of Dogo Onsen. Perhaps you've come to understand what it is about Dogo onsen that made it loved by so many prominent historical figures. 【Official Website】Dōgo Onsen https://dogo.jp/en/ 【Official Website】Matsuyama City http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp%2F

An introduction to sightseeing in Matsuyama city, Ehime prefecture The video（松山市魅力発信映像 観光名所・施設） was created by "Ii, kagen. Matsuyama" (いい、加減。まつやま). It is a promotional video that introduces popular sightseeing spots in Matsuyama city, Ehime prefecture in Japan's Shikoku region (四国地方, Shikoku chihou). Matsuyama city is home to what is thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan- "Dogo Onsen." The city is dotted with many other sightseeing destinations as well; such as Matsuyama castle which is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring. In this article and video we would like to introduce you to some popular travel destinations and famous tourist attractions in Matsuyama. We will also talk about the various sightseeing spots introduced in the video via aerial photography. Matsuyama's beautiful scenery can be enjoyed not only during the daytime, but also at night when the city is lit up. What kind of sightseeing spots does Matsuyama have? Photo：Matsuyama city Matsuyama city is located in the northern Shikoku area, in Ehime prefecture. This region has a warm climate with very little rain, making it a very comfortable place to live. The population (based on data from January 2019) is roughly 514,900. If you’re travelling by plane, the nearest airport is Matsuyama airport (松山空港, Matsuyamakuukou). If you’re travelling by boat, the nearest port is Matsuyama Tourist Port (松山観光港, Matsuyama kankoukou) and if travelling by train, the city is easily accessible through JR Matsuyama station (松山駅, Matsuyamaeki). The tourist spots are all within close proximity to one another making it a convenient and popular city to travel around by public transport. Dogo Onsen- The sightseeing location that represents what Matsuyama is all about Photo：Dogo Onsen One of the symbols of Matsuyama city "Dogo Onsen", thought to be the oldest hot spring in Japan, is featured in the opening scenes of the video. Famous figures such as Natsume Souseki and Masaoka Shiki are known to have visited this hot spring. The unique and picturesque wooden three-story building has been renovated multiple times and as one of the first public bathhouses in Japan is an important cultural asset. If you take a day trip to Matsuyama we highly recommend you give it a visit! More sightseeing in Matsuyama - The history and culture of Matsuyama Photo：Bocchan Karakuri Clock 12 seconds into the video you can see the Bocchan Karakuri Clock (坊っちゃんカラクリ時計, Bocchan karakuridokei), a character from the famous Natsume Souseki novel Bocchan comes out from inside the clock accompanied by music once every hour. Right next to the clock is an area where you can relax and soak your feet in warm water directly from the Dogo Onsen hot springs. Another popular way to enjoy sightseeing around Dogo Onsen Station (道後温泉駅, Dougo onsen eki) is by rickshaw. Why not take a ride on the adorable Bocchan Ressha, a restored steam train that departs from Dogo Onsen Station? You can see this in the video at 0:17. Currently on display at Sakanouenokumo Museum are Meiji period exhibits like the Ryotaro Shiba (遼太郎司馬)and Masaoka Shiki exhibits. The undressed concrete building, designed by famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando, is a piece of art in itself. At 0:36 in the video you can take a look at the stunning Ehime Martial Arts Stadium (愛媛県武道館, Ehimeken budoukan), a beautiful wooden structure built from Ehime's locally grown timber. This magnificent building is as grand as the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. You can enjoy a variety of amusements at Matsuyama Central Park (松山中央公園, Matsuyama chuuoukouen) which houses Botchan Stadium (坊っちゃんスタジアム, Botchan sutajiamu), a tennis court, a pool and a large sporting area. The Matsuyama Shiki Memorial Museum (松山市立子規記念博物館, Matsuyamashiritsu shikikinen hakubutsukan) tells the story of famous haiku poet Masaoka Shiki and contains many other historic pieces of Matsuyama's literature as well. Matsuyama Castle Ninomaru Historic Site (松山城二之丸史跡庭園,Matsuyamajou ninomaru shisekikouen), which is also referred to as “Lovers Sanctuary”(恋人の聖地, Koibito no seichi), is a garden designed to recreate that of the Matsuyama feudal lord's residence and is popular with couples. It is also popular as a pre-wedding photography spot. Finally, from 0:53, they introduce Matsuyama Castle, a sightseeing spot you can't afford to miss on your trip to Ehime prefecture. As one of only 12 castles in Japan built before the Edo period (in 1603), this castle and castle tower are a must-see for history buffs and castle fans alike. There is also a brilliant view from the castle tower which overlooks the city out onto the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海, Setonaikai), and the castle is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring. Matsuyama sightseeing introduction summed up You can see all of the sightseeing destinations mentioned in this article in the video "Matsuyama city sightseeing spots and attractions." From hot springs and historic landmarks to cultural facilities such as museums and exhibitions, please use our video as inspiration for your next trip to Matsuyama! We hope after watching our video you are eager to visit! 【Official Website】Matsuyama City Hall https://www.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp/multilingual.html 【Official Website】Matsuyama tourist information site https://en.matsuyama-sightseeing.com/

Introducing a Tourism PR Video for Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture! This video, titled ""Niihama City Tourism PR Video 'Niihama, a Town Full of Smiles'" (新居浜市観光PR映像『笑顔あふれるまち新居浜』), was released by Niihama City. It introduces tourist information for Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture. Niihama, a city in Ehime Prefecture in Japan's Shikoku region facing the Seto Inland Sea, is an attractive destination with a mild climate. Niihama is home to many historical townscapes, Instagrammable locations with spectacular views of nature, and fun events. Popular Destinations in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The cherry blossoms at Dozan Pass (銅山峰) and the strange boulders of Dozan River are great tourist destinations for those looking to discover the beautiful nature of Japan's four seasons. We also recommend viewing the ocean scenery from the Kuroshima Seaside Park Observatory. The camphor tree at Ichinomiya Shrine is a national natural monument, and the ginkgo tree at Zuioji Temple is a natural monument designated so by the prefecture. If you're looking to go swimming, we recommend Marine Park Niihama, one of the largest beaches in Japan's Shikoku region. It can be seen at 1:01 in the video. Oshima is the birthplace of Yoshihiro Murakami, the former commander-in-chief of the Iyo navy. Enjoy Interesting Experiences in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture! Source :YouTube screenshot At Yuragi-no-Mori Forest Park on Mt. Besshi, you can enjoy gourmet food made from local ingredients and visit one of the largest wisteria trellises in Japan. This can be seen at 2:20 in the video. Also, as shown at 0:32 in the video, beautiful cherry blossoms can be seen blooming here in the spring. You can also enjoy a woodworking experience at Sakuraku Crafts (作楽工房, Sakuraku Kobo) inside the park. At the Ehime Prefectural Science Museum, visitors can learn about dinosaurs and experience a planetarium. You can also visit the Tonaru Historical Museum, the Besshi Copper Mine, and the Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Museum. Check Out Sightseeing Events in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture! Source :YouTube screenshot Niihama hosts many events throughout the year, such as the Niihama Noryosho Fireworks Festival in July, the Niihama Summer Festival in August, Egao Koshien (笑顔甲子園) for high school students, Nii no Imodaki (新居のいもだき), and Todo Okuri (とうどおくり) in winter. At the Niihama Taiko Festival, introduced at 3:48 in the video, you can see the unique parade of portable shrines called Hachiman Shrine Kakikurabe, as well as the lively nighttime drumming of Ojoin. Summary of Sightseeing in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot When you get off at JR Niihama Station, you'll be greeted by a large monument in the plaza. Niihama is also known as the hometown of Nana Mizuki, a popular voice actress, and many of her fans visit the city as a pilgrimage to see where she grew up. Be sure to check out the video and enjoy seeing what it's like traveling around and viewing the scenic beauty of Niihama in Ehime Prefecture! 【Official Website】Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture City Hall Website https://www.city.niihama.lg.jp.e.alz.hp.transer.com/ 【Tripadvisor】 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1022350-Niihama_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku-Vacations.html

About Susaki, Kochi Prefecture This is a promotional video for Susaki city, Kochi prefecture, located in Japan's Shikoku region, created by Shinjo-kun. Shinjo-kun is a popular mascot that represents Susaki city! What kind of sightseeing spots are there in Susaki? In this article, we'll introduce spots around Susaki where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and also recommend places where you can try the local cuisine. Enjoy a look at the beautiful scenery and delicious seafood available in Susaki city. Let's Take a Trip to Susaki! Photo：Image of the view from Yokonami Kuroshio Line A great way to enjoy the scenery in the Kochi area is to drive along the Yokonami Kuroshio Line, a road that connects the cities of Tosa (土佐市, Tosashi) and Susaki. The refreshing drive allows you to take in the sights of the natural scenery while providing smooth access to many of the tourist attractions in Susaki. If you're travelling by car, be sure to stop by Roadside Station Kawauso-no-sato (Otter Village) Susaki (かわうその里すさき, Kawausonosatosusaki), where you can try some of the local food and enjoy shopping. In 2018, a new attraction called Comodo Uranouchi (an inflatable obstacle course on the water) was opened and it has been increasing in popularity quite quickly. 58 seconds into the video you can see Sakoda knives (迫田刃物, Sakodahamono) being made, one of the many traditional crafts you can experience in Susaki, Kochi prefecture. Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Susaki City Photo：Otonashi Shrine In the Susaki city area, there are many temples and shrines you can visit, such as Otonashi Shrine (鳴無神社, Otonashi jinja), Suga shrine (須賀神社, Suga jinja), Daizenji temple (大善寺, Daizenji), and Hosshoji temple (発生寺, Hosshouji). If you would like to try something fun and exciting, why not visit Susaki when the Kamo shrine (賀茂神社, Kamo jinja) fall festival or Susaki festivals are being held? If you take part in one of these big events, you might get the chance to meet Susaki's popular character Shinjo-kun! If you're planning on staying at a hotel, we highly recommend a relaxing stay at the Soudayama Hot Springs (桑田山温泉, Soudayama onsen). Local Cuisine in Susaki Source :YouTube screenshot Looking out onto the vast Pacific Ocean, the warm waters of Susaki city are overflowing with fresh seafood. You can see fishing starting from 0:23 in the video. The town has a tradition of eating the highly nutritious moray eel. We recommend trying the deep fried Moray eel (ウツボの唐揚げ, Utsubo no karaage)! We also recommend trying Frigate tuna (ソウダガツオ, Soudagatsuo), known as Mejika in this area. Susaki city is also famous for producing soy sauce, a condiment that compliments the seafood caught in this area very nicely. A bottle of soy sauce, which has been produced in Kochi prefecture for over 100 years, is a great idea for a souvenir as well! At 1:19 in the video, you can witness the soy sauce manufacturing process at the Marukyou Miso and Soy Sauce Distillery (丸共味噌醤油醸造所, Marukyou miso shouyu jouzousho). As shown at 1:47 in the video, you can enjoy the taste of freshly caught fish in Susaki city by dipping it in the locally produced soy sauce. There are many restaurants in Susaki serving the local specialty Nabeyaki Ramen. You can't find it outside of this region, so definitely consider giving it a try. Summary of Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture This video introduces the beautiful natural scenery that changes season by season and delicious seafood unique to Susaki city. Watching this video will surely make you want to take a trip to Kochi prefecture! It's time to plan a visit to Susaki, a city where you can rediscover the charm and beauty of Japan. 【Official Website】Susaki city hall https://www.city.susaki.lg.jp/language/

愛媛県松山市の観光スポット紹介動画について こちらの動画は「「四国瀬戸内松山」松山市オフィシャル観光WEBサイト」が公開した「【松山市公式】観光PRチャンネル - matsuyama-sightseeing」です。 こちらで紹介するのは四国地方に存在する愛媛県。 人気の観光スポットを美しい映像で紹介します。 愛媛県松山市を紹介 こちらで紹介するのは、愛媛県松山市のポイントを1分49分にまとめた動画。 道後温泉の風景から始まり、松山城、愛媛県のご当地グルメである一六タルトや坊っちゃん団子が紹介されています。 その他にも大観覧車くるりん、松山空港などがご覧になれます。 愛媛県を訪れる際に知っておきたい観光地 動画で紹介されている道後温泉は日本三古湯とも呼ばれ、日本を代表する温泉として知られています。 松山市内を訪れた際は道後温泉で四国での旅の疲れを癒し、その後の観光プランを満喫できるよう英気を養ってみてはいかがですか。 日本を代表する小説家、司馬遼太郎が書いた坂の上の雲をテーマにした坂の上の雲ミュージアムも愛媛県で定番の観光地。 日本の文学や文化に慣れ親しみたい方は観光ルートに入れると良いかもしれません。 その他にも石手寺と呼ばれる寺も愛媛県松山市内で有名な観光地。 四国遍路で訪れる寺の1つで日本の寺や神社に興味ある方は一度訪れてはいかがでしょうか？ 愛媛県松山市を紹介まとめ 愛媛県松山市は「いで湯と城と文学のまち」というキャッチコピーを掲げています。 四国地方には魅力的な観光スポットがたくさんあるので、是非一度日本のグルメや文化、景色などを堪能しに訪れてみてはいかがですか。

高知県東洋町の魅力紹介動画のみどころ こちらの動画は「一般社団法人東洋町観光振興協会」が公開した、高知県東洋町の魅力がたっぷりつまったPR映像「高知県　東洋町PR動画　ロングバージョン　～身をゆだね触れて感じる～」です。 高知県東洋町は日本でも屈指のマリンスポーツの名所です。 海水浴やサーフィンをしに高知県だけでなく全国から多くの人たちが訪れます。 高知県東洋町の中でも特に生見サーフィンビーチは、屈指のサーフポイントとなっています。 生見海岸、室戸阿南海岸国定公園、白砂青松などそれぞれのビーチで海水浴を満喫できます。 海だけでなく、山の自然も豊富で清流野根川では、鮎釣りが盛ん。 山間を歩くことができる野根川街道は、参勤交代でも使われた古くから日本の伝統を守る道の１つ。 「四国のみち」環境省ルートの１つです。 高知県東洋町で伝統的な観光を 真砂瀬セラピーロードでは緑をいっぱい感じることができます。 その中でも春日神社の千年杉は歴史を感じることができるスポットの１つで、豊かな山の気候を活かした歴史的な産業も盛んです。 キャンプでも使われる土佐備長炭の産地でもあります。 観光だけでなく、日本の中でも高知県東洋町はさまざまな産業が盛んで日本の文化を支えています。 高知県東洋町紹介まとめ 日本の古きよき時代を感じるとともに、伝統的な非日常体験を味わいたい方は、高知県東洋町での観光を検討してみてはいかがでしょうか。

This video, titled "Soba Station Tour: Kitsune Udon (Takamatsu Station's Renrakusen Udon)" (【駅そば巡り】きつねうどん（高松駅の連絡船うどん）), was released by "Travel and Trains: Katsuhiko Hotta" (旅と鉄道・堀田勝彦). This video introduces the stand-up udon shop Renrakusen Udon at Takamatsu Station in Kagawa Prefecture. Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its udon noodles, and Renrakusen Udon (連絡船うどん) is a popular and famous restaurant at Takamatsu Station. In the video, you can see how the udon is eaten with a large piece of fried tofu.

Aizome Dyeing - A Traditional Japanese Craft This video, titled "A Traditional Aizome Dyeing Experience｜nippon.com" (昔ながらの藍染め体験 nippon.com), was released by "nippon.com." The video shows the traditional Japanese dyeing and weaving technique called "Aizome" (藍染, lit. "indigo dyeing") that has been passed down since ancient times in Japan. Those of you interested in traditional Japanese cultures have probably heard of it at one time or another. Kimono and other clothes dyed in indigo blue with "Ai-shiru" (liquid gathered from the leaves of the indigo plant) are resistant to fading and meet the demands of many people. It is also known outside of Japan as JAPAN BLUE. In this article we'll introduce the dyeing process. Be sure to follow along! Aizome Dyeing Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows an Aizome dyeing experience, and provides an easy-to-understand summary of the key points of Aizome. The Aizome dyeing experience shown in the video was taken at "Ai-no-Yakata" in Tokushima Prefecture. You can learn how to create beautiful works using the "Ai-Shiru." Ai-no-Yakata displays resources related to indigo, and is one of Tokushima Prefecture's most popular tourist sites. The Museum is closed on Tuesdays (excluding holidays) and December 28th to January 1st. What is Aizome? Photo：Aizome Aizome refers to dyeing products using indigo, a plant of the Persicaria family. In Japan, indigo dyeing is made from fermented "Persicaria tinctoria," or the Japanese indigo. Aizome was most widely spread in the Edo period (1603-1868). Tokushima Prefecture, as seen in the video, is particularly famous for its Aizome. There are also a number of facilities related to Aizome in Tokushima Prefecture. One of the characteristics of Aizome is that, despite it using one color, there is a wide range of colors used for it, including pale blue-green, light indigo, katsu-iro (a shade of blue darker than dark blue), tome-kon, and Usuai (light blue). Indigo contains polyphenols, and many manufacturers produce supplements and vegetable juice drinks with it. Facilities for Aizome in Tokushima Prefecture Photo：Aizome Workshop There are several facilities related to Aizome in Tokushima Prefecture, so if you want to learn about the history of Aizome, we recommend checking them out. In addition to "Ai-no-Yakata" shown in this video, the following places are also worth checking out. ・AIZOMEKOUGEIKAN (藍染工芸館) ・Awa Aizome Shijira-kan (阿波の藍染しじら館) ・Furusho-zome Kojo (古庄染工場) ・Waza-no-Yakata (技の館) "AIZOMEKOUGEIKAN" (Aizome Craft Workshop) in Tokushima City (徳島市), Tokushima Prefecture in Japan's Shikoku region, is the factory exhibition hall of Takumi Kagawa, the holder of the traditional technique of Awa Ai-gata dyeing. You can experience Aizome at the factory. The factory also sells gifts, like scarves and T-shirts. Awa Aizome Shijira-kan, located in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, offers a tour of the Awa Shijira weaving factory. You can enjoy an indigo dyeing experience here too. Furusho-zome Kojo, located in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture is a factory owned by Toshiharu Furusho. You watch aizome dyeing at the factory. Waza-no-Yakata in Itano District (板野郡), Tokushima Prefecture, is a facility where you can enjoy observing the process of Aizome and the making of Awa-wasanbon sugar, as well as hands-on experiences. Items Made With Aizome Aizome products range from hand towels, yukata, purses, stoles (shawls), dresses, and masks. They are available at shops at the craft museums and online shopping sites. The Process of Aizome - Learning From the Aizome Experience Video Source :YouTube screenshot "Ai-Shiru" (indigo liquid) is used for Aizome. From 0:19 in the video, you can see how a pattern is made by rolling the cloth around the chopsticks and squeezing it with rubber. Next, the cloth is soaked in the Ai-Shiru for approximately 60 seconds. You can see this step at 1:53 in the video. The process of taking it out of the Ai-Shiru and exposing it to air for roughly 60 seconds is repeated several times. When the fabric is sufficiently dyed with the Ai-Shiru, it is rinsed and then ironed. And the handkerchief is completed! No two pieces are the same when made with Aizome. You can see the completed work at 1:44 in the video. Aizome Summary Photo： Aizome Aizome has a long history as one of Japan's traditional cultures. If you're interested in learning more about this beautiful culture, consider visiting one of the facilities listed above and trying an Aizome experience. Don't forget to check their business hours and details. For those unable to visit the facilities, be sure to watch the video to see what Aizome is all about! 【Tripadvisor】Ai-no-Yakata https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121420-d3531647-Reviews-Ai_no_Yakata-Aizumi_cho_Itano_gun_Tokushima_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

Introducing Shodoshima in Kagawa Prefecture! "Shodoshima - Extremely Romantic" (小豆島　極上のロマンチック), produced by "Udon Prefecture," is a PR video for Shodoshima, a remote island floating in the Seto Inland Sea in Kagawa Prefecture, in Japan's Shikoku region. Photo：Shodoshima You'll have a great time exploring the unique sights of the island, such as Olive Park and Olive Beach, and Angel Road which only appears at low tide. Check out the video to see the many fascinating sights of Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea! A Look at Kagawa Prefecture's Shodoshima Island Photo：Terraced rice fields and mountains At 0:22 in the video, you can see the huge stone gate formed by nature, and a sacred site perched among the rocks. In addition to this, there are other spectacular views of strange rocks created by tectonic movements and erosion, such as Kasaneiwa and the large tengu rocks, as well as the Kankakei Gorge and the Shihoyubi Viewing Deck on the hills. These can be reached by the Kankakei Ropeway. We also recommend places such as Shiroyama Sakura Park, Nakayama Senmaida, and Shodoshima Hometown Village, that are overflowing with beautiful natural scenery. Other must-see locations include Dofuchi Strait, in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most narrow strait, the village used for filming "Twenty-Four Eyes," where you can enjoy the scenery of good old Japan, and there's also the peace group. You can see these from 1:23 in the video. Hoshoin no Shimpaku, which is over 1600 years old, is introduced at 1:37 in the video. It's a popular power spot. Enjoy Contemporary Art at Shodoshima, Kagawa Shodoshima is famous as an island of art, and the Setouchi Triennale was held there in 2019. Don't miss "Star Anger," the symbol of Sakate Port, where dragons sit perched and roaring. There's also the mythological painting "Shodoshima Enki Emaki" in the ferry waiting area, as well as "Kotsugiki Kinji," "Secrets of Hanajunami Island" and "The Gift of the Sun" scattered around the island. You can check these out at 1:55 in the video! Dining at Shodoshima, Kagawa From 0:33 in the video, we're shown "Hishionosato," a soy sauce brewery where Shodoshima's specialty soy sauce is made. On a tour of the moromi storehouse, you can see the traditional production process for the soy sauce. We recommend try the local specialty "soy sauce pudding" as well. If you're looking for some authentic Italian cuisine, we recommend the hideaway restaurant on the hilltop "Furyu,"where you can taste local ingredients, introduced at 1:05 in the video. Summary of Shodoshima, Kagawa Photo：Angel road As shown in the video, you can take a ferry to Shodoshima Tonosho and enjoy a superb view of the sea. Sightseeing destinations on the island can be conveniently accessed by bus or rental car. There's plenty of delicious food to be found on Shodoshima, such as somen noodles and olive oil, so we recommend purchasing some as souvenirs. In this article we introduced information about Shodoshima. We hope you have a better idea of what the island has to offer! Enjoy your stay! 【Official Website】Shodoshima, Kagawa Town Hall http://www.town.shodoshima.lg.jp/ 【Official Website】Shodoshima | Kagawa Tourism Association Official Site - Udon Travel Net https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/

The Islands of the Seto Inland Sea This time, we bring you a video with a superb view of the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The video “Kagawa's Best Holiday - Awashima, Shishijima, Ibukishima, and Shonai Peninsula" (かがわ極上休日　粟島・志々島・伊吹島・荘内半島), is produced by Kagawa Prefecture's channel “Udonken.” The Seto Inland Sea area, famous for the Seto Ohashi Bridge, which is introduced in this video, has about 700 islands and beautiful scenery. Shodoshima is one of the most famous islands in Shikoku, but the Seto Inland Sea has many other attractive and recommended tourist attractions. This video summarizes four recommended sightseeing spots in Awashima, Shishijima, Ibukijima and Shonai Peninsula all in under 3 minutes. Enjoy the video of these beautiful, natural tourist destinations. Awashima - Appreciating Art Photo： Awashima seen from Mt. Shiude About 15 minutes from Suda Port in Kagawa Prefecture, Awashima is characterized by its three-winged screw-like shape. It is known for being home to the National Maritime Training School founded in the Meiji era (1868-1912 AD) as well as the Awashima Ocean Memorial Hall. Saya Kubota's work, "The Missing Post Office," which stores letters in unknown boxes in a post office, and a buoy garden which is decorated with cute art using buoys floating on the sea, are also popular tourist attractions. We recommend taking your time and watching the sun set on the calm Nishihama beach. Shisijima - The Island Guarded by a 1,200 Year Old Giant Camphor Tree Photo：The Giant Camphor Tree of Shishijima From 0:51 in the video, you can see Shishijima, in Kagawa Prefecture, which is a small island characterized by mountainous terrain. The 1200-year-old camphor tree on the island is a large tree designated as a natural monument of the prefecture. You can see the enormous, powerful camphor tree from 1:01 in the video. Climb to Kusunokikura Observatory, where you can overlook the Seto Inland Sea, and enjoy the scenery in harmony with nature. Ibuki Island Photo：Iriko Ibukijima Island, seen at1:30 is a fishing town where Ibuki Irico, Kagawa's famous gourmet food, is actively fished. Ibuki Iriko is a dried sardine processed from Japanese anchovy caught on Ibuki Island. On the sea side of the island, there are many Iriko processing plants referred to as "Iriba." Visit unusual sights such as the Ibuki Folk Museum and the mysterious "Toilet House," an Instagram-worthy piece of art. The Seto Inland Sea's "Shonai Peninsula" Photo：The Shonai Peninsula seen from the main shrine "Takaya Shrine" Finally, we introduce the Shonai Peninsula, which can be seen from 2:04 in the video. From here, you can overlook the beauty of the Seto Inland Sea from the Shiudeyama Observation Deck. You can walk to Maruyama Island, a legendary place in Japan, where the legend of Taro Urashima remains, at low tide, from the Ninaihama Beach on the Shonai Peninsula. The end of the legend of Urashima Taro is also the grave of Urashima Taro. The Sanuki Misaki Lighthouse at the tip of Shonai Peninsula is also a great place to see! Other Remote Islands and Places to Visit in the Seto Inland Sea Photo：Evening view of Seto Bridge There are many other famous islands besides the islands introduced in this video. Awaji Island, the largest island in the Seto Inland Sea; Shodoshima, famous for the movie "Twenty-Four Eyes"; Teshima, Naoshima, and Megijima, where you can enjoy modern art; Ikuchijima, a sacred place for cycling; Suo-Oshima, called the "Hawaii of the Seto Inland Sea"; Mukaishima, the closest remote island to Hiroshima; Okinoshima, a former Japanese military fortress; Osaki Shimojima, the setting for Suntory's drinking water commercials; and Nekojima Sanagi Island. Don't miss the Setouchi International Art Festival, an event held on 12 islands and in two ports in the Seto Inland Sea! The Seto Inland Sea has many hot spring inns and hotels. The sightseeing plans, routes and courses are up to you! Enjoy your trip to the Seto Inland Sea as you please. Summary of the Seto Inland Sea's Islands Each of the islands featured in these videos has its own unique characteristics. Which one's your favorite? The islands around the Seto Inland Sea can be accessed by the Seto Inland Sea Steamship or cruise ferry. If you're looking for a sightseeing trip to some of Japan's most scenic spots, take a cruise tour to enjoy the beautiful islands of the Seto Inland Sea! 【Official Website】Kagawa Prefectural Government Homepage https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Kagawa Prefecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298231-Kagawa_Prefecture_Shikoku-Vacations.html

Ehime Prefecture's Matsuyama City, Toon City, and Tobe Town! This video was created by "[Matsuyama City Official] Sightseeing PR Channel- matsuyama-sightseeing" (【松山市公式】観光PRチャンネル - matsuyama-sightseeing), and is a sightseeing PR video for Ehime, titled "Matsuyama City, Toon City, and Tobe Town. Wide Range Sightseeing Video"（「松山・東温・砥部」広域観光映像）. Matsuyama City is the capital of Ehime Prefecture, and the largest city in Shikoku, with a population of over 500,000. In the Edo period (1603-1868), it flourished as a castle town centered on Matsuyama Castle. Today still, it has a rich atmosphere with Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen Bekkan Asukano Onsen, the oldest hot spring inn at Dogo Onsen. It's chock full of history. It is also has ties to important cultural figures such as Masaoka Shiki and Natsume Soseki, and has become a stage for many Japanese literatures, such as "Botchan" and "Sakano Ueno Kumo." It is visited by many tourists every year. In this video, we introduce the charms of Toon city, a mountain pass adjacent to Matsuyama city, and Tobe town, referred to as the village of pottery and mandarin oranges. Let's visit the popular tourist spots around Matsuyama city! Spring Highlights - Shigenobugawa Riverbed Cherry Trees Photo：Matsuyama Castle Matsuyama Castle is famous as the largest tourist spot in Ehime Prefecture. It's introduced from the beginning of the video, at 0:10. Historic Japanese buildings also attract many visitors every year. The beauty of the illuminated Matsuyama Castle Garden and the sunset is a sight to behold. 2:13 in the video has some superb views of these. Matsuyama city is warm and has little rainfall, making it a comfortable place to stay, and you can enjoy various activities there as well. In particular, the cherry blossoms lining the Shigenobu River connecting Toon City and Matsuyama City is spectacular. It is a must-see for anyone sightseeing in Matsuyama City. The video also shows some stunning cherry blossom spots from 0:15. In addition, you can see the natural scenery of Choushi Falls in Tobe Town, the fresh greenery of the Hirota area, Mt. Tobe, and the cabbage fields in the area. As you can see, there are many instagrammable places to see around Matsuyama City in the spring. Shiogamori Furusato Park, the Youkou cherry blossoms of Akasaka Izumi, and the Nanaori Koume are also worth checking out when sightseeing in Matsuyama. Summer Highlights - The Mitsuhama Fireworks Festival Photo：Mitsuhama Fireworks Festival Matsuyama city in summer is also full of attractions! Our top recommendation is the Mitsuhama Fireworks Festival, the climax of the Matsuyama Port Festival. You can see a magnificent view of 10,000 fireworks coloring the night sky in Matsuyama City. This is shown at 0:53 in the video. It's a popular event visited by about 230,000 people. Ehime Prefecture is one of the most prominent mountainous areas in Japan, and there are many terraced paddy fields on steep slopes. At sunset, you can see a stunning collaboration of ears of rice, the fresh green of the surrounding mountains and the reddish-brown sky, and you will be able to see the original landscape of Japan that was almost forgotten. At sunset, you can see a collaboration between the ears of rice and surrounding mountains as they blend in with the madder red sky to create a scenery of a Japan long forgotten. Taking a leisurely stroll along the riverside in Mitsu is a great way to cool off as well. Autumn Highlights - Autumn Leaves in the Namegawa Valley Photo：Namegawa Valley The fall of Matsuyama, where the sea and the mountains are close together. Autumn is a colorful season in Matsuyama. The sea and mountains are nearby, and the changing of the leaves makes for a wonderful sight. There are plenty of places to visit as well, such as Namegawa Valley, Karasaki Falls, Senba Valley, Touritani Pond, Shiraino Falls, and more. The red color of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture is introduced at 1:47 in the video. Fall is also sports season! That being said, it's nice to go jogging while enjoying the autumn leaves at Toon City General Park. You can also experience the winter season with the entirety of Namegawa Valley covered in snow from 2:27. Enjoying the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons is one of the attractions of Matsuyama, Toon, and Tobe in Ehime Prefecture. Sightseeing Information for Tobe-Cho Tobe is known for its pottery and mandarin oranges. The vast orange fields in Tobe are introduced at 2:41 in the video. Tobe ware, a traditional Japanese craft and intangible cultural property, is a style of pottery with a history of more than 240 years. To this day, Tobe is still one of Japan's leading pottery towns. The workshop in Tobe, where you can experience pottery making, is a popular tourist spot, and there are plenty of souvenirs made using Tobe-cho's specialty oranges. Dining in Matsuyama Matsuyama City is also known as a fishing town, being home to both Matsuyama and Mitsuhama Ports. The red sea bream is particularly famous, so when you come to Matsuyama, we recommend trying out the famous sea bream rice near the hotels, historical sites, and Dogo Onsen. Summary of Sightseeing in Matsuyama Photo：Matsuyama city In this article, we introduced sightseeing spots in Matsuyama city, Toon city, and Tobe town in Ehime prefecture, and in the video, we're shown beautiful 8K images of them. Matsuyama City is a place where you can enjoy seafood and local cuisine with little rainfall throughout the year. There are many sightseeing spots besides Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen too, so we recommend checking them out when you have time. Be sure to watch the video created by the "Municipal Tourism Cooperation Promotion Council" led by Matsuyama City. Are you packing your bags for Ehime yet? 【Official Website】Matsuyama City, Ehime City http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp%2F

This video is titled "Noichi Zoological Park PV." It was released by Noichi Zoological Park. The video shows the inside of the popular Noichi Zoological Park. Noichi Zoological Park was ranked number one on TripAdvisor's "Top 10 Zoos in Japan 2019." Noichi Zoological Park in Kochi Prefecture is a zoo full of nature and features exhibits that recreate the animals' natural habitats. There are also events held at the zoo regularly. Monthly events include a tour of the park with the zoo director, where you can enjoy listening to interesting stories about the park. The horse and guinea pig petting area is a popular spot for children. At the otter exhibit, three different species of otters are on display! It's a zoo full of things to see and do!

The Popular Awa Odori Dance Festival of Tokushima This video, titled "AWA ODORI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - Festival (Awa Odori Dance Festival/Tokushima)" (AWA ODORI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （阿波踊り／徳島）), was uploaded by ANA Global Channel. It introduces the Awa Odori Dance Festival of Tokushima. Among the various festivals held in Japan throughout the year, Tokushima's Awa Odori Dance Festival is one of the most famous and popular festivals among Japanese people. In this article, we'll introduce the origins and history of the Awa Odori Dance Festival, as well as some nearby tourist attractions! The History of the Awa Odori Dance Festival Photo：Taiko drums at Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture The Awa Odori Dance Festival is a festival with a history dating back more than 400 years in Tokushima, which was once referred to as Awa Province. The festival's history dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1868) when indigo merchants in the Awa Province enjoyed the entertainment of geisha. After the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the content of the dance became gradually more refined. If you want to learn more about the history of the Awa Odori Dance Festival, we recommend visiting Awaodori Kaikan, a museum in the center of Tokushima City. More About the Awa Odori Dance Festival Photo：Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture Bon dances and festivals are held in many parts of Japan during the Obon season. The Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima is one of the bon festival events, and is called "Awa no Bon Odori." It is held from August 12th to 15th every year. The scale of the event is so large that it is considered one of the three major Bon Dances in Japan and one of the three major festivals of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s major islands). More than 100,000 dancers participate in the Awa Odori Dance Festival, and over a million visitors come to the festival each year. From just the sheer number of visitors, it's easy to understand that it's a popular festival that represents Japanese culture. Feel the Heat of the Awa Odori Dance Festival! Photo：Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture As you can see at 8:26 in the video, the music of Tokushima's Awa Odori uses traditional Japanese instruments, such as drums, gongs, flutes, and shamisen. The people who join the dance wear kimono or yukata, braided hats, geta (wooden clogs) and carry lanterns. There are two types of dances, men's dance and women's dance, be sure to watch both as they're quite different. At the end of the festival, more than 1,000 people dance in unison, and the streets are filled with music and cheering. If you want to experience the power of the festival with a good view, we recommend purchasing bleacher seats, like the ones shown in the video. By joining the "Niwaka-ren" dance group on the day of the festival, you can have a blast dancing at the festival! This can be seen at 11:18 in the video. Summary of Tokushima's Awa Odori Dance Festival Photo：Awa Odori, Tokushima Prefecture The Awa Odori Dance Festival is a traditional festival that shows us the beauty of Japan through traditional performing arts. There's a saying in Japanese that goes “Odoru aho ni miru aho, onaji aho nara odoranya son son” (踊る阿呆にみる阿呆、同じ阿呆なら踊らにゃ損々), which roughly translates to "If the dancer is a fool, so too then is the spectator, so why not everybody dance?!" Joining in the Awa Odori Dance Festival will make for an unforgettable experience! 【Tripadvisor】Awa Odori https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298236-d10019439-Reviews-Awa_Odori-Tokushima_Tokushima_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

The Matsuyama "Dansemble"! Introducing Matsuyama Castle Through an Entertaining Dance Performance! This video, titled "(Matsuyama City Official PR Video) Matsuyama Castle 'Dansemble'" (【松山市公式PR動画】 松山城 「段サンブル」) was created by "Matsuyama City Official Sightseeing PR Channel - matsuyama-sightseeing" (【松山市公式】観光PRチャンネル - matsuyama-sightseeing). The video opens with Matsuyama Castle's mascot "Yoshiaki-kun" (よしあきくん) and then proceeds to introduce the castle itself starting with the castle keep from 0:03. From 0:09 in the video you can see the ropeway that takes visitors to the mountaintop station "Chojaganaru" (長者ヶ平). Other spots around the castle are also introduced, including the Japanese armor experience corner, the gates Tonashimon (戸無門), Kakuremon (隠門), Taikomon (太鼓門), and Ichinomon (一ノ門), as well as Kotenshu (小天守) and Honmaru Hiroba (本丸広場). Matsuyama Castle staff and visitors give a tour of each area whilst performing a comical and entertaining dance. More About the History and Highlights of Matsuyama Castle Photo：Matsuyama Castle, Ehime Prefecture Matsuyama Castle is located in Matsuyama City (松山市, matsuyamashi), Ehime Prefecture and also goes by the names Kinki-jo (金亀城) and Katsuyama-jo (勝山城). The name Iyo Matsuyama Castle (伊予松山城, iyomatsuyamajou) is also used to distinguish Matsuyama Castle in Ehime Prefecture from the Matsuyama Castle of a different area. Matsuyama Castle was built by Yoshiaki Kato (加藤嘉明) in 1602 after the Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い, sekigaharanotatakai) and Gamo Tadatomo (蒲生忠知) later became the first feudal lord of the Matsuyama Domain in Iyo Province. Matsuyama Castle's mascot "Yoshiaki-kun" was named after Yoshiaki Kato. The large castle tower, which is one of twelve castle towers built before the Edo Period (1603 AD - 1868 AD), has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The castle buildings are spread across several areas of the mountain: the Honmaru (本丸, inner bailey) is situated on top of the mountain, Ninomaru (二の丸, outer bailey) and Sannomaru (三の丸, third bailey) at the southwest foot of the mountain, Kitakuruwa (北曲輪) to the north at the foot of the mountain, and Higashikuruwa (東曲輪) to the east, also at the foot of the mountain. From the top of the main tower you can get a spectacular view of the Matsuyama plains (松山平野, matsuyamaheiya) as well as the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海, setonaikai). The stone wall or "Noboriishigaki" (登り石垣), which surrounds the Ninomaru and Honmaru castle buildings was designed to protect the castle, and the entire Shiroyama Park area (城山公園, shiroyamakouen), which includes Horinouchi (堀之内) is an important Japanese historic site. Highlights of Matsuyama Castle Photo：Matsuyama Castle light up, Ehime Prefecture Matsuyama Castle came in second on Trip Advisor's list of top Japanese Castles in 2014. It has also been voted as one of the top three hilltop castles in Japan, one of Japan's 100 most famous castles, one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, one of the top 100 historic spots of Japan, and also one of the top 100 historic parks of Japan (in 2006). Matsuyama Castle can be enjoyed during the day but also looks spectacular lit up at night. The beautiful historical garden "Shisekiteien" (史跡庭園) and Horinouchi Park (堀之内公園, horinouchikouen) are fantastic places to enjoy nature and many people visit each year for cherry blossom viewing and birdwatching. Summary of Matsuyama Castle Photo：Cherry blossoms & Matsuyama Castle, Ehime Prefecture If you decide to visit Matsuyama Castle, you're likely to be greeted by some of the friendly staff featured in this PR video. If you enjoyed watching the video, consider planning a trip to Matsuyama for some sightseeing! There are many tourist spots in the area surrounding the castle, such as the famous hot spring "Dogo Onsen" (道後温泉). Ichiroku Tart (一六タルト) and mandarin oranges ("mikan" in Japanese) make great souvenirs from this area! ◆Matsuyama Castle｜General Information◆ 【Address】Matsuyama Castle General Office (総合事務所, sougoujimusho), Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama City, Okaido (大街道, ookaidou) 3-2-46 【Access】5 minute walk from Iyotetsu Jonan Line (伊予鉄道城南線, iyotetsudoujounansen) Okaido station. 【Admission Fee】Adults – 520 yen, Children – 160 yen 【Average Time Spent Here】60-90 minutes 【Parking】Available (fee required) 【Telephone】Matsuyama Castle General Office 089-921-4873 【Tripadvisor】Matsuyama Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298230-d320876-Reviews-Matsuyama_Castle-Matsuyama_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku.html