A inn Johshuya for rent in a Unno Yado where the townscape of harmony continues In the Edo period, it was full of vitality as a Shukuba-juku, and during the Meiji and Taisho periods, it Unno Yado shifted to a city where sericulture was thriving. Even now, the precious buildings of that time are lined up, and if you step inside, you can feel the "time" that is constantly streaming beyond the long history of Unno Yado, which has lasted for nearly 400 years. Johshuya is the only space where you can liken your time to a thread and unwind the tightly twisted thread. Dinner at Johshuya Johshuya offers creative Japanese cuisine produced by Komoro City "Drunkenness". A small bowl made with ingredients from Shinshu, and Shinshu premium beef sukiyaki as the main dish. It is a hot pot that warms up in this season when it is still cold. You can consult with us about the arrangement of the dishes according to your budget and wishes. Please experience the cuisine filled in the space of Johshuya and the local wine together with "unwinding time". #Unno Yado #Old townscape #Nagano Trip #Rental of a building

The long week of the new school year is coming to an end. Here's a little reflection of March. [Implementation of study tour by junior high and high school students @ Tomi City] 3/23 Sat - 26 Tue As part of the Ueda-Tomi Study Tour, members of the Social Action Team of the Volunteer Department of International Secondary School attached to Tokyo Gakugei University visited Tomi City! While continuing the relationship with Ueda, this time the field was expanded to Tomi, and 14 junior high and high school students experienced Tomi for the first time Tomi was on the 1st day of 3/25. We actually visit the area, interacted with local people, and worked on a study tour to think about local issues together from the perspective of junior high and high school students. Tomi's theme is "How can people gather in Tomi?" It's huge! Because this was my first time in Tomi, I dared to ask them to grasp the charm of Tomi from multiple perspectives without being bound by the perspective of tourism. [Local people who cooperated this time] ⚪︎Cave Hatano Hatano-san ⚪︎SASAKI FARM 佐々木さん ⚪︎ Kodama Family Residence & Cafe Nei Kodama's family ⚪︎Unno Yado Kamishuya Asakawa-san * SASAKI FARM was specially accepted for training. Please note that it is not a tourist ranch. The junior high and high school students fell in love with the land of Tomi itself, and while touching the enthusiasm of Adults who took on the challenge of realizing their commitments and desires, they enthusiastically asked specific and Unfolding questions. Although it was only one day, I was very impressed by the way they tried to get to know Tomi deeply. At the end, the "charm of Tomi" that everyone felt at the Unno Yado Fureai Center was output in a short time. From the moment you unfold the imitation paper, the pen moves all at once! Impression by the enthusiasm of the junior high and high school students. I'm looking forward to the reports that will be compiled in the future. Tomi, like Ueda, I can't help but think that we can build a Gari with continuity. Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School Volunteer Department See you all in Tomi/ ・ ・ [Thanks] Thank you again to everyone in the community who cooperated with us! Please 🙏 note that some tagging did not work Regional Revitalization Cooperation Volunteers T.N #Tomi City #Nagano Prefecture #Study Tour #Tourism Association #Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division #Junior and senior high school students #Local issues #Connecting with the community #Adult challenging #Winery #Cavehatano #Sheep Farm #Sasaki Farm #Sasaki Farm #Kodama Family Residence #Kodama Family Residence Cafe #Unno Yado #Rental inn #Unno Yado Kamishuya

HELLO VIEWERS OF COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association. Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture is a city in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by the Asama mountain range of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park to the north and Tateshina and Yatsugatake to the south, it is an area rich in Rich in nature, with more than half of the city being mountain forests and one-fourth being fields. The city was created in 2002 by the merger of Higashimomachi and Kitamomaki Village, and became "Tomi City" by taking one letter each of the Omi of Higashimomachi "east" and Kitamomaki Village. There is the Joshinetsu Expressway "Tobu Yunomaru Interchange" and the Shinano Railway "Tanaka Station" and "Shigeno Station", and it is about 2 hours from Central Tokyo and about 1 hour from Nagano City and Matsumoto City. ==Recommended sightseeing spots in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Unno Yado Opened in 1625 as a Shukuba-juku on the Kitakuni Highway, it is a tourist destination that still retains its original appearance. You can feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. ・Myojin Pond It is a pond built in the Edo period, and it is Maintenance as an Art Village Park centered on the pond, and you can see the beautiful scenery of the four seasons such as New green and autumn leaves in the Satoyama. There are facilities in the park such as the Umeno Memorial Picture Gallery and the Fureaikan. ・Unnojyuku History and Folklore Museum The building built around 1790 in the Edo period is still used as a Documents Museum. The climate, history, and documents of Unno Yado are on display ・Roadside Station Raiden Walnut Village At the Roadside Station at the entrance to Yunomaru Highland, you can enjoy a meal that makes use of hand-made soba "Inutate Soba" and local ingredients at the restaurant. Local agricultural products and specialty products are lined up, so it is also recommended to buy Souvenirs for sightseeing in Tomi City. ・Yunomaru Ski Resort It is the closest powder snow ski resort to Central Tokyo, and the six slopes can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. The business period is from late November to early April every year. ・Yunomaru Plateau It is a plateau located on the west side of the Asama mountain ranges, and the Renge azalea of Azalea Plain is also designated as a national natural monument. Every year, when the Renge azalea is in full bloom, the "Yunomaru Kogen Azalea Festival" is held. ・Yurakuchi-kan Wine & Beer Museum It is a facility where you can experience Tomi Wine, such as an exhibition room that introduces the history of Tomi Wine, winery Information in Tomi City, grape cultivation amount, etc., and a tasting area and wine sales centered on Tomi City wine. A wine concierge is also available, so be sure to find your favorite wine. ==Specialty products and gourmet foods of Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== Kyoho grapes, walnuts, sweet corn, Shirado potatoes, and broccoli are specialty products of Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture. These specialty products are also popular as thank-you gifts for roadside stations and Furusato Nozei tax payments. In addition, wineries are being born one after another in Tomi City, and wine taxis are also operated to visit wineries in the city. ==Events and festivals in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Raiden Festival It is a major summer event in Tomi City held at Tanaka Shopping Street, and there are performances and dances on stage, and many Kitchen Cars are lined up in the shopping street. At the climax, the festivals are enlivened by a dance parade. ・Unno Yado Fureai Festival It is a festival held every November at Uminojuku, Old Kitakuni Highway, Unno Juku, and a procession dressed in Edo period costumes parades through the city. The buildings and gardens of Unno Yado, which you cannot usually see, will be opened. ==Agricultural experience in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== The idyllic atmosphere of Tomi City, with its fields spread all around, is difficult to enjoy in the Central Tokyo. There is also a travel plan where you can enjoy farming experience while interacting with the warm and friendly people of Tomi City. Even if you visit sightseeing for the first time in Tomi, the local staff will support you so that you can participate with peace of mind. Agricultural experience plans include "Rice cultivation", "Apple cultivation", "Corn harvesting experience", and "Traditional Japanese straw raincoat harvesting experience". ==Recommended Information for Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== The Nature of the Tomi City and the atmosphere of the historic city Fascination those who visit. Please feel the charm of Tomi City firsthand. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will provide recommended Information that will help you plan your trip to Tomi City.

【Nagiso Town】May dolls on display At the free rest area "Fureaikan" in Tsumago juku, May dolls are on display. Visiting the site is free and will last until Wednesday, June 5. Please come and visit us! For details, please visit the official website of Tsumago juku. Inquiries: Tsumagoro Tourist Information Center TEL: 0264-57-3123

The 55th Kiso Lacquerware Festival Narai Juku Festival On Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, the 55th Kiso Lacquerware Festival Narai Juku Festival will be held. 【Kiso Lacquerware Festival】A large lacquerware market held once a year in Kiso Hirasawa. There are about 100 shops lined up in the townscape, and in addition to masterpieces and gastronomical delicacies that are filled with the spirit of craftsmen, products that only appear on this day and storefronts are lined up. 【Narai Juku Festival】The main event of the Shukuba-juku Festival is "Ocha Pot Dochu". This is a reproduction of the procession that carried tea for the Tokugawa shogun family in the Edo period from Uji, Kyoto, to Edo every year via the Nakasendo and Koshu-kaido roads. Scheduled to be held on the 9th Sun 12:00~. ♦ Event Details ・June 8 and 9: Kiso Lacquerware and Great Lacquerware Market held throughout the area ・June 8 and 9: Exhibition and sale of the Traditional Craftsmen's Association and Producers' Association Kiso Hirasawa ・June 8 Sat Naraniko Cafe Naragawa Elementary and Junior High School Lunch Room ・June 8 Sat Kimono Town Walk & Photo Contest Narai juku ・June 8 Sat Ochatsubo Dochu 12:00 ~ at Narai juku Other, Kitchen Car is also coming! There will be a traffic restriction on the day of the event, and a free shuttle bus will run between Narai Gonbeibashi ⇔Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan. Contact: Kiso Lacquerware Festival / Narai Juku Festival Executive Committee TEL: 0263-52-0280

Nezame Area Nakasendo Guided Tour Join our Nakasendo guided tour in Agematsu Town! Walk with a local guide who knows the area well and enjoy the seasonal natural scenery. The tour includes the limited revival soba set at Echizenya, a long-established soba shop celebrating its 400th anniversary. Seasonal local snacks will also be served. Nezame-no-toko in the Central Alps Quasi-National Park is one of the Nakasendo’s most scenic spots, beloved by writers and artists. In the Nezame area, a historical roadside teahouse from the old Nakasendo still evokes the atmosphere of the Edo period. Follow a tour tracing the history and culture unique to Agematsu, the home of Kiso hinoki. Scheduled Dates 2024: Wednesday, May 8; Wednesday, June 26; Wednesday, October 9; Wednesday, November 13. 2025: Wednesday, January 15 Meeting Place In front of JR Agematsu Station at 9:30 AM Time 9:30 AM–around 3:00 PM What to Wear Comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes; bring drinks, rain gear, and a towel Participation Fee 4,000 yen (monitor price 3,000 yen only for the first session on May 8) Capacity About 10 participants per session, first come, first served How to Apply Agematsu Tourism Association TEL: 0264-52-1133

How do you do! This is the Kiso Tourism Federation! Kiso, Nagano Prefecture is a region in the Kiso River basin of Nagano Prefecture and consists of eight cities and towns: Nakatsugawa City, Nagiso Town, Okuwa Village, Agematsu Town, Kiso Town, Otaki Village, Kiso Village, and Shiojiri City. Located in a valley surrounded by 3,000-meter-high mountains that have been selected as a 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, it is an area where delicious air, water, and Healing space brought by Nature spread. The historic Shukuba-juku town still remains along the old Along the road and is visited by many travelers. In this article, we will introduce you to the history and highlights of the Kiso, as well as Information local Specialty Products and events. ◆History of Kiso, Nagano Kiso The Nakasendo Highway, which connected Kyoto and Edo during the Edo period, was an important highway with many people coming and going. Kiso, which is part of the Nakasendo Highway, has prospered as a transportation hub since ancient times, with many travelers and supplies coming and going. Many Shukuba-juku towns have developed and retain their faces even today, and Kisoji was designated as the first Japanese heritage site in Nagano Prefecture. At that time, 69 Shukuba were placed in the Nakasendo 540-kilometer process, of which 11 Shukuba are located in Kisoji. Nakasendo Kisoji 11 Shukuba ・Niekawa Juku ・Narai juku ・Yauhara juku ・Miyanokoshi juku ・Fukushima juku ・Agematsu juku ・Suhara-juku ・Nojiri juku ・Midono juku ・Tsumago juku ・Magome juku Even now, the cityscape of the Edo period Unfolds on Kisoji, and you can feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. ◆Introduction of tourist spots in Kiso, Nagano Kiso ◇Kiso Kaida Highlands Elevation Kaida Highlands overlooking Mt. Ontake, which stretches for 1,100 to 1,400 meters, is Unfolds with rural scenery. There are sports facilities and Hot spring facilities, and it is crowded with many tourists. At the "Kiso Horse Village" in the Highlands, you can also enjoy horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage experiences. ◇Nezame-no-Toko On the floor of Nezame-no-Toko in Agematsu town, you can see a strangely shaped granite rock that looks like a row of large boxes. It was designated as a national scenic spot in 1923 and became a Central Alps National Park in 2020. ◇Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest It is one of Japan's three most beautiful forests in Agematsu town, and there is a forest of natural Kiso Hinoki trees that are more than 300 years old. It is also the birthplace of forest bathing, where Japan's first forest bathing competition was held in 1982. ◇Ontake Lake, Shizenko Nature Lake The beautiful lake in Otaki village also offers ontake lake canoe touring and Shizenko Nature Lake nature canoe tours. Since you can see the beautiful appearance of the four seasons, it is a popular photo Spot and is visited by many tourists throughout the year. ◇Atera Canyon The emerald green clear streams of Atera Canyon in Okuwa Village are called "Atera Blue" and are a popular healing spot for girls' trips. ◆Introduction of Roadside Station in Kiso, Nagano Kiso At the Roadside Station, fresh vegetables and specialty products from the local Kiso are lined up, and you can enjoy Kiso's gourmet food. Souvenirs are also recommended! ・Roadside Station Kiso Fukushima Kiso Town, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture ・Roadside Station Hiyoshi Kiso Koma Kogen Hinoyoshi, Kiso-cho, Kiso-gun, Nagano ・Roadside Station Kiso River Headwaters Village Kisomura Kiso Village, Kiso-gun, Nagano Prefecture ◆Introduction of Specialty products and crafts of Kiso, Nagano Kiso Kiso is also known for its rich specialty products nurtured by its natural environment. Matsutake mushrooms in Kiso town are famous for their high aroma and are popular as a taste of autumn. Sunki, pickled red turnip, and Maki of magnolia leaves are traditional gourmet foods in Kiso where you can enjoy their unique flavors. In addition, Kiso lacquerware is an Ancient tradition that has been handed down in the Kiso area for a long time, and the longer it is used, the warmer and luster it becomes, and the more beautiful it shines. ◆Introduction of local events and festivals in Kiso, Nagano Kiso ◇Mizunashi Shrine Festival Mikoshi portable shrine roll This festival, held every July, is a rare festivals in Japan where about 100 kan about 400 kg Mikoshi portable shrines are rolled or dropped and destroyed overnight, and is also called "One of the world's strangest festivals". ◇Kiso Yoshinaka Flag Raising Festival It is a festival registered as a Component Cultural Assets, and mourns Lord Yoshinaka, lights a fire character in the shape of a "tree" on Mt. Yamabuki, and a warrior procession parades through the town. ◆Introduction of Kiso, Nagano Prefecture Kiso, Nagano Kiso is a fascinating region for its magnificent nature and rich history. While walking along the old highways that have remained since the Edo period, you can feel the unchanging scenery that travelers must have felt at that time. We will continue to send out Information that will convey the charm of Kiso to everyone who sees COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so Best regards!

Photographed 5/6/24. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop. It's a vitamin color. 💛

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and Please enjoy the exquisite gourmet of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Sake Bar Sagano". ・Nostalgic bar I have a heart for my mother's hospitality. ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot Name】Sagano 【Address】379 Shimosagano, Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-36-8206 【Business hours】18:00~22:00 【Regular holiday】Closed on Monday 【Parking lot】Yes

10th Anniversary Isehara Artistic Fireworks Festival – Held in light rain; postponed in severe weather Saturday, May 18 – Held at the open field of Isehara City General Sports Park Gates open: 14:00 Fireworks launch: around 19:30 Only ticket holders may enter the open field at the General Sports Park. No free viewing areas are provided. Various sponsored tickets are on sale through Ticket Pia and other outlets. Experience the moving and memorable, creativity-filled “artistic” fireworks, including the fully synchronized music-and-fireworks “melody fireworks.” Please enjoy these features. Details: Isehara Artistic Fireworks Festival website Organizing Committee Mobile: 050-6878-1286

Dolphins flying over Nagoya Port at night This is one photo taken at the Port of Nagoya Aquarium in Aichi Prefecture. I went there for the first time because I was only doing 😆 a night dolphin show during GW The dolphins dancing in the night sky were very soothing 🤤 to watch

Photographed 4/27/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin. It is a Children's Day specification. 🎏

Romantic silhouette of Okinawa Manzamo　 The view from about halfway between the two beaches of Manza Beach and Onna Seaside Park Nabi Beach. The weather in Okinawa is wild. I often encounter stormy weather when I travel, both domestically and overseas, but when I was driving here, it was pitch black all around, and it rained so much that it was difficult to drive, so I escaped to a parking lot near here. I was depressed in the car for a while, but I knew the change in the environment by the dazzling light that came through the window. When I looked, the sky cracked, and a vivid light blue peeked out into the heavy vision covered with grey and black, and a golden light shone on my face. End of April. A day when I felt the Omen of summer.

【Matsumoto Castle】 松本城 - Matsumoto Castle Nagano Matsumoto Castle is the oldest national treasure castle in Japan among the existing five-story and six-story castle towers. In 1936 Showa 11, the entire site was designated as a national treasure. Later, in 1952 Showa 27, five buildings, the castle tower, the Inuiko castle tower, the Wataru tower, the Tatsumi tower, and the Tsukimi tower, were designated as national treasures. Half of the body is illuminated by the setting sun, and the light and shadow form a wonderful harmony. Ducks swimming leisurely in the moat accentuate the enormity of the castle.

Tamba Sasayama City Daishoin While many castles in various parts of Japan were destroyed by the decree for the abolition of castles after the abolition of feudal prefectures, Daishoin escaped the disaster, but it was unfortunately destroyed by fire in Showa 194 1944. After that, it was rebuilt in April of 2000 Heisei 12 Heisei 12 with the passionate wishes and precious donations of citizens. The structure is similar to Nijo Castle in Kyoto.

Photographed 4/23/24. This is Chasoba Juan's Hanachozu. The mock roses are very nice.

The 16th Rotary Fureai Festival Saturday, May 18th, 10:00–15:00 (postponed to a rainy day) At the rotary outside the south exit of Aiko-Ishida Station on the Odakyu Line The event is held to promote communication among local residents and to stimulate commerce and industry Please enjoy various stalls and stage attractions Inquiries: Naruse Revitalization Committee Tel. 0463-94-5955

After all, it's a parent and child! 1st photo: Mother Lucky 2nd photo: Daughter Pirika

The Great Buddha watching over Gifu This is the Great Buddha of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture Among the Great Buddhas, it is made in a slightly slouched state, which is rare. Its history dates back to the 1800s, and it watches 😆 over the city of Gifu to this day

【Twin Dragon Ceiling】 Kenninji Temple Kyoto Kenninji Temple is famous for having Tawaraya Sotatsu's "Wind God and Thunder God Diagram" and Kaihoku Tomomatsu's fusuma paintings. The hall was rebuilt in 1765 and is a designated tangible cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture. On the ceiling of the hall is a "Twin Dragon Ceiling" drawn by Junsaku Koizumi in 2002 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of its founding. A piece unique to Kenninji, which always challenges new things and adapts to modern times.

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Chionji Temple, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture Amahashiyama Chionji Temple is located in a scenic spot next to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's three scenic spots. It was founded in the fourth year of Enki 904.

Photographed 4/8/24. This is the scenery of the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It is a very beautiful flower, but what kind of flower?

This is the Iwata City Tourism Association. Nice to meet you all!! Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture sits in western Shizuoka roughly midway between Tokyo and Osaka. Known as a “sports town,” it hosts professional teams such as J.League soccer club Jubilo Iwata, Nadeshiko League women’s soccer team Shizuoka SSU Bonita, and Japan Rugby League One’s Shizuoka Blue Revs. The city actively promotes community-building through sports and health initiatives centered on athletics. ◆What is Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture?◆ The population is about 160,000. The city has interchanges on both the Tomei Expressway and the Shin-Tomei Expressway, making it about a three-hour drive from Tokyo and about 1 hour 15 minutes from Nagoya. The shinkansen gateways are Hamamatsu Station or Kakegawa Station; transfer to the Tokaido Line and reach Iwata’s three city stations (Iwata Station, Toyodachou Station, Mikurigaoka Station) in 10–15 minutes. Since ancient times, Iwata has flourished as the center of Toei Province, home to the Tōtōmi Kokubun-ji and Toei Kokubu. With more than 900 kofun (ancient burial mounds) dating to the Kofun period, the city carries a long, living history. In the Edo period it prospered as Mitsuke inn (Mitsuke-juku), a post town on the Tokaido’s Fifty-Three Stations. In recent years, Iwata has developed as an industrial city with traditional textiles plus metalworking, automotive, and musical instrument industries. Its agricultural output ranks among the top in the prefecture, famous for greenhouse melons, tea, white leek, ebi-imo (taro), Chinese vegetables, and seafood such as shirasu. The city balances urban and rural development. ◆Tourist attractions in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture◆ [Mitsuke inn] Located near the midpoint of the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido (the 28th post town), this post town still preserves small side alleys off the highway, with many shrines and temples that evoke the former atmosphere and lodging-town charm. The area also features the Former Mitsuke School, Japan’s oldest surviving wooden pseudo-Western style school building, and Iwata Bunko (both national historic sites); Mitsuke Tenjin Yanahiru Shrine, the stage of the Mitsuke Tenjin Hadaka Festival and the site of the Shippeitaro spirit legend; and the Former Akamatsu Residence Memorial Hall, designated as prefectural and municipal cultural properties. In 2022, the Former Mitsuke School and Iwata Bunko were recognized as Shizuoka Heritage sites, celebrated as ‘‘the crystallization of Shizuoka people’s passion for modern education,’’ alongside Mitsuke inn and Mitsuke Tenjin Yanahiru Shrine. [Ryuyo Marine Park] A seaside park featuring a marine center with sports facilities and a multi-purpose lawn. The expansive grounds include tennis courts, baseball fields, a playground, a roller slide, and an auto camp ground, making it family-friendly. The adjacent Shiosai Ryuyo complex at the auto camp ground sells local products and offers a restaurant, BBQ facilities, and bathing amenities. The marine center also offers hands-on experiences such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). [Nagisa no Koryukan and Fukuda Fishing Port area] Nagisa no Koryukan sits within Fukuda Fishing Port, looking out over the vast Enshū Sea. It has a food court where you can enjoy fresh shirasu bowls, such as raw shirasu don and kama-age shirasu don, while gazing at the ocean. The area also features the “Minna no Sunaba” sand ground for beach soccer and beach volleyball and an event plaza for outdoor gatherings. A nearby fishing spot offers easy shore fishing, and adjacent Toyohama Coast is a surfing location that has hosted national competitions thanks to its excellent waves. Fukuda Fishing Port is known for shirasu fishing and also supports recreational fishing charters, serving as a base for offshore fishing in the Enshū Sea. Within one to two minutes from the port, several shirasu processing plants line up, attracting customers from far away. [Shishigahana Park] According to legend, Kobo Daishi founded this park, which has well-maintained walking trails and athletic play areas. In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom; in early summer you can enjoy fresh greenery for forest bathing and birdwatching; in autumn the foliage is beautiful. It’s ideal for hiking and walking. From the observation deck you can see the Enshū Sea in the distance, and the park is a popular spot to watch the first sunrise on New Year’s Day. [Yamaha Stadium] [Yamaha Motor Communication Plaza] Yamaha Stadium is the home ground for Jubilo Iwata (soccer) and Shizuoka Blue Revs (rugby). It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Mikuriya Station north exit, and on match days attracts many fans from Japan and abroad. Next to the stadium, within the Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. headquarters, the Communication Plaza corporate museum showcases Yamaha Motor products and history and serves as an engaging industrial tourism spot. [Ruins of Tōtōmi Kokubunji Temple] Excavations began in 1951, and the site was designated a Special National Historic Site the following year. The kokubunji layout once centered on a main hall (kondo) and included a seven-story pagoda, lecture hall, middle gate, and cloister. Major structures, including the seven-story pagoda site, were discovered, and the site received national special historic designation in Showa 27 (1952). In fiscal 2022 work restored the wooden foundation platforms for the lecture hall and monk’s quarters on the north side of the ruins, and in fiscal 2023 the wooden foundation platform of the main hall was restored. Plans call for reconstructing cornerstone stones that supported building pillars and the stone steps placed on the front of the platform. This valuable heritage testifies to Iwata’s role as a regional center. ◆Local specialties of Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture◆ Iwata’s specialties let you taste the bounty of the land: ebi-imo, iwata tea, aroma melons, white leek, and dried persimmon rounds (koro-gaki). Locally grown ingredients are known for their freshness and flavor. Seafood such as shirasu, wild tora-fugu, and grilled white-cut eel are also popular; shirasu in particular are prized for their firm texture from swimming in the area’s swift coastal currents. These specialties are popular as souvenirs and as return gifts for hometown tax donations. ◆Festivals and events in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture◆ [Fu Hachiman-gu Shrine Festival] Held each year in the Nakaizumi area on the first Saturday and Sunday of October. Each neighborhood parades elaborately decorated floats. The festival is full of atmosphere, with drums, flutes, and spirited calls filling the air. [Mitsuke Tenjin Hadaka Festival] The grand festival of Mitsuke Tenjin Yanahiru Shrine is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. It takes place on the Saturday and Sunday just before the 10th day of the eighth month of the old lunar calendar. The festival’s highlight is the nighttime procession of naked participants and mikoshi (portable shrines), which runs from around 9:00 p.m. into the early hours of the next morning, reaching a peak around 1:00 a.m. Naked men, grouped into four units called teidan, parade through the old Tokaido route within the Mitsuke area and proceed to the shrine’s worship hall. Inside the worship hall, the excitement builds each time a new group joins, and intense chants and vigorous dances (oni-odori) continue. In the deep of night, all lights in the area are extinguished, plunging the scene into pitch-black darkness as the mikoshi run in a breathtaking climax. ◆Sharing information about Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture◆ In Iwata you can feel history and culture nurtured over long time. In 2022, Iwata’s Teratani water was registered as a World Irrigation Structure Heritage, adding another chapter to the city’s proud historical story. In 2023 Iwata reclaimed the top spot nationwide in a ranking of municipalities most associated with the phrase “sports town,” helping to solidify its brand as a city of sport. Yet even now this post cannot fully capture all the charms and strengths alive in Iwata’s history, culture, sea and mountain nature, industries, and people’s lifestyles. We will continue sharing recommended information via Cool Japan videos, so please stay tuned!

A sheep shearing competition is held at Yorkshire Farm in Shintoku Town. A competition in which the wool of a single sheep is competed in terms of speed and cleanliness of shearing. Adult sheep and rambunctious sheep while shearing. Is this luck? Or is it a technology that makes you adult? The 70 or so spectators who came to Visiting the site were also fascinated by the technology of harvesting each animal in about 5 minutes.

SAMURAI⚔HONOR offers a Bushido Plan that includes all the experience tours offered by SAMURAI⚔HONOR. Both bushido and chivalry respect universal values to behave proudly and live better. youtu.be/dWhKHcpezew?si=9SYvwORmFzZLC16x

I took a picture over the Okumotori of "Kumano Kodo". Kumano Kodo has a history of more than 1,100 years, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of its registration as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains".