Winter has finally arrived. This photo shows the snowy scenery at Hirono Dam. Heavy snow can be troublesome, but seeing a snowy landscape always makes me feel, “Ah—this season has come.”

This is a photo taken when I went to Urayama Dam with my family.

Anwei River Dam Management Office (Aigawa Dam) Daimon Temple, Ibaraki City, Osaka Car parking lot: about 10 cars (there is a Toilet in the management office) The Use hours of the Windy Hill Zone (south side of the Dam) are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed gate. For details, please check the website of the facilities. Dam Park Ibakita 53-1 Life Insurance, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture Car parking lot: Charge A park blessed with nature around the Anwei River Dam in the northern part of Ibaraki City (commonly known as Ibakita). Dog Run, there is a facilities for market and cooking, a park center, a Event Plaza, an outdoor stage, and a plaza. There is a 420-meter-long pedestrian-only Suspension Bridge "GODA BRIDGE," which is the longest Japan in the , and by adopting a universal design, people of all ages and Use Car wheelchairs can pass through safely. Also, rare in Japan, the Dam offers a panoramic view of Osaka Downtown. A variety of Activities will also be offered, such as a bungee jump with a height of about 50 meters using this Suspension Bridge, a giant swing, and a "yellowtail Walk" where you Use the wires of the world's first suspension bridge and wear a safety belt.

On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the ice-fishing tournament on Lake Oketo took place! Thank you to everyone who participated. The fishing area in Oketo Town is scheduled to remain open through Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Depending on ice conditions, it may close earlier.) For fees and other details, please see Oketo Town’s website! https://www.town.oketo.hokkaido.jp/topics/2079/...

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

Introducing Isanoura Park in Isanoura, Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture. The park sits on the shore of Isanoura Dam Lake. It offers cottages and bungalows for overnight stays, and a campsite with a free-site area for camping. ■Accommodations require reservations; camping requires reservations and is limited to 30 groups per day. ■Meals are not provided. There is also a 5.2-kilometer cycling road that circles the dam lake, bicycle rentals (1 hour: adults 400 yen, children 300 yen), and boat rentals (from 30 minutes, 880 yen). Come and enjoy autumn in Saikai City, surrounded by nature.

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Experiences: Soyokyo Lake SUP Half-Day Tour Enjoy a half-day SUP tour around the scenic reservoir framed by the green slopes of Soyokyo. This plan is suitable even for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! Note: Available from April through October Price Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen Elementary school student 4,500 yen Dog 1,500 yen Note: Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian Participation fee includes accident insurance and SUP equipment rental Meeting point and times Meeting times Session 1: Meet at 9:30 — Finish at 12:00 Session 2: Meet at 13:00 — Finish at 15:30 Meeting place Soyō Branch Office, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Address: 500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Reservation Contact: Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Nakagawa Village Tourism Association. Nakagawa Village is a village in the southernmost part of Kamiina County in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture that has been recognized as the "most beautiful village in Japan". Although it is a small village with a population of about 4,600, it is surrounded by the lush greenery of Minami Shinshu, with clear air, clear water stream from the majestic mountains, and beautiful natural scenery. Best regards for COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, as we will deliver the charm of Nakagawa Village. ■Introducing popular sightseeing spots in Nakagawa Village Nakagawa Village has a number of popular tourist attractions. Here, we will introduce sightseeing spots recommended by the Nakagawa Village Tourism Association. ・Jinmagata Mountain Jinmagata Mountain, with an elevation of 1,445 meters, is a popular spot visited by more than 10,000 people a year. From the top of Jinmagata Mountain, you can see the mountains of the Northern, Central Alps and Southern Alps. ・Okusa Castle Ruins Park It is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with more than 200 cherry blossoms of more than 10 types blooming in the spring season. The contrast between the remaining snow of the Central Alps and the pink cherry blossoms is beautiful, and it is also popular as a photo spot. ・ Ginkgo trees in Doba The rows of Ginkgo trees, which are managed by local volunteers, attract people visit glow golden in autumn. ・Kosibu Dam Kosibu Dam, built in the Kosibu Gorge, is a spot where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. During the autumn foliage season, the trees all around change color. ・Sakado Bridge It is a reinforced concrete single-arch bridge with a total length of 77.9 meters built in Showa 7, and cherry blossoms and azaleas are planted on both banks, making it one of the famous places in spring. It has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan. ■A big event in Nakagawa Village! Nakagawa Don-chan Festival ・Nakagawa Don-chan Festival Nakagawa Don-chan Festival, a popular event in Nakagawa Village's summer, is a festivals that all participants can enjoy, including performances such as kids dancing on stage and Jin Drums, as well as bingo tournaments. Approximately 2,000 fireworks at the Finale of the festival will brightly color the night sky of Nakagawa Village. ■Specialty products of Nakagawa Village Specialty products such as fresh vegetables, apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, honey, Ichida persimmons, and dried sweet potatoes grown in the blessed natural environment of Nakagawa Village are abundant. These Specialty products are painstakingly grown by the locals, and their taste makes many people's palates growl. Specialty products of Nakagawa Village are also prepared as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ■Nakagawa Village Enjoy sightseeing! Nakagawa Village is called a "sacred place for campsites", and there are many Popular campsites that are attractive. Fun a time to heal your daily fatigue in Nature. A quiet time spent in the beautiful scenery of Nakagawa Village will surely be one of your memories! We will send out such recommended Information of Nakagawa Village on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS!

Hinogawa Dam in Hino Town, Shiga Prefecture. An island floating in the dam and Yae Cherry Blossoms in full bloom blooming there. The dawn that I have been waiting for now or now. The scenery of the red-dyed sunrise reflected on the surface of the water was so beautiful that it made me forget the cold of the spring morning that still remained! ✨

I visited the Shimanose Dam in Minamikawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, during heavy rain.

About 500 Someiyoshino trees are planted on the shores of Shimanose Dam and Lake Shimanose Dam in the southern town of Wakayama Prefecture. When I visited, it was in full bloom when it was time to take pictures.

Underwater trees at the Nanagawa Dam in Kozagawa

Hello! This is the Shosenkyo Tourism Association. Shosenkyo in Yamanashi Prefecture, designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the nation, has long been celebrated as Japan’s most beautiful gorge, sculpted by nature over the ages. We introduce the artistic splendor of Shosenkyo, worthy of being called a natural masterpiece, in a Cool Japan video. What is Mitake Shosenkyo? Mitake Shosenkyo is a roughly 5-kilometer gorge in the northern part of Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, surrounded by rich nature. If you come by car, it’s about 40 minutes from the Chuo Expressway Kofu Showa IC. By train, take a bus or taxi from the south exit of Kofu Station for about 30 to 45 minutes. The natural forms shaped over long ages continue to captivate many visitors. With its scattered strange rocks and stones and seasonal beauty, this place makes you want to return time and again. In spring, stroll the promenade surrounded by fresh greenery; in summer, enjoy activities like canoeing on the reservoir; and in autumn, admire the gorge dyed bright red with fall foliage. History of Mitake Shosenkyo Mitake Shosenkyo was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 1923 and upgraded to a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1953. Together with Teishaku Gorge (Hiroshima Prefecture), Nagato Gorge (Yamaguchi Prefecture), Goukei Gorge (Okayama Prefecture), and Bed of Sleep (Nagano Prefecture), it is counted among Japan’s five great scenic gorges. Highlights of Shosenkyo • Kakuen Peak Kakuen Peak, the highest peak among the Shosenkyo ranges, stands as the symbol of Shosenkyo. The name comes from the monk Kakuen, who once practiced ascetic training on the roughly tatami-sized summit. • Senga Falls Senga Falls lies at the base of Kakuen Peak at the far end of the Arakawa that flows through Shosenkyo. With a dramatic 30-meter drop and vehicle access, it’s a popular spot. • Shosenkyo Promenade This approximately 4.5-kilometer promenade lets visitors enjoy the gorge’s seasonal beauty and was ranked first in the gorge category of the National Top 100 Tourist Spots. • Stone Gate Stone Gate is a gigantic natural granite arch formed by the power of nature. Located on the promenade, it cannot be reached by car. • Nagatoro Bridge This historic bridge, built in 1925 at the entrance to Shosenkyo, is designated a modern civil engineering heritage as the oldest surviving concrete arch road bridge. • Tenkorin At Tenkorin along the promenade, stomping your feet produces a mysterious sound like a drumbeat. This is said to be the echo from underground cavities carved by the stream. • Numerous strange rocks and stones Along the promenade you can find many named rock formations, including Fur seal rock, Daibutsu Rock, Kansan Jade Rock, Floating Rock, Cannon Rock, Tofu Rock, Monkey Rock, Camel Rock, Mt. Fuji Rock, Bear Rock, Cat Rock, and Matsutake Rock. Be sure to look for them on foot. • Arakawa Dam The majestic dam spreading across the valley of Oku-Shosenkyo is a multipurpose structure aimed at flood control and other uses for the Arakawa riverside region. • Shosenkyo Ropeway The ropeway’s gondola takes about five minutes one way to the summit, offering sweeping views of the gorge below. From the ropeway summit you can enjoy panoramic views that include Mount Fuji. Shosenkyo’s crystals Shosenkyo is also famous as a sacred place for crystals. On Mt. Kinpu in the Shosenkyo area, several crystal mines once operated actively in the Meiji era. Skilled polishing and processing of crystals attracted minerals from around the world, and today shops displaying and selling precious gemstones and mineral specimens line the area. Shosenkyo cuisine Local specialties using the clear streams of Shosenkyo—such as somen noodles, soba, and Koshu houtou—are popular. Many restaurants serve regional gourmet dishes and local cuisine featuring abundant Yamanashi ingredients. Enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery shaped by nature at Shosenkyo, one of Yamanashi Prefecture’s most popular tourist destinations! As a treasure trove of power spots, it might lift your luck as well. Cool Japan Video will continue to release footage of Shosenkyo’s charms and its beautiful seasonal scenery. Thank you for your attention!

Akiota Town, Hiroshima　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Nukui Dam Downstream 👈 #Akiota Town I'm taking a lot of pictures of snowy scenery, so let me 😅🙏✨✨ post it before it goes into storage It will be a little downstream of the Nukui Dam. It would be great if there was a red car on the road below, but I was confident that it would not come even if I waited a day, so I gave 🤭 up

Hello everyone! In Okinawa, the temperature has dropped, and it is now ✨ the season when you can take a pleasant walk Speaking of the perfect spot for a walk, the Hanna Dam! It is a dam that features a beautiful design inspired by the ashlar cloth pile of Nakagusuku Castle. It is concerned about the conservation of the ecosystem, and you can meet gobies, shrimps, dragonflies, waterfowl, etc. There is also an observatory overlooking the dam and Kin Bay, so you can enjoy a relaxing time. A walk in the fresh air of water and greenery is sure to refresh you! Please come and visit us ♪

Hello everyone! Autumn is approaching, and it's getting cooler and cooler. Speaking of autumn, the autumn of exercise! When you come to Ginoza Village, why don't you join the cycling tour "Castle in the Sky Kyari Dum Dam"? Your guide will guide you through the cityscape, history, and culture of Ginoza Village, where the nature-rich Kanna Dam and Okinawa-like original scenery are located. There are also plenty of photo spots such as Kanna Dam and Kanna Beach, which are inspired by Okinawan castles. ✨ ♪ Join us with 😊 your friends and family. For details, please see the Ginoza Village Tourism Association website.

At Kuzuryu Dam

Hello everyone! This is the Industry Promotion Division of Oketo Town Hall. We will share the charms of Oketo Town, Hokkaido, with viewers of the Cool Japan video series, so thank you for joining us! For this first post, we’d like to introduce what kind of town Oketo is and highlight its attractions. Oketo Town in Tokoro District, Hokkaido, is a peaceful town surrounded by beautiful nature in eastern Hokkaido, with a population of 2,669 as of January 31, 2023. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet warm-hearted locals and feel the town’s community spirit. Oketo’s climate features large temperature differences between day and night and relatively little snowfall and rainfall. Access to Oketo is easiest by combining plane and car. From Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho), it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, making for a pleasant drive through nature. By bus, take Hokkaido Kitami Bus (Memanbetsu Airport line) from Memanbetsu Airport (Oozora-cho) to Kitami Bus Terminal (Kitami City), then transfer to the Rikubetsu line at Kitami Bus Terminal to reach Oketo; the total trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Next, here are some of Oketo’s sights and things to enjoy that show different faces through the seasons. ● Lake Oketo and Kanoko Dam Lake Oketo is an artificial lake created by the Kanoko Dam. The lake’s shoreline stretches 13.4 km and is home to many wild birds and native plants, making it a notable scenic spot. You can also enjoy fishing at Lake Oketo. In summer you can catch yamabe (landlocked salmon) and amemasu (rainbow trout), and from late December to mid-February you can try wakasagi (pond smelt) fishing. Since no rental fishing gear is available, please bring your own rods and tents. ● Rainbow Falls Downstream from Kanoko Dam, the Kanokozawa area unfolds with magnificent natural beauty. One highlight is Rainbow Falls, which plunges 13 meters and looks like a painting. Trees and flowers surround the falls, making it a popular spot for photographers. In winter, Rainbow Falls is lit up and icefall tours are held. ● Okecraft Center "Shinrin Kogeikan" Okecraft is Oketo’s local craft brand. The craft movement began in 1983 by combining the local bent-wood bucket tradition called oke with Oketo’s name and the idea of craft. Twenty-four individual workshops in Oketo produce everyday tableware and other items. Okecraft products are also available for purchase on the website. At the Shinrin Kogeikan, you can see and buy Okecraft pieces and other locally made products such as plant-dyed textiles, and you can observe the production process and tour the facility. Okecraft is also a popular gift choice for Oketo’s hometown tax donation program. Wooden items made from Ezo spruce, like paired bowls and smoothly finished cutlery, showcase a warm wooden texture. Please check the various hometown tax websites for details. ● Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuuyu is a facility offering lodging, hot springs, dining, and sightseeing all in one. There are four cottages available, and a free BBQ area adds a camping feel. Inside the facility you’ll find a restaurant and a café corner; weekday lunch specials are recommended. For day-trip visitors, the facility offers hot spring water flowing directly from the Katsuyama Onsen source. Enjoy the large communal bath, reclining baths, an open-air bath, a pottery bath, and a dry-style sauna. The area around the facility is also rich in attractions, including Lake Oketo. ● Minamigaoka Ski Area In winter, the ski area is another enjoyable option. Minamigaoka Ski Area offers affordable lift tickets: 1,040 yen for adults and 520 yen for children (junior high school age and under) for a day pass. With runs ranging from beginner to advanced, skiers of all levels can have a great time. Come experience Oketo Town’s natural charms and local hospitality for yourself. We will continue to share information about Oketo Town on this account. Thank you and we look forward to your interest!

How to spend the holidays. Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture. The dam was planned 70 years ago and was just built in 2020 Reiwa 2. It is a tourist spot in Gunma.

It is a Kamafusa dam Lake Kamafusa built in Kawasaki Town, Shibata-gun, Miyagi Prefecture. The photo is a sunset view taken from the side of the Kamafusa Bridge. On a sunny day, the sunset and sunset-colored surface of the water are very beautiful, making it a place that you will want to visit again and again.

Hiroshima Akiota Hiroshima hidden gem spots 👈 Nukui Dam @akiota_city_management_inc One piece 📸 at the firefly dance in the Nukui Dam It was a fantastic sight with many fireflies flying around. I wanted to put people in, so I got 😅🙏 a selfie

It is like the modern cultural heritage of the ancient castle, and the Fengyun Pond embankment.

Golden Week trip to the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. The resting places I happened to pass were Tagokura Dam and Lake Tagokura. The dam and lake spread, and the mountains mixed with the remaining snow reflected on the surface of the lake were very beautiful. It is a healing spot that can be said to be a secret place.

At the Kurumagawa Dam in the Irihirose district of Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, the snow that covered the dam lake during the winter has begun to melt, and the scene looks like drift ice. It is a phenomenon called "snow flow". Every year around the beginning of April, it synchronizes with the Milky Way and shows a superb view. 2022.04.10.Shooting.

It is the Kurobe Dam in Shinshu. It was amazing in my insanely favorite place! Would love to go again! #Travel #Photo contest

It is the dam gate of Yaei Dam in Otake, Hiroshima Prefecture. The facility had a structure that looked like eyes, noses, and mouths, and it looked like five people guarding the dam. It's safe to be watched over.

The Milky Way of a frozen dam in Hokkaido.

Crossing the Dam Lake of the Milky Way... Photo taken on 2020/04/26.

This is Kurobe Dam in Toyama Prefecture! I was ♪ able to see a rainbow in the summer water It's a really big dam!

dam