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

[Saturday, March 25] Motorcycle and meat Events "RIDE & MEAT @UBUYAMA PLACE" Held in decided! Admission is free. Kitchen Car, BBQ of meat, motorcycle test ride, etc., it is a day that you can enjoy on the stage of Aso in early Spring. Location: UBUYAMA PLACE (formerly Ubuyama Ranch)　 Date: Saturday, March 25, 9:00-15:00 (In case of rain, it will be postponed to the next day) Admission: Free * Participants will receive a "Kumamon Sticker"! * Manufacturers that can be test-driven ・YAMAHA ・BMW Motorrad ・Aprilia ・Royal Enfield ・MUTT #UBUYAMAPLACE #Spring Aso #Yamanami Highway #After open burning #Ubuyama #Aso is a sacred place for motorcycles #Bikes #Delicious Beef #Spring Events #Kids can also enjoy it #Kitchen Car

~Ubuyama Midwinter Flea Market~ Held in on Sunday, February 23, the midwinter flea market was successfully completed with Many people Stalls and many customers coming. Held in the event for the first time, and I think 😭 there were many points that we could not reach We are very grateful that we were able to Held in the event with good weather thanks to everyone's cooperation. Normally, I should have thanked each and every one of the Stalls, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. Ubuyama is one of the most mountainous areas in Aso, There is a where the cold is severe. Many people came to such a place and said, "It was fun," and it became a Minamoto of our energy. Held in Events where we can connect with everyone like this. There is a very much for taking this opportunity to thank all the Stalls and visitors. #Ubuyama #Kumamoto #Aso #Flea Market #Midwinter

In a collaboration project between Otsuka Pharmaceutical and the Tokachi Sauna Council and Kushiro Sauna Council, the Finnish-style Sauna "Hokkaido Avant" Held in in Shintoku Town and Lake Kusashiko is used as the ingredients for the poster.

It's 🌸 March from this weekend Kigarakukan sells woodwork related to the Hinamatsuri Festival, and 🎎🌸 there are many items from those that are placed and displayed to those that are hung on the wall, so please ✨ stop by when you come near

【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 At present, Kawayu Visitor Center is hosting "Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder." An artist talk will take place on March 1, and applications are now being accepted. Please take this rare opportunity to join us ⛰️❄️ Outdoor lovers and photography fans will be treated to Junki Yarinome’s wonderful stories♪ 【Junki Yarinome Photo Exhibition Sense of Wonder】 Saturday, March 1, 2025 Kawayu Nature Salon Vol.3 "Artist Talk" Venue: Kawayu Visitor Center lecture room Time: Doors open 13:00 Talk 13:30–15:00 Admission: Free Capacity: 15 people (advance registration required, junior high school students and older, first-come, first-served) ...Junki Yarinome (Yarinome Junki)... Born in Abashiri, Hokkaido. Born in 1992. He completed graduate studies at Hokkaido Bunkyo University Graduate School. After graduating, he moved to Teshikagacho in 2017, began working as an outdoor guide (canoeing, trekking), and made regular trips to snowy mountains his life’s work. Since 2021 he has worked independently as Outdoorguide YARINOME, combining guiding and photography work. He is also active as a rider for MOSIRITA Snowboard.

"An evening to enjoy the new sake "Fushiko"" More than 200 people gathered from outside the In the town to taste this year's new sake. "Fushiko" is also handled as a thank-you gift for paying taxes in Aibetsu Town's Furusato Nozei. You can also enjoy the deep taste fostered by the culture of love at home. ▶https://item.rakuten.co.jp/f014567-aibetsu/f03201/...

Iwanai Onsen 50th Anniversary♨️ With heartfelt thanks to the local community “Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri” Celebration♨️ About the Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri⤵︎ Event period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 to Monday, March 31, 2025 🟡Benefit 1: Limited-time discounts (bathing and accommodation) Special discounts are available at participating Iwanai Onsen facilities *Present the flyer to receive the benefits❗️ *For accommodation, offers are limited to residents of the Shiriuchi area and require telephone reservations 🟡Benefit 2: Onsen stamp rally A chance to win luxurious prizes by lottery!!! Prizes 1st prize: Pair accommodation voucher for Takashima Ryokan♨️ (1 group) 2nd prize: Set of 3 craft beers🍺 (1 person) 3rd prize: IWANAI RESORT 1-day lift ticket⛷️ (3 people) Flyer distribution locations⤵︎ ・Iwanai Onsen bathing facilities and venues ・Iwanai Town Hall ・Roadside Station Iwanai ・Other distribution spots around town ⭐︎How to participate⭐︎ Bring the flyer and use discounts at participating facilities! Collect stamps at two onsen locations and enter the lottery Iwanai Onsen won in the “Onsen General Election 2024” Ranked 3rd nationwide and 1st in Hokkaido in the Beautiful Skin category👏🏻 Takashima Ryokan also defended its national No.1 spot in the Solo Traveler category❗️ Take this opportunity to visit Iwanai Onsen♨️

February 26 Minami no Sakura (Kawazu cherry) bloom status 🌸 Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (midstream of Aono River): 30–60% in bloom ※Downstream from the roadside station → In peak bloom ❁ The field of rapeseed blossoms remains in peak bloom! 🌸 Bloom updates → x.gd/l4scL 🚙 Parking map & congestion updates → x.gd/AfC9q Food trucks are also parked inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana and at the Hinona rapeseed field. 🌸 The 27th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Flower Festival https://x.gd/Albom... 🗓️ Runs Saturday, February 1, 2025 through Monday, March 10, 2025 📍 Along the Aono River in Minamiizu Town #Cherry blossom rickshaw rides: now entering the best season!! #Food truck locations are… ☕ Inside Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana 🌭 Opposite the Hinona rapeseed field ※ Services may be suspended in strong winds or severe weather.

【Mt. Fuji 🥰 from Fujikawa Town Ashirindo Road】 Diamond Fuji Spot Fujikawa Town Takashita The Ashifurin Road is an extension of the area and Mt. Fuji. As in the Takashita area, around the winter solstice in December, You can see Diamond Fuji.

Photographed on 2/24/25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

🌼 Half a million rapeseed flowers are coming into bloom Like a yellow carpet!✨ Under the winter sky, enjoy a field of rapeseed flowers stretching as far as the eye can see♪ This week is peak viewing💕 📍 Location: Village Area Flower Fields (Hoshi Hill · Tsuki Hill) 🌿 Variety: Kanaki (Kanaki) 💛 Number of flowers: 500,000 📅 Blooming season: Now at peak – around mid-March (subject to weather) 🔍 The latest bloom updates are posted on the official Instagram ( @harvesthill_sakai )!

🔴🔵50 days until the opening!🔵🔴 Only 50 days left until the Osaka-Kansai Expo✨ A six-month showcase of cutting-edge technology, culture, and cuisine from around the world is just ahead!🌎🍣🚀 You can reach the expo site from Sakai by various means such as boat or bicycle!🚢🚴 Eco-friendly travel doubles the fun of the journey♪ 📢For details, visit Sakai City’s official website🔍

🔫 Special guided tour exploring the mystery of Sakai gunsmith Inoue Sekiemon! In the Edo period, Sakai was a major center for firearm production✨ This tour delves into the mystery of Sakai gunsmith Inoue Sekiemon, who inherited that history🕵️ 📢 “Untie the Threads, Uncover Sakai: Exploring Sakai’s Mysteries 2025”🎉 📅 Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍Teppo-kaji residence, about 8 participants per session, advance reservations accepted! 🔍 For details, please check the notices on the Sakai Tourism Guide website. 📬Application: Phone/Fax: 072-228-1501 Email: info@sakai-machiyamuseums.com

Hello😃🖐 The other day, I went to 😋 have lunch at the ramen shop "Jinto Rumen" in Kyowa Town I had miso ramen and fried rice, but the first thing that caught my eye after it was brought to me was the huge char siu that covered half of the yellowtail! The rich soup and noodles were intertwined, and the taste was exquisite, not to mention the taste! Squid, why don't 😍 you stop by once? 【Menya Jinto Rumen】 Address: Kyowa-cho Kunitomi 246-1 Business hours:11:00~15:00 Regular holiday: Not open (Please check the official Instagram @menya.jentorumen)

Nobeyama Highlands Today This morning’s lowest temperature in Nobeyama was −13.2°C, and the daytime high reached 4.4°C, creating a temperature gap of more than 20°C. More than the numbers suggest, it felt warm and springlike today. This kind of weather looks set to continue this week, but snow is forecast again next week. Come on, spring—hurry and arrive!

[Notice of City Hall Local Products Sale♪] 2025 For two days starting tomorrow, the Isehara City Hall first-floor entrance hall will host a pop-up sale of Isehara’s delicious local specialties✨ Items may sell out—come early! Oyama Natural Hot Spring Komaya no Yu “Isehara Oyama no Yu”♨️ Frieden🥓 Shinjo-imo House “Tanzawa Oyama Soba” Katano Family’s Fresh Seasonal Vegetables Suzuki Chili Peppers️ Otsuya “Kyarabuki” (braised butterbur stalks) Sanoya “Strawberry Daifuku” Shinten “Sekihan” (red bean rice) Kamesakido “Bread” 27th only! Ryoben “Oyama Manju” Kururin goods and more A bounty of Isehara’s tasty treats! We sincerely look forward to your visit✨ Date and time: Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27, 10:00–14:00 Location: Isehara City Hall, first-floor entrance hall #Isehara #Isehara City Hall #Local Products Sale #Isehara Gourmet #Oyama #Hot Spring #Soba #Vegetables #Chili Peppers #Kyarabuki #Strawberry Daifuku #Sekihan #Bread #Oyama Manju #Kururin #Souvenirs #Limited #May Sell Out #Regional Revitalization #Event #Isehara Tourism

Samurai Teaceremony Zen is alive and well in traditional Japanese culture. Zen has greatly influenced traditional Japanese culture, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, and martial arts. Zen has had a great influence on traditional Japanese culture. It is also said that modern etiquette is based on the The Ogasawara school of etiquette, which is said to have become the standard of modern etiquette, is said to have been established by relating Zen manners to the lifestyle of the samurai class. #teaceremony #japanesetea #calligraphy #wabisabi

Tomachop at the tourist information center has transformed from the female hina doll to the male hina doll ✨ Doesn’t he look sharp and handsome? I’ve lined up images of the female hina doll version from just the other day 🌸 Did you know: In Hokkaido, like in the Kanto region, the female hina doll is placed on the viewer’s right and the male on the viewer’s left. 🎎 I’ve heard that in places like Kyoto, the positions of the male and female hina dolls are reversed 🌸

【The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 2/5】 This year marks the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. While digital submissions and social media entries have become mainstream in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we welcomed Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, as a special judge to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories — Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open — between November 1 and December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won prizes! The three Excellence Award winners and the Tourism Association President’s Award are listed below. Congratulations! 🎊 Next, we will present 3/5, so please look forward to it 📸♪ ✴︎Excellence Awards✴︎ “Fairy, Tree Sap Ice, and Snow” Jun Sakuta “When Ezo Iso-tsutsuji Bloom” Ayako Manabe “Night at the Ranch” Daisuke Utsumi ✴︎Tourism Association President’s Award✴︎ “The Road with a View of Mount Io” Miyuki Narita

Rent a car within Taiki Town You want to sightsee around Taiki Town but don’t have a car, or you’d like to take a short trip during a long stay in Taiki Town… If so, you can rent a car from Hotel Kashiwa in town!

SamuraiCalligraphy 戦国時代、世を死と隣り合わせに駆け抜けたサムライとその妻たちが、死に際（死を覚悟）に儚くも美しい書を遺した。 During the Warring States period, samurai and their wives, who ran through the world side by side with death, left behind ephemeral but beautiful calligraphy on their deathbeds (prepared to die). #SamuraiCalligraphy Deathbed calligraphy is something a person writes down with a brush as their last words in this world when they foresee their death and look back on their life so far. #shodo #kanji

Shiga Town, Ishikawa Prefecture Noto Peninsula Earthquake Reconstruction Support Fair has ended successfully! 🦀 Inside the Direct sales, specialty products and sweets such as Fresh crabs and dried crabs, which are not usually seen, were lined up, and the behavior of crab soup was and 🦀🐟 outside This crab is exciting!! The soup also had a slight flavor and was delicious! Squid and the others were also cheering 🩵

Isehara Certification Exam Debuts on Sunday, March 2, 2025 A chance to show your love for Isehara! Prizes for participants and top winners include luxury rewards✨ Deadline extended to Friday, February 28 Now also recruiting additional applicants: 6th-grade elementary students and middle schoolers and older! Free to enter✨First 100 applicants accepted Let’s all join in! #Isehara #Isehara Certification Exam #Isehara Tourism #City Plaza #Certification #Community Revitalization #History #Culture #Nature #Sightseeing #Event #Recruiting Participants