【Jozankei Nature Luminarie ✨ Held in】 Jozankei Hot Spring, a national park, Held in Events with Illumination and Projection Mapping co-created with Nature on the Nature Walking Path in the Hot Spring Resort! The story begins that invites you to the mysterious forest inhabited by the "Kappa", the guardian god of forests and water, which has been popular for a long time. With the scent of trees, the murmur of the river, and the sounds of insects, experience "mystical entertainment". Held in as a premium Events for guests staying at Jozankei Inn admission for Guests only only. Enjoy the inn ♨️ stay and night walk Held in 6/1~10/31 Held in time 19:00~21:00 18:00~ in September and October Last admission 20:45 Place: Futami Park⇔ Futami Suspension Bridge Subject Jozankei area Guests only admission

【Chiba City Museum of Art】 A museum that is nationally acclaimed for its exhibitions with a unique perspective, focusing on ukiyo-e prints, Edo paintings, and contemporary art. With the renovation in July 2020, it has been reborn as a facility that is familiar to a wide range of age groups, including a permanent exhibition room where you can see ukiyo-e and Edo paintings at Anytime, and an atelier where children can work and create together in a space created by artists. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, we Held in special exhibitions and a variety of Events based on specific themes, so you There are discover something new every time you visit. 〇 Held in special exhibitions "Edo Paintings Vertical and Horizontal! First semester: June 28 Fri ~ July 28 Sun Second Semester: July 30 Tue ~ August 25 Sun "Akiki Okamoto: The Edo Painter Who Challenged the Hundred Flowers and Hundred Birds" Okamoto Shuki 1807-62 was a painter of the late Edo period who made a name for himself as a master of rich and brilliant flower and bird paintings, especially peacocks. First semester: June 28 Fri ~ July 28 Sun Second Semester: July 30 Tue ~ August 25 Sun * For details, please search for "Chiba City Museum of Art". 〇Sayado Hall A hall that contains modern architecture in the neo-Rene Mr./Ms. style that preserved the former Kawasaki Bank Chiba Branch built in Showa 2 about 90 years ago. Used as a cultural property of the city, its historic appearance is used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions, and is also popular as a filming location for commercials. ■ Access: ・About a 6-minute walk from Chiba Monorail Yoshikawa Park Station ・ About 15 minutes on foot from JR Chiba Station ■Address: 3-10-8 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba City ■ Admission: Paid ■ Parking lot: Restrooms available charged Attractive Spot There are such as Chiba Shrine, Chiba City Science Museum, and Chiba Castle Chiba City Township Museum are within walking distance. After visiting the museum, Enjoy together as you stroll through these facilities.

Wakkanai White Road ✨ I love you very much! Drive 🚗 along the white roads while admiring the scenery It's 😆 the best

Hope for the reconstruction of the Noto earthquake This is rice field art in Gyoda City, Saitama Jade Prefecture. Every year, volunteers spend one week creating various shapes. This year, they prayed for the recovery from the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Please come and visit us 😆

Photographed 7/25/24. CAFE ANDON Mr./Ms.'s café latte and fig and prune carrot cake. It is a topical caro-activity. The café latte is also delicious.

Ueno Farm 2022.08 The garden created by plants that grow in the northern climate, such as the flowering period unique to the northern country and the bright color of the flowers, is considered to be a "Hokkaido garden", and the garden is created mainly with inn root grass that blooms in all four seasons. There are benches ands here and there in the park, so you can relax in the pleasant breeze.

Today I went to Mr./Ms. CAFE ANDON. This is a hot Mr./Ms. set of avocado shrimp. It's my favorite combination. 🦐🥑

The fireworks festival in Chiba Prefecture Futtsu City will be launched on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 19:15~20:00 Gari. The number of launches is about 2,500, and in addition to the regular launches, there will be Jade Underwater fireworks and light and sound productions that you should definitely see. It is a fireworks that goes up close to the Futtsu Beaches of the viewing venue, but the Underwater fireworks of the shaku Jade is particularly impressive, There are. Stalls of about 40 shops are scheduled to open at the venue, and it will be crowded with fireworks. Please come to the Futtsu Citizens' Fireworks Festival in Chiba Uchibo. For details on traffic restrictions, parking lots, shuttle bus operations, etc. around the venue, please search for "Futtsu Citizen Fireworks Festival" and check the Official website.

Go around Sakai and Awara city! Sakai Hoyamaru and Yutour Gonzo's wrapping bus appeared! The departure ceremony of the wrapping bus in collaboration with Sakai City's official character Hoyamaru Sakai and Awara City's official character Gonzo Yugo was Held in 🚌 today It is ✨ a landmark that the local characters Gonzo Yutour and Hoyamaru Sakai are drawn in large size Also, what is written on both sides of each bus is the Fukui dialect! "Come all at once" → "Come once" "It's a very nice place" → "Hidden~Tokoyaza" It means. Mr./Ms., did you understand? Here's an introduction to Gonzo Yutour and Hoyamaru Sakai! 🌟 Born in Awara City, Yumeguri Gonzo Born out of a spirit of hospitality, he is actually the third son of five brothers. She has a cute face, but she is an adult and loves local sake! It is said that the Hot Spring is always filled in the tub of the head. If you're talking about Awara City, the land of hot spring, leave it to Gonzo-kun! 🌟 From Sakai City Sakai Hoyamaru In Sakai City, the brand message is "Uniqueness, brilliance," and a detective dog who is looking for "uniqueness" himself! The hat is inspired by the Precipitous cliff of Tojinbo. But I'm a little scared and Gari and I'm not good at 😭 heights Hoyamaru's diary is also being updated ✒ on the site The wrapping bus with two people on it operates on the Tojinbo Line of Keifuku Bus. If you walk around Sakai City and Awara City, you may see it. Please look for it 😊 ࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶ In the middle 💘 of the charm of Fukui Prefecture Click here for ▶ past post@dmo.sakai Instagram

Hello. This is Ryusuido at Shosenkyo Crystal Valley 😊 It turned July and the heat has been intense; how is everyone feeling? Near Senga Falls, the spray from the waterfall feels like a refreshing shower, and sunlight filtering through the trees reflects off the water to create a beautiful sparkle ✨ At Ryusuido above the falls, we offer many summer-perfect stones such as larimar and elestial amethyst. Please drop by our cool shop inside as well 😄 All of our staff look forward to the day we can meet your wonderful smiles.

Hello, Cool Japan Video viewers! This is the Jozankei Tourism Association. Jozankei Onsen in Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, sits in a lush valley where you can enjoy hot springs and nature. Thanks to easy access—about a 50-minute drive from central Sapporo—Jozankei is a great base for exploring Hokkaido. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons; autumn leaves and winter’s snowy landscape are especially spectacular. Beyond the hot springs, a variety of activities and attractions dot the area, charming every visitor. The Jozankei hot spring district has more than 20 hotels and over 15 day-use hot spring facilities, so you can plan your trip just the way you like. Access to Jozankei, Hokkaido Getting to Jozankei from Sapporo Station By car: Jozankei Onsen is about a 50-minute drive from central Sapporo. From Sapporo Station, head south on National Route 230. This drive offers seasonal natural scenery and passes several sightseeing spots and rest areas. By train: Take the Namboku Subway Line from Sapporo Station and get off at Makomanai Station in Minami Ward. The ride takes about 18 minutes. From Makomanai Station, take a route bus bound for Jozankei Onsen; the bus ride takes about 45 minutes. History of Jozankei, Hokkaido The history of Jozankei Onsen began in 1866 when Miizumi Jozan, a monk from Bizen Province, visited the area. Because Miizumi Jozan laid the foundation for the hot springs, the area was named Jozankei and developed into one of Hokkaido’s representative hot spring resorts. Jozankei is also known for its long-told kappa legend, and kappa statues stand throughout the hot spring area. Take a stroll and see if you can find your favorite statue! Popular Attractions in Jozankei, Hokkaido Toyohira Gorge Dam Toyohira Gorge Dam, completed in 1972, is a 102.5-meter-high arch concrete dam. It stores about the equivalent of 30 Sapporo Domes of water in Lake Jozan. The dam is famous for autumn leaves; the view of the foliage from atop the dam is breathtaking. The landscape changes with the seasons, offering a different experience each visit. Futami Suspension Bridge Built in 1955, this bright red suspension bridge is a symbolic spot of Jozankei. It sits in a perfect location to overlook the gorge, attracting many visitors. From the bridge you can enjoy stunning valley views, and it’s a popular photo spot during the autumn foliage and snowy seasons. Kappa-buchi (Kappa Pool) Kappa-buchi is a sightseeing spot rooted in Jozankei’s kappa legend. The area, surrounded by cliffs and rocky outcrops along the Toyohira River, is called Kappa-buchi. This place is where the kappa legend of Jozankei originated. Activities to Enjoy in Jozankei, Hokkaido Rafting Rafting on the Toyohira River is popular in Jozankei. From spring to early summer, melting mountain snow increases the river flow, creating thrilling rapids ideal for rafting. Courses suit beginners to experienced rafters, and guided tours are available so you can join with confidence. Sauna As part of the hot spring experience, you can also enjoy saunas in Jozankei. Each hot spring facility has authentic saunas, allowing you to relax in combination with the baths. A good sweat in the sauna followed by a soak in the hot spring refreshes both body and mind. Canoeing / SUP You can also try canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the Toyohira River. Calm stretches of the river make canoeing and SUP accessible for first-timers. Instructors provide careful guidance, so both children and adults can enjoy the activities. Viewing Jozankei’s nature from the water is a special experience that lets you relax and soak in the scenery. Hiking Many hiking trails surround Jozankei. Trails range from beginner to advanced, and during the autumn foliage season you can savor beautiful mountain views. Trekking in nature offers a refreshing escape for both body and mind. Events and Festivals in Jozankei, Hokkaido Jozankei Stream Koinobori (Carp Streamers) Every year from April to May, Jozankei hosts the Stream Koinobori. Celebrating its 38th year in 2024, this spring tradition fills the hot spring town and the Toyohira River with about 400 koinobori swimming in the current, creating a spectacular sight. Cherry blossoms bloom in early May, letting you enjoy koinobori and cherry blossoms together as spring arrives. JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE 2024 Walking paths through the hot spring town are lit with beautiful illuminations and projection mapping. At night the hot spring town is wrapped in a magical atmosphere that enchants visitors. This event lets you enjoy both hot springs and illuminations as you stroll the lit streets. In 2024 the event runs from June 1 through October 31. Tourist Information for Jozankei, Hokkaido Jozankei, Hokkaido, is an attractive destination where you can enjoy beautiful nature and hot springs. With good access from Sapporo and a historic hot spring town filled with attractions and activities, Jozankei offers a relaxing escape. Spend a restorative time at Jozankei, one of Hokkaido’s signature hot spring resorts.

[A basket full of flowers] At the Roadside Station Hanamu where the flower park is attached Events related to plants! Therefore Held in a gathering design workshop~! "What is Gathering Design?" Participants were excited and fidgety until the workshop started. A flower arrangement made by combining multiple flowers and leafy vegetables. Around the main flowers, in any order you want Flowers and leafy vegetables are attached to each other. With the roots still attached, it is like making a bouquet of flowers Ingredients added later are put inside It was difficult, but it was a fun task that came alive visually. The process of loosening the soil so as not to remove important roots, etc. There was a lot of delicate work, and I used my concentration. I was very happy when the work was completed. By processing the roots, the state when completed is Gathering design that can be maintained. The flowering period of the flowers also seems to be longer than usual. Naga~ku, may it be blooming Scene every day as much as possible. Restrooms available to everyone who participated! #Nishiokoppe Village #Gathering Design #Hokkaido Gathering Design #Roadside Station #Kamu #Flower Park #Bouquet with roots #Bouquet that fits in a basket

Today, we Prayer the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The wind chime and the zaguruma were safe. I pray that the festival will be held safely.

Mount Nokogiri Certified Guide One CompanyIntroduction of Mount Nokogiri Guide Center BusinessJuly 23, 2024 Mount Nokogiri Certified Guide one company Introduction of Mount Nokogiri Guide Center We Guide NOKOGIRIYAMA The mountain "Mount Nokogiri", which Representative the Chiba Prefecture, is currently engaged in various projects through public-private partnerships with Futtsu City, Awa County Kyonan Town, and tourism-related organizations as a candidate area for Japan as a 2022 Reiwa 4 heritage site. Among them, this year, through the candidate area paid guide training project Implementation in the 4th ~ 5th year of Reiwa, the Mount Nokogiri Guide Center, commonly known as We Guide NOKOGIRIYAMA, was established! Guiding with an awareness of accepting inbound tourists as well as domestic visitors, we will further refine the charm of Mount Nokogiri so far, and talk about history, culture, local activities, and current state from a paid guide. Implementation of a paid guide training project for the second batch of students, so if you are interested parties, please join us. For inquiries, please contact Mount Nokogiri Guide Center We Guide NOKOGIRIYAMA

The name for the summer–autumn strawberry born in Azumino has been decided! And the name is... “amaazumi”!! We received 1,255 entries from across the country, and this name was chosen from among them. Thank you very much to everyone who submitted name suggestions. Amaazumi is a variety that changes the image of summer–autumn strawberries as sweet-and-sour; it is characterized by its sweetness and rich aroma. Please give it a try!

Nanatsuboshi train 🚃 Today, Thursday, July 25th, from 1:40 PM for 8 minutes It will stop at takaharu station‼️ It will stop at takaharu station, so please do come by‼️😊 Admission to the station is free‼️‼️🚃

This is a photo of the "lantern procession" held on the day of the Itsukushima Shrine Kangen-sai Festival on July 22. On the day of the Kangen-sai Festival, we welcomed the barges returning from the opposite shore at Nagahama Shrine with lantern lights, and then walked to Itsukushima Shrine with the lanterns lit. The night breeze was pleasant.

Hello! This is the Futtsu Tourism Association. Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture is a fascinating region boasting beautiful nature and rich history facing Tokyo Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bounty of the sea and the historical scenery are loved by many tourists. ◆◆What is Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture◆◆ Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture, is located on the Tokyo Bay side of the Boso Peninsula and is an area rich in Rich in nature surrounded by mountains such as Mt. Kano and Mount Nokogiri and Tokyo Bay. The south side from Cape Futtsu is designated as Minami-Boso Quasi-National Park, and there are many fishing ports such as Hamakanaya Port and Kamisominato Port, which are ferry terminals. If you use the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, it takes about 1 hour by car from central Tokyo and has good access to, so it is recommended for day trips. ◆◆Introduction to sightseeing spots in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture◆◆ ◇Mother Farm It is a popular spot for families, where you can interact with animals and enjoy seasonal flowers. Activities include sheep shows, piglet races, milk-squeezing experiences and fruit picking. ◇Mount Nokogiri It is a mountain with an elevation of 329.5 meters that straddles Futtsu City and the neighboring town of Kyonan Town, and is called "Mount Nokogiri" because the shape of the mountain is jagged and looks like the teeth of a saw. It is a historic spot that has been quarrying Boshu stone since the Edo period, and there are many attractions such as "Jigoku-nozoki peering into hell", "Hyakushaku Kannon", "Magaibutsu", and "One Thousand Five Hundred Arhats" protruding from the ruins of the quarry. ◇Tokyo Bay Kannon The 56-meter-tall Large Kannon Statue quietly watches over Tokyo Bay. It also serves as a lighthouse. ◇Tokyo Bay Ferry It is a regular ferry that crosses Tokyo Bay from Futtsu City and connects Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture on the Miura Peninsula in about 40 minutes. You can enjoy the superb view of the Boso Peninsula and Miura Peninsula and the beautiful view of Tokyo Bay from the Ocean. ◇Futtsu Coast Siohigari every year from March to August Chiba Prefecture you can enjoy Siohigari at the shallow Coast "Futtsu Coast Siohigari Beach" adjacent to Futtsu Park. It is a full facility with a parking lot for 1200 cars and coin-operated showers charged. ◇Shinmaiko Beach It is a popular Beaches where you can play in the sea with high transparency. If the weather is good, you can see the cityscape of Yokohama such as the Yokohama Bay Bridge and the Landmark Tower over Tokyo Bay. Outside the Out of area, you can also enjoy surfing. ◇ Sunset at Cape Futtsu It is a cape that starts out of Tokyo Bay, and there is the Meiji Centennial Memorial Observation Tower, Siohigari Beach, and the Coast. It is one of the best sunset spots in Within Chiba Prefecture, and if the weather is good, you can see Mt. Fuji illuminated red by the sunset over Tokyo Bay. ◆◆ Specialty products of Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture ◆◆ Nori cultivation has been popular in Futtsu City since the Edo period, and seaweed, known as "Kamisou Nori," is a flavorful seaweed grown with the abundant nutrition of Tokyo Bay. In Futtsu City, where the fishing industry is thriving, fresh seafood such as Shiro Mill, Sea bass, Kiss, sea cucumber, Marbled flounder, Barracuda, Japanese common squid, and clams are landed. Oyster farming in Tokyo Bay began in 2018, and Meaty oysters are also grown off the coast of Futtsu. Please taste the seafood gourmet of Futtsu City. These Specialty products are also popular as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payments in Futtsu City. ◆◆ Festivals and events in Futtsu City, Chiba Prefecture ◆◆ ◇Umadashi Festival at Azuma Shrine Mikoshi portable shrines and Shinto horses parade through the streets of Futtsu City, and on Iwase Coast, they gallop along the sandy beaches to excite spectators. ◇Futtsu Citizens' Fireworks Festival As a summer tradition, beautiful fireworks color the night sky at Futtsu Beaches. You can enjoy about 2,300 fireworks while bathing in the sea breeze of Tokyo Bay. ◆◆Tourist Information of Futtsu City◆◆ Please create a page of memories in Futtsu City, which is rich in Rich in nature surrounded by magnificent views of Tokyo Bay and mountains. It is also recommended to enjoy sightseeing in Futtsu Town and take a trip to heal your daily fatigue at an inn with Natural hot springs by the sea. We will send out the latest information and recommended information of Futtsu City, so Best regards!

Cape Noshup on a summer evening! The dolphin monument is 🐬✨ cute Moderate temperature ☺️

As the dank Ume plum rain sky continues, the long-awaited Tendo-sama! !! I took my three-year-old son out and enjoyed Nature at Denoyama Park in Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture. It was fun to drift on the lake in a boat under the blue sky, looking at ducks by the water, the blue sky for the first yellowtail time in a long time, and the carp that came to feed on it. In addition to being on the surface of the lake, the wind was blowing with only a slight flutter of hair at the time of shooting, and I was able to enjoy the coolness.

Photographed on 7/22/24. It is a wind chime at the edge of the entrance on the Hon-Kawagoe Station side of Honkawagoe Pepe. I'm wondering if yesterday's rainstorm made the wind chimes at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine safe.

The Gion Festival is also known as the "Moving Art Museum". The Yamaboko that suddenly appears in the usual scenery Blend in with the cityscape of Kyoto Impression every year by the beauty of the decorations.

Yoshikawa Towns, Miki City, Yamada Nishiki no Township. Restrooms available for the beginning of summer and the intense heat. We are looking forward to delicious Rice again this year. Yoshikawa Towns, Miki City, Hyogo

Photographed on 7/22/24. It is a wind chime on the edge of Kawagoe Ichiban Street and a lantern of the Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival. In today's rainstorm, the wind chime shelf and wind chime were broken, so it seems that this year's exhibition of rim musubi wind chimes in Kawagoe Ichiban Street has ended.

Ochayaba (also known as Oteranba Observatory) About 20,000 sunflowers planted across roughly 22 ares by members of the Kawayama District Scenic Beautification Council in Takaharamachi on June 1 are now in full bloom! You can enjoy them until early August, so please come visit 🥰🌻 Location: 4239-6 Nishifumoto, Takaharamachi, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture ※⚠️If you use a car navigation system, entering the above address will not take you directly to the site. When you get near the address, look for the signboards that have been put up and use them as your guide!

Photo ⛴️ from the ferry on the way from Rishiri to Wakkanai The sunset was 🌅 very beautiful

Takaharu Satisfaction Campaign♫‼️ Stay at participating accommodations in Takaharu and receive coupons usable at those facilities!! *Participating accommodations* 1. Gokuraku Onsen Takumi no Yado 2. Yunomoto Onsen 3. Oujibaru Onsen Kenkomura (Oujibaru Onsen Health Village) 4. Oike no Yu (tent stays) 5. Oujibaru Park (cottages and tent stays) 6. Oike Camp Village (cottages, bungalows, and tent stays) 7. Sennin no Mori Campground (tents only) *Coupon distribution period* From Monday, July 1, 2024, until checkout on Tuesday, December 31, 2024! *Coupon usage period* Until Friday, January 31, 2025! Coupons are distributed according to the lodging charge per person as follows. (1) ¥2,000 or more up to ¥5,000: ¥500 (one ¥500 coupon) (2) ¥5,000 or more up to ¥10,000: ¥1,000 (two ¥500 coupons) (3) ¥10,000 or more up to ¥15,000: ¥1,500 (three ¥500 coupons) (4) ¥15,000 or more: ¥2,000 (four ¥500 coupons) *Coupons will be distributed at the accommodation. (Distribution ends when the budget is exhausted.)* *Coupons cannot be reserved; they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.* For details, please check the Takaharu Town Tourism Association website below 😆✨

Cycling Guide Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan Last weekend, a group of six joined our cycling guide tour! Under clear skies after the rainy season, we cycled while taking in views of the Alps and the Tenryu River. After arriving at the orchard, we went peach picking. They enjoyed harvesting the most popular variety, Akatsuki. After cycling, we moved to the cafe for peach desserts! Everyone fully enjoyed the cycling and peach picking, which made us happy too. Thank you for joining us!

[Free Participation] LINE Puzzle Event “The Lost Osametachi” Osametachi is a traditional Isehara cultural heritage recognized as part of Japan’s cultural patrimony. Explore the history of Oyama through a puzzle hunt, find the Osametachi by clearing the puzzles, and receive an original Oyama Afuri Shrine achievement certificate!! Period: Through Monday, September 30, 2024 Participation Fee: Free Estimated Time: About 2 hours (depending on hiking pace) How to Join: From the flyer QR code Access to Oyama From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the bus bound for the Oyama Cable (routes I10, I11, I12) and get off at the final stop (about 30 minutes) Organizer: Isehara Plus Project WonderSpace Co., Ltd. Contact: Isehara Plus Project Representative Aoki: 090-6112-4303

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Takaharu Town Tourism Association. Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture, lies at the foot of MtTakachihonomine in the southwest of Kyushu. It is a town surrounded by beautiful nature. The town’s population is about 8,000 people (as of June 2024), and it is known for scenery that changes with the seasons. Takaharu in Miyazaki Prefecture charms visitors with its rich natural environment and historical background, offering heartwarming experiences. The name Takaharu is said to come from Takamagahara, the high plain where the gods dwell in Japanese mythology. Here is some recommended information about Takaharu, a town closely linked to Japanese mythology. ■■■Access to Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Airport - Access to Takaharu You can reach Takaharu from Miyazaki Airport by the following means. By car: It takes about 45 minutes from Miyazaki Airport to Takaharu via the Miyazaki Expressway. By train: From Miyazaki Airport, transfer between the JR Miyazaki Airport Line, the JR Nippo Main Line, and the JR Kitto Line to reach takaharu station in about two hours. ■■■History, Legends, and Myths of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu has long been a region where myths and legends live on, and many stories have been passed down here. It is said to be the birthplace and childhood home of Emperor Jimmu, and many local place names around Takaharu relate to him. The Tenson Korin, the heavenly descent in Japanese myth, is said to have taken place at MtTakachihonomine in Takaharu. Legends about the birth of the land by Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto and the Ama-no-Sakahoko stuck into the summit of MtTakachihonomine at the time of descent remain. ■■■Popular Sightseeing Spots in Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Sayano Shrine Sayano Shrine is one of Takaharu’s representative shrines and is said to have been established on the site where Emperor Jimmu was born as recorded in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. A grand avenue lined with cedar trees, said to be the longest shrine approach in Japan, covers the precincts, and its tranquil atmosphere moves visitors deeply. ■Kirishima Higashi Shrine Kirishima Higashi Shrine sits on the eastern foot of MtKirishimayama and is known as one of the Kirishima Rokusha Gongen. Kirishima Jingu in Kagoshima Prefecture prospered as “West Kirishima Shrine,” while Kirishima Higashi Shrine was known as “East Kirishima Shrine.” From the shrine you can enjoy grand views of MtKirishimayama, and the autumn colors particularly attract many visitors. ■Kasumi Shrine Kasumi Shrine is said to grant blessings for agriculture, livestock, health, matchmaking, good fortune, and business success. Legend says that worshiping the white snake that lives in a rock cave on the shrine grounds brings good luck. ■Oujibaru Park Oujibaru Park is a vast park representing Takaharu and a natural treasure to enjoy year-round. You can enjoy wood-themed play areas such as Oujibaru no Ki, where children play with wooden toys, and the roofed play equipment Moo-rii that lets you feel the warmth of wood. ■Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground is an outdoor spot developed around Koushiobaru Shrine where visitors can enjoy camping in nature. Around the campground you can find burial mounds, walking trails, tennis courts, a fishing pond, and go-karts, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The site offers facilities that make it easy for camping beginners to use, so anyone can enjoy an outdoor experience with confidence. ■Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Takaharu is also a rich hot-spring area spreading across the Kirishima range, and the town has four hot-spring facilities. This hot-spring village breathes history and tradition, with abundant springs offering various benefits. The spring types include sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs, and iron springs, which are said to improve skin and relieve fatigue. Facilities where you can enjoy high-concentration carbonated springs are also popular. From open-air baths and private baths you can enjoy beautiful seasonal natural scenery. Local cuisine made with regional ingredients is another major attraction. ■Totoro Statue A statue of Totoro, a character from the animated film My Neighbor Totoro, stands in a rural setting in Takaharu. Surrounded by lush natural scenery, the statue makes visitors feel as if they are inside the film. It is a popular photo spot and a memorable place for visitors. ■■■■Local Specialties of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Beef Takaharu is a region with thriving livestock farming, and Miyazaki Beef, representative of the town, is a highly regarded premium wagyu both in Japan and abroad, known for its quality. Its fine marbling and tender texture fill your mouth with rich flavor from the first bite. ■Aged Takaharu Ash-Dried Meat This is meat ash-dried using ash from eruptions of MtShinmoedake. Volcanic ash absorbs excess moisture and odors, enhancing umami and tenderizing the ingredient. These specialties are also popular return gifts for hometown tax donations. ■■■Tourist Information for Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu offers abundant nature and a compelling historical backdrop. Visit Takaharu to encounter Japanese myths and legends. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended information about Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture, so please follow us.