Official Author

有田 和義（Kazuyoshi Arita）

Norn Minakami Ski Resort: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Norn Minakami Ski Resort] 2017-2018 Seasonal PV" (【ノルン水上スキー場】2017-2018シーズン PV), was uploaded by "Norn Minakami Ski Resort." Only an hour-and-a-half drive from the city and you'll arrive at Norn Minakami Ski Resort in Tone, Gunma, in Japan's Kanto region. You can see Mt. Nikko-Shirane and Mt. Hotaka, which are both one of the Top 100 Mountains of Japan. You can also enjoy not only skiing, but beautiful views as well! The ski resort has even hosted an illumination event called Spring Flower Garden during Golden Week. In this article, we'll introduce Norn Minakami Ski Resort, including activities to enjoy at this popular winter destination. More About Norn Minakami Ski Resort, Home to Snowland, an Attraction Popular With Kids Photo：A child skiing Norn Minakami Ski Resort is a ski area located in Tone, Gunma. It's close to the city, and is also open until late at night for night skiing. In winter, this place is quite popular for its snow-related activities! Norn Minakami Ski Resort was built late into Japan's bubble economy, and it features an efficient arrangement of ski slopes and gondolas. There are 5 ski slopes, and all of them lead to the main lodge. Some courses are for beginners, and others are for advanced skiers, so anyone can enjoy skiing here. [Video] 0:24 - People Enjoying Snowboarding on the Ski Slopes Crepes & Other Delicious Food at Morn Minakami Ski Resort Photo：Making a crepe You can also expect great facilities outside of the slopes at Norn Minakami Ski Resort. There's also a shop where you can rent equipment for skiing and snowboarding. There are a variety of places serving delicious food where you can grab a bite for lunch as well. Norn Burger serves tasty hamburgers using locally made tofu patties. Fuji Men (富士麺, "Fuji Noodles") is popular for its thick shoyu ramen noodles that warm you up, and the rooftop terrace offers a trendy jerk chicken plate that you wouldn't expect to find at a ski resort. Check out the video to see the mouthwatering crepes and strawberry sweets offered at the ski resort. If you've got a sweet tooth, be careful because these things are irresistible after a long day of skiing and snowboarding! [Video] 1:10 - Delicious Looking Crepes If you're searching for some souvenirs, there's also a gift shop. Or if you forgot something at home and need it to enjoy the snow, there's a sports shop where you can buy whatever you need. Enjoy Sledding and Snow Tubing at Snowland! Photo：Sledding Snow Land is a fun place for both children and adults alike. First is the sledding area, which features a 40-meter-long snow escalator that makes climbing the hill a breeze! You'll want to slide down it over and over again! On the other side of the sledding area are snow striders and snow bikes. Both are available for 500 yen per 30 minutes. In addition, a new tubing course has been added this season. Snow tubing is an exhilarating experience for both children and adults! Snow tubing is also available for 500 yen per 30 minutes. Norn Minakami Ski Resort also features picturesque scenery, with views of some of Japan's Top 100 Mountains, such as Mt. Hotaka, Mt. Shibutsu, Mt. Nikko-Shirane, Mt. Akagi, Mt. Asama. Be sure to take photos of this amazing scenery. Norn Minakami Ski Resort – Additional Information for the Ski Resort! Photo：The shinkansen at Jomo-kogen Station Opening hours for Norn Minakami Ski Resort vary by season, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information. On some Fridays and Saturdays, the resort is open until midnight, so make sure to check the website if you're looking to enjoy evening activities. Norn Minakami Ski Resort is approximately 3 kilometers from the Minakami Interchange by car on the Kanetsu Express Way. A free parking area is available as well. There's also a free shuttle bus from Minakami Station via the Joetsu Line and from Jomo-kogen Station via the Joetsu Shinkansen Line. It can cost upwards of 4,700 yen to use a taxi, so we recommend using the free shuttle buses if you come by train. There are many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and resort hotels near Norn Minakami Ski Resort that we recommend staying at. For example, "Omine-kan" (大峰館), "Minakami Hotel Juraku," "Minakamikan," "Oyado Matsubaya," "Matsunoi" (松の井) "KKR Minakami Suimei-so" (KKR水上水明荘) "Daikoku-kan" (pet friendly), "Pension Be" (ペンションBe). Relax in a hot spring and enjoy luxurious dishes after a long day of skiing and snowboarding! Summary of Norn Minakami Ski Resort Norn Minakami Ski Resort features ski slopes that both beginners and advanced skiers can enjoy, and it's close to the city. There are shops and restaurants quality dishes, so you can enjoy more than just skiing or snowboarding. Norn Minakami Ski Resort is actually a compact ski resort, and so Snow Land is only a small portion of the resort, but it's fun enough for small children and adults. Maybe check it out on a weekend trip! 【Official Website】Norn Minakami Ski Resort 【TripAdvisor】Norn Minakami Ski Resort

An Introduction to Hand-painted Kyo-yuzen Kimono This video, titled "How to Make Hand-Painted Kyo-yuzen｜how to make Kimono" (手描き京友禅の作り方-how to make Kimono (熨斗 - 引き振袖)　有限会社　琢磨), was released by "Yuzen Takuma." Kyo-yuzen is a dyeing method used to color kimono and was designated as a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1976. Kyo-yuzen, which originated in Kyoto, along with Kaga-yuzen (加賀友禅) and Tokyo-yuzen (東京友禅), are the three most famous types of Yuzen in Japan. Yuzen refers to the traditional dyeing process used to add color and designs to kimono. The History of Kyo-yuzen Photo：Kyoto hand painted Yuzen The Kyo-yuzen method of dyeing originated in Kyoto in the late 17th century, during the Edo Period (1603 AD - 1868 AD). Yuzen Miyazaki, who was a fan painter at the time, decided to paint some of his popular designs onto kimono and thus, Yuzen kimono dyeing was born. At a time when the shogunate had prohibited luxury or extravagance through sumptuary laws, the new Yuzen process, which was exempt from this law, was welcomed by kimono craftsmen and women who enjoyed wearing kimono. Kimono Decoration Using the Kyo-yuzen Method at the Famous Kimono Store "Takuma" Source :YouTube screenshot The well-established kimono store Takuma featured in this video, which has been in business for more than 40 years now, gives us insight into how kimono are dyed using the Kyo-yuzen method. As you can see from 0:32 in the video, the material used to create the kimono is of the highest quality, from the producer "Otsuka" (大塚). Next, you can see how patterns are first sketched out and then transferred to a different sheet that will become the final copy to transfer the design onto the kimono. From there the fine details are added, after which a paste and powder are added to certain parts of the design to prevent colors from seeping into spaces they should not be. A special kind of temple is then affixed to the fabric to hold it in place after which hot water is applied to the fabric to complete the preparations for the dyeing process. Next, a base color is applied to the fabric. A small section of fabric is dyed to test the color, then the dye is applied by brush. The fabric is then steamed to allow the dye to sink into the fabric, after which the fabric is then washed in water to get rid of any remaining dye or chemicals. The beautiful designs are then carefully hand-painted and finished with gold leaf to make the kimono even more luxurious. Takeyamachi embroidery (竹屋町刺繍) and Kinkoma embroidery (金駒刺繍) are then added to complete the look. You can take a look at the final product at 6:48 in the video. Summary of Kyo-yuzen Traditional Dyeing Photo：Ninenzaka, Women in Kimono Kyo-yuzen is a beautiful, traditional Japanese method of dyeing. Please enjoy the techniques and methods used by the Kyo-yuzen masters in the video. Kimono can be purchased online, however, if you would like to order a custom-made kimono, we highly recommend visiting the store to speak with the store owner. The beauty of Kyo-yuzen kimono is as appreciated today as it was hundreds of years ago when it was first developed. We hope you enjoyed learning more about this traditional craft!

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

This video, released by "Muscle Chef's Simple Recipes, Fish Cuisine" (筋肉料理人の簡単レシピ、魚料理), is titled "How to make Nagasaki-style Sara Udon, a large plate of noodles for everyone to eat and also a great snack with spirits!" (長崎風皿うどんの作り方、皆で食べる大皿盛り、お酒のつまみにもいけます。). This video introduces how to make Nagasaki-style Sara Udon, a dish of fried, crispy, thin noodles with a thick sauce on top. Nagasaki-style Sara Udon is a standard menu item served at family gatherings in Nagasaki and is very popular not only among children but also among adults as it pairs well with spirits. It's a memorable dish that conjures up images of a table full of friends and family. The video shows you how to make the dish for 6 people. Try making Nagasaki-style Sara Udon with crispy thin noodles and plenty of vegetables on your own!

This video, titled "Tamatsukuri Onsen Promotional Video (Long Ver.)" (玉造温泉プロモーション（Long ver.）), was released by "Tamatsukuri Hot Spring (Shimane Prefecture) Tourist Information Site 'Tamanavi'" (玉造温泉（島根県）観光情報サイト・たまなび). If you want to get into one of Japan's historic hot springs, we recommend the Tamatsukuri Onsen in Shimane Prefecture. Tamatsukuri Onsen has been in Japan since the Heian period, and is considered one of the three best hot springs in Japan in the Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon. At Chorakuen, introduced in the video, there is the largest mixed bathing open-air bath in Japan, and you can take a bath with your family, friends, or loved ones while wearing a towel. The water of Tamatsukuri Onsen is said to be very effective in cultivating beautiful skin, as it is thick like a lotion. After taking a hot spring bath, you can enjoy a stroll through the onsen town and enjoy delicious seafood bowls!

This video, titled "Fresh Greenery at Mishakaike Pond "'A Place I Want to Visit Before I Die! Scenery of Japan" Okutateshina｜Japan's Mishakaike Pond in Summer｜Downconvert 4K Video to 2K｜Natural Landscape Photography" (新緑の御射鹿池「死ぬまでに行きたい！日本の絶景」奥蓼科 Japan Mishaka pond of summer　Downconvert 4k shot video by 2k 自然風景映像), was released by "Yatsugatake21_4K_Japan." This video introduces Mishakaike Pond, which was the motif of the famous Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama's work. Mishakaike Pond in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture was actually created at the beginning of the Showa Period (1926-1989) as an agricultural reservoir, and has now been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Ponds by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The beautiful scenery, which can be called a true mystery of nature, is unforgettable, and it is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan that you should be on your bucket list. Please enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mishakaike Pond in the video.

This video is called "Kawachi Wisteria Garden [8KHDR]" by "Japan Explorers." This video introduces the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, which was selected as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan by the American CNN. The Kawauchi Wisteria Garden, a tourist attraction that Fukuoka Prefecture is proud of, is decorated with wisteria, and its beauty is recognized by the world. The wisteria trellises and the 110-meter-long wisteria tunnel, as well as the colored leaves in November and December, make this a place with countless breathtaking views. In this video, you can see a lot of beautiful wisteria at the Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Be sure to check it out!

This video, titled "Matsumoto Castle - 松本城 - 4K Ultra HD," was released by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." Unlike other castles in Japan, Matsumoto Castle is not built on a hill or mountain plateau, but on flat ground. Originally built as Fukashi Castle in the Warring States period (1467-1568) by the Shinano Protectorate of Ogasawara City, Matsumoto Castle once fell during the invasion of Takeda City in Kai Province. However, it was later rebuilt and is now one of the most beloved castles in Japan. The castle tower was built by Naomasa Matsudaira, the feudal lord at that time, and it is the only existing national treasure with a moon viewing tower in Japan. Many events are held in the nearby Matsumoto Castle Park throughout the year, so we recommend visiting during these events.

This video, titled "[Official] Maiko Snow Resort PV" (【公式】舞子スノーリゾートPV), was released by "Maiko Snow Resort" (舞子スノーリゾート). The video introduces the charm of Maiko Snow Resort in Niigata Prefecture, so those who love winter sports should check it out. It introduces the slopes, restaurants and hotels in an easy to understand manner. One of the highlights of this video is at 2:31, which shows the beautiful night view of Maiko Snow Resort. If you want to capture the beauty of the resort at night, not only should you watch the video, but you should also visit the resort in person! Other services for kids are listed at 1:56, so if you're planning on visiting the resort with your kids, you should definitely give it a watch!

This video, titled "Geto Kogen Ski Resort PV" (夏油高原スキー場 GETO), was released by "Geto Kogen" ()夏油高原. If you want to ski in the Kitakami City area of Iwate Prefecture, we recommend the Geto Kogen Ski Resort. Geto is usually thought of as being warm, but the Geto Kogen Ski Resort is located in one of Japan's heaviest snow regions. In winter, there is enough snow for skiing and you can enjoy a long season. There are 14 trails and 9 tree run areas, so you can enjoy a variety of trails. The Geto Kogen Hot Spring is located in the ski area, so be sure to drop by after a long day of skiing!