The Oya History Museum in Utsunomiya, Tochigi: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Oya History Museum] A 6-minute tour of another world in Tochigi: The Oya Stone Mining Site 4K" (【大谷資料館】栃木にある異世界6分ツアー 大谷石採掘場跡 4K), was uploaded by "Tourist Attraction Japan." The Oya History Museum is located in a mysterious underground space with vast stone structures that are illuminated. In the video, you can see the beautiful 4K footage showing what resembles an underground temple. When lit up, the quarry ruins become an artistic space. Take a moment to check out the video that condenses some of the best parts of the Oya History Museum into just 6 minutes of footage. Learn About the History of Oya Stone Mining at the Oya History Museum! Photo：The Oya History Museum, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Oya stone, mined mainly in Oya, Utsunomiya, in Tochigi Prefecture, became known throughout Japan when it was used as a building material for the former Imperial Hotel. At the Oya History Museum, visitors can learn about the history of Oya stone in the exhibition room on the ground level and at the Oya Stone Mining Site. Oya stone is made of hardened volcanic ash and pumice rock fragments. It is softer and easier to process than other stones, and was mainly used as a building material because of its excellent fire resistance. Mining began in the mid-Edo period (around 1700-1800 AD). At first, mining was conducted during the off-season, but by the Meiji era (1868-1912), had become a full-fledged industry. Later, mining was done by hand until the 1950s, when it was successfully mechanized. The Oya History Museum is a valuable place where visitors can actually see and learn about the history of Oya stone mining, including the changes in the mining process throughout the years. The Oya History Museum, a Filming Location for Japanese Movies and TV Dramas Photo：Illuminated Oya stone at the Oya History Museum, Utsunomiya, Tochigi The Oya stone Mining Site has been the filming location for many Japanese dramas, movies, and music videos. Popular films include Rurouni Kenshin, Assassination Classroom, and the Kamen Rider series, and dramas such as "The Brave Yoshihiko And The Seven Driven People." It has also been used for shooting music videos for musicians, such as the Japanese rock duo B'z. Here are some of the various highlights of the Oya History Museum: ●It's a Space Reminiscent of an Underground Temple Descending the stairs from the entrance to the basement, visitors will find a 20,000-square-meter space which looks like an underground temple from a science fiction movie. ●Recreation of the Hand-Digging Era With Dolls The museum uses realistic dolls to recreate the hand-digging mining that was conducted from the Edo period (1603-1868 AD) until the introduction of machines in 1955. ●Holes With Light Coming in From the Ground During the mining process, holes were drilled to check the digging position from the ground. The light shining through these holes is as artistic as calculated lighting. ●Mining Ruins Resembling Murals The patterns of the mining ruins on the walls are like contemporary artwork. The walls are also used for concerts and other events. The space surrounded by Oya stone is said to have excellent acoustics. ●Fantastical Lighting Artworks and art objects using lighting are exhibited in the mining site, and art exhibitions are held on occasion as well. In addition, the site offers a variety of other ways for visitors to enjoy their visit, such as exploration events in collaboration with the "Made in Abyss" anime series. When visiting, visitors should be sure to wear warmer clothing. The temperature at the mining site can be as low as 10-11°C even in the summer, so be sure to prepare a jacket. Reservations, Admission Fees, and Time Required to Visit the Oya History Museum Photo：Oya History Museum, Utsunomiya, Tochigi You might be wondering, "Do visitors need a reservation to enter the Oya History Museum?" Well, as it turns out, reservations are not required for regular tours. Since there are only stairs to go underground, wheelchairs and baby strollers are not permitted to enter the museum. For those who have difficulty walking, a golf cart service is available to guide visitors, but please contact the Oya History Museum directly for details due to restrictions, such as limited weekday hours and the need for advance reservations. Also, please note that permission for taking cosplay photos is not received via reservation, but through application and permission, and there is a fee for this service. Admission to the Oya History Museum is 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children (elementary and junior high school students), and free for preschool-aged children; group discounts apply for groups of 20 or more, with the price reduced to 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children. The average time required to visit the Oya History Museum is about 40 minutes. If you want to take your time while taking pictures, it's recommended that you expect to spend around 60 minutes here. Visit ROCKSIDE Market After the Oya History Museum for Lunch at a Café On the grounds of the Oya History Museum, there is a café-restaurant called ROCKSIDE MARKET. After a leisurely stroll through the underground mining site, be sure to stop by. Upon entering the stylish restaurant, you'll find dynamic vases made of hollowed-out Oya stone, plants in Oya stone pots, accessories, and other items for sale. The lineup includes unique Oya stone products made by artists based in Tochigi. These souvenirs are a great way to commemorate your visit to Tochigi. A popular menu item is a galette made with ingredients from Tochigi Prefecture. There are both dessert galettes and meal galettes, which are perfect for lunch or afternoon tea. Gelato, available in several flavors, is also popular, so be sure to give it a try. There are other stylish cafes around the Oya History Museum as well, so have a look around if you're looking to grab a bite to eat after learning about the history of Oya stone. Things to Do Near the Oya History Museum After visiting the Oya History Museum, consider checking out one of these tourist attractions located nearby: Oya Temple This Buddhist Temple in Utsunomiya, Tochigi is famous for its relief carvings which are done on the faces of the stone cliffs in the area. The temple is believed to have been founded by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 810 AD. Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Closed: Thursdays (open on national holidays), December 26-31 Admission Fee: Adults: 500 yen, Middle school students: 200 yen, Elementary school students: 100 yen (Discounts available for groups of 30 or more) Heiwa Kannon Heiwa Kannon is a large Buddhist statue of Kannon (Avalokitesvara, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy). The statue, which stands nearly 27 meters tall (88.5 feet), was carved completely by hand over a period of 6 years from 1948-1954. The name means "The Peaceful Goddess of Mercy." Hours: 24 hours Closed: Always open Admission Fee: Free Summary of the Oya History Museum in Utsunomiya, Tochigi The Oya History Museum can be accessed from JR Utsunomiya Station by local bus. It's a popular spot where many Japanese Instagrammers come to take photos. Children can enjoy exploring the underground temple-like mining site as though they've wandered into another world. If you're traveling to Tochigi, be sure to add the Oya History Museum to your itinerary! 【Official Website】Oya History Museum 【TripAdvisor】Oya History Museum

Drone footage of the Akeno sunflower field in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture! This video is titled ““Beautiful Drone footage” Akeno Sunflower Field（【絶景ドローン映像】明野ひまわり畑）”. It is a video of the Sunflower Field of Akeno in Hokuto, Yamanashi, in Japan's Kanto region, presented by “Houdoukyoku.” You can see the buds from the beginning of the video and from 0:27, you can see them fully bloomed, in all of their big, beautiful, yellow glory. This popular sightseeing spot “Akeno Sunflower Field” holds Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival every year when the sunflowers are fully bloomed. When is the best time to see the sunflower field in Akeno, where the movie was shot? What are the highlights? Photo：Akeno Sunflower Field in Yamanashi prefecture Hokuto City in Yamanashi Prefecture is said to have the longest hours of sunlight in Japan. The best time to see the sunflowers in Akeno, which grow in full sunlight, is usually from late July to late August. The variety of sunflowers is changed from field to field so that visitors can enjoy them for a long time. Many people visit every year to see the spectacular summer view created by approximately 400,000 sunflowers. The sunflower field became a hot topic because it was filmed for the movie “Be with You” released in 2004. A lot of fans still visit the field to this day. Not only the sunflower fields of Akeno in Yamanashi Prefecture, but in fact there is also a place called Akeno in Ibaraki Prefecture, where an event called the "Akeno Sunflower Festival" will be held. The festival features about 100 double-flowered sunflowers against the backdrop of the famous Mount Tsukuba. When you hear the words "sunflowers in Akeno," that may be what comes to mind for some people. The Sunflower Festival in Ibaraki Prefecture is the Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival! What is the time of year and what are the highlights? Photo：Ice cream The Hokuto Akeno Sunflower Festival 2023 was held from July 22 to August 20, 2023. The event was held at two venues: the main venue and the Rural Park venue. During the event, there were sunflower sundaes, a combination of sunflower soft serve ice cream and shaved ice, crepes, juice, and other café menus, as well as events such as the traditional performing art of sarumawashi. There was also a photo contest, so why not participate by taking a great photo with sunflowers in the background? Although the "Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival 2024" has not been announced as of April 2024, it is expected to be held around the end of July, when sunflowers are at their best. Please check the official website and Instagram for information on sunflowers and the "Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival 2024". Some Info on Sunflowers Photo：Sunflower Sunflowers belong to the daisy family, and its trademark is its bright yellow flower petals. Some of the larger sunflowers grow up to 3 meters tall (~10 ft.). The sunflower seeds can be eaten, and even used for oil. Its scientific name is "helianthus". Heli meaning "sun", and anthus meaning "flower" The sunflower's origin is North America and it is called soleil (which means sun) in some foreign countries . Summary of Sunflower Field in Akeno, Yamanashi Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the video, Akeno Sunflower Festival in Yamanashi is a very popular sightseeing spot with a very impressive, expansive scenery. A live camera is located around the field as well, so check out the footage collected on sunny days. There are bus tours when the sunflowers are in full bloom so we definitely recommend participating if you have the chance. ◆Akeno Sunflower Field◆ 【Address】5664 Akenocho Asao, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0201 【Access】15minutes drive from Chuo Expressway Nirasaki IC or Sutama IC 【Operating Hours】 8:00 to 17:00 【Parking】Parking lot available 【Telephone No】0551-42-1423 【Entrance fee】Free 【Tripadvisor】Akeno Sunflower Field Akeno Sunflower Field

Shibamata Teishakuten, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo Video Introduction This video, titled "Walking Around Shibamata, Tokyo - Long Ver.｜4K" (Walking around Shibamata, Tokyo - Long Take【東京・柴又/帝釈天】 4K), was uploaded by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." It's a video that will make you feel like you're actually walking along the Shibamata Taishakuten approach from Shibamata Station. Shibamata Taishakuten, located in Shibamata, Katsushika, Tokyo, was founded in 1629 during the Kan'ei Era. At the beginning of the Edo Period (1603-1868 AD), the location of the main statue of Shibamata Taishakuten was unknown, but it was discovered during the renovation of the main hall and is enshrined there to this day. Katsushika Shibamata is also known as the place where the movie "Otoko wa Tsuraiyo" was set, and the Tora-san Memorial Museum is a nearby tourist attraction. The video, which lasts about 12 and a half minutes, will take you on a guided tour through Shibamata, including the Shibamata Taishakuten approach and Shibamata Tashakuten itself. The relaxing atmosphere will have you feeling as though you've traveled back in time to the days of Tora-san, so be sure to check it out! Shibamata Taishakuten – A Look at the Sightseeing Spot Introduced in the Video Photo：Shibamata Taishakuten, Katsushika, Tokyo Shibamata Taishakuten is a Nichiren Sect temple with its official name being Daikyo-ji Temple. Access to Shibamata Taishakuten is about a 3-minute walk along the temple approach, which is lined with shops, from Shibamata Station on the Keisei Line. Paid parking is also available nearby. The video tour begins at Shin-Shibamata Station on the Hokuso Line, starts along the temple approach from Shibamata Station, and enter the precincts of Shibamata Taishakuten at 6:09. From about 5:30 in the video, you can see Nitenmon Gate, a structure with a simple, yet impressive wooden appearance. The front of Taishakudo, located to the left side of Shibamata Taishakuten's main hall, is covered with a large Japanese black pine, called "Zuiryu no Matsu." There is also a gallery on the wall of the Taishakudo where you can see wonderful sculptures depicting the Lotus Sutra. Behind the main hall is the large guest hall, where you can observe the Japanese garden Suikeien (邃渓園) from the corridor. To the right of the main hall is Shakado (aka Kaisando), the oldest hall on the temple's precincts. After visiting, you can also get a shuin stamp, a talisman to protect yourself from evil, or even a talisman for safe childbirth. The opening hours for Shibamata Taishakuten are from 5 am to 7 pm. Enjoy Delicious Food on the Approach to Shibamata Taishakuten! Photo：The approach to Shibamata Taishakuten, Katsushika, Tokyo The path to Shibamata Taishakuten is lined with stores with a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. You can see this in the video from 2:46. The first thing that you see in front of the station is the statue of Futen no Tora. Along the temple approach, there's also a souvenir shop called Shibamata Tamaya. There are also stalls selling takoyaki (octopus dumplings), and many visitors enjoy purchasing kusadango (mugwort dumplings) from the popular Takagi-ya (高木屋老舗), an old shop on the approach to Shibamata Taishakuten. Shibamata is also famous for delicious cuisine using river fresh. Consider trying some unagi (eel) for lunch at the long-established restaurant Kawachiya! There are many other exciting retro shops along the approach to the temple, and you can enjoy delicious food while exploring them, or just by window shopping. Summary of Sightseeing at Shibamata Taishakuten This video, titled "Walking Around Shibamata, Tokyo - Long Ver.｜4K" introduces the charms and attractions of Shibamata Taishakuten and the approach leading to the temple. Be sure to check out the Showa Retro cityscape, which is visited by many people. We hope you enjoyed this article introducing information on Shibamata Taishakuten. If you're planning on visiting, don't forget to use this as a reference to explore the downtown area where you can feel the warmth and character of Tora-san! 【TripAdvisor】Shibamata Taishakuten https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066447-d1239469-Reviews-Shibamata_Taishakuten_Taishakuten_Daikyoji_Temple-Katsushika_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefect.html

Video introduction of “Hachimanbori” in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, with beautiful nighttime cherry blossoms This video, titled "Hachiman-bori Canal in SHIGA, JAPAN / Viewing Cherry Blossoms at Night" (【滋賀／観光地】八幡堀夜桜／近江八幡幻想の夜 - Hachiman-bori Canal in SHIGA, JAPAN / Viewing cherry blossoms at night -), was uploaded by "channel WASABI." Enjoy the beautiful nighttime cherry blossoms of Hachiman-bori Canal, a cherry blossom spot in Omihachiman, one of the leading tourist attractions in Shiga Prefecture, in the video. Hachiman-bori Canal, a Tourist Attraction in Omihachiman Photo：Omihachiman, Shiga Omihachiman is one of the most famous tourist spots in Japan's Kansai region and Shiga Prefecture, and one of the most popular attractions in Omihachiman is the famous Hachiman-bori Canal. The Hachiman-bori Canal dates back to Japan's Warring States Period (1467-1615 AD) and the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598 AD), when Toyotomi Hideyoshi's nephew, Toyotomi Hidetsugu, built a castle and established a town on Mt. Hachiman. The Hachiman-bori Canal is connected to Lake Biwa, and a "rakuichi-rakuza" (free markets and open guilds) system was established to accommodate the merchants who passed through the canal. The castle town was the birthplace of the Omi merchants and played a role in the development of the town as a result of their efforts to make it prosperous. When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms in Hachimabori?What are the highlights of the tour of Hachimantori? "Hachimanbori Tour" takes you on a Japanese boat, looking up at the emotional white-walled storehouse and cherry blossoms, showing different views from willow in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.It takes about 30 minutes to tour Hachimantori. Cherry blossoms in Hachimanbori in Omi Hachiman are usually at their best in early April.2024 is expected to bloom on March 31st and be in full bloom around April 8th. When you visit Omi Hachiman City in spring, please check the cherry blossom status before going out. Hachiman-bori Canal and Beautiful Cherry Blossoms: A Spectacular Sightseeing Location! Photo：The Hachiman-bori Canal, spring, Shiga Omihachiman is famous as a village of water, selected as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa. One of the most popular sightseeing tours in Omihachiman is the Hachiman-bori Canal Tour. The Hachiman-bori Canal Tour is a popular way to view the cherry blossoms while enjoying a leisurely ride on a traditional Japanese houseboat. Visitors can also enjoy the seasonal scenery of willows in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and gentle snow in winter, while viewing merchants' mansions reminiscent of days past. In addition to touring around Hachiman-bori Canal, we also recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the historical streets. Omihachiman - A Town of Historic Merchant Houses and Historical Dramas Photo：The townscape of Omihachiman Omihachiman is not only famous as a sightseeing spot, but it's also known as one of Japan's most famous locations for filming historical dramas. The merchants' houses and elegant townscape, which still retain their historical atmosphere, are the perfect locations for historical dramas. In particular, it became famous as a location for the Rurouni Kenshin movie, and the Hachiman-bori Canal has become popular not only among fans, but also among many others as a place for pilgrimages. Sightseeing and Recommendations Around Hachiman-bori Canal Photo：The Kawara Museum In the vicinity of the Hachiman-bori Canal, there's the Kawara Museum, a unique exhibition hall in Japan specializing in roof tiles, and the Honganji Hachiman Betsuin Temple (本願寺八幡別院), the largest temple in the city, where visitors can experience the history of Omihachiman. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can stop by during a stroll and enjoy lunch. For example, there's a restaurant called "Tiffany" where you can enjoy famous Omi Beef dishes, or "Kihei" where you can sample the local cuisine of Omihachiman. When it comes to cafes in Omihachiman, Taneya/Club Harie is a place you have to check out. Its most popular items are Japanese sweets and baumkuchen. When visiting the Hachiman-bori Canal area for sightseeing, we recommend that you pick out the spots you want to visit in advance, and if you're coming by car, look up the location of parking lots in advance to ensure a smooth visit. Summary of Beautiful Cherry Blossoms at Hachiman-bori Canal Omihachiman is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of the Eight Views of Lake Biwa, delighting the eyes of many people. The Hachiman-bori Canal tour introduced in the video can be enjoyed together with a canal tour of the town. Both are incredibly attractive. Since there's a difference in the time required, if you have time to relax, the canal tour is definitely something to try. During Hachimanbori Matsuri (Hachiman-bori Canal Festival), the streets, as well as bamboo floats along the Hachiman-bori Canal are filled with lights. The lights create a more elegant and emotional atmosphere, making it great for taking Instagram photos. From the top of Mt. Hachiman, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking night view of Omihachiman combined with the lights along the walking path. The Hachiman-bori Canal is a place with an amazing historical atmosphere that has been used as a location for historical dramas. Be sure to stop by when you visit Shiga Prefecture. 【TripAdvisor】Hachiman-bori Canal https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g1023564-d1424429-Reviews-Hachiman_bori-Omihachiman_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Kawachiya - A Long Established Eel and Fish Restaurant in Tokyo's Shibamata Taishakuten This video shows the eel dishes at Kawachiya in Katsushika, Tokyo. Kawachiya is a long-established eel and fish restaurant that has been in business for over 250 years in Shibamata Taishakuten, a downtown area of Tokyo famous for the movie series "Otoko wa Tsuraiyo" (It's Tough Being a Man). The menu includes eel dishes such as unaju, hitsumabushi, kabayaki, the rare unagi-arai, etc., as well as carp dishes, tempura, bentos, course meals, and more. When you visit Katsushika, Tokyo, be sure to try the flavors that have been handed down since the Edo period. ◆Kawachiya Store Information◆ 【Address】7-6-16 Shibamata, Katsushika, Tokyo 【Access】A 3-minute walk from Shibamata Station off the Keisei Line / 5 minutes by car or bus from Kanamachi Station off the JR Joban Line / 15 minutes by car from Koiwa Station off the JR Sobu Line 【Avg. Cost】¥3200+ 【Hours】11:00-19:00 【Closures】None 【Parking】Yes, 21 cars 【Phone】03-3657-4151 【Official Website】Kawachiya https://www.kawachiya.biz/ 【Tabelog】Kawachiya https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1324/A132403/13018080/

Shimonada Station - A Video Introduction to the Picturesque Station in Ehime, Japan This video, titled "Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K （BMPCC4K） -"Shimonada Station" : 下灘駅," was uploaded by "Anna Film Production." Check out the video to see the beautiful Shimonada Station in 4K. Shimonada Station – The Closest Station to the Sea in Japan Photo：Shimonada Station, Iyo, Ehime Known as the station closest to the sea in Japan, Shimonada Station is famous as a spot for sunset photography and train photography. Maybe you've seen the station in a drama, movie, or anime, but don't know much about it. Shimonada Station is a station on the Shikoku Railway's Yosan Line in Iyo, Ehime, in Japan's Shikoku region. The station offers an unobstructed view of the Seto Inland Sea, and has become famous for its beautiful scenery, which is tinged with beautiful oranges and reds at sunset. Shimonada Station is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ehime Prefecture. Shimonada Station – A Filming Location for Popular Japanese Dramas and Anime Photo：Shimonada Station, Iyo, Ehime Shimonada Station has been used as a filming location for many movies, TV dramas, and anime because of its picturesque appearance, the sweeping view of the Seto Inland Sea, and the fantastic scene created by the sunset. In movies, it was used as a location for the film series "Otoko wa Tsuraiyo," and in TV dramas, it was a location in the tv shows "HERO" and "Rebirth." In animation, Shimonada Station appeared in "Beyond the Boundary" produced by Kyoto Animation. It's also been pointed out that near Shimonada Station, a railroad track leading to the sea can be seen, reminiscent of Spirited Away, produced by Studio Ghibli. Shimonada Station is not only a popular destination for tourists, but also a place of pilgrimage for fans of movies, TV dramas, and anime. The picturesque scenery of Shimonada Station has also been used in TV commercials and posters, attracting many people to the station as the setting for visual works. Enjoy a Sunset Over the Sea at Shimonada Station Shimonada Station, an unmanned station, has the sea, the sky, the train, and a rather old covering and benches. Its picturesque scenery attracts many tourists. The sweeping blue sea, dyed red by the sunset, creates a photogenic sightseeing spot that any photographer or instagrammer would be happy to take a picture of. You'll be able to take a picture that looks like it's straight out of a scene from a movie. Summary of Shimonada Station, a Place to See Beautiful Sunsets Photo：Iyonada Monogatari, Shimonada Station, Ehime Take a ride on the Iyonada Monogatari, a sightseeing train, and see the beautiful sunset. Watching the sky turn from blue to orange, and gradually to dusk is a truly memorable experience. That being said, if you're planning on staying for a while, you'll need to kill some time. There aren't many places to see or eat around the station, so you need to be careful about that. You can take your time taking pictures of the sea and beautiful scenery, and enjoy the seasonal flowers in spring, summer, fall, and winter. There's also a café called Shimonada Coffee just outside Shimonada Station, where they serve delicious coffee. Relaxing on a bench at the train station, and sipping a cup of coffee is a great way to take a break. The "Sunset Platform Concert" (夕焼けプラットホームコンサート) held once a year on the station platform is another popular event. Unfortunately, the concert was held without an audience in 2021, but it's still held every September. It's a wonderful event where you can enjoy music together with beautiful scenery. 【TripAdvisor】Shimonada Station https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022359-d8707273-Reviews-Shimonada_Station-Iyo_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku.html