Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan Location: 2272-7 Kisohirasawa, Shiojiri City ◎ Masterful craftsmanship and the power of lacquer breathe life into materials Kiso Kurashi no Kogeikan is conceived as a museum and shop. From the displayed and stocked items to the building materials and furniture, the facility proudly emphasizes wood—the hallmark of this region. The entire venue overflows with the warmth of Shiojiri and Kiso, offering everything from crafts to everyday household tools and mountain-country flavors unique to the area. ◎ A wide selection of local specialties from Shiojiri and Kiso, including the traditional craft Kiso lacquerware and Shiojiri wine A range of cultures born from interactions with nature. We introduce the attractions of local industries rooted in Kiso life—skills handed down for centuries—while also presenting new lifestyle ideas. A medal awarded at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, finished by the careful work of lacquer artisans, is on permanent display. Visitors can also enjoy a Kiso tsuishu (Kiso raised lacquer) sanding-and-revealing experience. (Advance reservation required at least two weeks prior) ◎ Traditional craft “Kiso lacquerware” hands-on experience menu (advance reservation required; please book at least two weeks in advance) Kiso tsuishu sanding-and-revealing experience Duration: Approximately 1 hour Fees: ① Coaster 2,200 yen ② Chopsticks 2,500 yen ③ Spoon 2,500 yen - Overview - Address: 2272-7 Kisohirasawa, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0264-34-3888 Fax: 0264-34-2832 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Every Tuesday / Open during busy seasons (closed irregularly) Parking: Standard cars: 500 spaces / Large buses: 10 spaces / Accessible: 4 spaces (all free) Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, ramps Access: By car: 25 km (about 30 minutes) from Shiojiri IC / By car: 80 km (about 90 minutes) from Nakatsugawa IC / By train: JR Chuo Main Line to kisohirasawa station, then 20-minute walk

Happy New Year. For Hokulea Shonan, this year is a year of “brush up.” We believe the future lies in steadily building careful work. We will further hone our skills and thinking, and bravely take on new challenges. We will not forget our gratitude to everyone who supports us, and we will continue to grow while honoring the sea and nature. We look forward to your continued support this year. Hokulea Shonan Representative Terushige Koike --- 🌈Hokulea Shonan is a diving shop in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme “Let’s set out for an unseen world!”, we offer experiences that let you discover the wonder and joy of nature through diving. We hold courses and tours year-round in Izu, Okinawa, and overseas. With small group sizes, beginners can join with confidence. We also respond flexibly to requests tailored to each person. Now, let’s set off together for a new world.

Event Announcement 📣 “An Evening of Earth’s Bounty,” a one-night event bringing together five wineries and sake breweries from Tokachi, will be held at Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro 😊 Enjoy pairings of a buffet featuring Tokachi ingredients, cheeses, and live cooking by the hotel’s chefs 🍷🍶 You can also listen to stories from the producers and take part in a raffle for a warm and delightful evening 🤗 📍Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM (doors open at 5:20 PM) 📍Venue: 2nd-floor banquet hall, Northland Hall 📍Price: 12,000 yen per person (tax and service charge included) 🔶Reservations and Inquiries Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro direct line TEL 0155-24-1301 (9:00 AM–6:00 PM) https://www.jrhotels.co.jp/obihiro/news/67618...

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store. As Christmas approaches, the town fills with sparkle and warmth in this season. One place to visit in the crisp winter air is Shosenkyo Gorge, a scenic treasure of Yamanashi Prefecture. Steep rock formations and ravine beauty stretch through Shosenkyo, known as one of Japan’s premier gorges. In winter, its quiet and pristine beauty soothes the spirit. Located deep within the gorge, Senga Falls is the signature waterfall of Shosenkyo. The roughly 30-meter drop roaring down the rock face makes a powerful sight, and in the cold winter air the spray feels even more magical. If you’re lucky, frost will coat the rocks, letting you enjoy nature’s own winter artwork. For a special moment with someone dear before Christmas, consider visiting Shosenkyo and Senga Falls to be wrapped in nature’s grandeur and silence. They will help you weave a memorable winter experience. At Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store, we carry many wines 🍷 recommended for Christmas and the New Year. Please find your favorite bottle with us.♪ We also offer rich grape juice 🍇 and pure peach juice 🍑 for children and those who do not drink alcohol. With the year drawing to a close, we look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts.

Introducing the fourth in our Sake Tourism series 😊 On Saturday, January 24, 2026, we will host “A Farm Lunch Tour to Savor Tokachi’s Wines × Sake × Local Vegetables,” celebrating the agricultural heartland of Tokachi 😊 At Memuro Winery, four farmers each make wine from their own vineyards. You will learn directly from the winemakers about the characteristics of the wines each farmer produces and the barrel-aging process, and experience the depth of wine shaped by Tokachi’s terroir 🍷 At Kono Farm in Memuro Town, Chef Sugimoto will showcase his skills as you enjoy a farm lunch 😍 Taste a special menu featuring local vegetables paired with wines from Memuro Winery 🎵 The tour finale takes place at Hekiungura with a brewery tour and a sake tasting experience comparing three types of sake 🍶 This luxurious tour lets you enjoy Tokachi’s wines and sake all at once 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/...

Introducing the third installment of our alcohol tourism series 😊 On Saturday, January 17, 2026, we will host “Taste the Terroir (Day Trip): A Wine, Gin, and Beer Tasting Tour with a Choice of Lunch.” At Aizawa Winery, you will tour the vineyards and winery set in expansive nature and learn about the grapes and winemaking traditions nurtured by the Tokachi soil 🎵 At Tokachi Plain Distillery, known for its craft gin, you will observe the distillation process and sample its aromatic gins 😍 The tour concludes with lunch at CAFÉ＆BAR NUPKA 🍴 Pairing three drinks that color the journey—beer, wine, and gin—you will experience Tokachi’s craft alcohol culture with all five senses 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/...

Introducing the second round of Sake Tourism tours 😊 On Saturday, December 13, we will host “An Adult Winery Tour: Behind-the-Scenes Visit and Mini Course of Fine Food and Drink.” At Tokachigaoka Winery, you will tour areas of the winery that are not usually open to the public and compare two carefully crafted wines paired with cheese 🍷 At Ikeda Wine Castle, we will show you the winery and distillery production sites and give special access to areas normally closed to visitors 🎵 After the tours, enjoy a luxurious mini-course lunch ✨ You will taste small pours of wines paired with each dish and savor the marriage of food and wine 😍 This tour lets you “see, drink, and taste” winemaking and experience the depth of wine culture 🤗 https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour02-04/...

Introducing the first Sake Tourism tour 😊 On Saturday, November 29th, join “Experience the Blessings of Grapes!! Winery Tour and Grape Dyeing Workshop.” At Tokachi Makiba-no-Ie Winery, learn the winemaking process and taste three different wines. Afterwards, visit the dye studio nosome to try dyeing with grape canes and clusters left over from wine production at Tokachi Makiba-no-Ie Winery, and enjoy a moment that connects you with the cycle of the grape’s bounty. nosome has long extracted dyes from agricultural waste and used them for dyeing. Why not upcycle items languishing in your dresser by grape-dyeing them and create something truly one of a kind? https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/taxi-tour01/...

Grab a Tokachi Sake Travel Book and tour Tokachi’s wineries and breweries to collect original labels!! What is the Tokachi Sake Travel Book? It’s a keepsake booklet you use while touring Tokachi to collect and enjoy each winery’s and brewery’s original labels. There are four ways to enjoy the Sake Travel Book😍 1️⃣ Tour and enjoy The booklet introduces Tokachi’s wineries and breweries, places to drink, shops to buy from, and accommodations where you can drink and stay. Savor the drinks as you make this your Tokachi tour book. 2️⃣ Collect and enjoy When you purchase one or more bottles (any brand) at participating wineries or breweries, present the Sake Travel Book at the register to receive that winery’s or brewery’s original label as a gift🎁🎁 There are six designs inspired by each winery’s or brewery’s features😊 The booklet includes pages where you can stick each label✨ Make it your label-collecting book. 📌Participating wineries and breweries 📍Tokachi Wine (Ikeda Wine Castle) 📍Tokachi Makiba no Ie Winery 📍Tokachigaoka Winery 📍Memuro Winery 📍Aizawa Winery 📍Hekiun Kura 3️⃣ Record and enjoy Write down your trip notes, the drinks you tried, and the snacks or dishes you paired them with to create your own memory book. 4️⃣ Read and enjoy Read the tourism information about Tokachi’s drinks to learn more about the region. The Tokachi Sake Travel Book is distributed free of charge, so please pick one up and take a look🤗 The booklet and label distribution run from November 1 to February 20. https://tokachibare.jp/sake-museum/news/saketabi-techo/...

Hello, this is the main building of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom 🍷 Now that it is mid-October, trees in sunny spots and places that cool off in the mornings and evenings are starting to change color. The unstable weather makes the progress of autumn foliage a little worrisome, but the feel of fall is certainly drawing near. And this season’s new wine has come out delicious as well! Please enjoy the fresh flavors crafted with great care. Mornings and evenings are getting chilly. When you visit, please dress warmly. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you ✨

Hello 😃✨ This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls store! 🌿 Shosenkyo Gorge is a beautiful ravine that is popular throughout Japan. The highlight there is Senga Falls. 💦 The waterfall plunges about 30 meters with impressive force, showing a different face in every season. The waterfall’s name comes from the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e, giving it a dreamlike air as if she descended from the moon 🌙✨ 🍁 In autumn, the surrounding mountains turn brilliant with fall colors, and the views from the walking paths are truly recommended. There are cafes and souvenir shops near the falls, so it feels great to relax there for a while. 🍷 At Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls store, we offer original wines you can only taste here. A particularly popular choice is the fresh, easy-drinking Delaware new wine. We also carry red and white wines, so you can enjoy them according to your taste 😊 🌟 When you visit Shosenkyo Gorge, be sure to enjoy Senga Falls and wine together! The power of nature and delicious wine will refresh both your mind and body ✨

Event Announcement📣 Sunday, October 5th — The 52nd Ikeda Town Autumn Wine Festival will take place 😊 This annual event has continued for more than 50 years since the celebratory gathering held to mark the completion of Wine Castle in 1974. Enjoy autumn flavors including all-you-can-drink Tokachi wine and the town’s signature whole roasted beef. 📌Highlights✨ 📍The all-you-can-drink wine selection has been upgraded to high-grade labels.😍 Tokachi wine — Red (premium variety Yamayuki) — White (town benefit white wine) — Rosé (town benefit) 📍Hokkaido tourism PR character Kyun-chan and the official Wagyu national fair character Wagyu-ry will appear!! Also returning from last year, the Fighters Girls will perform!! 📍Other attractions include a wine-tasting guessing contest, performances by Ikeda Town junior and senior high school wind ensembles, and jazz by Motoko Vocal 4.🎵 📌Tickets are on sale now!! 📍What the ticket includes 1️⃣ One exchange ticket for 200 grams of locally raised beef grilled over charcoal, a beef sausage, a hamburger, and a vegetable set 2️⃣ One exchange ticket for Ikeda Town whole roasted beef 3️⃣ Tickets worth 1,100 yen usable at food trucks and the flavor tent corner 4️⃣ All-you-can-drink Tokachi wine and special grape juice 📌Ticket outlets: Ikeda Wine Castle, Ikeda Town Tourism Association, Tokachi Tourist Information Center ※You can also purchase at 7-Eleven and Lawson Ticket. 📌A Tokachi Bus route bus package to the event is also on sale!! (Reservation only) Please make reservations via the Tokachi Bus website. https://www.tokachibus.jp/kankou/... ※If you only wish to ride the bus, please inquire by phone. TEL: 0155-23-5171, round-trip bus fare 2,200 yen (children 1,100 yen) https://kankou-ikeda.com//

#016 It's been raining a lot lately and hard to get comfortable, but we are gradually starting to feel the coolness of autumn. Before we know it, September is almost over. Next is October, and speaking of October... yes, Halloween!! This time, we introduce Halloween events held in Tsunocho. ●First, the Youth Association Liaison Council presents "Wine Hill Halloween Night" — come in costume and enjoy a fun evening together on the winery hill! October 18 (Saturday) 17:00–20:00 200 yen for those junior high school age and older ●Halloween Volunteer! This volunteer event is organized by the NPO Tawawa Heart Net. Dress up and pick up litter, then grab some candy afterward! October 18 (Saturday) 9:50–11:30 Capacity 30 people. Applications accepted until October 17! ※Apply via the QR code on the flyer photo. ●The Nakamachi district of Tsunocho will be decked out for Halloween! Children will go door to door in the district to collect treats. October 19 (Sunday) 13:00–15:00 (planned) First 60 applicants. Application period: September 14–September 28 ※Apply via the QR code on the flyer photo. There are many different events. Put on a Halloween costume and enjoy this once-a-year celebration.

Gokase Winery's First Pressing of 2025!🍇 A new wine born from the blessings of Gokase is on the way🍷 This year too, winemaking has begun using grapes nurtured by Gokase’s fertile land💡 Every bottle from Gokase Winery uses only grapes carefully grown in Gokasecho😁 These grapes, which endured Gokase’s harsh winters and ripened under the summer sun, each offer a uniquely delicious flavor. This unwavering commitment to 100% locally grown grapes underpins the quality of Gokase Winery’s wines✨ The first-pressed Campbell Early this season features a fruity aroma and refreshing acidity🍇 A sweet, rich scent filled the winery, raising excitement for the new wine🎵 This year’s vintage is another wonderful result, filled with the producers’ love😆 New Niagara and Campbell Early wines are scheduled for sale on Saturday, October 18th🍷

Hello! This is the Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Hall. 😃Lately the heat has been getting even more intense. 💦 In Hyogo Prefecture, the temperature reportedly rose to a record 41.2°C the other day… Everyone, don’t forget to drink water frequently and take good care to avoid heatstroke! Now, many people seek cool relief in Shosenkyo Gorge as a summer retreat during this scorching weather. The famous attraction there is Senga Falls. You can view the falls from above, and if you descend the steps a powerful cascade unfolds right before you. Enjoy the cool air and the rich natural surroundings. See it with your own eyes, not just in photos! In the garden of the Wine Kingdom Main Hall, many plants are in full bloom. Those plants attract various insects that come to visit. Experience the breath of nature at Shosenkyo Gorge. 👍

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls. It's July and the heat is getting more intense—how is everyone doing? If you go down to Senga Falls, a sightseeing spot in Shosenkyo Gorge, the negative ions and the waterfall's spray will sweep the heat away and create a refreshing coolness. From Yamanashi Wine Kingdom you can even see directly above the falls! There are many photo spots in the Takiue Area, so please capture a memory or two 😌 Especially popular is the giant salamander mascot! Many guests love to take photos with it☺️ By the way, there are said to be salamanders living in Shosenkyo Gorge…? If you meet one, it might bring you good luck! Also, Yamanashi Wine Kingdom launched a new orange wine in July! Made from white grapes using red wine production methods, this wine is crisp yet lets you enjoy the tannic nuance from the skins. Please serve it well chilled 😀 We sincerely look forward to your visit ☺️

〈Teshika’s First Vintage Wine “Teshika Rosé” Released〉 Teshika Rosé, the first wine brewed at the Kussharo Caldera Winery, goes on sale at nine shops in town from July 12. Supplies are limited, so anyone interested should check it out soon!!

Tokachigawa Onsen district has welcomed its fifth winery in the area, Tokachigaoka Winery, which opened on April 18th. Each grape cluster is tended carefully over time, grown organically while daily efforts keep pests under control. Basked in sunlight, the grapes develop high sugar levels and a perfect balance of acidity. Inside the shop, paid tastings of Otopuke Roman are available (with cheese snacks), so be sure to give them a try.😊 We also sell cheeses that pair well with wine, Aizawa Winery’s Sacherella and Ryunosuke, Memuro Winery’s Yorokobu, Tokachi Wine’s Jewel of Tokachi, and Tokachi Makiba no Ie Winery’s Yusui. Please stop by when you visit Tokachigawa Onsen.🤗 ● Access: about 20 minutes by car from Obihiro Station About 30 minutes by bus from Obihiro Station Bus Terminal (get off at Michi-no-Eki Garden Spa and walk about 5 minutes) ● Inquiries: Tokachigaoka Winery TEL: 0155-67-1981

#008 [Tourist Spot Feature Part 2 ✨] Introducing Tsuno Winery, a sightseeing spot with panoramic views of Tsunocho! We’ll do our best to make this a place you’ll want to visit! Tsuno Wine has won numerous awards at home and abroad, and Tsuno Winery, where that wine is made, is full of charm. Here we introduce that wine and the winery. ◆About Tsuno Wine Because Miyazaki Prefecture traditionally has a shochu culture, wine never took hold easily, and the region was said to be an unfavorable environment for grape growing. Even so, the foundation built by Momoto Eitomo 102 has been handed down, and Tsuno Wine is made with the ambition to create wines that can compete on the world stage. Tsuno Wine is known for its Campbell Early rosé, which was actually selected in 2004 for the Wine Report’s “World’s Top 100 Wines,” and this rosé still attracts many repeat customers. Every year many of their wines win awards at domestic and international competitions, drawing buyers from within and beyond the prefecture as well as online customers from overseas. They also offer wines that are easy to drink for those who usually dislike wine, and even wines made with Miyazaki’s famous mangoes. So what kind of place is the Tsuno Winery where these wines are produced? ◆What kind of place is Tsuno Winery? Tsuno Winery sits on the Makiuchi Plateau, surrounded by Hyūga Nada and the Mount Osuzu range, offering sweeping views over Tsunocho. The site is famous as a night-view spot and for unbeatable views of the town’s fireworks. The site includes a shop with wine and a bakery, a wine brewery, and vineyards, and offers guided tours. You normally can’t enter the brewery, so it’s hard to know exactly how it’s laid out, but there is a spot in the shop where you can glimpse inside. You’ll be surprised by the size of the machinery! I haven’t personally been to the vineyards, but there is a row of grapevines by the parking lot, so you can get a pseudo-experience. And above all, the shop! It carries dozens of wines with detailed descriptions, making it easy even for beginners to choose. If you still can’t decide, someone knowledgeable about wine is usually nearby to ask. Beyond wine, the shop stocks many snacks that pair well with the wines, giving wine lovers a delightful dilemma. The shop also houses a bakery, attracting many visitors who come just for the bread. The selection is wide and changes day by day, which adds to the fun. When you visit Tsunocho, be sure to stop by. Next time in our tourist spot feature, we’ll cover the town’s roadside gateway, Roadside Station Tsuno. Stay tuned!!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video — nice to meet you! We are the Miyoshi City Tourism Promotion Organization. Miyoshi City, located in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, sits at the meeting point of the San'in and Sanyo regions. This nature-rich, montane area is a town where history and culture thrive. Surrounded by the Chūgoku Mountains and blessed with abundant forests, clear streams, and the Gonokawa River, Miyoshi has long prospered as a hub of travel and exchange. As a tourist destination, it offers a variety of attractions: ancient myths and yokai folklore, traditional performing arts, local specialties such as wine and cheese, and spectacular scenic spots. In Miyoshi, where nature and history blend with contemporary art, local ingredients, and everyday life, you can enjoy a relaxed trip away from the bustle of the city. ◆Access to Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi City in Hiroshima Prefecture lies about 90 km north of Hiroshima city, roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive, making it conveniently accessible. You can reach the area via the Chugoku Expressway at Miyoshi Interchange or Miyoshi-Higashi Interchange, and it is also about a one-hour drive from Hiroshima Airport. By train, JR Geibi Line’s Miyoshi Station serves as the gateway. Direct trains run from Hiroshima Station, and the scenic views from the window make the journey popular. Express buses also run frequently from Hiroshima Station and Hiroshima Bus Center, offering a convenient option. Within Miyoshi City, rental cars and local buses are well organized, making it easy to get around to tourist sites. ◆About Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi City lies in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, bordering Shimane Prefecture. The city occupies a basin surrounded by mountains, with the Gonokawa River, Basen River, and Saijo River flowing through it. As of April 2025, the population is about 47,000. The modern city was formed in 2004 through a merger of eight surrounding municipalities, and it ranks among the largest municipalities by area in Hiroshima Prefecture. Agriculture and forestry remain important industries, and in recent years the city has promoted tourism that leverages local resources, with wineries and direct-sales markets and other community-focused facilities flourishing. ◆History of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi’s history is ancient, appearing in mythic eras. The area is associated with Izumo mythology and preserves many kagura performances and legends. During the Sengoku period, Hieioyama Castle, once the stronghold of the Miyoshi Clan (later moved to Bikuma Castle), was built and the town developed as a castle town. In the Edo period, Miyoshi prospered as a post town on the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Road and became an important river-transport relay on the Gonokawa River, thriving as a center of commerce and transportation. ◆Popular sightseeing spots in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture ・Miyoshi Mononoke Museum (Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum) This nationally renowned yokai museum in Miyoshi houses the collection of leading yokai scholar Yumoto Goichi. Exhibits cover yokai culture from the Edo period to the present, and AR and video displays make the museum enjoyable for both children and adults. Special exhibitions and workshops are held regularly. ・Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery This complex offers wine production, sales, and tastings using locally grown grapes. It features one of western Japan’s largest wine cellars and a wine bar counter. In addition to factory tours, the facility includes a restaurant, cafe, and a direct-sales shop selling local products, making it popular with families and couples. Each year during Golden Week the Miyoshi Wine Festival draws many visitors from inside and outside the prefecture. Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery’s wines earn awards at various international competitions each year. ・Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum This museum exhibits works by Japanese painter Genso Okuda and doll artist Sayume Okuda, a married couple who were the first spouses to receive the Cultural Merit Award in Japan. The building itself is an artwork, making it a must-see for art lovers. ・Josei Falls Located in Sakugi-cho, Miyoshi City, Josei Falls is a beautiful three-tier waterfall with a drop of 126 meters. Surrounded by seasonal nature, you can enjoy fresh green in spring, cool relief in summer, autumn colors, and frozen cascades in winter—an all-season scenic spot. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, it offers a cleansing, restorative experience just by visiting. ・Mt. Takatani (Sea of Clouds Observatory) This 490-meter lookout offers a panoramic view of Miyoshi’s iconic “sea of clouds.” From October to December on clear early mornings with sharp temperature differences, a mystical sea of clouds appears, transporting you to another world. The sunrise and mist together create scenes beloved by photographers. ◆Roadside stations in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi hosts the popular Roadside Station Yumeland Funo, a favorite rest spot for visitors. Yumeland Funo sells fresh local vegetables, fruits, and processed goods, and its dining facilities serve local dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. ◆Hot springs in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi is home to Kimita Onsen Mori no Izumi. This bicarb-onsen is famous as a “beauty bath” that leaves skin smooth. As a large facility offering lodging, dining, and shopping, it attracts many visitors. ◆Traditional culture and crafts of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture ・Kagura Kagura represents a symbol of Miyoshi’s traditional culture. This performing art, passed down since ancient times, features different programs, costumes, and staging across communities and plays an indispensable role in local festivals and events. ・Cormorant Fishing in Miyoshi Cormorant fishing in Miyoshi has a history and tradition spanning more than 450 years and is a rare cultural practice available at only about 11 locations nationwide. Designated as a Hiroshima Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property and honored with the Hiroshima Prefectural Education Encouragement Award, Miyoshi’s cormorant fishing is notable for its unique method in which cormorant boats and pleasure boats run side by side. On summer nights, boarding a pleasure boat to watch cormorant fishing up close creates an otherworldly experience as if traveling back in time. The torches flickering on the river at dusk add a magical atmosphere, leaving you with unforgettable memories. ◆Local specialties and gourmet foods of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi’s food culture draws on the region’s abundant natural resources. A flagship product is Miyoshi wine. High-quality wines produced at local wineries come in red, white, and rosé varieties and have earned high praise at domestic and international competitions. Another specialty is ayu dishes made from the Gonokawa River’s sweetfish. You can enjoy freshly caught ayu grilled with salt, simmered in sweet soy, or as ayu-flavored soy sauce. Many processed products using local ingredients make excellent souvenirs. ◆Events and festivals in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi hosts colorful local events and festivals throughout the year. ・Miyoshi Kinsai Festival This major summer event, organized by Miyoshi residents, fills the streets with parades, taiko drumming, food stalls, and bon-odori dancing. ・Miyoshi Wine Festival Held on the lawn area of Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery, the Wine Festival features tastings, live music, and local gourmet stalls, making it a must for wine lovers. ◆Tourist information for Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture With a unique museum dedicated to yokai culture, gourmet offerings born from nature’s bounty, seasonal scenic spots, and community-rooted traditional events, Miyoshi still holds many little-known gems where repeated visits reveal new discoveries. Cool Japan Video will share information ranging from these hidden spots to popular attractions so you can enjoy sightseeing in Miyoshi City. Please follow us.

Making seabed Aged wine on a sunken ship|Special tour Held in in Higashi-Izu and Irisawa! Hello, I'm Hokule'a Shonan! This time, we successfully held in 😊 our special project, "Making Aged Wine on the Sea Floor in Sunken Ships" This time, the wine was sunk in a sunken ship at a depth of -24 meters in water in Irisawa in Higashi-Izu. In fact, it is said that the origin of "seabed Aged wine" is an old wine that was accidentally discovered in a sunken ship. The swaying waves, the quiet environment, the shading and the constant water temperature created an ideal aged environment for the wines. We Reproduction the "Submarine Cellar" this time! The specially prepared bottles were sealed with sealing wax and the carefully prepared wine was transported to the sea. The space inside the wreck is "just the right size" as if it was prepared for this wine. The scenery peeking out from the side was truly fantastic, and it was a scenery that made me feel somewhat "romantic". Thank you to everyone who participated on this day! In particular, There is a 🍷✨ to Mr. Kobayashi of Hiratsuka's wine bar Binot, who has given us a great deal of cooperation from the planning stage this time The wine will be raised six months later, in December. At this year's Christmas party, a special one that has been quietly Aged on the seabed will appear in front of you. What does it taste like? I can't stop being excited! At Hokule'a Shonan, it will not end with "just a diving experience" from now on. We would like to propose a "little special sea trip". ▼Special thanks Instagram @shobuzawa_diving (Irisawa Diving Center) @winestore_sakae_binot (Wine Bar Binot) Information on upcoming tours and events will be introduced on the official Instagram and blog from time to time, so be sure to check it out! #SeaAgedWine #UnderwaterCellar #WineDive #OceanAging #WreckDive #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #UniqueExperiences #WineLovers #UnderwaterAdventure

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Hall! Summer is gradually approaching. Shosenkyo Gorge, also famous as a summer retreat, is especially known for Senga Falls, a popular cool spot. The stairs leading down to Senga Falls are one of the coolest places in Shosenkyo. Please take in the view of the waterfall that opens up at the bottom of the steps. In the garden of Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Main Hall, the dogwood (yamaboshi) flowers are blooming beautifully. This year they seem to be the prettiest in the past five years. When you visit Shosenkyo, be sure to stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom!

【Limited Held in】Aged on the seabed!? The "Undersea Wine Tour" will start 🍷🌊 For wine lovers, diving enthusiasts, and curious people who want to experience something a little different. From Hokule'a Shonan, we would like to introduce an exciting new project. It's called the "Undersea Wine Tour"! In fact, it There are a method of Aged wine that is currently attracting worldwide attention. That is "seabed Aged". In the sea, there is little change in temperature, no light reaches it, and it is very quiet. This special environment mellows the taste of the wine and leads to a deeper Traditional Japanese straw raincoat. This time, a special tour with the experience of actually sinking a wine bottle will be held in in June at the shipwreck Spot of "Shobuzawa" in the southeastern part of the Izu Peninsula! Six months to a year later, the wine is pulled from the seabed and becomes one of the perfect bottles 🎄✨ for Christmas and special occasion toasts at the end of the year 🌟 This is the attraction of the tour! The extraordinary and dramatic experience of actually sinking wine to the bottom of the sea You can enjoy both the beautiful waters and wreck dives of Irisawa The luxury of "savoring time" to enjoy a change of wine months later Reliable support with a small number of people. An atmosphere that makes it easy to participate even for the first time * This dive requires AOW (Advanced Open Water) or higher Sense. Sense acquisition is well in time. Why don't you respond to that feeling of "I wanted to try it someday" this summer? 📅 Held in Tuesday, June 17, 2025 * There are capacity, so please contact us as soon as possible. 🌊 The romance of "making wine Aged in the sea". Beautiful seas, the mystery of wrecks, and wines that ripen over time. Everything comes together to create a true "drama of the sea". Would you like to be the protagonist of a new story this summer? 📩 For reservations and inquiries, please feel free to contact Hokule'a Shonan! #UnderwaterWineExperience #OceanAgedWine #DiveIntoTheUnexpected #ShipwreckWineDive #ToastFromTheOcean #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #UnforgettableUnderwater #HiddenJapanGems #BucketListDive

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop! In early summer at Shosenkyo Gorge, the fresh green leaves sparkle while a cool breeze and the murmuring clear stream soothe the soul. Senga Falls pours down over jagged rock faces in a truly spectacular scene. You are sure to be moved by this work of nature.🍃 And here is a recommendation perfect for this season! We have launched “Delaware Cloudy Sparkling Wine.”🍇🍾 Its fruity, sweet-and-tart flavor spreads pleasantly with gentle bubbles. Chilled, it delivers a refreshing lift that blows away humid heat in an instant. Enjoyed in nature, it will soothe all your senses.☺️ On the terrace we offer a relaxing space where you can feel the river’s babble up close.🌿 There are plenty of photo spots too, so you can capture a memory with cute ornaments or the falls as a backdrop.📸✨ Shosenkyo shows a different face with each season. Please enjoy a special wine moment here alongside the spectacular fresh-green views available only now.♪ We sincerely look forward to your visit 💚

#001 Hello! This is the Tsunocho Tourism Association. Tsunocho belongs to Koyu District in Miyazaki Prefecture and sits in the prefecture’s central region. To the east lies the Hyuga-nada Sea, and to the west stretch the ridges of MtOsuzuyama, one of Japan’s 200 famous mountains. Known as the “town of mountains, waterfalls, and fruit,” it’s rich not only in nature but also in agricultural, livestock, and marine products. On the Tsunocho Tourism Association account, we’ll share information to make you want to visit Tsunocho, so please follow along! For our first post, we’ll introduce what kind of town Tsunocho is, the key points we want to convey, and a bit about the Tsunocho Tourism Association. Access to Tsunocho By plane and by car Haneda to Miyazaki: about 1.5 hours; from Fukuoka: about 4 hours Itami to Miyazaki: about 1 hour; from Kumamoto: about 3 hours Fukuoka to Miyazaki: about 40 minutes; from Kagoshima: about 2.5 hours From Miyazaki Airport By JR Nippō Main Line to tsuno station: about 1 hour By car via the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway to Tsuno IC: about 1 hour 10 minutes What kind of town is Tsunocho? First, here’s an introduction to Tsunocho. Tsunocho has a total population of about 9,300 (April 2025) and is a town with very active agricultural and livestock production. The town is also working to revitalize the fishing industry through an onshore aquaculture initiative called the Fisheries Dream Future Project. Tsunocho preserves many historic sites, including the venerable Hyuga Province Ichinomiya Tsuno Shrine, listed in the Engishiki register of shrine names, and the Akagi Family Residence, a valuable house that served as lodging for feudal lords and government officials in the Edo period. Every year on August 1 and 2 the town holds its largest summer event, the Tsuno Shrine Summer Festival, when a golden mikoshi and four neighborhood taiko floats parade through town. Visitors come not only from within the town but also from other cities and prefectures. Town tree: ginkgo. Town flower: Osuzu winter orchid. Town bird: Japanese white-eye. A brief history of Tsunocho Next, a short look at Tsunocho’s history. The modern Tsunocho formed in 1889 (Meiji 22) when Tsuno Town and Kawakita Village merged to create Tsuno Village. Thirty-one years later, in 1920 (Taisho 9), Tsuno was established as a town, and in 2020 (Reiwa 2) it celebrated the 100th anniversary of its town status. The old village name Kawakita still appears today as a ward name. Tsunocho sightseeing spots Next are Tsunocho’s sightseeing spots. The town has many famous and lesser-known attractions. Here are two carefully selected highlights. 1. Hyuga Province Ichinomiya Tsuno Shrine Affectionately called Ichinomiya Shrine by locals and indispensable to telling the Miyazaki myths, Hyuga Province Ichinomiya Tsuno Shrine exudes a solemn atmosphere and feels powerful. Legend says that six years before Emperor Jimmu’s accession, he stopped in this area while moving eastward, prayed for national peace, safe seas, and lasting military fortune, and enshrined the deities here. The shrine’s principal deity, Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, is associated with blessings such as fertility, because he took many wives and fathered many children; recovery from illness, due to establishing medical practices and helping many people; and business prosperity, among other benefits. 2. Roadside Station Tsuno Opened in 2013 to help revitalize a town worn down by the 2010 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, Roadside Station Tsuno showcases the agricultural town’s proud selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seafood. The station also sells original local products made from regional ingredients. The most popular item, the tomato twisted fry, draws repeat customers from both inside and outside the prefecture. Packed with Tsuno’s charms, Roadside Station Tsuno is well worth a visit. Tsunocho specialties and gourmet foods Next are Tsunocho’s specialty products and local cuisine. The town offers numerous specialty agricultural and livestock products. Here are three highlights. 1. Tomatoes Tsunocho offers an ideal environment for growing tomatoes. Tomatoes grown here benefit from the Osuzu Mountain Range’s water, the sea breeze from the Hyuga-nada Sea, and a mild climate, producing exceptional flavor. The town grows many varieties, including the much-sought-after Nigo 25 and the honey-sweet Furutika, so comparing varieties is a delight. 2. Grapes Tsunocho produces more than 30 grape varieties, including Shine Muscat, Sunny Rouge, and Kyoho. Recently, a variety called Suzuka, sometimes called the black muscat, has attracted attention for its refreshing muscat-like taste and aroma when you bite into it. 3. Tsuno Wine Speaking of grapes, Tsuno Wine is made from the grapes introduced above. Committed to using 100% grapes from Osuzu (around Tsunocho), these wines express the local terroir. A rosé made from the Campbell Early grape was selected for Wine Report’s “World’s Top 100 Wines” in 2004, and many other Tsuno wines have won domestic and international awards. Tsuno wines are so delicious they attract repeat visitors from abroad as well as within Japan. Tsunocho Tourism Association Finally, about our tourism association. We use social media to promote Tsunocho and handle everything from preparing to running local events. Recently, we have offered rentals for Osuzu Campground on MtOsuzuyama and electric bicycles. Through Cool Japan initiatives, we work to share Tsunocho’s charms and provide useful information to help visitors enjoy their stay. We appreciate your support!

Ikeda Town Tourism Opening Ceremony Announcement🍷 Every year, Ikeda Town holds the Tourism Opening Ceremony to pray for a successful tourist season. The ceremony for safety prayers and a bountiful flow of visitors is paired with events that residents and tourists can enjoy together. The Tokachi Blue Sky Ladies will also attend to add a touch of elegance to the ceremony. If you have time, please come and join us. Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM–around 2:00 PM Location: In front of JR Ikeda Station * The event may be canceled in case of rain. If canceled, announcements will be posted on the Ikeda Town Tourism Association website and social media. Ikeda Town Tourism Association → @tokachi_ikeda The fountain opening ceremony in front of Ikeda Station begins at 10:30 AM, and vendor events start at 11:00 AM. Program ● Fountain Opening Ceremony in front of the station ● Local food and products corner ● Wine-pouring experience into the fountain ● Children’s festival corner ● TOCORON (Tocoron) Ikeda version Banana Manju Macaron on sale ● Performance by Ikeda High School Wind Ensemble Vendors Super Ryokuen, Hiro Kitchen, Tokachi Ikedaya (Café & Life akao, son of Juraku), Ikeda Town Chamber of Commerce Youth Division, TOCORON Project Team (volunteer high school circle from Tokachi area) Contact Ikeda Town Tourism Association (Tel: 015-572-2286) * Please note that program details may change. https://kankou-ikeda.com//

Introducing a One-Day Experience Tour 😄 — Where Local Sake Is Made — A one-day tour from Obihiro to Urahoro to enjoy fine drinks and delicious food In Tokachi, a region rich in nature and known for its strong agriculture, producers use the bounty of the land to craft a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. This program takes you to the production sites of wine, sake, and craft beer to uncover the secrets behind their great flavors. The more you hear from passionate makers, the more their products taste remarkable. For dinner, we prepare special dishes paired with each drink! Savor them together with Tokachi’s local ingredients. Tour Schedule 9:00 Pickup from JR Obihiro Station, Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, or city hotels 10:00 Aizawa Farm Vineyard tour and wine tasting Visit Aizawa Farm, where grapes are grown naturally without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. 11:30 Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery Heiun-gura Brewery tour and sake tasting Using the moderately hard spring water from the Satsunai River system, which originates in the Hidaka Mountains and is celebrated as one of Japan’s purest streams, this brewery makes sake that pairs well with Tokachi’s cuisine. 12:30 Rancho El Paso Lunch featuring pasture-raised “dorobuta” pork and local craft beer “Obihiro Beer” 14:45 RIKKA Barley field visit At RIKKA, a brewery established in 2025, join field work in a barley crop. 16:45 RIKKA Brewery tour and beer tasting Take time to taste beers nurtured by Tokachi’s fertile land. 18:00 Torino-me Shop Special dinner by culinary researcher Kanako Sasaki, paired with drinks Enjoy a special dinner designed to complement Tokachi’s wines, sake, and beers. 21:00 Drop-off at JR Obihiro Station, Tokachi-Obihiro Airport, or city hotels — Tour ends Operating period: Year-round Time: 9:00–21:00 (approx. 12 hours) Group size: 3–8 people Price: Per person: JPY 132,000 ※With English interpretation the price is as follows: Per person: JPY 154,000 ■Please make a reservation at least seven days before your desired date. ■Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your preferred date due to guide availability or other circumstances. Would you like to peek behind the scenes of beverage production, agriculture, and food while meeting the producers? We hope that through this one-day experience you will discover new insights and values that enrich your lifestyle. We would be delighted if this Tokachi experience becomes one memorable page in your travel story 😄 If you are interested, please visit the federation’s official website page “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE — Journeys Connecting to Tokachi, the Source of Food” on our official site (access the federation’s official site from the profile link tree). Contact Knaue Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com https://tokachibare.jp/behindthegoodtaste/...

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop. It was warm just a few days ago… where has spring gone? Yesterday, snow fell in Shosenkyo Gorge, transforming the area into a winter scene ❄️ Senga Falls is also dusted with snow, creating a magical sight 🙃 This may be the last snowy landscape before true spring arrives. Meanwhile, Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop has already received wines that won prizes at the spring-themed Sakura Award 🌸 wine competition! We have wines that won the top Diamond Trophy 🏆 from Maruki Budoshu, as well as other award-winning wines ☺️ Some wines are available in limited quantities, so please stop by Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop when you visit Shosenkyo Gorge! It’s still chilly, so we’ll keep the store warm and look forward to your visit 😌

Shinshu High Yamazakura Festival Takayama Village is dotted with Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) that are over 100 years old. Led by the 600-year-old Tsuboi Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms), Water the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Mizunaka, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Akawa Kannon, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Nakashio, and the Edohigan cherry blossoms of Kurobe are called the Shinshu Five Great Cherry Blossoms of Takayama, and Events such as Cherry Blossom Trek Tour are Held in in conjunction with the good cherry blossom season. Please take a look at the single cherry blossom that blooms quietly in the mountain village. For more information on cherry blossom Information and Events, please check the Home page.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop! Cold days continue, and at Shosenkyo Gorge you can enjoy winter-only spectacles, such as spray frozen onto the rock face of Senga Falls ❄️ After a day of winter sightseeing in Shosenkyo, please stop by our shop to finish your visit! The interior is warm, and we offer a relaxed space where you can enjoy choosing wine 🍷✨ We especially recommend wines for mulled wine that suit this season, the richly sweet Blueberry Wine, and gift sets in charming packaging perfect for Valentine’s Day 🎁! At the tasting corner you can sample wines produced in Yamanashi Prefecture, so please try and find your favorite bottle. We also sell local snacks that pair well with wine! They make great souvenirs from your trip or thoughtful gifts for someone special. Warm your heart during winter in Shosenkyo. Everyone on staff at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop looks forward to welcoming you 😊