The 17th Spring Maki Uma Festival ~Town Revitalization at National Historic Site~ (Tokkome Cherry Blossom Festival) Exhibition on the history of Maki, guided tour, horse riding corner (elementary school students and younger, capacity available), quiz rally, Stamp rally, horse-related games, let's draw horse pictures, can badge making corner, etc. Light snacks are sold at stalls by neighborhood associations and shop associations, and bafunmanju, wild horse cookies, wild horse catching, and Original goods are sold at "Tokkome-kun's shop" * We have prepared various events that many people from children to the elderly can enjoy. * Thereare the contents are subject to change without notice. < dates> 2025 (Reiwa 7) April 5 (Sat) 11:00~15:00 < venue> (1) Kaigara-yama Park (Hatsutomi Honmachi 2-22) (2) National Historic Site Shimousa Kogane Nakano Maki Site / Capture (Higashi-Nakazawa 2-1) [Culture and Sports Division]

Notice: Ooyama Cable Car Service Suspension Due to wire rope replacement, the cable car will be suspended for three days from Monday, March 12, 2025 to Friday, March 14, 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Ooyama Kanko Densha Official Website https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/unkyu202303-copy.html...

[Oyama-dera Five-Platform Goma 2025] At Oyama-dera, on the grand festival day of February 28, the only Five-Platform Goma ascetic ritual in Japan was performed. The sacred flames rose together on five goma platforms as prayers for the worshippers’ wishes were ritually empowered.✨ The crackling fire, the chanting sutras, and the pounding taiko drums combined into a breathtaking prayer service that left everyone holding their breath in awe…! The solemn flames🔥 and the otherworldly scene woven by sutra recitation and drumbeats felt like a cleansing for the heart! [Notice of Reopening of Mount Oyama Public Toilet on February 28, 2025] The Mount Oyama public toilet, which had been closed due to pipe damage from freezing, has now reopened.

At Bibai Snowland @bibai_snowland, which is visit by many foreign visitors to Japan, we will Held in a sales event for companies in the city. Stalls of 14 companies have been decided this time. Please come and visit us on the day. Date & Time: Thursday, March 6, 2025 11:00~15:00 Location: Bibai Snow Land Organizer: Bibai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bibai Tourism and Products Association List of Stalls (in no particular order, honorifics omitted) Handmade Miscellaneous Goods / Dressing Hoshina Grill Stand, Key Chain / Doo Metal Yezo deer BBQ, Ghibier Ramen / Mt.inc Soap Loading Experience / Kyowa Automobile Maintenance Factory Reishi Products / Hokkaido Reishi Cheese Huttok / Sunflower Petit Gifts, Sashes / medokistore Puzzle French fries, croquettes / asombroso.hokkaido Sample Products, Candy / Bibai Automobile School Okonomiyaki / Teppanyaki Izakaya Konkon Lamb Menchi / Iishuya Boono Plush / ZOO Planning Bibai Yakitori / Daigo

★Lake Suwa / Kami-Suwa Onsen — A Ryokan with Delicious Food: Hama no Yu ※Kami-Suwa Onsen: The Yutama Legend At Kami-Suwa Onsen there is a “Yutama” legend that says the goddess of Suwa Taisha was carrying bathwater for her makeup on cotton as she moved from the Upper Shrine (Kamisha) to the Lower Shrine (Shimosha). Some of that water fell along the way and formed the hot spring known as Yutama. Now, in this cold season don’t we all want to soak in a warm onsen? Food lover Kasai turns into “steam-emitting Kasai” when he sweats in winter, with steam rising from his head, haha. Lately I’ve actually gotten hooked on onsens! First, I’d like to introduce the local Kami-Suwa Onsen!!! For the first feature, we received cooperation from Hama no Yu!!! Above all, Hama no Yu’s baths let you enjoy the garden view, and their baths are made from the now-rare black granite. And the ultimate feature is their heat retention!!! This heat retention is one of their strongest points in the whole country!!! Please stay with them and enjoy their baths, which are available 24 hours a day!!! • Men’s Bath There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a herbal bath. Men can relax and recover from fatigue in the herbal bath♨. A dry sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath is open 24 hours! • Women’s Bath There are four baths: a black granite bath, a cypress bath (bubble bath), a rock open-air bath, and a lavender bath. In the women’s bath you can especially enjoy the lavender bath♨, with its delightful fragrance and excellent relaxing effect. A mist sauna and cold plunge are available. The large public bath and the lavender bath are open 24 hours! ☆ Private Bath “Asa no Yu” A private bath is available where families can soak together in private, so if you have small children you can enjoy the onsen without worry, just like at home♨. Fee: 45 minutes / 2,200 yen (tax included) • Source: Nanatsugama Source (a mixed spring of Shin-Mitsugama No.1 source, Shin-Mitsugama No.2 source, Ayame source, and Yanaginami source) • Water Quality: Simple sulfur spring (weakly alkaline, hypotonic, high-temperature spring) • Indications: Neuralgia / Muscle pain / Joint pain / Frozen shoulder / Motor paralysis / Joint stiffness / Bruises / Sprains / Chronic digestive diseases / Hemorrhoids / Sensitivity to cold / Convalescence / Recovery from fatigue / Health promotion Everyone, please consider staying at Hama no Yu to enjoy this proud onsen and the ryokan’s pride—its delicious meals!!! https://www.hamanoyu.co.jp//

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 4/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest celebrates its 14th year this time. While recent years have favored digital submissions and entries via social media, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format, judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to serve as a special juror. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries from November 1, 2024, to December 25, 2024, across four categories: Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five Special Prize winners. Congratulations! 🎊 The final installment will appear in the next post. Stay tuned📸♪ ✴︎Special Prize✴︎ “Morning Awakening, In the Calm” Hazuki Yamada “As in Ancient Times” Masao Kainuma “A Night of Complete Ice Cover” Masaru Murakami “Nature’s Vitality” Tadashi Takeda “Charge” Toshikazu Yanagihori

Photographed on 2/23/25. This is Hanachozu from Koedo Kurasato.

🍵 Matcha experience with a golden tea bowl (seated tea ceremony)🍡 Enjoy matcha served in a golden tea bowl while seated, along with Sakai wagashi (fresh Japanese confections)✨ 📢 “Untie the Knot, Sakai: Delving into Sakai’s Mysteries 2025”🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍 Sakai Rishō no Mori — reservations open from Saturday, March 1! 🔍 For details, please check the announcements on the Sakai Tourism Guide website 📬 Apply: via the Sakai Rishō no Mori reservation site 📞 Inquiries: 072-260-4386

🧵Unraveling the Mystery of the Tea Room – Hideyoshi’s Golden Tea Room and Rikyu’s Taian Sen no Rikyu, born in Sakai, perfected the tea ceremony culture 🍵 This event focuses on the tea room and features a special lecture by a curator along with an exhibition-guided tour visiting two tea rooms ✨ 📢“Untie the Cord: Exploring Sakai’s Mysteries 2025” 🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍Sakai Risho no Mori; reservations open from Saturday, March 1! 🔍For details, please check the announcement on the Sakai Tourism Guide website 📬Apply via the Sakai Risho no Mori reservation site 📞Inquiries: 072-260-4386

🌷Manda Pit Spring Festa 2025🌷 Delicious gourmet food, handmade goods, and food trucks! Also featuring “Manda Elementary Kids Guide” collaboration: Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3! For details, please visit the Arao City Tourism Association website 💁‍♀️ ◆Date and Time Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:00–15:00 ※Event will proceed in light rain ◆Location Manda Pit Lawn Plaza, 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City Free admission! ※The paid area of Manda Pit remains charged as usual. ◆Program ・Petting zoo ・Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3 (quiz rally) ・Bubble Time (teambub) ・Gymnastics workshop by acrobat performance team VIVO ・Gourmet and craft market with over 30 vendors ◆Organizer Manda Pit Station @akane.0604k93 #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao #Event #Spring Festa #Manda Pit #Gourmet #Food truck #Crafts #Handmade #Zoo #Petting zoo #Quiz rally #Challenge from Manda Pit #Tamana #Omuta #Nagasu #World Cultural Heritage #World Heritage

Photographed 2/28/25. CAFE ANDON's Cafe Latte and Foret Noir (French: Black Forest). It is a winter cake with cocoa sponge sandwiched between fresh cream and cherry jam. It also goes well with a latte. Of course, it is very tasty. It seems to be until today.

Iwamotoyama Park (Shizuoka) Located in the southwestern part of the city Elevation the Nature Park is a Use of a hilly area of more than 193 meters. In addition to the Lawn square, Ume Plum garden, and Nature observation Zone, Hiking Course are also Maintenance in the park, and from the Observation decks you can see the Fuji River to the west, the Izu Peninsula from the oceanic Suruga Bay to the south, and Fuji to the north, and you can Unfolds the best view of the East Sea. Especially in early Spring, about 300 Ume Plums bloom, making it an excellent photo point for "Mt. Fuji and Ume Plums". Famous as a superb view point for night views, you can see a beautiful illumination from Fuji City to Shimizu Port. Famous cafes are also located in the park, where you can eat fluffy pancakes.

Half of a snail Vacant house in Escargot

Try pushing a snowball or dancing next to it Louis was 👍 full of energy without worrying about the cold

Photographed on February 27: The plums at Atami Plum Garden are still largely in full bloom! Atami Plum Garden Plum Album https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/features/46... The 81st Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/event/355...

"The 20th Rose Festival" has been decided to ♪ be held in Held in period: 5/24 (Sat) ~ 6/8 (Sun) Opening hours: 9 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m.) During the period, in addition to selling products related to the town Specialty products and roses, we are also planning to sell seedlings of the Sakaki Town Original rose "Oyster no Hikari" on Saturdays and Sundays only. Events, etc., will be announced as soon as the details are decided. Please ★ look forward to the Shinshu Oyster roses

Photographed on 2/24/25. This is a café latte from CAFE ANDON. It's very, very nice latte art. ☕️

"The 10th Sakaki Hina Dolls" is held in! Held in from February 6 (Thu) ~ March 30 (Sun) at the Iron Exhibition Hall and the Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum. We will welcome you with an elaborate exhibition. Iron Exhibition Hall Admission fee: 400 yen (300 yen after admission to Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum) Hours: 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.) ■Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Admission fee: 100 yen (free after admission to the Iron Exhibition Hall) Hours: 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.) Events during the < period> ★ Guided tour of Sakaki inn and Showa Bridge Date & Time: February 9 (Sun) ~ March 16 (Sun) Every Sunday 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m. Meeting place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum (Reception from 9:30 am) Planning: Sakaki Inn Fureai Guide Association Participation fee: 400 yen (including admission fee) ★ Let's make a hanging ornament (knot) Held in: February 8 (Sat), 15 (Sat), 23 (Sun) Hours: 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m., 1 p.m. ~ 3 p.m. Place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Admission: 500 yen (admission fee not included) Lecturer: Oyster Wabu no Kai ★ Making a flower brooch with wool felt Held in: February 22 (Sat), March 9 (Sun) Hours: 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m., 1 p.m. ~ 3 p.m. Place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Participation fee: 700 yen (admission fee not included) Lecturer: MS.ten My Teshigotoya ★ Enjoy the aroma of making flowers in Mizuhiki Held in dates: February 16 (Sun), February 19 (Wed), March 2 (Sun) Hours: 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m., 1 p.m. ~ 3 p.m. Place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Participation fee: 1,000 yen (admission fee not included) Lecturer: Aromatherapy Room Fuka * Fuka * Akiko Yamazaki ★ Let's touch the Japan sword! Let's actually pick up a Japan sword and Appreciation it. Held in: Every Sunday during the exhibition period (except February 23 and March 2) Time: 9 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. Place: Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall Admission: Free (admission fee not included) * Events contents are subject There are change. Thank you for your understanding. <Contact us> Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall TEL. FAX：0268-82-1128 Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum TEL. FAX：0268-82-4193

Announcement of Kururin Birthday Exhibition Everyone’s beloved Kururin’s birthday falls on March 1, 2025 🎉 A birthday exhibition runs at the in-station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) on the north side stairs of Odakyu Line Isehara Station until Sunday, March 9, open 9:00–17:00 🎂 You’ll also find a video message from Odakyu’s Mokoron-chan! Come and join us! Plus! Today, February 27, from 10:00 to 14:00, is the final day of the Isehara local gourmet specialty pop-up sale in the entrance hall on the first floor of Isehara City Hall Ryoben’s “Ooyama Manju” is on sale in limited quantities They’re likely to sell out—grab them early! We also have extremely popular Kururin goods you can only get in Isehara ✨ We look forward to seeing you! ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ North side stairs of Odakyu Line Isehara Station In-station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open daily) #Isehara #Kururin #Birthday #Tourist Information #Ooyama Manju #Souvenirs #In-station #Odakyu Line #Mokoron #Event #Limited #Outing #Kanagawa Tourism #Isehara Tourism #Yuru-chara #Happy Birthday

[Thorough Guide to the World Cultural Heritage Site: Manda Pit!] Manda Pit, located in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of the coal mine ruins that supported Japan’s modernization. It is registered as a component of the World Cultural Heritage site "Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution" and holds great significance in Japan’s industrial history. Highlights of Manda Pit One of Japan’s Largest Shaft Facilities Manda Pit served as one of the Miike Coal Mine shafts, producing high-quality coal from the Meiji era through the early Showa era and supporting Japan’s modernization. The massive steel headframe symbolizing Meiji- and Taisho-era mining technology and the winding engine house are must-sees. Well-Preserved Industrial Heritage Many mine facilities and equipment used from the Meiji through Showa eras remain at Manda Pit, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of the time. The red-brick buildings and the imposing steel-frame structures are especially popular photo spots. Guided Tours to Learn Mine History Specialist-guided tours at Manda Pit explain the history and workings of the mine in detail. You can see the machinery and equipment that were actually used up close. Display of Mine Trains Manda Pit also exhibits the mine trains once used there. You can view the trains used to transport coal and for local transport up close, and running demonstrations are held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Recommended Nearby Spots Arao Tidal Flats (a nature-rich tidal flat registered under the Ramsar Convention) Greenland (one of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks) Yotsuyama Shrine (a historic shrine beloved by Arao residents) Coal Industry Science Museum (a science museum about energy from coal) Access Information About 10 minutes by car from JR Arao Station About 1 hour by car from Fukuoka City About 1 hour by car from Kumamoto City #Manda Pit #World Cultural Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Kumamoto Sightseeing #Arao City #Historical Exploration #Industrial Heritage #Photo Spot

Kon-gari, Fluffy Setoushi-kun Cakes Setoushi-kun Cakes These baked sweets, shaped like Nishiokoppe Village’s mascot Setoushi-kun, resemble baby castella cakes. They are made by Yume-mura Mori no Garden. This group tends the garden behind Hotel Rimu and Kourakuen, and developed a souvenir confection that visitors can take home, launching sales in 2021, the Year of the Ox. Setoushi-kun Cakes are made like taiyaki, poured into Setoushi-kun molds and baked. Skilled hands precisely and swiftly pour just the right amount into each mold. When the timer rings and the mold opens, a golden-brown Setoushi-kun appears. Freshly baked ones are rarely available to eat on the spot, but I enjoyed one between shots during the photo session. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside. They have a comforting, gentle flavor. The batter includes white birch sap harvested in Nishiokoppe, which gives them their natural sweetness. (White birch sap is rich in 17 types of amino acids, minerals, and vitamin C—one of the selling points of Setoushi-kun Cakes😎) * * * * * From summer through autumn, they appear at events, and are sold once a month at various village facilities. (Q Mart, Roadside Station Kam, Komu Museum of Art, and Hotel Rimu) Flavors: plain and chocolate chip 10 pieces 300 yen If you see them, why not try one? #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Yume-mura Mori no Garden #Setoushi-kun #Setoushi-kun Cakes #Baked confection #white birch sap

🏔 I visited photo spots in the Northern Alps📷💨 On February 25th, Omachi City was clear and sunny from morning☀️ Thanks to radiational cooling, the temperature fell to nearly -10°C, making for a very cold morning❄️ I bundled up every part of my neck🧣🧤 and went around the photo spots📷 The snow-capped Northern Alps stood out against the blue sky🏔 I hope this helps when you visit Omachi City☺ ⭐️ Omachi City Tourism Association Official Website ⭐️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

This work was photographed near Omi Nagaoka, Shiga Prefecture, with Mt. Ibuki and the DisneySea (Fantasy Springs) wrapping bullet train.

Photographed on 2/24/25. This is a hot tuna onion sandwich from CAFE ANDON. I visit you from time to time. 😊

Photographed on 2/24/25. Outside of CAFE ANDON, there is Squid. It's almost March. 🎎

Discover the charms of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a captivating destination with the World Cultural Heritage site Manda Pit, beautiful nature, and leisure spots. Through Cool Japan videos, we will bring you plenty of information on Arao City’s sightseeing, gourmet food, and events! Stay tuned! ■■■Sightseeing spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao offers many places to enjoy history, nature, and leisure. Be sure to visit. ◇Manda Pit (Manda-kō) This coal mine site flourished from the Meiji era through the Showa era and is part of the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” With brick winding engine rooms and massive steel headframes, you can feel the power and history of the mines. ◇Greenland One of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks, Greenland features more than 70 attractions. It’s a top leisure spot where families and friends can spend the whole day. Fireworks are held several times a year, drawing large crowds. ◇Arao Tidal Flats (Arao Higata) This Ramsar-listed tidal flat is a precious habitat visited by many migratory birds. It’s perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Yotsuyama Shrine has watched over Arao’s history and remains beloved by the local community. Many worshippers still visit; a grand torii welcomes visitors to a peaceful shrine atmosphere. ■■■Local specialties and gourmet food of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao is full of local culinary delights to savor! ◇Arao Pears Known nationwide for their large size and rich sweetness, Arao pears offer a juicy, crisp texture. The new summer variety, Arao nashi, has attracted attention as a summer fruit. ◇Melon Bread Arao boasts many melon bread shops, including Fukuyama’s Melon Bread and Mankodo’s Melon Bread. ◇Kosen Dago A giant okonomiyaki exceeding 30 cm in diameter, this local favorite is loved by residents and tourists for its size and flavor. ◇Ojiro ware Ojiro ware is a representative Kyushu pottery fired for about 400 years on the northern slopes of Mount Odai. Its glazes blend deep indigo and blue with white slip, earning high artistic praise. ◇Arao Olive Olive cultivation is thriving, and locally produced olive oil is often used as a gift. ■■■Events in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao hosts enjoyable events throughout the seasons! ◇Arao Night Market A summer festival held at Manda Pit, the night market gathers many gourmet food trucks and attracts large crowds each year. ◇Nobaru Hachimangu Annual Festival (Nobarasan) Affectionately called “Nobarasan” by locals, this festival preserves a traditional performance known as furyu that has been passed down orally for over 770 years. Furyu is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022 the furyu dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Annual Festival (Kokunzosan) Local elementary and junior high school students perform miko dances such as Urayasu no Mai and Toyosakae no Mai. Climb the 311 steps that lead to the shrine to offer prayers and receive lucky coins, and enjoy the many stalls lining the path to Yotsuyama Shrine. ◇Majaku Fishing Tournament A signature Arao event, this unique tournament involves catching majaku (ghost shrimp) on the tidal flats—an authentic local experience. ◇Manda Pit Spring Festa A spring event held at Manda Pit featuring a variety of attractions. It’s popular with families and visitors. ■■■Hot springs and accommodation in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao also offers relaxing hot springs and a range of accommodations. ◇Accommodation in Arao City The city has ample hotels that are convenient for both sightseeing and business. Some properties feature hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. We will continue to share Arao City’s attractions through Cool Japan videos! Come and enjoy Arao’s history, nature, and gourmet food! #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao City #Kumamoto tourism #World Cultural Heritage #Manda Pit #Greenland #Arao pears #Melon bread #coal mine

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted for Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 6❄️】 Although days have warmed noticeably, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold in Gokase Town 🥶 We’re grateful that entries for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” campaign on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram have been accumulating, so here are some of the submissions 🙌✨ @donguri223103 @xitiannaiyang4 @goto0619 @irnoarkoa @yamabico_san @satoshi.misaki @thusandleavis @fowafuwarin5 (in no particular order) While many winter scenes come from the Kuraoka area, this time we received a snow photo of Josenji Temple in the Sanko area as well 👏✨ Even within snowy landscapes, the lively atmosphere of the ski resort, the calm winter mood of Kuraoka, and the sacred, quiet presence of Josenji each have their own charm — they’re all wonderful ☺️💫 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s only a short time left before this campaign closes ✨ Please feel free to enter with any small winter photo — we’d love to see your submissions 🤗🎶 How to enter (deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. Please prioritize safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing⚠️

Daidoin and Former Yoshida Family Residence Historical Park are Held in the 2025 Hananoi Hinameguri! Held in date and time, please check below. ・Daidoin Gallery: February 1 (Sat) ~ March 3 (Mon), 2025 　　　　　　　　　 　　　１０：００～１６：００ ・Former Yoshida Family Residence Historical Park: February 1 (Sat) ~ March 2 (Sun), 2025 　　　　　　　　　　　　９：３０～１６：３０　 　　　　　　　　　　　　* Closed every Monday * Both of the above locations are free of charge

Goko Cafe will open on Saturday, March 1, 2025! The cafe inside Mihama Town Lake Center will reopen under the new name Goko Cafe. Enjoy it while waiting for the sightseeing boat or during a quiet afternoon break. Goko Cafe Location: Mihama Town Lake Center (24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town) Hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Every Wednesday Inquiries: 0770-32-5144 (Mihama Town Silver Human Resources Center) For boat reservations, please contact Mihama Town Lake Center at 0770-47-5960.

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 3/5 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and social media entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest preserves a classic format by judging printed works. As a special juror, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Sky, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—between November 1 and December 25, 2024. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five winning entries. Congratulations! 🎊 Next up is 4/5—stay tuned 📸♪ ✴︎Winning Entries✴︎ “Love at First Sight” Yasunori Kobayashi “Dawn” Naoya Andachi “Lake Kussharo in Winter” Miki Furusawa “River at Dawn” Kejiro Suzuki “Ehehe” Rie Ishida