Tourist Information for Viewing the Autumn Colors in Hakkoda and the Tsugaru Plains in Aomori This tourism promotional video (made by JAPAN GEOGRAPHIC) highlights the renowned autumn foliage in Hakkoda. Although Japan boasts many scenic sites to practice the traditional autumn foliage viewing, one of the 100 most beautiful Japanese mountains, Mt.Hakkoda has been very popular for the viewing of autumn colors in the countryside. The breathtaking view of autumn foliage reflected on the lake surface attracts a great number of visitors. The video navigates us through the beauty of autumn-colored Hakkoda which often appears on well-known travel sites or TV programs, and also has been a regular winner of the ranking of places in Japan to see autumn colors. Autumn leaves are best seen on a sunny day. The sunlight makes the red and yellow leaves shine. Winter comes early up in the north in Aomori. Such meteorological conditions give leaves vibrant colors. The video captures the spectacular color display in Hakkoda. Hakkoda: From Hot Springs to Beautiful Autumn Foliage Photo：Kenashitai Wetlands dyed in autumn colors Some hiking trails are maintained in Hakkoda so that hikers can take in the splendid autumn color display in the clear air, or enjoy the sounds of walking through the deciduous forests on a carpet of fallen leaves. Aomori Prefecture features many renowned hot springs. Staying at an Onsen Ryokan located in the area such as Sugayu Onsen (a very charming old-fashioned onsen hotel), Jogakura Onsen, or Tsuta Onsen will make your trip even more special. The recommended hiking route is an excellent 5-hour circular walking trail that starts and ends at Sugayu Onsen. The route takes you up to Mt. Otake and leads to the vast marshlands of Kenashitai. As plenty of visitors are expected during the peak of the autumn colors, it is better to book your room in advance. The Best Sightseeing Spots in Hakkoda Source :YouTube screenshot Aomori is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. When it gets a color makeover from the autumn foliage, places like Mt. Hakkoda, Oirase Gorge, Zenkojidaira, Mutsu Bay or Jyogakura Oohashi are filled with tourists hunting for vibrant colors. Look at the breathtaking autumn vistas at Jigokunuma starting at 0:50! The red tinge with yellow, and vivid orange hues.... The stunningly beautiful color display is made mainly of Beech, Japanese rowan trees (nanakamado) and maple trees. "Tsutanuma Lake" (from 1:20 -) laying at the foot of Mt. Hakkoda is a hidden gem of the area. With the red leaves floating on the water, the lake has a mysterious beauty. The image of Lake Towada reflecting the mountains of autumn colors on its surface (from 1:42) is something you never get tired of looking at it. This explains why it is a photographers' dream destination. The symbolic scenery of the turning of autumn leaves contrasted with the water's surface is a magnet that pulls tourists back to this location. A Walk in the Sky With Hakkoda Ropeway Photo：Mt. Hakkoda, Ropeway The nighttime illumination during the autumn season allows visitors to admire the colors of autumn foliage from the sky until late hours. The approximately 10-minute sky walk in a gondola takes you up to the summit of Mt. Tamoyashidake offering you a look out of the colorful autumn mountains. Road Trip Information to Hakkoda in Autumn Photo：Autumn Leaves at Hakkoda Mountain Autumn foliage in the Tohoku region typically peaks from the beginning to the end of October. The route twisting through the mountains gives travelers a diverse views of the autumn leaves. From JR Aomori station, it takes about an hour to drive to Hakkoda. There is some parking in the area. Summary : 360° Panorama View From the Summit of Hakkoda - 4k Video of Autumn Colors Hakkoda is crowded with both domestic and international tourists in the autumn season, so we recommend checking traffic information and accommodation availability provided by the tourist information websites. Enjoy the video of the majestic autumn colors in Hakkoda! 【Tripadvisor】Hakkoda Mountains https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298240-d556800-Reviews-Hakkoda_Mountains-Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku.html 【Official Website】Aomori Prefecture Tourist Information SIte - Aptinet https://www.en-aomori.com/

An Interview With the Popular Japanese Actress, Ryoko Yonekura! This video, released by "FCI NY," is called "artist pop : 米倉涼子." It's a special interview video with popular Japanese actress Ryoko Yonekura. Ryoko Yonekura is the leading actress in numerous TV dramas and reigns as the "Ratings Queen." Here, we'll introduce who she is! Who Is Ryoko Yonekura? Source :YouTube screenshot Ryoko Yonekura, was born in August, and was named with the idea of "her name alone is cool." She has a slender build and is 168 cm tall. She is 44 years old as of April 2020. She used to have long hair, but now prefers the mature atmosphere of a shorter style. Ryoko Yonekura won the Judge's Special Prize at the 6th All Japan Bishojo Contest in 1992, and debuted as a model the following year. After working as a top model in famous magazines such as CanCam, she announced she would pursue a career in acting in 1999 and has since devoted herself to the industry. Ryoko Yonekura's Masterpiece Source :YouTube screenshot Actress Ryoko Yonekura's best known work is "Doctor X," where she plays a freelance surgeon that doesn't fail. She is also known for her leading roles in "The Black Leather Notebook," "Kemonomichi," and "Warui Yatsura." In the drama series, she attracted attention not only for her excellent acting skills, but also for her sensible clothing. In recent years, she has gained a large international fan base for her role as Roxie Hart, the lead actress in the New York City Broadway musical CHICAGO, as shown at the beginning of the video and at 1:40. This is the first time in 54 years that a Japanese person has played the lead role on Broadway. She was selected by Musical magazine as No. 7 on its list of top ten musical performers in 2008, the first Japanese person to make the list. An Interview With Ryoko Yonekura Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the interview with Ryoko Yonekura from 0:10 in the video. At 0:50, you can see her walking through the streets of New York City, and at 1:35, you can see her acting in the musical "CHICAGO." At 1:52, she talks about the charm of "CHICAGO" and how the story is easy to understand and the combination of songs and story is simple, but makes for an awesome performance. She is at the forefront of the Japanese theater scene and has been awarded by the fashion world as one of the brightest and most powerful women today. Her coolness has become something many women aspire to, but Ryoko Yonekura talks about her own strength, which she says is easy to think of as scary, but she's scared herself so she just has to"go for it"! She talks about this in the interview at 4:18. In the interview she's asked a variety of questions, such as"What have you achieved so far?," "Do you ever fail?," and "What is it you like about acting?" Is Ryoko Yonekura Married? Is It True She's Leaving Her Agency? Source :YouTube screenshot Ryoko Yonekura married in 2014, but two years later, she divorced, with the cause allegedly stemming from the husband. She has been with Oscar Promotions for many years, but was announced to leave in March 2020. There are rumors of her retirement and remarriage to her current boyfriend, but nothing is known for certain at this time. Summary of Actress Ryoko Yonekura The video shows an interview with actress Ryoko Yonekura and gives a glimpse of what she's like off stage. If you're interested in learning more about Ryoko Yonekura, be sure to follow her on Instagram or check out the video if you still haven't yet!

The Tohoku Shinkansen This video is titled "Max Speed of 320 km/h, Tohoku Shinkansen, Fukushima Station, High-Speed Passage." It's produced by "Tetsudo Yoshi" and shows the Tohoku Shinkansen flying through Fukushima station In Japan, there are 9 lines: “Tokaido Shinkansen,” “Sanyo Shinkansen,” “Kyusyu Shinkansen,” “Tohoku Shinkansen,” “Hokuriku Shinkansen,” “Jyoetsu Shinkansen” “Yamagata Shinkansen,” “Akita Shinkansen,” and “Hokkaido Shinkansen.” These lines connect places all over Japan. Among them, “Hayabusa,” “Komachi,” and “Hayate” of “Tohoku Shinkansen“ are very popular for rail fan or children who love trains. The Tohoku Shinkansen is a railway line operated by the East Japan Rail Company (JR東日本:JR-East). The Tohoku Shinkansen has a ten and twelve-car train called “Hayabusa” and “Hayate” respectively, both with top speeds of 320 kilometers per hour (~200 mph). The sight of the Tohoku Shinkansen passing Fukushima station at such fantastic speed is incredible. What Types of Shinkansen Are There in Japan? Photo：Flower field, Shinkansen, and Mt. Fuji Japan's shinkansen link the major cities throughout Japan. The Tohoku Shinkansen, which operates the trains “Hayabusa,” “Hayate,” “Yamabiko,” “Nasuno,” “Tsubasa,” and “Komachi” link “Shin-Aomori” and “Tokyo.” The Yamagata Shinkansen, or “Akita Shinkansen,” is also convenient for trips in Japan's Tohoku region. Throughout the video we see many shinkansen flash before our eyes at incredible speeds. The latest model of the sleek, aerodynamic Shinkansen is pretty cool! Also you can enjoy the Japan sea area using the Joetsu Shinkansen, with its "Toki" and "Tanigawa" trains, or the recently opened Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Tokaido Shinkansen travels from Tokyo and Shin-Yokohama to Shin-Osaka via stops in Nagoya and Kyoto. Also the Sanyo Shinkansen links Shin-Osaka, Hakata, Kyushu, and Kagoshima Chuo Station. New lines on some of the Hokkaido, Kyushu and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines are also scheduled to open after 2022. How to Book Tickets for Japan's Shinkansen Transportation for tourists in Japan is quite convenient as there are a number of buses and trains available. In particular, the Japanese shinkansen has a beautiful interior design, easy to use facilities, and a comfortable travel experience. For arrival and departure times, you can use the JR timetable, or the online transfer information service. You can also check seat availability and book a ticket in advance online. There are different prices for unreserved and reserved seats, so be sure to reserve the seat that suits your budget. We recommend checking necessary information for your trip, such as transportation fees or routes, in advance, for a smooth, safe trip. Summary of Japan's Shinkansen Photo：The Hokkaido Shinkansen As you can see in the video, the awesome sight of the Tohoku Shinkansen can be seen at many stations in Japan. The Linear Chuo Shinkansen, which will connect Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, is scheduled to open in 2027. This linear Shinkansen has a maximum speed of 500 km, and the travel time between Tokyo and Osaka will be reduced to one hour and seven minutes, compared to the current travel time of three hours and ten minutes. It'll be interesting to see it in action. Take advantage of the Tohoku Shinkansen and other Japanese railway lines to enjoy a comfortable journey through Japan.

Introducing Japan's Popular "Survival Game!" The video "Survival Game TAGATTI AIRSOFT vol. 1 Survival Game Sniper 1 Japanese Airsoft Sniper（【サバゲー】TAGATTI AIRSOFT vol1 サバスナ！サバゲースナイパーがゆく① Japanese Airsoft Sniper）," was taken by a survival game player. In Japan's survival game, Airsoft guns and pellets are used. It is a tactical team elimination game, often called "airsoft" in foreign countries. Paintball is another popular version. Origins, History, and How It's Played Photo：Survival game outfit It is said that the origin of the survival game is “playing soldier.” As you can see in the video, snipers have to wear equipment such as masks and goggles, and hide in the forest or field to take out their opponents stealthily. You can see the players and equipment at 0:10 in the video. As you can see from 0:31 in the video, the two teams shoot each other while maintaining adequate shooting range and utilizing their scopes and compete based on the number of hits they get. The bullets are consumables, so they need to be bought after the game. There Are Tournaments Too! Source :YouTube screenshot There are different rules and game types, such as capture the flag, deathmatch, defense tournament, count tournament, medic tournament, freeze call, and knife attack. Different kinds of weapons are used in the game too. There are airsoft guns, gas guns, and electro-motion guns as well. The number of players is increasing and female players have also begun to participate! How to Start Playing Photo：Survival game equipment It is necessary to pay attention to rules and manners in order to prevent unnecessary accidents. If you are interested in the game, be sure to check out the rules and manners. Besides forests and fields, you can also experience a course for beginners at a payed facility. There are guns for ages 10 and up, so even junior high school students can start playing survival games. You can also accessorize by getting clothing to suit the environment you'll be playing in, or whatever else you like. Summary of Japan's Survival Games There are survival game facilities all over Japan, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Chiba, Aichi and Okinawa. Get ready to fight in Japan's tactical survival games!

The Rock Ptarmigan - An Endangered Species This video, titled "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜A Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)" (絶滅危惧種 雷鳥　登山で出会った貴重なニホンライチョウ動画 特集 【4K】), was created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel). It contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, a protected species in Japan, as well as the Crested ibis and Red-crowned crane. Due to the effects of global warming, the number of rock ptarmigan in Japan has dwindled to around 1,500 and it is now recognized as an endangered species. This video contains a compilation of footage of the adorable rock ptarmigan, which was spotted whilst mountain climbing. In this article, we'll introduce the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species! More About the Rock Ptarmigan, an Endangered Species Photo：Tateyama ptarmigan Said to have survived the ice age, the rock ptarmigan is now an endangered species belonging to the order Galliformes, family Phasianidae and genus Lagopus (キジ目キジ科ライチョウ属, kijimokukijikaraichouzoku). The subspecies of rock ptarmigan which inhabits Japan is a very adorable and friendly bird, making it a favorite among mountain climbers. It has a characteristic call that sounds similar to that of a frog. From 0:14 in the video you can see the rock ptarmigan at Mt. Senjo (仙丈ヶ岳, senjogatake), and at Mt. Tsubakuro (燕岳, tsubakurodake) from 1:38, Mt. Chogatake (蝶ヶ岳, chougatake) from 2:09, and Mt. Jonen (常念岳, jounendake) at 2:04. Rock ptarmigan chicks average 6 cm in height. A fully grown adult rock ptarmigan measures 37 cm in height and weighs approximately 400-600g. They lay their eggs in early summer from the beginning to the middle of June. The color of their feathers also changes depending on the season. In summer, their feathers are a dark brown color, and in winter they change to a snowy white. Furthermore, the rock ptarmigan is a symbol of Toyama Prefecture (富山県 toyamaken), Nagano Prefecture (長野県, naganoken) and Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, gifuken). Photo：Northern Alps The rock ptarmigan lives in a harsh environment at an altitude of 2,400 m. In the warmer summer months they live in the alpine zone, moving to the subalpine zone in the cooler winter months. In 1980, there were an estimated 3,000-4,000 rock ptarmigans living in Japan. However that number has dropped to around 1,500. The effects of global warming are considered to have been the direct cause of this decrease in numbers. It is thought that the decrease in creeping pine (ハイマツ, haimatsu) numbers, a main food source for the rock ptarmigan, due to global warming is one of the main causes of the decline in rock ptarmigan numbers. Several measures are being taken in order to conserve the rock ptarmigan, such as protecting the species from predators and breeding in zoos. Incidentally, rock ptarmigans have been kept in Ueno zoo (上野動物園, uenodoubutsuen) since 2019. The Habitat of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Photo：Tateyama mountain range and a ptarmigan There are 6 genera and 17 species of rock ptarmigan found across the world. They can be found in North America, the coast of the Arctic Ocean in Eurasia, Europe, and the alpine zone in Asia. In Japan, they inhabit the central area of Honshu (Japan's main island) (本州中部地方, honshuuchuubuchihou). In this video, you can see footage of the rock ptarmigan spotted whilst climbing Mt. Senjo, Mt. Chogatake, Mt. Tsubakuro and Mt. Jonen. Snacks shaped like rock ptarmigan are sold in Nagano prefecture, the home of the Northern Alps. A similar bird, the Hazel grouse (エゾライチョウ, ezoraichou), of the genus Tetrastes (エゾライチョウ属, ezoraichouzoku), inhabits Hokkaido (北海道), Japan's northernmost Island. Summary of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Source :YouTube screenshot This video "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜a Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)," created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel), contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species. We highly recommend the video to animal lovers as it has footage of the rock ptarmigan from different places all over Japan! This video of the adorable rock ptarmigan is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival "#02 KAWAWATARI JINKOSAI" (#02 風治八幡宮 川渡り神幸祭) is a video created by "Higashikara." It introduces Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival (Fuji Hachimangu Kawawatari Jinkosai) in Tagawa, Fukuoka. The "Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival" is one of the five major festivals of Fukuoka and the largest in the Chikuho region. The five major festivals in Fukuoka include “Oniyo (Kurume),” “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” (Hakata, Fukuoka), “Kokura Gion Daiko” (Kokurakita, Kitakyushu), and “Tobata Gion Yamakasa” (Tobata, Kitakyushu). This article introduces the history and highlights of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival, which is listed an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka. The video shows the powerful river crossing and colorful floats of the festival. What is the "Fuji Hachimangu Shrine Kawawatari Shinko Matsuri"? What is the schedule? Source :YouTube screenshot The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival, one of the five major festivals of Fukuoka, is held on the third Saturday and Sunday in May. 100,000 people visit to see the festival; twice the population of Tagawa. Eleven Nobori Yamakasa of the Uji clan, cross the Hikosan River (彦山川, Hikosangawa) accompanied by grand mikoshi (portable shrine) of Fuuji Hachimangu Shrine and the mikoshi of Shirotori Shrine (白鳥神社, Shirotorijinja). Nobori Yamakasa are portable shrines and floats with colorful flags. They can be seen throughout the video from 0:17, 3:01, and 4:45. Nobori yamakasa are decorated with five colored flags, which represent the image of rice plants and wish for bountiful harvests and good health. The highlight of the festival is “Gaburi,” in which the yamakasa is swung back and forth in the Hikosan River to splash one another. This is shown from 4:55 in the video. The Origin and History of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival has a long history, dating back 450 years (1558 to 1569). The origin of the festival is said to be the outbreak of an epidemic disease in Itamachi. The villagers prayed to Fuuji Hachimangu Shrine, the village's guardian deity, for an end to the epidemic and offered a nobori yamakasa as a sign of their gratitude. In 1970, it was listed as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka. Highlights of the Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival is held in the Hikoyama River area between the Uomachi, Banda and Kawabata districts of Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The main event of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival is the river crossing between the Shinbashi and Banda bridges of the Hikoyama River. The festival is only about 30 minutes by car from Kyushu Expressway's Yahata Interchange, and is a short walk from the nearest station, Tagawa Ita Station on the JR and Heisei Chikuho Railway. Free parking is available during the festival, but it can get very crowded, so we recommend using public transportation. The festival has a story where the god of Fuji Hachimangu gets on a float and goes on a trip to Otabisho across the river and stays for 1 night and 2 days. The first day of the festival is called “Okudari” and the second day is called “Onobori.” The course on the second day is the opposite of the first day and returns to Fuuji Hachimangu Shrine. On the first day, “Fujihachimangu Jinkosai Shigyo” takes place. The shintai is transferred to a Mikoshi and prepares for departure. The shintai must not be seen by the public, and the body of the deity is hidden behind a white curtain and moved into the portable shrine. This can be seen at 0:47 in the video. After that, the parade is carried out through the town and is filled with sounds of whistles and drums. “Odachi no Shishimai” is also performed to pray for the safety of the festival. This can be seen at 4:00 in the video. There are food stalls and night stalls lining the streets as well. Finally, the main event of the festival- the river crossing. This is shown at 4:18 in the video. First, a mikoshi with a shintai goes enters the river, accompanied by a brightly colored nobori yamakasa. Water is poured on the pullers and the bearers and the mikoshi is swung up and down, splashing water all about. This is called “Gaburi.” The powerful splashing of the mikoshi is incredible. It can be seen at 5:45 in the video. Summary of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival Did you enjoy learning about the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival? You can enjoy the powerful festival and beautiful nobori yamakasa by watching the video. Fukuoka is famous for Hakata Gion Yamakasa, but the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival is also amazing. If you can, we recommend lining up your visit to Fukuoka with the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival! It will be held over two days in 2025—Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18!

Introducing the Yanaizu Naked Man Festival of Enzoji Temple in Fukushima, Japan This video, titled "Yanaizu Naked Man Festival (Nanokado Hadaka Mairi) - Fukushima - 七日堂裸参り" It introduces the Yanaizu Naked Man Festival held at Enzoji Temple in the Yanaizu region of Fukushima, Japan. Every year on January 7, a large number of visitors participate in the Yanaizu Naked Man Festival in Yanaizu, held at Enzoji Temple to pray for happiness and good health in the new year. Check out the video to experience the excitement of Fukushima Prefecture's historic Naked Man Festival. A Powerful and Unique Festival! The Yanaizu Naked Man Festival of Enzoji Temple! Photo：Enzoji Temple, Yanaizu, Fukushima The Yanaizu Naked Man Festival takes place at Enzoji Temple, located in the town of Yanaizu, in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. The principal deity of Enzo-ji Temple is Fukuman Kokuzoson, one of the three great bodhisattva in Japanese Buddhism. The temple's history dates back to 807 A.D. It's said that the reason why the the Yanaizu Naked Man Festival was held at the historic Enzoji Temple is due to a legend. In the Aizu region in the past, there was an epidemic that caused many deaths. At that time, one of the elders had a dream in which he received a prophecy that if he offered the jewel of the Dragon God to the Bodhisattva, the plague would disappear. The elder asked Princess Yayoi, who was considered the most beautiful woman in the Aizu region, to obtain the Dragon God's jewel. Princess Yayoi managed to obtain the jewel and presented it to the Bodhisattva, and in the blink of an eye, the disease disappeared. However, the dragon god living in the Tadami River came to steal the jewel back. It is said that on January 7, the day the Dragon God is said to be the quietest throughout the year, worshippers are invited to climb up a hemp rope over the temple gong, and protect the jewel from the Dragon God. Pray for Good Health and Happiness in the Year Ahead With the Yanaizu Naked Man Festival Source :YouTube screenshot It is now a traditional event held every year on January 7 and attracts approximately 300 visitors from all over the country. In addition, the public is welcome to participate, and many people pray for good health and happiness in the coming year. *Women are allowed to observe only. The Yanaizu Naked Man Festival begins with the sounding of the large bell. Men wearing loincloths run up the 113 stone steps to the main hall. Then, just like the legend of the time, they climb up over the large gong. This can be seen from 0:03 of the video. You can hear the spectators cheering on the men climbing up the rope as well. Folk Crafts of Yanaizu, Aizu Photo：Akabeko cows, a folk craft of Yanaizu, Aizu In addition to the Yanaizu Naked Man Festival, a traditional event of Fukushima shown in the video, the Aizu region is home to a number of popular folk crafts. For instance, akabeko and nade ushi (撫牛, lit. "petting cows") are popular folk crafts in the Aizu region. Both are said to bring good luck and fortune, and are becoming popular not only among residents of the prefecture but also across Japan and abroad. A statue of a cow is also enshrined in the precincts of Enzoji Temple, which is well known as a cow that brings good luck. Summary of the Yanaizu Naked Man Festival, a Traditional Event in Fukushima The Yanaizu Naked Man Festival began with an old legend. Every year on January 7, many people visit the shrine to pray for good health and happiness throughout the year. The event is easily accessible from Koriyama and open to the public, so if interested in checking out a more unique festival, be sure not to miss out on the chance to experience it for yourself. 【Official Website】The Yanaizu Naked Man Festival - Yanaizu, Aizu, the birthplace of the https://inbound.aizu-yanaizu.com/en/event/

How to Style Your Hair With Kanzashi (Japanese Hairpin): Video Introduction This video, titled "3 Different Hairstyles for Kimono and Yukata Using Kanzashi" (浴衣や着物に使いたい簪(かんざし)の３つの使い方/How to use Kanzashi(chopsticks)/Kimono and Yukata 3 hairstyles.), was uploaded by "hair works &SOL." This video explains how to use kanzashi, Japanese hairpins used in traditional Japanese hairstyles, in an easy-to-understand manner, so that those unfamiliar with kanzashi can easily follow along. Kanzashi - Cute Hairstyles Without Kimono and Yukata A kanzashi is a hair ornament that is inserted into hair to maintain one's hair style after it is styled. During the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), as various hairstyles became popular, different types of hairpins emerged, and they became one of the most popular types of traditional Japanese accessories. They are used as hair ornaments for kimono and yukata, but in recent years, there are many products for everyday use as well. Common Types of Kanzashi Photo：Kanzashi There are various types of kanzashi, but here we'll introduce three common types. Tama Kanzashi This is a simple type of kanzashi with an ear pick and a ball attached to it. The larger the size of the ball, the more suitable the kanzashi is for young people. This type is shown in the video. Bachi Kanzashi The bachi type hairpin is called bachi because it resembles the bachi (pick) of a shamisen. Various materials, such as tortoiseshell, pearl, and foil are used for this type of hairpin, which is suitable for people of all ages to wear. Tsumami-zaiku Kanzashi This is a kanzashi made by folding cut fabric into small pieces and decorating the base with tweezers, using delicate techniques to create a beautifully flower. This is a hairpin for girls used for Shichi-Go-San and for maiko (apprentice geisha). Besides these, there are many other types of kanzashi, such as hirauchi kanzashi, hana kanzashi, bira-bira kanzashi, etc. Yakai-Maki - A Simple Guide to the Japanese-Style Updo! Source :YouTube screenshot There are many people want to try an updo but think it's too difficult to do a yakai-maki. The yakai-maki style using a single kanzashi introduced here is relatively easy. Check out the video and give it a try. Once you get the hang of it and get used to using a kanzashi, you'll be able to do not only yakai-maki but also half updo styles. You'll be able to expand your hair styles not only for kimono and yukata, but also for everyday use! [Yakai-maki Using a Kanzashi] ・Comb your hair into a single ponytail ・Wrap your hair around the hairpin once ・Holding the end of your hair in your other hand, turn the hairpin one full turn ・The tip of the hairpin should be at 11 o'clock (If the kanzashi does not turn, loosen the ends of your hair slightly) ・Tilt the hairpin toward the scalp and insert it slowly so that you don't injure yourself ・The key is to adjust it so that the hairpin is not too tight but not too loose [Video] 0:00 - 1:27 - Styling Yakai-maki with a Kanzashi The hair length suitable for Yakai-maki is semi-long. A beautiful yakai-maki can be achieved if your hair is from just below the collarbone to about chest level. Using Kanzashi With a Braided-Style Source :YouTube screenshot The braid style has the advantage that the hair is held together tightly, making it easy to insert a kanzashi. It's recommended when you want to create a clean and tidy look. [Kanzashi With a Braid] ・Tie hair into a single strand with an elastic band. ・Pull out a little hair at the top of the head to create a silhouette. ・Braid the ends of the hair and tie with a hair band, then pull out a little hair from the braided part to create a softer look. ・Insert the tip of the hairpin into the braid, tilt it toward the scalp, and slowly insert it into the braid. [Video] 1:28 - Kanzashi With a Braid The braid arrangement is a style for long hair. It is tied with an elastic band to keep it together. To create a stylish look, it's important to pull out just the right amount of hair from the top of the head and the braided area to create a softer look. How to Use a Kanzashi, a Stylish Japanese Hair Ornament - Summary If you simply insert the hairpin into your hair, it may fall out. Because of this, after inserting the hairpin into your hair, be sure to flip the hairpin over so that it catches the hair near the surface of your scalp. The video shows you how to do this in an easy-to-understand manner. [Video] 3:09 - How to Insert a Kanzashi Hairpin Into a Finished Hairstyle Kanzashi, which come in a variety of types, are easy to use and can be used in all sorts of ways, depending on your taste and the occasion. Even if you think it might be difficult to use a kanzashi, don't be afraid to give it a try. It might be easier than you thought. Yakai-maki, which can be done with a single hairpin, will make you look stylish and mature when wearing a yukata or kimono. If you're visiting any Japanese festivals this summer, be sure to try it out!

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

Camping and Gas Canisters in Japan Japan is experiencing an unprecedented camping boom. Its popularity is increasing year after year. There are two types of gas cans used for camping in Japan: "OD cans," short for "OutDoor Cans," and "CB cans" (Cassette Bombe Cans), which are used in at home. In Japan, "CB cans" are inexpensive and easily obtainable, but in some cases, "OD cans" are better for camping. In this article, we'll take a look at the different gas canisters used for camping in Japan. Video Introduction Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "[Gas] the Difference Between CB Cans and OD Cans. Which Is Better for Camping and How to Use Them Properly" (【ガス】CB缶とOD缶の違いについて キャンプでは結局どっちがいいのか？使い分けのポイントについて解説), was uploaded by "Sports Authority" (スポーツオーソリティ). Japan's Different Types of Gas Canisters In this video, a specialist in outdoor equipment explains Japan's gas canisters in detail. Gas canisters are necessary for using gas burners, cassette stoves, and lighting lanterns when camping and enjoying other outdoor activities in Japan. However, because there are different types, you might be confused about which one is best for you. If you choose the wrong canister when venturing outdoors, you may not be able to start a fire. This time, we'll introduce Japan's gas canisters so that anyone, from beginners to experienced campers, can experience camping in Japan with ease. Learn the differences and be prepared for camping! The Difference Between CB and OD Gas Canisters Photo：An OD can gas canister CB cans are vertical cassette cylinders used not only for camping but also for gas stoves in many homes in Japan. They are generally inexpensive and can be purchased at convenience stores and 100-yen stores, making them easy to obtain and use. The two main components are butane and isobutane. There are also CB cans that contain propane gas, but these are far less common. OD cans, on the other hand, are round, stout, and are made with containers that can withstand pressure. Available at specialty stores and home centers across Japan, they are more expensive than CB cans and contain 30 to 35% propane gas. The canisters themselves are also thicker and feature a strong, stable output that is resistant to cold. The Components of Gas Canisters and Their Boiling Points Photo：A gas stove Butane, isobutane, and propane have different boiling points. The boiling point of butane is around 0°C, isobutane is around -10°C, and propane is around -40°C. This means that propane gas is the most resistant to cold. [Video] 3:00 - Boiling point of liquid gases As the liquid gas vaporizes, it takes heat from its surroundings, so the gas canister gets colder as it is used. Therefore, even outside of extremely cold weather, it's possible that a gas can will become cold and unusable while in use. Even in the spring and fall, depending on the time of day and location, the outside temperature can drop below 10℃. In such cases, it's a good idea to have an OD can that can withstand the cold. When camping in Japan, you'll probably make fewer mistakes if you purchase not only inexpensive CB cans but also OD cans with stronger output just in case. How to Properly Dispose of Gas Canisters in Japan Photo：Disposing of gas canisters When disposing of gas canisters in Japan it's important to empty the contents of the containers before discarding them. Hold the can and shake it to see if it makes any noise. If the OD can has a cap that can be used to vent the gas, use it to make a hole in the can, or if not, use specialized items available at stores to vent the gas. That being said, some municipalities in Japan recommend not opening holes in gas canisters, so be sure to dispose of them correctly according to guidelines prescribed by the local government. Summary of Gas Canisters for Camping in Japan Most people tend to focus on the inexpensive CB cans, but hopefully this has helped you understand the differences and merits between CB and OD cans. The expert in the video listens to customer questions and feedback as well, so you know they're looking out for the best interests of the customer. If you're particular about how you want your food cooked when camping then output is especially important. Be sure to do your research when deciding which gas canisters to buy.

■Table of Contents Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction A Brief Introduction to Hachioji An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The History of the Hachioji Festival Dashi no Buttsuke The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures Min'yo Nagashi Food Stalls and Vendors at the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Fireworks Festival Hachioji Festival 2023 Event Information August 4, 2023 (Friday) August 5, 2023 (Saturday) August 6, 2023 (Sunday) Other Things to Do in Hachioji How to Get to Hachioji Hachioji Festival Summary Hachioji Festival: Video Introduction This video, titled "Hachioji Festival Video Introduction" (八王子まつり紹介動画), was uploaded by "Hachioji Festival" (八王子まつり). The video introduces the Hachioji Festival, a famous summer festival in Hachioji, Tokyo, featuring 19 floats with elaborate carvings and gorgeous decorations parading along the Koshu Kaido, as well as an introduction to the floats and other attractions during the event in Japan's Kanto Region. Be sure to check out the video to see what the Hachioji Festival is like! A Brief Introduction to Hachioji Hachioji, located in western Tokyo, is the second largest city in the Tokyo Metropolis, with a population of approximately 580,000. The name of the city comes from the eight princes that are enshrined at Hachioji Temple, located at Hachioji Castle ('hachi' meaning 'eight,' and 'oji' meaning 'princes'). Hachioji was an important post town during the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.) and as such, the historic Koshu Kaido (a highway used by merchants during the Edo Period) can befound running through the town. Hachioji is famous for its delicious Hachioji Ramen and the beautiful Mt. Takao, which is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts from all over Japan and even abroad. An Introduction to the Hachioji Festival Photo：Hachioji Festival, Hachioji, Tokyo How to Get to the Hachioji Festival Venue + Event Dates The Hachioji Festival is usually held around Koshu Kaido Road and on Nishihoshasen You Road (西放射線ユーロード). The main venue is the stretch from JR Hachioji Station Intersection to Oiwake Intersection (追分交差点) on the Koshu Kaido. Hachioji Station is located in the center of Hachioji, making it a convenient place to visit for sightseeing. The Hachioji Festival is held annually around early August. The exact dates and times vary from year to year, so it's recommended that you check the official Hachioji Festival website or tourist information when you visit. The dates for the 2024 event are Friday, August 2, Saturday, August 3, and Sunday, August 4. It can be difficult to find a parking spot during the Hachioji Festival, so we recommend using public transportation. The History of the Hachioji Festival The Hachioji Festival is a famous festival of Hachioji, Tokyo. Formerly known as the Hachioji Citizens' Festival, Hachioji Festival is famous as a traditional event that preserves the history of Hachioji and as one of the best dashi (float) festivals in Japan's Kanto Region. The origins of the Hachioji Festival can be traced back to the Hachioji Citizens' Festival that began in 1961. At the time, the festival was held in Fujimori Park as a way for the citizens of Hachioji to cool off during the hot summer. Today, the festival is held on the Koshu Kaido, a historic highway, and has become a major summer event that attracts many people from both inside and outside of the city. The dashi (float) festival, which has been held since the Edo Period (1603-1868), is especially popular among people from downtown Hachioji. The festival at Taga Shrine is called Kami no Matsuri (upper festival), and the festival at Hachiman-Hachioji Shrine is called Shimo no Matsuri (lower festival). Photo：A lion dance and ibayashi, Hachioji Festival In addition to the parade of gorgeous floats, the Hachioji Festival is characterized by a variety of events, including a folk song parade, lion dances, and ibayashi (a type of noh performance accompanied by hayashi), an ice sculpture exhibition, the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, and a children's ondo performance. [Video] 5:55 - The Children's Ondo Performance [Video] 7:06 - Min'yo Nagashi [Video] 8:41 - A Lion Dance and Ibayashi Miyamikoshi Togyo is a portable shrine procession that takes place during the festival in which a huge portable shrine called Sengan Mikoshi is carried throughout the city. The shrine weighs approximately 3 tons and its an exciting event to watch. During the evening there are also dance performances by geisha and maiko from Hachioji. [Video] 6:22 - A Dance Performance by Geisha and Maiko [Video] 8:03 - The 3-ton Mikoshi (Portable Shrine) Dashi no Buttsuke – A Musical Showdown During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Dashi no Buttsuke, Hachioji Festival Among the many highlights of the Hachioji Festival, one of the most popular is the Dashi no Buttsuke, a competition of beautiful floats. Dashi (Japanese festival floats) are huge, decorated carts that are pulled or carried by hand during festivals. The floats, which survived even the fires of wat, have been designated as Tangible Cultural Properties by the city of Hachioji and are a reminder of the history and traditions of the festival. Dashi no Buttsuke, one of the most popular events during the festival, is a musical showdown between floats. Each float is from a different area, and when they pass by each other, they pull over to show their local pride through a musical duel. Each float plays their own hayashi (a type of Japanese festival music), but if they end up playing to the other's music, they lose the battle. When the floats appear on the streets of Hachioji, they are illuminated to create a fantastic atmosphere. The 19 floats parading through the streets are a sight you don't want to miss! The power of the floats and the traditional musical showdown between each of them is great for taking photos and videos to share on Instagram and other social networking sites. [Video] 8:51 - The Parade Floats [Video] 9:21 - A Musical Battle Between Floats Photo：Yokoyama 3-chome float, Hachioji Festival The 19 Floats of the Hachioji Festival Here, we'll introduce the floats of 19 towns that participate in the Hachioji Festival. ●Motohongo's Float This is a style of float built based on carts used before 1978. [Video] 10:21 - Motohongo's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Yagi's Float This float features an eye-catching carving of a giant eagle and a karahafu, a unique type of architecture often seen in Japanese castles, temples, and shrines. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 10:55 - Yagi's Float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Hiyoshi's Float This is the first float of its kind in Hachioji. Note the male and female peacock carvings on the front karahafu. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 11:28 - Hiyoshimachi's float Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ●Oiwake's Float A two-tiered float built in 1914. What makes this float unique is the carvings of dragons on the panels. It's designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:08 - Oiwake-machi float ●Hachimankami's Float This float was built in the Meiji Period (1868-1912). It's also called "Kurama no Dashi" (Float of Kurama) because it used to carry dolls of Kurama Tengu and Minamoto no Yoshitsune. It was extensively renovated in 1915, and has been designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the city. [Video] 13:40 - Hachimankami's Float The video introduces the features and highlights of all the floats in an easy-to-understand manner, so please be sure to check it out. [Video] 12:01 - Okadomachi's Float [Video] 12:34 - Sennincho 1-chome's Float [Video] 14:15 - Hiraoka's Float [Video] 14:47 - Hachimancho 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 15:53 - Oyokocho's Float [Video] 16:26 - Yokamachi 1, 2-chome's Float [Video] 17:00 - Honmachi's Float [Video] 17:34 - Kamiyokamachi's Float [Video] 18:06 - Minamishincho's Float [Video] 18:39 - Yokoyama 3-chome's Float [Video] 19:12 - Nakacho's Float [Video] 19:44 - Misaki's Float [Video] 20:19 - Moto-Yokoyama's Float [Video] 20:51 - Minamicho's Float In 2017, a total of 19 floats from different town councils lined up to celebrate the city's 100th anniversary. The sight of the illuminated floats all lined up in a row was incredible! Photo：Hachioji Festival floats 'Sengan Mikoshi' – A Powerful Event During the Hachioji Festival Photo：Sengan Mikoshi, Hachioji Festival Sengan Mikoshi refers to a massive portable shrine. The name "Sengan Mikoshi" comes from the fact that the shrine is said to weighs as much as 1,000 kan (1 kan = 3.75 kg) or 3.75 tons. ※"Sen" means "one thousand" in Japanese. The sight of everyone working together to carry the Sengan Mikoshi, said to be one of the heaviest portable shrines in Japan's Kanto region, along the historic Koshu Kaido, is a spectacle in itself. The Sengan Mikoshi procession is held on the last day of the Hachioji Festival. Many portable shrines, led by the Sengan Mikoshi, parade through the streets of Hachioji. The mikoshi carriers wear matching costumes and shout loudly to liven up the festival. The solemn appearance of the mikoshi, the vigorous bearers, and the crowds of spectators that fill the streets are overwhelming. The Sengan Mikoshi is one of the largest and heaviest portable shrines in Japan, and many people work together to carry it. When you visit the Hachioji Festival, try to get a close look at it! [Video] 7:44 - The Portable Shrine Procession Taiko Drums and Ice Sculptures – Popular Events at the Hachioji Festival Photo：Taiko drums, Hachioji Festival Two of the most popular and noteworthy events of the Hachioji Festival are the Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle is an event in which taiko teams from Japan's Kanto region compete against one another. The teams compete to see who has the best taiko playing technique and performances. Visitors can enjoy listening to Japanese drum performances of various styles and genres. The sound of the taiko drums echoes across the land, resembling the beating heart of the festival. The audience is intoxicated by the roaring sound of the taiko drums, the excitement of the festival, and the brilliant baton work of the drummers. Source :Hachioji Matsuri, Hachinavi The Ice Sculpture Exhibition displays beautiful sculptures made of ice, and ice sculpting demonstrations are also popular. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the intricate techniques and fantastic creations of the ice sculptors, who skillfully carve the ice into a variety of shapes and designs. The cool, sparkling ice sculptures are a work of art that can only be seen for a limited time during the hot summer months. The Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle and the Ice Sculpture Exhibition have become popular elements that add to the charm of the Hachioji Festival. Visitors enjoy the festival even more as they lose themselves in the power and rhythm of the taiko drums and are captivated by the beauty of the ice sculptures. [Video] 6:08 - Ice Sculpture Exhibition [Video] 6:44 - Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Min'yo Nagashi – The Hachioji Festival's Guinness World Record Bon Dance Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival Min'yo Nagashi, which has been certified as a Guinness World Record, is one of the many attractions of the Hachioji Festival. During the event, some 4,000 dancers in yukata gather along the 1.8-km-long Koshu Kaido and dance in unison. In August 2016, this annual event of the Hachioji Festival challenged the Guinness World Records for the largest number of people performing a bon dance. In the intense heat, 2,013 people formed a line and danced without missing a beat, and the event was successfully certified as a Guinness World Record. Food Stalls, Night Stalls, and Streets Vendors at the Hachioji Festival Approximately 230 stalls will be set up along the 2 km stretch of the Koshu Kaido from the north exit of Hachioji Station to Oiwake Intersection. Please note that the main event will be held on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3, and no stalls will be set up around the north exit of Hachioji Station on Sunday, August 4. Stalls will be open from 12:00 to 21:00. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival, Another Popular Summer Event in Hachioji Photo：Hachioji Fireworks Festival Another popular summer event in Hachioji is the Hachioji Fireworks Festival. Every year, many spectators gather to enjoy the beautiful fireworks display that colors the summer night sky. The Hachioji Fireworks Festival will be held on July 27 (Sat.) in 2024. The venue is Fujimori Park. The night sky of Hachioji will be beautifully colored by approximately 3,500 fireworks of various types, including a rapid-firing series of starmines. What is the schedule for the three days of the Hachioji Festival in 2024? [Event Dates] August 2 (Fri.), 3 (Sat.) and 4 (Sun.), 2024 [Event Information] ■Every day during the event Period Photo：Ibayashi, Hachioji Festival ・Ibayashi performances Schedule: (Fri.) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, (Sat. & Sun.) 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Park Ichibangai Dori（パーク壱番街通り）, Ekimae Ginza Dori, opposite Textile Association（織物組合向い）, Joy 5th Avenue Dori, Kuwadou Terrace（桑都テラス）, Ekimae Terrace, opposite View Tower Hachioji ・Night stall Time: 12:00 - 21:00 Location：(Fri. and Sat.) Lower and Upper areas, (Sun.) Upper area only Photo：Hachioji Festival stall ・Night stalls Schedule: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm ■August 2, 2024 (Friday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :まえたけ's blog, Hachinavi ・Ice Sculpture Exhibition Schedule: 1:30 pm - 4:10 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Festival Eve Dance (Hachioji Geisha/Maiko) Schedule: 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Nakamachi Park, Nishihoshasen You Road ■August 3, 2024 (Saturday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Photo：The Children's Ondo Performance, Hachioji Festival ・Children's Ondo Performance Schedule: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle, Hachioji Festival ・Great Kanto Taiko Drumming Battle Schedule: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Min'yo Nagashi, Hachioji Festival ・Min'yo Nagashi Schedule: 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Kaohsiung, Taiwan Performance Schedule: 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm, 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：A festival float procession, Hachioji Festival ・Float and portable shrine parade Schedule: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ■August 4, 2024 (Sunday) Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi Source :Hachioji Festival, Hachinavi ・Lion Dance Schedule: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Location: Nishihoshasen You Road Source :Hachinavi's 'Enjoy the last day of the 2018 Hachioji Festival! Introducing numerous photos of the festival!' ・Kaohsiung, Taiwan Performance Schedule: 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm, 6:00 pm - 6:20 pm Location: South side of Yokamachi Intersection Photo：Taga Shrine's portable shrine 'Sengan Mikoshi', Hachioji Festival ・Taga Shrine Sengan Mikoshi portable shrine parade Schedule: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Hachiman Yakumo Shrine portable shrine parade Schedule: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Upper ward area portable shrine parades Schedule: 6:10 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Photo：Festival float gathering, Hachioji Festival ・Upper ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:40 pm - Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float parades Schedule: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Koshu Kaido ・Lower ward area festival float gathering Schedule: 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Koshu Kaido Other Things to Do in Hachioji There are a number of things to do in Hachioji besides the Hachioji Festival, and here we'll introduce a few. Enjoy the View From Mt. Takao Mt. Takao is a beautiful mountain located in Hachioji, Tokyo. The mountain features 7 hiking trails, all of which offer different views of the mountain and the surrounding area. The night view from Mt. Takao is also superb, and from the southeast side of the mountain you can enjoy a view of Sagami Bay and Enoshima. Additionally, there is a cable car on the mountain as well, so less experienced hikers can enjoy the mountain without having to strain themselves. You can hike up or down and take the cable car for the other half of the trip, or if you don't feel like hiking at all, you can take it both ways. Takao Beer Mount Takao Beer Mount is a popular summer event in Hachioji that also takes place on Mt. Takao. The event features an all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink buffet. There are Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes served at the buffet, as well as craft beer from four different breweries in Hachioji. If you're planning on hiking up Mt. Takao and want to check out Takao Beer Mount as well, we recommend taking Trail 1, as most of the course is paved and it has rest areas as well. Try the Famous Hachioji Ramen Hachioji Ramen is a light, gentle, soy sauce-based ramen with chopped onions and fat floating in the soup. Although it's simple to make, it has been featured on many TV stations in Japan and is now a popular ramen from Hachioji, Tokyo. What makes Hachioji Ramen different from other ramen is the way the fat in the soup perfectly balances out the unique spiciness of the onions and enhances their flavor. The most common toppings for Hachioji Ramen are chashu (char siu, braised pork), nori (dried seaweed), and menma (bamboo shoots). There is an endless number of things to do in Hachioji besides the attractions listed above. You can enjoy Setsubun festivals in the spring or in the fall you can visit and view the beautiful autumn leaves. If you're looking for places to go in Tokyo, be sure to add Hachioji to your itinerary. How to Get to Hachioji If you're visiting Hachioji from Tokyo, it's incredibly simple. From Tokyo Station it's a straight shot to Hachioji Station via train. Take the JR Chuo Line rapid train bound for Otsuki and get off at Hachioji Station (1 hr.). Hachioji Festival Summary The Hachioji Festival is the largest festival in Hachioji. It's a festival that both children and adults can enjoy, with floats, dancing, musical performances, ice sculptures, and more. The Hachioji Festival is steeped in history and tradition, and in 2003 it was awarded the Grand Prize for Regional Traditional Performing Arts. The Hachioji Festival is so lively that it will help you forget the summer heat! 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The Eruption of Shinmoedake, Mt. Kirishima Before we begin, please watch the video "The moment of a volcanic eruption! Shinmoedake “Spouting Volcanic Bombs” Kirishima Mountain Range（火山噴火の瞬間！新燃岳「噴出す火山弾」霧島連山）". This is a video of the powerful eruption of Shinmoedake, Mt. Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture(鹿児島県,Kagoshimaken). You can feel the fury of nature that stretches far beyond the human imagination by watching the video of the dynamic eruption. We will introduce Shinmoedake, Mt. Kirishima through the video with this article, so be sure to follow along. What Kind of Place Is Shinmoedake? Photo：Kirishima Geopark Kirishima Mountain Range is a group of volcanoes that stretches from Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県,Miyazakiken) to Kagoshima Prefecture in Southern Kyushu (南九州,Minami-kyushu). Shinmoedake, which is introduced in the video, is 1,421 meters above sea and is located almost halfway between Karakunidake (韓国岳,Karakunidake), the highest mountain in Mt. Kirishima, and the sacred Mount Takachiho (高千穂峰,Takachihonomine) in the east. The area surrounding the peak of Shinmoedake consists of craters and calderas, which are hollows in the ground created by volcanic activity, and it stretches over Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, while the area surrounding the ridge line stretches over Kobayashi City (小林市,Kobayashishi), Miyazaki Prefecture. As you can see in the video, volcanic activity still continues actively in Shinmoedake. The History of Volcanic Activity in Shinmoedake Photo：Shinmoedake The history of Shinmoedake’s volcanic activity is thought to stretch back about 150,000 years. Shinmoedake is a volcano that has violent eruptions called "Plinian eruptions," which produce enormous amounts of volcanic products and energy, and it has been responsible for massive disasters such as the Kyoho Eruption and the Bunsei Eruption in the Edo period (1603-1868), as well as the Showa Eruption of 1959. From existing research, we know that the volcanic eruption during the Showa period was caused by an explosion of water vapor, not magma. The Current State of Shinmoedake Source :YouTube screenshot Shinmoedake’s volcanic alert level is currently level 3 out of 5, and the damage from the falling ash is also immense. Mountaineering on the volcano is also restricted, so the effect on tourism is quite large as well. There are also volcanoes other than Shinmoedake in Kyushu such as Sakurajima (桜島,Sakurajima) and volcanic eruption alerts come frequently, so it is important to check the newest information as often as possible. This video is of Shinmoedake, Mt. Kirishima in January 2011. You can see bright red lava bursting out and rocks flying through the sky from 0:15. You can also see lightning called “volcanic thunder” flash across the rising pitch-black ashes from 1:03. Summary of the Video on Shinmoedake's Volcanic Eruption This video of the volcanic eruption that we introduced is barely 2 minutes long, yet it is a powerful piece of footage that conveys the fury of nature. The volcanic alert level of Shinmoedake, Mt. Kirishima is still extremely high and its activities are being observed carefully. If you are ever to travel close to Mt. Kirishima in Kagoshima, be careful and be prepared! 【Tripadvisor】Shinmoedake https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022935-d1384894-Reviews-Mt_Shinmoe-Kirishima_Kagoshima_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

Sea Urchin Cuisine - An Exquisite Japanese Cuisine Gaining in Popularity This video, titled "Japanese Roadside Snacks - Fresh Sea Urchin｜Japanese Sea Food" (日本路邊小吃 - 生海膽 日本海鮮), was released by “Roadside Snacks” (路边小吃). It introduces one of the most popular Japanese ingredients, sea urchin. Sea urchin is a distinctive creature with a round body covered in sharp spines. In Japan, it’s common to eat sea urchin as sashimi, sushi, or in sea urchin rice bowls. Enjoy a wonderful time tasting the finest sea urchin at a seafood restaurant that serves exquisite Japanese cuisine. The Ecology of the Popular Seafood Ingredient, Sea Urchins Photo：Sea urchin Sea urchins are a spiny marine animal found on rocky beaches and in the deep sea. Sea urchins are echinoderms and are characterized by their pentaradial symmetry. However, there are many aspects of their biology that remain unknown. In Japan, sea urchins are widely found in coastal areas, such as Hokkaido and at Iwate Prefecture's Sanriku Coast. Sea urchins are in season from June to August. During this time period, the meat of the sea urchins is truly exquisite. The mushy insides of the commonly eaten sea urchin look like eggs, but they are actually the animal's gonads. Types of Edible Sea Urchin Photo：Sea urchin There are around 180 known species of sea urchins in the seas around Japan and more than 800 known species around the world. The most commonly eaten raw sea urchins in Japan are the Bafun (Hemicentrotus) and Ezo-Bafun (Strongylocentrotus intermedius), Purple Sea Urchin (ムラサキウニ), and Northern Purple Sea Urchin (キタムラサキウニ), which are mainly from Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. In Japan, in addition to wild sea urchins, many sea urchins are farmed to be eaten out of season. Thanks to advances in aquaculture techniques, it’s possible to eat delicious sea urchin in Japan all year round. The Various Ways to Eat Sea Urchin Photo：Sea urchin sushi Sea urchin is a popular ingredient in many Japanese dishes. It can be eaten in a variety of ways, including sea food bowls, sashimi, sushi, uni don, and more. If you're traveling along the coast of Japan, you'll be able to eat the delicious seaside ingredient to your heart's content. Each restaurant has its own recipe for preparing sea urchin, so we recommend trying the sea urchin of a bunch of different restaurants to find which one you like most! From 8:56 in the video, you can see the sea urchin being shelled and then served fresh. Summary of the Popular Seafood Ingredient, Sea Urchin Photo：Sea urchin A variety of seafood ingredients are used in Japanese cuisine, including the popular sea urchin, fish, such as bluefin and skipjack tuna, and shellfish, such as scallops. As shown in the video, at famous Japanese restaurants you can watch the chefs quickly process the sea urchin up close and personal. When you visit Japan, be sure to visit some delicious seafood restaurants to experience Japanese food culture!

Sightseeing Spots at Onna Village, Okinawa This introductory video of Onna Village is brought to you by Onna Town Hall (恩納村役場, Onnasonyakuba). It's a promotional video introducing various sightseeing spots, festivals, and events held in Onna, a village situated on the west coast of central Okinawa. Onna is easily accessible from Naha Airport (那覇空港, Nahakuukou), taking around 1 hour to get to by car, and is a good base for a sightseeing trip on Okinawa's main island. Onna is regarded as one of the best resort locations in Okinawa, dotted with many large resort hotels, beaches with crystal clear water, such as those found at Cape Manzamo (万座毛, Manzamou), golf courses, and much more. This three and a half minute long video introduces various sightseeing spots in Onna. You'll surely find a new and exciting way to enjoy your stay in Okinawa! Experience Okinawan Cuisine in Onna! Photo：Pineapple The opening scene of this video (0:16) introduces Onna station (恩納の駅, Onnanoeki) market, where you can purchase freshly picked fruit and vegetables, such as mango, pineapple, passion fruit, goya and dragon fruit, grown at nearby farms. There are also bakeries and a popular food court where you can try tropical fruit shaved ice and Okinawan soba noodles. The locals regularly shop here instead of going to supermarkets. You can also purchase original Onna village souvenirs here to take home with you. Unique Experiences in Onna Village, One of Japan's Most Outstanding Tourism Spots Photo：Underwater We recommend sugarcane harvesting and Okinawan brown sugar making as an activity to enjoy with the family. You can taste the freshly picked sugarcane straight from the field and experience turning it into sugar. You can see this at 0:48 in the video. The fresh sugar is guaranteed to taste delicious! Onna village is known for having some of the clearest waters in Okinawa and is a popular spot for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other marine activities. Cape Maeda (真栄田岬, Maedamisaki), also known as the Italy of Japan, hosts tours of the Blue Cave (青の洞窟, Aonodoukutsu) where you can make memories that will last a lifetime. Manza beach (万座ビーチ, Manzabiichi) and Kariyushi beach (かりゆしビーチ, Kariyushibiichi) are popular destinations for sunbathing or swimming in the sea. Some of the most Instragrammable spots in Okinawa can be found here! At 1:06 in the video, you can see some of the beaches around Onna village. Please enjoy the scenery of the beautiful turquoise blue sea of Okinawa. The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (沖縄科学技術大学院大学, Okinawakagakugijutsu Daigakuindaigaku, OIST) is a university conducting research of the highest level, using world-class technology. Feel free to look around the facilities or take part in a guided tour of the campus. It's a great opportunity to experience the unique international atmosphere of the university and witness first-hand some of the cutting-edge research taking place. The university is featured at 1:20 in the video. Onna Village Is Becoming Increasingly More Popular as a Wedding Resort Location Photo：Resort wedding bride There are many large resort hotels in Onna where you can have a wedding. These hotels have spacious, beautiful bright white chapels inside where you can walk down the aisle to the sound of the sanshin, an instrument fundamental to Okinawan music. Experience a wedding truly unique to Okinawa. This is introduced at 1:38 in the video. Make some lasting memories in Onna, Okinawa! Other Sightseeing Spots You Can Enjoy in Onna Photo：Okinawa Hari Ryukyu village (琉球村, Ryuukyuumura) is a theme park in Onna showcasing Okinawan culture through various experiences, attractions, shows, and events. There are also a large number of restaurants where you can try Okinawan cuisine and shops to buy souvenirs. Even on a rainy day there is plenty to enjoy at this theme park. You can take a look at Ryukyu village from 1:57 in the video. Maeganeku Hari is a boat race that takes place at Maeganeku fishing port (前兼久漁港, Maeganekugyokou) in June each year. Fishermen compete using traditional row boats called Sabani. Around the same time, ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort hosts the Manza Hari Festival. You can take a look at this at 2:08 in the video. A well-established American-style restaurant called the Seaside Drive-In (シーサイドドライブイン, Shiisaidodoraibuin) was opened in 1967. They serve a variety of American dishes such as rib steak and fried chicken which you can enjoy for lunch or just for grabbing a cup of coffee in the cafe. When the weather is nice, you can order your food to go and enjoy the stunning scenery of the sunset here as well. In winter, how about enjoying the night view of the Chrysanthemum illuminations? Using artificial lighting, the Chrysanthemums here bloom in the winter creating a romantic atmosphere, one of the best-kept secret spots in Onna. There are also events such as Unna Festival held at the end of July and the Churaumi Fireworks Display held in October, which are extremely popular among both locals and tourists. Summary of Onna Village- Japan's Leading Travel Resort Photo：A superb view of Okinawa・Manzamo We hope you enjoyed the video introducing various sightseeing spots in and around the village of Onna, in the southern paradise that is Okinawa. You can view the sightseeing spots mentioned in this article in the video provided. After watching the video we're sure you'll want to start planning your trip to Onna! Which sightseeing spot would you most like to visit? We hope this video inspires you and offers some new and exciting ways to enjoy your next resort visit!

Video introduction of "Keisei Rose Garden" in Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture This video, titled "4k Most Beautiful Rose Garden in the World Keisei Rose Garden"(4k Most Beautiful Rose Garden in the World 京成バラ園 ローズガーデン） was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." This 4K video introduces the Keisei Rose Garden, one of the best rose theme parks in Japan with 10,000 roses of 1,600 varieties in bloom. The fragrant interior of the garden shows a variety of expressions each time you visit, with different atmospheres depending on the blooming conditions and weather conditions, even for the same rose variety. Roses floating in the light, roses swaying in the wind, roses spreading far and wide like rippling waves, and roses whose fragrance seems to be wafting through the air. Please take your time and enjoy the video. Roses in Japanese Culture Roses are a popular flower in Japan, with places like the Keisei Rose Garden creating their own varieties of roses. The Japanese word for rose is "bara" (バラ), and in the Japanese language of flowers, roses mean "beauty" and "love," but different colors of roses have different meanings as well. For example, white roses mean "purity," while yellow roses mean "friendship" and "devotion." Keisei Rose Garden Entrance Fees, When to Visit, and Time Required Photo：Keisei Rose Garden, Yachiyo, Chiba Next, we'll take a look at the best time to see the roses at the Keisei Rose Garden, as well as the required time peruse the garden and admission fees. ●When Are the Roses at Their Best? There are two types of roses in the Keisei Rose Garden: spring roses and autumn roses. The best time to see the spring roses is from mid-May to early June, and the best time to see the autumn roses is from mid-October to early November. The best time to see the roses may vary depending on the weather, so please check the website or social media for information before visiting. [Video] 0:09 - Colorful Roses Blooming in May ●How Long Does It Take to Tour Keisei Rose Garden It takes at least one hour to see all the roses blooming in the 30,000-square-meter garden. On an average year, when the roses are in full bloom, the park is often crowded, and it's not uncommon for it to take up to 2 hours to tour the garden. If you get caught up looking at the roses and want to take pictures, it may take longer than expected. Please allow plenty of time for your visit. ●Admission Fees Ticket prices vary depending on the blooming season. [General Admission] April 21 to June 30: Adults (high school students and older): 1,500 yen October 1 - November 30: Adults (high school students and older) 1,200 yen Other periods: Adults (high school students and older) 500 yen ※Junior high school students and younger are free of charge (but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). ●A maximum of 5 children may accompany one adult. Children cannot enter the park alone. For educational visits, please inquire and confirm separately. ●Discount rates are available by presenting the smartphone application "Mirairo ID." Discounts are available only in May, June, October, and November. Discounts cannot be combined with other discounts or discounts based on blooming conditions. ●Annual Passport: 4,000 yen 1,000-yen discount for Tomonokai members. Membership cards must be presented. Yachiyo Citizens Discount: 500-yen discount. Proof of address must be presented. Discounts cannot be combined. Highlights and Photo Spots at the Keisei Rose Garden Photo：Keisei Rose Garden, Yachiyo, Chiba The Keisei Rose Garden in Yachiyo, Chiba, is one of the best rose theme parks in Japan. Visitors can enjoy spring roses and autumn roses, but the peak season throughout the year is spring. There are many attractions and photo spots throughout the garden. Here are some of the best areas. ●The Rose Path From the Rose Arches This is an impressive pathway where visitors can pass under countless roses while enjoying a view of the entire rose garden. ●Word of the Roses of Versailles The terrace offers a panoramic view of the area where all six types of the famous "Rose of Versailles" are covered. ●Formal-Style Garden This is a formal, French-style garden. Screens, poles, arches, and pergolas are used to create a three-dimensional appearance for the 80 varieties of roses blooming in the rose garden. ●Rose Gazebo The Rose Gazebo is recognized as a sacred place for lovers! This is a gazebo made of marble donated by designer Yumi Katsura. Weddings can also be held here. ●Merry-go-round "Brilliant Tree" (700 yen per person): The first attraction in the Keisei Rose Garden, this merry-go-round can accommodate three people. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic experience surrounded by the scent of roses wafting from diffusers and bubbles floating magically in the air. ●Strawberry Hunt in the Land of Oz The "Strawberry Hunt in Oz" takes place in the backyard of the rose garden, which is normally off-limits to visitors. This strawberry picking facility opened in 2022, and here, visitors can enjoy a one-of-a-kind strawberry picking experience in a photogenic space. ●Installation of Light and Roses The 2023 event has not yet been announced, but the 2021 event was a collaboration between "Nippon Akari-Haku" and the art group "Mirror Bowler," and was well received. Must-See Roses at the Keisei Rose Garden! Photo：Keisei Rose Garden, Yachiyo, Chiba It is honestly difficult to recommend or choose the most popular roses among the 1,600 varieties and 10,000 plants, and so we will focus on highly popular roses and popular roses sold online. ●Manyo This is a new variety born at the Keiyo Rose Garden. It has an orange color, which is rare among roses. They gradually change from apricot to orange when they begin blooming, which is another of their unique aspects. ●Gaku no Yume This rose is popular for its vivid strawberry red and white coloring, with more than 10 buds per cluster. It has a mild fragrance and 25-35 petals. ●Pearl earrings The name "Pearl Earring" comes from its elegant and friendly appearance. It produces large, fragrant white flowers and has a sweet citrus scent. New seedlings are also available for purchase at the garden. There are still countless other roses that we can't introduce here. When you visit the garden, be sure to keep an eye out for all of the different varieties. [Video] 5:20 - Close-Up of a Beautiful, Glossy Rose How to Get to the Keisei Rose Garden Photo：Yachiyo-Midorigaoka Station, Toyo Rapid Railway Line If you choose to use public transportation, there are two ways to get to the Keisei Rose Garden: by walking from the nearest station, Yachiyo Midorigaoka Station, or by transferring to a bus. The following is an introduction to each of these methods. [Public Transportation/Train → Walking] Toyo Rapid Transit: A 15-minute walk from Yachiyo Midorigaoka Station. [Public Transportation/Train → Bus] Take the Toyo Bus bound for Yachiyo Medical Center (八千代医療センター, Yachiyo Iryo Senta) or Yachiyo-Chuo Station, and get off at the "Keisei Rose Garden" (approximately 5 minutes by bus). If you take the Keisei Line, get off at Yachiyodai Station and take a bus. [Public Transportation/Train→Bus] Get off at the west exit of Yachiyodai Station on the Keisei Line and then take the Toyo Bus No. 1 bound for Yachiyo Medical Center via Yachiyo Midorigaoka Station or Yachiyo Chuo Station, and get off at Keisei Rose Garden (approximately 30 minutes by bus). ※Bus travel time may vary due to crowding during the rose blooming season. Summary of Keisei Rose Garden The Keisei Rose Garden attracts many visitors. In addition to the Anniversary Garden, the Grand Arch, the Artemis Garden, and other gorgeous rose courses, this theme park has a variety of faces, including a popular rose store, restaurant, and garden center. At the garden restaurant, a chef with a passion for natural ingredients serves lunch using organic herb vegetables picked in the morning. The original ice cream, a specialty of the Keisei Rose Garden, can only be found here. The Keisei Rose Garden is, for the most part, wheelchair accessible as well. That being said, there are some places that are not accessible by wheelchair, so be sure to check out the garden map on the official website for more info. The Keisei Rose Garden is a place you'll want to visit again and again! Experience the fragrance and beauty of roses with all your senses! ◆Keisei Rose Garden◆ 【Address】755 Owada-shinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba 【Hours】December～March 10 10:00～16:00 March 11 - mid-April 10:00-17:00 【Admission to the Rose Garden (April 22-June 30) 】 Adults (high school students and older): 1,500 yen, Junior high school students and younger: free ※Please check the official website for details. 【TripAdvisor】Keisei Rose Garden

Video introduction of "Kofuku Station" in Kofuku-cho, Obihiro City, Hokkaido This video, released by "Shinji kawamura," introduces Kofuku Station on the former Japanese National Railways' Hiroo Line that used to run in Hokkaido. The video is titled "Kofuku Station, a Holy Space for Lovers" (幸福の駅　恋人の聖地　Happy station A sweetheart's holy place). Aikoku Station (愛国駅) and Kofuku Station (幸福駅) on the former Japan National Railways' Hiroo Line are popular stations that have become nationwide trends. As you can see from 0:19 in the video, the inside of Kofuku Station is covered with copies of tickets, business cards, photos, and message cards A tourist once stuck his business card on the wall in the station wishing for happiness and that's how the tradition of stickying lucky cards on the walls was established. More About Kofuku Station, a Holy Space for Lovers in Hokkaido! Photo：Kokufuki Station - station nameplate, Hokkaido Kofuku Station is a station on the Hiroo Line of the Japan National Railways that used to exist in the town of Kofuku (幸福町, Kofuku-Cho), Obihiro City (帯広市, Obihiro-Shi), Hokkaido. The popularity of this station has exploded since 1973, when it was featured in NHK TV program "Shin-Nihon-Kiko" (A Travelogue for New Japan) and used as a filming location for a TV drama with the catchphrase "From the Land of Love to Kofuku." It's said that buying a ticket at this station would bring love and happiness and because of this the station sold 13 million tickets. Unfortunately, Kofuku station closed on February 2, 1987, when the Hiroo Line was discontinued. Since the Hiroo Line was discontinued, Kofuku Station has become a railroad park and Aikoku Station was turned into a transportation memorial hall. Both have become popular tourist destinations. Things To Do Near Kofuku Station, a Holy Space for Lovers in Hokkaido! Photo：Kofuku Station & a diesel train, Hokkaido In 2013, with the concept of "old but new," the station building was renovated to reinforce its earthquake resistance. A fountain called "Ai-no-Izumi" (The Fountain of Love), and a symbol tree called "Kofuku-no-Ki" were newly installed and the station was reborn as a more attractive site. The diesel trains, platforms, and abandoned railroad cars are still in their original state, allowing you to glimpse back in time. At Kofuku Station, known as a holy space for lovers, you can enjoy the "Kofuku Station Happy Ceremony," a wedding experience that includes a commemorative photo shoot while wearing a wedding dress. At the gift shop in the station building, you can buy souvenirs, such as key chains and tickets. Summary of "Kofuku Station," a Holy Space for Lovers in Hokkaido! Photo：Kofuku Station & a diesel train, Hokkaido The signboard and the Happiness Bell at Kofuku Station are just perfect for Instagram. There is a Kofuku Shrine near Kofuku Station and an Aikoku Shrine near Aikoku Station. These are also worth a visit. Sapporo (札幌, Sapporo) and Hakodate (函館, Hakodate) are the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido, but now you might want to believe in the sign of good luck and visit Kofuku Station. 【Tripadvisor】Kofuku Station https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g608507-d1882914-Reviews-Kofuku_Station-Obihiro_Hokkaido.html

Introducing Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture! This video, titled “Best Views of Japan – Unexplored｜Searching for Laputa in Aso, Only To Find That Aso Is Laputa!” (日本一の絶景　秘境　 ラピュタの道を阿蘇に探しに行ったら、阿蘇の全てがラピュタだった), was released by “Drone RangerMiura.” It introduces the beautiful summer scenery of Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, in Japan’s Kyushu region. The scenery of Aso Gogaku (阿蘇五岳, The Five Peaks of Mt. Aso), shot via drone, looks just like the world of the Studio Ghibli movie "Laputa: Castle in the Sky." In the Aso area, there are sightseeing spots called "Laputa Road" (ラピュタの道) and "Laputa Modoki" (ラピュタもどき), which have been attracting attention from people who enjoy going on casual drives to enjoy scenic locations. A Look at Laputa Road, Shown in the Video Photo：Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture The official name of “Laputa Road” is “Aso City Road Kario Main Line” (阿蘇市道狩尾幹線). From Prefectural Road 149 to Prefectural Road 339 (a.k.a. Milk Road), which runs over the outer rim of the mountain, a mysterious phenomenon creates a sea of clouds, allowing for breathtaking views. At 0:33 in the video, cows and horses are shown, and at 1:05, a beautiful waterfall can be seen. In the Aso area, you can go for a walk and discover the unexplored natural scenery, as well as enjoy activities, such as horseback riding and stargazing. Popular Spots in the Aso Area Introduced in the Video Photo：Daikanbo Lookout on Mt. Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture There are many spots in the Aso area where you can enjoy superb scenery, such as the Laputa Road Observatory and the Daikanbo Lookout (大観峰展望台) on Daikanbo, one of the peaks of the Northern Outer Rim of Mt. Aso. If you visit the Aso area to view the scenery, be sure to stop by the observatory! There are also many park facilities, such as the Oku-Aso Fruit Garden (奥あそフルーツガーデン), Rakunoh Mother's Aso Milk Ranch (阿蘇ミルク牧場), and Aso Farmland (阿蘇ファームランド). Be sure to check out Aso Shrine (阿蘇神社) as well! Points To Note When Sightseeing in the Aso Area Photo：The Nanatsugama Caves, Kumamoto Prefecture In the Aso area, there are many places of interest, such as the Nanatsugama Caves in Saga Prefecture's Karatsu, which is designated as a national natural monument, and Kusasenrigahama. However, due to risk of eruption, the area around the crater has been placed on alert and entry is now restricted. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes also caused some road closures in the Aso area. When visiting Aso, be sure to pay attention to observation information and alerts/warnings. Summary of the Aso Area Photo：Mt. Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture Aso is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Kyushu area thanks to the natural beauty of the mountains and sea. If you're looking to experience what it's like to be in the world of "Castle in the Sky," then you should definitely drop by Aso for a visit! 【Tripadvisor】Mt. Aso https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298212-d320703-r710938456-Mt_Aso-Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

Isshiki Beach, Miura-gun, Zushi, Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan This video, titled "Zushi, Hayama [Isshiki Beach] Drone Footage, 4K, Drone, Japan｜HAYAMA ZUSHI" (逗子・葉山【一色海水浴場】ドローン空撮 4K Drone Japan HAYAMA ZUSHI), was uploaded by "Drone Man sky creative" (ドローン男子 sky creative). It introduces Isshiki Beach in the Zushi-Hayama area of Kanagawa Prefecture, located in Japan's Kanto Region, via drone footage. The video gives a unique view of Isshiki Beach that you wouldn't normally see, that is, from the sky. We hope you enjoy it! More About Isshiki Beach in Zushi-Hayama, Kanagawa! Photo：Isshiki Beach, Zushi-Hayama Isshiki Beach is a serene beach measuring 500m long and 30m wide facing Sagami Bay in Hayama, a resort area on the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture. It's a beautiful beach that extends to the backside of the Hayama Imperial Villa, a villa of the Imperial Family, and was selected as one of the "100 Best Beaches Around the World" by CNN in 2013. It's also a popular spot for surfing and SUP, and you can see many people enjoying marine activities, water sports, swimming, and sunbathing in the video. In the vicinity of Isshiki Beach is Arasaki Park, the #1 scenic spot on the Miura Peninsula, where you can get a great view of Mt. Fuji and beautiful sunsets! Isshiki Beach is a must-visit tourist spot when visiting the Isshiki area. The beach is easily accessible on a day trip from Tokyo, and is crowded with families swimming and sunbathing on sunny days. There are rocks on both sides of the beach where visitors can enjoy playing on the rocks. You can see the rocky beach from 1:42 in the video. During beach season, lifeguards are stationed at beach houses, so there's no need to worry about safety. The beach houses are rated highly on review sites for being very stylish and having great atmospheres. Lunch and showers are available at the beach houses as well. Unfortunately, the beach has been temporarily closed due to the novel coronavirus, so be sure to check in advance when visiting. Speaking of beaches and swimming, one of the things you might be wondering about is whether or not barbecues are allowed. Unfortunately, Isshiki Beach prohibits barbecues within the summer beach area. That being said, it is possible to have a barbecue a short distance away from the beach, but it is not permitted near residences. Information on Events and Activities Held at Isshiki Beach Photo：Beach yoga A variety of events are held at Isshiki Beach in the Zushi-Hayama area of Kanagawa. One such event is Feel SHONAN during Beach Yoga Week, where participants can experience authentic, relaxing beach yoga. Participants say that beach yoga at Isshiki Beach makes them feel like they are one with nature. In summer, the Hayama Kaigan Fireworks Festival is held, attracting many visitors annually. The Hayama Kaigan Fireworks Festival is held every year from late July to early August at Morito Beach and the Isshiki Beach Breakwater. At Isshiki Beach, sea kayaking, a type of canoeing, is a popular activity. Fishing is also popular, and anglers can catch flatheads and Japanese whiting. Sightseeing Information and Instagram Photo Tips for Isshiki Beach Photo：Morito Daimyojin Shrine, Hayama, Kanagawa The Zushi-Hayama area of Kanagawa is home to many tourist attractions. If you like visiting shrines and learning about the history of places you visit, we recommend checking out Morito Daimyojin, a shrine founded by Minamoto no Yoritomo that's visited by many people each year to pray for successful pregnancy and safe childbirth. If you're looking to enjoy a Japanese garden or a tea house, there's also Hayama Shiosai Park. We also recommend Hayama Ajisai Park, where visitors can see 3,000 colorful hydrangeas, and Hayama Sangaokayama Ryokuchi, where visitors can enjoy hiking. Hayama Marina, where visitors can enjoy cruising around Enoshima and Yujiro Lighthouse, is also popular. Summary of Isshiki Beach in Zushi-Hayama In this article, we introduced Isshiki Beach, one of the best beaches in Japan. The beach is just an hour and a half from Tokyo, and as you can see in the video, it features beautiful cobalt blue waters. Enjoy a relaxing time at Isshiki Beach in the Zushi-Hayama area of Kanagawa this summer! ◆Isshiki Beach◆ 【Address】Isshiki, Hayama, Miura, Kanagawa 【Access】From Zushi Station (JR Yokosuka Line) or Hayama Station (Keihin Kyuko Line), take the Keikyu Bus bound for Kaigan-mawari Hayama, and get off at the Isshiki Kaigan bus stop (20 minutes) By car, it's about 20 minutes from the Zushi Interchange on the Yokohama–Yokosuka Road via the Zushi Shindo toll booth (逗葉新道料金所). 【Parking】Parking available for 30 cars. Weekdays: 1,500 yen, Weekends: 2,000 yen 【TripAdvisor】Isshiki Beach https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121132-d7652968-Reviews-Isshiki_Beach-Hayama_machi_Miura_gun_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Video introduction of "Shiroi Koibito Park" in Sapporo, Hokkaido This video, titled "Shiroi Koibito Park 4K/A Must-See in Hokkaido [BESTHOKKAIDO_VOL.97]" (『白い恋人パーク4K／北海道の絶景景色』【BESTHOKKAIDO_VOL.97】), was uploaded by "BESTHOKKAIDO." Shiroi Koibito Park is operated by Ishiya Seika, the maker of Hokkaido's famous "Shiroi Koibito" biscuits. Shiroi Koibito biscuits are one of the most well-known and popular souvenirs of Hokkaido. They're popular both in Japan and also among overseas tourists. Shiroi Koibito biscuits are cat tongue cookies (a long and flat cookie said to resemble a cat's tongue) with white chocolate sandwiched inside them. The exterior of this sweets theme park is inspired by the appearance of a Western castle. Take your time to watch the video through which you can practically smell the sweet aroma of roses and chocolate. What is Shiroi Koibito Park? Admission Fees + Average Time Spent at the Park Photo：Shiroi Koibito Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido Shiroi Koibito Park is a factory and sweets theme park of Ishiya Seika located in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It's a wonderland-like facility with experiences that stimulate all five senses, and where both adults and children can enjoy an exciting time. Shiroi Koibito have become a popular souvenir among travelers to Hokkaido. The park is a popular tourist spot in Sapporo where visitors can learn about the history of chocolate by seeing how it's made and trying a hands-on sweets making workshop. It's approximately 7-minutes from Miyanosawa Station (Sapporo City Subway-Tozai Line) on foot, and approximately 25-minutes from the center of Sapporo via car. A parking lot is available that can accommodate 130 vehicles. The following information includes admission fees, hours of operation, and travel time. Please refer to it when planning your Sapporo travel itinerary. Admission Fees Adults (high school students and older): General admission / 800 yen, Sapporo residents / 500 yen, Groups / 500 yen Children (4 years old to junior high school students): Adults/400 yen, Sapporo residents / 300 yen, Groups / 300 yen Ages 3 and under: General admission / Free of charge, Sapporo citizens / Free of charge, Groups / Free of charge All prices include tax. Business hours 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Average Time Spent at Shiroi Koibito Park Museum facilities only: approx. 1 hour If you wish to explore the outdoors: approx. 2 to 3 hours If using the Premium Factory Course in the paid area: approximately 1 to 2 hours in addition to the above. Free Areas at Shiroi Koibito Park! Photo：The rose garden at Shiroi Koibito Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido Besides the paid area, Shiroi Koibito Park also has a free area. It's popular among both tourists and families with children. Here are some spots we recommend checking out in the free area. Mechanical Clock Tower The Chocolate Carnival Parade with automatons is held every hour from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. [Video] 0:33 - Mechanical Dolls Moving to the Music Chocolate Pump A dreamlike pump that gushes out chocolate. Try pumping the lever and let your inner child out! Rose Garden The English-style garden, which includes a rose arch, is a popular photo spot. Around 200 roses can be seen blooming in the garden, making it a spectacular sight! Enjoy the fragrance of English roses, classic roses, and all of the other 120 varieties of roses in the garden. Attractions in the Paid Area of Shiroi Koibito Park Photo：Shiroi Koibito being made, Shiroi Koibito Park Shiroi Koibito Park offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy the park. In the paid area, you can see, learn, taste, and experience a wide variety of attractions. CHOCOTOPIA FACTORY Visitors can see how Shiroi Koibito and Baumkuchen are made. Sweets Workshop DREAM KITCHEN Visitors can experience making sweets while having fun. Enjoy making it with your children or friends and take it with you as a souvenir to commemorate your trip? The following section introduces the different experiences available at Shiroi Koibito Park. Gulliver Town POKKE In this children's town lined with small stores and houses, you can feel as if you're Gulliver, from Gulliver's Travels. ※Please take note of the business hours ※Closed for the winter, reopening on April 15th, 2023. [Video] 0:53 - Gulliver Town Pokke Study Base CACAO POD Visitors can enjoy learning about tasting methods using chocolate developed by Dr. Chocolate. CHOCOTOPIA HOUSE (projection mapping) Visitors can enjoy learning about chocolate while watching a projection mapping video. Hands-on Experiences at Shiroi Koibito Park! Here is the menu of sweets that you can experience in the park. [Sweets Workshop Dream Kitchen] ●Experience menu● ・Chocolate Pie Sandwich - Using mille-feuille 　　Pie sandwiches made with mille-feuille ・Making colorful cupcakes with bunnies 　　Cupcakes full of spring colors Unfortunately, as of March 2023, the "My Shiroi Koibito Baking Course," "My Shiroi Koibito Painting Course," and "Hokkaido Cookie Painting Course" have been suspended due to a shortage of raw materials. Please check the latest information on the official website when applying for the experiences. Roses in Early Summer, Illuminations in Winter, and Popular Sweets Year-Round. Enjoy Shiroi Koibito Park in Every Season! Photo：An illumination at Shiroi Koibito Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido The brick-lined courtyard's rose garden is a must-see! The best time to see the roses in the English-style garden is from mid-June to early July. The heart-shaped arch in the Rose Garden is especially popular as a good place to take photos. ※Pets are allowed in the rose garden, which is a free area. During the winter season (November to the end of March), illuminations add color to the cool, clear air. A 10-meter tree, lovely objects twinkling in the windows of the English-style building, and the magical scenery warmly welcomes visitors to the park. We definitely recommend visiting during the winter season as well! Chocolate Lounge Oxford is the perfect place to go if you've got a sweet tooth. There are parfaits, and other sweets, as well as a wide selection of chocolate fondue. The "ISHIYA Mankitsu Set" allows you to taste white sweet potatoes, Swiss rolls, and soft-serve ice cream all at once. The three-tiered plate and the clock tower in the background makes for a great photo. During the Christmas season, a limited Christmas menu will also be available. Be sure to stop by! Things to Do Near Shiroi Koibito Park While there aren't many things to do in the immediate area near Shiroi Koibito Park, there are plenty of attractions waiting for you a train's ride away. Here are 3 places we recommend visiting near Shiroi Koibito Park: Hokkaido Jingu (Hokkaido Shrine) Hokkaido Shrine was built in 1869, after the Meiji Restoration. The shrine has 4 torii gates which are said to bring various types of luck to those who pass through them, and the shrine is also known for its cherry blossoms in the spring and beautiful autumn leaves in the fall. Hours: February: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm, March: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm, April - October: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm, November - December: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm ※Special hours during the New Years Holiday Admission Fee: Free Sapporo Beer Museum A brick museum in Hokkaido where visitors can learn about the history of beer in Hokkaido. Visitors can tour the museum for free, but there are also premium tours that are 50 minutes long. The tour is held in Japanese, but after the tour visitors can enjoy sampling Sapporo Beer Kuro Label, a recreation of one of the original beers from when the firm was founded. Hours: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm (Last entry 5:30 pm) Admission Fee: Free ※Paid premium tours available at 11:30 am, 3:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Please check the official website for more information. Tanukikoji Shopping Street Tanukikoji Shopping Street is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Hokkaido. Established in 1873, it's made up of 7 districts home to more than 200 stores. The shopping street stretches multiple blocks and has a variety of restaurants, places to go shopping, and even maid cafes. There are a number of attractions between Tanukikoji Shopping Street and the Sapporo Beer Museum, such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo TV Tower, so we recommend checking out Tanukikoji Shopping Street and then sightseeing while making your way over to the Sapporo Beer Museum. This is a great way to fit in more tourist attractions on your Sapporo travel itinerary. Summary of Shiroi Koibito Park in Hokkaido Shiroi Koibito Park, with its many attractions, also offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and snack houses, all with different styles of food. From original confections and sweets to lunch at a secluded restaurant, you're going to be spoiled for choice. The elaborate seasonal events, attractions that will bring smiles to children's faces, and affordable prices are all great features for those traveling with family. Sapporo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan and offers a wide variety of hotels. If you visit Sapporo during your summer trip to Hokkaido, consider visiting Shiroi Koibito Park! 【Official Website】Shiroi Koibito Park 【TripAdvisor】Shiroi Koibito Park

Video Introduction of "Namahage Shibatou Festival" in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "50 Incredible Namahage! Namahage Sedo Festival in Oga" (50匹のなまはげに圧巻！！男鹿の「なまはげ柴灯まつり」), was uploaded by "JAPAN CALENDAR." Every Japanese person has seen the frightening faces and heard the terrifying cries of these mask-wearing figures. Namahage are part of a traditional event that takes place in Oga, Akita in Japan's Tohoku region, and is very popular among tourists. The video shows footage from the Namahage Sedo Festival. You can enjoy the traditions of Akita, including solemn scenes and local folk performances. Check out the video to see what the event is like! Namahage, a Unique Japanese Folklore – Demons or Gods? Photo：Namahage Are you familiar with Japan's namahage culture? Namahage are creatures that go from house to house with scary masks and knives looking for bad children, and are often mistaken as yokai. The word "namahage" comes from the phrase "namomi wo hagu" (ナモミを剥ぐ, to tear off "namomi") which comes from the Akita dialect. Namomi are red scab-like sores caused by low-temperature burns from sitting next to a fire for too long. In other words, namomi represent a lazy person who spends too much time sitting by the fire. Thus, the word "namahage" is derived from the existence of a being who comes to "tear off a lazy person's sores" (namomi hagi) and warn them not to be lazy. Although namahage look like evil ogre demons, they are in fact messengers of the gods and are responsible for exorcising evil spirits. So then, why do Namahage act in such a terrifying manner? Namahage, as messengers of the gods, go into villages and are invited into homes where they are treated hospitably. The namahage not only warn children and lazy people, but also bring blessings of good health, bountiful harvests, and a safe year for people. The straw that falls from the namahage's garments is sacred, and is said to bring blessings such as protection from evil and good health. Children Scared to Death at this Traditional Japanese New Year's Eve Event Namahage are part of a traditional event held on New Year's Eve around the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. Young men in the village wear oni masks and go from house to house dressed in straw costumes, holding large knives or machetes in their hands. They come into houses shouting and asking if there are any bad children or lazy people inside. The sight of the namahage banging on doors and swinging around knives and other objects in their hands frightens the children and makes them cry. On TV each year in Japan, you can see children vowing to be good while simultaneously crying. This custom, which has a long history as a folk tradition in Akita Prefecture, was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan by UNESCO in 2018. Learn About Namahage at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum's Namahage Museum! Photo：Namahage Museum For those unable to watch the actual New Year's Eve event, we recommend checking out the Namahage Museum and Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum located in Mayama, Oga. At the Namahage Museum, visitors are greeted by namahage masks from various villages in Akita, as well as namahage costumes, and other materials on display that will help you learn about the culture and history of Oga. At the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, visitors can watch a short movie called "Namahage no Ichiya" (なまはげの一夜, The Night of the Namahage) to learn about the traditions, and experience namahage in an old private Japanese house. This rare experience of seeing a conversation between a namahage and the homeowner and watching the namahage search for children is quite interesting. If you're interested in learning about traditional Japanese culture and enjoying some beautiful scenery, we highly recommend visiting Akita Prefecture! Namahage Sedo Festival – A Fusion of Traditional Events and Namahage at Shinzan Shrine Photo：Namahage Sedo Festival The Namahage Sedo Festival is a combination of namahage, a traditional culture of Akita, and the Sedo Festival, a Shinto ritual held annually on January 3 at Shinzan Shrine in Oga, Akita. The event started in 1964 as a winter event in Oga, Akita. The festival is usually held over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), including the second Saturday in February. Namahage Taiko is a sightseeing event that involves namahage drumming loudly and dancing and is quite popular among tourists. [Video] 1:06 - Namahage Taiko The fantastic sight of Namahage coming down the snowy mountain path with torches in their hands as messengers of the mountain gods is truly a captivating experience. It's like stepping back in time. [Video] 1:20 - Namahage Descending From the Mountain As shown in the video, this Namahage Festival marked the 50th anniversary since the event began, and 50 namahage made an appearance! They prayed for the safety of tourists and locals alike. [Video] 1:55 - Children Frightened at the Sight of Namahage The festival will be held for three days from Friday, including the second Saturday in February, as in 2022, with advance registration and infection control measures, etc. Since 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the festival, various gifts will be given to visitors. For more information, please visit the official website. Summary of Akita's Namahage Did you watch the video of the Namahage Sedo Festival? Despite their scary faces, namahage are loved by the local people of Akita as messengers of the gods. The voice of the namahage as they search for children, while of course scary, has a kindness to it as well, reminding us that they are not evil, but rather messengers of the gods that prevent people from being bad or lazy. There's even an application where parents can apply for a special phone call from an oni when a child does something bad. Experience the charm of namahage in Oga, Akita! The spectacular sight of the namahage holding torches is sure to make for some memorable Instagram photos as well!

Hokkaido "Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden" Monkey Mountain Hot Springs Video Introduction This video, titled "Monkeys in the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Hot Springs" (函館市熱帯植物園温泉の猿たち), was uploaded by "HOKKAIDO FAN MAGAZINE." The Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Hokkaido is home to a number of monkeys that can be seen enjoying hot springs during the winter months in Hokkaido. The Japanese macaques coming to the hot springs to seek warmth has become a signature sight of the winter season in Hakodate. At the Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, visitors can see the monkeys cheerfully running around the enclosure, or happily soaking in the hot spring water. It's a popular sight on Japanese Instagram. Be sure to check out the video of the happy monkeys and their cute expressions as they soak in the hot springs before reading along! More About Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Yunokawa Onsen Photo：Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Yunokawa Onsen is conveniently located near Hakodate Airport in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is located along the coast overlooking the Tsugaru Straits from the hot spring resort. In the greenhouses of the garden, visitors can enjoy rare flowers and plants that bloom in the everlasting summer in the tropics. There are approximately 300 species and 3,000 tropical plants, including ice cream trees, breadfruit, bougainvillea, hibiscus, etc. It's a popular spot where tourists can feel like they're in the tropics despite being in the cold of Hokkaido. From the observatory in the center of the greenhouse, visitors can look down on the unique tropical plants, and observe parakeets, beetles, and a variety of other creatures, including a crocodile (stuffed of course). In addition, the Japanese monkeys outside of Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, which can be visited all year round, are the most popular attraction in the garden. In the front garden, visitors can enjoy the flowers of Japan's four seasons, and small children can play on the playground equipment. The park is also equipped with footbath facilities, so adults can also enjoy themselves in a way that only a hot spring can offer. It's great for warming up on a cold day! Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a popular destination not only for tourists but also for local families. Prices are 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students and 300 yen for adults, with a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more. Preschool children and students and children who attend school in Hakodate or live in the city but go to school outside the city are admitted free of charge. Cute Monkeys in Hot Springs at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden in Winter Photo：The monkey hot springs at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden Have you ever seen the famous footage of Japanese monkeys bathing in hot springs? Seeing them look so comfortable, as they relax in the hot springs just like humans would makes for a memorable sight. The approximately 90 monkeys at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden have become famous for bathing in hot springs, and many tourists now come to see them enjoying the baths. The history of these monkey hot springs dates back to 1970. It all started when 20 Japanese monkeys were brought here to entertain guests. The current monkeys are the descendants of the boss, Kantaro, and his wife, Tomoe, who were brought in from Honshu (mainland Japan) at that time. If you're visiting Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, you'll definitely want to check out the monkeys soaking in the hot springs. They say that the less hair a monkey has, the longer it's been bathing in the hot springs. Visitors can also buy food to feed the monkeys. The monkeys are also good at doing puppy-dog-eyes and while the beg you for food. The monkeys are also really photogenic, so be sure to being a camera for some nice Instagram shots. Summer at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden! Photo：A banana tree at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, Hakodate During the summer, Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden holds an event called the Tropical Botanical Garden Summer Festival. There are water exciting activities, such as underwater tug-of-war, and concession stands are set up as well. There will also be hula dancers and Hawaiian bands performing, adding to the tropical atmosphere. (※Not held in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic). In the greenhouse, visitors can also enjoy banana trees and summer flowers blooming in the flower beds. "Water Square" by the greenhouse is a popular place for children to splash about during the hot summer months. It's a place filled with cheerful laughter! Even in summer, you can watch the monkeys and feed them at the monkey hot springs. Be it winter or summer, Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is fun in every season! Summary of Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden If you haven't seen the cute monkeys bathing in the hot springs with bright red faces yet, be sure to check it out in the video. The monkey hot springs are a famous winter attraction at Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden. The monkeys enjoying the hot springs just like humans is a n adorable sight. Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is located inside the Yunokawa Onsen resort area, and hotels and inns are available for visitors planning to stay overnight. You can use Yunokawa Onsen as a base when planning a trip to Hakodate and enjoy the amazing sightseeing spots and delicious food the city has to offer! Hokkaido is a charming place to visit in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, in the summer when the lush greenery returns, and in the fall when the leaves change color. If you visit Hakodate's Yunokawa Onsen, be sure to check out the cute monkeys relaxing in the hot springs! ◆Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden◆ 【Address】3 Chome-1-15 Yunokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-0932 【Hours】 April - October: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. November - March: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 【Admission Fee】General admission: ¥300, Elementary and junior high school students: ¥100 【Parking】Available (Free) 【Access】Please check the official website 【TripAdvisor】Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Scuba Diving Video Introduction to "Hatsushima" in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can meet dolphins. This video, titled "Scuba Diving Diving with Dolphins on Hatsushima" (スキューバダイビング 初島でイルカとダイビング), was uploaded by "Sazanami Marine Diving School." Hatsushima is known as a marine resort that can be visited on a day trip. It takes about 40 minutes from Tokyo to Atami by Shinkansen, and about 30 minutes by boat from Atami Port to Hatsushima. Dolphins on Hatsushima Photo：Dolphins on Hatsushima Scuba diving on Hatsushima can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of the season. Starting in around 2018, two southern bottlenose dolphins took up residence on Hatsushima, becoming very popular among scuba divers. Various stores now offer one-day tours of Hatsushima where you can dive with the dolphins. However, the two dolphins disappeared from the island in the summer of 2020 and were no longer seen. Some divers who had been looking forward to seeing the dolphins were disappointed. Luckily, in 2022, the two dolphins returned to Hatsushima, leading to many people expressing their joy online. Being able to meet friendly wild dolphins in the ocean is an incredible experience! In the video, you can see how the dolphins swim from up close. Scuba Diving on Hatsushima! Things to Keep In Mind When Swimming With Dolphins Photo：Dolphins on Hatsushima Once it became known that two friendly dolphins were living around Hatsushima, recreational scuba diving, experience diving, etc., became incredibly popular. One spot where you can dive with the dolphins is Nishimato (ニシマト). When swimming with dolphins, you may be tempted to try and pet them, but there are rules to keep in mind when scuba diving. -Do not chase the dolphins -No lights or strobes -Do not bring objects that beep or ring -Do not touch the dolphins Please keep these rules in mind when scuba diving in order to protect the dolphins The Waters Surrouding Hatsushima – Transparency, Temperature, Etc. Water temperature and transparency are the main things to keep in mind when diving on Hatsushima. The Hatsushima Diving Center updates the sea conditions almost daily on their Facebook page. The water temperature in early June is approximately 19 to 21 degrees Celsius (66-70°F). The transparency of course depends on the weather and sea conditions, but it's generally around 12 to 15 meters. The Various Marine Life Near Hatsushima Photo：Bullhead sharks on Hatsushima Dolphins aren't the only thing to look forward to when scuba diving on Hatsushima. At the diving spot Futatsune, you can see a variety of sea creatures, including large schools of knifefish and grunts, as well as angel sharks, guitarfish, and bullhead sharks. The area is also home to many microorganisms, including Izu's very popular harlequin shrimp, the warty frogfish, and the harlequin ghost pipefish. Cute creatures such as the painted frogfish, the spotfin frogfish, and the pikachu nudibranch also inhabit the area, adding to the fun of scuba diving. Beginner-Level Scuba Diving Experience Fees on Hatsushima After watching the video, you might be looking to try scuba diving. The good news is you don't need to have a license! During the diving experiences on Hatsushima, you'll be briefed on how to handle diving equipment, basic techniques, such as breathing techniques, and pressure equalization before you dive, so you can enjoy safely scuba diving with an instructor. The video creator, Sazanami Marine Diving School, offers a course called "Hatsushima Day Trip Experience Diving with Transportation from Shibuya" (渋谷から送迎付き初島日帰り体験ダイビング). Fee: 23,000 yen (tax included) (Included in the fee: transportation from Shibuya to the dive site, rental of a set of diving equipment, one experience dive, a local facility fee, and consumption tax) Being able to scuba dive with transportation from Tokyo makes it super convenient. It's a great way to experience the waters of Hatsushima! Scuba Diving Is Even More Fun With a License! Photo：Scuba diving Scuba diving is a marine activity in which you carry a tank filled with air on your back for breathing and enjoy the underwater world. With a license, you can dive not only on Hatsushima, but also at other diving spots around the world. With a license, you can enjoy diving freely without an instructor. Diving as a sport or profession, such as technical diving, free diving, and commercial diving, is also possible with a license. Scuba diving is a marine activity that even beginners can experience. However, if you're afraid of suddenly being underwater, you can also start from the beach; this is called a beach dive. Also, if you record information such as where you dived and the sea conditions in a log book, your instructor can give you advice on the best dive sites for your level. How to Get to Hatsushima The only way to get to Hatsushima is via ferry from Atami Port. The high-speed ferries head to and from Hatsushima 10 times a day. The ferries take 30 minutes to reach Hatsushima from Atami Port. Their fees are as follows: Atami/Hatsushima Ferry Fees Adults (Round trip): 2,800 yen Adults (One way): 1,400 yen Children (Round trip): 1,400 yen Children (One way): 700 yen For information about ferry schedules, please check out the official website for Hatsushima. Other Things to Do on Hatsushima Because Hatsushima is rather small there isn't a ton of other attractions on the island. However, Because Atami is only 30 minutes from Hatsushima via ferry, we'll introduce some things to do near Atami Port as well. Sarutobi (Hatsushima) Sarutobi is an adventure park with where visitors put on a harness and enjoy a massive jungle gym full of ziplines and nets. You can spend an hour walking through the tree tops! Hours: Hours vary by day. Please check the official website for more information. Closed: Most Thursdays. Please check the official website for more information. Admission Fee: Admission Fee: Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,900 yen, Children (Ages 5 through elementary school): 1,500 yen Atami Castle (Atami Port) Atami Castle is a popular tourist attraction in Atami, Shizuoka. Atami Castle is not actually a historic castle, and was built as recently as 1959. Located atop a small mountain, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Atami from the top of the castle. Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last entry 4:30 pm) Admission Fee: Adults: 1,100 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 600 yen, Children ages 3-6: 450 yen ※Discounts are available for those that buy a combined ticket for Atami Castle and Atami Trick Art Museum. Atami Trick Art Museum (Atami Port) The Atami Trick Art Museum is full of illusory artworks meant to trick visitors into seeing something that isn't real. There are a lot of fun works inside the museum and you can enjoy taking pictures and solving how each of them works. Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (4:30 pm) Admission Fee: Adults: 1,100 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 600 yen, Children ages 3-6: 450 yen ※Discounts are available for those that buy a combined ticket for Atami Castle and Atami Trick Art Museum. Summary of Hatsushima, a Scuba Diving and Resort Spot in Shizuoka Prefecture Photo：Hatsushima, Shizuoka Prefecture Hatsushima is the most popular resort within close proximity to the Tokyo metropolitan area, and is a place where you can enjoy scuba diving with dolphins. Although you're not guaranteed to be able to meet the dolphins, you can still see a wide variety of unique marine life in the waters surrounding Hatsushima! 【TripAdvisor】Hatsushima

Beigoma - Traditional Japanese Tops! This video, titled "[Beigoma- 1. Tie it 2. Wind it 3. Hold it 4. Let it rip! - Tokyo Beigoma]" (「ベーゴマの、1.ヒモの作り方、2.ヒモの巻き方、3.持ち方、4.投げ入れ方　｜　東京ベーゴマ」), is created by "Tokyo Beigoma" (東京ベーゴマ). The video is an introduction to Beigoma for beginners. This video clearly explains how to play with Beigoma and also teaches basic techniques for spinning Beigoma that are often difficult for beginners. After watching the video, you'll be on your way to becoming a Beigoma master in no time! If you're a total beginner, don't worry, this video has you covered! Traditional Japanese Beigoma Photo：Beigoma showdown Koma are ancient Japanese toys said to have originated in Heian period (794-1185) Kyoto when people played by spinning shells with string. Beigoma is a kind of Koma (Japanese spinning top) made of cast metal. It was a popular toy among kids from the Taisho period (1912-1926) to Japan's economic boom. To play Beigoma, you make a playing board by stretching a thick fabric sheet partially over a bucket or a barrel, and players spin their Beigoma onto the surface and have them bang against one another. Although Beigoma is an old toy, there have been many more people playing with Beigoma, Menko (an old Japanese card game), and other old-fashioned toys, due to a revived interest in old‐fashioned goods. Also, there are "new" Beigoma based toys such as Beyblade (ベイブレード) and Beigoma Spin Heat (ベイゴマスピンヒート), which are very popular among kids and sold at toy stores and online. Beigoma competitions are also becoming popular. The smartphone app "Beigoma Stadium" (ベイゴマスタジアム) is popular among adults as well. There are various types of Beigoma. Pecha (ペチャ) is the thinnest Beigoma and is harder to control but quite strong. Pe-oh (ぺ王) is the most difficult to control but is the most powerful. Chu-daka (中高) is short but easy to spin. Maruroku (丸六) is the best for beginners. Kakuroku (角六) is easy to spin and is also quite strong. Taka-oh (高王) is about 1.5 times the size of Maruroku, and Bay (バイ) is easy to spin and lasts a long time. Beigoma players also modify their Beigoma and make their own original versions. How to Play Beigoma Source :YouTube screenshot Now we'll introduce how to play Beigoma. First, make a string to wrap around the Beigoma (video 0:07). Tie the string and make a few knots. Next up is the winding process. There are several ways to wind the string, such as Onnamaki (女巻き), Otokomaki (男巻き), and Jujimaki (十字巻き). In this video, we'll learn Onnamaki. (~2:14). First, make sure the tip of the Beigoma sits between the knots on the string. From here, press and hold the end of the string onto the Beigoma with your thumb, and wind the string around the beigoma while keeping the pointed tip of the Beigoma between the knots. Next, wrap the string counterclockwise around knots while holding the string tightly with your fingers to prevent it from unraveling. Wrap it slowly in a circle, and your done! Next we'll learn how to hold the Beigoma. Hold it with your thumb and index finger, and wrap the rest of the string around your pinky and grab ahold of it. (~3:34) Source :YouTube screenshot Finally, let your Beigoma rip! (~4:11) Make sure not to throw it at an angle when launching it onto the playing board. Place your right foot close to the board, making sure to launch the Beigoma on the board, and as soon as you launch it, pull the string tightly. Summary of Traditional Japanese Beigoma Photo：Beigoma Did you enjoy learning about Beigoma? The video gives simple instructions on how to play with Beigoma, so even if you've never done it before, don't be shy! You'll be able to throw some awesome Beigoma in no time! If you're interested in traditional Japanese toys, be sure to check out the video!

Biei and Furano, Hokkaido The video this time is a 4K video introducing the beautiful scenery of Biei and Furano in Hokkaido. Biei and Furano are one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan. Let’s take a look at the colorful flower fields in Biei and Furano! This article will talk about tourist information in the Hokkaido area. Please enjoy the video showcasing the natural scenery and colorful flower fields of Hokkaido! The Flower Field of Farm Tomita in Furano, Hokkaido Photo：Farm Tomita flower field “Farm Tomita” is one of the most popular flower fields in Japan with more than 100 years of history. At the farm, the beautiful rainbow colored flower fields with lavenders, poppies, soaproots, Sweet William Catchflys, and Californian poppys awaits you. The field will make you think that you've actually come to rainbow. Be sure to check it out in the first half of the video! Enjoy the Natural Scenery of Biei and Furano in Hokkaido We recommend visiting Saika no Sato if you're visiting Furano. In addition to the magnificent 15 acre lavender field, there are also colorful flower fields of lupine and sunflowers around the area, which offer impressive scenery. You can also pet some animals at the alpaca farm. Sightseeing in Biei and Furano in Hokkaido Photo：Shirogane Blue Pond After visiting the flower fields, make your way to the top of Furano Nishidake. Using the Furano gondola will take you to the top of the 4,400 ft. tall mountain. From here, you can enjoy a full 360° view of Furano and the natural scenery of the area. Shirogane Blue Pond is a spiritual spot in Biei. Shirogane Blue Pond was actually made by accident as a by-product of attempts to control mudslides. Aluminium that seeped into the water scatters the sunlight causing the pond to appear blue. As you can see in the video, the natural scenery surrounding Furano and Biei, with the glorious rivers and mountain paths, make it a popular location for nature loving travelers. Gourmet Food in Biei and Furano, Hokkaido Photo：Melon Souvenirs we recommend from Furano include Furano Melon (Honey dew), Furano curry, and ice cream that can be purchased from Furano Marche. Summary of Biei, Furano in Hokkaido One of the reasons Furano is such a popular tourist destination is because it's the perfect place to visit during summer when you're trying to avoid the extremely hot weather. Because Hokkaido is such a large island, we recommend planning ahead and using the available transportation wisely. Be sure to check out locations such as the flower fields and Shirogane Blue Pond introduced in the video. These spots are also great for taking Instagram photos! You won't forget the beautiful views and breathtaking natural scenery of Furano! 【Tripadvisor】Furano https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g674811-Furano_Hokkaido-Vacations.html