In search of the fresh leaves of May, I visited the tea-producing area of Ono, the Fujigouchi Tea Garden. If you listen closely, you can hear a singing voice from somewhere… "As summer approaches, on the 88th night, young leaves flourish in the fields and mountains. Is that tea being harvested over there? Wearing a red and white checkered apron and a hat made of bulrushes." Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Wisteria Rain It's an umbrella, you know ( ´艸｀) Location: Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

This is the Paperbush grove in Mushiidani, Akitakata City. The valley is completely covered with Paperbush, making it feel as if surrounded by a swarm of fireflies. Location: Hiroshima Prefecture, Akitakata City

【Enjoy a Budget-Friendly Trip to Miyoshi! Additional Drive Discount Spots🚙】 A service to enjoy exploring Miyoshi at a great price "Miyoshi Drive Discount" Have you already downloaded the free app? Due to popular demand, six new spots have been added this spring✨ Be sure to grab this reusable coupon and enjoy Miyoshi in a fun and cost-effective way😊 Feel free to share it with your family and friends♪ 🎫Miyoshi Mononoke Museum Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM *Last admission at 4:30 PM Closed: Wednesdays (the following day if a holiday, year-end and New Year) Phone: 0824-69-0111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mononoke0426... 🎫Bistro House TAKIYA Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM (LO. 2:00 PM) 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (LO. 9:00 PM) Closed: Irregular holidays Phone: 0824-62-7048 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bistro_house_takiya... 🎫Hana Emi Cafe Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Wednesdays, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays and Thursdays *Irregular holidays may apply Phone: 090-3220-8736 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingoyasuda... 🎫Kisa 104 Hana Hokkaido Miso Ramen Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Closed: Tuesdays Phone: 0824-43-4410 *Connects to Xa104 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miyosi.kisa104raamen... 🎫Komeyutō Kirin Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM *Open until 4:00 PM on weekends and holidays Closed: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, Mondays Phone: 0824-65-3188 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maihoumu... *Cash payments only 🎫Cafe Conilia Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (LO. 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays, 3rd Sundays Phone: 0824-63-8717 *Reservations accepted on weekdays only📞 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafeconiglia...

【A Journey to Iwaya Temple, Surrounded by Nature🍃】 Iwaya Temple, located in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a perfect hiking spot for the upcoming season. As you walk along the path surrounded by trees, you'll be healed by the gentle sunlight filtering through the leaves and the chirping of birds, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant mountain walk 😊 As you gradually gain elevation, the view opens up, and you will arrive at the serene Iwaya Temple. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from the entrance of the walking trail. In the upcoming season when the fresh greenery becomes beautiful, why not refresh yourself in nature? 【Iwaya Temple】 📍2112 Hateshiki-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture 🚌Bihoku Kotsu Bus from Miyoshi Station to Iwaya Temple (approximately 17 minutes)

"Shiokaze Garden" on Kasado Island in Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, has been trending on social media. I encountered this vibrant spring scene while capturing cherry blossoms for the first time with my new camera. I spotted a single boat coming toward me from the calm waters of the Hiuchi Nada sea, feeling as if it was celebrating the start of a new season and the beginning of my camera journey.

【Miyoshi Spring Tour Model Plan🌸】 Don't miss out on a day trip! Here’s a two-day, one-night plan to fully enjoy Miyoshi in spring! At the facilities marked with a 🚗, you can use the driving discount from the Miyoshi Town Walking app✨ Be sure to download it and give it a try! 【DAY 1】 ◼︎Toretta Miyoshi Address: 10438 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-65-6311 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed: Second Wednesday of every month (the following day if it’s a holiday) and New Year holidays ◼︎Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery Address: 10445-3 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-64-0200 Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Closed: Second Wednesday from December to March, December 29 to January 1 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎Miyoshi Asobi no Okoku Address: 10493 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-62-1994 ◼︎Cafe Coniglia Address: 47-1 Higashisakaya-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-63-8717 Hours: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays, third Sundays (the following day if it’s a holiday) 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎Hiroshima Prefectural History and Folklore Museum (Miyoshi Fudoki no Oka Museum) Address: 122 Odakuyacho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-66-2881 Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎Miyoshi Grand Hotel Address: 10-1 Tokkaichiminami 1-chome, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-63-3111 【DAY 2】 ◼︎Rail Mountain Bike 'Sakura Cycle' at the Former JR San'yo Line Ozekiyama Station Address: 1770 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 090-8646-6125 Hours: March to November (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (every 30 minutes) (Last boarding time: 3:30 PM) Closed: Mondays to Fridays ◼︎Hanauta Shokudo Address: 1691-4 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City Hours: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Closed: Varies by month *Please check the "Store and Merchandise Information" on the Miyoshi Mononoke Museum website ◼︎Yumoto Goichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum) Address: 1691-4 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City TEL: 0824-69-0111 Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM) Closed: Wednesdays 🚗 Driving discount available through the walking app✨ ◼︎cafe Fun Fun Fun Address: 1402 Miyoshi-cho, Miyoshi City 【March】 Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM) Closed: Mondays to Fridays 【April】 Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last order 3:30 PM) Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM) Closed: Thursdays and Fridays 【MEMO】 The business days and hours will change from April! Now open on Mondays to Wednesdays, in addition to weekends! Enjoy a relaxing morning in a calm atmosphere✨ If you have any recommended spots in Miyoshi, please let us know in the comments!☺️💕

【The Beloved Chinese Cuisine in Miyoshi!】 A popular spot where you can casually enjoy authentic Chinese food 🍴 Introducing "Machikado Chuka Baihou" located in Tokaichi, Miyoshi City. The dishes served during lunch time include familiar favorites like "Mapo Tofu," "Dan Dan Noodles," "Five-Flavor Fried Rice," and "Dumplings" 😊 With simple seasoning that appeals to Japanese tastes, the care taken in preparation is evident, and the unpretentious deliciousness is the reason for its popularity 😋 Baihou is not just an ordinary "town Chinese restaurant." For dinner, you can fully enjoy authentic Chinese courses such as Peking Duck and Shark Fin Soup, as well as a variety of a la carte dishes featuring seafood and meat. Customers range from families with children to the elderly. Many people come here saying, "You can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in Miyoshi." Even during our visit, there were continuous orders for appetizers and reservation calls coming in✨ The owner, Mr. Sasaki, is from Miyoshi City. He was inspired to pursue this path after encountering truly delicious Chinese food while working part-time. "I want many people in Miyoshi to enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine." With that thought in mind, he returned to Miyoshi and opened the restaurant. "Machikado Chuka Baihou," loved by many repeat customers, is a place you should definitely visit 😊 ＼Introducing seasonal dishes and recommended menu items／ Check out the restaurant's Instagram @bai_feng53163✨ 【Machikado Chuka Baihou】 ■Address: 3-15-52 Tokaichi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture ■Business Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday *For other temporary closures, please check @bai_feng53163. ■Hours Lunch: 11:30 AM – (L.O. 2:00 PM) Dinner: 5:00 PM – (L.O. 9:00 PM) Close at 10:00 PM ■🅿 7 parking spaces next to the restaurant ■Phone: 0824-53-1630 ■Others *Please make reservations by phone. *Private rooms are available. *The dishes and menu items listed are as of the time of posting.

Updating cherry blossom reports for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! Uenoike, selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, is now about 50% in bloom 😍🌸✨ Find sakura updates here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/special//4472... Uenoike Address: 1 Higashihonmachi, Shobara City Night illumination: Friday, March 20, 2026 (national holiday) through Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

The cherry blossoms in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, in the Chugoku region of Japan are about to reach full bloom! The long, cold winter has come to an end, and spring is finally awakening the trees and plants. The Bihoku Flower Picnic at the National Bihoku Hillside Park is a famous cherry-blossom spot… Shobara City has many places to enjoy spring flowers, and it’s exciting to start planning outings now! This time, we introduce takeaway gourmet foods you can buy in Shobara City—perfect for spring excursions. Prefer snacks over flowers? Not at all—let’s enjoy both the blossoms and the treats! Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5576...

Make shop-quality cakes at home in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! 🎂 Smiles-filled Forest Sweets Lesson🌳💛 ASAMI Sensei, based in Tojo Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, teaches “how to make shop-level cakes at home.” This popular lesson attracts students not only from Shobara City but also from outside the city, such as Miyoshi City. Beginner pastry maker and writer Ms. Maruyama went undercover to join the class! 👀 Here’s a report on the warm, friendly atmosphere of the lesson✨ 📣 Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5561... Forest Sweets Lesson (held irregularly) Location: Tojo Jichi Shinko Center / Shobara Jichi Shinko Center, and others Fee: 7,500 yen — take-home whole cake (cash only) Upcoming sessions announced on Instagram (@asami_patissrie.ropos). How to apply: DM on Instagram or via official LINE

Okayama

Delicious and fun! Sneaking into the Shobara Fan Festa! Fans from Shobara City in the nature-rich Hiroshima Prefecture gathered at Hirogin Holdings, Inc. "Tomorrow Square" in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City! We report on tastings of Hiba Beef and Yukiko (cheese), plus local sake sampling ✨ Read the article here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5555...

Setsubunso in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture is now in full bloom! 🌼💛 Setsubunso, a wildflower that heralds spring in Soryo town, Shobara City. It is said to be named because it begins to bloom around Setsubun, which corresponds to the lunar calendar’s New Year’s Eve.✨ Its small white blooms look charming, and it gives off a citrus-like fragrance. That sweet, refreshing scent is even called the "scent of first love"! 📌The public viewing period for the natural habitat runs until Sunday, March 8. For more details, see below🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5451... Please come and visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture✨ (Fukujusou, seribaouren and other flowers are also in bloom)

Two patches of the native spring flower setsubunso, which signal the arrival of spring, are now in full bloom in Soryo Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! 🌼 Other spots are progressing and are about 30% in bloom, too—so come and see! The Setsubunso Festival will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2025. We hope you can join us! ▶ Event details here https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5451... ▶ Setsubunso bloom updates (updated regularly) https://www.shobara-info.com/special/4467... ▶ Featured in our editorial report! Published 2025.03.06 “The Scent of First Love” Visiting Setsubunso: Exploring the wild colonies and nearby lunch spots https://www.shobara-info.com/report/4967... Access: About a 15-minute drive from Shobara IC on the Chugoku Expressway 🚗

"Come to Miyoshi Town and stop by ‘Yorinsai♪’" Let us introduce Yorinsai, a diner on Miyoshi-machi Ishidatami Street. The name uses a dialect often heard in Miyoshi. It means "feel free to drop in." 😊 This cozy spot welcomes not only locals but also visitors touring the area.✨ It is run by members of the Miyoshi City Silver Human Resources Center. The menu features home-cooked set meals, noodles, and prepared dishes made largely with seasonal vegetables from Miyoshi. Daily side dishes offer a comforting, nostalgic home-cooked taste.😋 Child-friendly tableware is available, and on sunny days the outdoor tables are recommended. The signature "Spicy Udon" is a one-of-a-kind creation born from a collaboration with Egusa Store.✨ Its vivid red broth leaves a strong impression, with savory flavor and lingering heat. Orders are taken by hand and payment is cash only. 💰 "You may have to wait a little sometimes, but we do our best—relax and take your time." Warm, personal interactions between people are a special part of this place’s charm.😊 "Hearing customers say, ‘That was delicious! I’ll come again,’ is our greatest encouragement." This is a place where you can feel the warmth and spirit of the people of Miyoshi. When you visit Miyoshi Town, be sure to stop by Yorinsai! Yorinsai @yorinsai12_sc Address: 1550-2 Miyoshi-machi, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Open: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday Hours: 10:00–14:00 Phone: 0824-63-8500 Other: Payment is cash only. *The dishes shown were available at the time of posting."

※This gift campaign is open to registered Miyoshi Tourism Ambassadors only. “Posting a review (impressions) on Instagram” is a condition to participate in this campaign, which lets you experience a “Miyoshi Specialty”🖊️ ◼︎“Miyoshi Specialty” Experience & Review Campaign Application period: Monday, January 26, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026 Winners announced: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 ※Only winners will be contacted. Please reply with the required information by the deadline stated in the winning notification. ◼︎List of Miyoshi Specialties A total of 30 winners will be selected, five winners for each item🎁✨ A. Western-style liqueur cake (10 pieces) B. HIROSHIMA NOH BREWERY 3-bottle set C. Good Morning Fruit Breakfast Set D. Cheese manju (6 pieces) E. Hojicha syrup & habu grass tea set F. Mountain yam energy set ※Items A and B contain alcohol. If you are sensitive to alcohol, please refrain from applying. Applicants under 20 years old cannot apply for item B. ◼︎How to apply After registering as a Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador, apply via the official LINE account. ◼︎How to register as a Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador If you are not yet registered as a Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador, sign up via the link below → then register with the official LINE account from the auto-reply email♪ https://miyoshi-daisuki.com// ◼︎Eligibility requirements ・Be a registered Miyoshi Tourism Ambassador ・Have an Instagram account and post with a public profile ・If selected, be able to post a product review (impressions) on Instagram ・Be able to complete a survey after the gift campaign ◼︎Notes ・Shipments are scheduled for around mid-February. ※Because the campaign aims to have winners experience Miyoshi specialties and share them on Instagram, entries from private (locked) accounts will not be selected. We look forward to applications from everyone who loves Miyoshi City💕☺️ https://miyoshi-daisuki.com//

Open only two days a week!? 😍 Three hidden gem bakeries in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture you’ll want to go out of your way to visit 🥐💞 Read the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5461... As a foodie in my 30s who loves sweets, I adore hunting for places that aren’t “ordinary.” In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, there are hidden bakeries that operate as mobile vendors or only open on limited days. I actually visited them and will introduce them here! Be sure to check the Shobara Tourist Navi website’s “Editorial Report”!

The Hiruzen Highlands are an idyllic corner of Japan nestled in the north of Okayama prefecture. The highlands are a popular resort area locally but see comparatively little foreign tourism, meaning it remains one of the region's better-kept secrets! Those who feel tired of the usual throng of tourists are sure to be soothed by the pastureland and mountain vistas. Hiruzen boasts the largest Jersey Cow farm in Japan, and some of the best milk i've had in the country. Hiruzen is not all undulating vistas and bucolic pleasures, though- It has its own amusement park! "Joyful Park" feels somewhat nostalgic, and has fun rides that are sure to delight any children you bring along. I have been a few times, and seen both monkey and dog shows performed there. The attached restaurant makes excellent use of local sheep for really delicious jingisukan mutton at an affordable price! After the crowding of parks like USJ, it is very refreshing to be able to go on any ride you'd like at a reasonable timescale. Hiruzen is perhaps at its best in fall, but can be a bit chilly in winter, so fair warning!

Enveloped by the forest, a gentle hot spring The end of a day touring Miyoshi There is a place where you can soak in the onsen and stay the night afterwards. The hot spring at Kumita Onsen Mori no Izumi has long been loved as a “beauty spring.” The water, rich in sodium bicarbonate (bicarbonate of soda), gently smooths the skin, leaving it feeling soft after your bath. This spring is said to work gently on neuralgia, chilliness, and poor circulation. The second floor of the hot spring facility is reserved for overnight guests. There are Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and Japanese-Western hybrid rooms, so you can choose according to group size and how you’d like to spend your time. There is also a self-catering plan without meals, which is popular for family gatherings when people return home and for trips with flexible plans. Reservations are available from Kumita Onsen’s official website. Day-trip bathing is also available in addition to overnight stays. Please spend time letting both body and mind be healed by Mori no Izumi.♨ Kumita Onsen Mori no Izumi @kimita_onsen 📍311-3 Izumi Yoshida, Kimita Town, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Phone / 0824-53-7021 Day-trip bathing (Fee) Adults 800 yen, ages 3 to elementary school 400 yen, infants free (Hours) 10:00–20:30 (last admission 20:00) https://kimitaonsen.com//

Get drunk on the delicious flavors of Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture! 😍 Savor smoked dishes and sake at Kaneki-ya in Hakushima-Kitamachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City 🥩🍶 Kaneki-ya in Hakushima-Kitamachi, Naka Ward is a popular stop for many people with ties to Shobara. Here you can enjoy snacks made with Hiba Beef and a range of smoked items from Smoked Hakoda. Kaneki-ya also offers sake from breweries in Shobara City! This time, we explored what makes Kaneki-ya so appealing. [Shobara Sightseeing Guide website "Editorial Report" has been updated!] Read the article here 🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5454...

Hello everyone♪ How did you spend the New Year holidays? Miyoshi Tourist Information Center reopened for 2026 on Sunday, January 4th. The Miyoshi Tourist Information Center offers city circulation maps and tourism brochures for Miyoshi City. Maps, brochures, and apps make exploring attractions easier. We also offer guidebooks in foreign languages (English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese)! When you are near Miyoshi Station, be sure to stop by the Miyoshi Tourist Information Center♪

A shot at Misen Main Hall on the summit of MtMisen in Hiroshima Prefecture. I planned to walk to the top, but I ended up taking the ropeway. Even so, I’m smiling. Next time I’ll come by proper hike. This jizo statue is called "Gomen-ne Jizo" or "Negai Jizo." It’s a presence that accepts people’s regrets and wishes.

Did you know that some areas in Hiroshima Prefecture get heavy snowfall? ⛄ Shobara City, located in the heart of the Chugoku region at the northernmost part of Hiroshima Prefecture, is known as one of the prefecture’s major heavy-snow zones. You can ski and snowboard at three ski areas in Shobara—Hiroshima Kenmin-no-Mori Ski Area, Dogoyama Kogen Ski Resort, and Ringo Kyowakoku Ski Area—and some campers enjoy winter camping at local campgrounds, so you can get active and enjoy various snow activities. At the National Bihoku Hillside Park, the winter illumination event “Bihoku Illumi” is taking place. The display runs through Monday, January 12, 2026 (a public holiday). Enjoy a magical time with your loved ones as snow, light, and sound come together. ⛄ Also, on Sunday, February 1, a snowball fight tournament will be held. Spectators are welcome even if you don’t participate. Winter is the time to visit Shobara! Please come and see us…! ✨ For winter event details, see below🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/133... Visit the “Shobara Tourism Navi” website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com//

【🎍2025→2026 Year‑End and New Year Edition🎍】 Here is information about the year‑end and New Year holiday opening days and hours for Miyoshi City’s tourist spots and major facilities. Check them out! ◼︎Miyoshi Tourist Information Center Address: Tokaichiminami 1‑chome 2‑23, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 29 (Mon)–January 3 (Sat) Hours: 8:45–17:15 ◼︎Genso Okuda · Sayume Art Museum Address: 10453‑6 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 26 (Fri)–January 1 (Thu) Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ◼︎Yumoto Koichi Memorial Museum of Japanese Yokai (Miyoshi Mononoke Museum) Address: 1691‑4 Miyoshi Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 26 (Fri)–January 1 (Thu) Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ◼︎Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery Address: 10445‑3 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 29 (Mon)–January 1 (Thu) Hours: 9:30–17:30 ◼︎Torette Miyoshi Address: 10438 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Thu)–January 4 (Sun) Hours: 9:00–17:00 — check notes! Note: The buffet restaurant is closed on December 30 (Tue) and December 31 (Wed) ◼︎Miyoshi Mori no Pokke Address: 456‑2 Higashi Sakaya Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: December 29 (Mon)–January 3 (Sat) Hours: 9:30–16:00 (weekends and holidays 9:30–16:10) ◼︎Roadside Station Yumeland Funo Address: 661‑1 Shimofuno, Funo Town, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Thu)–January 3 (Sat) Hours: 9:00–16:00 — check notes! Note: The farmers’ market (vegetable market) is open until the morning of December 30 (Tue) The shop is open until the morning of December 31 (Wed) Regular hours resume from January 4 (Sun) ◼︎Kumita Onsen Mori no Izumi Address: 311‑3 Izumiyoshida, Kimitamachi, Miyoshi City Hours: 10:00–20:30 (last admission 20:00) Closed for the holidays: December 30 (Tue) ◼︎Foleo Miyoshi Plaza Address: 1‑1‑10 Tokaichi Naka, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Thu)–January 2 (Fri) Hours: 9:00–22:00 Holiday hours: December 31 (Wed) 9:00–20:00 January 1 (Thu) and January 2 (Fri) closed January 3 (Sat) 10:00–20:00 Regular hours resume from January 4 (Sun) ◼︎Sangreen Miyoshi Address: 4‑1‑30 Tokaichi Higashi, Miyoshi City Closed for the holidays: January 1 (Wed) Holiday hours: December 31 (Wed) 9:30–18:00 January 1 (Thu) closed January 2 (Fri) and January 3 (Sat) 10:00–18:00 Regular hours resume from January 4 (Sun) Note: Dakko Room Miyoshi (Miyoshi City Childcare Support Center) is open until noon on December 28 (Sun) for year‑end and reopens from 10:00 on January 4 (Sat) for the New Year Enjoy Miyoshi City during the year‑end and New Year holidays♪

Merry Christmas! 🎅✨ How are you spending this Christmas? Hiroshima Prefecture’s largest illumination event, Bihoku Illumination, is now underway at National Bihoku Hillside Park 🎄💞 An installation art collective called Mirror Baller, known for creating spaces of light and reflection, presents artworks themed around “Dream,” filling the winter park with magical light and sound. Enjoy a photogenic, moving experience. Last year Mirror Baller occupied a paid special area; this year they are free to enter. 🌟Event details here🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5326... 🌟Recommended articles🔽 [2025 Updated] Pair the National Bihoku Hillside Park illumination with delicious on-site gourmet treats! https://www.shobara-info.com/report/5380...

[Spectacular Views in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture — This Is the Place!] Experience beautiful nature🍃 Top scenic spots in Shobara! Located in the center of the Chugoku region, Shobara covers a territory where 80 percent of the area is forest. This town, where people and nature live together in satoyama-style communities, still preserves natural wonders you won’t find in the city. Here are breathtaking vistas that remind you of the everyday, long-forgotten but precious gifts of vast nature and the kindness of its people. For more details, visit the Shobara Tourism Navi website🔽 https://www.shobara-info.com/spot/4019...

It seems hard to believe it is part of Japan! Anyone who has visited Japan for any length of time knows that once you get beyond the cities there is beautiful verdant scenery no matter how far you go. Almost anywhere in Japan you can expect to see forested mountains, flowers, and idyllic green vistas. But not here! The Tottori sand dunes, in one of Japan's least visited prefectures, offer an entirely different landscape. It is more than just a palette cleanser, it is also beautiful in its own right! Clambering up the dunes can be arduous in in summer, and the dunes that don't seem so vast or sweeping when you set out can feel very tiring on the way back, so be sure to pace yourself and bring some water. Besides the natural beauty, the sand is also sculpted by an international team in the adjacent Sand Museum! The Sand sculptures inside are enormous in scale, and have a different theme every year. I especially liked the French exhibition. Seeing France depicted through the medium of sand in rural Japan is an experience as unexpected as it is delightful. I didn't try it myself, but for those wanting something more exotic, there are also camels to ride!