If you want to "get PADI Sense in Japan", Hokule'a Shonan!
Hello! This is Hokule'a Shonan.

"I want to get a diving Sense while traveling in Japan"
"I want to take a course in English"
We offer courses that are perfect for guests from overseas in the Kanagawa and Shonan areas.

This time, guests from the United States completed the PADI Open Water Diver Course in 3 days and became divers! 🎉
The first day started with practicing basic skills, and on the last day, I was able to enjoy the sea with confidence.

The course can also be handled in English, so it is safe for foreigners living in Japan and those who are traveling.
In fact, the guests this time were able to communicate smoothly in English and proceed with the course safely and happily.

The training location is IOP (Izu Marine Park) in Higashi-Izu, a popular diving spot that can be reached on a day trip from Tokyo. Diving in the colorful schools of fish and beautiful sandy waters is truly a unique experience in Japan.

Hokule'a Shonan is certified as a PADI 5 Star Dive Center and features small class sizes and attentive instruction.
Even after obtaining Sense, we also provide support for the next step, such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Fun Diving.

✅ Especially for those who would like to recommend
Travelers and business travelers coming to Japan from overseas
Those who want to take diving lessons in English
Those who are interested in Japan's Nature and the sea
For those who are experiencing diving for the first time

Would you like to acquire a PADI Sense that can be used for a lifetime in Japan?
It is easy to access from Tokyo and is perfect for memories of your trip.
Let's experience the "blue world" with us!

#PADIOpenWater #DivingJapan #IOPIzu #ScubaNearTokyo #PADI5Star #JapanTravelTips #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan #SoloTravelJapan #OceanAdventure

A morning view of Azumino with the Northern Alps in sight
Mount Jonen stands clearly visible
I imagine many climbers are pushing on toward the summit today as well
This is the view from Ohisama Road 😄

Mihama Town Lake Center presents a special summer evening event, the Fireworks Cruise.
This luxurious cruise lets you relax on the deck of a battery-powered tour boat and enjoy the fireworks from the Summer Festa Mihama 2025 in a quiet, comfortable setting.

Fireworks Cruise
Date and Time: Saturday, July 26, 2025
・Doors open 7:00 PM
・Departure 7:45 PM
・Fireworks start 8:00 PM
・Expected finish around 8:30 PM

What the cruise offers
・A battery-powered tour boat for a quiet, low-vibration, comfortable cruise
・Up-close viewing of powerful fireworks from the deck
・A chance to enjoy a clear night sky and stars
・Includes an original cake and a drink from Five Lakes Café

Capacity and Fees
・About 20 participants aged elementary school and up (lottery if applications exceed capacity)
・Adults: 5,000 yen
・Elementary school students: 2,500 yen (must be accompanied by a guardian)

Application Period
・Saturday, June 28, 2025 to Sunday, July 13, 2025
・Apply via the dedicated form (if you cannot access the form, please contact us directly)
https://forms.gle/S4wSU7w29DT4HBga6
※Lottery results will be announced to successful applicants only after the application period ends.

Notes
・The cruise is scheduled to end at around 8:30 PM.
・Only beverages (including alcohol) may be brought on board.

Contact
Mihama Town Lake Center
Address: 24-4-1 Hayase, Mihama Town
Phone: 0770-47-5960

Good morning.
This is Azumino, greeting a wonderfully refreshing morning.
The Northern Alps are clearly visible.

In my previous post, I told you that Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture has many historical sites and traditions related to the "Minamoto Hei Battle".
This time, I would like to introduce the second installment, "The Legend of the Five-Colored Princess".

A 15-minute walk from JR Iyo Station towards the sea, there is Thereare "Goshikihime Seaside Park" with a tropical mood lined with palm trees.
In the summer, the beach is crowded with Beachgoers, and a national beach volleyball high school girls' tournament is held every year. Also, in autumn, you can enjoy "Kangetsu Imotaki" in the park.

The area around such a seaside park has been called "Goshikihama" for a long time. A sad legend has been preserved on this name.

Five princesses of the Heike family who were defeated in the Battle of Minamoto and lived in hiding on the beach of Iyo City. One day, Sister Princess sees Aka Squid Ni and remembers the red flag color of the Heike family, which causes her to hold a grudge against Minamoto.

Sister Princess orders her sisters to look for the white Squid Squid, the color of Minamoto's flag, as if it were an enemy of the inn and killed the enemy, but no matter how many days they searched, they could not find the white Squid Ni. The exhausted sisters smear the crab with white powder and give it to the sister princess, but it is soon found out that it is a lie, and the youngest sister is cut by the enraged sister princess.

The grieving sisters throw themselves into the sea, and the remaining sister and princess soon throw herself into the sea with the death of her youngest sister in her arms. The five princesses who died in this way turned into stones of five colors, red, white, green, yellow, and black, and washed up on the beach, so this beach came to be called "Goshikihama".

When it was Maintenance in 1996 (Heisei 8) as "Goshikihime Seaside Park", a "crab square" with five colored stones installed after the legend was established.

In addition, the women's festival "Goshikihime Easter" is Held in every year on the fourth Sunday of March, in reference to the story that when the tears of the people of the land who pity the princesses and wish to come back to life fall on the five-colored stones, the princesses were resurrected from beyond the sea.

There is also a famous confectionery called "Five-Colored Negai Stone" that has been certified as a "more and more Iyoshi brand". The legendary five-colored stone is represented by red beans, green peas, white green beans, sweet corn, and chestnuts. They are wrapped in domestic red beans that have been slowly simmered and soaked in honey. Squid for Souvenirs.

Last June 29th was the opening of the sea, Goshikihime Seaside Park. Summer has finally arrived.
Let's enjoy Bathing in the sea to the fullest on the beach with beautiful white sand and gentle waves!

*Goshikihime Seaside Park*
Address: Ozaki, Iyo City
Contact: Iyo City Hall 089-982-1111 (Representative)

Gourmet fair will be held in with Hagi's "#Setsuki Aji" as the main character!

Maaji, born off the west coast of the Goto Islands of Kyushu, came to the coast of the Sea of Japan in Yamaguchi Prefecture on the Tsushima Warm Current, and some of them lived and raised in the waters off the coast of Hagi (natural reefs and rocks). Here, they grow by eating abundant and high-quality food such as plankton and whitebait, and become a delicious "setsuki aji" with good fat and plump flesh.
Moreover, since Hagi is close to the fisheries, freshly caught horse mackerel is brought to the market and is very fresh ✨

Events include immediate sales of Fresh Freshly caught Setsuki Aji, sale of Setsuki Aji sushi and water processed goods, free tastings of overnight drying, and mochimaki.

◾️ Date and time Held in
Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:00~14:00

◾️schedule
Around 8:00 a.m.　
Landings of setsuki mackerel
Visiting the site of the work, which is usually done around 2 a.m.

10：00～　
opening ceremony
Immediate sale of fried mackerel, etc.
Setsuki fried horse mackerel and hijiki rice will be sold in limited quantities
Sales of water processed goods, etc.

10：15～　
Setsuki Aji Landings Instant Sale
We will sell the Fresh setsuki mackerel Landings in the morning (other fresh fish will also be sold immediately).
Aji Setsuki PR Corner
Exhibition Panels, Touching Corner, Introduction of Purse Seine Fisheries, Coloring Pages, etc.

11：00～　
Setsuki Aji Sorting Experience
Subject selection experience for elementary school students (reception on the day, 40 people in total)

12：00～　
Setsuki Aji Sushi Sale [Limited quantity, 100 packs]

12：15～　
Setsuki Aji Overnight Dried Free Tasting [First 300 people]
11:30 ~ Numbered tickets will be distributed

13：15～
Hagi's Fish Bingo Tournament
Implementation of a bingo tournament to win Premiums will be held on the stage!
* 12:00 ~ Bingo cards will be distributed at the venue

14：00～　
Mochimaki

Thereare subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions

◾️ Held in
Yamaguchi Prefecture Fishery Cooperative Hagi Local Wholesale Market & Roadside Station Hagi Shimato
(4160-61 Tsubaki Higashi, Hagi City)

◾️ Contact us
Hagi City Water Industry Division Phone 0838-25-4195

For details, please see the flyer and the website of the Hagi City Tourism Association! 🐟

Photographed 6/29/25.
It is a wind chime at the edge of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Summer in Japan is very hot, and it is quaint to visit the riverbed to escape the summer.

Dazzling summer light shining through the porch.
This year's heat is in serious mode.
The cat is exploring in search of the last coolness in the sink Water ...?
In the afternoon when the wind chimes do not ring, the silence and heat blend together in the summer of Japan.
"Squid can't be angry about anything with this water...?"

Yanagidani Kannon Yanggu Temple

Kyoto, Nagaokakyo City, Jodoganido no Tani 2

Avalokitasvara, which is full of wide and deep compassion, and Yanagitani Kannon, which has a guardian deity that controls the power of Nature such as Nature worship, spirit worship, and ancestor worship, is a spiritual experience, and the Main Hall is designated as Shinsai Province Sacred Site No. 17, and Okunoin Temple is designated as Rakusai Kannon Sacred Site No. 10.

Nagaoka Tenmangu
2-15-13 Tenjin, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto

A shrine where the god of learning is enshrined. The road on the water, the stone bridge, and the road to the Precincts are fun. There is also a Ume Plum Garden, and it is a shrine with many highlights.

Photographed on July 1, 25.
It is a wind chime at the edge of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Water Jingu Shrine

3-10-24 Hirose, ShimaHonmachi, Mishima-gun, Osaka

"The Wind of Blessing" wind chime and the Car Square
About 1000 wind chimes "Lucky Wind" have begun!
Held in: July 1 (Tue) – September 9 (Tue) 2025
The sound of wind chimes, a summer tradition, was originally used for exorcism. It is a sound that exorcises the calamities that come on the wind and carries health and happiness.
Please pass through the wind chimes and visit the Main Shrine.
Look at the strips of wind chimes. The wind chimes express everyone's gratitude.
Thereare when I think about gratitude again, I realize what is really important to me.
Gratitude written by others can heal one's heart. Thereare times when your gratitude can help someone else.
I hope that the spirit of gratitude will be able to help you.
Strips are 500 yen (up to 2 sheets / There is a at the reception)

A Tranquil Shrine Soothing You with the Cool Chime of Wind Bells

At Sagi Shrine each summer we hold the “Wind Bell Festival.”

🎐 Wind Bell Festival 🎐
Event Period
Friday, June 20, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025

Around 500 wind bells line the grounds during the festival, offering vivid colors, refreshing tones, and the calming green of the shrine grounds.
It’s also a hidden popular spot in Miyoshi City for Instagram-worthy photos.

The grounds regularly host markets such as the “Saginoko-san Goenichi” market.
(Check @saginokosan.goenichi on Instagram for event details!)

Summer is just getting started.
Why not visit Sagi Shrine to enjoy some cool relief?

⛩️ Sagi Shrine
📍1877 Tokaichi-machi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
📞 0824-62-3343
📱 080-5363-3967

Spice up the summer in Nagano! Information on festivals ✨ in July

(1) Zenko Temple Table approach to the temple Summer Festival
Zenko Temple Omote approach to the temple will be a pedestrian paradise, and various Events such as food and drink booth Stalls, working Car exhibition, Shinshu professional wrestling will be Held in!
Held in stage Events such as dance at Central Square and TOiGO Plaza, food and beverage booths, cosplay Events "Kosrai" and karaoke competitions by JOYSOUND!

【Date & Time】7/6 (Sun) 10:00~16:00 (rain or shine)
【Venue】Zenko Temple Table approach to the temple
・Daimon South Intersection - Kakayayama Intersection
・Central Square
・TOiGO Square

※ Shinshu Pro Wrestling
Around the constellation Monzenpla (next to the BenBen booth)
10:00～10:30
14:00～14:30
* Kosrai's stage is at TOiGO Square
13:15～14:00
* Karaoke tournament will be held at TOiGO Square
10:00～11:00
12:10～13:10
14:00～15:00
Held in!

(2) Nagano Gion Festival
Be sure to see the glamour and delicate craftsmanship of the stalls up close.
The dynamic lion dance and the supple and elegant Japan dance are also a must see!
In addition, for the first time this year, Central Square will open a limited Stalls of "Shinshu Sake Brewery (Shinshu Local Sake, Shinshu Craft Beer, Shinshu Wine)" for the first time. Events such as stalls and live performances on stage are plentiful.

【Schedule】
7/12 (Sat) Yoiyama (Eve Festival)
7/13 (Sun) Stall procession
【Venue】Nagano City Chuo Street area and Zenko Temple
*Please check the official website for details of the time and venue.

(3) Nagano Tanabata Festival
The 440-Meter arcade that covers the street is decorated with vivid Tanabata decorations.
The arcade that symbolizes Nagano City's "Gondo" was recently renovated yellowtail 30 years, and the interior has become brighter, so you can enjoy Tanabata decorations more than every year!

【Date】7/19 (Sat) ~ 8/7 (Thu)
【Venue】Gondo Arcade Street Area

Zenkoji Temple Omote Approach to the Temple Summer Festival #Nagano Gion Festival #Nagano Tanabata Festival #Summer Festival #Nagano City #Nagano Prefecture #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Travel #nagano #naganocity

Hello everyone, this ☺ is Kitahiroshima Town in the northwestern part of Hiroshima Prefecture!
We, the Kitahiroshima Town Tourism Association, will broadcasting the charm and latest information of our town.
Thank you for 💛 following and sharing

【What kind of town is Kitahiroshima Town?】 】

In the northwestern part of the Hiroshima Prefecture, in the West China Mountains Elevation 300 Meter to 800 Meter
It is located almost in the center of the Geihoku region, which extends to the basin Highlands, and borders Shimane Prefecture to the north.
Fresh greenery in Spring, Clear streams in summer, Autumn leaves in autumn, and Winter sports in winter are crowded with tourists.
Since ancient times, it has flourished as a relay point connecting Sanyo and Sanin, and in the Middle Ages, it was also a production area of iron sand.
In addition to the many ruins of the Sengoku Warlord Mori clan (Mori-shi) and the Yoshikawa clan,
Folk performing arts such as Kagura and Dengaku, beech forests, Wetlands, flora and fauna, etc.
It is a town where precious and majestic Nature spreads Nature and rural culture is alive.

I want to know more about Kitahiroshima Town! I want to go! For those who say,
Please see ✨ the "Roundabout, Kitahiroshima" Home page and each social media

🎨 One hundred forms that connect earth and heart — a place where Sakai pottery’s present and future meet.

📢 Free works by members of the Sakai pottery community, Sakai ware tea bowls and sencha sets, works by four guest ceramic artists, a collaboration between elementary school students’ animal-shaped clay whistles and members’ haniwa figures ☺
About 100 works submitted by exhibitors will be on display, and there is also a charity corner supporting disaster recovery!

Mihama Town Energy and Environment Education Experience Center “Kiipas” will hold a summer holiday program from Monday, July 21 to Wednesday, August 6. Participation is free, so please join us!

See the flyer for details.

Please use the application form below.

Mihama Town Energy and Environment Education Experience Center “Kiipas”
Address: 62-1 Nyuu, Mihama Town
Phone: 0770-39-1116

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sa_qrn7VglV90mV-tZQ6dn3y8M4wg23W5LToNIwW1yM/viewform?edit_requested=true

＼ ✨💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠✨ ／
Starting today, July 2nd, hydrangeas are floating in the monument tank at Izukyū Shimoda Station rotary.💠🫧
The hydrangeas were carefully pruned by the staff in charge of Shimoda Park, and they will remain on display until Wednesday, July 16th.
Even hydrangeas that have passed their peak in the park look fresh and beautiful when floated on the water!
There are especially many blue hydrangeas, which stand out against the summer sky and give a very refreshing impression.🌿🩵
If you are nearby, please stop by and take a look!

*Only authorized personnel have pruned or collected plants within Shimoda Park.
Please refrain from cutting or taking plants from the park.*

■Paella Cooking Experience■

This plan invites you to try making paella with support from a specialist certified by the All Japan Paella Federation.

The venue, Notanohira CampGround, lies deep in Toyooka Village. Far from populated areas, it is a quiet campground set beside the clear Abukawa River.

Relax and refresh to the green trees and the gentle murmur of the river, and enjoy making paella together in a lively atmosphere!

[Plan Details]
■Season
Late April through October

■Meeting Point
Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)

= For those using car navigation =
toyooka travel time
Address: 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395
If the above address does not appear, please set Toyooka Village Central Nursery School as your destination
and come to that location.
Toyooka Village Central Nursery School Address: 12368 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
10 people (minimum operating number: 5)
If you wish to participate with fewer than 5 people or more than 10 people,
please contact us to discuss arrangements.

■Price (tax included)
For groups of 5 to 10 participants: 5,500 yen per person
If you wish to participate with a different number of people, please contact us.

[Contact: Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)]
・By phone: 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
・Inquiries via website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Course Details and Schedule (approximately 4 hours)
1) Gather at toyooka travel time 11:00 (payment)

2) Travel to Notanohira CampGround 11:00–11:45 approximately
※Please travel by private car.

3) Arrive at Notanohira CampGround around 11:45

4) Paella making experience and meal 11:45–15:00 approximately

6) Local dismissal at Notanohira CampGround around 15:00

■About the Plan
[About Notanohira CampGround]
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Far from populated areas, you can enjoy a leisurely time amid green trees and the river’s murmur.
Please travel to the campsite by private car.

[About the Paella Cooking Experience]
Participants will make paella with guidance from a certified paellero (paella chef) accredited by the All Japan Paella Federation.
Specialists from the Japan National Paella Contest Team, members of Paella Mania Cup winning teams, and other authentic paella experts will teach you, offering a special hands-on experience.

[Combining with Other Activities]
It is possible to combine this plan with other activities.
We particularly recommend pairing it with the Pothole Tour, where you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites.

[Clothing]
・Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for active movement
※You may use the changing room and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers are available at the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility.
(300 yen)

■How to Inquire and Apply
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the website.
Phone: toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is possible until 6:00 PM four days before the experience date.
Cancellations after that time will incur a 100 percent cancellation fee.

■Pothole Tour■

Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes.

Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax.

Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream.

Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children.

We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground!

【Plan Details 】
■Season
Around July to early September
※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us.

■Meeting place
General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan)

＝ For those using car navigation ＝
《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》
Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture
TEL 0265-49-3395
※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location.
《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people)
※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us.

■Price (tax included)
Per person: 5,000 yen
※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required.

■Course details and schedule
① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan
9:30 (payment)

② Travel to Nodaira Campground
Around 9:30–10:10
※Please travel by private car.

③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground
Around 10:10

④ Walk to the pothole area
Around 10:15–10:45

⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole
Around 10:45–12:15

⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site
Around 12:45

■About the plan
【About Nodaira Campground】
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river.
Please travel to the campground by private car.

【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】
In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter.
A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years.

【Can be combined with other activities】
You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details.

【Clothing and items to bring】
● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard
● Change of clothes
● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes
※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen).
※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen).

■Inquiries and reservations
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.

Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/

Photographed on July 1, 25.
It is a wind chime at the edge of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photographed 6/29/25.
Among the more than 2,000 rim musubi wind chime, only one There are wind chime with red thread. Every day, the location changes.
If you find it, you may find something good.

Tokachigawa Onsen district has welcomed its fifth winery in the area, Tokachigaoka Winery, which opened on April 18th.

Each grape cluster is tended carefully over time, grown organically while daily efforts keep pests under control.
Basked in sunlight, the grapes develop high sugar levels and a perfect balance of acidity.
Inside the shop, paid tastings of Otopuke Roman are available (with cheese snacks), so be sure to give them a try.😊

We also sell cheeses that pair well with wine, Aizawa Winery’s Sacherella and Ryunosuke, Memuro Winery’s Yorokobu, Tokachi Wine’s Jewel of Tokachi, and Tokachi Makiba no Ie Winery’s Yusui.

Please stop by when you visit Tokachigawa Onsen.🤗

● Access: about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Station
About 30 minutes by bus from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal (get off at Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa and walk about 5 minutes)

● Inquiries: Tokachigaoka Winery TEL: 0155-67-1981

Egiling Tournament in Kōno 2025: Date Announced!!

An Aori-ika (bigfin reef squid) fishing competition taking place along the coastline of the Kōno district in Minami-Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture

Egling Tournament in Kōno 2025 will be held according to the following terms and conditions.

Registration opens on July 17. Please apply using the dedicated application form on the Kōno Tourism Association website or by fax.

We look forward to welcoming many participants.

At the National Bihoku Hillside Park (Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture), the hydrangeas that color the early summer in Japan are in Best time to visit! ✨

About 100 varieties and 10,000 "hydrangeas" planted in the Hiba-no-Sato hydrangea garden and Japanese cedar trees are in Best time to visit! Best time to visit is expected to continue until early July.

Hydrangea flowering status (as of June 29)
【Name】Hydrangea
【Flowering state】Best time to visit
【Flowering period】Mid-June ~ mid-July *Best time to visit is ~early July
【Flowering place】Hiba no Sato, Hydrangea Garden, Japanese cedar trees
Number of units: Approx. 10,000 shares

【Place】National Bihoku Hillside Park
【Address】4-10 Mikkaichi Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
【Contact】National Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000

Click here for details▽
https://www.shobara-info.com/news/5133

Tadao Ando, a world Famous-renowned architect, proposed to Matsuyama City that he would like to Maintenance and donate the Children's Book Forest to the Clouds Above The Hill Museum he designed
"Children's Book Forest Matsuyama" will open on Monday, July 28, 2025 (Reiwa 7)!
To commemorate the occasion, on Sunday, July 27, the day before, Tadao Ando's lecture "Matsuyama as a No.1 in Japan" will be Held in.
Ms. Ando talks about her thoughts on the "Children's Book Forest" and Matsuyama.
Applications must be received by Friday, July 4, and if there are many applications, a lottery will be held.
Application period: ~2025 (Reiwa 7) must arrive by Friday, July 4
Capacity: 500 people (all seats reserved)
["Children's Book Forest Matsuyama" Opening Commemorative Lecture]
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025 (Reiwa 7) Start: 3 p.m. Scheduled to end: 4 p.m.
Venue: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotels Matsuyama 4F Diamond Ball Room
Lecture: Architect Tadao Ando
Title: Matsuyama as a No.1 in Japan
For details, please check the Home page of the Clouds Above The Hill Museum.

#Ehime #Matsuyama #Children's Book Forest #Tadao Ando #Lecture #Architect
#EHIME #MATSUYAMA #Clouds Above The Hill Museum
#Nice Matsuyama #Matsuyama Tourism Convention Association

~Going to meet the "happiness" flower, Renge Shoma-Climbing Kurodake in summer~

Around the time of Obon, the phantom flower "KiRenge Shoma" 🌼 begins to bloom quietly in the mountains
Designated as an endangered species II on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List and attracting attention in NHK's TV series, this flower is said to make you happy when you see it.

In the past, Renge Shoma used to grow in clusters around Morotsuka Village and Mt. Kurodake, but now their numbers have decreased greatly due to the effects of deer eating damage.
Now, Local people are barely holding on to their lives in the limited area where conservation activities continue.

Kurodake has been designated as an "Important Habitat" by Miyazaki Prefecture, and in addition to Renge Shoma, it is a precious treasure trove of nature with many rare mountain wildflowers and wild animals unique to Kyushu.

On this mountaineering tour, you will be accompanied by a local guide, and you will be able to enjoy the rich forest while guiding you through rare plants and commentary on Nature.

🟡 【Outline of the Kurodake Mountaineering Tour】
📅 Date: Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 9:00-16:00
📍 Meeting: Obarai Community Center (*Leading from Shiitake Museum 21 is also possible)
🎒 Subject: 3 years old or older (minimum 4 participants / maximum 10 participants)
💰 Fee: Adult 5,000 yen / Child 4,000 yen (lunch and guide fee included)
📝 Application Deadline: Saturday, August 16

Climbing difficulty: ★★ ☆☆☆ (for beginners ~ intermediates)
🌱 Please wear comfortable clothing, mountaineering boots, or non-slip athletic shoes.

🌼 A special day of summer when you meet a phantom flower.
We look forward to your participation!

Teshikaga Day-Trip Baths Guide
Teshikaga offers many hot springs with free-flowing natural source water. With options ranging from public baths to hotel hot springs, you can choose a day bath that suits your preference.
Here is a roundup of recommended day-trip baths in Teshikaga. ♨️

https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=663%2C669

Midsummer in Teshikaga
Spots you should definitely visit 🐻☕️

📍Sakhalin Spruce Nature Trail
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A walking trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (ig: @kawayu_vc). It’s an authentic forest you can drop into easily. Staff at the facility can provide a 20–30 minute guided walk on request.✨ This season is especially recommended as gozentachibana moves from white flowers to red berries.
On the second-floor cafe (ig: @cafesoftwood) you can enjoy meals and tea, so you can make the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center.🍙🌿

https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/eco_museum/