[❄️ Introducing photos submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Final installment ❄️] The Gokase Tourism Association held the “#Winter Gokase 2025” photo event on its Instagram account through February 28. This is the final showcase of the entries we received.🥹✨ @fowafuwarin5 @mas8787a @mgm_1228 (in no particular order) Making its long-awaited debut is Unoko Falls✨ These lovely photos capture the ski area where snow still lingers and the surrounding great outdoors.👏 Thank you all for so many submissions.😭 It was a harsh winter, but many of the winter photos felt warm and heartening.😊☀️

Mountain Opening Climb ⛰️ Participants Wanted! We will hold the 2025 Mountain Opening Climb. *Participation in the ritual alone is free of charge* ⭐ Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 ⭐ Participation fee: ¥1,000 (includes insurance and a protective charm) *No registration is required for participation in the ritual only.* ⭐ Course: Tenson Kourin Course ⭐ How to apply: Please apply by phone or via the application form below. ⭐ Application deadline: Monday, April 7 Our staff will lead a slow-paced climb, so beginners 🔰 can join with confidence! 🥳 Important Notes * The age limit is set at 70, but people who exercise regularly may participate even if they are older than 70. * Junior high school students and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. * Please bring your own lunch and emergency rations. * After the ritual, participants will return to the trailhead (the Fifth Sabo Dam) by their own cars. * The event will proceed in light rain, but the secretariat will notify you by the evening of Friday the 11th if it is canceled. The ritual will be held even if the event is canceled. Application Form https://docs.google.com/.../1ik84ozPLmto7PgPEXKrGsPI.../edit... For applications and inquiries Takaharacho Tourism Association 0984-42-4560

A new spot for climbing Mt. Morotsuka: the ruins of Higashi-no-Kamimae Once a gathering place for ascetic practitioners, this site was known as Utsugi Plain. Members of the Morotsuka Village local history research group, Shidankai, investigated the area and installed a sign last year. About a five-minute descent from the summit along the ridge that extends northeast, the site sits on a rocky outcrop with excellent views. ◎The route can be hard to follow in places, so please check maps and other information before you go. #miyazaki #miyazaki_countryside #morotsukavillage #morotsuka #Miyazaki Prefecture #Patchwork Village #Morotsuka Village #Morotsuka Village Tourism Association #Mt. Morotsuka hiking #Mt. Morotsuka mountain opening 2025 #mountain opening #Mt. Morotsuka mountain opening

Today, Thursday the 13th, at 1:40 PM the Nanatsuboshi train 🚃 The Nanatsuboshi bus will also stop at Takahara Station 😝👌 Takaharacho tourist guides will lead a tour of the Oike and Kirishima Higashi Shrine course! Parking: Free

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association. We will now share plenty of reasons to fall in love with Morotsuka Village in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. First, let us introduce Morotsuka Village. ◆◇◆About Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture, sits nearly in the center of the Kyushu Central Mountain Range. About 90% of the village area is forest. There is almost no flat land; 84 small settlements dot the mountain slopes. Under the slogan of building a forestry-centered village, Morotsuka has promoted village development by protecting mountains, creating forests, and living in harmony with nature while benefiting from the forest. This is a village that lives with the forest, thinking not only about themselves but also about one another and not only about the present but about children and grandchildren. ◆◇◆Access◆◇◆ * About two hours by car from Kumamoto Airport * About two hours by car from Miyazaki Airport * From Miyazaki Airport take the train to JR Hyuga City Station (limited express about 65 minutes), then a route bus runs from Hyuga City Station to Morotsuka Village. If you use train and route bus, take the JR Nippo Main Line to JR Hyuga City Station, then a Miyazaki Kotsu route bus to Morotsuka village center, "Morotsuka," which takes about 90 minutes. * Please board a bus bound for "Kamishiiba" or "Tsukahara." (For route bus details, check the Miyazaki Kotsu website.) ※For current traffic restrictions, please check the Morotsuka Navi Website. ◆◇◆Tourist Spots in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ ■Ecomuseum Morotsuka Shiitake Hall 21 This facility houses the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association office and Restaurant Donkotei. It used to be a place to learn about shiitake, but it has been renovated as a tourist information and community space. Across the Hotaru Bridge, on the opposite bank, stands the main statue of Kunugi Jizo carved from a sawtooth oak more than 100 years old. You can walk down to the river to enjoy a boxed lunch or play in the clear stream. ◇◆◇Accommodations in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park Perched around 800 meters above sea level in nature-rich Morotsuka, Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park offers log houses and a campsite. From the Hyuga direction the road is a single lane each way, so drivers who are not used to mountain roads can still feel at ease. The park features an athletic course, grass skiing, and putter golf, so families with young children can enjoy themselves together. A scenic cross-country course nearby makes for a pleasant, leisurely walk amid nature. The popular Akimasa Observatory, known for its views, is about a five-minute drive. We recommend rising early to watch the sunrise; with luck you may see a sea of clouds. Spring bursts with flowers, summer brings lush greenery and cool highland air, autumn ignites in brilliant foliage, and winter offers quiet days with occasional snow flurries. It’s a place to savor the changing seasons and relax in nature. ■Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village One of the village’s two campgrounds is Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village. Morotsukayama, one of Kyushu’s 100 famous mountains, towers here amid rich nature. Nearby is a river park next to a water-rich gorge, where you can enjoy river play and fishing in summer (fishing requires a permit). ■Forest Folk House Yamashigi Forest The Forest Folk House consists of two historic houses: "Shitashigi," built in the Taisho era, and "Nakashigi," built in the Meiji era. You reach them by climbing a winding mountain road, yet these homes once served as a transportation hub before roads and cars existed. Today they serve as an experiential exchange facility where city visitors and mountain residents deepen ties through farm work. Perched high as if touching the sky, the site preserves nostalgic scenes such as an irori hearth, a goemon bath, and a wood-fired stove. ■Forest Folk House Series These traditional houses let you fully enjoy the breath of nature. Surrounded by mountains, with the warmth of wood, the scent of earth, and a communal irori hearth, Morotsuka’s forest folk houses offer a relaxed pace and a restful place to experience human–nature coexistence. [List of folk houses] ・Yamashigi Forest ・Heida no Sato ・Sakura no Tsubone ・Yoshiya ◇◆◇Local Specialties of Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Shiitake Shiitake cultivated using 100% log-grown mushrooms from rich forests certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. Morotsuka Village proudly offers these flavorful, aromatic log-grown shiitake—please savor them. ■Mori no Hyakkamitsu (Forest Wildflower Honey) This honey comes from Japanese honeybees cherished by Morotsuka’s honey hunters. Natural beekeeping in the mountains draws nectar from a wide range of flowers. The honey the bees diligently collect—called "mori no hyakkamitsu" or wildflower honey—is highly nutritious with a rich taste and aroma. A single bee produces only about a spoonful of honey in its lifetime, making it very precious. ■Yomogi Dango (Mugwort Rice Dumplings) Fresh yomogi gathered from the mountains, nurtured by clean air and water, are made into yomogi dango using traditional methods. These treats are a countryside-only luxury, full of yomogi fragrance and filled with expertly kneaded sweet bean paste. ■Mountain-Processed Foods Women’s associations active across the scattered mountain settlements prepare goods in local workrooms every day. They transform mountain-harvested ingredients into the village’s delicious products—miso, yuzu pepper, konnyaku, dressings, and more. We will continue to share the charms of nature-rich Morotsuka Village—stay tuned!

Kumamon Island finally appears in the popular game Fortnite!! The hugely popular online game Fortnite has introduced a new stage set in Kumamoto called Kumamon Island!! Kumamon Island isn’t the usual shooting game; it’s a business simulation game!! The game’s story centers on Kumamoto’s major tourist spots, including Kumamoto Castle, and features a plot in which players help Kumamon and friends build a giant Kumamon robot!! One of the tourist sites featured is the Manda Pit!! Enjoy the game together with the adorable Kumamon♪ Island code 0507-8727-1071 https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kumamonisland/...

I took a picture of Nagasaki-kunchi held in Nagasaki City at a venue called Ryokusho. I took this photo because I wanted to be able to feel the power I felt with my eyes in the photo.

🏯✨ Yurukyara of Izumi City "Tsuru no Shin" ✨🐦 Do you know Izumi City's official character "Tsuru no Shin"? 👀 The other day, he appeared on TV, became a hot topic in some circles, and became a little more well-known (?). I did ✨ A character born in Izumi City, the destination of No.1 in Japan! 🦢⚔️ Tsurunoshin plays a major role 💨 every day to convey the charm of Izumi City I appear at Events, promote Izumi City, and do my best 💪🔥 to let everyone know about Izumi If you see one, please call out 📢😊 "Tsuru no shin!" You are also welcome to take pictures with us 📸✨

Plum Blossom Update – Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum as of March 10 The Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum, located in Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, sits within a park where many plum trees are planted. Overall, the blossoms have progressed and are now at their best viewing stage. They are blooming beautifully, so this week should be a great time to visit. Location: Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum (1587-11 Ikeda, Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City) Parking: Available (free) Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) The Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum will be temporarily closed from March 17 to March 28, 2025, but the park remains open for walking. ■■■ Access to central Bungo Ono City ■■■ From JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture: about a 3-hour drive From JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture: about a 2-hour drive From JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive From JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture: about a 1 hour 20 minute drive ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250312asakurahumiokinenkan/...

Cycling with views of the Ariake Sea! Why not take a slow, leisurely tour of the town? Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering familiar sights, new discoveries in everyday scenery can enrich your life. Feel the Ariake Sea breeze as you cycle and take in Arao Tidal Flats in Kumamoto Prefecture, Mt. Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture, MtTaradake in Saga Prefecture, and the giant cranes standing at the shipyard in Nagasu. You can visit Nekodaimyojin (Nekomiya), a smiling seaside bakery, a secluded adult café perfect for long conversations, and a soba café. If you extend your ride to Yotsuyama Shrine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ariake Sea from the hilltop. Rental bicycle locations ◆ Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl & Wetland Center: 20-2 Kuramitsu, Arao City ※ Closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3). If Monday is a holiday, the next open day will be observed. 0968-57-7444 ramsar@city.arao.lg.jp https://www.city.arao.lg.jp/kurashi/shisetsu/higata/... ◆ Kingyo to Koi no Sato Hiroba: 3150 Nagasu, Tamana District ※ Closed during the New Year holidays (December 28–January 3) Rental period 3 hours Lending hours 9:00–16:00 (reception until 15:00) ※ Except on days when the handling facilities are closed Eligible users High school students and older Persons whose safety is not impaired for bicycle use Application procedure Present a document that verifies your name and address, such as a driver’s license, health insurance card, or student ID, and complete the rental application form with the required information. Return location Return to the facility where you completed the rental procedures. Bad weather Rentals may be suspended in bad weather. Transfer and subletting You may not transfer or sublet the rental bicycle to another person. Helmets Wearing a helmet is requested when using the rental bicycle. Helmets are also available for loan. #Rental bicycle #Ariake Sea #Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl & Wetland Center #Kingyo to Koi no Sato Hiroba #Cycling https://www.city.arao.lg.j... p/kurashi/shisetsu/higata/ https://www.city.arao.lg.jp/kurashi/shisetsu/higata/...

A new Aratama Flower Tour map is now available. A leaflet introducing spots to enjoy seasonal flowers and autumn leaves in the Arao–Tamana area of Kumamoto Prefecture (commonly called the “Aratama region”)—covering two cities and four towns: Arao City, Tamana City, Gyokuto Town, Nagomi Town, Nankan Town, and Nagasu Town—is now ready! There are many places to enjoy seasonal flowers 🌸 and autumn foliage 🍁! Why not visit the Aratama region to enjoy its sightseeing spots while feeling the changing seasons? The leaflet is distributed by the Tamana Regional Promotion Bureau of Kumamoto Prefecture and the two cities and four towns of the Aratama region. For details, see the Kumamoto Prefecture website (https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/174/201934.html)....

At the Nobeoka Hanamonogatari Konohana Walk held over two days on Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23, the ever-popular Mini Sasuke Course Challenge took place at the venue. Each year, challengers gather from across the country for the Mini Sasuke Course Challenge, where Sasuke legends led by Makoto Nagano made appearances! Participants who won a prior lottery took on a compact yet authentic Sasuke course with support from five Sasuke legends: Makoto Nagano, Masashi Hioki, Yusuke Morimoto, Shingo Yamamoto, and Makoto’s eldest son, Kaiou. This year, once again, someone achieved a complete clear of the Mini Sasuke Course, and the venue erupted with excitement.

A coal mine trolley will run at Manda Pit! The coal mine trolley displayed at the Manda Pit coal preparation plant will run! Of the two displayed cars, No. 12 will run. The coal mine trolley used the Miike Coal Mine private railway to carry coal mined at Manda Pit for export from Miike Port. Be sure to see the trolley as it glides along in pleasant operation. Scheduled running times Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 Manda Pit Postal code 864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the New Year holidays ◆Admission fees: Adults 410 yen, High school students 310 yen, Elementary and junior high students 210 yen, Infants free *Group rates available (20 people or more) ◆Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30) ◆Phone: 0968-57-9155

The 10th Nobeoka Flower Story 2025 Konohana Walk was held on Saturday and Sunday, February 22–23, 2025, on the riverside of the Gokase River! Although a nationwide cold snap delayed the cherry blossoms, the event was lively with Nobeoka’s proud local food, stage performances, outdoor tea ceremonies, rickshaws, workshops, hands-on booths run by the Self-Defense Forces and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and kids’ events. In addition, a "Saigo-don Bus Tour" led by Saigo Takao, a great-grandson of the historical figure Saigo, was held to great acclaim. Thank you very much to everyone who attended✨️ *You can see scenes from the event day on the official Nobeoka Flower Story website.* Nobeoka Flower Story 2025 continues with Waiwai Hanayoi Story at Nobeoka Castle Ruins Shiroyama Park from Thursday, March 20 through Sunday, April 6, and the Waiwai Gourmet Expo on Saturday, March 22. Here you can see Somei-Yoshino cherry trees and one of Japan’s three great wild camellia groves (yabutsubaki).🌺 Check the blooming status on the official Nobeoka Flower Story website or in this account’s stories! We look forward to welcoming you.

Manda Pit is also hugely popular as a cosplay photo spot! Arao City's symbol Manda Pit In 2015 (Heisei 27) it was registered as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage. The Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution—iron and steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining—represent the first successful spread of the Industrial Revolution from Europe to the non-Western world. Between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization in just over half a century. Now preserved as valuable industrial remains, Manda Pit has newly become extremely popular as a cosplay photo location!! Many cosplayers and photographers use the site. Visitors and staff alike find themselves captivated by the authentic costumes and makeup. Here are some precious off‑shot photos. When a shoot starts, the site feels different from the Manda Pit we usually see as staff, and that gives us a strange, wonderful feeling. Manda Pit is perfect for cosplay photography, offering everything from striking action shots to nostalgic scenes. You’re sure to get photos you’ll love—highly recommended. We look forward to your visit. Information Filming requires advance reservation and a photo shoot application form. Please download the application form from the Arao City website. For changing rooms and luggage storage please use the Manda Coal Mine Museum (paid). This also requires advance reservation. Please contact the Manda Coal Mine Museum for room availability. Manda Coal Mine Museum: Phone 0968-64-1300 If you have any questions, please contact Manda Pit Station. ◆ Manda Pit Station 〒864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆ Phone: 0968-57-9155 ◆ FAX: 0968-57-9156 ◆ Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday), and during the New Year holidays ◆ Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) ◆ Admission fees: Manda Pit ruins / Adults: ¥410, High school students: ¥310, Elementary and junior high students: ¥210, Preschool children: free ◆ Access: Bus / 8 minutes from JR Arao Station ◆ Parking: 5 large buses, 3 medium buses, 72 passenger cars #Kumamoto #World Heritage #World Cultural Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Manda Pit #Manda Coal Mine Museum #cosplay #photo spot #Arao City website

What did the mine baths look like? At the Miike Coal Mine Manda Pit there is a newly opened Safety Lamp Room and Bathhouse that opened to the public in fiscal 2024. This bathhouse is the facility that was used from around 1951 (Showa 26), about 74 years after coal extraction stopped at Manda Pit, until 1997 (Heisei 9). Because this bathhouse served the small number of miners who performed maintenance work underground, it is different from the large bathhouses from Manda Pit’s heyday. Although smaller in scale, it served the same purpose of washing off the grime from underground work. Because coal dust that stuck to workers during work was hard to wash off, the washing area was separate from the tubs, and the tubs were divided into the "first bath" and an "up-bath (kakari-yu)" used after cleaning oneself thoroughly. (For details about the large bathhouse used by about 3,500 miners at Manda Pit’s peak, guided tours at Manda Pit offer more information, so please consider using a guide.) The Miike Coal Mine had abundant groundwater and required constant pumping. You might think that plentiful groundwater would be suitable for filling the tubs, but the water used for bathing was tap water. The reason was that water drawn from underground contained fine fragments of coal and other materials that posed a risk of injury, so it was not used at Manda Pit. On Hashima (Gunkanjima), water had to be brought in by supply ship from the mainland until a submarine water pipeline opened in 1953 (Showa 28). At that time, sea water was boiled for baths, and fresh water was reserved for the final "up-bath (kakari-yu)." A scene in the 2024 drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" also shows miners using the bathhouse after finishing underground work, so please pay attention to that when you watch.

Plum Bloom Report — Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum as of March 6 The Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum in Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu Many plum trees are planted throughout the park. Overall, the blossoms are progressing and looking beautiful. We will report on the blooming status as it develops. Location: Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum (1587-11 Ikeda, Asaji Town, Bungo Ono City) Parking: Available (free) Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Mondays (if a public holiday falls on Monday, closed the following day) The museum will be temporarily closed from March 17 to March 28, 2025, but the park’s plum trees will still be viewable. ■■■ Access to central Bungo Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250306asakurahumio/...

The theme park with the most attractions in Japan Greenland, one of the largest amusement parks in western Japan with a grounds area of 550,000 square meters Beyond roller coasters and thrill rides, more than 70 varied attractions include shooting games and haunted houses! Don’t miss the limited-time events, fireworks displays, and popular character shows! Two new attractions opened at Greenland in spring 2025✨ Enjoy a full day at Greenland. Greenland Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto 864-0011 TEL: 0968-66-1112

2025.02.15 Mitsui Miike Tanji Mandakeng

HANABI Festival at Greenland!! ＼This spring’s HANABI Festival is back／ Enjoy fireworks lighting up the spring night sky✨ Of course, the attractions will run at full operation until 8:00 PM!! * Please note that some areas will be off-limits during the fireworks display. * Viewing is free (park admission required separately) Date: Saturday, March 29 * In case of severe weather, the event will be postponed to Sunday, March 30. Time: Fireworks start at 7:30 PM Opening hours: 9:30 AM–8:00 PM Recommended viewing spot: Pond Front Plaza For guests arriving by car If you come by car, please cooperate by refraining from parking on the street or leaving your vehicle in nearby facilities without permission. Greenland Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture 864-0011 TEL: 0968-66-1112

Hello! This is the Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association. Yamaga Onsen is a famous hot spring in northern Kumamoto Prefecture with a history of over 1,300 years. Its waters are characterized by alkaline simple hot spring quality, known for enhancing skin beauty. The water is clear and colorless, tasteless and odorless, with temperatures ranging from 39 to 45°C. This account will share recommendations and the latest information about Yamaga Onsen, so please follow us! ◆About Yamaga Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture You can enjoy flowing-only (gensen-kakenagashi) hot spring water at many inns, and there are plenty of outdoor baths and family baths available for day use, making the area beloved by both visitors and locals. The town offers a historic atmosphere, and popular sights include Yachiyoza Theater and the Buzen Highway. ◆Access to Yamaga Onsen Yamaga Onsen is conveniently accessible from Fukuoka. By car: Take the Kyushu Expressway and exit at Kikusui IC or Ueki Interchange; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Fukuoka City. By bus: Take the Hinokuni Bus from Fukuoka Tenjin to Yamaga Bus Center, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the bus center, hot springs and attractions are within walking distance. ◆History of Yamaga Onsen Yamaga has long been a hot spring town. In the Edo Period it prospered as a post town along the Buzen Highway, where many travelers stopped for healing baths. In the Meiji Era the playhouse Yachiyoza was built, adding cultural appeal to the hot spring area. Today, the town continues to enchant many visitors as a hot spring town where history and tradition live on. ◆Popular attractions in Yamaga Onsen ・Buzen Highway The Buzen Highway runs through the heart of Yamaga Onsen and preserves the historic streetscape of an Edo Period post town. Along the cobblestone road you will find white-walled townhouses and old folk houses, perfect for a stroll through a retro atmosphere. Cafes and souvenir shops dot the area, making it an ideal spot to buy local specialties. ・Sakura-yu Hot Spring Sakura-yu, a symbol of Yamaga Onsen, is a public bathhouse with roots in the Edo Period. It was restored in 2012 as one of Kyushu’s largest wooden hot springs using traditional Japanese construction methods. The spacious main bath retains the charm of wooden architecture and offers flowing-only hot spring water. It’s an easy place to enjoy a soak between sightseeing. ・Yachiyoza Theater Built in 1910 (Meiji 43), Yachiyoza Theater was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1988 (Showa 63). It features lavish ceiling paintings and a revolving stage, and performances are still held today. You can tour the interior and experience the atmosphere of this historic theater. ・Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum This facility exhibits Yamaga City’s traditional craft, the Yamaga lantern. Inside, you can admire the beauty of gold lanterns made from delicate Japanese paper and learn about their production process. ・Kongojoji Temple / Stone Gate Kongojoji Temple, with a history of 1,300 years, features an imposing Stone Gate that evokes foreign lands. ◆Local specialties and souvenirs of Yamaga Onsen ・Lantern Monaka Lantern Monaka is a signature confection of Yamaga Onsen shaped like a gold lantern. Its crispy wafer shell is filled with delicately sweet red bean paste, making it a popular souvenir. ・Yamaga Yokan Made in the traditional way, Yamaga Yokan is known for its gentle sweetness and moist texture. It pairs well with green tea or coffee and is a welcome gift. ◆Events and festivals at Yamaga Onsen ・Yamaga Lantern Festival Held annually on August 15 and 16, the Yamaga Lantern Festival is one of Kyushu’s premier summer events, when the whole town glows with mystical light. The Thousand Lantern Dancers, where more than a thousand performers dance gracefully, is a breathtaking sight. ・Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights Held every winter, Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights welcomes visitors with enchanting lights created from Japanese umbrellas and bamboo installations along the historic streets. The Buzen Highway is illuminated at night, offering photogenic scenes unlike any other time of year. ◆Enjoy Yamaga Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture Yamaga Onsen is a hot spring town known for waters that beautify the skin and for its historic attractions. In addition to overnight stays, there are many outdoor baths and family baths available for day visitors, and the area consistently ranks highly on hot spring lists. Beyond the baths, Yamaga Onsen offers diverse pleasures—local cuisine, traditional crafts, and festivals—so please come and visit.

【Connecting Ogida in Ubuyama Village】 The Fan Terraced Rice Fields in Ubuyama Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, are made by clearing eroded land in the mountains and are created in a contour shape by taking advantage of the fan-shaped terrain. The Water for the Paddy Field is directly derived from the Famous water Yamabuki Water source 1,300 Meter upstream, Water Clear streams that can also be Use as a beverage Water. Although there are difficulties in maintenance and management due to water water leaks, disasters, etc., since most of them are earthen water channels, we Cultivation Rice with a unique taste due to high-quality red clay born from nature and weather with temperature differences. It has been selected as one of the 100 best rice terraces in Japan and one of the 100 best Rice growers. Interested parties who are interested in growing delicious Rice in Ubuyama Village, why don't you experience it with the farmers who manage Ogida throughout the year? Rice can be purchased after harvest. Let's make the Rice we eat every day with our activities to pass on beautiful Nature to future generations! You can experience everything from rice planting to rice harvesting, which is planned later. Information will be provided as needed. 2025-04-12 (Sat) Meet at 8:45 and start at 9:00 Meeting point: Yamabuki Water source We clean the water channel from the Yamabuki Water source that streams into Ogita. Please come in clothes that allow you to work. * Lunch box fee and leisure insurance fee are included in the participation fee. What to prepare: Work gloves, hat, drink, garbage bag, boots Participation fee: 2000 yen ■Click here to apply 〒869-2703 468-4 Yamaga, Ubuyama Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture 0967-25-2200 *The deadline is Monday, March 31st. How to get to the Ogi rice terraces From the direction of Kumamoto by Car, turn left at the traffic light at the end of "Roadside Station Kaguraen" (Hano, Aso City) along National Route 57, enter the Prefectural Road Minamioguni ~ Hano Line (Prefectural Road 40), and proceed 4.0 Kilometers to the T-junction. Turn right there and proceed for about 1.0 Kilometers, you will and the station on your left, cross the "Hirose Bridge" (Tamarai River) ahead, turn right immediately and you will There are Ubuyama Town hall on your right. There are about 1.0 Kilometers past the tunnel at the top of the road on the left side of the three-way road in front of the Town hall, and there is an intersection with the Village Road Ubuyama ~ Tajiri Line. Turn left there and proceed for about 2.0 Kilometers and you will There are "Otomiya" and "Yamabuki Water source" signs. Turn right there and proceed for about 1.0 minutes to Otomiya Village and Otomiya Shrine, and after about 2.0 Kilometers, turn right and go about 1.0 Kilometers to There are Ogi Rice Terraces. #Kumamoto #Rice Terraces #Ubuyama #Rice planting experience #Rice harvesting experience #Rice making #Aso District #Fan Terraced Rice Fields #Water cleaning work

Monday, March 24, 2025 Location: Futoria in Ubuyama ✿〈Morning session〉10:00-13:00 Learning and sowing. (Higotai, Aso yarrow, Ominaeshi, Fujibakama, etc.) Maintenance of flower gardens. Participation fee: 2,500 yen (With flowery lunch box and herbal tea) 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 ✿〈Afternoon Session〉 13:00-16:00 Open Farm 🌿 Tea drinking, chatting, and having fun 😊 at your leisure ★ Lives in Ubuyama@maaaasaaaaeeee Illustrator Masae's "My Cotton Pouch with Floral Pattern" Production Experience ♪ The experience fee is 1,000 yen per person. (In the case of additional production, 1 pouch 500 yen) ★ Ubuyama Volunteers@noguchi_vanlife Noguchi's 10-minute Aroma Dry Head Spa Experience or Aroma Hand Treatment 10 minutes (Below the elbow to the palm of the hand, both hands) 1,000 yen each (tax included) No reservation required. We will 🌿 use ORGAN's Aso Aroma (an eye mask with favorite Aroma from three Aroma) throughout the Course ★ Futoria in Ubuyama Eating flower picking experience 1 pack 500 yen. (Normally 1,200 yen per pack) We are receiving applications little by little. The morning session will be closed when the capacity is reached. The afternoon session is an open farm ♪ We hope you will feel free to come and visit us. Afternoon Workshop & Aroma Relaxation does not require reservations. Thank you for 🙇 your participation.

Coal Mine Train Photo Exhibition 2025 Now Open! We are exhibiting photographs that capture the many faces of coal mine trains. Please come and visit! ◆Dates: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Sunday, March 30, 2025 ◆Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM ※Closed: Every Monday (closed the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) ◆Venue: Manda Coal Mine Museum, 213 Hara Manda, Arao City ◆Contact: Manda Pit Station, 200-2 Hara Manda, Arao City ☏0968-57-9155 Organizer: Manda Coal Mine Museum Co-organizer: NPO Coal Mine Train Preservation Society

Recommended for outings! Introducing Arao’s sightseeing spots! Discover Arao’s top spots! Why not come visit Arao? Greenland Kyushu’s largest and most famous amusement park! It hosts a variety of events and fireworks festivals!! A new attraction opens in March 2025. Check the official website for details Miike Coal Mine Manda Pit This former coal mine, which supported Japan’s Industrial Revolution, is also listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. The sturdy red-brick buildings and the machines and equipment used at the time have been preserved, letting you feel the era when the mines prospered. There is also a Manda Pit VR viewing corner! Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl & Wetland Center This facility promotes the charms of the Arao Tidal Flats, designated a Ramsar Wetland, through the creatures of the mudflats. A tank reproducing the mudflat lets you observe mudflat creatures such as mudskippers, and there are displays introducing waterfowl with panels, a kids’ corner, and an observation area. Arao Tidal Flats From the Arao Tidal Flats you can even see Mt. Unzen across the Ariake Sea. You can spot a variety of marine life and migratory birds resting their wings. The sunset sinking and dyeing the sky and sea is also a spectacular sight. Birthplace of the Miyazaki Brothers / Miyazaki Brothers Museum The museum clearly exhibits the achievements and the exchanges between the four brothers—Hachiro Miyazaki, Toten, and others—who devoted themselves to the dawn of modern Asia, and Sun Yat‑sen, the father of the Chinese revolution. The morning drama series Hanako and Anne featured characters modeled on Toten’s son Ryusuke Miyazaki and his wife Yanagiwara Byakuren, which became a topic of conversation. Kiln tours including Ojiro ware In Arao City, various kilns produce works, including Ojiro ware with a history of over 400 years. Why not go out and look for a favorite piece of pottery? #Sightseeing spots #Greenland #Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl & Wetland Center #Ojiro ware #Arao Tidal Flats #Birthplace of the Miyazaki Brothers #Arao #arao #Kumamoto Prefecture #Kumamoto #Kumamoto sightseeing #kumamoto #Kumamoto #Kyushu #kyusyu #Sightseeing #information #Manda Pit #manda ko #World Heritage #Ariake Sea #tidal flats #marugoto arao #Tamana #Omuta

📢The 9th of March! Astro Arm! DASH！！ Izumi City ✨ 📃 Project name: DASH Local PR Division ~Kumamoto-Kagoshima Hisatsu Orenji Railway~ 📺 Broadcast date and time: Sunday, March 9, 2025 (Reiwa 7) from 7 p.m. In order to liven up the local railway, we will use the specialties collected in each place to create the program's Original Ekiben. This time, the Hisatsu Orenji Railway will be the stage, and while touring between Yatsushiro Station ~ Satsumagawanai Station, we will introduce the specialties of each region and the charm of Sightseeing spots. What kind of charm of Izumi City will it broadcasting!? What kind of specialties do you get? And what kind of Ekiben will be created, which is full of charm along the Orenji Railway!? If you are interested, please watch the 😊 program

Tulip Festival Dates Announced! The 33rd Ogata Tulip Festa 2025 The dates and times for the 2025 Tulip Festa have been set. This year, 200,000 bulbs across 158 tulip varieties and two types of rapeseed flowers will bloom around Harajiri Falls. We will share detailed event information as soon as it becomes available. Date and Time Friday, April 4, 2025 – Sunday, April 13, 2025 Location Around Harajiri Falls (Ogata, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture) Note: On Saturdays and Sundays during the event period, the Roadside Station Harajiri Falls parking lot will not be available. Shuttle buses will operate from temporary parking areas. Event Inquiries Tulip Festa Executive Committee Office Phone: 0974-42-2111 Access to Central Bungo Ono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ########## Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture ##########

[Tourism Pamphlet Completed Announcement] ＼Arao City Tourism Pamphlet Is Complete／ A new tourism pamphlet packed with the charms of Arao City is now available! Alongside famous sights and recommended spots, it also highlights delicious dining choices☘️ You can pick one up at locations in and around the city, including Manda Pit and the Arao Tidal Flat Waterfowl and Wetland Center! Please take one when you have a chance✨ A digital version of the pamphlet is also available, so be sure to check it out👀 #Arao Genic #Arao City #Kumamoto #Tourism Pamphlet #arao #arao.genic #kumamoto #Arao #Sightseeing #Outing #Gourmet #Greenland #Manda Pit #Arao Tidal Flats

Plum Bloom Report — Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum as of February 27 The Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum (Asakura Fumio Kinenkan) sits in Asochi Town, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture. Many plum trees are planted throughout the park. Most buds remain closed, so it felt about 10% in bloom. We will update the flowering status as it progresses. Location: Asakura Fumio Memorial Museum (1587-11 Ikeda, Asochi Town, Bungo Ono City) Parking: Available (free) Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) ■■■ Access to central Bungo Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

'Mine Tram Preservation Sites Stamp Rally' Event Period Sunday, November 3, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025 Stamp and Card Pickup Locations Mine Tram Station Zero (shop reception) Manda Pit (Marugoto Arao Local Products Center reception) Mikawakou (shop register) Omuta Tourist Plaza (register reception) *Banners will mark the entrances where stamps and cards are available. How to Collect Stamps and Get Your Prize 1. Pick up a rally card at any of the four locations listed above. 2. Collect stamps at each location. 3. Receive your prize at the location where you stamp the fourth mark. The 'Mine Tram Preservation Sites Stamp Rally' runs from Sunday, November 3, 2024 through March 30, 2025. During the event, visit the four stamp and card pickup locations to receive an original tin badge produced by the NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society (two designs available). We look forward to many participants! Inquiries NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society Organizer: NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society Supported by: Omuta City, Arao City Cooperation: Shiraishi Motor Co., Ltd.; Omuta City Tourism Association; Arao City Tourism Association; NPO Miike Port Future Town Development Association