Video introduction of night view of Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo The video featured here is titled "Cyberpunk 2018 TOKYO Shinjuku 4K." It was released by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." Shinjuku is home to Japan's busiest train station and is also known as the "City that Never Sleeps." At night, the city is brilliantly illuminated and the night view of Shinjuku from the skyscrapers is breathtakingly beautiful. In this article, we'll go over the spectacular night view of Shinjuku, Tokyo, the largest entertainment district in the East! On rainy days in particular, the neon lights reflected in the puddles on the road's surface create exotic scenery that reminds us of artwork from the cyberpunk movie "Blade Runner." You can watch the 4K video here to enjoy all of the beauty that Shinjuku has to offer. Enjoy! The City That Never Sleeps, Where You Can See Godzilla, the Pride of Japan! Tokyo's Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Its Neon Lights Photo：Godzilla in Kabukicho, Tokyo The symbol of Japan's All-night entertainment City is Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo. In Kabukicho, you'll find TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku where you can see a life-sized replica of Godzilla's head, and the shop Don Quijote. The district contains restaurants and sex-oriented shops and is crowded with tourists every day and night. You can see this from 0:16 in the video. The Godzilla head at TOHO Cinemas is the most Instagrammable spot in Shinjuku. The Kabukicho area also has other facilities, such as the Shinjuku City Office and Ohkubo Hospital. Most Japanese people have probably seen the famous neon sign of Kabukicho Ichibangai facing Ome Kaido Street at least once, as it has been featured in many TV programs and movies. The night view of Shinjuku's Kabukicho is one of the most famous views of Shinjuku and a symbol of Japan's nightlife culture. A Beautiful Night View of Shinjuku 3-Chome, the Most Densely Populated Restaurant District in Japan Photo：BICQLO, Tokyo, Japan Kabukicho is a popular tourist spot among foreigners, but some people may have a scary image of it. Though it has a cyberpunk vibe that makes it an ideal night view spot for those who like it, if you go to the JR Shinjuku Station side across the Oume Kaido Street, you will find the Shinjuku 3-chome area where you can enjoy eating and drinking in a safe and relaxed environment. Shinjuku 3-chome is a busy shopping and entertainment district lined with Isetan Shinjuku, a long-established department store that boasts the highest sales in Japan, major electronic and home appliance retail stores, such as BICQLO and MARUI, Shinjuku Takano, and luxury brand shops. It is said to have the largest number of restaurants in Japan, and is a popular area as a nightlife and gourmet spot where women can safely walk amongst the neon lights.

A video on retro Japanese Dagashi Stores! This video introduces you to Japan's nostalgic "Dagashi Stores". To Japanese adults, this video reminds them of their childhood with its nostalgic feel. That being said, Its certainly very interesting to children and foreigners who don’t know about Japanese Dagashi Stores. When there weren't convenience stores in the past, children loved to go to Dagashi Stores where they chose special candies and toys to spend their allowances on. Enjoy the video showing the fun scenes of Dagashi Stores. What Are Dagashi Stores? What Kind of Things Do They Sell? Photo：Dagashi Store Dagashi Stores are shops that buy candies and toys from wholesale distributors and sell them in their own shops. In some regions, they are also called ‘Ichimon Candy Stores’. As seen from 0:32 in the video, Dagashi Stores attract children with their shelves of various candies and toys. Candies such as Kinakobo, Chocobat, BIG Katsu, Mochitaro, Umaibo, and sweets with toys and sweets with winning tickets are still being sold. Many candies that adults nowadays used to buy when they were young. You Can Buy Toys and Play Games, Too! Photo：Traditional Toys Dagashi Stores are popular among young children. They also sell toys such as spinning tops (独楽 Koma), Menko (めんこ), Taketombo Bamboo toys (竹とんぼ Taketombo), balloons and plastic models. Children enjoy playing candy lotteries with pictures of movie stars, Arcade games, and medal games with friends. Dagashi Stores are important socializing spots for children, too. Let's Check It Out! Photo：Sweet Shop Yokocho There are still some individually run Dagashi Stores left in Japan. The chained Dagashi Stores within AEON shopping mall should be easy to find. You should visit "Kashiya Yokocho" (菓子屋横丁), a popular tourist destination in Kawagoe, and if you're of legal age (20 in Japan), be sure to check out "Dagashi Bar" where you can eat candies with alcohol. At the unique chain shops "Private Dining Bar Rokunen Yonkumi" (個室居酒屋6年4組), they offer "All you can eat candy." You can also buy candies that are sold at Dagashi Stores on the internet. We recommend that you check out various online shops. Summary of the Introductory Video on Japanese Dagashi Stores Source :YouTube screenshot Today we introduced you to Dagashi Stores that are popular among children. After watching the video, if you're longing for a nostalgia filled trip or just want to experience the Japanese culture of Dagashi Stores, be sure to find and visit the address of a nearby Dagashi Store that's still open.

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.

A Look at the Breathtaking Nabegataki Falls This video, titled "Nabegataki [8K]" (Nabegataki 鍋ケ滝 [8K]), was uploaded by "Japan Explorers." It introduces the beautiful waterfall, Nabegataki Falls, in Kumamoto Prefecture while showcasing the natural beauty of Japan. Nabegataki Falls, located in Oguni, Aso, Kumamoto in Japan's Kyushu region, was actually featured in a commercial for Soukenbicha Tea's Namacha, starring actress Nanako Matsushima, and quickly became well known for its beauty. Even within Aso Geopark, which is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the spectacular view of Nabegataki Falls is full of natural beauty. Check out the beautiful scenery showcasing the waterfall in this quick. 4 minute video! Highlights of Nabegataki Falls in Kumamoto Photo：Nabegataki Falls, Kumamoto Nabegataki Falls, located in the town of Oguni, is about a 20-minute drive from Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring resort in Kumamoto Prefecture, and is maintained as Nabegataki Park. The most unique feature of Nabegataki Falls is that visitors can view the waterfall from behind, and see its curtain-like appearance in all of its beauty (video 1:34). Because of this, it's a popular travel destination among tourists looking to explore the nature of Japan. It's said that the same pyroclastic flow from a huge eruption approximately 90,000 years ago, which created the Aso Caldera, created the unique features of Nabegataki Falls as well. Nabegataki Falls is a relatively small waterfall measuring 20 meters wide with a drop of about 10 meters, but the way the water cascades from the top of the waterfall creates a beautiful view that resembles a curtain of water. Another unique characteristic of Nabegataki Falls is how the surrounding greenery gives it a faint glow, making it popular amongst photographers and instagrammers alike. Photo：Nabigataki Falls illuminated, Aso, Kumamoto Furthermore, in the spring, Nabegataki Falls is lit up for a limited time, and visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the waterfall while it's illuminated. There are also stairs on the path leading to Nabegataki Falls, and heart-shaped stones are hidden in the stone pavement along the way, so be sure to keep an eye out for these as well. Enjoy Delicious Food, Sweets, and Sightseeing Spots Around Nabegataki Falls! In addition to Nabegataki Falls, there are a myriad of sightseeing spots around the area that visitors can enjoy. First, there's "Sora Iro no Tane," famously known as "the small bakery in the forest." The bread here is hot and fresh even in the cold, and the cream buns are popular for their hearty and satisfying texture. Next is a soba restaurant called "Waremokou" on the route to Nabegataki Falls. The restaurant is full of delicious dishes and features famous Kumamoto beef and soba. After enjoying the beautiful scenery of Nabegataki, visitors can enjoy beautiful paintings at the Sakamoto Zenzo Museum of Art, a museum covered entirely with tatami mats. Enjoy the abstract paintings of Zenzo Sakamoto a famous Japanese painter. Summary of Nabegataki Falls in Kumamoto Prefecture As you can see, Nabegataki Falls, located in Oguni, Aso, Kumamoto, is loved by many people as one of the most beautiful spots in Japan, and has now become very popular among young people, particularly instagrammers and photographers. This video, shot in 8K, shows the beautiful scenery of Nabegataki Falls in such detail that it's almost like looking at the real thing. Now that you've seen a video on it, consider checking out Nabegataki Falls, one of the most beautiful spots in Japan, and explore all of the natural beauty for yourself. 【Tripadvisor】Nabegataki Falls https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121535-d1960940-Reviews-Nabegataki_Falls-Oguni_machi_Aso_gun_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

Kinosaki Onsen's Winter Event, 'Crab Kingdom': Video Introduction This video, titled "'Crab Kingdom' at Kinosaki Onsen in Winter" (冬の城崎温泉「かに王国」), was uploaded by "kinosakiTV." The video begins with beautiful scenes of Kinosaki in winter. Be sure to check it out. [Video] 0:13 - A Sea of Clouds at Mt. Kuruhi [Video] 0:20 - Morning Mist on the Maruyama River [Video] 3:00 - Kinosaki Literature Museum The town of Kinosaki, located in Toyooka, Hyogo in Japan's Kansai region, is known for its hot springs. At 1,300 years old, Kinosaki Onsen is a large hot spring resort town, and its streets retain a historical atmosphere from a bygone era. In February of 2013, Kinosaki Onsen was awarded two stars in the third edition of the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and was also ranked first in the Hot Springs General Election of 2016, in the Inbound category, sponsored by the Japan Tourism Agency and the Ministry of the Environment. Kinosaki Onsen is popular among both domestic and international travelers. Kinosaki Onsen's Crab Kingdom (かに王国, Kani Oukoku) will open in conjunction with the arrival of the snow crab season in the winter. At Crab Kingdom, visitors can feast on delicious snow crab, which is only available during the winter months, and also participate in some unique events. In this article, we'll introduce Kinosaki Onsen's Crab Kingdom that takes place during winter! Crab Season at Kinosaki Onsen Photo：Snow crab Winter is all about crab in Japan, and snow crabs caught in the Sea of Japan in the San'in region, where Kinosaki Onsen is located, are said to be the most delicious in Japan. Snow crab is officially called "Zuwai-gani" (ズワイガニ) in Japanese, but the name for snow crab is different depending on what region you visit, with those caught in the San'in region being called "Matsuba-gani" (松葉ガニ). Because snow crab in Kinosaki grows in a plankton-rich environment, it's highly regarded for its superior meat and kani miso. The crab is ranked and sorted by professionals, and depending on the rank, it can cost anywhere from several thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen. Freshness is the most important factor for snow crab caught in Kinosaki. Furthermore there is also Beni-zuwai-gani, which is the same as regular snow crab , but has slightly less meat, but a sweeter taste. The season for snow crab, which is hard to find outside of season, opens on November 6 and runs until March 20. Be sure to try Matsuba-gani, a luxury food only available in Kinosaki Onsen, if you visit during winter! [Video] 0:29 - The Opening of the Matsuba-gani Crab Season Christmas and Other Winter Events at Crab Kingdom Source :YouTube screenshot During the crab season at Kinosaki Onsen, the area is referred to as 'Crab Kingdom.' One of the highlights of Crab Kingdom is its unique winter events. The Crab Kingdom Shouting Contest is held to celebrate the opening of the Crab Kingdom with the arrival of the snow crab season. Wearing a crab hat and happi, visitors shout "Kani-san, Arigato!" (カニさんありがとう！, Thank you, crabs!), followed by a message they wish to share, and compete to see who can yell it the loudest. This shouting contest is unique to Kinosaki and has become a winter tradition. The winners of the contest receive prizes, including things like free snow crab. [Video] 1:15 - The Crab Kingdom Shouting Contest On Christmas Eve on December 24th, the Crab Santa Christmas Event will be held in front of JR Kinosaki Onsen Station.Limited to the first 200 people!A numbered ticket will be distributed in advance.It is a lottery to win Matsuba crab and Tajima beef.There is a lot of excitement around the big roulette! Please join us! [Video] 1:59 - The Crab Santa Christmas Event Day Trips and Overnight Stays to Feast on Crab in Kinosaki! Photo：Steamed crab in an earthenware pot, Kinosaki Onsen ※Image is for reference only For those interested in visiting Kinosaki in winter, nothing beats hitting the relaxing hot springs and filling your belly with tasty snow crab. Here are some recommended hotels and plans that allow you to do just that! If you're looking to taste the famous snow crab of Kinosaki Onsen, we recommend Yamashiroya (山しろや). At this Japanese-style inn, you can enjoy fresh snow crab from November to March. The most popular plan is the "Manpuku Kani-suki Plan" (満腹かにすきプラン), which includes crab sukiyaki, grilled crab, sashimi made from locally caught fish, zosui rice with kani miso (crab brain), and fruit, allowing you to enjoy a full meal of seasonal snow crab. The soup stock used for the crab sukiyaki is a secret recipe made by simmering 13 different ingredients for 9 hours. If you just want to get your fill of crab, and aren't worried about the smaller details of the trip, Kawaguchiya Kinosaki Riverside Hotel is a popular hotel that offers an all-you-can-eat crab dinner at an affordable price, and is just an 8-minute walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station via the JR San'in Line. For those with limited time, we recommend the Full Course Day-trip Crab Lunch Plan at Kawaguchiya Honkan. Located in the center of Kinosaki Onsen, Kawaguchiya Honkan is popular for its traditional Japanese-style atmosphere, ideal for touring the outside hot springs, and its private open-air baths with a lovely atmosphere. At this inn, you can also enjoy day-trip crab lunches of sukiyaki and grilled crab at a restaurant with a sunken kotatsu to keep you warm. Enjoy an amazing time at Kinosaki Onsen with relaxing hot springs and delicious snow crab! Summary of Kinosaki Onsen's 'Crab Kingdom' Kinosaki Onsen is famous for its seven outdoor hot springs, which visitors can tour while wearing traditional Japanese yukata. In addition, Kinosaki Onsen is famous for its snow crab which can be enjoyed in the winter months. Also, if you take part in the unique shouting contest, you can have some fun while also relieving some stress! This winter, plan a trip to Kinosaki Onsen's Crab Kingdom for scrumptious crab dishes and relaxing hot springs. [Video] 4:29 - Outdoor Hot Spring Tour 【TripAdvisor】Kinosaki Onsen

Enjoy Camping Even During Japan's Rainy Season Japan has four distinct seasons, each of which has its own variety of natural beauty to enjoy, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. However, after spring comes the rainy season, otherwise known in Japanese as "tsuyu." Camping is experiencing a big boom in Japan right now, and so, in this article, we'll introduce how to clean up when it rains during a camping trip. Video Introduction: How to Clean Up After Camping in the Rain and Useful Appliances Photo：Camping in the rain This video, titled "How to Clean Up After Camping in the Rain and Useful Appliances" (雨キャンプ後のテント片付けと、便利な物を紹介), was uploaded by "HIRO channel," a channel focused on introducing various camping-related videos. Have any of you ever had the experience of being rained out during a camping trip? Tents are already a pain to pack up and clean, but this is especially true if it rains when camping. Mud and dirt get stuck to your tent and other equipment making it a hassle to clean. Perhaps you don't even want to try camping in the rain because of how difficult it may seem. Well, this video will show you how to easily clean up your tent and tarps after camping in the rain, as well as some useful tips to make cleaning your camping gear easier. Be sure to check out this quick 10-minute video to learn how to easily clean up and maintain your tents and other equipment. What to Do When It Rains While Camping Photo：A campground In Japan where it's said to rain on average about once every three days, it's not uncommon that the weather turns to rain on the day you're going camping. Thus, although not mentioned in the video, we'll first introduce a few measures to take when camping in the rain. First, when camping in the rain, be careful where you set your tent up. Avoid camping near rivers and set up your tent on gravel or other areas with good drainage. Next, when setting up your tent, hang the tarp first, then the tent. This creates a space to keep out the rain and makes the process go more smoothly. If it's raining when you're packing up to leave, we recommend putting the tarp away last. In addition, to combat the rain, tents and tarps should be coated with a water repellent to keep rainwater off them, which will make your job easier when it comes time to take them down. Finally, place a sheet under the tent to combat the rain. This will prevent water and dirt from getting into your tent and make cleanup easier. Knowing the above measures will help you safely enjoy a camping trip even in the rain. Pack It in a Dry Bag and Head Home Source :YouTube screenshot Cleaning up a tent after camping in the rain can be very difficult. It can be especially difficult to take home a tent that is covered in dirt or sopping wet. That being said, if your tent or tarp is large and you have a lot of stuff, pack it wet in dry bag, such as the "Coleman 110L Dry Bag." The large capacity makes it very convenient, especially when compared to carrying several smaller garbage bags made of thicker material. Rinse With Water After You Get Home When you arrive home, first wash your tent or tarp with water. The dirt will be even harder to remove once it dries, so it's important to wash it before the dirt has a chance to dry. After washing off the dirt, hang the tent outside in a covered area, such as under the eaves of your roof or on a balcony, or inside in a bathroom. Dry in the Sun or With Convenient Appliances Source :YouTube screenshot Once water is no longer dripping from the tent/tarp, allow it to dry. Make sure to dry it thoroughly, as, if not properly dried, mold can start to grow. As for drying, if the weather is good, dry it in the sun. If it's difficult to dry in the sun due to rain, a clothes dryer or futon dryer can be used. If you put a washed tent or other items in a drying bag, a tent will dry in about 4 hours. If you place a sheet or mat on or under the bag, you can kill two birds with one stone by drying them together. Even if not directly wet from the rain, sleeping bags and other items may be damp as well, so we recommend that you dry them in a bag made for drying bedding. This is a really handy trick for cleaning up after a rainy camping trip. And That's How You Handle Camping in the Rain As shown in the video, the first thing to do when you finished camping during a rainy camping trip is to quickly bring back the we gear and dry them thoroughly after rinsing them with water. In addition, if you make use of some convenient household appliances, cleaning up after a rainy camping trip will be a breeze. If you've had a bad experience camping in the rain and felt discouraged from going camping because of the cleanup, consider trying these methods to help make your camping trip one to remember! "HIRO channel" uploads a variety of videos. You can enjoy various camping videos, including introductions of camping gear, camping videos showing different areas, camping cooking videos, and more. Be sure to check them out!

Video Introduction of "Wokuzure Suisenkyo" in Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture This video, titled [HD] Chiba Prefecture, Kyonan 'Okuzure Suisenkyo' Daffodil Garden | Famous Flower Spot in Peak Season" (［HD］千葉県・鋸南町「をくづれ水仙郷」Daffodil Garden　花の名所 花見頃), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." Kyonan, located on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba prefecture, is home to two famous daffodil spots - Okuzure Suisenkyo, (lit. Okuzure Narcissus Township) and Ezuki Narcissus Road, (江月水仙ロード), earning it a place as one of the "Top 3 Daffodil Colonies in Japan." The name "Okuzure" (をくずれ, sometimes romanized as "wokuzure") uses an unconventional spelling and is said to come from a dialectical pronunciation of local place name "Okuzure" (大崩, おくずれ, romanized as "okuzure"). Okuzure Suisenkyo, is a colony of daffodils stretching from Sakuma Dam's lakeside to the Okuzure area. Nurtured by an abundance of natural light, the gorgeous sight of the pretty, white daffodils blooming along the river makes this a superb sightseeing location. Between late December and late January (the peak of the daffodil season) a yearly "Daffodil Festival" (水仙まつり, suisen matsuri) is held at Okuzure Suisenkyo, At night there are illuminations, giving the festival a different atmosphere compared to daytime. Be sure to take a look at the mystical scenes produced by the daffodils blooming along the lakeside in the video. [Video] 0:00 - Sakuma Dam Lakeside Area Daffodils What Makes Okuzure Suisenkyo, Special? When to Visit? Photo：Daffodils at Okuzure Suisenkyo The town of Kyonan in Chiba Prefecture is listed alongside Awaji Island (淡路島, awaji-shima) of Hyogo and Fukui's Echizen Coast (越前海岸, echizen kaigan) as one of the "Top 3 Daffodil Colonies in Japan." Encompassing around 2.2 kilometers of land, the space between Sakuma Dam and the Okuzure area is known as Okuzure Suisenkyo, and is best visited between late December and late January, when the area is covered in daffodils as far as the eye can see. With every rice paddy in the area being of the terraced variety, the embankments that make up this beautiful scenery and the slopes at the mountain's foot provide rich soil for some 60 million daffodils over a vast area of approximately 12 acres. During the peak season at Okuzure Suisenkyo, from mid-December to mid-January, a direct delivery service is offered to ship daffodils nationwide so that people can enjoy the elegant flowers and fragrance of daffodils at home. In January of each year, when the daffodils are at their best, Okuzure Suisenkyo, and Ezuki Narcissus Road play host to the Daffodil Festival, complete with illuminations. 　[Video] 0:00 - Sakuma Dam Lakeside Area Daffodils 　[Video] 2:07 - Sakuma Dam Lakeside Ezuki Narcissus Road, a Popular Hiking Trail + Daffodil Festival Illuminations, Events, and More! Source :YouTube screenshot Minamiboso is known for its warm climate, as expressed by an old saying "You don't need a single piece of underwear once you crest Mt. Nokogiri." Even during fierce winters with their westerly winds (westerlies in Japan bring cold air from Siberia over the country), thanks to a distribution of high pressures in the west and low pressure to the east inland, temperatures in the area remain relatively mild. Thanks to these weather conditions, daffodils from Kyonan are deeply scented and grow very tall. Okuzure Suisenkyo, and Ezuki Narcissus Road are popular daffodil spots in Kyonan. Okuzure Suisenkyo is a 2.2-km area stretching from the Sakuma Dam area to the Okuzure area. Ezuki Narcissus Road refers to a road in the Ezuki area fringed for 3 kilometers on both sides by daffodils. A 30–40 minute walk each direction, the road is a popular hiking trail. Enjoy a stroll accompanied by a lovely view and the welcoming scent of the daffodils blooming along the road. Each year in January, just as the daffodils begin to bloom, the Daffodil Festival is held at Okuzure Suisenkyo, and Ezuki Narcissus Road, attracting large numbers of tourists. During the daffodil festival a variety of activities are available, including "mochitsuki" (a Japanese tradition of pounding rice into a stretchy, sticky confection known as "mochi"), vegetable stores open, and events, such as stamp rallies, take place as well. At the shops lining the road, visitors can purchase daffodils in addition to the vegetables for sale. Sakuma Dam Park located on Ezuki Narcissus Road is the stage for a light show at night-time, and the daffodils appear to rise up out of the night, making for an ethereal spectacle. [Video] 1:47 - Daffodils and Illuminations Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Spring at Sakuma Dam Lake Park Photo：Kawazu cherry blossoms at Sakuma Dam Lake Park Located on the shores of Sakuma Dam's reservoir lake, Sakuma Dam Lake Park (佐久間ダム湖親水公園, sakuma damuko shinsui koen) is known not only for its daffodils, but for its cherry blossoms too. Between early February and early March the Yoritomo cherry blossoms (also known as Kawazu sakura) bloom, followed by Yoshino cherries from late March to early April, and multi-layered cherry blossoms (八重桜, yae-zakura) from mid to late April, with a "Yoritomo Cherry Blossom Festival" (頼朝桜まつり, Yoritomo Sakura Matsuri) and "Cherry Blossom Festival" (桜まつり, Sakura Matsuri) being held accordingly. Be sure to enjoy mountain dyed pink by the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. In the vicinity of Sakuma Dam, the daffodils start to bloom as early as December, and as the season comes to an end in February the early-blooming Yoritomo cherry blossoms begin to flower, making it possible to experience a rare duet of daffodils and cherry blossoms. You can enjoy flowers at Sakuma Dam Lake Park at their best from winter, when the daffodils bloom, right through the cherry blossom season in the spring. Okuzure Suisenkyo, Chiba Prefecture: Roundup The "Daffodil Festival," held at one of the "Top 3 Daffodil Colonies in Japan," Okuzure Suisenkyo, and Ezuki Narcissus Road, have highlights aplenty, offering not only gorgeous views of daffodils, but also illuminations, and a variety of other events. A field of daffodils stretching as far as the eye can see would make a pretty good phone background to keep as a reminder of this year's winter. Don't you think? 【TripAdvisor】Narcissus Road

Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park, Sasebo: Video Introduction This video, titled "A Carpet of Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park" (長串山公園のツツジの絨毯) was uploaded by "NAGASAKISHIMBUNSHA." It's a drone video of 100,000 azaleas blooming at Nagushiyama Park overlooking the sea. The pink and red azaleas are in full bloom during spring. Take your time and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of these flowers! This article will provide basic information on Nagushiyama Park, as well as information on sightseeing in Sasebo and its highlights. Read on to learn more. An Introduction to Sasebo, Nagasaki Sasebo, located in northern Nagasaki, is the second largest city in Nagasaki, second only to Nagasaki City, and is a 2-3-hour plane ride south from Tokyo. It's a port city known for its famous Sasebo Burgers which are handmade and made to order, as well as various attractions, such as Huis Ten Bosch, the largest theme park in Japan, and other places like the Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Gardens, etc. Being located far south of Tokyo, the weather is on average slightly warmer than Tokyo. Nagasaki Prefecture also has many tourist attractions to explore outside of Sasebo. Some things to do in Nagasaki include: ・Nagasaki Peace Park ・Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum ・Hashima Island (Gunkanjima) ・Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown If you're traveling to Nagasaki and looking for things to do, Sasebo is definitely worth a trip and you could easily spend more than a day exploring the area. Sasebo is located around 2 hours north of Nagasaki City via train. Features of Nagushiyama Park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Photo：Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park, Saikai National Park, Sasebo, Nagasaki Nagushiyama Park is located near the summit of the 234-meter-tall Mt. Nagushiyama in Sasebo, Nagasaki, in Japan's Kyushu region. The azaleas, which now number approximately 100,000, were first planted by local residents in 1969. In the language of flowers, azaleas have the meanings "first love," "the joy of love," and "passion. It's no exaggeration to say that the warm passion of the local people has created the spectacular scenery we see today. There are many azalea viewing spots across Japan, but only here in Nagushiyama Park can you enjoy a view of the sea beyond the brilliantly blooming azaleas. From here, visitors to the park can enjoy a panoramic view of the northern Kujuku Islands and Hirado Island in the sea. [Video] 0:50 - The Southern Slope of the Park Overlooking the Sea Nagushiyama Park also has a campground, a 100-meter-long roller slide, and playground equipment for kids to enjoy. You can experience an entire day of fun-filled activities with your family or friends while viewing the azaleas and the blue sea. Dogs are also permitted in the park, so if you're traveling with your best friend, you'll have nothing to worry about. What Do Azaleas Bloom at Nagushiyama Park? Photo：Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park, Saikai National Park, Sasebo, Nagasaki The best time to view azaleas at Nagushiyama Park varies slightly depending on the variety of azalea. Kurume azaleas bloom from mid to late April, while Hirado azaleas bloom from late April to early May. Although there are slight variations, it's recommended to visit the garden from early April, when the azaleas start to bloom, to early May, when the azaleas are in full bloom. [Video] 1:12 - Hirado and Kurume Azaleas in Full Bloom According to information from the Visitor Center, the schedule for the Azalea Festival in 2023 is as follows: The schedule of the "Chokushiyama Azalea Festival" in 2024 is as follows. Chokushiyama Azalea Festival in 2024 Period: April 3 - April 30 Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 Admission (during the azalea festival period): 250 yen per person (junior high school students and older) Please note that the Visitor Center is usually closed on Thursdays. For information on blooming and events, please visit the official website. The annual Azalea Festival is quite popular and is expected to be crowded on weekends. It's recommended that visitors look up information on sightseeing and traffic congestion in the area before visiting. Tourist Attractions in Sasebo in Spring Photo：Flower fields at Huis Ten Bosch Below is a list of popular tourist attractions during spring in Sasebo, Nagasaki. Consider adding them to your itinerary! ●Huis Ten Bosch Enjoy the Flower Festival and delicious food at the largest theme park in Japan! ●Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort A marine resort facility home to Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara, which introduces the marine life of the Kujuku Islands, and sunset cruises on large pirate ships. ●Tenkaiho Observatory This observatory offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the Kujuku Islands, and is the most popular viewing platform in Sasebo. ●Miyajidake Shrine Miyajidake Shrine is a beautiful shrine with a brightly painted vermilion building that is said to bring good fortune, luck, prosperous business, and traffic safety. Enjoy spring in Sasebo with Nagushiyama Park and a host of tourist attractions! Summary of Spring Sightseeing in Sasebo and Azaleas at Nagushiyama Park In the video, you can see azaleas in full bloom overlooking the sea. Nagushiyama Park offers spectacular spring views, that can't be found anywhere else in Japan. The 100,000 azaleas, which were planted by the local people, represent the spirit of Japanese hospitality. We recommend staying at a hotel in the area and taking your time to explore the rich nature and international character of Sasebo in spring. You're sure to make some awesome memories here! ◆Nagushiyama Park, Saikai National Park◆ [Address] 〒859-6206 174-12 Shikamachi-cho Nagushi, Sasebo, Nagasaki pref. [Hours] 9:00〜18:00 (Admission until 17:00) [Admission] Free ※But charged during the Azalea Festival Adults (junior high school students and older): 250 yen per person [Parking] Available [Access] From Sasebo Station, take a bus bound for Hirado, change to a bus bound for Kusudomari at Sasa Bus Center, get off at Nagushiyama Azalea Park Entrance, and walk about 15 minutes. [TripAdvisor] Nagushiyama Park

Night View of Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture (Minato Mirai, Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park) Video Introduction This video, titled "Japan Walk 5K Yokohama Night Views and Christmas Lights｜Minato Mirai 21｜Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse｜Sightseeing in Yamashita Park｜Illuminations" (横浜夜景 Japan Walk 5K Yokohama Night View and Christmas Lights みなとみらい21 赤レンガ倉庫 山下公園の観光 イルミネーション), was uploaded by "Japan Videography." Yokohama, one of the most popular places in Kanagawa Prefecture, is an urban port city with an international atmosphere, and is home to a collection of picturesque spots that offer beautiful views, especially along the sea. This video was shot after parking at Yamashita Park and strolling through the nightscapes of Yokohama on foot. This is a model course for exploring the views of Yokohama, a popular activity among tourists! Minato Mirai, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, and Yamashita Park are all places you don't want to miss. It's also good way to prepare for a drive or a walking date in Yokohama! Be sure to check it out! Recommended Night View Spots in Yokohama Photo：Left - Yokohama Landmark Tower, Right - The large Ferris wheel at Yokohama Cosmo World So, without further ado, let's take a look at some of Yokohama's spectacular nightscapes and their highlights. ●Minato Mirai – Yokohama Landmark Tower Yokohama Landmark Tower, the symbol of Minato Mirai, is the tallest building in eastern Japan with 70 floors above ground. The Sky Garden observation deck on the 69th floor offers a panoramic view of the city and the Minato Mirai area, making it a great place to enjoy stunning nighttime views and take some great photos. Also, be sure to make use of the free admission service to the observation deck if it's your birthday. [Video] 2:42 - Minato Mirai ●Minato Mirai – Yokohama Cosmoworld Yokohama Cosmoworld is an amusement park located in Minato Mirai, Yokohama. Despite being an amusement park in the center of Yokohama City, it's very spacious and has a wide range of attractions. At night, the park's facilities are lit up with dazzling lights, creating an even more exciting atmosphere. The most impressive attraction is Cosmo Clock 21, the world's largest Ferris wheel with a clock, which is 112.5 meters tall and seats up to 480 people, glowing with colorful lights. Enjoy the contrast between the shining facilities and the buildings, at this unique amusement park surrounded by a cluster of buildings. [Video] 3:03 - The Giant Ferris Wheel Cosmo Clock 21 Photo：A nightview of Rinko Park, Kanagawa Prefecture ●Minato Mirai – Rinko Park Rinko Park is a park located at the tip of Minato Mirai where visitors can enjoy superb night views. With lush greenery and a view of the ocean, it's a popular spot for enjoying a walk in Yokohama. In addition to being easily accessible by train, the park is also conveniently accessible by car through the Rinko Park parking lot, which can accommodate 100 cars, and the large Minato Mirai public parking lot. The night view from the park is illuminated by the lights of both the offices and hotel buildings, as well as the lights of the high-rise condominiums where people live. It's such a wonderful place where the countless lights warm the heart. ●Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a brick warehouse built in the Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) that was converted into a commercial facility. At night, the warehouse is illuminated with an orange glow, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a romantic view of Yokohama Bay Bridge and Minato Mirai, as well as a spectacular view of the port of Yokohama. [Video] 2:19 - Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse ●Yamashita Park Yamashita Park has long been a popular date spot in Yokohama. Known for its roses, the park has many attractions, including the grand staircase and a grassy field. From Yamashita Park at night, the red brick warehouse and other buildings can be seen, and the gorgeous night view of Yokohama reflected in the sea is such a romantic scene that you'll want to gaze at it forever. Yokohama – Exciting Attractions and Cruises with Beautiful Night Views! Photo：Yokohama Port night cruise ship Cruises are another popular activity in Yokohama. Yokohama actually has different varieties of courses as well. Discover the breathtaking night views of Yokohama on a unique cruise! ●Illumination Cruise The Illumination Cruise is a cruise where a guide with extensive knowledge of Yokohama takes you to the best places to see night views and the best spots for viewing the nightscapes of Yokohama. The Sea Bus takes you from the East Exit of Yokohama Station (Yokohama Bay Quarter) for a tour of night views in Yokohama. The cruise is full of highlights, such as the skyscrapers of Minato Mirai, the giant Ferris wheel, the illuminated Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama Marine Tower, and Kishamichi Promenade from the boat. Consider a romantic nighttime cruise in Yokohama for a Christmas date! ●Factory Night View Cruise The Factory Night View Cruise offers a unique night view of Yokohama, with numerous tanks and smoke stacks glowing in the dark. As you continue onward, a fantastic world of steel frames glimmers beautifully in the night. You can enjoy an artistic illumination of factories from the top of a ship while savoring the sea breeze and the smell of flames. Summary of Night View Spots in Yokohama From atmospheric historical buildings to futuristic structures, Yokohama is a city full of things to see and do. There are also many restaurants and hotels where you can dine while enjoying the night views. Yokohama is a stylish sightseeing spot ideal for dates or for making memories with family and friends. In the colder months, be prepared for the frigid sea breeze and keep warm while enjoying the night views of Yokohama. 【TripAdvisor】Yokohama City

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is always holding photo contests. Cherry blossoms have always been a source of comfort and relaxation for those who see them, and here we'll introduce collaborations of cherry blossoms with stunning architecture and spectacular views that can only be seen in Japan, as well as highlights of famous places and tips for any photographers. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that introduces the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan. Our photo contests allow you to participate and even win with photos taken via your smartphone! Stick around to learn more! ■Table of Contents - Cherry Blossoms in Past Photo Contests  Cherry Blossoms at Oide Park  Himeji Castle  Ogawa, Nagano  Cherry Blossoms at Rokudo Bank  Daigo Sakura  Fuji Motosuko Resort  Tsuruga Castle  Shinjuku Gyoen  Kawazu Cherry Blossoms  Sogenji Temple - Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests - Current Photo Contest - Summary of Kansai in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests Cherry Blossoms in Past Photo Contests This time, from among the many works that convey the charms of Japan, we've selected beautiful photos of cherry blossoms of all different varieties. We'll also introduce highlights for each area and photography tips. COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 山本 こころ Location: Oide Park (Hakuba, Nagano) Highlights and Photography Tips for Oide Park, a Famous Place for Cherry Blossoms Oide Park, a famous place for viewing cherry blossoms in Hakuba, Nagano, was developed over a period of five years by the local residents and Hakuba Village. The scenery changes from season to season, but the cherry blossom season is the most photogenic and recommended season to visit. From the observation deck at Oide Park, visitors can see cherry blossoms along the riverside, fresh green grass, the Oide no Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge over the clear stream of Himekawa River, and the snowy Hakuba Sanzan (three peaks of Hakuba), making it a popular photography spot. A Video Article About Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture Video article 1:55 Enjoy the Gorgeous Views of the Glorious Northern Alps of Hakuba Village! This Video Features the Unparalleled Views of the Northern Alps’ Sea of Clouds, and Star Sprinkled Sky; Sights You Can’t Experience Anywhere Else YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: okayamanosimin Location: Himeji Castle (Himeji, Hyogo) Highlights and Photography Tips for Himeji Castle In the spring, someiyoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees can be seen blooming at Himeji Castle, a famous tourist attraction, attracting visitors to the castle. There are many places to see, such as Sannomaru Square, Nishinomaru Garden, Princess Sen Peony Garden, and Shirotopia Memorial Park on the north side of the castle! You can take pictures of the cherry blossoms and the main keep from various angles. The red Shiromi Bridge over the inner moat in the east and the south of the zoo where visitors can take pictures of the main keep over the Japanese-style sightseeing boats are popular photo spots. A Video Article About Himeji Castle, the "White Heron" Castle of Hyogo Prefecture Video article 3:29 Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms of Hyogo Prefecture at Himeji Castle, Japan's First World Cultural Heritage Site! The Contrast Between the White Himeji Castle and the Pink Cherry Blossoms Will Leave You Speechless! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Lily0321 Location: Ogawa Village (Nagano Prefecture) Highlights and Photography Tips for Ogawa Village The village of Ogawa in Nagano Prefecture is often called one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. Located in the mountains with a view of the majestic Northern Alps, Ogawa has some of the best spots for photographing cherry blossoms. The most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Ogawa Village are Bansho no Sakura, a 70-year-old benishidare (a type of weeping cherry tree) on Mt. Sakura (桜山, Sakurayama), Tachiya no Sakura, a 300-year-old edohigan (another type of cherry tree), and Nitanda no Sakura, where many cherry trees bloom on the hillside. Visitors can take a tour of the cherry blossoms in Ogawa and capture the contrast between the cherry blossoms, the snowy Northern Alps of Japan, and the blue sky all in one shot! A Video Article About Mt. Yoshino Video article 5:49 Enjoy the Mystical Beauty of Mount Yoshino, a World Heritage Site in Nara Prefecture, Brimming With Beautiful Cherry Blossoms! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 平岩 蘭 Location: Cherry Blossoms at Rokudo Bank (Nagano Prefecture) Highlights and Photography Tips for Rokudo Bank, a Popular Tourist Attraction Rokudo Bank is a cherry blossom viewing spot located near Takato Joshi Park, a tourist attraction in Ina, Nagano. Approximately 120 cherry trees can be seen blooming on the bank of this agricultural reservoir. Visitors can enjoy a variety of compositions, such as a tunnel of cherry blossoms and cherry blossoms reflecting on the surface of the water. Under a blue sky, visitors can capture a well-balanced photo of the snowy Alpine mountains, the cherry blossoms, and the surface of the water. Originally, this was a hidden gem amongst the local residents. Please be sure to exercise good manners in order to preserve the beautiful scenery. A Video Article About Rokudo Bank in Nagano Prefecture Video article 3:04 A Breathtaking Sea of Blooming Cherry Blossoms! Rokudo Bank in Nagano Prefecture Is a Place That Should Be on Your Bucket List! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: kazu Location: Daigo Sakura (Maniwa, Okayama) Highlights and Photography Tips for Daigo Sakura, a Popular Tourist Attraction Daigo Sakura in Maniwa, Okayama, is a large cherry tree said to be over 1,000 years old. It was praised by Emperor Godaigo in the Kamakura period. It is designated as a natural monument by Okayama Prefecture and has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Famous Trees of New Japan. Standing on a small hill, the Daigo Sakura is a large tree with branches stretching 20 meters in all directions, and stands 18 meters tall. The composition of the divine cherry tree, which has been carefully protected as a sacred tree by the local residents, along with the vast sky is a powerful sight. During the blooming period, the cherry blossoms are illuminated from sunset to 9:00 p.m., creating an even more photogenic scene. A Video Article About Yubara Onsen in Okayama Prefecture Video article 9:41 Yubara Onsen in Maniwa, Okayama Is a Tourist Spot With a Variety of Seasonal Attractions! The Different Faces of Nature Will Create Lifelong Memories! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Phúc Jindo Location: Fuji Motosuko Resort (Yamanashi Prefecture) Highlights and Photography Tips for Fuji Motosuko Resort, a Popular Tourist Attraction The Fuji Shibazakura Festival held at Fuji Motosuko Resort is a springtime tradition at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The festival site is filled with 500,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) of eight different varieties, creating a magnificent scene depicting a glorious spring day. From the observatory, visitors can take wide-angle photos of Mt. Fuji with lingering snow as well as a panoramic view of the shibazakura. You can also try your hand at taking close-up photos of the pretty shibazakura. There are also a number of recommended photo spots in the area. Visitors are sure to find a variety of photogenic compositions, including taking a picture of the art installations and the shibazakura. A Video Article About the Fuji Shibazakura Festival in Yamanashi Prefecture Video article 1:48 Mt. Fuji, Covered in Lingering Snow, Coupled With the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, Is Absolutely Breathtaking! A View That'll Last a Lifetime, at the Foot of Mt. Fuji! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: inushiba Location: Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima) Highlights and Photography Tips for Tsuruga Castle, a Popular Tourist Attraction Tsuruga Castle, a famous sightseeing spot in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukishima is a cherry blossom viewing spot wwhere approximately 1,000 cherry trees bloom in the spring. Many varieties of cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, Edohigan, weeping cherries, etc., bloom at different times of the year here. The castle tower of Tsuruga Castle has a unique red-tile roof. The beautiful white walls with red tiles combined with the cherry blossoms in full bloom makes this a must-see spot for any photographers! During the cherry blossom period, the castle is lit up and can be enjoyed at night. A Video Article About Tsuruga Castle Park in Fukushima Prefecture Video article 2:40 The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms at Tsuruga Castle Park in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima! Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival Event at Tsuruga Castle Park, Selected as One of the "Top 100 Places for Cherry Blossoms" in Japan YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 祐紀 Location: Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku, Tokyo) Highlights and Photography Tips for Shinjuku Gyoen, a Famous Place for Cherry Blossoms At Shinjuku Gyoen, an oasis in the heart of Tokyo, approximately 1,000 cherry trees of 65 varieties can be seen blooming in the spring. With both early-blooming cherry trees and late-blooming cherry trees, visitors can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms for about a month. This is one of the major attractions of Shinjuku Gyoen. There are also four weeping cherry trees planted in Shimo no Ike Pond, and their blossoming branches hang down to the ground when they are in full bloom, making for some lovely photos. A Video Article About Shinjuku Gyoen Video article 6:56 There's So Much Nature in Shinjuku, Tokyo, a City Filled With Skyscrapers! The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Are Magical! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: ponpoco_photos Location: Kawazu Cherry Blossoms (Kawazu, Shizuoka) Highlights and Photography Tips for the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms, a Famous Place for Cherry Blossoms The beautiful row of cherry blossoms in Kawazu, Shizuoka signals the early arrival of spring each year. The contrast between the dark pink blossoms of the 850 Kawazu cherry trees along the Kawazu River and the blue sky is truly spectacular! The rows of cherry blossoms and rape blossoms on both banks of the river, which can be seen from the riverbanks, are great photo spots for photographers and Instagrammers. The 2023 Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from February 1st to 29th.You can enjoy cherry blossoms at night because the lighting up of cherry trees (18:00-21:00) is held in two places. A Video Article About the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms Festival Video article 7:04 The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival Is a Popular Event in Izu, Shizuoka Where the Entire Town Is Dyed Pink With Cherry Blossoms. A Look at Izu's Beautiful Spring Scenery and Recommend Tourist Attractions! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: okayamanosimin Location: Sogenji Temple (Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture) Highlights and Photography Tips for Sogenji Temple, a Famous Place for Cherry Blossoms Sogenji Temple, located 15 minutes by car from JR Okayama Station in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is famous for its weeping cherry blossoms. Two weeping cherry trees stand by the pond in the garden, which is said to have been created in the Edo period (1603-1868). The trees are said to be more than 80 years old. On a day when the wind is calm, you can take photos of the weeping cherry blossoms reflected on the surface of the pond. Sogenji Temple is also famous for its autumn foliage. Be sure to visit in autumn to photograph the well-maintained garden and colorful views of nature! A Video Article About Okayama Castle Video article 3:33 Okayama Castle Attracts Many Tourists to Okayama, Okayama Prefecture With Its Beautiful Black Figure! The Historically Valuable Exhibits of the Warring States Period Are Guaranteed to Captivate! YouTube Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that showcases the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan. Click here for more information about COOLJAPANVIDEOS Anyone can enter COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' photo contests! Below are some of the features of our contests. ・On top of single-lens reflex cameras and digital cameras, photos taken with smartphones and other devices can also be submitted. ・Each person can submit as many photos as they like during the contest period. ・Editing of images, such as cropping and color changes, is also allowed! Here you can find all of the past photo contest winners in one place. You can also see the prizes for each contest, as well as the locations where the photos were taken and the judges' critiques. Click here to see past photo contest winners Text only Photo Contest Results - COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Winning Photos - Discover the Charms of Japan! Current Photo Contest The following is information about the current photo contest. [Ongoing From March2024] The 22th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest Theme: Spring in Japan Submission period: March 1, 2024 12:00 AM – April 30, 2024 11:59 PM (JST) Prizes: ■Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card (1 Winner) ■Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card (5 Winners) Spring in Japan Photo Contest Landscape Photography Summary Did you enjoy these landscape photos from past photo contest entries? Some of these landscapes can only be seen in specific conditions. Japan is full of rich nature, historical locations, and seasonal events! Share your photos with the world and help showcase the beauty of Japan through COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! Related Articles Text only Children of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Heartwarming Photos That Will Put a Smile on Your Face! Text only Autumn in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Beautiful Photos of Autumn in Japan Text only Mt. Fuji in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Showcasing the Different Views of Mt. Fuji Text only Hokkaido in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: From Popular Sightseeing Spots to Exotic Animals, Discover the Beauty of Japan's Northernmost Prefecture! Text only Tohoku in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: Hot Springs, Festivals, Snowscapes, and More – 10 Beautiful Photos of Japan's Tohoku Region! Text only Kyoto in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Beautiful Photos of Kyoto, the Ancient Capital of Japan, and Its Most Popular Tourist Attractions! Text only Tokyo in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Featuring the Charms of Tokyo, the Capital of Japan + Popular Tourist Attractions! Text only Winter in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Capturing the Beauty of Winter in Japan. Snowy Landscapes, Glittering Illuminations + More! Text only Kansai in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Spectacular Views of Japan's Kansai Region. From Night Views to Traditional Events, Discover the Best Photo Spots in Kansai! Text only Cherry Blossoms in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Amazing Views of Cherry Blossoms, from Castles and Temples to Rows of Cherry Blossom! .separation_line { border-width: 0 0 8px; border-style: solid; border-image: url('data:image/svg+xml,') 0 0 100% repeat; width: 216px; margin:auto; margin-bottom: 50px; }

Introduction of "Hitachi Station," a station with a view of the sea, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. This video, titled "[Joban Line] Visiting a Station With a View of the Sea [Hitachi Station]" (【常磐線】海の見える駅へ行ってきた【日立駅】), was uploaded by "Tabi ni Detateru" (旅に出たてる), a channel that introduces train-related travelogues. Hitachi Station - A Popular Tourist Attraction Photo：Hitachi Station Hitachi Station is a station on the Joban Line connecting Tokyo to Miyagi Prefecture. It takes less than two hours to reach from Tokyo Station via limited express train. The station itself is a sightseeing attraction, with a view of the sea and the relaxing Sea Birds Cafe. The Hitachi Station building was designed by architect Kazuyo Sejima and looks like a museum. The all-glass station building overlooks the Pacific Ocean, creating the illusion that the station is floating on the sea. Check out the video to see the station; on Japanese social media you can find many photos of sunrises at Hitachi Station. On a clear day, the sunrise shines through the glass-walled building, and you can take some amazing photos that will look great on Instagram and other social networking sites. [Video] 1:27 - A Panoramic View of the Pacific Ocean at Hitachi Station Enjoy Lunch at a Café With a View of the Sea Near Hitachi Station Sea Birds Cafe is a popular spot at Hitachi Station. You can dine in a scenic location with all glass walls and a sweeping view of the ocean. In addition to delicious lunches and dinners, Sea Birds Cafe is also used for wedding receptions due to the beauty of the building. Hitachi Station attracts many people from outside Ibaraki Prefecture, a kind of popularity that only a station as unique as this would have. 5 Popular Stations With a View of the Sea in Japan's Kanto Region Photo：Nebukawa Station, Odawara, Kanagawa Shimonada Station in Ehime Prefecture is well known as a station with a view of the sea, but here we'll introduce five popular stations with a view of the sea in Japan's Kanto region. ・Aomi Station (Koto, Tokyo) Located at a bend in a canal, Aomi Station offers a view of Tokyo Gate Bridge and the sunrise. Aomi Station is becoming popular as a station with a view of the sea in Tokyo. ・Kamakura Koko-mae Station (Kamakura, Kanagawa) The retro Enoden and the shimmering blue sea are the perfect combination. In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset facing Enoshima. From the station platform, you can look out over Shichirigahama, a beach in Kanagawa. The area around the station has been used as a shooting location for TV dramas and anime, and is a great place to take moving photos. ・Nebukawa Station (Odawara, Kanagawa) Nebukawa Station in Odawara is an unmanned station built on a cliff overlooking Sagami Bay. It is also known as a popular destination for viewing the first sunrise of the year. The blue station building, reminiscent of a tropical island, is also popular. ・Umi-Shibaura Station (Yokohama, Kanagawa) Because Umi-Shibaura Station is located within the grounds of a factory, visitors cannot go outside the station. It's a secluded spot where you can only get off and on trains. You can enjoy a beautiful night view here because of the factory area in front of the station. It's popular among couples and photographers as a place where you can enjoy a sweeping view of the sea from within the city. ・Kozu Station (Odawara, Kanagawa) As you enter the platform of Kozu Station, Sagami Bay comes into view. After getting off the station and passing private residences, you'll reach the beach in just a few minutes. The area around the station has a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere with retro private residences. Summary of Scenic Stations in Japan's Kanto Region The glass-walled station building of Hitachi Station accentuates the beauty of the ocean. The station attracts many tourists from all over Japan as a scenic spot overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In winter, the city of Hitachi holds an illumination event, and the lights make the areas in front of the station and Hitachi Civic Center look like a different world. In the past, there have also been events such as the "Winter Cherry Blossom Festival" in which the station is lit up in pink, the color of cherry blossoms. Hitachi Station is attracting attention as a station with a view of the sea. The experience of floating on the blue sea is attractive, but I would definitely like to see the sunrise as well. 【TripAdvisor】Hitachi Station https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303154-d10210951-Reviews-Hitachi_Station-Hitachi_Ibaraki_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Oniyanma - Japan's Largest Dragonfly! This video, titled "Oniyanma (The Largest in Japan)" (オニヤンマ（日本最大）), introduces the oniyanma, a large dragonfly belonging to the Cordulegastridae family and Odonata order. The massive dragonfly has an abdominal length of 7 cm for males and 8 cm for female. Those that inhabit Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaido), Yakushima Island (屋久島, Yakushima), etc., have a tendency to be smaller. Their eyes are a bright emerald green color, but change color when they are made into specimens. Their body is black with a yellow pattern and fine horizontal stripe at each section. They are compared with sieboldius albardae (ko-oniyanma), but these belong to the Gomphidae family, and are different from oniyanma in that their compound eyes are placed separately on both sides of their head, and their larvae are flat and disk-shaped and live on stones at the bottoms of rivers. Oniyanma - Distribution and Habits Photo：Oniyanma Oniyanma are widely distributed throughout Japan, mainly around streams, riverbanks, outskirts of forests and mountainous areas, but they can also be seen on the plains and in urban areas when it is cooler. International visitors may be surprised to find them in urban areas because of their very large area of activity. When you find a female oniyanma, you can catch it by taking advantage of its habit of stopping its movement and hovering. Male Oniyanma consider anything that flaps its wings to be female, so if you hold a fan or other wind-producing object in front of the male, it will stop moving. If you're a bug collector, you can use this as a reference when collecting! The Life Cycle of Oniyanma Photo：Oniyama Patrol Oniyanma are carnivorous, feeding on moths, flies, and other small flying insects. Their natural predators are birds, bats, etc. They can bite humans as well, so be careful. Male oniyanma mate with females they meet while patrolling their territory. After mating, the female will go to a clean river or puddle to lay her eggs. Upon finding a suitable location, oniyanma perform a unique spawning display in which they will drop to the surface of the water while standing up and flying. You can see a female oniyanma laying eggs at 0:30 in the video. They spawn by thrusting their ovipositor into the mud in the water. Photo：An oniyama hatching Eggs hatch about 1 month after being laid, and the larvae are called nymphs. Nymphs are a translucent white with no wings and a short abdomen. They burrow into the mud to lie in wait for food to pass. When they are young, they feed on water fleas, mosquito larvae, etc., but as they grow older they begin feeding on tadpoles, small fish, etc. In addition, they feed on each other as well as nymphs of other species and, as a result, only the strong survive. It takes five years for them to become adults, and they molt about ten times before reaching this stage. Eventually, compound eyes pop out and the mouth part of the molt becomes a unique face as if they were wearing masks. Eventually, scaly wings form on their backs, and on a sunny summer day, they climb up from the bottom of the water to a stone or pile on the surface of the water and their backs split open and they emerge as adults. Immediately after hatching, their wings are white and shrunken, but over night, the black and yellow pattern appears and the wings solidify. You can amazing footage of an oniyanma molting at 0:58 in the video. After emerging as adults, they continuously feed for about a month before mating. The total life span of an oniyanma is 5-6 years. Summary of Oniyanma- Japan's Largest Dragonfly Photo：An adult oniyanma emerging Did you enjoy learning about the oniyanma, the largest dragonfly in Japan? Footage of them laying eggs is quite rare, so if you still haven't yet, be sure to check it out!

Introducing the Bullet Trains of Japan! This video is called "Bullet trains from around the nation in 38 minutes" (全国の新幹線を38分で見る)　Shinkansen 2018 (シンカンセン 2018)　Super-Express Shinkansen). We especially recommend it to Japanese bullet train fans. The first bullet train in Japan was introduced on October 1st, 1964. They have been evolving throughout their long history. There are many varieties of trains, and you'll never get bored with them. Be sure to watch the full video to enjoy all of the eye-catching bullet trains to the fullest. Types and Nicknames of Bullet Trains! Photo：Doctor Yellow For Tohoku Shinkansen Lines, they use the ‘Hayabusa’ carriages shown from 00:34 and 02:46, the ‘Komachi’ carriages shown from 05:31 and ‘Yamabiko’ shown from 07:40 and 08:31. Tsubasa shown from 10:28 is a carriage used in the Yamagata Shinkansen Line. Toreiyu Tsubasa shown from 13:51 is a special tourist carriage. Max Toki shown from 14:40 and the Genbi Shinkansen shown from 16:17 belong to the Joetsu Shinkansen Line. The Kagayaki shown from 16:50 is from the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. East Eyes shown from 18:44 and Doctor Yellow shown from 19:21 are carriages that inspect the railway tracks. You don’t really come across these carriages, so if you see one, it's considered very lucky. The Tokaido Shinkansen Line that runs through Tokyo Station and Shinosaka Station owns the Nozomi Shinkansen shown from21:14, Kodama shown from 24:46 and 28:02 and Rail Star shown from 31:20 in the video. Tsubame is shown from 33:36 and Mizuho by Kyushu Shinkansen Line is shown from 35:01 in the video. Trivia and Facts About Japan's Bullet Trains! Photo：Shinkansen The definition of bullet trains is ‘railway trains that can run at speeds exceeding 200 km/h. The maximum speed of the current bullet trains in operation is 285km/h. However, there may be a bullet train that exceeds 300 km/h in the future. The history of bullet trains goes back to October 1st 1964 when the dream super-fast express Tokaido Shinkansen Line was launched. Japan has been a leading player in the world of bullet train development for more than 50 years, improving speed, comfort and safety of the trains. In 2027, as a replacement for bullet trains, high-speed linear motor cars are scheduled to launch between Tokyo and Nagoya. In addition to the bullet train lines shown in the video, there are various bullet train routes throughout Japan such as the Hokkaido bullet trains, Akita bullet trains and the San'yo bullet trains. There are also special routes in Japan where bullet trains run on the local train lines such as the Hakata Minami Line and the Joetsu Line. Summary of Bullet Trains in Japan There are many kinds of bullet trains in Japan. Each line has a different color and carriage shape. Find your favorite bullet train as you watch the video. If you are traveling in Japan, you should definitely use a bullet train for long journeys to enjoy the ride comfortably and in a timely manner. When you take a bullet train, check the route map, timetable, fares, price of ticket books, reservations for reserved seats and Green carriage seats, vacancy of non-reserved seats and operational statuses on the official website as well as the Midorino Madoguchi Ticket Offices at large stations. 【Official Website】JR East：East Japan Railway https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

Introducing Osaka Shinsekai & the Tsutenkaku Area! This time, we will introduce a video called "大阪 新世界&通天閣周辺の夜景 Osaka Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower Nightscape". If you want to enjoy night views of famous spots when you travel in Japan and want to walk in the shimmering lights of Japan at night, we recommend sightseeing around Osaka Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. In this article, we will introduce some nice videos and recommended spots at Osaka Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku. What Kind of Places Are Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku? Photo：Tsutenkaku You can see Tsutenkaku from 0:17 in the video, which is a historic tower that was built in Meiji 45 (1912) with the Eiffel Tower in Paris as a model. In this area, the 5th National Industrial Expo was held in 1903, and more than 5 million people visited. Osaka Shinsekai was created as a new attraction in Osaka at the site of the exposition. At night, the Osaka Shinsekai Tsutenkaku area is colored with a brilliant neon nightscape, giving you a much different view from the daytime. A flag for advertising may be placed on the top of the 108m high Tsutenkaku tower, so check it out. Recommended Places to See in the Osaka Shinsekai Tsutenkaku Area Photo：Tsutenkaku The night view of Osaka Shinsekai's slightly retro and lively cityscape looks outstanding on Instagram. You can experience old-fashioned shooting games and retro games at the "Modern Amusement Hall" and "Game Center Kasuga Amusement Hall" in Jean-Jean Yokocho. Nearby attractions are Tennoji Park, Tennoji Zoo, Hihokan, the world's hot spring Spa World, and movie theaters as well. The puffer lanterns introduced at 0:28 in the video and the statue of Billiken from 1:41 are also famous attractions in Osaka. Excellent Gourmet Foods in the Osaka Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Areas Source :YouTube screenshot Osaka, known as the “eating-down town”, has a lot of excellent local gourmet food. Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, known as "banning the sauce twice," are considered soul foods in Osaka. In addition, gourmet foods such as hele katsu sandwiches, doyaki, and kasu udon are also popular. You can also try the Tsutenkaku parfait that can be eaten at the Tsutenkaku Observatory. Enjoy the delicious gourmet food around Osaka Shinsekai Tsutenkaku Hondori! Osaka Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Night View Introductory Video Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Osaka is a tourist spot that is popular among both domestic and foreign tourists. In particular, Tsutenkaku tower, which is loved as the symbol of Osaka, is a night view spot that you should definitely visit if you're planning on visiting Japan. In the video, you can see the glittering neon lights and Tsutenkaku lighting up the cityscape of Osaka. If you look at this video, you'll definitely want to go see the gorgeous lights of Osaka at night! 【Official Website】Shinsekai | OSAKA-INFO https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/shinsekai 【Official Website】Tsutenkaku ｜ Observatory / Tower ｜ Recommended popular sightseeing spots in Osaka (Tennoji / Abeno / Shinsekai area) https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Shinsekai https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298566-d1407290-Reviews-Shinsekai-Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Rare Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago! This video, titled "Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago (With Sound)" (東京の昔の映像　（音声あり）), was uploaded by "Final A." Have you ever wondered what life was like in Tokyo more than 100 years ago? Perhaps you've seen pictures in textbooks or studied it at school, but probably very few people have seen actual footage of what life was like back then. In this video, you can get a glimpse of what life was like in Tokyo around 1913-1915. The Lives of Tokyoites More Than 100 Years Ago Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:04 in the video, you can see many people walking around dressed in hakama (袴). You can also see children playing with a ball called a "mari" (毬) from 2:59. At the time, it was common for children to spend their days playing with traditional toys such as a mari (temari). As you can tell from the video, at the time, the majority of people were dressed in what would be considered traditional Japanese style clothing today. The streets were lit using fixed paper lanterns called "andon" (行灯). The population of Tokyo at the time was approximately 3 million. The population of the whole of Japan was approximately 50 million, less than half of what it is today. From 2:42 in the video, you can see how the area around Senso-ji temple (浅草寺) in Asakusa (浅草), Tokyo was just as busy then as it is nowadays. Tokyo From 1913-1915 Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho period lasted only 15 years (1912-1926) but is well known because of the Great Kanto Earthquake (関東大震災). Many other important events also took place during the same time period. The most famous of those being World War I which started in 1913. In 1914, the first department store "Mitsukoshi Gofukuten" (三越呉服店) (currently known as Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store) opened in Japan, and the familiar lion statue, as well as escalators and elevators quickly became the talk of the town. At the time, the toy industry and product development were flourishing and it was the beginning of modernization in Japan. Tokyo Station (東京駅) was also opened in 1914. The station must have been very crowded at the time due to the large number of passengers travelling to and from the station. More About the History of Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot In 1886, Tokyo prefecture (currently known in Japanese as Tokyo-to (東京都) was given the name Tokyo-fu (東京府). From the beginning of the Taisho period, there was a dramatic increase in the population of Tokyo. During the Meiji period (明治時代, meijijidai), the Tokyo area changed a great deal as Japan changed from being a country of agriculture to a country focused on industry. In the video, you can see that the most common mode of transportation was the rickshaw, however, the rickshaw was gradually replaced with bicycles and cars. At the time, there were many water wells in Tokyo and the water quality was also very good. Summary of Tokyo From 100 Years Ago Even if you aren't Japanese it's easy to feel a sense of nostalgia from this video. This rare footage offers a glimpse at what life was like over 100 years ago in Japan. It's invaluable footage that really allows us to see how far Japan and the rest of the world has come in such a short time.

Traditional Japanese Technology - About the Karakuri Puppet intro video The video “Karakuri puppet – 4K Ultra HD,” created by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, introduces two traditional Japanese wind-up puppets: "Yumihiki Doji" (弓曳童子), the puppet of a boy drawing a bow, and "Mojigaki Ningyo" (文字書き人形), the calligraphy puppet. In this three-minute video, you can see how these famous puppets work, so we highly recommend watching the video if you're interested in the following two questions: ・How do traditional Japanese Karakuri puppets move? ・What is the history and culture of traditional Japanese Karakuri puppets? This article focuses on the traditional Japanese technology “Karakuri” puppets, which is said to be the origin of robot creation. To begin with, please take a look at the video to see delicate and intricate movements of the puppets. About the Puppets "Yumihiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo" Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot The two puppets "Yumihiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo" are representative examples of Japanese wind-up puppets, as well as the famous puppet “Ocha Hakobi Ningyo (お茶運び人形),” the teacup carrying puppet. The first puppet "Yumihiki Doji," which you can see at 0:05 of this video, grabs four arrows firmly and shoots them at its target. The puppet aims at the target carefully, sometimes raising its face and even changing its own facial expressions. From 1:52 you can see another mechanized puppet “Mojigaki Ningyo,” holding ink brushes in its mouth and hand and writing letters on paper in the other hand. You'll be amazed when it starts writing two different letters at the same time! About Karakuri Puppets- Traditional Japanese Technology Photo：A Karakuri Puppet on a Parade Float Karakuri wind-up puppets have a long history; dating all the way back to the Heian period(794-1185). Back then, hand-puppeteered Karakuri puppets were mostly used for entertainment during rituals or at theaters. It is said that this kind of wind-up puppet was developed further in the Edo period(1603-1868). Wind-up puppets were a kind of pop culture back then; they were used as toys to play in tatami rooms or placed on festival floats. Today you can see these puppets at traditional Japanese puppet shows such as Ningyo Joruri (人形浄瑠璃), Takayama Festival (高山祭り, Takayama Matsuri) in Gifu prefecture, Karakuri Ningyoshibai Hall in Gunma prefecture, Takeda Marionette Theater (竹田人形座, Takeda Ningyo-Za) in Nagano prefecture, and many more. There is a book called "Karakuri Zui" (機匠図彙), showing structures and mechanical drawings of Karakuri wind-up puppets. It includes how to make nine different kinds of puppets. The best puppet creators in the Edo period are said to be Oumi Takeda and the “Karakuri Master”(からくり儀右衛門, Karakuri Giemon) Hisashige Tanaka. Currently Tanaka's works are preserved at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. Today Mr. Tamaya Shobei IX, the professional Karakuri puppet craftsman, restores, repairs, produces and sells puppets. Karakuri wind-up puppets are powered by wood, springs, and threads, and therefore don’t require electricity. The technology of traditional Karakuri puppets is highly valued, as it is said to have had a profound impact on western technology Overview of Karakuri Puppets Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot In the video "Karakuri puppet – 4K Ultra HD," you see the two automatic wind-up puppets: "Yumibiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo." The movements of both puppetss is quite interesting; It's as if the puppets are changing their own facial expressions. Also, don’t overlook the tiny puppet below Yumibiki Doji turning a lever! In addition to the two puppets in this video, there are various other kinds of Karakuri wind-up puppets: magician puppets, spirit buying puppets, airplane operating puppets, and more. If you are interested in traditional Japanese technology, please look into some of these other puppets as well!

The Cute Akita Dogs of Japan This video, titled "Akita dogs - Loyal Japanese Dogs" (秋田犬 〜忠誠心に厚い日本の犬〜), is an introductory video that shares the charm of Akita dogs, famous for Shibuya Station’s Loyal Dog Hachiko. The video was produced by "JVT Channel." The Akita is a Japanese dog that has been designated a national natural treasure and is very familiar to the Japanese people. Loyal and gentle, the Akita is a popular dog in other countries as well. In this article, we'll take a look at the adorable Akita! The Akita Photo：Akita dog Akita, not to be confused with the prefecture of the same name, are a Japanese dog breed. Their gentle and loyal nature has made them a popular dog around the world. They have a lovely round face, triangular ears, and a curled-up tail. The Akita Dog comes in a variety of coat colors, such as brindle, but the most common color is red fawn. The red variety has a reddish-brown tinge around the forehead and on the back. They are sold at pet stores at prices ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 yen. It is the only large dog among the six types of dogs native to Japan and stands about 61-67 cm tall, with a life span of 10-13 years, which is the average for large dogs. Contrary to its larger size, their gentle characteristic are one of the main reasons for their popularity. You can see the features of the Akita dog at 0:07 in the video. The Akita dog's ancestors lived in the city of Odate, Akita Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. After dogfighting became popular in Japan, the Akita was crossed with the Tosa Inu and Mastiffs and became larger, which led to their current form today. Since they are large dogs, they need to be trained from when they are puppies and need to be walked regularly, as they were originally hunting dogs. The Charm of Akita Dogs - Obedient and Energetic Pets Photo：Akita Dog The charm of Akita dogs are their cute faces and gentle nature. There are several types of Japanese dogs, including the small Shiba Inu (dog), and the medium-sized Kishu inu, Shikoku inu, Hokkaido inu, and Kai inu, but among them, Akita dogs are considered the most loyal and gentle. At 0:47 in the video, you can see the bronze statue of Hachiko in front of Shibuya station in Tokyo, where he waited for his master every day, for nearly 10 years after his master had already passed away. His loyalty is still praised today. The original Akita dog was bred as the Akita Matagi (a hunting dog), but the number of Akita dogs has declined dramatically in recent years due to the growing popularity of small, easy-to-keep dogs and other indoor breeds. However, in recent years, the Akita has begun to attract attention again! There was a news that an Akita dog was sent as a gift to the Russian figure skater gold medalist Alina Zagitova, and she named it "Masaru." In addition to Zagitova, many foreigners have become fascinated by the Akita, and more and more people are adopting them as pets. Source :YouTube screenshot The city of Odate in Akita Prefecture, the birthplace of the Akita dog, is also working to promote the dog's appeal to a wider audience. They visit nursing homes and elementary schools to allow communities to interact with them. You can see this at 2:10 in the video. In Odate, you can also visit Akita Inu no Sato (Akita Dog Visitor Center) and interact with the dogs. Summary of the Cute and Gentle Akita Dogs Photo：Akita Dog The video, "Akita dogs - Loyal Japanese Dogs," produced by "JVT Channel" is an introductory video that shares the charm of Akita dogs. Although the number of Akita dogs is decreasing due to the popularity of small, easy-to-keep dogs, the Akita is by far the cutest and most loyal. They are loyal to their owners, and their gentle nature attracts many people. If you're a dog lover, this video is a must watch!

Pedaling Made Easy Thanks to "Free Power" This video, titled "Hill Climbing Made Easy｜A Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle (10/18/2019)" (坂道もスイスイ　電動じゃないアシスト自転車とは？(18/10/19)), was produced by "ANNnewsCH." It introduces "Free Power," a power assisted bicycle not powered by electricity! This article will talk about the revolutionary non-electric power assisted bicycle "Free Power FG-1" (フリーパワーFG-1), that doesn't use motors, batteries, or electricity and costs 1/3 of a normal, electric power assisted bicycle. From 3:01 in the video, the news anchor can be seen riding the bicycle and seeing what it's like. She's blurts out how surprised she is saying things like "it doesn’t even feel like you're going up a hill!" Be sure to take a look at the video to see what "Free Power" is capable of! The Non-Electric, Assisted Bicycle, "Free Power" Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan and many other places, the bicycle is a necessary item in daily life, used for going to work or to school, and in Japan, where there's a LOT of hills, you need a lot of physical strength to get around without walking. For that reason, in recent years, power assisted bicycles have become very popular and the numbers of products being shipped overseas is also on the rise. In the video, a new type of non-electric assisted bike is shown. The non-electric assisted bicycle "Free Power" uses the "free power crank gear," with a specialized silicon piece inside, that can be attached to the pedal of the bicycle you are currently using (some bikes may not be compatible). You can see how to attach the gear at 2:48 in the video. The way it works is that when you pedal, the silicone absorbs the force and makes it lighter, and due to the repellent force, there is more acceleration. This makes it easier to move forward and reduces energy loss. The details of the parts of the assist gear are explained at 3:49 in the video. The Effects and Features of "Free Power" Source :YouTube screenshot The effects and features of "Free Power" are as follows: 1. Very easy to start pedaling 2. Easy on joints (knees, ankles, etc.) 3. Able to sustain speed 4. Easy to travel uphill and pedal for long distances 5. Less prone to sore muscles Free Power was developed by Free Power Inc. and is sold at stores like Cycle Olympic and more. It's possible to have the assist gear attached at stores where they are sold, and the number of stores that stock them is continuing to increase. It is a very popular product and is continuously sold out, so be careful not to miss your chance! Summary of the Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle "Free Power" Photo：A mother and child on an electric-assisted bike "Free Power" provides long term pedaling support without the need to carry a heavy battery and without worrying about running out of charge. Watching the video "Hill Climbing Made Easy｜A Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle (10/18/2019)" you'll probably be surprised at how easy it is to get around. If you're like many, and find yourself riding your bike for long distances and being worn out, why not give "Free Power" a try? 【Official Website】FREE POWER｜Bicycle｜Bicycle Repair https://www.olympic-corp.co.jp/cycle/freepower

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park This video, titled "Peace Memorial Park," created by "Hiroshima Regional Sightseeing Information Website Hirotabi: Make a Trip to Hiroshima!," introduces "Peace Memorial Park" (平和記念公園) in Nakajima Town (中島町, Nakajimacho), Naka Ward (中区, Nakaku), Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県, Hiroshimaken) in the Chugoku Region (中国地方, Chugokuchiho) of Japan. Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima Prefecture was made near the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion to console the spirits of those who died in the bombing and to pray for eternal world peace. Many visitors, not just from Japan, but from all over the world, come to visit Peace Memorial Park, whose construction finished in 1955 (Showa 30), 10 years after the atomic bomb was dropped. It has become a place to remind ourselves of the terror of the atomic bomb and the importance of peace. This article will introduce information about recommended spots to visit within Peace Memorial Park, as well as famous sites near Peace Memorial Park, tourist information about those nearby sites, and how to best enjoy your trip. The video shows the entire view of Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome (原爆ドーム, Genbakudomu), and the monument. Seeing people silently praying, is enough to compel you to grieve for those lost in the tragedy and pray for world peace. A Look at Peace Memorial Park Photo：Peace Memorial Park Peace Memorial Park is a city park located on the delta where the two rivers of Hiroshima city diverge. It is 122,100 square meters in size and was completed in August 1955. It has no entrance fee, is open year round, and is truly a park that represents Japan. You can see the entire view of the Peace Memorial Park from 0:06 in the video. The park is home to 35 cenotaphs and memorials, as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (広島平和記念資料館, Hiroshimakinenshiryokan), the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims (国立広島原爆死没者追悼平和祈念館, Kokuritsuhiroshimagenbakushibotsushatsuitoheiwakinenkan) and the International Conference Center Hiroshima (広島国際会議場, Hiroshimakokusaikaigijo). You can access the Peace Memorial Park by taking a 20-minute train ride from JR Hiroshima Station (JR広島駅, JR Hiroshimaeki) to Atomic Bomb Dome Station (原爆ドーム前駅,Genbakudomumaeeki) on the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Streetcar). There is no parking lot at the park, so we recommend using public transport such as a train or bus when you visit. The Peace Memorial Photo：Atomic Bomb Dome Peace Memorial Park is one of Japan’s most famous tourist destinations, chosen as one of the "Top 100 City Parks in Japan" and the "Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan." The Atomic Bomb Dome, which conveys the terror of the atomic bomb, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The Atomic Bomb Dome used to be the Hiroshima Prefectural Products Exhibition Hall (広島県物産陳列館, Hiroshimakenbussanchinretukan) built in 1915, but was destroyed by the atomic bomb in World War 2. The blast came from right above the building, and so the walls were left standing, and still remain to this day. The Atomic Bomb Dome that can be viewed from the cenotaph for the atomic bomb victims, is a sight that you won't forget. You can view the Atomic Bomb Dome at 0:15 in the video. The Children’s Peace Monument (原爆の子の像,Genbakunokonozo), a bronze statue of a little girl lifting up an origami crane, consoles the spirits of those who lost their lives in the atomic bomb, and calls for peace. There are origami crane booths around the statue, where strings of a thousand origami cranes from all over Japan are laid. You can observe the Statue of Prayer (祈りの像, Inorinozo), a monument built on the 15th anniversary of the end of the war, and the Phoenix Trees Exposed to the Atomic Bomb (被ばくしたアオギリ,Hibakushitaaogiri), which sprouted the following year despite half of its trunk being burned by the atomic bomb from 0:47 in the video. The sound of the Peace Bell (平和の鐘,Heiwanokane), which is rung as a prayer for peace, has been chosen as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan." Also, if you can have the tourism volunteer guide show you around the model course inside the park, you can learn in depth about the history and famous areas of the park, making it a popular choice for tourists. You can also take part in the Lantern Float (とうろう流し, Toronagashi) held on the river next to the Atomic Bomb Dome on August 6th. You can feel the emotions of countless people come together as one, as the prayers for peace are reflected on the river. The Lantern Float can be observed from 2:17 in the video. Tourist Spots and Delicious Food Around Peace Memorial Park ©Michio_Matsuoka Modifying A recommended tourist spot near Peace Memorial Park is Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushimajinja), a World Heritage Site and also one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Hiroshima and Japan. The shinden-zukuri style building (a style of architecture used for nobles’ residences during the Heian period) on the sea is popular as a beautiful, instagrammable tourist attraction. After visiting some tourist attractions, enjoy some local Hiroshima dishes! There are many Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki restaurants near Peace Memorial Park. Summary of Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima City This video, Peace Memorial Park, gives a view of Peace Memorial Park and people praying for peace and for the souls of those who lost their lives in the bombing. You may have seen Peace Memorial Park on television, but it looks completely different once you’re actually standing there. Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which was renovated in April 2019, to look at the exhibits of atomic-bomb-related materials and artifacts, and remembering the people who were lost on that day, is a life-changing experience. We hope this article and video inspired you to visit Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima Prefecture. ◆Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Park◆ 【Address】〒730-0811 1-1 Nakajima Town, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture 【Access】About 20 minutes by bus from JR Hiroshima Station. 【Admission fee】None 【Hours】All day (24 hours) 【Closures】None 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】082-504-2390 【Official Homepage】Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum http://hpmmuseum.jp/?lang=eng 【Tripadvisor】Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298561-d1165220-Reviews-Hiroshima_Peace_Memorial_Park-Hiroshima_Hiroshima_Prefecture_Chugoku.html

Japanese Elementary School Students Cleaning Did you enjoy cleaning when you were a kid? Maybe not, but there are actually quite a few people in Japan who remember cleaning time in elementary school quite fondly. This video, “Japanese Students Clean Classrooms To Learn Life Skills” was created by “AJ+”. As you can see in the video, it is a natural thing for elementary school students in Japan to clean their classrooms themselves! This is a custom that people overseas are surprised at. The reason being that, in many cases, schools overseas hire janitors for cleaning. Let’s take a look at the introductory video of cleaning time for elementary school students. A nostalgic scene for Japanese people, and a maybe something new for those overseas. At Elementary Schools in Japan, It's Normal for Students to Clean Source :YouTube screenshot The joy of schools in Japan, and probably most schools around the world, is lunch time! You can see this at 0:29 in the video! When students in Japan finish eating, however, they clean up the used dishes by themselves after eating delicious meals. You can see cleaning time at 0:47, after lunch has ended. In Japan, students clean starting from elementary school. They clean classrooms and hallways all by themselves. At schools overseas, usually janitors do the cleaning, but in Japan, as seen in the video, it's a a part of everyday life for students to clean their schools by themselves. Children divide up their cleaning activities, diligently wiping down windows, mopping floors, sweeping, and getting rid of garbage. In Japan, cleaning is essentially another part of studying, and this is happens everyday. Japan's Cleaning Culture Source :YouTube screenshot At schools in Japan, students learn things that can be put to practical use. On such thing is cleaning. Students learn how to use cleaning utensils at school so they can put it into practice at home and in the future. Schools are not just a place to study, but also a place where students can bond and learn how to work as a team. Elementary school students in Japan learn these things from their everyday cleaning routine as well. Overseas Reactions Source :YouTube screenshot When foreigners watch this video, their reactions are noticeably different than those of the Japanese, to whom this is commonplace. In overseas countries, most people think “cleaning = labor,” and therefore think that cleaning activities are jobs for workers. There are also many people who understand the idea behind it, and the reason for keeping things clean. What Do the Teachers Think? Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, you can also see an interview of an elementary school teacher at 0:59. “Cleaning is something you have to be able to do for yourself later in life, so it's a custom that's likely to continue into the future,” she says. Summary of Cleaning at Japan's Elementary Schools Today we introduced a video about Japan’s everyday education. Many people might be surprised by this. However, for the Japanese, this is just a part of everyday life. So what do you think? Is it a good custom? And before answering, is your room clean?

Introducing Japan's Professional Lumberjacks This video [Felling of very tall trees 1] (高木の伐採作業1 美国林業) was created by "Mikuni Ringyou". It features demonstrations of techniques used by lumberjacks to cut down very tall trees. The professionals you can see in this video work for Mikuni Forestry, a company based in Honjo city (本庄市, honjoushi), Saitama prefecture in the Kantou region of Japan. Mikuni Forestry specializes in logging and the sale of lumber used to rebuild Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The Origin of Forestry and Logging in Japan Photo：Logs Seventy percent of the land in Japan is covered in forest and many people work in the logging business. There are professionals who deal with a variety of requests; from pruning garden trees to the felling of large trees such as Japanese cedar, zelkova and evergreen oaks. They may also tackle other problems such as pest extermination, the uprooting of trees, and dealing with fallen trees. Lumber has been used since ancient times in Japan, for the building of houses, shrines and temples to the manufacture of smaller items such as furniture and everyday items. The forestry industry has grown and evolved alongside Japanese culture and lumber continues to be used to this day for a variety of purposes. More About the Lumberjacks and Logging Process in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan, professionals who are responsible for felling extremely tall trees are known as "Sorashi." There are many people in the logging business in Japan, but there are very few professionals with the title "Sorashi"; it is thought that there are only around 30 people in the whole of Japan. In order to cut down such large trees, special equipment and machinery such as cranes and chainsaws are essential. Felling down such large trees is a dangerous job, one small step can result in serious injury or even death. In this video, you can watch the felling of a 60 meter tall tree. As you can see from the opening scenes of the video, the workers wrap a rope around the trunk of the tree. From 0:21 in the video, you can see the workers use a chainsaw to cut all the way around the trunk of the tree. Then from around 0:59 you can hear the crashing noise of the tree as it falls to the ground. It appears he is using an even larger chainsaw than before. The highlight of this video has to be when the cedar tree is cut near the base and finally falls to the ground at 5:58. The footage is very impressive. Large Tree Logging Introductory Video Summary We hope you enjoyed watching the thrilling and exciting logging work of Japan's "Sorashi," captured on video. The amazing skills used in this video are something one would normally never be able to witness. For those who are considering the removal or felling of large trees, we highly recommend you put in a request to Mikuni Forestry who can advise you on the cost and man hours required. 【Mikuni Ringyou official Website】 http://www.mikuni-forestry.com/

Ayumu Hirano: Aiming for a Top 3 Finish at the Olympics! This video is titled "Ayumu Hirano #3 Skater Skateboarder, and Silver Medalist at Winter Olympics" (平野歩選手がスケボー3位 冬季五輪の銀メダリスト). It was released by "KyodoNews." Ayumu Hirano is a halfpipe snowboarder who has won a silver medal at two consecutive Winter Olympic Games. Ayumu Hirano has been attracting attention since he started his skateboarding quest to take home a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The video shows the results of the Japan Open Park competition, which also serves as a selection event for the strengthening candidates, held on March 16, 2019 at the Kugenuma Seaside Park Skate Park in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture. Kensuke Sasaoka won the men's title at the Japan Open Park, Midori Okamoto won the women's title, and Ayumu Hirano placed third in the men's competition. You can see Ayumu Hirano talking about his passion for skateboarding in an interview in the video. This article introduces Ayumu Hirano and the appeal of skateboarding. What Is a Skateboarding? Photo：Skateboarding Skateboarding is an action sport that involves riding a board with wheels in the front and back. Skateboarding is also called "sukebo"in Japanese. Skateboarding is said to have been created in the 1940's on the west coast of the United States as a way for children to play, and it eventually spread throughout the world between the 1980's an 1990's. Skateboarding competitions include Street, Vert, Freestyle, Slalom, and more. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, there will be two types of events- street and vert. Ayumu Hirano will compete in vert. Vert skating involves using half-pipes, quarter-pipes, and bowls (essentially large, empty pools) to gain speed and doing insane aerial tricks that include grabs and flips. Competitors are judged on how many tricks they can do in the allotted time and how difficult their tricks are. Ayumu Hirano is introduced at 0:20 in the video. Who is Ayumu Hirano? Source :YouTube screenshot Ayumu Hirano is Japan's leading snowboarder at 160 cm tall (5'2"), and has won two consecutive medals in the half pipe of the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2018 Olympics at Pyeongchang. His unique hairstyle, which can be seen at 1:28 in the video, is also quite popular. His sponsors are Burton, Kinoshita Group, TEAM FALKEN, and more, and he has signed a global ambassador contract with UNIQLO to develop snowboard gear for competitions. Starting skateboarding and snowboarding at the age of four, he is trying to achieve mastery of both sports. Both his father and brother are athletes. In the interview with Ayumu Hirano at 1:28, he talks about his passion for skating and snowboarding and how he wants to train harder so he can challenge the sports to enjoy them even more. Summary of Ayumu Hirano Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Ayumu Hirano as he skates around the park, and also features an interview with the talented skater/snowboarder. To qualify for the Japan team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, you need to be ranked in the top 16 of the Olympic World Skateboarding Ranking as of June 2, 2020, or in the top 3 at the 2020 World Championships. Ayumu Hirano will continue to keep his eyes on the world championships as he aims for a top-3 finish. Be sure to check out Ayumu Hirano at the Olympic games! 【Official Website】Japan Skateboarding Federation http://japanskateboardingfederation.jp/

About Itoman, Okinawa This is a promotional video for Itoman city titled "Itoman City Tourism PR Video・Experience Compilation" (糸満市観光ＰＲムービー＿体験編（日本語版))." It's brought to you by Itoman city hall. We'd like to introduce experiences available in Itoman, a city located in southern Okinawa Island, a popular sightseeing destination in Japan. Itoman city hall has also created other videos highlighting popular restaurants, walking routes and cultural spots in and around Itoman city. Itoman is a city on Okinawa's main island, in the south west of Japan. Itoman city is easily accessible by car and takes around 30 minutes to get to from Naha airport (那覇空港, Nahakuukou), the main airport in Okinawa. Itoman city was the site of many battles during World War II, and therefore is well known for battle memorial sites such as Okinawa Peace Memorial Park (沖縄県平和祈念公園, Okinawaken heiwa kinen kouen) and Himeyuri Memorial Tower (ひめゆりの塔, Himeyurinotou). Itoman city is also famous as a fishing village, with many fishing traditions being passed down for generations. Itoman is an area dotted with sugar cane fields and beaches with beautiful views of the ocean. Charming villages covered with red tile roofed houses typical of Okinawa add to the beautiful scenery here. Popular Tourist Experiences in Itoman City Photo：Underwater In the opening scene of this video we're introduced to Ryukyu Glass Village's (琉球ガラス村, Ryuukyuu garasu mura) glass blowing experience. You can see this at 0:15 in the video. Ryukyu glassware is famous for it's characteristic air bubbles and thick, beautifully colored glass. Glass-blowing is a traditional Japanese craft by which you can create truly one of a kind glassware. At Ryukyu Glass Village you can also watch the craftsmen at work or purchase a variety of colorful glassware from the shop. Next, we'd like to introduce the glass boat tours. You can see these at 0:52 in the video. The glass boats have a glass floor which allows you to take a peek down at the sea floor below. You can enjoy looking at the beautiful Okinawan coral and tropical fish up close without the need to take part in a snorkeling or diving course. The next sightseeing experience we'd like to introduce is Hariko making. Hariko are traditional paper-mache dolls that you can decorate however you like. You can see them being made at 01:09 in the video. Have fun watching your cute, hand-painted Ucchiribukusa (traditional Okinawa doll) stand back up after knocking it over time and time again. The Shisa (lion dog) hariko is very typical of Okinawa. Okinawan traditional fishing boat/Sabani sail boat experiences are also very popular. Sabini are fishing boats used in the Tempuku Bare competition which is part of the biggest event held in Itoman city, the Itoman Hare. Tempuku Bare is a competition where as a team you attempt to flip over your overturned Sabani boat and row it to the finish line. It is used as a test of the village fishermens' boat skills, but don't worry, as a tourist you won't have to flip over any Sabani boats during your experience! Rowing your own Sabani with the cool wind brushing against your face is an exhilarating experience! You can see this at 2:15 in the video. Experience Making the Local Delicacies of Itoman Source :YouTube screenshot Taking part in the regional Japanese cuisine experience is sure to be one of the best memories of your trip to Okinawa. The area with highest consumption of tofu in Japan is thought to be Okinawa and there are many tofu shops in Itoman. You can see some of these shops being introduced at 1:43 in the video. If you take part in the Okinawa-style tofu (島豆腐, Shimadoufu) experience you will have the chance to make tofu the traditional way by grinding soy beans using a stone mortar. The taste of freshly made Okinawan tofu will bring a smile to your face! Summary of Itoman, Okinawa Itoman city is famous as a sightseeing destination in Japan. I'm sure after watching this video you'll be eager to try some of the experiences and food that Itoman city, Okinawa has to offer! If you're headed to Itoman, be sure to use this video as a guide! Taking part in the unique experiences here in Itoman is guaranteed to create memories you'll treasure for a lifetime. 【Official Website】Itoman city hall https://www.city.itoman.lg.jp/

■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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