We present seven recommended ways to spend time in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Take time to face the mountain colors, the scent of the trees, the murmur of rivers, and the voice of the wind, and cherish moments to look inward as you enjoy how to spend your time in Shobara. 1 Satoyama (Rural Mountain Landscapes) Photo 1: Rice field scenery in Mikawachi Shobara still preserves pastoral landscapes where traditional ways of life persist and many kominka, or old private houses, that retain a nostalgic charm. Seeing how people live here, you feel a surprising sense of nostalgia despite it being your first visit. 2 Healing Photo 2: Kumano Shrine Step into a mysterious shrine precinct deep in the forest, surrounded by countless cedar trees, and ancient cedars older than a thousand years will greet you. As you move forward in awed silence, the fatigue of everyday life seems to wash away little by little. 3 Oishii (Delicious Food) Photo 3: Hiba Beef gourmet Eating fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the place they were harvested is one of this town’s great pleasures. The tender meat of Shobara’s branded Hiba beef, passed down from the oldest local cattle line, paired with crisp vegetables, brings a smile the moment you take a bite. 4 Botanical (Nature and Plants) Photo 4: National Bihoku Hillside Park A blue sky and a sea of flowers feel like stepping into a storybook. The blooms’ colors enchant you and make you eager for the next season. Surrounded by sweet fragrances, let easy conversation flow. 5 Activity Photo 5: Apple picking Pluck a cluster of glossy red apples and take a big bite! The juicy sweetness fills your mouth. Enjoy the different colors and shapes of each variety, and you’ll feel like a child again—so much so you might pick more than you need. 6 Relaxation Photo 6: Staying in a kominka Gentle mountains and clear air set the scene. Sunlight streaming into your lodging slows your sense of time, and the warmth of the wooden house soothes both body and mind. 7 Adventure Photo 7: Shobara Satoyama Rafting Surrounded by vast nature, move forward while feeling the fresh air and the river’s flow. Gripping your paddle, you’ll find yourself swept up in the action. The thrill of descending the river together with everyone is unforgettable.

On display in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture until Sunday, June 15, 2025! “Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring” The Shobara Satoyama Open Garden is a regular spring and autumn event held each year, where you can visit gardens ranging from wildly inventive small plots to authentic Japanese gardens, featuring seasonal flowers in bloom. 🌼🌹 For the latest updates, be sure to check the Shobara Satoyama Open Garden Instagram! ✅ Account here ▽ 🌼 @satoyamaopengarden 🌼 Event name: Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring Location: Various gardens around Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Inquiries: Shobara Flower Council Office General Incorporated Association Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172 Open garden notes: If a sign at a garden entrance reads “CLOSE,” please refrain from visiting. Do not enter private areas such as homes or restrooms. Please use the restrooms inside the open garden information centers or public restrooms. ※Gardens marked as having restrooms are available for use. If you come by car, please use the designated parking areas. Refrain from parking in ways that inconvenience nearby residents. Bringing pets is generally not allowed. ※Gardens marked with a pet-friendly symbol allow pets. Always keep pets on a leash and, when possible, keep the leash short. The open gardens are available to view thanks to the generosity of the gardeners. Please follow viewing etiquette and express your appreciation freely. ◎For the latest information, visit Instagram!

Today, May 30th, is "Kominka Day"!🏘 Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is blessed with vast nature and retains many traditional wooden houses, ranking third in the nation for kominka preservation. To address vacant-house issues, several renovated inns that evoke the satoyama (rural mountain landscape) by showcasing the buildings' original materials have appeared. setouchi kominka stays hiroshima introduces three houses—chojaya, furousen, and kozako forest—and this time we present a newly renovated inn focused on the outdoors with maximum openness. Its name is kusamura. This is a private-rental tent sauna and an entire kominka available for exclusive use, boasting perhaps the most striking presence in Japan. Housed in a 150-year-old renovated kominka with plenty of outdoor features, one highlight is the BBQ. About a 15-minute drive away, shokusai-kan shobara yume sakura sells Hiba Beef and fresh vegetables, so you can buy ingredients there and bring them for a lively group meal. Second, enjoy a tent sauna that offers a strong sense of privacy for you and your friends. Cooling off outdoors on the engawa (veranda) feels great and provides a unique, deeply relaxing experience. Third, you can have a bonfire. Gather around the flames and enjoy conversation. The sleeping area includes four single beds, one air mattress, and one hammock. The place is equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, stove, and towels. Happily, pets are allowed, so consider staying with your dog. Please note that guests under junior high school age cannot stay overnight, so be careful when booking. Address: 2765 Kawakitacho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Price: From JPY 16,200 per night Reservations: Book via Airbnb or Booking.com Hours: Check-in from 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00

This work was photographed in the evening at Lake Shinji in Shimane Prefecture. Mysteriously edited, brightly.

June is almost here! In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, blessed with great nature, you can see fireflies. At Hotaru-mi Park in Kuchiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, many visitors gather every year. The fireflies fly from around 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a peak 30-minute period from about 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. About 300 meters downstream from Hotaru-mi Park there is a spot where Genji fireflies appear. This year’s best viewing time is expected to be later than usual because cherry blossoms bloomed late. Hotaru-mi Park has a campsite, and around July you can see Hime fireflies. Hime fireflies glow more quietly than Genji fireflies, and people who have gone camping at Hotaru-mi Park report the rare experience of seeing many fireflies gather in front of their tents. Hotaru-mi Park has few lights, making it an excellent place for firefly watching. At the “Firefly Viewing Gathering” held on Saturday, June 21, all lights in the management building and campsite will be turned off for one minute starting at 9:00 p.m., so you can enjoy only the fireflies’ glow. You just have to go…! Food trucks and stalls are also planned for the day. Please come visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—see you by car! ● Basic information for Hotaru-mi Park Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Phone: 0824-87-2513 *The manager is on duty from 8:00 to 17:00* *If no one answers, the manager will call you back* Parking: Available, about 30 spaces ● Event information for the Firefly Viewing Gathering Venue: Hotaru-mi Park, Moomoo Local Products Hall, Shingetsu Marche (former Mikami residence) Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Date and time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. (Firefly viewing hours: 6:00 p.m. onward) There are many other spots and events where you can see fireflies. For details, please see the Shobara tourist information site, Shobara Tourist Navi.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Shimonoseki City Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Shrine The third piece of the tradition of the first palace of Nagato no Kuni, a good harvest. The history of the rice planting festival is more than 1,800 years old. The third Sunday of May every year.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Shimonoseki City Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Shrine The second piece of the tradition of the first palace of Nagato no Kuni, a good harvest. The history of the rice planting festival is more than 1,800 years old. The third Sunday of May every year.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Shimonoseki City Ichinomiya Sumiyoshi Shrine One piece of the tradition of the first palace in the country of Nagato, a good harvest. The history of the rice planting festival is more than 1,800 years old. The third Sunday of May every year.

At the ‘‘Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park’’ in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—situated almost in the exact center of the Chugoku region—the rose garden has reached peak bloom starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025! Colorful roses are in full bloom, and each one is beautiful. This rose garden was newly established in 2020 on roughly 400 square meters and features 118 varieties and 206 repeat-blooming rose shrubs. To enliven the north area and enhance the garden’s appeal, we began collaborating with rose enthusiasts from Shobara City in July 2024 to improve fertilization, perform detailed pruning, and train plants on arches and fences as part of ongoing cultivation and maintenance. We have added varieties such as Michelangelo and Christian Dior to further enrich the rose garden. The garden is expected to be at its best from mid-May through late July and again from mid-October through late November. Blooming information (as of May 21) Name: Roses Varieties currently in bloom: Peace, Queen Elizabeth, and many others Bloom condition: Peak bloom Blooming period: Mid-May to late July; early October to late November Basic facility information Location: Inside Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park, Satoyama Station Shobara Furari Address: 4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 Contact: Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000 Website: For details, check the official Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park website!

NEW OPEN on May 23! A new general store is opening in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture☕🌳 Its name is bonheur poche (bonheur poche). In French it means "pocket of happiness." The owner, Mr. Motoyoshi, is from Osaka and has worked mainly as an interior coordinator, contributing to the creation of over 1,000 homes. Driven by a long-held wish to run a café, Mr. Motoyoshi opened Satoyama Cafe An in October 2024. Families, café lovers, and visitors from afar keep returning to Satoyama Cafe An. The café, renovated from a 100-year-old traditional house, feels stylish and refined while holding a hint of nostalgia. He places particular care on creating a comfortable atmosphere. He sources everyday goods that blend into daily life and add a little richness to living. Bonheur poche will also host workshops in the future. Both Satoyama Cafe An and bonheur poche will continue to develop as places that visitors can enjoy. For details, see the Editorial Report on the Shobara Tourist Navi site, Shobara Tourist Navi. Basic information for bonheur poche Opening date: Friday, May 23, 2025 Address: 89 Kamihara-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Monday and Tuesday; Sundays irregularly closed Parking: Available (shared with Satoyama Cafe An) Contact: 0824-74-6994 (shared with Satoyama Cafe An)

May has finally reached the late part of the month! 🌳🍃 This time, we present eight fresh-green spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—places blessed with vast nature and satoyama landscapes that you should stop by. Each spot includes two photos! For more details, see the spot information on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s tourism information site! ✨ 1⃣ Nanatsukahara Plateau Poplar Avenue Address: Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nanatsukahara Plateau was the site of Japan’s first national stud farm, established in 1900. Since then, it has built a history as a livestock research institution and now continues research as the Prefectural Livestock Technology Center. The poplar avenue was planted when the Nanatsukahara Ranch opened in the Meiji era and stands tall along both sides of a 200-meter ranch road within the pasture. 2⃣ Taishaku Gorge, a Quasi-National Park Address: Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Taishaku Gorge offers the limestone natural bridge Onbashi, the preserved Hakundo limestone cave with stalactites and stone formations, and many other dramatic rocks that convey a long history. Shinryuko, an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era, hosts activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boat rides. 3⃣ Biboku Hilltop Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari (National Government Park) Address: 584 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: The National Biboku Hilltop Park sits at the heart of the Chugoku region with the theme “Hometown Play” and welcomes three-generation families. Satoyama Station Shobara Furari inside the park is a free area (note: some days may not be free), and in front lies Kunigane Pond, where visitors can sense the vastness of nature. The site also features a restaurant, dog run, and kids’ space, and a monthly market event is held. 4⃣ Mt. Hiba (Hibayama) Address: Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Mt. Hiba is associated with a theory that it is the burial place of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto from the Kojiki creation myth. At the center of a moss-covered megalith on the summit’s circular clearing—set within a beech forest—lies what is said to be her grave. The area is designated as the Hiba Mountain Legendary Site and listed as a Hiroshima Prefecture historic site. A stand of yew trees designated as a natural monument by Shobara City grows near the summit. Mt. Azuma, also in Shobara City, is another popular mountain for hikers. 5⃣ Mt. Azuma (Azumayama) Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Omaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture Highlights: At 1,239 meters in the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, Mt. Azuma welcomes beginner hikers with beech forests and natural grassy meadows. You can enjoy vivid nature from spring’s fresh green through the first snows of late autumn. Legend says Izanagi no Mikoto called to Izanami no Mikoto on Mt. Hiba with the words “Ah, my wife.” Mt. Hiba, also in Shobara City, is another popular hiking spot. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Mt. Azuma summer opening ceremony praying for climbing safety will take place. 6⃣ Mt. Dogo (Dogoyama) Address: Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Nichinan, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Highlights: Forming part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Dogo is a treasure trove of alpine plants and rare species. A vast grassy plaza called Tsukimioka spreads at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and remnants of former grazing appear as long stone walls running from Iwatoyama to the Dogo summit like a Great Wall. These natural and human-shaped scenes are striking. The trails are relatively gentle, making the mountain suitable for families and beginners. Azaleas bloom beautifully in June, pampas grass in autumn, and the 360-degree views are wonderfully dreamy. Each year, the Dogo Highlands Opening is held. 7⃣ Mt. Ashitake (Ashitakeyama) Address: Homura-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nicknamed the “Japanese Pyramid,” Mt. Ashitake has long been linked by legend to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu. Its triangular silhouette—from any angle—and the clusters of large boulders gave it the aura of an ancient ruin. In 1934, pyramid researcher Katsugun Sakai visited and studied the boulder groups and mountain, proposing that Ashitake is the world’s oldest pyramid main hall and that nearby Kikyozan on the north side serves as the worship hall. Mt. Ashitake features huge rocks such as Taka-iwa, Tengu-iwa, and Toriboshi-iwa, while Kikyozan contains Mirror Rock, Orientation Stone, dolmens (offering tables), and Jinmu Rock among many monoliths. 8⃣ The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano (Kumano Shrine) Address: 630 Kumano, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Kumano Shrine venerates the Kojiki deity Izanami no Mikoto, the goddess of land creation. Over 100 giant cedars grow there, 11 of which are designated as Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments. The shrine is a popular power spot where visitors can feel a mystical atmosphere. The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano is one of Japan’s largest hollow-based ancient trees and is designated a national natural monument. This 30-meter horse chestnut is of a species similar to the chestnut-lined avenues in Paris and ranges in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. For the sake of tree protection, please avoid entering the area around the tree’s base.

Taishaku Gorge, one of Japan’s leading gorges, spans Tojo Town in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town in Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, it is a principal scenic spot of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and is designated a nationally recognized place of scenic beauty. Here are two highlights of the Taishaku Gorge area: Onbashi and Shinryu Lake. Onbashi is a colossal natural bridge representing Japan, measuring 90 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 40 meters high. It is a limestone bridge spanning the Taishaku Gorge valley and, because of its grandeur, is also known as Kono Bridge. Shinryu Lake is an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era within a limestone gorge, with a 24-kilometer shoreline and an 8-kilometer length. In the coming season the area will be lush with fresh green leaves, and in autumn you can admire fiery foliage from sightseeing boats on the lake. A karst plateau formed by deep erosion of limestone extends across the area, preserving a landscape that remains in harmony with nature. Within this quasi-national park’s expansive natural setting, you can rent bicycles and enjoy activities such as kayaking and open-boat rides. Aim to visit now while the fresh green season is at its most beautiful!

A roundup of dog-friendly dining and dog runs where you can eat with your pet in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is now featured in the Editorial Report on the Shobara Tourist Navi website! For details, please check the homepage.✨ Basic information on shops that offer menu items for dogs 🐶 Be sure to visit the spots that catch your eye! 1. Dog Cafe Pacem (Pacem) [Address] 634-2 Heiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] (0824) 74-1201 [Hours] 9:00–19:00 [Closed] Wednesday, Thursday [Parking] About 10 spaces [Recommended dog meal menu] Chicken and tofu dog burger 260 yen (tax included) The carrot paw print is adorable, and all dog menu items list ingredients, so you can feel secure about allergies! 2. National Hibakokuryo Hill Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari [Address] 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 080-8242-4173 [Hours] 9:30–17:00 (varies by season) *Both park admission and dog run reception close one hour before closing* *Operates according to the opening hours of the National Hibaku Plateau Hills Park* [Closed] Monday, New Year holidays (12/31, 1/1) *Operates according to the opening hours of the National Hibaku Plateau Hills Park* [Parking] Lot 5 is open free of charge *During busy periods (about five days a year) it becomes a paid parking lot* 3. Hiroshima Prefectural Forest for Citizens [Address] 156-14 Yuki, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 0824-84-2020 [Hours] 8:00–17:00 [Closed] Closed for the winter season *Dogs are allowed to run freely in the snow* [Parking] Available 4. Nanatsukahara Service Area (downbound) [Address] 560-4 Yamauchi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Hours] Open 24 hours [Closed] None [Parking] Available 5. Roadside Station Takano [Address] 49 Shimomonda, Takano-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture [Phone] 0824-86-3131 [Hours] 9:00–18:00 [Closed] 2nd and 4th Wednesday [Parking] Available

There’s a ranch in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where you can meet cows and enjoy the great outdoors, and even try your hand at cheesemaking 🧀!🐮✨ Fukufuku Ranch sits in Kuwacho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Although it’s called a ranch, it’s essentially a mountain. You can watch cows stride confidently across steep slopes and through thickets, and the wide natural landscape—full of insects and thick branches that make you want to pick them up—invites curious children to romp and run with delight. There are about five to ten cows on the ranch. From spring through autumn they graze on fresh grass in the pastures, and in winter they eat hay. All the animals are Jersey cattle. Of course you can interact with the cows. Remarkably, the ranch also offers a variety of hands-on programs! Here are five experiences available. (For details, please see the official Fukufuku Ranch website.) 1. A walking course right beside the cows 2. Ranch trekking and cottage cheese making 3. Milking 4. Butter making 5. A slightly indulgent ranch tour guided by ranch staff These programs were created out of a desire for visitors to learn about the milk that becomes cheese and about the cows that live in the mountains. Whether with family, a group, friends, or alone, please make a reservation and give it a try 👀✨ Facility name: Fukufuku Ranch Address: 1390 Yuki, Kuwacho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Phone: 0824-87-2195

Good morning! 🌞 Continuing our series, we introduce Furosen at Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional house inn in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Furosen sits in Kamitani, a town of terraced rice fields and houses in Shobara City. According to legend, an immortal sage once lived in this valley, and the house stands at the valley’s innermost point, atop the highest terraced field as if it grew from the land itself. In this secluded valley, only vast green hills and birdsong break the silence. Misty dawns, dusks sinking into deep blue, nights filled with the moon and stars. The valley’s seasonal beauty brings profound calm and healing. The spacious 200 m2 house on a broad plot features a clean, white-based interior. Spend time losing yourself in the valley view from the front garden chairs where you can enjoy a BBQ, lounge freely on a Yogibo sofa in the living room, or laze on the engawa that connects to the scenery. At night, relax in the large indoor bath with gently drawn hot water or soak under a sky full of stars in the open-air Goemon-style bath—unique pleasures of Furosen. This inn lets you fully savor the mountain village’s beauty in complete privacy, a feeling you appreciate most by staying overnight. About a 30-minute drive away, you’ll find many leisure facilities, restaurants, and cafes. Within an hour you can reach Izumo or Onomichi, so you can plan flexibly according to your mood and the weather. Facilities provided: cooking utensils, tableware, basic seasonings, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, stove, kettle, water server, audio speakers, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, facial cleanser, shaving foam, body towel, brush, hairdryer, toothbrush set, face towels, bath towels, razor, cotton swabs, lotion, yukata (casual robe), slippers, and Wi-Fi. Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome ・Elementary school age and older: 4,400 JPY per person ・Preschool children: 2,200 JPY per person

"Falling Yang ~Shadow Engraving Sansama~" Dusk during Golden Week. A breakwater at a fishing port along the Sea of Japan in Tottori Prefecture, not far from sightseeing spots. Under the setting sunset as usual, each time was streaming slowly. Even though we were in the same air, I felt that the silence of the three of us was engraved on it, and I involuntarily clicked the shutter.

Continuing from the previous post, this time we introduce Kozako Forest from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional country house inn in harmony with nature in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture.✨ Takano Town in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where Kozako Forest is located, is a heavy-snow area whose wide temperature swings create ideal conditions for local produce such as Takano apples, rice, and goods stored in snow cellars. When buying ingredients from Takano, please stop by Roadside Station Takano. About a 12-minute drive from Roadside Station Takano, Kozako Forest appears when you turn down a small lane through broad, peaceful rice fields—an idyllic spot you might miss if you’re not paying attention—surrounded by a quiet woodland. The 150-year-old exterior evokes the feel of a typical old farmhouse at first glance. Step inside, however, and the space transforms into a state-of-the-art glamping environment with modern design. Features include an earthen-floor living area enclosed in full-height glass that blends the surrounding forest and interior, a bioethanol fire pit, and a large projector. This playful accommodation lets you enjoy nature and time with friends in comfort with the latest amenities. Stay with family, a group, a partner, and small to medium-sized dogs are welcome. Enjoy a restorative yet lively stay wrapped in the tranquil natural surroundings. Facilities provided Cooking utensils/tableware/basic seasonings/refrigerator/microwave/toaster/stove/kettle/water server Shampoo/conditioner/body soap/face wash/shaving foam/body towel/brush/hair dryer/toothbrush set/face towel/bath towel/razor/cotton swabs/skin toner/yukata/slippers/Wi‑Fi/large projector with Android TV functionality Check‑in / Check‑out Check‑in from 15:00 Check‑out by 11:00 Children welcome ・Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person ・Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person Pets allowed ・Only small and medium dogs accepted (up to 20 kg) ・Additional fee required (first dog: ¥3,300 / please consult for a second dog) ・Acceptance conditions: housebroken/toen vaccinated/able to stay alone/not in heat ・The property provides only a cage. Please bring toilet supplies, bowls, leashes, sheets, etc. ・Please spend time with your dog in the earthen-floor living area inside the building. ・When making a reservation, please review and agree to the pet accommodation terms and conditions before your visit.

It is a historical landscape of Local Kure City

Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is home to many traditional folk houses in Japan. Among the three Kominka stays that harmonize with nature, this time we introduce Chojaya from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima. Chojaya is a breathtakingly beautiful building that has preserved its trade name in this area for 250 years. Its vast 200-square-meter space retains the weight of history while being reborn as a luxurious kominka hotel that offers modern guests comfort and ease of stay. Chojaya is located in Hiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, a satoyama landscape so picturesque that it appears on tourism posters. In autumn, you can gaze over golden terraced rice fields. Enjoy modern comforts such as a designer spacious bathroom, Western-style bedroom with beds, and an island kitchen. Please bring your own ingredients to cook and dine as you like. Basic seasonings, cooking utensils, and tableware are provided. Address 1528 Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0311 Access 40 minutes by car from the Chugoku Expressway Shobara IC exit 35 minutes by car from JR Geibi Line Bingo-Shobara Station 110 minutes by car from Hiroshima Airport 115 minutes by car from Hiroshima Station Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome to stay • Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person • Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person

It is the night cherry blossom of the Sakagawa River in Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. There are beautiful cherry blossoms 🌸 in all 57 prefectures in Japan, and they are loved by the local people and must have been passed down from generation to generation. I truly believe that cherry blossoms are the flowers of the hearts of Japan.

Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Spring scenery. It was built in 1673 by Yoshikawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of Iwakuni, but was washed away by the flood water of the Nishiki River. The bridge, rebuilt in 1674 with improvements, maintained for 276 years, but was washed away by flood water caused by a typhoon in 1950. After being swept away, it was rebuilt in 1953. Since 2002, the "Heisei Bridge Replacement Project" has been carried out to replace deteriorated wooden parts, and in 2004, a new Japanese cypress outfit was completed. The replacement of wooden parts is a regular traditional project that has been carried out almost as a substitute for bridge carpenters since the Edo period, and it is truly a landscape that represents Japan, which has been passed down from generation to generation through the efforts of people.

The only outdoor activity of its kind in Hiroshima Prefecture!?😲 Enjoy Shobara Satoyama Rafting amid fresh green foliage this Golden Week!!✊ Rafting is a thrilling activity where you ride a rubber boat down river rapids! It’s not an exaggeration to call this the only rafting experience in Hiroshima Prefecture (according to our survey), and you can try it here in Shobara City. Groups, families, friends, couples, and solo participants are all very welcome💕 While July and August are peak season, June is also recommended for higher water levels✨ We’re taking lots of reservations for May too!! Reservations for Golden Week are open✨ Search for "Shobara Satoyama Rafting" for details🔍 = Shobara Satoyama Rafting Information ========== [Experience Name] Shobara Satoyama Rafting [Overview] On the Saijo River in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, rafting experiences are held annually from mid-April through October. The eligible ages range from 7 to 70. An instructor rides along, so beginners can feel at ease. Using special paddles, participants paddle together to descend the river. The full course is about 3.5 km long, with thrilling stretches of rapids and rocky sections. Rafting lets you enjoy Shobara’s beautiful nature with all your senses and is a noteworthy water activity. [Meeting Point] Meet at the Ayu no Sato Park boathouse (1641-1 Nagata, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima 727-0114, Japan). [Dates and Times] April 26, 2025 (Saturday) – October 31, 2025 (Friday) Morning session: 9:30 AM Afternoon session: 1:30 PM [Fees] ◎ Individual Plan Adult per person: 6,000 yen (tax included) Child (junior high school students and under) per person: 4,000 yen 🌟Fees increase by 500 yen each during peak season! ◎ Private Charter Plan One group (up to 6 people — same fee) Participation fee: 30,000 yen (tax included) [What the fee includes] Guide fee, insurance, full equipment set, and entrance fee for Ayu-no-Sato Onsen [Conditions] ◎ Eligible ages: 7–70 years old ◎ Height: 110 cm or taller ◎ Minimum participants to run: 2 persons [Program Schedule] 1) Change clothes (10 minutes) 2) Safety briefing (10 minutes) 3) Transfer to the start point (15 minutes) 4) Boarding and paddling instruction (15 minutes) 5) Rafting experience starts (120 minutes) 6) Finish-line photos 7) Changing and dismissal (10 minutes) Afterward, soak and relax at the Ayu no Sato Park Takase no Yu hot spring to ease your muscles!♨ [Conditions for operation] The program may be canceled depending on weather or river conditions. [What to bring] Swimsuit, T-shirt, change of clothes, towel, water-friendly shoes (water shoes available for separate rental). Beach sandals are not allowed. Please be sure to check the travel terms, personal information handling, and cancellation fees before applying. ======================================== Make fun outdoor memories in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!🎶 We hope you give it a try!

✨🍴Hiroshima Prefecture — New Restaurant News🍴✨ In spring 2025, a new cozy kominka café opened in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍 Its name is “Tsuchinoko-tei.” Owner Yuki Watanabe, together with her husband and local friends, spent a year renovating the old house, and it has finally opened. Built in Taisho 5 (1916), the 110-year-old kominka blends seamlessly into Shobara’s landscape. The recommended dish is Tsuchinoko-tei’s homemade ramen (750 yen à la carte / 900 yen with coffee). The soy-sauce–based broth offers a comforting richness that appeals to all ages. The handmade chashu is light and easy to eat. The husband, Ippei, is in charge of the cooking; his experience working in restaurants inspired this homemade ramen. Also popular is the daily set meal, limited to 10 servings per day (1,000 yen / +200 yen with coffee). Going forward, they plan to use locally grown Shobara green onions and eggs and vegetables from their home garden. They are also planning to add a bath and sauna on the property, plus accommodations, a BBQ area, and karaoke space — so stay tuned for future developments! 😍✨ For more details about Tsuchinoko-tei, please visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website, the official tourism site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture ✅

Go to Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture in May! 🏃 Have you already decided where to go for Golden Week? Here are five events currently taking place or planned in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. (In no particular order) Please join any events that catch your interest 😍 1. 31st Ancient Tatara Ironmaking: Recreating Japan’s Traditional Steelmaking Technique Since the opening of the National Bihoku Hillside Park in 1995, the community-led "Ancient Tatara Ironmaking" project has been held continuously; this year marks its 31st edition. We continue this work to pass down the tatara steelmaking technique, a symbol of the Chugoku Mountain region’s culture, to the next generation. Date: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2025 Venue: Hiba-no-Sato Ancient Tatara Workshop, National Bihoku Hillside Park Details: We will recreate the full process of the ancient Japanese steelmaking technique tatara steelmaking, using the kera pressing method to extract kera—the raw material that becomes tamahagane, the high-quality steel used for Japanese swords and other premium blades. [Instructors] Holder of the Selected Preservation Technique 'Tamahagane Production (tatara blowing)' — Murashita Shoku (chief tatara operator) and Kaoru Horio (堀尾 薫; overall supervisor). Participants: Around 100 people (including general participants and partner organizations) Fee: Free to observe (park admission fee required separately) Note: Paid overnight two-day hands-on experience reservations have closed. Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 2. Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring This annual event lets visitors tour gardens ranging from imaginative home plots to authentic Japanese gardens, where seasonal flowers are in bloom. Dates: Saturday, May 10–Sunday, June 15, 2025 Times: 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–16:00 Venue: Various locations in Shobara City Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office, Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) (inside Satoyama Station Shobara Furari, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-0173 FAX: 0824-75-0172 For the latest information, check the official Shobara Flower Conference website or the Instagram account @satoyamaopengarden. 3. Shobara Satoyama Marche at Hiroshima Station From April 2025 this event will be held on the third Wednesday of every month! Operated by JR West Properties, Roadside Station Takano, and Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO), this market at Hiroshima Station’s north exit on the first floor offers fresh vegetables, processed goods, and seasonal ingredients from the popular Roadside Station Takano in Takano Town, Shobara City. Visitors come every month looking forward to this market—be sure to stop by at least once. Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Time: 11:00–15:00 Venue: Hiroshima Station North Exit, 1st floor, next to ekie Kitchen (1-2 Matsubara-cho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Roadside Station Takano TEL 0824-86-3131 4. Bihoku Flower Picnic (Now On) The Bihoku Flower Picnic is taking place at the National Bihoku Hillside Park in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. ✨ Spring flowers such as daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, and nemophila will reach their best viewing times during the period. There are also many spring-themed workshops and local spring cooking events, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Note: Flowering conditions may vary depending on weather and temperatures. Dates: Through Sunday, May 11, 2025 Time: 9:30–17:00 (park entry until 16:00) Venue: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Fees: Regular and light vehicles 400 yen, large vehicles 1,200 yen, motorcycles 200 yen Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021) TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 5. Sakura Shokudo Children’s Day Marche Sakura Shokudo, which opened new in December 2024, is a farm-run eatery inside the Shokusai-kan Shobara Yume Sakura Hall and is operated directly by Shigehara Farm. To celebrate Children’s Day on Monday, May 5, the marche will bring together delightful and delicious vendors from inside and outside Shobara and Miyoshi Cities. A kids’ space will also be available for children to enjoy. Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday) Time: 10:00–16:00 Venue: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-4516 Notes: ・Exhibitors may change, so please be aware in advance. ・Admission is free, but workshops, hands-on activities, and purchases are chargeable. ・Please take your trash home with you. That’s five recommended events for May! For more details, please see the Events list on the Shobara Tourist Navi, the official tourism information site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Shobara City is a sightseeing destination blessed with nature where you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, fireflies and fresh greenery; in autumn, colorful leaves and trekking; and in winter, snowfall. You can enjoy local food, agriculture, outdoor activities, and nature walks. Please follow and check us out as a travel reference! ✨ If you want to learn more about the nature-rich Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, please see our basic profile and the Shobara Tourist Navi website. 😍

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them. The lights of the cars hit the cherry blossoms on the way

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them.

I went ❣️ to the Kurashiki Bikan area of Okayama Prefecture to see [Spring Night Light] Light up of Japanese umbrellas along the river was very cool and beautiful ❣️ It is 😃 a wonderful Events of [Spring evening light] in the Kurashiki Bikan district that shows a completely different face from the daytime In the daytime, the Bikan district was a very fun place with ❣️ many buildings that retain the faces of the Edo period, and there were many Souvenir shops and Restaurants in harmony with the Sea cucumber wall, historic cityscape, and rich nature I would definitely like to ❣️ go and play slowly again

I went ❣️ to the Kurashiki Bikan area of Okayama Prefecture to see [Spring Night Light] In the Kurashiki Bikan district, the historic cityscape and rich Nature are in perfect harmony, and the buildings that retain the face of the Edo period are lined up, and the scenery along the river is particularly beautiful Squid ❣️ Light up of Japanese umbrellas along the river was very cool and beautiful ❣️ The willow trees and small boats also gave me 😃 a strong sense of the faces of the Edo period

This is a photo of a cat's interior goods at a café in Sanrazaka-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Use the lights in the store, I expressed "a cat in the twilight of the sunset". According to the owner, it is a work made by an iron craftsman in Miyoshi City. "I like the view from behind, but I can't take a good picture," the owner said. Squid was able to take this photo ☺️ when I was trying to figure out how to capture it well The thinness of the limbs and neck, as well as the symmetrical ears, convey that the iron craftsmen are carefully and thoughtfully made. The skills of Japan craftsmen. I thought it was cool! ✨ It is also a wonderful memory ☺️ that I was able to share my impression with the owner in this photo