Video introduction of the Mifune Festival at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "Hotaka Shrine, Ofune Matsuri" (穂高神社御船祭り), was uploaded by "Azumino TV" (あづみ野テレビ). Ofune Matsuri (festival) is held at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino, Nagano, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. The video shows how the entire community, from children to adults, work together during Ofune Matsuri. The massive floats crashing into one another is quite the contrast to the cute shrine maidens dancing at the beginning of the video! Be sure to check out the video to see what the festival is like before reading along! Ofune Matsuri, a Historic Festival Dating Back 1,500 Years Source :YouTube screenshot Ofune Matsuri, designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano Prefecture, is a festival held annually from September 26 to September 27 at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino, Nagano. The origin of Ofune Matsuri dates back to the 6th century A.D. The festival celebrates the history of the migration and settlement of the Azumi people, the ancestors of both the seafaring tribes of Kyushu and the people living in present-day Azumino City. It's also said to be an event to mourn the death of Azumi no Hirafu, who is said to have died as a general in the Battle of Baekgang. A total of five floats are used during the festival, including six-meter-tall adult boats and slightly smaller children's boats. The floats are shaped like ships in reference to the migration of the seafaring people, and the floats are decorated with handmade Hotaka dolls depicting various aspects of history. [Video] 0:01 - Hotaka Dolls The floats carrying the Hotaka dolls, which have been passed down by the people of Azumino, are pulled through each town and then converge at Hotaka Shrine. The crowd goes wild as the two "adult" floats, clash violently with each other to the accompaniment of music performed by children from the community, making this one of the highlights of Ofune Matsuri. [Video] 0:37 - A Clash of Floats to the Sound of Music Deities and Other Information For Hotaka Shrine Photo：Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The deities enshrined at Hotaka Shrine are Watatsumi no Mikoto, the god of the sea; Hotakami no Mikoto, the ancestor of the Azumi people and son of Watatsumi no Mikoto; and Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu no Mikoto. The shrine is dedicated to several dignified deities and is believed to bring good fortune, business prosperity, traffic safety, success in academic studies, and marital bliss, and many good luck charms can be purchased at the shrine. Also, on the grounds of Hotaka Shrine is the largest stainless steel Dosojin (guardian deity of travelers) of health and longevity in Japan, which was constructed in 2013 to commemorate Nagano Prefecture's recognition as the prefecture with the longest life expectancy in Japan and is said to bring blessings of health and longevity and good luck in marriage. Shuin stamps are available at the main shrine of Hotaka Shrine from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. In addition, limited edition shuin stamps are distributed during New Year holidays, the Bokusho Festival, and the annual festival, so if you're collector, consider visiting the shrine during these times. If you visit the Mine-miya (shrine located on a peak), you can also receive a special shuin stamp. Tsukimairi is an occasion to express gratitude for a successful month and pray for blessings in the new month. The tsukimairi shuin stamp with beautiful seasonal designs of Hotaka Shrine changes its design each month. Seeing the different stamp designs will make you want to visit to collect them all! Explore Hotaka Shrine at Myojin Pond – A Power Spot Surrounded by Nature Photo：The inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Myojin, an hour's walk from Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi Bridge) at Kamikochi. An inner shrine, "okumiya" in Japanese, is a shrine located at the top or middle of a mountain when a particular shrine has several smaller shrines. Myojin Pond near the shrine is said to be a sacred place where prayers for rain have been held since ancient times. On October 8 each year, a festival is held to pray for the safety of hikers and to express gratitude to the mountains by taking two boats around Myojin Pond. Myojin Pond does not freeze over in the winter due to springs and underground water. It is also called "Kagami-ike" (mirror pond) because of this, and its calm surface reflects the natural beauty of the area throughout the year. There is a 300 yen entrance fee to visit Myojin Pond. A Bamboo Lantern Festival, Wind Chime Festival, and Other Events at Hotaka Shrine Photo：The bamboo lantern festival at Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano In addition to Ofune Matsuri, Hotaka Shrine also hosts a variety of other seasonal events. Every year on a weekend in December, a lantern festival called "Kamiakari" is held for several weeks at night. Approximately 10,000 bamboo lanterns are lined up, creating a mysterious atmosphere in the shrine grounds. If you come with a candle lighter (utility lighter) by the designated time, you may be able to participate in the lighting ceremony. Azumino, Nagano is known as a summer resort in Japan. Every year in July and August, a wind chime festival is held at Hotaka Shrine. Wind chimes of various shapes and colors are decorated with strips of paper with wishes attached to them, and the cool sounds of the wind chimes are played under the eaves of the Kagura Hall (Shinto music and dancing hall) in front of the main shrine building. This Origin of Festivals in Japan Photo：People carrying a portable shrine at a festival The Japanese word "matsuri" (祭り), meaning "festival," comes from the word "matsuru" (祀る), which means "to give thanks to the gods." Festivals in Japan can be traced back to Japanese creation myths and Shinto gods, such as Amaterasu, the sun goddess. During the Heian Period (794-1185 AD), portable shrines became common in festivals, which allowed the gods to leave from the shrines and go into town where the people were. Today, there are many festivals throughout the year in Japan, including summer festivals full of fireworks and more. Things to Do Near Hotaka Shrine Photo：Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto, Nagano Hotaka Shrine is located just 30 minutes north of Matsumoto by train. There are a number of things to see and do in Matsumoto, so below we'll list a few. Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle is one of the 12 castles in Japan with an original castle keep. It's one of the most beautiful castles in Japan and has a striking appearance with black walls and roof tiles and is surrounded by a moat filled with koi. The inside of the castle is filled with guns and armor that would have been used by samurai during battles, and visitors can enjoy climbing the steep staircases, while looking out the loopholes for guns and arrows. Upon reaching the top of the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Matsumoto. Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) Closed: Year-end holidays (December 29-31) Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen ※Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Japan Ukiyo-e Museum The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum in Matsumoto was established to collect, manage, and study ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints). If you're interested in Japanese art, the museum has a fine collection of pieces to explore. Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed: Mondays and year-end/New Years holidays ※If Monday is a holiday, the museum will be closed the following Tuesday Admission Fee: Adults: 1,000 yen, junior high/high school/university students: 500 yen, elementary school students and younger: free Kamikochi Kamikochi is a highland valley in Chubu Sangaku National Park that is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Japan. The Kamikochi area is surrounded by mountains and through it runs beautiful streams. There's also an abundance of wildlife in the lush forests in the area, and visitors can even see monkeys near the famous Kappa Bridge. The area is great for enjoying some light hiking and fresh air. To get to Kamikochi, it's recommended that you reserve a bus in advance, as it can often be crowded. Summary of Festivals at Hotaka Shrine Photo：Myojin Pond at the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The traditional culture inherited by the people of Azumino has a history and background that's so old that it's hard to imagine that it comes from Nagano Prefecture, which does not face the sea. In the video you can see the floats decorated with Hotaka dolls crashing into one another! if you decide to visit the festival, don't forget to take photos! Hotaka Shrine and Myojin Pond are easily accessible as well, so be sure to stop by when you come to see Ofune Matsuri, or visit the area on a trip. 【Official Website】Hotaka Shrine 【TripAdvisor】

Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture "Winter Blooming Sakura Light-up" Video Introduction This video, titled "【4K】2022 Hirosaki Park 'Sakura Illumination Blooming in Winter'" (2022年 弘前公園「冬に咲くさくらライトアップ」【4K】 2022 Hirosaki Park 'Sakura Illumination Blooming in Winter), was uploaded by "TheEAGLEBOM." Did you know that you can see cherry blossoms blooming in the snow? We hope you'll enjoy these winter cherry blossoms filmed at night at Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki, Aomori, in Japan's Tohoku region. Snow piles up on the cherry blossoms, which are imbued with a light pink hue. It truly looks as though these cherry blossoms are actually in full bloom. The snow gathering on the river's surface is reminiscent of cherry blossoms floating on the surface of the water, and stretches out like a carpet of petals. Keep thoughts of spring in your mind as you enjoy this supremely breathtaking scenery, dyed in a heart-warming pink. [Video] 2:39 – Snow Floating on the Water Like Cherry Blossoms Hirosaki Park and Its Popular Winter Cherry Blossom Illumination Photo：The winter cherry blossoms illumination at Hirosaki Park What exactly are these season-defying winter cherry blossoms? Well, in reality, this winter cherry blossom illumination makes use of the fact that snow accumulated on the branches of cherry trees makes it look like the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. This illumination event takes place during winter at Hirosaki Park, in Hirosaki, Aomori. The inspiration for the event came from a single photo taken by a member of the regional development team. The photo caused a stir on social media, with commenters unable to tell whether it was taken in spring or winter. The event carries with it the feelings of Hirosaki citizens who long to see the warming views of cherry blossoms in the cold of winter. Illuminated in pink in the moat surrounding Hirosaki Park, the subtle coloring almost makes it look as if the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and help onlookers to forget about the cold weather. To see the cherry blossoms, you'll need to arrive the same day the snow settles on the branches. The best days to see the cherry blossoms are on days when it snows heavily and it's not too cold or windy. [Video] 0:53 – What Inspired the Illuminations? What are the duration and hours of the Winter 2023-2024 "Winter Blooming Sakura Light-up"? Photo：Weeping cherry blossoms of snow at Hirosaki Park Winter 2023 will be held as follows.I hope you have a heartwarming time with your lover, family, and loved ones. The recommended time to visit the cherry blossom light-up in winter is from late December to mid-February. [Period] December 1, 2023 - February 29, 2024 *The lights may be turned off from December 1st to 7th due to equipment adjustment. [Lighting time] Sunset to 21:00 *Extended from December 22nd to January 3rd, and from February 9th to 14th until 23:00 [Parking] Hirosaki City Tourist Hall/Underground Parking Lot (24 hours in and out) 2-1 Shimo-Shirogane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture (Otemon/Hirosaki City Hall Headquarters Soba) *Parking is free for one hour [Parking] Hirosaki City Tourist Hall/Underground Parking Lot (24 hours in and out) 2-1 Shimo-Shirogane-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture (Otemon, near Hirosaki City Hall headquarters building) *1 hour free parking Hirosaki City Hall (7:00~21:30) 1-1 Kamishiroganmachi, Hirosaki City (Otemon soba) *1 hour free parking *Please note that you cannot leave the warehouse after 21:30 just before lighting up ends Outair Motoko-cho (24-hour entry and exit allowed) 2 Motoko-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture (near the main building of Hirosaki City Hall, Otemon) Springtime at Hirosaki Park – Spectacular Cherry Blossom Illuminations! Photo：Hirosaki Park cherry blossom illumination, Aomori Prefecture From the end of April and throughout Golden Week (a period of around one week at the end of April/beginning of May containing a number of Japanese national holidays), Hirosaki Park hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival" (弘前さくらまつり, hirosaki sakura matsuri), timed to coincide with the cherry blossom season. This cherry blossoms festival at Hirosaki Castle has been touted by some as the best in Japan. The rooftop of Hirosaki City Hall - usually inaccessible to the public - is opened up, and the festival receives over 2 million visitors each year. While the location of the "cherry blossoms heart" popular on Japanese social media is sadly not in the public domain, we hear that there will be heart shaped tree stumps placed to lead you in the right direction. Be sure to keep an eye out for it as you explore the park! What's more, during the cherry blossoms festival there's a special train linking Hirosaki to other famous cherry blossoms spots around Japan's northern Tohoku region. Why not take a ride and go on a tour to view the cherry blossoms? [Cherry blossoms Festival Opening Dates] 　Late March–Early May (Generally held to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossoms) [Hours] 　Special nighttime lighting (illuminations): Sundown – 8:30 p.m. 　※Subject to change depending on cherry blossom blooming conditions. The Colorful Autumn Illuminations of Hirosaki Park Are a Must-See as Well! Photo：Hirosaki Park's autumn illumination In the fall, the autumn leaves that have for so long added a touch of color to Hirosaki Castle, the symbol of this ancient Japanese city, are brightly illuminated. The elegant lights, which are as beautiful as any other seasonal light up, are sure to impress. While enjoying the various events and stalls, visitors can catch a glimpse of Hirosaki's history by viewing the old castle in its colorful autumn attire and the autumn leaves adorning the castle walls. [Hirosaki Castle Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves Festival Dates] 　Late October–Early November [Hours] 　Sundown – 8:00 p.m. And as the 1000 Japanese maples and 2600 cherry blossom trees take on the colors of fall, make sure you don't forget to check out the giant 300-year-old ginkgo tree, "Neagari Icho" (lit. lifted-root ginkgo, so named for its exposed roots). Hirosaki Park Illuminations: Roundup With illumination events in each season, Hirosaki Park, located at Hirosaki Castle, a symbol of the historical Japanese city, adds a layer of excitement to the beauty of its bountiful nature. This place deserves a spot in any travel itinerary, no matter the season, as it's one of the most popular places to visit in Japan's Tohoku region. Take your family, friends, or loved one with you, and breathe in the history in this vast park! ◆Hirosaki Park◆ 【Address】1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 【Admission Fee (for paid areas）】 　[Hirosaki Castle center/northern section] Adults: ¥320 | Children: ¥100 　[Hirosaki Castle Botanical Garden] 　Adults: ¥320 | Children: ¥100 　[Discount bundle tickets for the above areas] Adults: ¥520 | Children: ¥160 【Hours】Please check the official website for opening times for paid areas. 【Access】 　On foot from Hirosaki Station (弘前駅, hirosaki-eki): Around 30 minutes 　Taxi from Hirosaki Station: Around 10 minutes 　From Hirosaki Station by bus: 4 minutes on foot when disembarking from the City Hall (市役所前, shiyakushomae) 【TripAdvisor】Hirosaki Park

The Otaue Rice Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: Video Introduction This video, titled "Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine's Otaue Rice Planting Festival" (大阪・住吉大社「御田植」 3年ぶりに歌や踊りも披露), was uploaded by KYODO NEWS. The "Otaue Shinji (rice planting ritual)" is usually held on June 14 to pray for a bountiful harvest. It was suspended after the Corona disaster, but will be restored in 2022. The video shows how the "ueme" (rice planting maidens) receive the seedlings from the gods and how the farmers plant them in the paddy fields on the shrine grounds, as well as the samurai event and the dancing of the yaotome maidens. Be sure to check out the footage of the Otaue Festival held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in the video. The Otaue Rice Planting Festival of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: History, Etc. Photo：The samurai procession during the Otaue Rice Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka, Japan The history of the rice planting ritual held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is long, dating back to the time when the legendary Empress Jingu was enshrined at the shrine, according to legends. It appears that the festival was held on a large scale as well, as there are records of performing arts such as sarugaku and dengaku being performed during the Kamakura period (circa 1185-1333 A.D.). Although the festival was in danger of being discontinued during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912 A.D.), it has continued to survive to the present day and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government of Japan. It's also known as one of the three major rice planting festivals in Japan, along with the festivals held at Katori Jingu Shrine and Izawa no Miya Shrine. The rice planting festival of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine has many highlights. The first is the dance performed in the center of the rice field by the yaotome. Eight Yaotome dancers dance around an umbrella to the accompaniment of songs sung by the priests. [Video] 0:06 - Yaotome Dancing There is also a samurai procession, in which brave warriors in armor appear. It is said that the warriors prayed for the longevity of their military fortunes, and the highlight of the festival is the warriors showing off their military prowess. The event is also believed to be a prayer to ward off evil spirits. [Video] 0:18 - The Samurai Procession The children can also be seen performing the traditional rice planting dance and songs for the first time in three years, reviving one of the highlights of the festival. [Video] 1:09 - The Rice Planting Song and Dance Another highlight of the festival is the Sumiyoshi Odori dance, performed in unique costumes to the sound of tapping umbrella handles. Deities Worshipped at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Photo：Hatsutatsu-mairi, a visit to four shrines, at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is said to have been established approximately 1,800 years ago. The shrine was originally built by Empress Jingu upon her safe return from the Silla (an ancient Korean kingdom) invasion. It is also known as the head shrine of the more than 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines throughout Japan. The three deities of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine are Sokotsutsuno-o no Mikoto, Nakatsutsuno-o no Mikoto, and Uwatsutsuno-o no Mikoto. Amaterasu and Empress Jingu are also enshrined here as well. These gods were born when Izanagi no Mikoto cleansed the land. These deities are said to have been born when Izanagi no Mikoto performed misogi (A Shinto water purification ritual), and are said to protect against all kinds of misfortune by purifying the body and mind. Many Japanese shrines use dragons as motifs for their handbasins, but Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine uses rabbits. There is also a "nade-usagi" (petting rabbit) made of stone on the shrine grounds that can be stroked to pray for good health. The origin of this festival is said to be that Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine was founded on the first day of the first month of the year of the hare in the year of the "Kano-tou" (the year of the hare). In the year of the Rabbit, the shrine is especially crowded with people. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: A Power Spot in Osaka Photo：The light-heavy stone at Shumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Osaka Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is well-known by the people of Osaka and Japan's Kinki region. The shrine has been worshipped as the first shrine in the Settsu Province since ancient times, and is now regarded as one of the best power spots in Osaka. Power spots are places in Japan that are deemed sacred, and are said to be places where one can receive healing or blessings. Additionally, there are many good luck charms that can be purchased at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. One attraction at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is the "Omokaruseki" (light or heavy stone), which will tell you if your wishes will come true, and a rare maneki neko (beckoning cat) wearing a kamishimo (formal samurai attire). It's very photogenic and many people come visit to take Instagram photos here. The Sumiyoshi Festival: A Unique Summer Festival in Osaka Photo：The portable shrine washing ritual of the Sumiyoshi Festival, Osaka The Sumiyoshi Festival is the last of the three major festivals of Osaka. It's a summer festival of Osaka that is said to begin with the Aizen Festival and end with the Sumiyoshi Festival. It's held as an annual festival of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and the portable shrine procession is held on the last day of the festival. ●Mikoshi Arai Shinji (washing of the portable shrine) Mikoshi Arai Shinji is a ceremony to purify the portable shrine by sprinkling seawater on it prior to the portable shrine procession on the last day of the Sumiyoshi Festival. In the early morning, a special boat is launched with the cooperation of the local fishermen to pump the seawater. ●Nagoshi no Harae Shinji (summer purification ceremony) After the purification ceremony, visitors to the shrine, together with shrine maidens and children, walk through a ring of cogon grass to cleanse themselves of the impurities of the past six months. This is a ceremony to pray for good health for the remaining six months of the year. ●Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine procession) Mikoshi Togyo is a ceremony held on the last day of the Sumiyoshi Festival. The portable shrine carries the spirit of Sumiyoshi Ookami in a portable shrine and parades along the road to Shukuin Shrine in the city of Sakai. Weighing nearly 2 tons and measuring 11 meters long, the sight of the extremely large portable shrine crossing Sorihashi Bridge is a heroic sight. When it arrives at the Shukuin Shrine, a purification ceremony is held. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: Admission Fee, Hours, and How to Get There Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is located slightly south of central Osaka where major tourist attractions like Osaka Castle are located. The easiest way to get to Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is to take a train to Sumiyoshitoriimae Station. After arriving at the station, it's an approximately 3-minute walk to the shrine. From Osaka Station you can take the Osaka Loop Line to Tennoji Station, walk to Tennojiekimae Station (5 minutes) and then take the Hankaidenki-Uemachi Line (阪堺電気軌道上町線)—a streetcar—to Sumiyoshitoriimae Station (住吉鳥居前) (approximately 40 minutes). Admission Fee: Free Hours: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm (April to September), 6:30 am - 5:00 pm (October to March) ※The Souvenir shop is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Summary of Festivals at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine Various events and rituals are held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. However, in the past few years, events and rituals have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now that travel restrictions have been lifted, the Otaue Rice Planting Festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is now able to include worshippers and we can once again see the splendid dances of the shrine maidens and heroic appearance of the samurai procession. Sumiyoshi Taisha's rice planting festival is held to pray for a good harvest and to ward off epidemics. If you're in Osaka around this time of year, be sure to stop by and see the festival. You're sure to be fascinated by the solemnity and splendor of the ancient Shinto rituals! 【Official Website】Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine 【TripAdvisor】Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Himeji Castle's Colorful 3D Projection Mapping This video was created by “beaphoto1” and introduces Himeji Castle's 3D projection mapping event- "HAKUA." This event was held in May 2015. The national treasure Himeji castle, located in Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, was designated as Japan's first World Cultural Heritage Site in December 1993, along with Horyu-ji Temple in Nara. Nicknamed "Shirasagi Castle" (白鷺城, lit "White Heron Castle") for its graceful appearance that resembles a white heron spreading its wings, it has been selected as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. Photo：Himeji Castle post-restoration In October 2009, the restoration and repair of the castle's main tower began, which included repainting the plaster and replacing damaged tiles. Himeji castle regained its brilliance and re-opened in March 2015. The light show, "HAKUA," was held to celebrate the reopening of Himeji Castle as the part of the 66th Himeji Castle Festival. In the 11 minute video, you can watch the entire projection mapping show from beginning to end. Enjoy the beautiful 3D projection mapping that lights up the famous white castle. It's amazing how different the castle looks with all of the colorful lighting. The 3D Projection Mapping of Himeji Castle Source :YouTube screenshot The projection mapping event at Himeji castle actually has a story to go with it. Prologue. (0:51) The title and the outline of the story beautifully appears on the white castle. Chapter 1. Prologue -Birth- (1:59) The highlight of this chapter is the construction of Himeji Castle. You can see the construction at 3:10, where the castle is being built as the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves grow around it gradually. As more levels are added to Himeji castle, you can feel the flow of time through the cherry blossoms, red leaves, and snow that signify the changing of the seasons. Chapter 2. Tradition -Legend- (4:56) This chapter shows the birth of Kanbei Kuroda, who later became the lord of Himeji Castle. He aimed to rule the world. Chapter 3. Brilliance -From Tradition to Modernity- (6:15) This chapter shows the pictures of Himeji Castle drawn by 731 elementary school students in Himeji City. 100 of them have been selected and animated. Chapter 4. Conclusion -Finish- (8:11) White herons dance gracefully on Himeji Castle and a grand fireworks display brings the story to a close. This article is only a brief overview of the castle. Be sure to watch the video and enjoy the 3D projection mapping! It's so beautiful watching time pass in the blink of an eye. The history of this projection mapping is surprisingly old, and it is said to have been started in the 1960s. It became more well-know when they had a projection mapping show at the Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station in 2012. Tourist Spots at Himeji Castle Photo：Himeji Castle Cherry Blossoms Himeji Castle, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, is also popular for cherry blossom viewing. Lots of people visit Himeji park to see the cherry blossoms in the spring. When all the cherry blossoms are in full bloom surrounding and contrasting the white Himeji castle, it's an absolutely amazing scene. Be sure to bring you camera and get some Instagram pictures! The World Heritage Himeji Castle Marathon is held every February and is also a popular event. There are several cafes and restaurants near Himeji castle as well. Check out the reviews on yelp and look for a restaurant you want to visit. There are also many parking spots around Himeji castle if you'd rather drive. Access is about a 16-minute walk from Himeji Station off the JR Kishin Line, JR Bantan Line, and JR Sanyo Main Line. The admission fee is 1,050 yen (~$10 USD) for adults and 360 yen children (as of October 2019). Please be aware that Himeji castle may be very crowded depending on the season and time. Summary of Himeji Castle's 3D Projection Mapping What'd you think of the Himeji Castle 3D projection mapping video? It's not possible to fully convey the beauty of the actual event through words, so be sure to check out the video if you still haven't yet! Himeji castle’s 3D projection mapping event in 2015 was a one-time event, but another projection mapping event, "The 25th Anniversary of the World Heritage Registration of Himeji Castle "CASTLE OF LIGHT - Garden of Light at" was held here and was also very popular. Of course, there is more to see at Himeji castle besides the events. Lately, goshuin (the honorable red seal)has become popular among young people in recent years, and some castles have a similar "Goshouin" (castle seal) to commemorate your visit to the castle. If the video of the heron spreading its wings over Himeji Castle has intrigued you, be sure to put it on your itinerary! You might even get to meet the official character “Shiromaru Hime.” ◆Infomation about Himeji Castle Facility◆ 【Address】68 Honmachi Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012 【Access】16 minutes walk from “Himeji Station” on JR Kishin Line, JR Bantan Line, and JR Sanyo Main Line. 【Entrance fee】1,050 yen for an adult, 360 yen for a child (As of November 2019) 【Hours】9 am to 4 pm 【Closures】December 29th to 30th 【Parking】Available 【Telephone No.】079-285-1146

Kei Truck Gardens If you're looking to get a taste of Japanese culture or see some traditional Japanese crafts, then look no further than Kei Truck Gardens! This video will introduce you to the art of Japanese landscaping... in the back of a truck! The video is called "Kei Truck Gardens. Transform the bed of your truck!" (軽トラガーデン　軽トラックの荷台を庭に！). It was created by "yuji kuroda 96TV." It's an interesting video that introduces a unique take on gardening. Probably not very many people have heard of this before, so let's take a look at what it's like! In this article, we'll give you an overview of the Japanese kei truck garden. We will explain the outline of the kei truck garden as well as its appeal. What is a Kei Truck Garden? Source :YouTube screenshot The kei truck garden, a new type of Japanese landscaping, is a unique garden created in the bed of a kei truck. Kei truck gardens started about 10 years ago to increase the publicity of gardening. The unexpectedness of a garden located in a small space in the back of a truck attracted a lot attention, and the gardens received high praise from overseas as well. In addition, the kei truck garden is not only unexpected, but also allows you to move the garden from place to place as is. It also has the advantage of being able to be exhibited at events and contests/shows. These small works of art a definitely worth a watch. Be sure to check them out in the video! How to Make a Kei Truck Garden The charm of the kei truck garden is having the beauty of a Japanese garden condensed into a small space. The gardeners use sand, rocks, pines, and moss to create gardens in the limited space (2m×1.4m). Every detail of the garden is handcrafted by the gardener, and it's hard to believe you can fit it all in the back of a kei truck. The video shows the viewer a variety of beautiful works in different kei trucks. Source :YouTube screenshot You can also see a wide variety of gardens at the regularly scheduled kei truck garden contests. Find different features such as tasteful water dripping landscaping. The Instagram-worthy trucks lined up in a row with their beautiful gardens and flowers makes for an amazing sight. Where Can You Find the Unique Kei Truck Garden Contest? Source :YouTube screenshot The unique kei truck garden contest takes place in many places in Japan. In the past, contests have been held at the World Expo and in Osaka, Toyama, and Shiga. This contest started at the plants event in Toyama in 2011. The Kei Truck Garden Contest was first held in 2011 as part of a greening event in Toyama Prefecture, and has since been held at greening and skills events in various regions across the country, with 2018 and 2019 being held in Akita and Osaka, respectively. More information can be found on the website of the Japan Federation of Landscape Contractors, so if you're interested in the Kei Truck Garden Contest, be sure to check it out. Summary of the Kei Truck Garden We hope that this video has piqued your interest in Japanese gardening. It's quite a unique style of gardening, but it's very interesting what people come up with. The contest, in which gardeners compete for skills, has become a popular event and there was even a show made about it. Be sure to check out the event and find your favorite garden! 【Official Website】Japan Federation of Landscape Contractors https://www.jflc.or.jp/english.php

The Winners of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! This video, titled "Japanese Designers Take Home Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the UK! (19/05/24)" (イギリスの園芸大会で日本人デザイナーが金賞受賞(19/05/24)), was produced by "ANNnewsCH." It's a short news clip about Japanese designers Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura who placed first at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura are young gardeners working in Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaido). In this article, we'll introduce Chelsea Flower Show 2019, a gardening event that the gardening duo participated in in London. Before we go any further, check out the video to see what the competition is all about! The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Photo：Gardening The Chelsea Flower Show is a gardening event held at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the UK. The flower festival, the largest in the world, has a history as the oldest flower show in the UK. It's held every year in May, and landscaping craftsmen, carpenters, and plasterers gather from all over the world to attend it. There is also a shop that sells various gardening products. The eligibility requirements to join the contest and do exhibition sales are not easily met, so exhibiting one's own works is not an easy task. One of the highlights of the Chelsea Flower Show is the Garden Design Contest. The contest's show garden categories include a "Show Garden" category, an "Artisan Garden" category, and a "Space To Grow Garden" category. Each category varies in size and is judged on display, construction and planting techniques. If you're a gardening enthusiast, this is a must-attend event and the venue is packed with people. The Japanese Duo That Took Home Gold! Source :YouTube screenshot At the 2019 UK gardening competition, Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura took home the Gold Medal in the "Space To Grow" category at their first ever challenge. Their entry, "Kampo No Niwa," (The Garden of Chinese Herbs), was inspired by the nature of Hokkaido and depicted the flow of water as snow melted. The concept of the garden was "a garden for health and happiness" and it incorporated feng shui and included medicinal plants. The model garden of the Gold-award-winning garden is shown at 0:13 in the video. In 2018, Kazuyuki Ishihara also won the Gold Medal award for his "Omotenashi no Niwa" (Garden of Hospitality), exhibited in the Artisan Garden category. Kazuyuki Ishihara is a veteran of many gold awards and has been exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show since 2006. Summary of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura, the Japanese duo who won the Gold Medal award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It also shows the site of the venue where their exhibition "Kampo No Niwa" is displayed. The video also includes an interview with visitors, so you can feel the atmosphere of the Chelsea Flower Show for yourself! If you're interested in gardening be sure to check out the video to see the award winning exhibit, "Kampo no Niwa"! 【Tripadvisor】RHS Chelsea Flower Show https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d10020593-Reviews-RHS_Chelsea_Flower_Show-London_England.html

Tokyo Tower's 333 Koinobori: Video Introduction This video, titled "Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers" (東京タワー 333匹のこいのぼり), was uploaded by "Tokyo Tower Official Channel." Koinobori, or carp streamers, are a springtime tradition in Japan. They are displayed all over the country to wish for the healthy growth of children, just like the strong and sturdy carp of legend. Carp streamers (鯉のぼり, koinobori) used to be hung outside of houses with children, but in recent years, due to changes in housing conditions, fewer and fewer people decorate their homes with them. Tokyo Tower, located in Minato, Tokyo in Japan's Kanto region, also holds an annual spring event called "333 Carp Streamers" to celebrate Children's Day. In honor of Tokyo Tower's 333-meter height, 333 colorful carp streamers and a giant 6-meter-long "Sanmanobori" (Pacific Saury streamer) are flown in front of the main entrance on the first floor of Tokyo Tower, colorfully decorating the foot of the tower. The spectacle of so many carp streamers blowing in the wind and swimming in the sky at once is a sight to behold. [Video] 0:13 - Tokyo Tower and 333 Carp Streamers Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers – The History of the Event and the Reason For the Large Pacific Saury Streamer Photo：Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers, a spring event at Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower, a well-known symbol of Tokyo, is a former Japanese radio tower that was opened in December of 1958. At 333 meters tall, it was the world's tallest freestanding steel tower, surpassing the 312-meter Eiffel Tower in Paris. In 2011, Tokyo Tower handed over its role as a radio tower to Tokyo Sky Tree, but it continues to be loved as a symbol of Tokyo for its design and nostalgia. Located in Minato, the heart of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower's observation deck offers a panoramic view of the city of Tokyo. Various events and light ups are held throughout the year, making it a great tourist attraction for families and even couples. The Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is an annual spring event at Tokyo Tower that began in 2009. During the event, 333 brightly colored carp streamers and giant sanmanobori (Pacific Saury streamer) are displayed at the foot of the tower to symbolize the tower's 333-meter height. The sanmanobori were first displayed in April 2011 as a symbol of support for those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, who had forged friendships with one another through the Sanriku Ofunato Tokyo Tower Sanma Festival. Since then, the 6-meter-long pacific saury streamer from Ofunato, Iwate, has been displayed every year as a symbol to encourage the recovery of the area. If you visit Tokyo Tower for the event, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the large pacific saury swimming with the carp streamers. [Video] 0:30 - The Pacific Saury Streamer Highlights of Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers Light-Up Event! Photo：Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers lit up Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is a popular event for its photogenic views. Families and camera enthusiasts visit from all over to take pictures of Tokyo Tower together with the carp streamers during spring. Tokyo Tower is also illuminated at night. The tower under the blue sky is beautiful enough, but when it's lit up at night, it's simply marvelous! During Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers festival every year, the carp streamers are also lit up fantastically with Tokyo Tower. The composition of Tokyo Tower and carp streamers from below makes for some incredible photos. It's also great for visitors who come during the late afternoon. How long will the "333 Carp Streamers" be held in 2024? Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers event is usually held from early April to early May, In 2023, the "333 Carp Streamers" took place from March 24 to May 7; in 2024, it will be held from March 20 to May 6. Taking photos of your kids with the carp streamers at Tokyo Tower is a great way to celebrate Children's Day on May 5! Other Events at Tokyo Tower Photo：Tokyo Tower's outer staircase Tokyo Tower hosts a number of exciting events like Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers. One event in particular is the "Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk," which is a great way to enjoy Tokyo Tower to the fullest. Normally limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, Tokyo Tower's famous 600-step staircase, which rises 150 meters into the sky, is open to the public every day during the event. 600 steps may sound daunting, but it takes an adult about 12 to 13 minutes to climb the stairs, and a child can complete the climb in about 15 minutes. There are also quizzes from the Noppon Brothers (the Tokyo Tower mascots) displayed along the climb, and there's even a Noppon Approved Stair Climbing Certificate waiting for you at the end, which cannot be purchased regularly. Ascending Tokyo Tower on your own, step by step, while enjoying the pleasant breeze and a view of Tokyo, is a unique and precious experience that you can't experience anywhere else! The tower is also brilliant when illuminated at night. The Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk event has been extended due to its popularity, so be sure to check it out. How to Get to Tokyo Tower, Plus Admission Fees & Hours There are a number of ways to get to Tokyo Tower. Here, we'll introduce a few. A 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station via the Metropolitan Subway Oeda Line. A 15-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station via JR lines. A 1-minute walk from the Tokyo Tower Bus Stop via Tokyu Bus from Tokyo Station (Approximately 30 minutes). This is likely the simplest way to get to Tokyo Tower if you're at Tokyo Station. Hours: Main Deck (150m) 9:00 am - 10:30 pm (Last admission 10:00 pm) Top Deck Tour (150m & 250m) 9:00 pm - 10:15 pm (Last Tour 9:30 pm - 9:45 pm) Admission Fees: Adults (Main Deck): 1,200 yen, Adults (Top Deck Tour): 2,800 yen (Online), 3,000 yen (Ticket counter) High school students (Main Deck): 1,000 yen, High school students (Top Deck Tour): 2,600 yen (Online), 2,800 yen (Ticket counter) Junior high school students (Main Deck): 700 yen, Junior high school students (Top Deck Tour): 1,800 yen (Online), 2,000 yen (Ticket counter) Children (Main Deck): 500 yen, Children (Top Deck Tour): 1,200 yen (Online), 1,400 yen (Ticket counter) Be sure to check out the official website for more details. Summary of Tokyo Tower's Koinobori Tokyo Tower's 333 Carp Streamers is a well-known springtime tradition. The collaboration of Tokyo Tower and the carp streamers is a must-see and can only be seen during spring. Consider a visit to Tokyo Tower this spring to see 333 colorful carp streamers and one giant 6-meter-long pacific saury streamer swimming powerfully in the heart of Tokyo! 【Official Website】Tokyo Tower 【TripAdvisor】Tokyo Tower

This video, titled "Wonder Festival 2020 Winter.This is the world’s biggest festival for figures.ワンフェスWF2020冬ワンダーフェスティバル," was released by "emoma!" Wonder Festival is the world's largest exhibition and seller of production kits (models and figures) sponsored by Kaiyodo, one of Japan's largest figure production companies. Both professionals and amateurs are welcome to participate. In addition to the exhibition and sales space, there's a cosplay free zone. Cosplayers dressed in game and anime costumes will be taking photos and interacting with each other. Many of the cosplayers at Wonder Festival have incredibly realistic cosplays, so be sure to check them out in the video!

Reoma Light World Illumination: Video Introduction This video, titled "Winter Illumination｜Reoma World｜Night View｜Sony｜A6600｜Dji RS2｜Black Mist｜Amusement Park" (ウインターイルミネーション｜レオマワールド｜夜景｜winter illumination｜sony｜A6600｜dji RS2｜ブラックミスト｜遊園地), was uploaded by "SKY shin ch." Reoma Resort is a popular tourist destination located in Marugame, Kagawa, in Japan's Shikoku region. Reoma Light World is an illumination event held every year from the beginning of November until the end of February the following year. It boasts one of the largest illuminations in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions of Japan, with approximately 2.5 million lights, and has been recognized as a Night View Heritage of Japan. This video is from 2021, but the illuminations are getting more powerful every year and spread across the vast grounds, attracting many people. The exciting and thrilling night entertainment shows are also well worth seeing! The Aurora Borealis that covers the entire sky, 3D projection mapping, and more are all must-see attractions. Come and spend a wonderful time with your family, friends, and loved ones! [Video] 2:42 - The Fantastic Ferris Wheel at Reoma Light World! Reoma Light World Illumination – A World of Attractions Source :YouTube screenshot Once you step inside, you'll find yourself in a world of lights with tons of exciting events. It's a theme park where twinkling lights can be seen in every direction. Here, we'll introduce some of the highlights of the event, including recommended photo spots and exciting performances. ■Illusionistime - Unlimited Imagination An entertaining nighttime show featuring dance, music, fireworks, and fascinating illusions, this event will both surprise and move onlookers. It's definitely a show you don't want to miss! [Event Period]: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from November 26, 2022 (Sat.) to February 23, 2023 (Thu., and a holiday) Every day from December 24 (Sat.), 2022 to January 9 (Mon.), 2023 [Video] 2:29 - Smiling Dancers and Fireworks That Will Make Your Heart Skip a Beat! ■Miracle Aurora Show x Fireworks Fantasia Fireworks Fantasia is an entertainment show of sound and light shining in the night sky. The Miracle Aurora Show, a fantastic light show that reproduces the Northern Lights, is so beautiful that it will take your breath away! [Event Period]: Saturdays from November 5 (Sat.) to December 17 (Sat.), 2022 Every day from December 24 (Sat.) - December 30 (Fri.) ■The largest Christmas tree in Chugoku The huge Christmas tree, which lights up from 17:15 every day, is about 23 meters long and the tree of light rising in the night sky is truly overwhelming. ■ Fireworks Fantasia Miracle Aurora Show × Fireworks Fantasia Fireworks Fantasia, an entertainment show that shines in the night sky, and Miracle Aurora Show, a fantastic show of light that reproduces the aurora, are breathtakingly beautiful. [Period]: Saturday, November 3rd - 4th - December 16th, 2023 Every day from December 23rd to 30th ■360° 3D projection mapping Legend Palace It expresses the bright world woven by the spirit of light. [Period]: Every day ■ Fantastic Parade ～It’sWinter Joyful～ Digital illumination where the surrounding illumination is linked to music.You may want to move your body in a lively parade of lights featuring all the characters and entertainers! [Period]: Saturday, Sunday and Holiday until February 25, 2024 · Every day from December 23rd to January 3rd 2024 ■Shining Five Great Ride Attractions Enjoy the popular Ferris wheel every year, the shining water roller coaster Viverchester, the Westlaker cruise ship, the Birdflyer Galaxy, and the Kinder Garden Rail Road, a sightseeing train running in the forest of light. ■Christmas bazaar I'm sure you'll find a wonderful Christmas present! It's a cute but full Christmas market!We also have warm goods such as hats and gloves.Enjoy shopping. Discount Admission – Winter Illumination Limited Admission Tickets Source :YouTube screenshot "For a limited period from November 3, 2023 to February 25, 2024, ""Winter Illumi Limited Ticket"" is on sale after 5:00 p.m., which can be entered at a reasonable price."Please use it for a wonderful trip with your lover or family. ◆Winter Illumi Limited Admission Ticket (Entrance + Legendary Palace included) Adults (middle school students and above) 1,700 yen (tax included) Dwarf (3 years old to elementary school students) 1.200 yen (tax included) ◆Winter Illumi Limited Free Pass Ticket (Entrance + Night Ride Attraction All-you-can-ride + Legend Palace included) Adults (middle school students and above) 3,000 yen (tax included) Dwarf (3 years old to elementary school student) 2,800 yen (tax included) Reoma Light World Illumination – Hotels & Food If you're looking to enjoy the illumination at a leisurely pace and aren't concerned with getting home quickly, we recommend staying overnight. You can stay at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Reoma no Mori, an official hotel of Reoma Resort. It is an all-in-one resort hotel with hot springs, delicious food, illuminations, and tons of fun. With more than 30 attractions in the amusement park and relaxing hot springs, this hotel can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to the elderly. For meals, Setouchi Gourmet Buffet (瀬戸内グルメバイキング, Setouchi Gurume Baikingu) offers fresh seafood and gourmet specialties from Shikoku, as well as standard dishes and a variety of creative dishes, and sweets specially made by a pastry shop. Summary of the Reoma Light World Illumination Photo：Reoma World Reoma Resort is a popular tourist destination for travelers to Kagawa Prefecture. Create special family memories at this theme park that's full of smiles! One attraction you don't want to miss is the 23-meter-tall Symbol Tree. It lights up with fantastic music at 5:15 p.m. every day, turning on all of the park's 2.5 million lights at the same time! Crowding is expected after 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, so it's recommended that guests enter the park with plenty of time to spare. On weekdays, you can take your time to explore the park. We hope you enjoy your visit to New Reoma World in winter. ◆NEW Reoma World◆ 【Address】40-1 Ayautacho Kurikumanishi, Marugame, Kagawa 761-2493 【Hours】&【Access】Please check the official website. ◆Leoma Winter Illumination 2023◆ [Period] November 3, 2023 - February 25, 2024 [Lighting time] From 17:00 to closing time 【Official Website】Reoma Light World 2022 – New Reoma World 【TripAdvisor】New Reoma World

This video is titled "Ikebukuro・Halloween Cosplay Parade in Ikebukuro! Sexy ONE PIECE Team and Cool Metal Gear! Ikebukuro Cosplay Vol. 1" (池袋でハロウィン・コスプレパレード！SexyなONE PIECEチームやカッコいいメタルギアも♪池袋街コスレポVol.1). It was released by "ikebukurotv." The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival introduced in the video, is a Halloween event held every year around Halloween, in which many cosplayers participate. The event is sponsored by Dwango, Toshima Ward, and Sunshine, which runs the video service niconico. You can enjoy delicious food in cosplay on the streets and there are also stage events. This video shows the cosplay parade that takes place on Sunshine Street! Cosplayers are also asked what it is they enjoy about cosplay in interviews in the video!

This is video, titled "A Kimono Show Inspired by the Countries of the World," was produced by Jiji Press (時事通信トレンドニュース). In this video, you can see a kimono show inspired by the colors of countries from around the world. The attention to detail is narrated and you can also learn about the design, fabrics, and obis. Check out the amazing kimono shown in the video. They're different from your everyday kimono!

Video introduction of summer sightseeing spots in Echizen-cho, Niu-gun, Fukui Prefecture The video “JAPAN TRIP ECHIZEN COLORS – Summer/ Echizen-town Tourism Promotional Video” is created by “Tourism Echizen JAPAN Channel/ Echizen-town Tourism Federation Fukui Prefecture.” It's a promotional video for Echizen, Fukui prefecture, that introduces sightseeing destinations and local cuisine. Echizen is known for Echizen-crab, a brand of snow crab (queen crab). In summer, there's gorgeous views, marine activities, traditional fireworks and festivals to be enjoyed in Echizen. In this article, we'll introduce recommended destinations and food you should try. The video is taken by drone, so you get some beautiful aerial footage. By the time it ends, you'll be itching to go to Echizen! What is Echizen Like? Photo：Echizen Ono Castle in the Sky, Fukui Prefecture In 2005, the 4 towns of Asahi, Miyazaki, Echizen and Oda, merged together and formed Echizen. The population of Echizen is 21,500. (as of April, 2019) Echizen sits on the coast of the Sea of Japan and its roughly 2 and a half hours from Kyoto by car. There is no train or highways, so you can feel the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. We recommend going by car or rental car. Where's That Beach Shown in the Video? Photo：Kochou gate From 0:10 in the video, we see the main tourist attraction (with a beautiful view), Echizen Coast. Echizen coast is one of the three major places where bunch-flower daffodils are grown. Awaji Island (淡路島, Awajishima) and Boso Peninsula (房総半島, Bosohatou) are the other two areas. The bunch-flower daffodil is the city and prefecture flower. Echizen coast is a Quasi-National Parks, with upheaved seashore. Driving along the coast and seeing the large tunnel, eroded by wind and waves is very popular. Echizen cape was also chosen in the top 100 sunsets of Japan. Scuba diving at the beautiful Echizen coast is popular among tourists in summer. It can be seen at 0:28 in the video. Here, you can try diving and snorkeling as well, without the need for a license. There are a lot of sea-bathing places in Echizen with sandy beaches and rock shores. Families with children can enjoy endless fun here. Enjoy the Culture, Nature and Food of Echizen Source :YouTube screenshot If you head toward the inland from the Sea of Japan, you can see rural landscapes and beautiful green mountains. By visiting the Echizenkogama Museum, (越前古窯博物館, Echizenkogama hakubutsukan) you can learn about the history and techniques of Echizen ware, a Japan Heritage, as well as see one of the six ancient kilns of Japan. You can also enjoy 5 different kinds of hot springs here. The rice field art introduced at 1:09 is breathtaking. Definitely check it out! After sightseeing and enjoying some marine activities, we recommend trying local cuisine. Especially the Echizen soba, packed with grated Japanese radish, and fresh seafood. Usuya Shokuhin’s Ota Tofu is also popular as a souvenir. It uses only domestically grown soybeans. Usuya Shokuhin was established in 1854, in Echizen-cho Ota, which also happens to be the birthplace of Oda Nobunaga’s (one of the three great unifiers of Japan) clan. Another great thing to try during summer in Echizen is the squid-fishing experience. Riding on a fishing boat at night, turning on a fishing lamp and catching squid is sure to make for a lifelong memory. The food in Echizen can be seen from 1:12 in the video. Enjoying both sightseeing and delicious food on vacation... what more could you ask for? Traditional Japanese Festivals in Echizen Photo：Asahi festival　Andon floats We highly recommend checking out Echizen's summer festival! In mid-July, “Echizen summer festival” is held. Fifty-thousand tourists visit the port town every year to see the amazing fireworks. “Asahi festival” is a fantastic festival where 20 Andon floats pass in front of the town hall. In Ota, there's a tradition called “Myoujin Bayashi” dedicated to “Tsurugi Shrine” (劔神社, Turugi jinjya) where Lord Oda Nobunaga worshipped. Currently, there is an event called “Ota Festival ＆O・TA・I・KO Hibike” in mid-August, where you can listen to powerful drum performances. The information is shown in the video at 2:00. The fireworks festival shown at 2:35 is incredibly lively. Summary of Echizen “JAPAN TRIP ECHIZEN COLORS – Summer/ Echizen-town Tourism Promotional Video” introduces tourist attractions in the summer, along with gorgeous views of Echizen. Echizen is a very attractive town where you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Sea of Japan, marine activities, traditional festivals, fresh seafood, and more. Be sure to watch the video to see the beautiful summer views of Echizen. There are many hotels and hot springs too, so if you want to be active during summer, we highly recommend Echizen. 【Official website】Echizen town hall homepage https://www.town.echizen.fukui.jp/ 【Official website】Echizen: Echizen-town Tourism Federation https://www.town-echizen.jp/en/

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest Winners! Bringing the charms of Japan to the world. Photos taken with smartphones and processed photos are also eligible for entry! COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is always holding photo contests with different themes, such as Japanese culture, nature, Japan's four seasons, and more. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a "social video curation site" that introduces the charms of Japan to all people around the world who are interested in Japan. We have been holding photo contests since 2020, and this year, 2024, will mark our 26th contest. This article will introduce some of the wonderful works that have won awards in the past. Also, with the "COOL JAPAN VIDEOS" photo contests, even photos taken via smartphone can be winners! Stay tuned for contest details, and feel free to enter our contests after learning what they're all about! ■Table of Contents - Introduction of Past Photo Contest Winners  The 27th Photo Contest  The 26th Photo Contest  The 25th Photo Contest  The 24th Photo Contest  The 23th Photo Contest  The 22th Photo Contest  The 21th Photo Contest  The 20th Photo Contest  The 19th Photo Contest  The 18th Photo Contest  The 17th Photo Contest  The 16th Photo Contest  The 15th Photo Contest  The 14th Photo Contest  The 13th Photo Contest  The 12th Photo Contest  The 11th Photo Contest  The 10th Photo Contest  The 9th Photo Contest  The 8th Photo Contest  The 7th Photo Contest  The 6th Photo Contest  The 5th Photo Contest  The 4th Photo Contest  The 3rd Photo Contest  The 2nd Photo Contest  The 1st Photo Contest - What is COOL JAPAN VIDEOS? - Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests - About Past Entries - Photo Contest Summary Introduction of Past Photo Contest Winners We're pleased to introduce the grand prize winners of our past photo contests. We have chosen works, to the best of our ability, that convey the charms of Japan via photography and make those who see them want to visit Japan. Every last one of these photos is fantastic! We'll also introduce the places where the photos were taken. [Held from February to April 2025] Announcement of the Results of the 27th "COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest" Theme: Cool Japan Prizes: ● Grand Prize – ¥10,000 Amazon Gift Card ● Honorable Mention – ¥3,000 Amazon Gift Card ■ Grand Prize Photographer: kerama Location: Hokkaido COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judge's Comments: Hokkaido A winter scene captured in Furano, Hokkaido. The snowy fields that stretch out as far as the eye can see give a sense of the morning chill, while the mountain ranges that seem to float faintly in the crisp air lend the photo a fantastical impression. A single hot air balloon drifts quietly in the winter sky, adding a gentle splash of color to the serene winter sky. Just looking at this photo conveys the tranquility and atmosphere of the moment. Furano is famous for its lavender fields in early summer, where vivid colors carpet the fields, but winter in Furano, wrapped in snow, has its own distinct beauty as well, one marked by silence, clarity, and a sort of refined charm.. This memorable photo beautifully conveys the allure of Japan's distinct seasons. For its painstaking depiction of seasonal beauty and impressive scenery caught by chance in a single moment, we are pleased to award this photo the Grand Prize. ■ Honorable Mentions ・Tokyo ・Hokkaido ・Hyogo ・Tochigi ・Yamagata Click here to view the Honorable Mention photos [December 2024 - January2025] The 26th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Winter in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 3,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer：Toshiaki Kobayashi Location：Hokkaido COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments：Hokkaido A breathtaking photograph capturing the winter scenery of the Kushiro River in Hokkaido. The river’s surface is covered with *renban-koori* (lotus-leaf ice), a rare phenomenon that appears only during the coldest months. As the ice drifts silently downstream, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, it creates a mesmerizing and otherworldly beauty. The mouth of the Kushiro River opens to the west, making it one of Hokkaido’s premier spots for viewing sunsets. Amid the harsh winter cold, the golden-lit *renban-koori* presents a stunning spectacle that can only be witnessed here. For capturing this rare and precious moment, we have selected this photograph as the grand prize winner. ■Honorable Mentions ・Ibaraki Prefecture ・Hokkaido ・Mochi pounding ・Hokkaido ・Gifu Prefecture Click here to see the honorable mention photos [October 2024 - November 2024] The 25th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Autumn in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 3,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer：misaki Location：Kumamoto Prefecture COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments：Kumamoto Prefecture A single shot beautifully captures silver grass swaying gently in the autumn breeze, with the iconic Komezuka of Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, in the background. The scene, where the setting sun casts a golden glow on the plumes, exudes a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Amidst the vast natural beauty of Aso, the distinctive shape of Komezuka stands out vividly, showcasing a quintessential autumn landscape that lingers in the heart. This photograph has been chosen as the grand prize winner. ■Honorable Mentions ・Hyogo prefecture ・Oita prefecture ・Hyogo prefecture ・Tokyo Metropolitan area ・Hokkaido Click here to see the honorable mention photos [Jul 2024 - Sep 2024] The 24th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Summer in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer:東條恵亮 Location：Hokkaido COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: Hokkaido The main event of the annual grand festival at Biku-ni Shrine in Hokkaido, held on the nights of July 5th and 6th, is the 'Tengu Fire-Walking.' In this mystical spectacle, the figure of a Tengu seems to emerge amidst the fiercely rising flames. The timing of the shutter was perfect, and the presence of the Tengu is powerfully conveyed, which is why we have selected this photograph as the grand prize winner. ■Honorable Mentions ・Peach ・Saitama Prefecture ・Okinawa Prefecture ・Obon ・Fukuoka Prefecture Click here to see the honorable mention photos [May 2024 - Jun 2024] The 23th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japanese History Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer:轡田憲行 Location：Akita Prefecture COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: A photograph capturing a scene from the traditional kagura dance, passed down since the founding of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo, is a historic shrine known as the guardian deity of the Minamoto clan. The kagura performed at this sacred site carries on the ancient traditions and still retains its form today. We have selected this photograph for the grand prize due to its beautiful contrast between the glow of the flames and the darkness, evoking the depth and mystery of history. The solemnity and mystique of the ritual are felt through this remarkable image. ■Honorable Mentions ・Hyogo Prefecture ・Wakayama Prefecture ・Yamaguchi Prefecture ・Shizuoka Prefecture ・Oita Prefecture Click here to see the honorable mention photos 【Held from March to April 2024】Announcement of the results of the 22nd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest Theme: Spring in Japan Prize: ● Grand Prize Amazon gift certificates worth 30,000 yen ●Good work Amazon gift worth 10,000 yen ■ Grand Prize Photographer：Takaaki suzuki Photo shooting location: Akita prefecture COOLJAPANVIDEOS Jury commentary : Morning Sun and Fog (Akita Prefecture) "Play Park Tose" has a pond that is lined for 700 meters with cherry blossom tries. The inversed cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface, the piercing rays of the morning sun shining through the clouds, and the rising ice fog come together to form a beautiful scene reminiscent of a pastel painting. This work was chosen for the grand prize. ■Good work ·Cherry blossom blizzard ·Toyama Prefecture ·Spring Hachimanbori ·Kawazu Cherry Blossoms ·Hakuryu Lake Fireworks You can see photos of good works here [January 2024 - February 2024] 21th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest results announced Theme: Views of Japan to Preserve for the Future Prize: ● Grand Prize 30,000 yen worth of Amazon gift certificates ●Good work Amazon gift worth 10,000 yen ■ Grand Prize Photographer：レオン Photo shooting location: Aritagawa Town COOLJAPANVIDEOS Jury comment: It is located in Aritagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, which was selected as one of the "100 Best Terraced Rice Fields in Japan" It is the autumn scenery of "Aragi Island". These rice terraces show various expressions throughout the four seasons. We especially recommend the terraced rice fields in the water mirror before rice planting, and the patchwork-like terraced rice fields during the autumn harvest season. ■Good work ·Jigozen Dike ·Gunkanjima ·Soya Hills ·Ruins of Naegi Castle ·Ochiai Village You can view photos of your best work here [November-December 2023】20th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest results announced Theme: The Beauty of Japan Prize: ● Grand Prize 30,000 yen worth of Amazon gift certificates ●Good work Amazon gift worth 10,000 yen ■ Grand Prize Photographer：YMD Photo shooting location: Aikura Gasho-zukuri village COOLJAPANVIDEOS Jury comment: Yukiyama and Cherry Blossom Toyama Prefecture Aikura Gasshozukuri Village "Aikura Gasshozukuri Village" in Toyama Prefecture is a national designated historical site and is registered as a World Heritage Site.When I looked down from the mountain where snow remained in the distant view, I saw cherry trees.We have selected the works of original Japanese scenery that you can feel the transition from winter to spring as the grand prize. ■Good work ·Okinawa's soul food "Soki Soba" ·Nishi-Azuma Mountain tree ice field straddling Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures ·Burning Autumn, Fukushima Prefecture Bandai Azuma Skyline ·Showa retro Hokkaido "Inari Koji" ·Miyajima's "Daihonzan Daishoin" wearing autumn fog You can view photos of your best work here [Sep 2023 - Oct 2023] The 19th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Autumn in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer:かずみさKazMisa Location：Oga Sanzan and the Terraced Rice Paddies of Anzenji, Akita COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: Oga Sanzan and the Terraced Rice Paddies of Anzenji, Akita This photo seems to have been taken from Namahage Bridge located on the Namahage Line. This breathtaking landscape photo shows the terraced rice fields of various shapes and sizes, dyed in autumn colors against the backdrop of the Oga Sanzan, the three iconic mountains of the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. The river running through the middle and the soft sunlight create a striking photo. We have selected this beautiful, idyllic photo as the Grand Prize winner. ■Honorable Mentions ・Four Seasons Garden, Fantasy Road ・Akiyoshidai at Sunset in Autumn ・Three Million Spider Lilies on the Yakachi River Bank ・The Autumn Festival at Kameyama Shrine in Hiroshima ・Fallen Leaves and Hokkaido's Ezo Squirrels Click here to see the honorable mention photos [Jul 2023 - Aug 2023] The 18th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japanese Festivals Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer:すっこ Location：Bingo Kokufu Festival, Hiroshima Prefecture COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: Bingo Kokufu Festival, Hiroshima Prefecture A photo of the climactic moment a handheld firework is launched. We have selected this powerful photo, through which you can almost feel the sparks, the smoke, and the hot wind, as the grand prize winner. ■Honorable Mentions ・Fireworks at Inuyama Castle, Aichi Prefecture ・Nishimonai Bon Odori, Akita Prefecture ・Furutone River Lantern Festival, Saitama Prefecture ・Gion Festival, Kyoto ・Milk Rice Crackers at a Temple Festival Click here to see the honorable mention photos [May 2023 - Jun 2023] The 17th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Hidden Gem Tourist Attractions in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: イエローフィット Location: Senaga Island COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: The Night View From Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island The beautiful terrace is like an oasis in the desert. It's hard to believe it's even in Japan... The atmosphere is like something out of Sinbad, and we couldn't help but admire it. After enjoying dinner while watching the sunset, you can go for an evening stroll while savoring the sea breeze. We have chosen this work as the Grand Prize winner because it reminds us of a beautiful evening out. ■Honorable Mentions ・The Hanasaki Line Running Through Bekanbeushi Marsh ・Radio Towers and the Moon at the Top of Mt. Inasayama ・Sunset on a Hydrangea-Lined Road ・The Torii in the Sea at Hasama Underwater Park ・Saba River Koinobori Click here to see the honorable mention photos [Mar 2023 - Apr 2023] The 16th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Tourist Attractions in Japan to Visit in Spring Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: fumika714 Location: Nagasaki COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: Kanoukaen, a Samurai Process Beneath the Cherry Blossoms The largest fire festival in Unzen, Nagasaki, Kanoukaen was held for the first time in four years. The ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossoms, which bloom for only a short time and then fade away, move the hearts of the people. A total of 200 warriors, torches in hand paraded through Tachibana Park with dignity. This photo has a powerful atmosphere to it and is like something you'd seen in a movie. We have selected this work as the Grand Prize winner. ■Honorable Mentions ・Strawberry Picking ・Mt. Haku ・Koiwai Farm ・Miyajima ・Yamanashi Click here to see the honorable mention photos [Jan 2023 - Feb 2023] The 15th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japan Travel Destinations You Recommend Visiting in 2023 Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: 小西諒 Location: Tottori Sand Dunes Covered COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: The Tottori Sand Dunes Covered in Snow, a Spectacular Winter Scene The setting sun turns the earth brown, and the view on the left resembles a giant crater. This is a photo that leave you wondering if it is actually earth. The sight of a person walking along the snow-covered dunes, leaving footprints behind, is also dramatic. We have selected this work, where the snow, sand, and sea meet, as the Grand Prize winner whose vertical composition accentuates the depth and beauty of the scene. ■Honorable Mentions ・Atami Castle ・Mt. Haku ・Lake Shikotsu ・Kidogorobei Village ・Itsukushima Shrine Click here to see the honorable mention photos [Oct 2022 - Dec 2022] The 14th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japan's Picturesque Scenery Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: 山口貴広 Location: Takabocchi Highlands COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: Mt. Fuji and a Sea of Clouds Over the Suwa Basin This spectacular view can only be seen before dawn, when the wind is light and the weather conditions are just right. The fantastic sea of clouds and shimmering night view enhance the divine nature of Mt. Fuji. This photo was taken from the Takabocchi Highlands at 1665 meters above sea level. We have selected this work as the grand prize winner as it communicates such emotion that it makes us forget the harsh cold of winter. ■Honorable Mentions ・Notsuke Bay ・The Dragon Palace at Hiyoriyama Coast ・Angel's Ladders From Mt. Rokko ・A Snowy Night View of Sapporo ・Hiruzen Kogen Click here to see the honorable mention photos [Aug 2022 - Oct 2022] The 13th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japan Travel Memories Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: rikopapa Location: Tokyo Disneyland COOLJAPANVIDEOS Judges' Comments: A Young Girl Gazing at Cinderella Castle at Night, Tokyo Disneyland After counting down the days, her dream finally came true. One can only imagine how she felt while looking up at the magical Cinderella Castle, illuminated with colorful lights. We have chosen this dramatic photo as the grand prize winner, a scene of precious memories for both the photographer and the photographed. ■Honorable Mentions ・Kihoku Lantern Festival ・Sayonara From the Ogasawara Islands ・Akashi Kaikyo Bridge at Sunset ・Okama Crater on Mt. Zao ・Yamaga Lantern Dance Click here to see the honorable mention photos [Jul 2022 - Aug 2022] The 12th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Summer in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: あ や か Location: Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Osaka) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: A Moment of Victory for Sendai Ikuei Gakuen at Summer Koshien 2022 Sendai Ikuei Gakuen won the 104th National High School Baseball Championship. A dynamic shot capturing players on the mound and dust flying into the air. The combination of the winners raising their hands to the sky while a member of the losing team watches creates a very dramatic scene, and we have selected it as this contest's Grand Prize winner. ■Honorable Mentions ・Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Osaka) ・Rural Scenery ・Fukagawa Hachiman Festival (Tokyo) ・Nokonoshima Island (Fukuoka) ・A Sunflower Field ・Utsukushigahara Farm (Nagano) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [May 2022 - June 2022] The 11th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japan's Outdoors Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: HIROKI Location: Hoshi ni Te no Todoku Oka Campsite (Hokkaido) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: Hoshi ni Te no Todoku Oka Campsite in Nakafurano, Hokkaido A contrast between the beautiful starry sky and warm camp lights. We have selected this photo as the Grand Prize winner for its clear skies and the captivating nature of Furano. ■Honorable Mentions ・Paddleboarding at sunset on Matsue Beach (Akashi, Hyogo) ・Canoeing and autumn leaves at Lake Chuzenji (Nikko, Tochigi) ・The swing of Heidi, Girl of the Alps, at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort (Kitaazumi, Nagano) ・Fuji on New Year's Day from a campground (Fuji, Shizuoka) ・Scuba diving at the Aragusuku Islands (Yaeyama, Okinawa) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [March 2022 - April 2022] The 10th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Nature in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: st situation Location: A tea plantation (Kamikawa, Hyogo) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: The scenery of a tea plantation reminds us of the mountains that symbolize Japan. You can practically smell the crisp green air. We have selected this photo as the Grand Prize for its depiction of nature, which has been an integral part of life for the Japanese as an agrarian people since ancient times. ■Honorable Mentions ・Diamond Fuji and swans at Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako, Yamanashi) ・A sea of clouds at the Yakuno Highlands (Fukuchiyama, Kyoto) ・Cherry blossoms at Koiwai Farm (Iwate District, Iwate) ・A midwinter glow (Kikuchi, Kumamoto) ・An evening view of Komezuka in autumn (Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [January 2022 - February 2022] The 9th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japanese Events Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: 甚四郎 Location: The Shiozawa Seppu Snow Festival (Minamiuonuma, Niigata) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: The Shiozawa Seppu Snow Festival is held every year on the third Saturday in February in Shiozawa, Minamiuonuma, Niigata. This fantastic festival in the snow is held in honor of Bokushi Suzuki, the author of "Hokuetsu Seppu" and a literary figure of the Edo period, and to pass on the culture of the snow country. We are pleased to present the grand prize to this photograph of a beautiful, traditional festival featuring magical flames burning in the snow. ■Honorable Mentions ・The Kawarayu Onsen Yukake Festival (Naganohara, Gunma) ・Ose Festival, Uchiura Fishing Port Festival (Numazu, Shizuoka) ・Menburyu (Kashima, Saga) ・Bean-throwing on Setsubun ・A traditional bridal procession Click here to see the honorable mention photos [November 2021 - December 2021] The 8th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Winter in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: yuzu rin Location: The Weeping Cherry of Gion in Maruyama Park during winter (Kyoto city, Kyoto) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: The Weeping Cherry of Gion in Maruyama Park, one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto Prefecture, and not far from Shijo-Kawaramachi and Gion, Kyoto's downtown area. The cherry blossoms bloom in spring and are popular with many tourists, but this photo shows the beauty of the cherry trees in winter, and the weeping cherry bathing in the moonlight gives the viewer a sense of Japanese wabi-sabi. We would like to award the Grand Prize to this photo, which exudes an overwhelming presence. ■Honorable Mentions ・A group of students going to school in the snow (Tokyo) ・Foxes at Zao Fox Village (Shiroishi, Miyagi) ・A shinkansen traveling through the snow (Maibara, Shiga) ・Eel fishing at night (Tokushima City, Tokushima) ・Snowy scenery at Lake Nakamaki (Nagano City, Nagano) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [September 2021 - October 2021] The 7th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Autumn in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: st situation Location: Iwagami Shrine (Shiso, Hyogo) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: Ginkgo trees at Iwagami Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture. The yellow carpet and the ginkgo leaves dancing in the wind create an amazing, autumnal atmosphere. The grand prize goes to this photo, which captures a rare and spectacular view that can only be seen during the autumn foliage season. ■Honorable Mentions ・A harvest moon and otsukimi decorations ・Shrine maidens dancing at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu, Fukuoka) ・The "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" Jizo statues at Daisho-in Temple (Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima) ・Silver grass on the Tonomine Highlands (Kanzaki, Hyogo) ・Rolls of straw after rice harvesting Click here to see the honorable mention photos [July 2021 - August 2021] The 6th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Summer in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: Lily0321 Location: The Fukagawa Festival (Koto, Tokyo) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: The Fukagawa Festival is a festival held every year around August 15 at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Koto, Tokyo. It is one of the Three Great Festivals of Edo and has a history of around 370 years. It is also known as the "Water Throwing Festival" because people splash water around to beat the heat. We were very impressed by the dynamism and the smiles of the participants splashing water on each other in the photo. We would like to award the Grand Prize to this photo that captures the spirit of traditional Japanese festivals. ■Honorable Mentions ・Blue skies and a red Mt. Fuji (Oshino, Yamanashi) ・Blue skies and a bicycle (Hyogo, Japan) ・Bug catching in the rice paddies ・The sea and terraced rice paddies (Hirado, Nagasaki) ・Children playing in a fountain (Toshima, Tokyo) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [May 2021 - June 2021] The 5th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Places in Japan you want to visit After Corona Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: Nguyen Vu Location: Umeda (Osaka City, Osaka) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: This contest's grand prize winner is a scene of a Japanese city at night with neon lights. The lights in the downtown area, which we have always taken for granted, have become lonely due to Corona. We chose this work with the hope that the colorful neon lights and the smiling faces of the people will soon return. ■Honorable Mentions ・A couple wearing yukata at the Gion Festival (Kyoto City, Kyoto) ・A leopard at Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa, Hokkaido) ・Sunset at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Hakui, Ishikawa) ・Geiko in Higashiyama (Kyoto City, Kyoto) ・Fireworks in Noshiro (Noshiro, Akita) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [March 2021 - April 2021] The 4th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Spring in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: toru.s_ Location: Cherry blossoms and rape blossoms at Sakitama Kofun Park (Gyoda, Saitama) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: Climbing up the hill you'll feel the breath of spring and discover beautiful scenery all around you. We would like to award the Grand Prize to the entry that expresses a path to hope, as if heading towards the exit of a Corona filled world. ■Honorable Mentions ・A horseback archery tournament (Towada, Aomori) ・A child walking along a path lined with cherry trees (Kaga, Ishikawa) ・Cherry blossoms and a sea of clouds at Omori Resort Village (Yokote, Akita) ・Snowy mountains and cherry blossoms at Oide Park (Hakuba, Nagano) ・An onagadori and plum blossoms Click here to see the honorable mention photos [January 2021 - February 2021] The 3rd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Winter in Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: rikopapa Location: Unknown CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: One of the most popular New Year's activities is kite flying We're happy to see that this traditional game, which has been around since the Edo period, has been passed down to today's children. The cold winter air and the warmth of the sun's rays are so gentle that it almost feels as if they're watching over you. We'd like to award the Grand Prize to the photo that evokes said nostalgia. ■Honorable Mentions ・A snowy Atago Shrine (Beppu, Oita) ・The snowy landscape of the Kirigamine Highlands (Suwa, Nagano) ・The snowy townscape of Hida Takayama (Takayama, Gifu) ・Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs (Shimotakai, Nagano) ・Swans flying south for the winter (Azumino, Nagano) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [November 2020 - December 2020] The 2nd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Japanese Gourmet Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 5,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: しゅん Location: KUROMATSU Ramen (Takasaki, Gunma) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: This is a photo that conveys the deliciousness of a popular ramen restaurant that's always attracting long lines of customers. The clear soup and neatly arranged noodles create a beautiful display. ■Honorable Mentions Here are the themes of the honorable mentions. ・Ozoni - Near Ishimizu Hachimangu Shrine (Kyoto City, Kyoto) ・Kaki-no-ha Sushi Yamanobe (Sakurai, Nara) ・Hana-bi Dango - Terakoya Honpo (Kyoto City, Kyoto) ・Shiruko - Toraya Kobo (Gotemba, Shizuoka) ・Fisherman's Pickled Seafood Bowl - Izu Kogen Brewery (Ito, Shizuoka) Click here to see the honorable mention photos [September 2020 - October 2020] The 1st COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: The Beauty of Japan Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 200,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 50,000 yen Amazon gift card ■Grand Prize Photographer: Yuto Yamada Location: Daigoji Temple (Kyoto City, Kyoto) CoolJapanVideos Judges' Comments: This work matches the theme "The Beauty of Japan" and is a perfect fit for the Grand Prize. The sentimentality of autumn, the wabi-sabi of Japan, and the modesty of Japan are all expressed in a single photograph. The colors of the leaves and the colors of the kimono and Japanese umbrellas worn by the people match perfectly, making it a very attractive picture. ■Honorable Mentions ・The torii in the sky at Takaya Shrine (Kanonji, Kagawa) ・Fresh greenery at Hase Temple (Sakurai, Nara) ・Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi in winter (Kanagawa, Japan) ・Tea picking at Obuchi Sasaba with Mt. Fuji in the background (Fuji, Shizuoka) The grand prize for the memorable 1st COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest was 200,000 yen, with honorable mentions awarded 50,000 yen each! We received many submissions that conveyed the beauty of Japan. Many of the works included famous sightseeing spots and traditional events in Japan, the beautiful scenery of spring, summer, fall, and winter, as well as Japanese culture and history. In addition to one grand prize winner and five honorable mentions, 50 entries were selected from the first contest. Click here to see the honorable mention photos and other submissions The winning photos and other entries were used in the promotional video for COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. The 1 minute and 40 second video shows one beautiful photo after another with each photographer's name, and is a collection of Japan's "wabi-sabi." Please take a look at it. What is COOL JAPAN VIDEOS? COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social video curation site that introduces the charms of Japan to people all over the world who are interested in Japan. ・We carefully select and present attractive videos of Japan from major video sites ・Users can communicate with people all over the world by posting photos and commenting on videos ・You can have your own "My Page," and registration is completely free! Click here for more information about COOLJAPANVIDEOS Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests 「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS photo contests are open to everyone! Below is a partial list of what can be entered. ・Photos taken not only with SLR cameras and digital cameras, but also with smartphones and other devices can be submitted. ・You can submit as many photos as you like during the contest period. ・Image editing, such as cropping and color changes, is also allowed! Detailed submission guidelines for COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests can be found at the bottom of the ongoing photo contest page. About Past Entries We received many great photos in our past photo contests! Click the link below to view past photo contest entries! ※Click here to see photos submitted in past contests. Photo Contest Summary We are always holding COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests! Not only professional photographers, but also beginner photographers are welcome to enter. Even just a casual shot taken via smartphone has a chance to be a winning photo! Help us introduce the beauty of Japan with the world. We're looking forward to receiving everyone's submissions! Related Articles Text only Photo Contest Landscape Photography - Introducing 10 Beautiful Japanese Landscapes Text only Children of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Heartwarming Photos That Will Put a Smile on Your Face! Text only Autumn in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Beautiful Photos of Autumn in Japan Text only Mt. Fuji in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Showcasing the Different Views of Mt. Fuji Text only Hokkaido in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: From Popular Sightseeing Spots to Exotic Animals, Discover the Beauty of Japan's Northernmost Prefecture! Text only Tohoku in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: Hot Springs, Festivals, Snowscapes, and More – 10 Beautiful Photos of Japan's Tohoku Region! 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Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing at Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park This video, titled "4K Japan's Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots｜Ueno Park｜Hirosaki Park｜Takada Park｜Famous Nighttime Cherry Blossom Locations｜Sakura｜Hanami｜Cherry Blossom Evening" (4K 日本三大夜桜 上野公園 弘前公園 高田公園 Top３ Night cherry Blossom 夜桜の名所 sakura hanami 花見 Cherry blossom evening), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." The video features plenty of beautiful 4K images showing the fantastic scenery of Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park, which are known as the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. This article provides sightseeing information on the nighttime cherry blossom events in Ueno Park, Hirosaki Park, and Takada Park. First, be sure to check out the video to enjoy the fantastic views of the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. After seeing this you'll definitely want to visit these spots in person! Cherry Blossom Viewing at Tokyo's Ueno Park Photo：Cherry blossoms at night in Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo Ueno Park, introduced at 0:19 in the video, is located in Taito, Tokyo, and is the first urban park in Japan, making it a place with a long history. Officially named "Ueno Onshi Park," Ueno Park has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan" and is also home to Ueno Zoo, museums, and art galleries, and cafes such as Starbucks. The park has also been selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots" and attracts a total of nearly 3.3 million visitors during the cherry blossom viewing season when all sorts of vendors and food stalls line its paths. In Ueno Park, there are approximately 800 cherry trees of 50 species, and visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for around two full months. The most popular cherry blossom viewing spots are Sakura-dori (さくら通り), Shinobazu Pond (不忍池), and Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, an Important Cultural Property. The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival in Ueno Park will be held from March 17 to April 9, 2024. During the festival, 800 "bonbori" (Japanese paper lamps) will be lit to create a fantastic illuminated scene. Ueno Park is just a two-minute walk from Ueno Station on all lines, and a one-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station off the Keisei Main Line. Cherry Blossom Viewing at Aomori's Hirosaki Park Photo：Cherry blossoms at night at Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki, Aomori Hirosaki Park, located in Hirosaki, Aomori, is introduced at 3:02 in the video. The highlights of Hirosaki Park include Hirosaki Castle's castle tower and the three turrets, which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties by the government of Japan. Hirosaki Park has some 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties that bloom each year. The most famous cherry tree is the weeping weeping cherry, which was planted in 1914. The Hirosaki Sakura Festival, where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night, is held from April 19th to May 5th, 2024. There is also a reservation-only "cherry blossom viewing party," which is popular because it allows visitors to enjoy Tsugaru's local cuisine while viewing the cherry blossoms. It's a 20-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, and there is a parking lot nearby. Cherry Blossom Viewing at Takada Park in Niigata Photo：Cherry blossoms at night at Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu, Niigata At 5:19 in the video, Takada Park is introduced. As of April 1, 2020, the name of this park was changed to "Takada Castle Site Park" (高田城址公園). Takada Castle Site Park (Takada Park) in Joetsu, Niigata, is a large 124-acre park that includes the restored three-story turret of Takada Castle, the Municipal Museum (renovated into a Museum of History), and sports facilities. You can also check out live cameras of Takada Castle Site Park on the "Gurutto Shinetsu" (ぐるっと信越, ※Japanese only) website. In addition to cherry blossoms, the park is also famous for its beautiful lotus flowers. "Takada Castle Million-man Viewing Party" (高田城百万人観桜会) , where you can enjoy cherry blossoms at night, will be held from March 29th to April 14th, 2024.Various events will also be held, including fireworks to color the opening, stage events and photo contests. To get to Takada Castle Site Park, it is a 10-minute drive from Joetsu Myoko Station off the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. A parking lot is available. Summary of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots of Japan! This video introduces the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots of Japan. Enjoy the spectacular nighttime views of cherry blossoms lit up and glowing beautiful shades of pink. Be sure to check out these locations during the next cherry blossom season! 【Official Website】Ueno Park/Ueno Onshi Park Official Website - Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Bureau of Construction https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html 【Official Website】Hirosaki Park https://www.hirosakipark.jp/en/

Sightseeing in Onomichi City, Hiroshima! This article introduces a video called "Japan Heritage Onomichi City" that summarizes sightseeing information about Onomichi City, and Hiroshima Prefecture. In this three-and-a-half-minute video, artist Naoki Honjo walks around the attractive tourist destinations and scenic locations in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, a Japanese heritage site known as the "Southern City," sandwiched between the three mountains of Onomichi and the Onomichi Channel. Enjoy the rich scenery of the Onomichi area! Visit Historical Temples in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture! Photo：Friends visiting a shrine There are many temples in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Chugoku Region, where you can feel the Japanese atmosphere. The historic Jodoji Hondo and Tahoto, the Saikokuji Niomon, the Shakokuji Kondo and the three-storied pagoda, introduced at 0:52, are absolutely amazing. Don't miss the statues of Joshoji, Saigoji Hondo, and Amidanyorai at Senkoji Temple, and the silk-colored Fugen Enmei statue at Jikoji Temple. If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Onomichi City, take the Senkojiyama Ropeway to the Senkoji Park Observation Deck. From here, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Onomichi City, the Nishi Seto Expressway, with its mild climate, and the distant Innoshima and Ikuchi Islands. Recommended Spots in Onomichi City, Hiroshima! Photo：Onomichi landscape If you're staying in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, we recommend Nishiyama Honkan, a retro hotel introduced at 1:36 in the video. Check out the beautiful views of Miharashi-tei, the charming gardens of the former Fukui House, and the Soraiken Garden. Along the slopes of Onomichi, there are many cafes where you can enjoy local gourmet. From 2:08 in the video, cultural buildings such as the Former Onomichi Bank Head Office, and the Former Onomichi Chamber of Commerce are also introduced. Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture is known as a port town and has a long history of travelers. If you cross Innoshima Bridge from Mukojimacho in Onomichi, you can go to Innoshima, a popular tourist spot floating in Setouchi. Check out sightseeing events in Onomichi City, Hiroshima! Photo：Onomichi Fireworks Festival There are various events around the city of Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, where the residents are united and excited. In particular, be sure to watch the Yoshiwa Taiko Dance with a long history, the Betcher Festival, the Sumiyoshi Festival, the Onomichi Light Festival, the Onomichi Minato Festival, the Onomichi Gion Festival, the Innoshima Suigun Festival, the Onomichi Sumiyoshi Fireworks Festival, and the Setodacho Summer Festival. They are all very thrilling to watch. For more information about Onomichi's festivals, events, and history, visit the Onomichi History Museum and Art Museum. Summary of Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture If you walk along the sightseeing route in Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, you'll be able to take some great Instagram photos. There are many maze-like slopes in the city of Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and it is famous for the many cats living in the city, Innoshima and Ikuchijima. It is also a popular Japanese film and serial drama shooting location, so we recommend going to a filming location! In Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, you can enjoy cycling, Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street, Kaigan Dori, Onomichi Ihatov, Maneki Neko Art Museum, The Narrow Cat Path, the Fukuishi Cat, Onomichi City Art Museum, and Setouchi Shimanami Kaido. Also there's delicious food in the area, such as the local Onomichi ramen, "sweets using citrus fruits," "Hirayama Ikuo Museum," "Kosanji and Kosanji museum." Visit famous and unexpected sightseeing spots and enjoy the charm of Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Be sure to check out the video of Onomichi-shi, Hiroshima to see everything it has to offer! 【Official Website】Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture hall homepage https://www.city.onomichi.hiroshima.jp/site/onomichicity/ 【Tripadvisor】Onomichi City https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g651649-Onomichi_Hiroshima_Prefecture_Chugoku-Vacations.html

The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival: Video Introduction This video, titled "Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival" (湯西川温泉　かまくら祭　Kamakura Festival), was uploaded by "Nikko Walking" (日光を歩く Nikko Walking). The video introduces the Yunishikawa Onsen Kamakura Festival, an event held in Nikko, Tochigi, in Japan's Kanto Region. "Kamakura" (かまくら) is the Japanese word for "Igloo." The festival features both full-size igloos that are large enough to fit people and small-size miniature igloos with candles, and the atmosphere at night is quite romantic. The candlelight emanating from each igloo is fantastic. Check out the video to see what the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is like. Yunishigawa Onsen, Home to a Charming Igloo Festival Photo：Yunishigawa Onsen, Nikko, Tochigi Yunishigawa Onsen is located in Nikko National Park in Nikko, Tochigi. It's a historic hot spring where Heike warriors, who fled after being defeated in the Battle of Dan-no-Ura during the Genpei War, are said to have healed their wounds with a hot spring they found bubbling up on the riverbank. The springs of Yunishigawa Onsen are simple alkaline hot springs, and are known as beauty springs for their skin-cleansing properties. In addition, Yagen no Yu (薬研の湯), an open-air hot spring managed by a ryokan, is located along the river and can be used free of charge. It's popular among hot spring enthusiasts because visitors can bathe in the hot spring while enjoying the quiet murmur of the Yunishigawa River and the townscape of the fallen Heike Clan. Because of its location along the Yunishigawa River valley, it's covered with snow during the winter. The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is an annual event held from January, when the snow begins to deepen, to take advantage of the accumulated snow. Heike no Sato – The History of the Festival's Venue Photo：Igloos at a festival site, Heike no Sato The Heike (Taira clan) was a family of Taira no Kiyomori who came to power at the end of the Heian Period (794-1185). Heike Monogatari (平家物語, The Tale of the Heike), a historical tale depicting the Heike Clan from its height of power to its downfall, is quite popular in Japan. At Yunishigawa Onsen, where the fallen members of the Heike Clan are said to have lived, there are many hidden stories, legends, and customs that remain. Heike no Sato (平家の里, lit. "Village of the Heike (Taira) Clan") is a facility that introduces the Heike Clan and Yunishigawa Onsen. Heike no Sato, which is also one of the venues for the Kamakura Festival, is a recommended place for history buffs, with exhibits of tools used in daily life at the time, as well as special products, and a family tree of the Heike Clan. The historical thatched-roofed hall is surrounded by nature, and visitors can enjoy the scenery of Japan's four seasons here. Take a stroll through the hot spring resort and give this place a visit! Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival Highlights Photo：Mini igloos at Yunushigawa Onsen's Kamakura Festival The Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival is a popular annual event that has been held since 1994 to take advantage of the deep snow to attract tourists. The event will be held from January 26 to February 25, 2024. While the view of kamakura during the daytime is popular among tourists, the sight of mini kamakura lit with warm lights at night is a popular topic of conversation as it is very Instagram-worthy. The mini kamakura are lit on weekends, Fridays and Saturdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The view along the Sawaguchi Riverbank has been recognized as a Night View Heritage of Japan. [Video] 1:10 - Illuminated Mini Igloos Shuttle buses will be running from inns and hotels at Yunishigawa Onsen to the venue during the festival period. Since the number of guests will increase, early reservations are recommended for those planning a trip. For those living in the neighboring areas, we recommend enjoying a day trip to the hot springs and enjoying the Kamakura Festival at night. The Popular Igloo Barbecue at the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival The popular Kamakura Barbecue takes place every year at the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival. [Video] 1:07 - Kamakura Barbecue Ryokan of Yunishikawa Onsen 'Saiyukashi' "Hana and Hana" also includes accommodation plans with the privilege of being able to eat ""oshiruko"" and ""yudofu"" in a kotatsu inside a large kamakura made in the courtyard of the building." It is recommended not only for watching but also for those who want to experience eating inside the kamakura. Summary of the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival Photo：Winter at Yunishigawa Onsen, Nikko, Tochigi That concludes our introduction of the Kamakura Festival at Yunishigawa Onsen in Nikko, Tochigi. Access to Yunishigawa Onsen is about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train. Come and enjoy the illuminated snowy landscapes and Yunishigawa Onsen, a relaxing hot spring for beautiful skin! After watching the video, you're sure to want to visit! 【Official Website】Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival 【TripAdvisor】Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival

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

Sightseeing in Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture! Introducing sightseeing in Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture! This video introduces the Hashima City sightseeing video "Hashima City Sightseeing PR Video. Normal Version, 2017," produced by the "Hashima City Tourism Association." Hashima City, in Gifu Prefecture, is an area with excellent traffic access thanks to the Tokaido Shinkansen route. Get off at Gifu-Hashima Station, where the statues of the Japanese politicians, Mr. and Mrs. Mutsune Ono, stand in front of the station and enjoy sightseeing around the scenic Hashima city. Enjoy this quick 3 minute clip filled with the nature, history, festivals, and gourmet food of Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture. Tourist Attractions in Hashima City! Source :YouTube screenshot In Hashima City, a place overflowing with nature, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms of Hashima Park (羽島公園, Hashima koen) and Sakai river (境川, Sakaigawa) in the spring, the wisteria trellises of the Takehana Betsuin Temple (真宗大谷派竹鼻別院, Shinshu Otaniha Takehana Betsuin), and the lotuses of Oga Lotus garden (大賀ハス園, Oga hasu koen) in the early summer. In autumn, you can gaze upon the the vast sunflower field, the cosmos of Ichinoeda, and the rows of ginkgo trees. The seasonal scenery is perfect for Instagram, so don't forget to bring your camera! You can see Ichinoeda Cosmos Square, with one side dyed pink, at 0:43 in the video. Hongaku Temple (本覚寺, Hongaku ji) in Hashima City, is famous for its cloud dragon ceiling painting, shown at 2:08 in the video. We also recommend checking out Yoro Park (養老公園, Yoro koen), where the Yoro Falls are located, as well as Yoro Shrine (養老神社, Yoro jinja). Other sightseeing spots we recommend are Chiyobo Inari Shrine (千代保稲荷神社, Chiyobo Inari jinja), the Great Buddha of Sakichi in the Takehana area, Naka Kannon Hall (中観音堂, Naka Kannon do) and the Hashima Enku Museum (羽島円空資料館, Hashima Enku Shiryokan), and the Hashima City Folk Museum. After sightseeing, enjoy local gourmet dishes using lotus root, while sipping on sake, or relax at a hot spring inn or hotel. The local cuisine of Hashima City is introduced at 2:13 in the video. Lotus root rice bowls, boiled fish, miso dumplings, sake ... everything looks so delicious. Hashima City Event Information! Source :YouTube screenshot Check out the historical festivals and popular events in Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture. In Hashima City, the Hashima Spring Festival is held in the spring, and during the Golden Week there is a lively float festival called the Takehana Festival. The Nobi Fireworks, a tradition upheld since the Meiji Period, are also something to look out for. The Japanese drum called Hajima Taiko, introduced at 0:19, is also famous. Let's go to events such as Japanese drum live and music festival. Summary of Sightseeing in Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture! Gifu Prefecture's Hashima City has many interesting sightseeing spots. Hashima City can also be easily accessed from Kanto and Kansai by bullet train, making it a great place to visit. In the video, you can see information about Hashima City that we couldn't include in this article, such as "Mino-Jima," a traditional cotton loom handed down since the Edo Period (1603-1868)! If you're looking to enjoy the beautiful, natural scenery of Japan, along with famous sights, consider adding Gifu Prefecture to your itinerary and drop by Hashima City! 【Official Website】Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture City Hall Homepage https://www.city.hashima.lg.jp/ 【Official Website】 Hashima City Tourism Association | Introducing sightseeing spots and events in Hashima City, Gifu Prefecture https://hashimakanko.jp/wp2/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/guide_en.pdf

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/

What is the Ig Nobel Prize? Do you know of the Ig Nobel Prize? This video, “The Winners of This Years Ig Nobel Prize Are Once Again Japanese (The Daily Saliva of 5 Year Old Children) イグノーベル賞今年も日本人『5歳児の1日の唾液量』(19/09/13)” introduces the awards ceremony of the Ig Nobel Prize, 2019. The Ig Nobel Prize is a parody of the Nobel Prize, with the first awards ceremony held in 1991 at Harvard University in Massachusetts, America. Now, it has become an annual event, and is a scientific award recognized worldwide. The selection criteria is research which “first makes people laugh, and then makes them think”, and similarly to the genuine Nobel Prize, the Ig Nobel Prize is made up of several different categories. In recent years, the Japanese winners of the Nobel Prize have been buzzed about, but in actuality, Japanese researchers have been awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for 13 consecutive years, beginning from 2007. The 2019 winner was Professor Watanabe Shigeru and his 5-man team from Meikai University. They were awarded the prize for their study on the “estimation of the total saliva volume produced per day in 5-year-old children”. What is the content of this year’s Japanese Ig Nobel Prize-winning study? Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019, Professor Watanabe’s team won the Ig Nobel Prize for chemistry. Their study involved measuring the amount of saliva produced by 5-year-olds in order to maintain the cleanliness of their oral cavity. The study consisted of the researchers feeding 5-year-old children a pre-determined volume of food, having them chew and then spit the food out without swallowing, then measuring the spat-out food and comparing the volume to that at the beginning of the experiment. Through this, the researchers estimated that the children produced about 500 milliliters of saliva per day. At the awards ceremony, the researchers reenacted the experiment using a banana. This can be seen from 0:14 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot The winners of the prize have only 60 seconds to make a speech, with a girl named Miss Sweetie Poo crying out, “Please stop! I’m bored!” if that time limit is breached. This can be seen from 0:53 in the video. The awards ceremony begins with the audience throwing paper airplanes at the stage, followed by the winners entering on a rope. From start to finish, the venue is filled with laughter. It might seem difficult to win an award for science, but the Ig Nobel Prize is a unique international science award overflowing with humor and, occasionally, irony. However, the academic papers concerning these award-winning research studies have even been published in the English science journal “Nature”, showing that these studies have genuine scientific significance. An overview of the Japanese Ig Nobel Prize winners for 13 consecutive years Source :YouTube screenshot These are some of the main Japanese prize winners. ・1992 Kanda Fujihiroshi (Medicine): For the discovery of the chemical compounds responsible for foot malodor. The first Japanese winner. ・1997 Maita Aki (Economics): For “Tamagotchi”, which diverted millions of man-hours of work into the husbandry of virtual pets. That year was a double win for Japan, with the prize for Biology awarded to Yagyu Takashi. ・2002 Sato Keita and others (Peace): For inventing Bow-Lingual, a dog-to-human language translation device ・2004 Inoue Daisuke (Peace): For inventing karaoke, allowing people to spend a peaceful time together ・2016 Higashiyama Atsuki and others (Perception): For investigating whether things look different when you bend over and view them between your legs All of these and more are part of the 71 Japanese winners of the Ig Nobel Prize as of 2019. Summary of this video regarding the Ig Nobel Prize and the study on the amount of saliva produced in one day by 5-year-old children Source :YouTube screenshot Although Japan has a significant number of Ig Nobel Prize winners even compared to countries worldwide, in Asia, South Korea’s professors as well as religious experts have also been recipients of the prize. In addition, the study “cats are liquids”, which trended on the Internet, was actually conducted by a team of researchers from France. Of course, though cats are solid beings, they have extraordinary flexibility, and thus are occasionally seen as liquids. This humorous thesis invited many laughs from the audience. The reward for winning the Ig Nobel Prize is 10 trillion Zimbabwe dollars! However, this is a currency no longer in circulation and thus not even worth a penny…

Aquamarine Fukushima, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture "Aquamarine Fukushima" Video Introduction This short video “aquamarine PR web,” made by aquamarine0715, introduces Aquamarine Fukushima, an aquarium located in Iwaki city in Fukushima prefecture, in the Southern part of Japan's Tohoku region. The video shows the submarine-like architecture and some of the charming marine animals that can be met there. Aquamarine Fukushima has a lot of experience caring for rare creatures. For example, they were the first in the world to keep and exhibit sailfish in 2009, and deep sea shrimp in 2019. Enjoy a fun-filled day at this aquarium full of marine life! The video introduces various creatures that you can meet at Aquamarine Fukushima. You can also enjoy the beautiful sound of the shamisen, a traditional 3-stringed Japanese instrument, in the background, coupled with the sounds of the aquarium. Highlights of Aquamarine Fukushima Photo：A school of fish Introduced at 0:16 in the video is the large water tank "Oceans at the Current Rip" where they've replicated the Oyashio and Kuroshio currents. Visitors can watch tuna, sea turtles and sardines swimming in schools from the triangle tunnel. At feeding time, you can witness a tornado of sardines! At 'Sea of Coral Reef' shown at 0:31 in the video, you can see a variety of colorful tropical fish that are great for taking pictures. There are plenty more things to see at the aquarium, such as sea lions and Ribbon seals at "Marine Mammals and Waterfowl of the North Sea," deep-sea fish at "Oyashio Ice Box," and "The Shores of Fukushima" where the forests and nature of Fukushima is replicated. Don't miss out on "WAKUWAKU Satoyama Jomon Village," where you can see cute Eurasian river otters, and "The World of Coelacanths," where you can learn more about the ecology of coelacanths, living fossils, in a guided video presentation. You can also see specimens of coelacanths here. The video of live coelacanths introduced at 1:53 of the video is one of the main attractions of this aquarium. Experience Based Activities at Aquamarine Fukushima Source :YouTube screenshot At Aquamarine Fukushima, there are many events and experiences where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. There's the backyard tour where you can feed marine animals, a night program where you can see the aquarium at night, and a fishing experience where you can BBQ your catch. Janome Beach, shown at 0:12, is one of the most popular outside spots for children. After sightseeing and participating in some activities, don’t forget to enjoy the delicious food at one of the restaurants and drop by the souvenir shop. As for souvenirs, you can't go wrong with the marine life goods. Summary of Aquamarine Fukushima Photo：Aquamarine Fukushima Which one of the marine creatures caught your eye? Aquamarine Fukushima is perfect for spending time with your family, going on a date, or even just relaxing by yourself! As shown in the video, there are plenty of things to see and do, and you can spend an entire day here. Why not stop by next time your in Fukushima? ◆Institution Info of Aquamarine Fukushima◆ 【Address】50 Onahama Tatsumi-cho, Iwaki city, Fukushima 【Admission fee】Adults ¥1850 (~$18 USD) Child (small from elementary to high school students) ¥900 (As of November 2019) 【Hours】 From March 21 to November 30: 9:00～17:30 From December 1 to March 20: 9:00～17:00 【Access】20 minutes from Joban Expressway Iwaki Yumoto IC 5 minutes walk from AEON mall Iwaki Onahama st. of Onahama Ena direction bus from JR Joban Line Izumi st. 【Parking】Available. 700 car capacity (Free) 【Official Website】Environmental Auarium Aquamarine Fukushima｜Fukushima Iwaki Tourism https://www.aquamarine.or.jp/

Shiiba Village - A Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in Miyazaki Prefecture This video, titled "A Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System - Shiiba Village - Promotional Video (Japanese, with subtitles)" (世界農業遺産　椎葉山　魅力発信プロモーションビデオ（日本語・字幕有り）), introduces Shiiba Village, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in Miyazaki Prefecture. Food is essential for humanity. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes agriculture, forestry, and fisheries that have traditionally been passed down to ensure the stable production of food as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). In 2015, five towns and villages in Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region, including Shiiba Village, were recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in the Takachiho Township and Shiiba Mountain Region. Specialty Products of Shiiba Village and Characteristics of Agriculture in Miyazaki Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot Shiiba Village in Miyazaki in Japan's Kyushu region, a place where you can feel the historical rural culture, has been recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) for its agricultural expertise, including it's traditional slash-and-burn agricultural techniques. Shiiba Village, surrounded by mountains on all sides, has a rich agricultural culture of slash-and-burn farming which involves cutting down bushes and burning the ground with flames in August. In the mild climate of Shiiba Village, many people are involved in timber production, rice cultivation, and forestry, as well as shiitake mushroom, buckwheat cultivation, and the production of Japanese beef. Thanks to the rich farmland in Shiiba Village, numerous agricultural and livestock products can be grown there. Explore the Nature-rich Shiiba Village in Miyazaki Prefecture! Photo：Ureshino Hot Spring on Shiibayama, Miyazaki Prefecture Shiiba Village in Miyazaki is a famous tourist destination thanks to Ureshino Onsen. There are many mountain villa-style lodges and nice hotels in the area, and you can relax and rid yourself of the fatigue of sightseeing. Shiiba Village is a place where you can fully appreciate the scenery of all four seasons: seasonal flowers blooming in spring, fireworks displays in summer, and forests in the neighboring areas turning red and orange in autumn. Visit the rural landscape around Shiiba Village, experience encounters with wild animals and plants, and visit the Kami-Shiiba Dam on the upper reaches of the Mimi River (耳川, Mimi-Kawa)! These are just a few of the sightseeing experiences you can enjoy in this land of rich natural beauty. Popular Festivals on Shiiba Village, Miyazaki Prefecture Photo：Shiibayama in Miyazaki Shiiba Village is also known as an area where traditional Japanese arts still remain. At the Autumn Festival in Shiiba Village, you can see events with Usu-Daiko and Yamaboshi Dances. Hietsuki-bushi Dori, a folk dance, is another exciting form of local entertainment. At the Shiiba Kagura Festival, traditional Japanese kagura is dedicated with the sound of drums and flutes. The Shiiba Heike Festival, with its Yamato-emaki Samurai Parade, is another festival worth visiting. Summary of Shiiba Village in Miyazaki, a Village Full of Charm Source :YouTube screenshot Shiiba Village in Miyazaki is truly a beautiful area where ancient Japanese traditions still remain. Enjoy a trip to the Shiibayama to see the time-honored rural landscape and traditional rituals featured in the video! 【Official Website】Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems: Takachiho Village and the Mt. Shiiba Area https://takachihogo-shiibayama-giahs.com/home-en

The Distress of the Ottoman Frigate Ertuğrul This video was published by “WakayamaPref.” It shows the Turkish ship "Ertuğrul" connecting Japan and Turkey, which led to the creation of a strong bond between the two countries. The title of the video is "Japan and Turkey. A Bond Transcending Time ~ Stories of Friendship Connected by the Ertuğrul." (日本トルコ 時を越える絆 ～エルトゥールル号が繋ぐ友好の物語～). Turkey is located between East Europe and West Asia, and is known as a pro-Japanese country. The history between Japan and Turkey began when an incident between the Turkish battleship, Ertuğrul, occurred near Oshima in Kushimoto, Wakayama 130 years ago. A typhoon hit the ship whilst returning home from a visit to Japan in September 1890. The ship hit a reef and sank by the shore in Kashinozaki. The friendship between the two countries began when local residents rescued the Turkish sailors who were going down with the ship. Kushimoto Saved Ertuğrul Source :YouTube screenshot The local people who tried to save the Turkish crews on the ship were from the Kashino area of Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Upon hearing of the incident, they immediately decided to rescue and treat the Turkish crew members. You can learn more at 1:26 in the video. At a time when they were not rich, they provided clothing and food for the Turks, even though typhoons prevented them from going out to fish and their reserves were low. The "morobuta," a container in which rice balls were served at the time, has also been preserved. You can see one at 2:43 in the video, in an interview with the son of a resident who helped rescue the Ertuğrul. The History of the Iran and Iraq Wars During the Iraq war in 1985, Japanese residents in Tehran, Iraq were rescued. A Turkish airliner was sent by the Turkish government to rescue 215 Japanese stranded in Tehran, the capital of Iran. This incident was also a repayment of the debt of gratitude for the rescue of the Ertuğrul, which created long lasting bonds between the two countries and resulted in a pro-Japanese Turkey. The Memorial Service for the Ertuğrul Incident Photo：Turkish Memorial and Museum As you see from 5:33, a memorial service for the Ertuğrul incident was conducted by the local people every year. In recent years, the memorial service is held every 5 years to commemorate the friendship. Local people work together to prepare this service in Kushimoto, Wakayama. In 2015, the Kushimoto Turkish Memorial and Museum was reopened, as well as an exhibit of the newly discovered artifacts found from the ship (6:49). Because Ertuğrul was a wooden ship, all of the artifacts sank to the bottom of the ocean. Searches have been conducted to look for more artifacts since 2008. Through these diligent searches, there have been a total of 7 exhibition events in both Japan and Turkey. During the 2015 excavation, which can be seen at 9:04 in the video, they worked off Kashinosaki, where the ship had gone missing at the time, and found 311 artifacts in 51 dives. These items have been investigated at the Ertuğrul Research Center, and local children helping with the conservation work. Source :YouTube screenshot At the only elementary school in Oshima, students learn about the exchange between Japan and Turkey during cultural exchange classes. Please check the video from 7:34 to see what students learn in school. You can also see a Turkish lady working at Kushimoto town hall at 7:50. Kushimoto town also invented a new type of rose and named it “Ertuğrul” as a symbol of friendship between two countries (8:16). Turkey and Japan: A Bond That Transcends Time Photo：Turkish warship memorial As seen in the video, the Turkish Culture Association in Kushimoto, Wakayama has been creating different events for interacting with Turkish culture, such as learning the Turkish language and popular dances. There was a movie called “125 Years Memory” in memory of the 125th year of friendship between Japan and Turkey. There are also several books and novels about Turkey and Japan. Please visit Wakayama to learn more about the history of Japan and Turkey. Wakayama prefecture has beautiful scenery and some World Heritage spots as well!

This video, titled "Gion Matsuri: Yasaka Shrine Events (Omukae chochin/Hanagasa junko/Kankousai)," was released by "Discover Kyoto." The Gion Festival in Kyoto has a strong image of a breathtaking parade of floats, but don't miss the events introduced in the video, such as the welcoming lanterns, the Hanagasa Festival, and more. The Gion Festival is a long-running festival that begins on July 1 and continues all the way 'til July 31st, when the Nagoshi-no-Harai ceremony is held. Rituals and events are held almost every day on the grounds of Yasaka Shrine, where the Gion Festival is held, and in the Kawaramachi and Karasuma areas, which are crowded with tourists. Summer in Kyoto is hot, so be sure to take precautions against the heat while touring the city in July!