Nanatsugama Cave Stalactites and Stalagmites Cave [2541-1 Nakaura Kitago, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Discovered in 1928 and designated a National Natural Monument in 1936, this cave is the only stalactite cave in Nagasaki Prefecture. Thirty-five caves have been identified around Nanatsugama Cave, some exceeding 2 km in total length. The section open to the public is the “Shimizu Cave,” which allows access up to the 250 m mark. As you move through the dim cave, you will encounter a 6 m waterfall, two stalagmites resembling Jizo statues, a massive 60 cm-diameter pillar, and stalactites that look like cascading waterfalls, offering a series of mystical sights. Hours of operation ・April to September 9:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30) ・October to March 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ※The cave is closed for the New Year holidays from December 30 to January 2. Event information ・Every March, events are held to coincide with the cherry blossoms and rapeseed blooms. ・Food vendors, handcrafted goods sales, and stage performances are held. ・From October to November each year, events such as the Autumn Festival, where you can view fields of cosmos, and Halloween events are planned and held. ♪Currently hosting “Light Cave 2024”♪ The tunnel section beyond the seabed-like interior is decorated with illuminations. You can enjoy lights that are visible even during the day. Come visit Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video!! This is the Saikai City Tourism Association. Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, sits in the northern part of the Nishisonogi Peninsula, roughly halfway between Nagasaki City and Sasebo City. It’s a place where you can feel rich nature and history. The city is bordered on three sides by the Goto-nada Sea, Sasebo Bay, and Omura Bay, and most of the area consists of complex ria coastlines. Saikai City is surrounded by a beautiful coastline and abundant nature, making it an attractive destination for visitors. We will introduce recommended information about Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Cool Japan Video, so please enjoy. ◇◇◇ Access to Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture There is no train network in Saikai City, so you can reach it by car or bus. ◇ Access by car from Nagasaki city center It takes about one hour to drive from Nagasaki city to Saikai City. Use the Nagasaki Expressway and follow the Saikai Pearl Line to reach the city. This route offers a scenic drive along the beautiful coastline. ◇ Bus access from Nagasaki Station From Nagasaki Station, take Nagasaki Bus or Saikai Kotsu to Saikai City Hall; the trip takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. ◇ Bus access from Sasebo Station Take Saihi Bus to Saikai Bridge West Exit; the ride takes about 50 minutes. ◇◇◇ About Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture The population is about 25,000 people (as of 2024), and the area is characterized by a rich lifestyle lived in harmony with nature. Agriculture and fishing thrive here, and you can enjoy fresh local produce. Saikai City is especially known as a mandarin orange producing area, harvesting many crops thanks to its warm climate and fertile soil. ◇◇◇ History of Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture The western part of the Nishisonogi Peninsula and nearby islands prospered as whaling bases from the 1630s. From the Meiji era onward, coal mining began and the area enjoyed great prosperity. Later, in 2005, the five towns of Seihi, Ooshimacho, Saikai, Oseto, and Sakito merged to form the present Saikai City. ◇◇◇ Popular sightseeing spots in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture Saikai City has many popular attractions. Here are some of them. ◇ Nagao Castle Ruins Observatory From the observation deck you can take in the islands of the Goto-nada Sea, and the fiery red sunset sinking into the sea is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s a popular spot for spectacular photos. ◇ Hachiningatake Park This park sits on the central ridge of the Nishisonogi Peninsula, and the lookout at the summit offers panoramic views of Omura Bay. The distant sea and mountains show different faces each season. ◇ The smallest park in Japan On Matsushima, floating off the west side of the Nishisonogi Peninsula in the Goto-nada Sea, there is “the smallest park in Japan,” with a natural wooden bench and a single palm-like shuro tree. From the park you can gaze across the open ocean. ◇ Sakito Seaside Park Sakito Seaside Park features clear waters and white sandy beaches. With toilets and showers available, it’s a recommended spot for summer visitors. ◇ Nanatsugama Cave Nanatsugama Cave is a limestone cave that rose from the seabed about 30 million years ago. Part of the cave is open to visitors. Admission: Adults 800 yen per person, Junior high students 400 yen per person, Elementary students 200 yen per person Infants (age 4 and over) 100 yen per person So far 35 cave sites have been discovered, but this vast cave system still has many aspects that remain unexplored. ◇ Roadside Station Saikai Roadside Station Saikai is a popular spot where you can buy local specialties and souvenirs. The original gelato and soft serve ice cream are especially recommended. The facility features a large semi-spherical dome shaped like a mandarin orange, offering visitors a fun experience. ◇◇◇ Experiences you can enjoy in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture In Saikai City you can enjoy a variety of experiences broadly categorized as sea experiences, mountain experiences, and craft-making experiences. Here are some examples. ◇ Mandarin-picking experience Saikai City is known as one of the prefecture’s leading mandarin producing regions, and during the harvest season (typically November) you can enjoy mandarin picking. Picking fresh mandarins yourself is popular with families, and you can savor their juicy flavor right away. ◇◇◇ Local specialties of Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture ◇ Unshu mandarins (Satsuma mandarins) Saikai City’s Unshu mandarins enjoy a high reputation nationwide. There are early varieties such as Haraguchi early mandarin orange (late October to early December) and extra-early varieties such as Iwasaki early mandarin orange (late September to October). Grown in a warm climate and fertile soil, these mandarins are sweet and juicy and signal the arrival of winter. ◇ Oshima Tomatoes Saikai City’s Oshima Tomatoes are known for intense sweetness and acidity and are a popular local specialty (season: February to early May). Their high sugar content makes them taste almost like fruit. These specialties are also popular as hometown tax return gifts. ◇◇◇ Tourist information for Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture Surrounded by rich natural environments with a variety of attractions and experiences, Saikai City offers new discoveries each time you visit. We will continue to share more recommended information about Saikai City on Cool Japan Video, so please look forward to it!!

Hello viewers of Cool Japan Video! This is the Bungoono City Tourism Association. From now on, we will be introducing the many charms of Bungoono City in Oita Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, so please stay tuned! ◆◆◆ What is Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Bungoono City in Oita Prefecture lies in the southern part of Oita Prefecture and offers abundant scenic nature and historic sites. Bungoono City was formed in 2005 by merging five towns and two villages (Mie Town, Kiyokawamura, Ogata Town, Asaji Town, Oonocho, Chitose Village, and Inukai Town), and it now has a population of about 32,000. Bungoono City is the only place in Kyushu designated both a Japan Geopark and a UNESCO Eco Park, with vast natural landscapes to enjoy through all four seasons. In recent years the city has also developed excellent sauna facilities, making it an ideal place to relax. ◆◆◆ Access to Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ◇ Oita Airport – Access to Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture You can reach Bungoono City from Oita Airport by car or public transport. By car: It takes about one and a half hours by car from Oita Airport to Bungoono City using toll roads. You will pass beautiful mountains and rural scenery along the way. By train: From Oita Airport, take the airport bus to Oita Station in about one hour, then transfer to the JR Hohi Main Line and ride about one hour to Mie Town Station, the central station of Bungoono City. ◆◆◆ Bungoono City — The Sauna Town Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture has recently gained attention as a “sauna town.” The area has a long history of stone bath culture and a tradition of enjoying steam baths, so the city has declared itself a “sauna town,” using its great outdoors to develop outdoor saunas as a tourist resource. Bungoono City’s saunas provide a relaxing natural setting where visitors can enjoy restorative moments. Local-themed sauna events are held regularly, making the city an attractive destination for sauna enthusiasts. ◆◆◆ Popular sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ◇ Harajiri Falls Harajiri Falls, called the “Niagara of the East,” is a magnificent waterfall and a signature sight of Bungoono City. This waterfall is about 120 meters wide and 20 meters high, and its seasonal scenery draws many visitors. In particular, the fresh green season offers a spectacular view where the falls and surrounding nature blend beautifully. ◇ Inazumi Underwater Cave Inazumi Underwater Cave is a rare underwater limestone cave. A cave formed in the Paleozoic era about 300 million years ago sank underwater during the massive Aso volcanic eruption 300,000 years ago, becoming an underwater cave. Inside the cave, over 1,000 meters long, you can find stunning stalactites and flowing underground water that create a mystical landscape. Visitors can explore the cave on guided tours and enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in Japan’s top underwater cave. ◇ Chinda Falls Chinda Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters, surrounded by rich natural scenery. It is one of the geosites of the Bungoono Geopark and is designated as a nationally registered monument. You can also see the remains of a power plant built in the Meiji era. ◇ Yusaku Park Yusaku Park is a vast park famous for its autumn foliage. In autumn, more than 500 maple and Japanese maple trees planted around the shinji pond turn red and yellow, attracting many visitors. On weekends and holidays during the foliage season, the autumn leaves are illuminated for a magical atmosphere. ◆◆◆ Roadside Stations and Satonomes in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture There are five roadside stations in Bungoono City. A tour of these roadside stations is a great way to explore the area. ◇ Roadside Station Mie From here you can enjoy the renowned Enaido no Kei scenic view in Mie Town. The product center offers fresh local vegetables and specialty products. ◇ Roadside Station Kiyokawa You’ll find affordable fresh vegetables and heartfelt handmade processed goods from producers. This is also the hometown of the intangible folk cultural property Mitake Kagura. ◇ Roadside Station Harajiri no Taki This roadside station adjoins Harajiri Falls, one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. It’s conveniently located for visitors touring Bungoono City. ◇ Roadside Station Asaji Nanohana Oborozuki Kan is a very distinctive log-built structure. Restaurant Fukujuso serves exquisite dishes featuring the local specialty Bungo-Asaji beef. ◇ Roadside Station Ono Set within the great nature of Bungoono City, this roadside station offers plenty of fresh vegetables and local specialties to enjoy. ◆◆◆ Events and festivals in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ◇ Tulip Festa Held every spring, this festival features 300,000 vibrant tulips in 100 varieties blooming around Harajiri Falls. ◇ Kodai Torch Fire Festival The Kodai torch fire festival is a traditional event held each August during the Obon season and is a local summer highlight. The vast Ogata Plain fills with the glow of many torches. ◇ Bungo Inukai Fireworks Festival This historic and traditional fireworks festival takes place in Inukai, the birthplace of Bungo fireworks. ◇ Mitake-style Kagura Festival In Bungoono City, where many performing arts have been handed down, local Mitake Kagura and kagura from other regions perform together. Mitake Kagura is said to have begun around the same time as the founding of Mitake Shrine and stands as one of Oita Prefecture’s representative kagura. In 2007 it became the first kagura in Oita Prefecture to be designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and has received high praise outside the prefecture as well. ◇ Megurukura — Bungoono Brewery Tour This event is a joint brewery opening of the city’s four breweries, where you can drink delicious sake and shochu and enjoy the scenery of Bungoono for a luxurious day. Bungoono City has two sake breweries and two shochu distilleries. Rich water from the surrounding mountains nurtures the rice and barley, and these high-quality ingredients allow the four breweries to produce outstanding drinks. ◆◆◆ Tourist information for Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Bungoono City is a charming destination with beautiful natural scenery and a rich history. Enjoy the city’s attractions throughout the changing seasons and savor all that Bungoono City has to offer. We will continue sharing recommended information about Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, so please follow us!

Akiyoshido Cave 2023.05.04 Akiyoshido Cave, one of Japan's one of the best limestone caves, opens at the southern foot of Mt., 100 meters underground in Akiyoshidai National Park. After passing through a grove of cedar trees with a cool air that touches your skin, you will reach the entrance of Akiyoshido Cave. The Sightseeing Course in the cave is about 1 km the total length exceeds 11.2 km, the second largest in Japan, and the temperature is constant at 17°C throughout the four seasons, and it is cool in summer and warm in winter, so you can enjoy sightseeing comfortably. The mysterious natural formations that seem to have frozen time are rich in variety and evoke great impression in our hearts.

Why don't you explore the untouched nature of Matsuda Limestone Caves? The Matsuda Limestone Cave in Ginoza Village is a place where you can walk through the darkness with the help of your five senses and the light of your headlights. You can explore with a local guide, so you can rest assured! If you're lucky, you might even ✨ see the natural monument black-footed gecko Why don't you experience a mysterious world in Ginoza Village?

Nice to meet you all! Kumejima Visitor's Bureau. Kumejima, Kume Island a remote island in Okinawa with a population of about 7,300, is home to beautiful nature and rich culture. The Kume Island is located 100 km west of the main island of Okinawa, and access to the Kumejima is about 30 minutes by plane from Naha Airport on the main island of Okinawa to Kumejima Airport 7 flights a day. Kumejima Airport from Haneda Airport takes about 3 hours and 35 minutes. In addition, the ferry can be taken from the main island of Okinawa "Naha Tomari Port", Via Tonaki Island, it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes to Kume Island Kanegusuku Port or about 3 hours by direct Kume Island flight. There are 1~2 ferries per day, so please be careful when using them. There are four ways to get around the island: town buses, rental cars, taxis, and bicycle rentals. You can rent a car from the airport if you make a reservation, and please check the reception desk of each company in the airport arrival lobby. There are town buses that go around the island clockwise and counter-clockwise, the Airport Line, the Shimajiri Line, and the Kagiyama Line, and the Airport Line mainly operates according to the flight time, so you can easily use it. The Kume Island is about 23km and can be circled in about 3~4 hours by bicycle. The Kumejima has a number of fascinating sights. In this post, we will introduce some of them. The ruins of the Gusuku period scattered throughout Okinawa are called "Gusuku castle". Chinese ceramics are sometimes unearthed from Gusuku, and it is a spot where you can feel the remnants of the era when trade with overseas was thriving. Located at the top of Mt. Uejodake, "Uegusuku Castle Ruins" is the ruins of a castle built at the highest point in Gusuku. From the summit, you can see the entire Kume Island and it is also a superb viewing spot. "Gushikawa Castle Ruins" is a gusuku located on a limestone hill along the coast. It is also a nationally designated historic site, and Gusuku is characterized by a castle wall that mixes limestone and andesite. Next, we will introduce the beaches where you can enjoy the beautiful sea of Okinawa. "Ara Beach" is a hidden gem spot like a private beach surrounded by mountains. There is no doubt that you will be impressed by the beauty of the mysterious sunset as well as in the daytime! Shinri Beach, a beach with gentle waves, has an atoll right off the coast, and you can see the atoll up close at low tide. Since it is close to the airport, it is possible to watch airplanes take off and land. In addition, if you apply to the town environmental conservation division, you can use it as a campsite for free. "Mifuga Rock" on the shore of Yamatodomari is a tourist destination that means "female rock" in dialect. There are strangely shaped rocks created by the wind and tide, and it is a popular spot that is said to be a blessing for children. At Kumejima Tsumugi no Sato Yuimaru-kan, you can observe the dyeing techniques and works of traditional Kume Island pongee, and you can also enjoy weaving and dyeing Kume Island pongee. The Kume Island Museum is a museum where you can experience the history and culture of Kume Island, and holds permanent exhibitions of "Kume Island Nature and Culture" as well as special exhibitions. Next, we will introduce information on activities that you can enjoy in the Kume Island full of nature. The "Maine Beach", "Nakano Beach", and "Hatinu Beach" floating in the northeast of the Kume Island are collectively called "Hatenohama", and you can enjoy various marine activities! There are plenty of diving spots in the Kume Island for beginners to intermediate divers and above. Recommended for beginners, "Manta Station" is a popular manta ray encounter spot. You can enjoy Black Manta watching up close. In addition, the diving spot "Tombara", which is representative of the Kume Island with a huge rock height of about 50 m, has a maximum depth of 30 m, which is suitable for intermediate skiers and above, and the tide is strong, but it is also an attractive spot because there is a possibility of encountering schools of migratory fish, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, etc. You can also explore the beautiful ocean world on a snorkeling tour. You can also enjoy the charm of Kumejima by strolling along the coastline in a "sea kayak" where you can enjoy the surrounding scenery while paddling on the sea. There is also a two-seater kayak, so you can enjoy it even with children. At the "Kume Island Horse Farm" where you can enjoy interacting with the horses, you can enjoy horse play that can only be experienced here! You can also use the "Umi Uma Asobi" to enter the sea while riding a horse, as well as your favorite horse play and a back menu on request. Yajiyagama Cave, the longest limestone cave in the Kume Island, which is about 800 meters long, offers year-round exploration programs. Depending on the program, you can explore the mysterious limestone cave in about 1 and a half ~ 2 hours. Don't miss the gourmet food of Kumejima! Kumejima is also famous as a shrimp farming pond. The quality is highly evaluated by the industry, and it is also certified as a "base production area" by Okinawa Prefecture. The season is December ~ May. In addition, sea grapes and awamori are also delicious specialties. It is also a perfect souvenir for Kume Island. Kumejima is a place where you can spend a rich time through contact with nature and cultural experiences. We will give you the best information to make your trip to Kumejima enjoyable. Thank you for your continued support!

The Japan sake "Tatsunosen" is aged in the Toma Bell Cave in winter. It is a rare liquor sold only in the town in a limited number. Junmai Daiginjo's sake is fruity but has a refreshing taste. This year's sales will go on sale on April 22. It will be almost sold out around the end of August, so be early.

Sirmichu in Hamahiga Island, Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture It is said that two gods Sirmichu and Amamichu in Ryukyu mythology lived here and were blessed with children. Many people come to worship because of the benefit of being blessed with children. If you climb the 108 steps from the torii gate below, you will find the limestone cave. There is a sacred air in the air.

This photo was taken in the limestone cave of Abukuma Cave in Fukushima Prefecture. It was found by explorers who dug up a narrow place over a long period of time, and it took a long time to get this shape. When I was walking inside, it was like walking in a dungeon, and I remember being excited.

Went to the Nippara Limestone Caves 日原鍾乳洞 out in the backwoods of Tokyo. Was a really enjoyable trip and the cave was much cooler 11℃ than outside which was 30℃+. Afterwards we stopped by the drum bridge at Lake Okutama and ate at うおいち, an Oyster themed restaurant. All of the food was really delicious. Overall had a really great time

📍 Akiyoshi-dong, Miya, Yamaguchi ※The largest limestone cave in the western Japan where you can feel nature ⊿ Location One of the largest limestone caves in the Japan "Akiyoshido" opens at the southern foot of Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, 100 meters underground. Passing through a grove of cedar trees with cool air that touches the skin, you will come to the entrance of Akiyoshido. The sightseeing course in the cave is about 1 km the total length is 10.7 km, the second largest in Japan, and the temperature is constant at 17°C throughout the four seasons, making it cool in summer and warm in winter, making sightseeing comfortable. Even though I was in the middle of the summer of August, I was very cold and surprised at the inside of the limestone cave. I got used to the temperature inside so much that when I went outside, it was hot and humid and painful lol. ⊿ Entrance fee Adults ¥1,300 High school students and older Junior high school student ¥1,050 Elementary school students ¥700 There is also a group discount. Visit the website for details! ⊿ Area information Akiyoshidai Park Akiyoshidai Nature Park Safari Park Bentenchi Spring Water There are sightseeing spots full of nature nearby! 🗺access From JR Shinyamaguchi Station, take a bus for about 40 minutes and get off at Akiyoshidong 5 minutes by car from Akiyoshidai IC on Ogori Hagi Road via Minehigashi JCT on the Chugoku Expressway ⊿ Shooting iPhone11pro ⊿ Editing app adobe photoshopLightroom

📍 Akiyoshi-dong, Miya, Yamaguchi ※The largest limestone cave in the western Japan where you can feel nature ⊿ Location One of the largest limestone caves in the Japan "Akiyoshido" opens at the southern foot of Akiyoshidai Quasi-National Park, 100 meters underground. Passing through a grove of cedar trees with cool air that touches the skin, you will come to the entrance of Akiyoshido. The sightseeing course in the cave is about 1 km the total length is 10.7 km, the second largest in Japan, and the temperature is constant at 17°C throughout the four seasons, making it cool in summer and warm in winter, making sightseeing comfortable. Even though I was in the middle of the summer of August, I was very cold and surprised at the inside of the limestone cave. I got used to the temperature inside so much that when I went outside, it was hot and humid and painful lol. ⊿ Entrance fee Adults ¥1,300 High school students and older Junior high school student ¥1,050 Elementary school students ¥700 There is also a group discount. Visit the website for details! ⊿ Area information Akiyoshidai Park Akiyoshidai Nature Park Safari Park Bentenchi Spring Water There are sightseeing spots full of nature nearby! 🗺access From JR Shinyamaguchi Station, take a bus for about 40 minutes and get off at Akiyoshidong 5 minutes by car from Akiyoshidai IC on Ogori Hagi Road via Minehigashi JCT on the Chugoku Expressway ⊿ Shooting iPhone11pro ⊿ Editing app adobe photoshopLightroom