This video, titled "[With Cooking Scenes] Super Golden and a Massive Portion of Niboshi Ramen at Niboshi Ramen Nagi [IKKO'S FILMS] [Shinagawa Ikko]" (【調理風景あり】すごい煮干しラーメン凪でスーパーゴールデン＋煮干し激盛りにしたらとんでもない事になった・・・【IKKO'S FILMS】【品川イッコー】), was released by "IKKO'S FILMS." This video introduces the famous ramen shop "Niboshi Ramen Nagi," which is famous for its large amount of niboshi (dried sardines) on top of its noodles. The shop opened in 2004, and it's no exaggeration to say that they love niboshi more than any other ramen shop in Japan, stocking over 5 tons of niboshi every month. One of the features of this ramen shop is that they have a special type of ramen called "niboshi-mashi," which adds even more niboshi, just like other ramen shops have extra onions or chashu. In this video, you can see the ramen with niboshi-mashi Niboshi Ramen Nagi, a delicious niboshi ramen shop that appeals to those who like niboshi, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out.

This video is titled "Sukiyabashi Jiro｜Ono Jiro, the Sushi God" (すきやばし次郎　神様小野次郎). It was released by "mrlll." This video introduces Sukiyabashi Jiro, a famous sushi restaurant in Japan that has been awarded three stars by Michelin for eight consecutive years. Every piece of sushi made is sparkling and pleasing to the eye, and the taste is also indescribable, making Sukiyabashi Jiro famous as one of Japan's leading restaurants. It is famous for being the place where former American president, Barack Obama, visited, and it is a sushi restaurant we highly recommend checking out if you can. In this video, Jiro Ono, a chef at Sukiyabashi Jiro, talks about his sushi.

This video titled "Kazumoto Ochiai is One of Tokyo's Ramen Masters — First Person," was released by "Eater." In this video, Kazumoto Ochiai introduces himself as the owner of Kaotan Ramen Entotsuya. Kaotan Ramen Entotsuya is a long-established ramen shop that was established in 1983 and has been open for 37 years in Nishi-Azabu. Not only do they focus on the taste of the food, but they also focus on customer service, and they always try to match each customer's bowl of ramen to their own palette. In this video, Kazumoto Ochiai, the owner of a restaurant where you can enjoy both the taste and the interaction with staff, talks about his journey and what his ideas behind his ramen. Be sure to check it out.

Here's the Daily Schedule of Sushi Noz, a Michelin-Starred Restaurant! This chef has been studying the art of sushi for more than 20 years. This is a video of a day in the life of Nozomu Abe, the owner of "Sushi Noz." Sushi Noz opened its doors in New York City, USA in 2018. It's not an overstatement to say that New York is a fierce battleground for Edo-mae sushi, but it's so good that it has been awarded one Michelin star in New York City. Ninety percent of the fish they handle is transported by their expert buyers in Toyosu, and you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day with the restaurant's omakase course. Mr. Abe puts so much effort into his preparation that 90% of his work is completed before operations commence. In the video, he talks about the preparation process, his attitude as an artisan, and the ingredients he uses, so be sure to check it out. ◆Sushi Noz Store Information◆ 【Address】181 E 78th St, New York, NY 10075, United States 【Cost】Omakase Course- $300/person 【Hours】18:00～23:30 【Closures】Wednesday 【Phone】917 338 1792 【Official Homepage】Sushi Noz https://www.sushinoz.com/ 【Yelp】Sushi Noz https://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-noz-new-york

Introducing the Open-Air Capybara Bath of the Izu Shaboten Zoo This video, titled "Capybara with mandarin orange on head in the open-air bath☆みかんを頭にのせるカピバラ 伊豆シャボテン動物公園【元祖カピバラの露天風呂】," was released by "HIRO@sea." The video shows capybaras enjoying a relaxing soak in an open-air bath. The capybaras can be found at the Izu Shaboten Zoo, in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan's Tokai Region. Just like humans, the capybara enjoy a warm bath. The water is filled with yuzu, a type of citrus fruit. You can see the capybara with a yuzu on its head at 1:46 in the video! In this article, we'll introduce the Izu Shaboten Zoo and its open-air capybara bath. The Izu Shaboten Zoo Photo：Izu Shaboten Zoo The Izu Shaboten Zoo is a theme park in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka. The Zoo is known for animals and cacti. The zoo was opened around 60 years ago, in October of 1959. The 200,000-square-meter park, which opened around 60 years ago in October 1959, has a greenhouse with cacti and succulents from all over the world. There's also kangaroos, capybaras, anteaters, squirrel monkeys, red pandas, chimpanzees, ponies, wild birds, the ever-popular motionless bobwhite stork, and a variety of other animals. The zoo is home to around 800 animals and birds, including flamingos, peacocks, and fennec foxes. The cacti are divided into five sections: the South American Pavilion, the African Pavilion, the Madagascar Pavilion, the Mexico Pavilion, and the Forest Cactus Pavilion. There are edible cacti available for tasting as well. In 2016, the official Japanese name of the zoo was changed from the former "Izu Shaboten Park" (伊豆シャボテン公園) to the current "Izu Shaboten Zoological Park" (伊豆シャボテン動物公園). A little to the east of Izu Shaboten Zoo, there's Izu Granpal Park, Izu Kogen Tabi no Eki Granpal Port, New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden, and the Izu Oceanic Park Diving Center as part of the Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group. Izu Shaboten Animal Park also has life-size replicas of a sculpture of ancient American civilization, and the entire Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group has a wide range of attractions, from animals and plants to artifacts, park golf, the "Ship-shaped 3D Maze KAiZOKU," "Zip Line 風KAZE," "Water Balloons," and more. There's also "Wan Wan Park," a dog run where you can enjoy taking your dog, and the "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination," a hands-on style illumination. Nearby, the official hotels "Izu Shaboten Village" and "Izu Shaboten Village GLAMPING" can be found. You can fully enjoy your Izu Shaboten experience with an overnight stay at either one of these locations. The Open Air Capybara Bath Photo：Open-air capybara bath Firstly, what exactly are capybaras? Capybaras are members of the caviidae family of rodents, native to South America. They can be found from Panama to the northeast of Argentina. They are large (106-134 centimeters in length), have a gentle nature and are known to be very friendly towards humans. They tend to be found in groups of 10 to 20. A group of capybaras can be seen soaking in the bath together from 0:07 in the video. The open-air capybara bath shown in the video has been a tradition of the Izu Shaboten Zoo since 1982. At that time, the zookeepers were washing the exhibit with warm water when the capybaras began to soak in the puddles. Thereafter, the zookeepers came up with the idea of preparing warm baths for the capybaras. Now, the capybara bath has become a winter tradition. Nowadays, many zoos in Japan have introduced their own capybara baths, but the originator is none other than the Izu Shaboten Zoo. The zoo even has a capybara mascot known as "Capyba." Summary of the Izu Shaboten Zoo Source :【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, to uphold social distancing rules, capybara and red panda plush toys are placed between seats at the zoo as well as the restaurant "Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI." The adorable image of the plush toys seated in the restaurant has generated buzz online, and has even been shown on the news. The plush toy and calendar can be purchased at the gift shop within the zoo. Many goods are also available on the official online shop "IZU SHABOTEN HONPO," so do take a look! Take a moment to relax and check out this heartwarming video. ◆Izu Shaboten Zoo Facilities Overview◆ 【Address】1317-13 Tomido, Itou City, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Access】From JR Atami Station, get off at JR Ito Station on the Ito Line, and take the Tokai Bus for Shaboten Zoo (~35 minutes). 【Admission Fee】Adults: 2,400 yen Elementary School Students: 1,200 yen Children (over the age of 4): 400 yen Discounts for groups, seniors, and persons with disabilities, as well as coupon deals, are also available. 【Hours】9:00-17:00 【Closures】None 【Avg. Time Spent Here】2+ Hours 【Parking】400 regular spaces, 500 yen｜Buses: 18 spaces, 1,000 yen 【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://izushaboten.com/lang/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298123-d1196864-Reviews-Izu_Shaboten_Zoo-Ito_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Nagoya Castle - A Popular Tourist Destination in Aichi Prefecture This video, titled "Nagoya Castle Main Tower Keep Promotional Video," was released by "2010Network." Nagoya Castle is a huge castle built in Aichi District (愛知郡), Owari (尾張国), formerly known as "Owari no Kuni," during the Warring States Period (1467-1615 AD). There are many castles in Japan, but the magnificent Nagoya Castle is by far one of the most popular among tourists. Nagoya Castle is a famous landmark housing many national treasures, including the superb castle tower. In 2018, the number of visitors to the castle exceeded 2.2 million. The History of Nagoya Castle Since the Warring States Period Photo：Nagoya Castle, Aichi Prefecture Nagoya Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, who emerged victorious from the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, and was built in nearby the ruins of Nagoya Castle (那古野城, Nagoya-Jo), said to be the birthplace of Oda Nobunaga. Tension was increasing with the forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during this period, and Ieyasu built Nagoya Castle as a key military location. Nagoya Castle served as the residence of the lords of the Owari domain for generations during the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.) after Yoshinao Tokugawa, the founder of the Owari Tokugawa family. It became the Nagoya Detached Imperial Palace for the use of the imperial family after the Meiji period (1868-1912 A.D.). In the Showa period (1926-1989 A.D.), it was designated as Japan's first National Treasure as a castle building. Since then, it has continued to be open to the public as a highly popular tourist attraction. The Must-See Features of Nagoya Castle Photo：Nagoya Castle, Aichi Prefecture Nagoya Castle is also known as "Kinshachi Castle" (金 "kin" meaning gold) after the golden Shachihoko that decorate the castle tower, which has become a symbol of Nagoya. Besides the main tower keep, the magnificent honmaru (inner citadel) and Shoin Hall are must-see features. The outstanding Stone Walls of Nagoya Castle were built via stonewall construction in various areas, including the Mikawa Bay (三河湾, Mikawa-Wan) area. Kiyomasa Kato played an active role in the construction of the stone walls, and the huge stone said to be the largest stonewall in Nagoya Castle is called "Kiyomasa Stone." Enshu Kobori and Masakiyo Nakai were in charge of the construction of the castle tower. This is detailed at 1:10 in the video. When you visit the Sarumenbogaku Tea House, Yuin Tea House, and shops, you may also want to visit the Oribe-Do, which was built to honor Oribe Furuta. Nagoya Castle's Castle Tower Under Reconstruction! Photo：Nagoya Castle, Aichi Prefecture Since May 2018, the demolition and renovation of Nagoya Castle's castle tower has been carried out as the "War Damaged Wood Restoration Project" (戦災木造復元プロジェクト). The restoration of the wooden castle tower is scheduled to last until December 2022. Everyone is looking forward to seeing the restored castle tower once the restoration is finished. Summary of the Historical Nagoya Castle Photo：Nagoya Castle, Aichi Prefecture As shown in the video, Nagoya Castle is a building of great historical value built during Japan's Warring States Period. The castle is large, but you can enjoy exploring it as there are elevators available and many historical materials are on display. ◆Nagoya Castle Facility Information◆ 【Address】1-1 Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi 460-0031 【Access】Train: 5-minute walk from the "Shiyakusho (City Hall)" Station of the Meijo Line. Bus: 1-minute walk from the "Nagoyajo Seimon-Mae" stop 【Admission fee】500 Yen for adults, Free for junior high school students and younger 【Parking】Payed Parking Lot available 【Official Website】Nagoya Castle Official Website https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Nagoya Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14127381-d320128-Reviews-Nagoya_Castle-Naka_Nagoya_Aichi_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Wakayama Prefecture's Famous Waterfall This is the introductory video, "Japan’s Tallest Waterfall: Nachi no Otaki- A World Heritage Site" (直瀑落差日本一の滝　世界遺産　那智の大滝). Nachi Falls is one of Japan's many world-heritage sites, and this 4K video shows its beautiful scenery. Nachi Falls in Nachi-katsuura, Wakayama prefecture, is a famous waterfall in Japan's Kansai region. It is admired and believed to contain the spirit of the deity of Hirou Shrine, an associate shrine of the world heritage site, Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. We will introduce various facts about Nachi Falls, one of the Three Great Waterfalls of Japan ranked together with Kegon Falls in Nikko, and Fukuroda Falls, in Okukuji. The Charms of Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture Photo：Nachi Falls・Wakayama Prefecture Kumano Sanzan, the three Main Kumano Shrines which consist of Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine (Sacred object: Nachi Falls), Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine (Sacred object : Gotobiki Iwa rock in Kamikura mountain) and Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine, are all registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the title "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes." Shown in the video, Nachi Falls is registered as a world-heritage site because of its superb view. Visitors can enjoy the 48 waterfalls of Nachi (那智四十八滝) and a lot of beautiful mountain streams in Nachi Primeval Forest and Nachi Falls, is "Ichi no Taki," the largest one among them. It is also called "Misuji Falls" (三筋の滝) in Japanese and has a stream that forks into 3 separate veins due to a rift in the bedrock of the waterfall's crest. The Beautiful Scenery of Nachi Falls Source :YouTube screenshot After walking through a Torii gate at Hiro Jinja shrine, visitors will see a superb view of Nachi Falls. (shown from 0:56 in the video) The breath of Choshiguchi is 13 meters (~42 ft.) and the height from the top of the waterfall to its basin extends 133 meters (~436 ft.). Compared to other waterfalls, Nachi Falls ranks 12th in Japan and is currently the tallest one-step waterfall in Japan. You can enjoy the beautifully clear waterfall basin (that is more than 10 meters deep) from the observation platform, which is a great spot for taking photos. (shown from 2:28 of the video) Enjoy Your Time and Take in Everything That Nachi Falls Has to Offer ©T-KIMURA Modifying Nachi Falls can be enjoyed in any season, and offers various kinds of scenery depending on the time of year. One of the best times to go is winter, when Mt. Nachi gets colder. There is an annual event called "Otaki Shimenawa Harikae-shiki" held every year on December 27th and many people visit to enjoy the scenery of the illuminated waterfall. You can also enjoy eating lunch at restaurants around Seigantoji temple after watching the waterfall. There are also some hotels near the station with hot spring facilities where you can enjoy a nice relaxing bath. Summary of Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture Photo：Nachi Falls・Wakayama Prefecture The video provides viewers with the fascinating and eye-catching scenery of Nachi Falls' mysterious atmosphere. Mt. Nachi and Kumano Kodo are known as locations for Shugendo and Takiroshugyo (Buddhist training with waterfalls) and are now also tourist destinations for those who enjoy hiking. Take a map with you when you visit there to enjoy a day trip of walking around and seeing Sanju-no-To (the three story pagoda) of Nachi mountain Seigato-ji temple, Nachi-san Kyo-zuka, and Nachi Primeval Forest, as well as Nachi Falls at your leisure. ◆Tourist Information for Nachi Falls◆ 【Address】Nachi-san, Katsuura-cho Oaza, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, 649-5301 【Admission】300 yen/Adult 200yen/Child (as of March 2020) 【Hours】7:00-16:30 【Access】A Bus service is available from the nearby station, Kii-Katsuura Station (紀伊勝浦駅) off the Kisei Main Line (紀勢本線) to Nachi Falls Bus Stop (那智の滝前バス停) 【Parking】Available (payed) 【Official Website】Nachi Falls, Nachi-Katsuura Town Tourism Assocciation https://www.nachikan.jp/en/ 【Official Website】Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine Nachi Ontaki Hiro-jinja shrine https://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/

President Takemoto Katsunori, Who Saved Choshi Railway The video "Local Line Protected by Creativity: The Struggle of the President of Choshi Dentetsu" (発想力で守るローカル線　銚子電鉄社長の奮闘) was uploaded by "Nikkei." The Choshi Electric Railway, which is only 6.4 kilometers long, runs on the east side of the Kanto region and is famous for its unique events, such as the "Ghost Train" and its moist rice crackers. President Katsunori Takemoto, a former tax accountant, utilized his ingenuity to protect the Choshi Railway, which serves as the main form of transportation in the area. What is the Choshi Railway? Photo：Choshi Railway・Tokawa Station Choshi Railway (Choshi Dentetsu), Choden for short, is a train that connects Choshi Station and Tokawa Station in Chiba. The entire line is in Choshi City, and it passes through the easternmost part of the city, near Cape Inubō (犬吠埼, Inubōsaki). Including its predecessor, Choshi Yuran Railway, the railway has a history of more than 100 years. The trains were acquired from major private railroads, and some of them are more than 50 years old. The railway has been in danger of being abandoned many times due to poor performance. Although it is difficult to run the train due to the decreasing population, the management is partly supported by the sale of snacks such as "mazui bo" and wet rice crackers. These wet crackers have generated more than twice the profit of the Choshi Railway, and President Katsunori Takemoto says "the Choshi Railway is a cracker shop" at an interview at 0:56 in the video. You can see crackers being baked at 1:09 in the video. The Brilliant Idea of President Takemoto Katsunori Source :YouTube screenshot President Katsunori Takemoto became the electric railway's tax advisor while also performing conductor duties. His innovations, such as naming rights for event trains and stations, were also successful. The selling of naming rights wasn’t limited to short sighted planning either; it was also to attract companies that were committed to rebuilding the Choshi Railway's management and contributing to the community as owners. Examples include "Never Give Up" Choshi Station (絶対にあきらめない銚子駅), "Roswell" Kimigahama Station (ロズウェル君ヶ浜駅) and "Thank you" Tokawa Station (ありがとう外川駅). In this way, the Choshi Railway has been contributing to society and the region as a hub of the local economy. In recent years, they have released various characters under the anthropomorphic railcar project "Loco MOTION," and a superhero named "Chodenjin Go Gusher" was also created. The Rice Crackers That Saved Choshi Railway Source :YouTube screenshot In 1989, the Choshi Railway was threatened with closure due to a decline in population. In 1998, they started selling moist rice crackers, surpassing earnings from the railway's main business. This was picked up by many media outlets and was the talk of the town at the time. Unfortunately, in 2004, the company took on the debt of the president at that time and began to decline once again. However, rice crackers came to the rescue once again, pulling the railway out of a crisis. The online sales of rice crackers, which were not doing well at the moment, were replaced with crackers that said "Please buy me, I have to earn money to repair the trains." Fans responded to the cry for help, and the railway was able to dodge yet another bullet. Incidentally, the rice crackers, popular survival masks, scarves, and other original Choshi Dentetsu goods are also available by mail order, so please visit the online shop on their website if you're interested. Summary of Choshi Dentetsu's Rice Crackers Photo：Choshi Railway Did you enjoy reading about the innovation of Choshi Dentetsu and their rice crackers? Taking a ride on the quaint railway may make you feel like you're on a sightseeing trip to a far-away land. A movie depicting the history of the Choshi Railway was released in winter 2019 as well. If you're in the area, be sure to take a ride on the Choshi Railway! 【Tripadvisor】Choshi Dentetsu https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021144-d1774621-Reviews-Choshi_Dentetsu-Choshi_Chiba_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Eisa of Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko! This video, titled "MI RU KU MU NA RI｜Eisa｜Sosaku Eisa｜Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko" (ミルクムナリ　エイサー　創作エイサー　琉球舞団 昇龍祭太鼓), was released by "Shoryu Matsuri Daiko" (昇龍祭太鼓) of Okinawa. The group performing the Sosaku Eisa is Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko. The original dance performance "MI RU KU MU NA RI" in the video, is a powerful dance performance combining techniques from Okinawan Karate and Bo-jutsu (the art of using a stick as a weapon), two forms of traditional Okinawan martial arts. Source :YouTube screenshot Eisa, an ancient Japanese dance, was originally performed during the Kyu Bon Festival (the Old Bon festival of the lunar calendar) in Okinawa. In recent years though, traditional Eisa has been performed at other times of the year, besides the Bon Festival, to the delight of local residents and tourists. The name of the performance by the Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Taiko "Miruku Munari" comes from the Indonesian words "Miroku," meaning Maitreya," and "Munari," which means "dance." Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko is a group of dynamic dance performers who have arranged the historical Eisa in a modern style. Eisa Dances, Popular Sightseeing Destinations and Beautiful Views in Okinawa Source :YouTube screenshot The original promotional video of Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko, shown here, was filmed at well-known sightseeing spots in Okinawa. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium at 3:54 in the video, and Emerald Beach at 2:20 in the video, are popular destinations among tourists. The Eisa performances were also filmed at four of the nine World Heritage sites in Okinawa. These include the ruins of Nakijin Castle, Shichanu-una (Lower Garden) at Shuri Castle (Shuri-jo Castle), Shuri Castle's Shurei-mon Gate, and Katsuren Castle (Katsuren-jo Castle). Other amazing scenic locations include the Kouri Island Friendship Square (Kouri Island Fureai Hiroba), Kushi Community Center, Cape Zanpa, Yomitan Village, Ryukyu Village (Ryukyu Mura), and Toguchi Beach. When traveling to Okinawa, be sure to explore these beautiful scenic spots. Exciting and Popular Events in Okinawa! Source :YouTube screenshot Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko has been performing Eisa dances at various events in Okinawa. If the videos has you wanting to see their dynamic, traditional dances up close, consider taking a trip to Okinawa during one of their events. Many events are held in Okinawa, including the Naha Otsunahiki Festival and the Shuri Castle Festival (Shurijo Castle Festival). Visiting these historic festivals will give you a deeper appreciation of the beauty of Okinawa. Summary of Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko's Performance Source :YouTube screenshot Ryukyu Budan Shoryu Matsuri Daiko's Sosaku Eisa is a wonderful performance that keeps Okinawa's traditional culture alive. We highly recommend checking it out. If you're planning a trip to Japan, you should definitely visit Okinawa to see the dynamic and beautiful Eisa performance shown in the video.

Introducing the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway This video is titled "4K｜Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway｜A Superb View of the Alps" (4K アルプスの絶景　北八ヶ岳ロープウェイ). It was produced by “ibukivideo,” and introduces the spectacular view from the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway. The Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway is located in the northern Yatsugatake mountain range, spanning the Suwa and Saku regions of Nagano Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture. It's a luxurious ride overlooking the three major Alps in Japan. In this video, you can see various views from Sanroku station to the observation deck at the summit station. In this article, we'll introduce the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway. Be sure to follow along with the video! What Is the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway? Photo：Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is a large 100-seat ropeway located between Mt. Yoko (northern Yatsugatake) and Mt. Shimagare. Depart from Sanroku station at an altitude of 1,771m, seen at 0:03 in the video, and climb to the summit station at an altitude of 2,237m, shown at 2:20. Within about 7 minutes of boarding, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Yatsugatake mountain range. You'll understand why it's a popular tourist spot. An observation deck is installed at the summit station, and you can see a view of Mt. Ontake, the Central Alps, and the Northern Alps. In addition, there is a garden called Tsubo-niwa at the summit station, where you can enjoy seasonal alpine plants. We recommend viewing the beautiful autumn leaves in the fall. The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is operated by Kita Yatsugatake Resort Co., Ltd. The name has changed several times over the years as well. From 1967 to 1985 it was called "Japan Pilatus Yokodake Ropeway," in 1985 it was renamed to "Pilatus Yokodake Ropeway," between 2001 and 2012 it went by "Pilatus Tadeka Ropeway," and from 2012 to the present it has gone by "Kita Yatsugatake ropeway." Sightseeing on the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Photo：Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway By car, access to the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is about 25 km (40 to 50 minutes) from the Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway. By bus, get off at Chino Station on the JR East Japan Chuo Line. At the Alpico Kotsu Bus Stop at the west exit, take the "Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway" to the hotel. It takes around 1 hour to arrive. The cost of the ropeway is 2,100 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 1,050 yen for children. At Yatsugatake, you can climb from the summit of the ropeway. There are a variety of trails to choose from, including day hikes and overnight hikes using a mountain lodges. Keep in mind that the temperature and weather in the mountains can change easily, especially in summer when there are many evening showers. Rain gear is a must in case it starts to rain. The Yatsugatake Ropeway also offers delicious meals. "Sky Restaurant Komakusatei" is a popular restaurant that offers handmade dishes using Ingredients from Shinshu, Nagano. At the BBQ Garden, you can enjoy a group barbecue. Enjoying a barbecue while staying in a log cabin-style cottage in the great outdoors is something special. Near the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway, there are plenty of lodging facilities where you can enjoy hot springs as well. Summary of Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Source :YouTube screenshot "4K｜Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway｜A Superb View of the Alps" released by "ibukivideo," introduces the superb views of the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway. Besides the scenery on the ropeway, you can also enjoy beauty of nature from the top of the mountain. If you're interested in the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and delicious food, be sure to check out the video! 【Tripadvisor】Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303145-d1991109-Reviews-Kitayatsugatake_Rope_Way-Chino_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Introducing "Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa" a festival in Fukuoka Prefecture! In this article, we will introduce the video "50 Years of Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa（黒崎祇園山笠 50年の歩み）" released by "Yahata Nishi Ward Office Official Video Channel". There are many festivals derived from the Kyoto Gion Festival in Japan, including the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa in Fukuoka Prefecture, introduced in this video. The historic Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa is counted along with Tobata Gion Oyamakasa and Ogura Gion Taiko in the “Kitakyushu Three Great Gion Festivals” and is designated as a Fukuoka Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. The Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Festical: Origin and highlights Source :YouTube screenshot The Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa festival in Fukuoka, introduced in the video, is a historic festival in Kitakyushu city, which has been held for over 400 years. In 1605, during the Christian era, Nagamasa Kuroda ordered the Kurosaki Castle owner, Yukifusa Inoue, to build Okadagu Kasuga Shrine. This festival dedicated to the Okadagu Kasuga Shrine is the origin of Kurosaki Gion and has been inherited as the Gion Festival of "Ichinomiya Shrine", "Okadagu" and "Kasuga Shrine". You can see the origin of the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa festival from 0:49 in the video. Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa begins at the beginning of July with a ceremony of the Oshioi-tori that purifies floats with seawater for the sake of safety in Gion. This is introduced at 1:57 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot Next, is the SasaYamakasa that can be seen from 2:13 in the video. This practice is still inherited as an important traditional event. Decorative Yamakasa, which can be seen from 2:28 in the video, are puppets that are placed on floats by puppeteers to decorate them according to the theme of each year. The music of Kurosaki Gion consists of large drums, small drums, bells and conchs, and the rhythm incorporates the battle drums of the battle of Sekigahara. Gion Taiko is brave and encourages the hearts of people and inspires them. The main event of the festival is the city cruise, where you can see the “Mawashi-Neri” that spins the floats. This can be seen at 1:50 and 6:22 in the video. In addition, there are plenty of other spectacular events such as the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa competition where Yamakasa compete for victory, as well as the Taiko Competition. Both are competitions you won't want to miss! The Different Floats of the “Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa” Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The members of the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Preservation Society belong to Ichinomiya Shrine's Kumanishi Yamakasa and Yamadera Yamakasa, the Kumade area's Okadagu Shrine's Kumade first Yamakasa, the Kumade second Yamakasa, the third Kumade Yamakasa, and the Fujita area's Kasuga Shrine. Fujita HigashiYamakasa, Fujiya City Yamakasa , Higashimachi Yamakasa. These SasaYamakasa can be seen from 1:29 in the video. In 2012, Tamachi Funamachi Yamakasa joined the service for the first time in 64 years. Also, in 2013, SasaYamakasa participated in commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kitakyushu's municipal organization. The floats are illuminated with lights, and are more colorful and brilliant when the sun goes down, as you can see from 7:58 in the video. Is the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Festival Expanding Overseas? Source :YouTube screenshot Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa has also made appearances in festivals in other regions has expanded overseas. In addition to the Osaka Midosuji Parade, it has also bee na part of the Hawaii Aloha Week Festival, Hong Kong New Year Parade, and the 2016 Korea Communications Festival, all of which are introduced starting at 5:46 in the video. Summary of the "Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa" Introduction Video Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa is also known as the "Yamakasa fight" or "fight festival." It is a powerful festival that dynamically moves floats. You can also see "Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Memory", which shows the recent history of Kurosaki Gion, from 3:16. Of course, during Kurosaki Gion, there are also food stalls along the roadside, and it is full of many tourists. There are traffic restrictions on the day, so it is recommended that you collect enough information on the official website before going out. ◆Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa ◆ 【Schedule】 4 days in the 3rd to 4th week of July every year 【Venue Information】Kurosaki Ekimae Fureai Street, Kurosaki Hibishin Hall, Suginamiki Park in Magari. 【Access】 Immediately from JR Kurosaki Station 【Parking】 Use a nearby paid parking lot 【Official Website】Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa-Kitakyushu city https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/yahatanishi/file_0134.html

"Higo Zogan" - A Traditional Craft of Kumamoto Prefecture For those seeking the beauty of Japan's traditional crafts, or wondering what types of traditional handmade goods Japanese artisans make, this is the video for you! This video, "手技TEWAZA「肥後象がん」Higo Zougan Inlay," was created by "Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" (伝統工芸 青山スクエア). This video introduces higo zogan craftsman Inada Kentaro. In the video, he is seen using the traditional methods of higo zogan to create a chopstick rest. This is a wonderful video to get a sense of the beauty of Japanese products. An Introduction to the Traditional Japanese Craft, Higo Zogan Source :YouTube screenshot Higo zogan is Kumamoto Prefecture’s traditional craft. It is a form of metalworking where gold and silver leaf are inlaid onto iron in order to create designs. Higo zogan has a long history, and was first used in sword mounts and fixtures, gun barrels, obi fasteners, and hairpins. Now, it is used to create accessories such as tie pins, necklaces, hair pins, cufflinks, loop ties, and earrings, as well as stationery such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, paperweights, and paper-knives. Many types of products are created using higo zogan. With higo zogan’s birthplace being Kumamoto Prefecture, in recent years, higo zogan pendants featuring Kumamoto’s mascot Kumamon have also been created. The adorable designs make these pendants perfect as gifts. The beauty of Japan’s traditional craft is perfectly paired with modern designs, leading to the creation of attractive products. The Crafting Process of Higo Zogan Source :YouTube screenshot This is an introduction of higo zogan’s crafting process according to the video. The object made this time is a chopstick rest. ・Base-making (生地作り, kiji-dukuri) (0:21) The raw material, iron, is cut and then polished to smooth its corners. ・Inlay preparation (布目切り, nunome-kiri) (0:41) Using a tool called the “tagame,” grooves are carved vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. ・Inlaying and hammering (打ち込み、叩き締め, uchikomi, tatakishime) (1:10) Using a specially sized deer antler, gold or silver is inlaid onto the iron base. ・Smoothing the surface (布目消し, nunome-keshi) (1:55) Using a tool called a “kisaki,” areas with grooves are smoothed and polished. ・Rusting (錆び出し, sabidashi) (2:11) Using iron rust coloring, the surface of the product is blackened. ・Rust-proofing (錆止め, sabidome) (2:30) The product is inserted into boiling tea for rust-proofing. ・Heating (焼き付け, yakiduke) (3:02) Heating prevents the appearance of rust after aging. ・Completion The completed chopstick rest is shown from 3:17 in the video. This is all introduced in detail in the video, so definitely check it out. Purchasing Higo Zogan Products Now, we'll introduce a place to purchase higo zogan products. We recommended "Higo Zogan Mitsusuke" (肥後象嵌　光助) in Kumamoto. At this store, you can even try your hand at making accessories. From accessories such as pendants, brooches, earrings, and gold leaf paintings, to pieces of artwork - There are a multitude of items available, so definitely check them out. In addition, Higo Zogan products are also available through the Internet, so definitely try that out too! As for how to care for the products after purchase, use a dry, soft cloth or a piece of tissue to wipe the product in order to maintain its shine. Summary of Higo Zogan, the Culmination of Craftsmen's Skills Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, the process of Higo Zogan as well as the necessary materials are explained in more detail than in this article, providing an interesting introduction to Higo Zogan. There are also many products perfect as souvenirs introduced in the video. For those who have had their interest piqued by Kumamoto’s Higo Zogan, definitely check out the video! 【Official Website】Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/

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

十日町明石ちぢみ紹介動画について こちらの動画は「伝統工芸 青山スクエア」が公開した「手技TEWAZA「十日町明石ちぢみ」Tokamachi Akashi Chijimi Weaving／伝統工芸青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square」です。 動画で紹介されている十日町明石ちぢみは新潟県十日町市の伝統工芸文化の一つで、八丁撚糸機という特別な機械を使用して1ｍに4000回もの撚り（より）をかけます。 十日町明石ちぢみの特徴として、織物の表面に「しぼ」と呼ばれる凹凸があり、それによって夏でも涼しく着心地のいい素材の着物になっています。 十日町明石ちぢみの制作工程 製作の工程は以下の5手順になっています。 1, 設計 2, 染色 3, 手延べ 4, 絣巻 5, 製織 十日町明石ちぢみが伝統工芸文化と言われる特徴としては、やはり絣巻の工程で使われる八丁撚糸機です。 絣巻（かすりいと）とは、万力を使って縦絣模様をあわせながら巻き取る技法です。 この工程をスムーズにすすめるためにしっかりとした糊付けが必要ですが、手技によって行われ、職人でなければできない匠の技があります。 ここにも十日町明石ちぢみが日本の伝統工芸文化とよばれる所以があるといえます。 製織においても手作業のよる技法が多く含まれています。 平ゴムとくびりによってほぐしをおこなった経糸を柄合わせをしながら巻き取ります。 その後、湯もみをすると細い糸にかけられた強い撚りによって織物の表面が凸凹になります。これが伝統工芸文化である十日町明石ちぢみ独特の着心地を生みます。 十日町明石ちぢみの爽やかなデザインにも職人の技法がふんだんに使われており、その一つとして摺り込みという技法が挙げられます。 これは絣糸を染める技法で染料をヘラで部分的に摺り込むというものです。 何度も揉みながら繰り返し摺り込みを行い、十日町明石ちぢみ独特のデザインを生んでいます。 夏に合わせた明るいコーディネートがしやすいことや季節に合わせて着物を着ることができるので、伝統工芸文化である着物自体をもっと身近に感じてほしいという十日町明石ちぢみ職人の思いを感じます。 十日町明石ちぢみの歴史 日本で伝統工芸文化の十日町明石ちぢみが生まれたのは400年前、播州明石だったと言われています。 その後、新潟の越後縮問屋の州崎栄助に、西陣織りの業者によって研究されていた十日町明石ちぢみを西陣織りより湿度の高い十日町市で開発することが進められました。 そうして多くの過程を踏み、八丁撚糸機を利用することで伝統工芸としての十日町明石ちぢみは文化的な産業になりました。 伝統工芸文化としての課題は、十日町明石ちぢみを受け継ぐ人材は非常に少なく、多様なニーズに答えるデザインが求められています。 十日町明石ちぢみ紹介まとめ 最高級の強撚糸に伝統工芸の撚糸技術、さらには文化を受け継ぐ職人たちの様々な技法を経て最高級の着心地と最高級のデザインが生み出されています。 この素晴らしい日本の伝統工芸文化を後世へと伝えていくために、夏を涼む着物「十日町明石ちぢみ」を体験してみてください。

Introducing Osaka Castle This video, titled "[Sword World] Osaka Castle｜Swords and Armor｜Swords and Armor on Display in the Castle｜YouTube Video" (【刀剣ワールド】「大阪城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), introduces Osaka Castle in Osaka. The castle's majestic appearance is famous as a symbol Osaka. However, most people don’t know the history of Osaka Castle. A Look at Osaka Castle Photo：Osaka Castle Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second of Japan's "Three Great Unifiers." As shown at 0:39 in the video, it's a massive, gorgeous castle with golden shachihoko ornaments. It was often called the "Golden Castle" because of this. The castle was a symbol of great wealth and power during Hideyoshi's reign, but after his death, it became the battlefield of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Toyotomi family. In the end, Tokugawa Ieyasu came out on top, ending the reign of the Toyotomi family. Afterwards, Osaka Castle was seized by the Tokugawa Shogunate and became the base for its control of western Japan. During the Osaka campaign, the castle was heavily damaged and had to be rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate. The stone walls and moats that remain today were one such section that was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Swords and Armor Displayed in the Castle Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the history of Osaka Castle. It was the end of the Warring States Period (about 1615) and whoever won the battle between the Toyotomi and the Tokugawa families would become the unifier of the country. There were several important battles between Toyotomi and Tokugawa, but the decisive battle, and most famous one, is "The Battle of Sekigahara." Sengoku Hidehisa, a former feudal lord of the Toyotomi clan who followed Tokugawa Hidetada after Hideyoshi’s death, played an important role in this battle. His armor, as well as many other weapons, armor, and historical documents, are on display inside the castle. The present-day Osaka Castle was reconstructed in 1931, but it was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration and in air raids during the Pacific War. Today, the ruins of Osaka Castle are a special historical site, and a museum in the reconstructed site houses the famous blade, "Osaka Shinto," by an Osaka-based swordsmith, which can be seen at 2:10 in the video. The museum also houses "Kamichinokami Kunisuke" which is listed as Tangible Cultural Properties of Osaka Prefecture. It can be seen at 2:26 in the video. A number of armors, mainly from the Warring States period, are also on display. The chest with black leather, purple, red, and white armor, has been designated an important art object. You can see the collection of armor in the Osaka Castle from 2:29 in the video. Summary of Osaka Castle Photo：Osaka Castle Illumination The present-day Osaka Castle still has the inner citadel, the outer citadel, the watchtowers, and other structures that have been designated as important cultural assets, and you can also see the inside of the castle, which is currently undergoing a restoration project. Osaka Castle Park, known for its cherry blossoms and for being a great place for barbecuing, is also located in the vicinity, and is crowded with tourists who come to see the illuminations and light-up events. Osaka Castle is a symbol of Osaka, both in name and reality, as the adjacent Osaka Castle Hall hosts live concerts and other events. Enjoy delicious Osaka cuisine and learn about the history of Japan at Osaka Castle, a popular tourist destination! ◆Information◆ 【Address】1-1 Osakajo, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka 540-0002 【Access】A short walk from Tanimachi 4-chome (Yonchome) Station off the Chuo and Tanimachi Lines 【Admission fee】600 yen for adults 【Hours】9 am to 5 pm 【Closures】Year-end and New Years holidays 【Parking】Coin parking lot available 【Official Website】Osaka Castle https://www.osakacastle.net/ 【Tripadvisor】Osaka Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14127623-d320970-Reviews-Osaka_Castle-Chuo_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The Limited Express Sightseeing Train From Tokyo to Izu: Saphir Odoriko - All Cars First Class or Better This video, titled "The Opening of Saphir Odoriko - All Seats First Class or Better" (「サフィール踊り子」公開 全座席がグリーン車以上), was released by "KyodoNews." The video of the news was made open to the press in December 2019. The Limited express train “Saphir Odoriko” will operate on Tokyo-Shinjuku・Shizuoka-izukyuushimoda route, and it will be entered into train schedules by March 14th, 2020. The characteristics of the Saphir Odoriko are its private rooms, and first class or higher seating. It will become a frequently used line connecting the Metropolitan area to Izu. Please watch the video for an inside look at the luxurious accommodations, and to feel the high class nature of this limited express sightseeing train that allows for a comfortable journey between Tokyo and Izu. Saphir Odoriko: All Seats "Green" Source :YouTube screenshot After the Super View Odoriko of JR East is decommissioned in March 2020, the Saphir Odoriko (Railway series: E261) limited express sightseeing train is a brand new train that will grant easy access to popular sightseeing locations around Izu. The namesake "Saphir" in French means "sapphire" reminiscent of its appearance which looks like the beautiful blue sea and sky in Izu. Saphir Odoriko has 8 cars with a capacity of 164 people and the first car (which is a premium Green Car) has skylight seating, so when traveling towards Shimoda passengers can feel the natural light of the sky with luxury 1 to 1 seating accommodating up to 20 people in each row. This can be seen at 0:56 in the video. The seating in the 2nd and 3rd cars are for groups of families and friends, and the private green rooms placed in them can accommodate 4 to 6 people. The seating in cars 5 to 8 are Green Cars and have 1 by 2 (◼+◼◼) seating. They are introduced at 1:29 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot In addition, car 4 is a dining car, and is made in the style of an open noodle bar, so you can enjoy some great tasting noodles during your journey. According to the chief of vehicles at JR East's railroad technology center, the appearance of the "Saphir Odoriko" is a metallic blue that is based on the beautiful colors that can be seen in Izu's natural scenery ( 2:05). You can see the train's appearance at 0:14 in the video. In 2020, the popular toy train manufacturer"Plarail" and the model train manufacturer N scale are going to release versions of "Saphir Odoriko", so they might be great gift ideas. Facilities on the Saphir Odoriko Photo：A woman using a laptop on a train Conscious about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the facilities on board the “Saphir Odoriko” were designed to accommodate the large influx of inbound tourists, and are thus equipped with large luggage compartments, and free Wi-Fi services. In the private green rooms, luggage compartments are installed inside the room itself. Every seat on the Saphir Odoriko also comes with its own personal electrical outlets for charging laptops, phones, and other electronic devices. That being said, you won’t need to worry about preserving data and battery life while riding on the “Saphir Odoriko”, and can instead use your time freely and effectively. Summary of the Saphir Odoriko On the way to popular sightseeing spots in Izu, you won’t need to worry about traffic jams or if the train is running on time as it’s a reputable railway. As shown in the video, with the light pouring in through the skylights, and the train’s high-class feel, you’re sure to have a relaxing, unforgettable experience traveling with friends or family on the Saphir Odoriko. As of this news' release, the Saphir Odoriko is scheduled to make a round trip once per day between Tokyo and Izu. The currently announced stops for the Saphir Odoriko are: Tokyo station, Shinjuku station, and Izukyuushimoda station, but please keep in mind that these are still subject to change. For ticket prices, or to make reservations, please stop by a JR ticket office.

The Beautiful Otaki Castle! This video, titled "Sword World｜Otaki Castle｜Swords and Armor Displays" (【刀剣ワールド】「大多喜城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), uploaded by "Virtual Sword Museum [Sword World]," introduces the history of Otaki Castle in Otaki, Isumi, Chiba, as well as the museum’s collection of swords and armor. This article provides information on the history of Otaki Castle as well as tourist information, information on exhibits, and information about the opening of the Otaki Castle branch of the Chiba Prefectural Central Museum. The history of Otaki Castle and materials on swords and armor are explained in an easy-to-understand way, so even those not familiar with swords, armor, and other historical materials can enjoy it as well. The History of Otaki Castle Source :YouTube screenshot Otaki Castle was built by Mariyatsu Nobukiyo during the Tenbun period, and the castle was called Odaki Castle at that time. Afterwards, Tokugawa Ieyasu gave the castle to Honda Tadakatsu, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa, who improved the old castle and became the first feudal lord of the Otaki clan. The castle town prospered during the Warring States period (1467 to 1615), and the remains of the castle and its surrounding area are still visible to this day. It is said that the castle tower, which had fallen into disrepair, was destroyed by a fire in 1842. Today, the ruins of the main castle, a large well (a Chiba-designated historical site), and the Ninomaru Palace Gate remain. Otaki Castle Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The castle tower was built in 1975 on the site of the inner citadel of Otaki Castle, a Chiba Prefecture-designated historical site, and the interior is a history museum. You can see the inside of the museum at 1:25 in the video. The theme of the exhibition is "Castles and the Castle Town of Boso," and exhibits include Japanese swords, armor, and other materials related to samurai. In addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions are also held. There is a popular experience booth where you can try on armor, a statue of Lord Honda Tadakatsu donning his black armor, a painting of Honda Tadakatsu in his warrior form, which is shown at 2:15, and the "hare shaped helm," shown at 2:44 in the video. If you're looking for souvenirs, be sure to stop by the museum shop as well! Access to the castle is a 15-minute walk from Otaki Station on the Isumi Railway. There is also a paid parking lot located 5 minutes from Otaki Castle by foot. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and New Year's holidays. (Please check the official website for the latest information. Summary of Otaki Castle Photo：Otaki Castle in Spring In this video clip, you can learn about the history of Otaki Castle and its exhibits. Otaki Castle is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. The red seal (goshuin) and the castle seal are also popular, and there are many restaurants where you can have lunch, as well as golf courses around Otaki Castle, making the town of Otaki popular with many visitors. Feel a sense of romance by watching the video. ◆Information◆ 【Address】481 Otaki, Otaki, Isumi, Chiba 298-0216 【Access】15 minutes from Isumi Railway Otaki Station on foot 【Admission fee】200 yen 【Hours】9 am to 4:30 pm 【Parking】A paid parking lot is available 【Telephone No】0470-82-3007 【Official Website】Otaki Castle http://www2.chiba-muse.or.jp/www/SONAN/contents/1518757587822/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Otaki Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121125-d1314470-Reviews-Otaki_Castle_Museum-Otaki_machi_Isumi_gun_Chiba_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Kumamoto's "Utase Fishing" and "Utase Ships." Generations Old Traditions This video, titled "[Tomorrow's Heritage Kyushu] Kumamoto's Utase Ships" ([明日の遺産 九州] 熊本「うたせ船」), was uploaded by "N.a." It's an introductory video of "Utase Ships," the traditional fishing boats handed down in Ashikita (芦北町, Ashikita cho), Kumamoto, in Japan's Kyushu region. In addition to the Kumamoto Ashikita area, "Utase Ships" are used in traditional fishing practices in areas such as Hachirogata, Akita, located in Japan's Tohoku region. The Yatsushiro Sea (八代海, Yatsushiro kai) in Kumamoto is also known as the Shiranui Sea (不知火海, Shiranui kai), and is a famous place to enjoy delicious seafood thanks to its high-quality waters. In the Shiranui Sea, the traditional Japanese fishing method of using the power of the sea breeze to pull up seafood from the ocean floor is still practiced today. This video introduces Utase Ships and traditional fishing with beautiful images. Please enjoy the video showcasing ancient techniques in the modern era. Features of the Utase Ship Source :YouTube screenshot Kumamoto's specialty is a traditional fishing method in which bottom trawling nets are set up on an Utase sailboat and dragged along by the sea breeze. The ship goes to the fishing grounds by engine, but after the net is dropped, fishing is performed using only the power of nature. Sea hulls such as prawns, crabs, and giant clams can be harvested using this bottom trawling method. The good thing about this method is that it allows you to catch only the amount of fish you need, and it also allows you to clean the ocean by pulling up debris from the sea floor. Utase fishing is a traditional fishing method that the Japanese have been using since ancient times to live in harmony with nature. The fishing is introduced from 1:41 in the video. It is also explained in the video that "only the necessary blessings are separated from the sea." Take a Ride on a Beautiful Utase Ship Source :YouTube screenshot The appearance of the beautiful boats with white sails going through the scenic open sea is exciting and gorgeous at the same time. Kumamoto's Utase Ships are so beautiful that they're called the "white-dressed ladies of the sea" (白いドレスをまとった海の貴婦人). This is introduced at 1:27 in the video. The beautiful atmosphere in the video helps you understand why it's called this. Kumamoto’s specialty Utase Ship is operated as a sightseeing pleasure boat during the off-season of fishing. While sightseeing on the Utase Ships and Ashikita fishing boats, you can also try marlin fishing! Be sure to look at the beautiful colors of these fish and eat plenty of delicious seafood! If you want to experience the magnificent views of Kumamoto's gorgeous waters or try your hand at fishing, look into the Utase tours in Kumamoto. Summary of Kumamoto's Utase Ships The Utase Ships that sail the open seas of Kumamoto, remind us of the ancient Japanese fishing methods in harmony with nature. The area around Ashikita, where you can taste delicious seafood and other gourmet dishes, is a somewhat secret spot for traveling to Kyushu. The video also introduces the dazzling white sails of an Utase Ship as it moves forward with the wind. It is a Japanese tradition we recommend checking out. If you're interested in Kumamoto's Utase Ships presented this video, be sure to plan a sightseeing trip to Kumamoto!

Sumo Wrestling at the Takadagawa Stable! This video titled “SUMO- A DAY in the Life at Takadagawa Stable” is a Sumo stable coverage video, created by “nippon.com”. Sumo, a Japanese national sport, is a sport that attracts attention not only in Japan, but also overseas. However, it is usually not known what kind of training the Sumo wrestlers do. Check out the video for a detailed introduction on the rigorous Sumo wrestling exercises. What Is Sumo Wrestling? a Look Into Its History and How It Is Performed Photo：Sumo Wrestlers Battling Sumo is a "Bushido" (Martial art) that originates in the ancient Shinto rituals of Japan, and the wrestlers battle while the “Gyoji” judges their play. "Honbasho" (an official professional sumo tournament) is an important performance where the Sumo wrestlers are ranked. There are also regional tours that are held in various areas such as Fukuoka (福岡, Fukuoka) and Nagoya (名古屋, Nagoya). Many Sumo fans come to the venue to get a glimpse of the powerful Sumo wrestling, that wrestlers from each Sumo stable, such as Yokozuna and Ozeki wrestlers, participate in. The Training of Takadagawa Stable Source :YouTube screenshot The stable covered in this video is Takadagawa Stable in Kiyosumi Shirakawa (清澄白河, Kiyosumi Shirakawa), Tokyo (東京, Tokyo), and it is known as the stable that Ryūden Gōshi belongs to. As shown at 0:15 in the video, the Sumo wrestlers begin their morning exercise with a warm-up at 7:00 O'clock. The first step is to get their bodies warm using movements such as “Shiko” (Sumo-style leg stomps), “Suriashi”, and “Teppo”. The “Oyakata” (master of the room) seen at 0:44 in the video, enters the training room together with Katsumi Takadagawa at 8:30. The wrestlers’ head-to-head exercises, introduced from 1:13 in the video, is the training of wrestlers from the lower ranks. As you see from 1:45 in the video, Katsumi Takadagawa, the master, also wears Sumo wear and coaches enthusiastically. Finally, “Makuuchi Rikishi” Sumo wrestlers rise to the ring and perform their head-to-head defensive exercises. Taishi Kagayaki, introduced at 1:49 in the video, is also one of the wrestlers in the Makuuchi division. Source :YouTube screenshot After the exercise finishes at 11:00, Lunch starts at 11:30. The meal is “Chanko Nabe” (a type of hot pot) introduced from 2:54 in the video. It is a traditional custom that the master (Oyakata) and “Sekitori” start eating first. The wrestlers don’t eat before the exercise introduced above, so their first meal is lunch. At 12:30 after the meal, Tokoyama (a hairdresser for Sumo wrestler) ties the Sekitori wrestler’s hair in a private room. Wrestlers other than Sekitori, who have finished cleaning after meal then have their free time. In addition to Tokoyama, which is featured in the video, Okami is also an important person who supports the Sumo Room. Summary of Exercises at Takadagawa Stable Source :YouTube screenshot The impressive and powerful performances seen at the main Sumo wrestling venues and local tours are the result of constant daily training. Depending on the Sumo stable, they may open the training to the public so you can visit, so be sure to check their official websites if you want to attend. If you want to support Japanese Sumo wrestling, think about joining a Sumo stable!

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

Gunkanjima's Instagrammable Scenery This video is "Gunkanjima (Hashima) 4K vide (軍艦島（端島）4K映像)" produced by "Nagasaki Travel" (長崎観光). There are many famous sightseeing spots and scenic spots in Nagasaki, but one tourist attraction that has been attracting more and more attention in recent years is Gunkanjima, a Heritage Site of Nagasaki's Industrial Revolutionary. In this video, we'll introduce the role played by Gunkanjima in Japan's industrial revolution, and the current situation of the island in beautiful 4K images. Nagasaki was only open to the west during the isolation period (around 1185 AD to 1333 AD). Traders who moved to Nagasaki at the end of the Edo period brought with them the latest technology to modernize Japan. One such shipbuilding technique led to great advancements in Nagasaki. One of the assets that contributed to Japan's industrial revolution is the World Cultural Heritage site Gunkanjima. As the powerful name “Gunkanjima” indicates (軍艦- Gunkan "Warship," 島- jima "Island"), the gorgeous scenery that shines on the ocean is so powerful that it overwhelms onlookers. It is extremely popular with young people as a sightseeing spot for taking Instagram photos. You can see its powerful appearance in the video. Please enjoy the beautiful, historical "Gunkanjima." Mistakenly Bombed as an Actual Warship? Photo：View of Gunkanjima Hashima, the official name of Gunkanjima, is an uninhabited island floating in the southwest sea of Nagasaki Port. From the Meiji era (1868 to 1912 AD) to the Showa era (1926 to 1989 AD), it became the base island of the "Mitsubishi Hashima Coal Mine," that did undersea mining in the area. One isolated island off the coast of Nagasaki was transformed into an island that symbolized the industrial revolution of modern Japan. Eventually, a series of large coal-drilling plants began popping up, and housing and related facilities were built to house the miners and their families. Because these structures look like warships from a distance, it came to be called "Gunkanjima." Atstands out from 1:00 in the video, you can see the island's awesome appearnce. There is a story about the U.S. military mistakenly bombing Gunkanjima Island during the Pacific War because they thought it was a warship. Also, those facilities, show at 0:30 in the video, now remnants of the Meiji Industrial Revolution, symbolize the Japanese coal industry and culture from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, that took place on Gunkanjima. The Forgotten, Ruined Island Remembered as a World Heritage Site Photo：Gunkanjima During the coal industry's peak, Gunkanjima exceeded the population density of Tokyo. However, the mines were hollowed out and abandoned after the war. Gunkanjima was closed later, in 1974. It turned into a ruined island with no population and a cluster of dilapidated buildings with exposed rebar, and it became a no-go zone due to danger of collapse. Gunkanjima, which had been forgotten for a while, has come into the spotlight in the last few years. The robust image of "warships" that gave it its name, and the recent "ruin boom" that made it the setting for films such as 007, attracted a lot of attention. In 2015, Takashima Coal Mine and other surrounding facilities were registered as world cultural heritage sites, and the public's interest in Gunkanjima increased dramatically. It is now popular as a famous tourist attraction in Nagasaki where you can experience the history of modern Japan. The only way to get to Gunkanjima is boat. Many Gunkanjima cruise tours are organized by Gunkanjima Concierge, and you can also land on Gunkanjima if the weather is nice. In 2019, landings were temporarily banned due to the detection of fiber materials suspected of asbestos, but it has now been reopened. Japanese Landscape Culture Tours Photo：Flower garden at Huis Ten Bosch Among the historic tourist destinations of Nagasaki, Gunkanjima has become one of the top sightseeing spots in Japan's landscape culture tours due to its newfound scenic beauty and its rarity of being inaccessible in certain weather conditions. The area around Nagasaki's Gunkanjima has some fascinating hidden gems that attract tourists not only for the scenery but also for the food. We recommend gathering information in advance and planning your trip carefully, including hotels, accommodations, and accessibility. The sightseeing spots you'll want to visit once you arrive in Nagasaki are "Mt. Inasa," "Huis Ten Bosch," "Nagasaki Electric Railway (tram)," "Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum," "Nagasaki Biopark," "Glover Garden," "Unzen Jigoku," "Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium," “Nagasaki Ropeway," "Kujuukushima Pearl Sea Resort," "Peace Memorial Statue," "Dejima," "Unzen Hot Spring," "Megane Bridge," "Ōura Church," "Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown," and more. Also, when you visit Nagasaki, you will find local gourmet dishes such as "Nagasaki Castella," "Champon," "Turkish Rice," "Sara Udon," "Shippoku," "Milkshakes," "Chirin Chirin Ice," "Sasebo Burger," "Lemon Steak," and "Kanzarashi". Summary of Gunkanjima We hope that the video has helped you understand why Gunkanjima was selected as a World Cultural Heritage Site, and the appeal of Gunkanjima as a tourist attraction. Hopefully there are many people who were fascinated by this video and want to visit the island and see it's beauty! Actually visiting the island is unlike anything you can experience through a video. Gunkanjima is the hottest tourist spot in Kyushu and Nagasaki right now! ◆Overview of Gunkanjima (Hashima) ◆ 【Address】Takashima-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 851-1315 【Official Website】Nagasaki sightseeing / travel portal site Nagasaki trip net https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/ 【Official Website】Gunkanjima landing cruise http://www.gunkanjima-cruise.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Gunkanjima https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298568-d1384788-Reviews-Hashima_Island-Nagasaki_Nagasaki_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

Introducing Okazaki Castle, the Birthplace of the Gods The video this time is titled "[Touken World] 'Okazaki Castle'｜Swords and Armor｜Sword and Armor Displays in the Castle｜YouTube Video" (【刀剣ワールド】「岡崎城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), released by "Virtual Sword Museum 'Touken World'." It introduces Okazaki Castle at Okazaki Park in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, in Japan's Tokai region. Okazaki Castle is known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is famous for being the base of operations for Tokugawa Ieyasu, who returned to Mikawa (present-day Aichi Prefecture) after the Battle of Okehazama and used it as his base for unifying the country. This Okazaki Castle was deified as "the birthplace of the gods," and the Daimyo who became the lords of Okazaki Castle were proud to serve as its ruler. As you can see from 1:33 in the video, there are various exhibits of swords and armor related to Okazaki Castle. One of the most famous swords from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), "Kanemoto," with its impressive temper, resembling majestic mountains, can be seen at 1:51 in the video. At the The Ieyasu And Mikawa Bushi Museum in Okazaki Park, which can be seen at 2:09 in the video, visitors can learn about the history of the Matsudaira family, the ancestors of the Tokugawa family, from their beginnings to the unification of the Tokugawa family. A Kindami Gusoku (type of body armor), made of gold leaf, is also on display. A Look at Okazaki Castle Photo：Okazaki Castle Okazaki Castle is a Japanese castle located in the Mikawa Kuni Okazaki Domain (present-day Kosei Town, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture). Also known as "Ryujo," it was owned by the Matsudaira family during the Warring States period (1467-1615 AD) until the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598 AD). Okazaki Castle is said to have been built by Saigo Tsuguyori, a descendant of the Niki clan in Mikawa Province, and his son Yoritsugu Saigo At that time, it was called "Ryuzu Castle." Tokugawa Ieyasu was born inside the castle in 1542. Therefore, it is called the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the Edo period (1603 to 1868), it was written as "岡竒城" as oppsed to the current kanji "岡崎城" (same pronunciation). After the Meiji Restoration (1853-1867 AD), most of the castle wall at Okazaki Castle was demolished, but in 1959 the castle tower was restored to a three-layer, five-story building, and in 2006 it was listed as one of "Japan's Top 100 Castles." You can get to Okazaki Castle by foot from Meitetsu Higashi Okazaki Station or Okazaki Koen Station, or by local bus from Okazaki Koenmae Bus Stop. Vista Line Connecting Okazaki Castle and Taiju Temple Photo：Tokugawa Ieyasu・Daiju-ji Daiju-ji, a temple located around Okazaki Castle, is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, who, broken from his defeat in the Battle of Okehazama, attempted to commit ritual suicide, but was dissuaded by the chief priest. This 3-kilometer-long line that connects Okazaki Castle and Daiju-ji is known as the Vista Line, and it has been preserved for 370 years as a historical spot and a historical view. In modern times, the Vista Line has been drawn using laser light, and an event called the "Vista Line of Light" has also been held. Facilities Around Okazaki Castle Photo：Cherry blossoms at Okazaki Castle Okazaki Park, where Okazaki Castle is located, is famous for its cherry blossoms, and has been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom sites in Japan. A famous place in Okazaki Park is the Yachiyo Honten, where you can eat dengaku cuisine using Hatcho miso. Yachiyo Honten is a long-established Japanese restaurant that has been in business for more than 120 years. The Kinome Dengaku, grilled with the traditional technique of Yachiyo Honten, is an exquisite local specialty that can only be found at this restaurant. Also, in the castle town, there is an area called Hatcho Village, and there are traditional shops such as Hatcho Miso and Kakukyu Hatcho Miso, so please enjoy gourmet food and lunch. There are also temples and shrines, such as Rokusho Shrine, Takisan Toshogu Shrine, and Ise Hachimangu Shrine in the surrounding area, so we recommend visiting these to anyone collecting red seal stamps, after visiting Okazaki Castle. Summary of Okazaki Castle Photo：Okazaki Castle In the video you can learn more about Okazaki Castle, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Okazaki Castle is a historical spot that we highly recommend visiting, as it is associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, a famous warlord from the Warring States period. If you're interested, be sure to stop by Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. ◆Okazaki Castle Facility Overview◆ 【Address】561-1 Koseicho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, 444-0052 【Access】15 minutes walk from Meitetsu Higashi Okazaki Station 【Hours】 9:00-17:00 【Closures】End of the year (December 29-December 31) 【Admission fee】200 yen for adults 【Parking】Paid parking available 【Telephone No】0564-22-2122 【Official Website】Okazaki Castle Home Page | Okazaki Castle (Main Tower) | Special Features | Okazaki Park | Okazaki Outing Navigation-Okazaki City Tourist Association Official Site https://okazaki-kanko.jp/en 【Tripadvisor】Okazaki Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g788304-d1309910-Reviews-Okazaki_Castle-Okazaki_Aichi_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Introducing Hikone Castle! This video, titled "[Touken World] 'Hikone Castle' A Castle of Swords and Armor｜Sword and Armor Exhibits｜YouTube Video" (【刀剣ワールド】「彦根城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), produced by "Virtual Sword Museum [Touken World]," is a video introducing Hikone Castle, which is designated as an important cultural asset of Japan. Hikone Castle stands on Mt. Konki with a view of Lake Biwa and is a special historical site and a Class 1 Special Area of Lake Biwa National Park representing Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. The castle is a must-see for history buffs, as you can see swords, armor and other valuable instruments used by Daimyo (Japan's feudal lords). In this article, we'll introduce Hikone Castle, which has been designated a national treasure, alongside the video. What Is Hikone Castle? Photo：Shiga Prefecture・Hikone Castle Hikone Castle is a castle located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, which was once a prosperous castle town. It features one of Japan's 12 existing castle towers (five national treasures and seven important cultural properties) and is a popular tourist spot in Shiga Prefecture. It was built by Ii Naomasa and Ii Naotsugu who were ordered by Tokugawa Ieyasu to build the castle after the Battle of Sekigahara. The castle was completed in 1622, 20 years after construction began. You can see the entirety of Hikone Castle at 0:31 in the video. Currently, there are 12 castles built up to the Edo period (1603-1868), that still remain today with existing castle towers. Five castles, including Hikone Castle, have been selected as national treasures. Besides Hikone Castle, Inuyama Castle in Aichi prefecture, Matsumoto Castle in Nagano prefecture, Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture, and Matsue Castle in Shimane prefecture, are also designated as national treasures. Hikone Castle is a magnificent castle that has passed the beauty, age, and historical standards to be designated as a national treasure. As you can see from 0:59 in the video, a stone statue engraved with the words "The 8 views of Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle," has been erected in the moat of Hikone Castle. Highlights of Hikone Castle Source :YouTube screenshot The appeal of Hikone Castle is that its beautiful and dignified appearance survived the order to abandon castles and the fires from the war in the Meiji period (1868-1912). The construction of the castle is characterized by its use of stone walls and lumber from neighboring castles. The Tenshu (castle tower), Tsuke-yagura (attached towers), the Sawaguchi Tamon watchtower, and the three-storied western citadel watchtower, which were built before the Edo era, are designated as national treasures, and are one of the attractions of Hikone Castle. You can also see the Taikomon watchtower and Tenbin watchtowers in a very similar state as they were back then. The Hikone Castle Museum, located near the castle, is a must-visit spot for any history buffs out there. There are swords and helmets that were passed down to the the Ii Family, the Hikone clan leaders, that are exhibited there and you can also see valuable cultural assets. Beautiful Japanese swords that have been handed down from generation to generation in the Ii family are also on display. The exhibits of the Hikone Castle Museum can be seen at 2:12 in the video. Hikone Castle: General Information Photo：Hikonyan The admission fees for Hikone Castle is as follows: General admission ¥600 (high school students and above), ¥200 for elementary and junior high school students. Admission fees for the Hikone Castle Museum are: General admission ¥500, and ¥250 for elementary and junior high school students. They can also be bought in sets, and there's a ¥100 discount for general admission. Hikone Castle is open mostly all year round from 8:30-17:00. The average time spent at the castle is about an hour and a half. Access to the castle is a 15-minute walk from JR Hikone Station. There are several parking lots around Hikone Castle. The popular local mascot "Hikonyan" can be found in front of the castle tower of Hikone Castle and at the entrance to Hikone Castle Museum (free admission area) 3 times a month. Summary of Hikone Castle Photo：Hikone Castle "[Touken World] 'Hikone Castle' A Castle of Swords and Armor｜Sword and Armor Exhibits｜YouTube Video," produced by "Virtual Sword Museum [Touken World]," is a video that introduces Hikone Castle, a castle designated as a national important cultural asset. You can learn about the history of Hikone Castle as well as see swords and armor on display at Hikone Castle Museum. It's a must-see video for anyone interested in history! Also, in the spring, the cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and you can enjoy the lit-up cherry blossoms at night. We also recommend riding on the sightseeing boat around the moat of Hikone Castle, sightseeing by rickshaw, and getting the seal stamp/castle stamp. There are also delicious restaurants at Hikone Castle's castle town where you can enjoy lunch. Hikone Castle- One of just 5 castles designated as national treasures, truly a beautiful and impressive structure. In you're in the area or interested in visiting the castle, don't forget to add it to your itinerary! 【Official Website】Hikone Castle - Hikone Tourism Guide : Public Interest Incorporated Association Hikone Castle Tourism Association https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Hikone Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023563-d1236815-Reviews- Hikone_Castle-Hikone_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Introducing the Yoshida Fire Festival! This video, “日本三奇祭 吉田の火祭り（鎮火祭・すすき祭り） The Yoshida Fire Festival,” was created by “FUJISAN DRONE BASE - 富士山ドローンベース.” The video introduces one of Japan’s historic summer festivals. The Yoshida Fire Festival is jointly organized by Kitaguchi-hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine (北口本宮冨士浅間神社) and Suwa Shrine (諏訪神社), and is held at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Every year, the 26th of August is the Fire Prevention Festival (鎮火祭) , with the 27th being the Susuki Festival (すすき祭り). The festival is a bustling affair with a large number of visitors. What Kind of Festival Is the Yoshida Fire Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot The Yoshida Fire Festival is jointly organized by Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and Suwa Shrine, and is held in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi (山梨県富士吉田市, yamanashi-ken fujiyoshida-shi), at the foot of Mount Fuji. The festival is known as one of Japan’s Three Strangest Festivals, as well as one of the top ten fire festivals in Japan. Every year, the festival attracts up to 200,000 visitors. The origins of the festival are unclear, but one theory is that the festival originates from the legend of the deity of fire, Konohanasakuya-hime (コノハナサクヤヒメ). The festival is a long-held tradition, and is one of the representative Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan. The Yoshida Fire Festival Is a Must-See Festival in Japan! Source :YouTube screenshot Every year, on the 26th of August, Suwa Shrine carries out a procession with two mikoshi shrines. More than 100 sponsors and members of Mt. Fuji's religious associations participate in this ritual. The two mikoshi shrines are paraded through the worshippers who hold branches from the sacred Sakaki Evergreen. Finally, the procession ends at Asama Shrine. The festival can be seen from 0:43 in the video. Of the two mikoshi shrines, one created in the likeness of Mt. Fuji can be seen from 1:00 in the video. Following that, from 1:54 in the video, the lit-up torches can be seen. With all the torches lit, the ordinary streets become a fantastical, otherworldly sea of flames. The Yoshida Fire Festival is accessible by bus or train, and temporary parking lots are also prepared during the festival, making it possible to visit by car. Traffic can get quite congested on festival days, so be sure to sure to account for drive time when visiting the festival by car. Summary of the Yoshida Fire Festival Source :YouTube screenshot Mt. Fuji is dearly beloved as the number-one mountain in Japan. This love can also be seen through the large number of visitors to the festival held at the foot of the mountain. If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this traditional, soul-stirring, and energetic festival of Japan! 【Tripadvisor】The Yoshida Fire Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g681223-d10019706-Reviews-Yoshida_Himatsuri-Fujiyoshida