NICE TO MEET EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Kawazu Tourism Association! Located in the southeast of the Izu Peninsula, Kawazu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture is surrounded by a warm climate and abundant nature. With a population of about 6,500 people as of December 2023, this town offers tourists a peaceful experience in the great outdoors. In this first post, we will deliver the charms of sightseeing spots, events, and special products of Kawazu Town, so please take a look to the end. ◆◇◆ Recommended sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ◆◇◆ Here are some of the recommended sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town. Please use it as a reference for sightseeing in Kawazu Town! ・Kawazu Nanadaru As the name suggests, Kawazu Nanadaru Falls is a powerful tourist spot consisting of seven waterfalls Kamadaru Falls, Ebidaru Falls, Hebidaru Falls, Shokeidaru Falls, Kanidaru Falls, Deaidaru Falls, and Oodaru Falls. There is a promenade with a total length of 850 meters, and there are attractions such as a suspension bridge and a statue of Izu no Odoriko along the way. When the fresh greenery of spring and the autumn leaves are in full bloom, its beauty stands out even more and attracts visitors. ・Kawazu Bagatelle Park Opened in 2001 as a reproduction of the Parc de Bagatelle in Paris, France, 6,000 roses of about 1,100 varieties bloom in the park. In the park, there is also a perfume mixing experience and a rose school to make original scents. ・Hatcho Pond It is a pond located at an altitude of 1173 meters above sea level. It can only be visited by hiking for about 2 hours each way, but since it is surrounded by the Amagi primeval forest, you can enjoy the fresh greenery and autumn leaves throughout the year. ・Experience-based zoo iZoo The zoo was opened with the concept of Reptiles, and Reptiles such as turtles, lizards, crocodiles, chameleons, and snakes are abundantly bred in the zoo. There are also many rare varieties on display that can only be seen here. Since it is an "experiential zoo", there is also a corner where you can interact with Reptiles. ・Funado no Banya It is a facility where you can enjoy a spectacular open-air bath overlooking Sagami Bay, a foot bath, and a barbecue using fresh local seafood. ・Imaihama Beach It is one of the most popular beaches on the Izu Peninsula with the highest ranking of "AA" water quality on the beach facing Sagami Bay. It is a 2-minute walk from Izukyu "Imaihama Kaigan Station", so it is crowded with many tourists in the summer. Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches make it a true summer paradise. ◆ ◇ ◆ Specialty of Kawazu Town in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ◆ ◇ ◆ In Kawazu Town, you can enjoy fresh gourmet foods such as wasabi, sweetfish, and snow crab grown in the high-quality water flowing from Mt. Amagi, as well as lobsters and sazae caught in Sagami Bay. The local cuisine made with these will captivate the palate of visitors. ◆◇◆ Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival that heralds spring ◆◇◆ Kawazu Town is known throughout the country as the birthplace of Kawazuzakura Kawazu Sakura. Many of you may have seen it introduced on TV during the cherry blossom viewing season. Kawazu cherry blossoms are early-blooming cherry blossoms that begin to bloom around February, about one month earlier than those in Tokyo. The "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" is held during this peak season of Kawazu cherry blossoms. Approximately 850 cherry trees bloom along the Kawazu River and about 8,000 cherry blossoms in the entire area around the Kawazu River, and many stalls are lined up during the event, and various events are held, such as the illumination of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. It is a popular event in Kawazu Town, which is visited by about 1 million people every year. The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024 Reiwa 6 will be held from February 1 Thursday to February 29 Thursday. ◆ ◇ ◆ Healing time at a hot spring in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ◆ ◇ ◆ The hot springs in Kawazu Town are the best spot to heal the fatigue of your trip. There are a wide variety of hot spring facilities that provide relaxation for the mind and body of visitors. There is also a day-trip hot spring facility, so please use it. From traditional Japanese minshuku to hotels with modern amenities, there are accommodations to suit your needs. Why don't you soothe the fatigue of your trip with delicious meals and pleasant service that make use of local ingredients? ◆◇◆ Enjoy sightseeing in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture ◆◇◆ Natural beauty, delicious gastronomy and surprising sights await you. We will introduce recommended sightseeing spots that will be your best memories on this account, so please follow us.

Spring in the castle overnight In spring, the castle is even more beautiful with cherry blossoms. Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture Sumimata Castle Ichiya Castle

I was able to take a picture of the dedication of the dharma and the burning of the dharma that had served its role for one year.

Mt. Fuji seen from Shizuoka Prefecture This is Mt. Fuji seen from the shopping street of Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Early in the morning, when there are no 📸 people There was no one there yet, so I was 😆 able to take a leisurely picture

＼Hosono Highlands Yamayaki Experience／ "Yamayaki" is a practice continued every year since the Edo period to keep Hosono Highlands as grassland. . In February 2023, as a first effort, the yamayaki was opened in an ultra-limited way and offered as a tour for visitors to observe. . To let more people learn more deeply, we will hold the "Yamayaki Experience" again in 2024. Please come and witness the overwhelming sight of the landscape blazing to life. . 【Date and Time】 Saturday, February 10 — 11:00–16:00 (scheduled) . 【Meeting / Viewing Location】 Inatori, Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture Inatori Hosono Highlands . 【Pickup】 Higashiizu Town Hall (3354 Inatori, Kamo District, Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture, 413-0411) . ➡ On the day of the yamayaki, general vehicles are prohibited from entering Hosono Highlands. Please refrain from coming to the site by private car. . 【Event Schedule】 11:00 Meet at Higashiizu Town Hall, transfer to Hosono Highlands 11:30 Arrive at Hosono Highlands 12:00 Yamayaki viewing (guided explanation and lunch included) 13:30 Participate in the serving event 14:30 Post-yamayaki walk (guided tour available) 15:30 All activities end, return to Higashiizu Town Hall (Please note the program order may change depending on the progress of the yamayaki.) . 【Participation Requirements】 ・Capacity: around 20 people ・Participants under 15 years old must register with a guardian in attendance. . 【Participation Fee】 4,000 yen per person Includes admission fee, goods and service tax, local guide, lunch, insurance, and grassland management fee (1,000 yen) . (If the event is cancelled, we will refund the amount after deducting the grassland management fee of 1,000 yen, i.e. 3,000 yen.) . For details, access the reservation page from the Higashiizu Town Tourist Association official website! Please check the notes before applying.

World Heritage Site "Shirakawa-go" Scenery like a picture book. A snapshot taken while wandering around Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa Village, Takayama City, Gifu

The ruins of Naegi Castle and the sea of clouds. I took an aerial shot with a drone. It was a cold, cold morning. Nakatsugawa City, Gifu

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos, nice to meet you. We are the Higashiizu Town Tourism Association in Shizuoka Prefecture! Higashiizucho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a town rich in nature on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula. Along the coast, six hot spring areas—Okawa Onsen, Hokkawa Onsen, Atagawa Onsen, Katase Onsen, Shirata Onsen, and Inatori Onsen—have developed the town as a hot spring destination. For this first post on Cool Japan Videos, we bring you a taste of what makes Higashiizucho in Shizuoka Prefecture special, including recommended sights and activities! ◎ Tourist information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture ◆ Izu Animal Kingdom (formerly Izu Biopark) Perched on a hill above Izu Inatori Onsen, this is a full-scale leisure park. Often called "Anikin," it is beloved by visitors. At Izu Animal Kingdom you can see animals up close and even enjoy feeding experiences with giraffes and tigers (including a white tiger)! The area around Restaurant Animal Kingdom is also part of the zoo, letting you dine while watching large predators. The park also includes an amusement area, sports facilities, a plum garden called Umezono, and "Dinosaur Forest," featuring various dinosaur sculptures. There are so many attractions that a full day of fun awaits. ◆ Atagawa Banana Crocodile Garden This tropical botanical garden houses about 100 crocodiles across 16 species. Beyond crocodiles, it is the only place in Japan to keep the white-handed gibbon and the Amazonian manatee. The greenhouse uses Atagawa’s hot spring heat to grow roughly 5,000 tropical plants, including banana trees and tropical water lilies—an absolute must-see. Bananas and papayas harvested on site are served at the attached fruit parlor. ◆ Kitagawa Onsen Moon Road With its magical atmosphere, Kitagawa Onsen Moon Road was selected as one of the One Hundred Moon Views of Japan. "Moon Road" refers to the path of moonlight reflected on the sea surface. Kitagawa Onsen Moon Road ranked first in the "I want to visit" category of the Fujinokuni Angel Power Spot poll, voted on by Shizuoka residents. Some say wishes made at the Moon Road come true. The best time to see the Moon Road clearly is on and around the full moon. ◆ Lion Rock Lion Rock is a large rock at the water’s edge on the coast of Okawa Onsen. It is named Lion Rock because it looks like a lion lying down and roaring into the distance. You can see it while driving down Japan National Route 135. *Because you cannot park and view it, please avoid looking away from the road while driving.* ◎ Leisure and activity information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture ◆ Coastal town cycling The Higashiizu Town Tourism Association offers an electric-assist bicycle rental service. We provide full-day private plans and time-based plans. Enjoy a relaxed cycling trip while feeling the sea breeze. ◎ Event information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture ◆ Inatori Onsen Hanging Hina Doll Festival This traditional event at Inatori Onsen has been passed down since the Edo period. "Hanging hina decorations" are ornaments hung beside the hina doll display. These hanging decorations come in many shapes, including flowers, rabbits, peaches, purses, and the sanbanko (three-tiered pull). It is a popular spring event. ◎ Furusato tax-deduction (hometown tax) information for Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture Through Higashiizucho’s hometown tax program you can receive local specialties and more. A popular return gift is a stay plan at a hot spring inn with an exceptional location. We also recommend the regular delivery of luxurious seafood feasts and the branded dried Inatori Kinme red bream. Please check the variety of Higashiizucho specialties on each hometown tax site. Higashiizucho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, offers seasonal scenery, abundant hot springs, and delicious gourmet food—there is plenty to enjoy. We will continue to share tourist and event information here, so please stay tuned!

Many degrees of Taisha snow succumbing Mie Wai Kuwana City Tado Town

Odaka Kannon falling in the snow. Snow piles up on the approach, where 300-year-old cypress trees rise tall on both sides of the approach. Komono, Mie

The scenery that Japan is proud of. Shirakawa Gassho Village, Takayama City, Gifu From the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory

Seven Miles of Snow Coverage The Shichiri Pass is a sea route from Miyajuku to Kuwanajuku, known as the 53rd Tokaido Road, and is a former official road. Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture

A 300-year-old cypress tree towers high on both sides of the approach, and behind it is a hexagonal hall. In autumn, it is colored with maples in front of the approach. Odaka Kannon, Komono-cho, Mie

Plenty of atmosphere in the city. Sakae, Nagoya, Aichi

I tried aerial portraits Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture 2023/12

I was very satisfied to see the Hatanagi Suspension Bridge, which is about a 40-minute walk from the Hatanagi Dam in Shizuoka Prefecture, and the spectacular view of the autumn leaves as shown in the photo.

I took an aerial view of the autumn leaves of the Naegi Castle ruins 🍁. Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture Naegi Castle Ruins 2023/11

I went to the ruins of Naegi Castle in autumn. Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture Naegi Castle Ruins

Japan is packed here This is a place where you can worship Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms in Shizuoka Prefecture Nice weather in the early morning. In this way, you can clearly see the cherry blossom trees and Mt. Fuji. I left at 3 a.m. for four hours. It was a long journey, but if you can see this, your fatigue will be blown away 😆 Location: Shizuoka Best time to see: Late March to early April

The Golden City In the ginkgo city, Sobue Town, the entire city is dyed golden with yellow leaves in autumn. Accompanied by a red train. It is an aerial view of a drone. Inazawa City, Aichi Prefecture

DJ Big Buddha This is the "Cloth Bag Big Buddha" in Aichi Prefecture It is a sight that can be seen when the level crossing closes. I wonder if the Big Buddha also likes trains? 🤭 ⚠ The surrounding area is a cemetery, so please do not 🙇 vandalize it too much when visiting Location: Aichi

Located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture It is the autumn foliage of Takadoya Wetland. Thanks to the nearby Korankei It's not that crowded and it's a secret spot. Please come and visit Takadoya Wetland in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture is one of the most precious wetlands in Japan. This wetland plays an internationally important role as a habitat for a diverse flora and fauna. Takadoya Wetlands is also an attractive place for conservationists and environmental educators. When you visit this wetland, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and rich nature.

It's too late now, but it's Tsuyagawa Higanhana 😅 Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO 26mm 2023/10/7 Tsuyagawa, Kaizu City, Gifu

【Continue to protect with Bushido spirit】 Tsumago-juku, where the townscape from the Sengoku period remains intact, has come to be known as the Samurai Road among foreign tourists. This area strictly adheres to the three principles of ``Do not sell, do not lend, and do not destroy.'' Bushido was inherited even by modern people. They are also samurai. 【武士道精神で守続け】 戦国時代の町並みがそのまま残る妻籠宿は、外国人観光客の間でサムライの道と呼ばれるように。 この一帯は「売らない・貸さない・こわさない」の3原則を徹底して守っています。 現代人にも武士道は引き継がれていた。 彼らも侍である。

This is my favorite photo I took with my children this spring The spectacular cherry blossom trees were like a dream It has become a place that I definitely want to visit the following spring

The summer scenery of Japan is sunflower fields and fireworks! This is one of my favorite photos of a sunflower field and a launch fireworks that I took while wearing a hat at the Toyota Oiden Festival fireworks festival in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture this summer! !! I personally like the fact that the fireworks illuminates Toyota Stadium!!

If you are interested in motorsports, why not stop by the Suzuka Circuit, where the F1 Japanese Grand Prix is held? Even on days when there are no races, you can ride the Ferris wheel at the adjacent amusement park to see the home straight and pits of the international course. While imagining the heated battle, you can see Ise Bay in the distance and enjoy a wonderful view.

Japan's world-class culture fireworks Especially in hand-held fireworks, I don't think there is such a fireworks in the world.

Harmony♬ of seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn leaves blooming in autumn It is a scenic view of Japan that will be preserved for future generations. Obara Village, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture

This is a light-up photo of the Shiratori Garden in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, with autumn leaves. This photo was taken on 2022/11/25. The snow hanging is like a Christmas tree, and it is very beautiful.