We will hold the energy workshop “Exciting Hot Air Balloons” on Sunday, May 18. Hot air balloons floating high in the sky—learn their secrets through experiments and videos. There will also be mini hot air balloons and a solar-heated balloon experience. Adults are very welcome to attend alone! Energy Workshop “Exciting Hot Air Balloons” Date and Time: Sunday, May 18, 2025, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM Location: Mihama Town Energy and Environmental Education Experience Center Kiipas, 2nd floor, Experiment Room Capacity: 7 groups (first-come, first-served) Admission: Free (regular museum admission fee applies) https://www.town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp/site/kiipasu/13999.html...

Introducing a One-Day Experience Tour 😄 ~A Tour Around Tokachi, the Dairy Kingdom~ A 1-DAY tour to learn about the lives of people who work with cows in Shintoku and Shimizu towns Shintoku and Shimizu, located in the northwest of Tokachi, are largely mountainous areas bordered on the west by the Hidaka Range and on the north by the Daisetsu mountain system. With little flat land, dairy farming thrives here more than crop cultivation. Kitahiro Farm is one of the large farms in Shintoku often called a mega-farm. It raises about 900 cows and works daily to ensure people can reliably enjoy safe, secure milk. In the afternoon we move to Shimizu town to visit Miyaji Farm. There, cows graze naturally around the clock and are fed only pasture, as the farm pursues dairy farming that minimizes the burden on the animals and on nature. Through farm work experiences, cheese making, and a stroll through the grasslands, you can feel the diversity of dairy farming in Tokachi. Please take this chance to encounter the lives of people living alongside other creatures. Tour Schedule 10:00 Gather at Kitahiro Farm 10:05 Kitahiro Farm tour and cheese-making experience Try making mozzarella cheese using fresh milk. 11:30 Kitahiro Farm cheese tasting and pizza lunch With the cooperation of a pizza shop in Shimizu town, you will also try making pizza using the mozzarella cheese you made and a chewy dough made from Hokkaido wheat and natural yeast. 13:00 Depart Kitahiro Farm (travel by private car) 13:45 Kyodo Gakusha Shintoku Farm workshop tour and shopping At Kyodo Gakusha, discover the secrets behind delicious cheese. (Tasting available) 14:45 Depart Kyodo Gakusha Shintoku Farm (travel by private car) 15:30 Miyaji Farm pasture walk and grass-fed milk tasting See cows raised entirely on pasture and fed only grass as you stroll through the grazing land. Taste grass-fed milk. 17:00 Tour ends Operating period: Year-round Time: 10:00–17:00 (about 7 hours) Group size: 2–10 people Price: Per person For 2 people: Adult ¥78,100, Elementary school child ¥14,300 For 3 or more: Adult ¥57,200, Elementary school child ¥14,300 If English interpretation is included, the prices are as follows. Per person For 2 people: Adult ¥110,000, Elementary school child ¥14,300 For 3 or more: Adult ¥72,600, Elementary school child ¥14,300 Please make your reservation at least seven days before your desired date. (Depending on guide availability, we may not be able to accommodate your requested date.) Please note that guests who have been living abroad within seven days prior to entering Japan cannot enter hygiene-controlled areas for quarantine reasons. Depending on the reported global situation of foot-and-mouth disease as determined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, we may refuse participation in the tour. Please understand in advance. Would you like to take a peek behind the scenes of dairy farming and food while listening to producers' stories? This is also a great opportunity to interact directly with producers. We hope that one day of experience will bring new discoveries and perspectives, enriching your lifestyle. We would be delighted if the Tokachi experience becomes one page of your travel memories. 😄 If you are interested, please visit our federation’s official website page "BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE ~A Journey Connecting to the Source of Food: Tokachi~" from the URL below! Contact Knau Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com https://tokachibare.jp/behindthegoodtaste/...

A special healing time at the foot of Mt. At the foot of Mt.——Lake Motosu diving experience Squid may be thinking, "Diving in the lake?" But Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture is more than just a lake. This lake, which spreads out at the foot of Mt. At the foot of Mt., a symbol of Japan, was created by the terrain created by lava stream from the Eruption of Mt. Mount Fuji about 1,200 years ago. Even now, volcanic ash continues to accumulate quietly at the bottom of the lake. Lake Motosu, with its mysterious history, shows you a special Water world like no other. The transparency of the water is also very high, and one of the attractions is the unique blue called "Motosu blues". Looking up from the water, the sun's rays illuminate the volcanic terrain, Unfolding a fantastic view. It is as if time has stopped, and you can deeply connect with Nature through diving. Spending time in silence surrounded by Nature in 360 degrees is also an opportunity to unwind your mind and face yourself. It is a place that you should experience for those who are usually busy working and those who want to refresh themselves. Hokule'a Shonan Held in small-group tours for one person. In order for beginners and women to participate with peace of mind, we have established a system of polite support and safety first. If you have a request for "I want to dive in such a place", please feel free to contact us. We will propose your own "healing dive experience". 🗻 While feeling the benefits of Mount Fuji, 🌿 Surrounded by Nature, 🌊 On a journey back to being who you are—— Why don't you spend a special time at Lake Motosu? 📍 Lake Motosu diving, we are accepting applications at any time! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Hokule'a Shonan. #MtFujiDive #FreshwaterDiving #ScubaJapan #HiddenJapan #ExploreJapan #NatureEscape #UnderwaterJapan #PeacefulDive #MindfulTravel #ScubaNearTokyo #VolcanicLandscape #DiveLakeMotosu #HokuleaShonan #HealingDive

~ Samurai Habits ~ Every morning a samurai prepares for death. In the quiet of the morning, he imagines himself being struck by lightning, doused by fire, or cut to pieces with a sword or spear. It is hard to remember that one step outside the doorway is the world of death. 〜Make this activity a memory of a lifetime ~ For activities where you can wear samurai armor and have your photo taken with Osaka Castle in the background: ➤Rise Plan ➤Honor Plan ➤Bushido Plan For tour guides: ➤Holy Land Pilgrimage Osaka Castle, Tamatsukuri Area, Tennoji Area

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/...

Children begin to develop an interest in letters around the age of 3 or 4, and learning calligraphy can help them develop self-confidence, concentration, and good manners. Advantages of learning calligraphy for children Learn to write beautiful letters Improve concentration Learn posture and etiquette Increases self-confidence and ambition Develops the ability to think and be creative It is one of the art forms that easily expresses individuality and allows you to hone your own sensitivity and expressiveness. #Calligraphy #kanji #kimono #SamuraiExperience #tatemG

- Students will learn the basic stance of the katana. 1) Middle stance 2) Upper stance 3) Lower stance 4) Eight-phase stance (5) Side stance - From these stances, swing the sword. Swing. Swing. Swing. When swinging down, do not use your arm strength, but swing with the weight of the sword. If you are swinging correctly, you will know if you are swinging correctly because you will hear a "hirun" sound. #katana #samuraiSword #bushido #kimono

When children learn calligraphy, they learn to write beautifully. The benefits are especially great if they start learning before they start developing habits, so if they start by around age 5, they may have beautiful writing for a lifetime. In addition, calligraphy, as an ancient Japanese art, also teaches manners such as greetings and respect. #kanji #kimono #calligraphy #OsakaCastle

Introducing a One-Day Experience Tour 😄 —The people who raise high-quality meat and those who cook it— A luxurious one-day tour to compare Tokachi meats in Ikeda and Ashoro — Tokachi is a region where livestock farming thrives, taking advantage of its vast land. Beef, pork, and chicken are raised and processed into branded meats in various towns. This nature-rich area is also home to many wild animals used for meat, and venison, the most notable, is enjoyed by many locals as game cuisine. On this tour, you will visit the production sites where these meats are raised, learn the secrets behind what makes them delicious, and then savor meat dishes prepared by professional chefs. Please take your time to enjoy the finest fresh meats. Tour Schedule 10:00 Pick-up from JR Obihiro Station or hotels in town 10:30 Visit Obara Farm to see Akaushi “Ikeda Beef” From birth and fattening to slaughter and processing, everything takes place within Ikeda Town. 11:15 EZO LEATHER WORKS — A talk about deer, store visit, and shopping EZO LEATHER WORKS handles deer capture, butchering, leather production, and meat sales. 12:00 Lunch using Tokachi ingredients 15:15 Kaneko Farm — Enjoy the spectacular views from the Wagyu grazing fields. To raise hardy, healthy cattle, they focus on pasture-based rearing. 17:00 Kobito no Daidokoro — A dinner full of Tokachi meats Using the old Aikappu Station building, Kobito no Daidokoro operates as a delicatessen-style shop. The chef will prepare and serve Obara Farm’s “Ikeda Beef,” EZO LEATHER WORKS’ venison, and Kaneko Farm’s “Unkai Wagyu.” 20:30 Drop-off at JR Obihiro Station or hotels in town, tour ends Operating period: Year-round Time: 10:00–20:30 (approximately 10 hours 30 minutes) Group size: 4–8 people Price: Per person 82,500 JPY *With English interpretation, the price is as follows: Per person 99,000 JPY ■ Please make a reservation at least seven days before your desired date. (We may be unable to accommodate your preferred date due to guide availability or other reasons.) ■ For biosecurity reasons, guests who have been residing overseas within seven days prior to arrival in Japan cannot enter hygiene-controlled areas. Please understand. ■ Depending on the “Status of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks Worldwide” as determined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, participation in the tour may be declined. Thank you for your understanding. Why not meet the producers and take a peek behind the scenes of livestock farming and food? We hope that this one-day experience will bring new discoveries and perspectives, enriching your lifestyle. We would be delighted if you could carve a Tokachi experience into a page of your travel memories. 😄 If you are interested, please visit the official website of our federation at the URL below and see “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE — A Journey Connecting to the Source of Food in Tokachi.” Contact Knao Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

🌳2025 Yamagakko Registration Open🌳 “Yamagakko” means pretending to go to school while spending the day playing in the mountains. Not so long ago, when children walked an hour or two to school, their love of play remained unchanged. They walked to school through mountains and along rivers, places that were their everyday playgrounds full of wonder. They would lose track of time chasing birds 🕊️ or discovering tasty greens 🌱. At times like that, back at school “Aitsu wa dongyashita tsuna?” “Yama gakkō shocchaga” (I wonder why that kid isn’t here) (Maybe they’re out playing in the mountains) were the sort of conversations you’d hear. These are the joyful memories many people once shared.✨ The ecotour “Let’s Do Yamagakko in Morotsuka!” takes its cue from those mountain school days and offers a chance to encounter the rich, untouched nature 🍃 and the everyday lives of the people who live there. Would you like to set off on a Morotsuka-only journey that lets you fully experience the forest life honored as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage? [2025 Program — 8 Courses] 🌸Spring Traditional hand-plucked, hand-rolled kama-iri tea making: Saturday, May 10 🍃Summer Climb Mt. Kurodake in summer to see the “flower that brings happiness,” kirengeshoma: Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24 🍂Autumn Get a head start on autumn flavors!! Chestnut gathering: Sunday, September 4 🍂Autumn Harvest summer vegetables and make pizza: Sunday, September 14 🍂Autumn Make local konnyaku: Saturday, October 4 🍂Autumn Yuzu picking and making yuzu kosho: Saturday, November 22 ⛄Winter Harvest seasonal shiitake from log-grown trees and make shiitake pizza: Sunday, December 14; Sunday, January 18, 2026; Saturday, February 14, 2026 ⛄Winter Handmade washi paper and mitsumata workshop: Sunday, March 8, 2026 ***************************************************************** ※For tour details, please check Morotsuka Navi.

【Spring diving in Nishi-Izu and Ida】 Surrounded by the sea and smiles in 🌸 the cheerful weather|Hokule'a Shonan Hello! Invited by the soft sunlight of Spring, I went 😊 diving in Ida in Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture This day is truly a diving day! It was warm enough to spend time in short sleeves on land, and the beautiful blue of the sea and sky called Ida Blues healed my heart. This time, we were divided into two teams, [Divemaster Training] and [Fun Diving], and enjoyed their time at sea. In the training team, candidates aiming to become professionals worked hard to improve their skills by practicing with serious expressions. On the other hand, the fun dive team took a leisurely walk in the water. We spent 🌊 a pleasant time surrounded by the calm sea unique to Spring On this day, guests came from various regions such as Poland, Tokyo, and Kanagawa. At Hokule'a Shonan, we provide polite support in small groups, so even first-time visitors can participate with confidence. "Let's embark on a journey into a world we have not yet seen through diving." What Hokule'a Shonan values is not just diving, but also the splendor of the sea, the comfort of coming into contact with nature, and we hope to help you discover a new self. Nishi-Izu Ida in Spring is a diving spot that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced divers. From now on, the Water temperature will rise, Gari the number of seasonal encounters will increase. 🌟 Recommended 🌟 for people like this ・ Those who want to enjoy Nature from Central Tokyo to Day trip ・ Those who want to start diving ・ Those who want to dive safely and comfortably with a small number of people ・Those who are considering obtaining PADI Sense Why don't you take a step into a new world with Spring diving? By all means, let's ✨ go find your own sea trip with Hokule'a Shonan

Introducing an experiential tour you can enjoy in Tokachi, Hokkaido 😄 Harvest experience on the fields of the Tokachi Plain At Okamoto Farm in Nakasatsunai Village, taste freshly harvested vegetables with a Jingisukan lunch Located in the southwestern part of the Tokachi Plain in Nakasatsunai Village, Okamoto Farm works to reduce environmental impact while supplying safer, more reliable produce that consumers want. After harvesting potatoes and onions by hand, you’ll take a special ride on a harvesting machine for an added harvest experience. The vegetables you harvest are washed immediately and enjoyed alongside Jingisukan. Okamoto Farm also processes and sells the vegetables it grows. After the meal, enjoy a tomato berry cream puff at the shop where products are sold and tour the processing facility to learn what makes it so delicious. Tour Schedule 10:00 Meet at Okamoto Farm 10:05 Farm introduction, harvest experience in the field, and harvesting machine ride Experience harvesting potatoes and onions with your own hands in the field, then ride a harvesting machine not usually open to visitors and observe harvesting across the vast fields. 11:30 Jingisukan lunch made with the harvested vegetables and ingredients from Nakasatsunai 13:00 Cream puff tasting at Okamoto Farm’s shop and processing facility tour Taste a tomato berry cream puff and tour the processing facility while hearing about tomato production and processing. 13:30 Tour ends Operating period: mid-August to September Time: 10:00–13:30 (about 3 hours 30 minutes) Group size: 2–12 people Price: Per person ・For 2 people: Adult ¥24,200 ・For 3 or more: Adult ¥17,600 *With English interpretation, prices are as follows. Per person ・For 2 people: Adult ¥13,200 ・For 3 or more: Adult ¥9,900 ■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. Okamoto Farm uses local ingredients to create more natural, pure products that you can enjoy with confidence. The tomato berry they grow is a cute mini tomato known for its sweetness and high sugar content! This is a great opportunity to meet farmers and learn about the behind-the-scenes of agriculture and food production!! We hope that through this experience you will discover new insights and values that enrich your lifestyle. We would be delighted if a Tokachi experience could become a memorable page in your travel story 😄 If you’re interested, please visit the following URL on our association’s official website: "BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE – A Journey Connecting to the Source of Food in Tokachi" Contact KUNAU Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com https://tokachibare.jp/behindthegoodtaste/...

Introducing hands-on tours you can enjoy in Tokachi, Hokkaido 😄 — Ride across vast pastureland — Tokachi Toyokoro: Leisurely Bicycle Journey Toyokoro, located in the eastern Tokachi plain, is a nature-rich town with mountains, rivers, and the sea. You’ll join guided cycling tours led by local cyclists who will take you along scenic routes for nature and history exploration, plus forest roads (gravel roads) that offer magnificent views. For lunch, deepen your connection with producers through a soba-making experience using ingredients from local farms. The basic course covers 40 km. Electric-assist rental bikes are available, so beginners can enjoy the ride. You can also switch to an 80 km course or tailor the route to your available time. Tour Schedule 9:00 Meet at Kokoro Terrace 9:05 Bike preparation and course briefing For rental bikes, you can choose from five cross bikes or three mountain bikes with electric assist. 9:30 Cycling tour across pastures and forest roads Once ready, we leave Toyokoro town and head out to a spectacular road lined with wide pastureland. 12:30 Soba-making experience using local ingredients After cycling, take part in a soba-making session and then taste the noodles you made. 14:00 Tour ends Operating season: July–October Time: 9:00–14:00 (about 5 hours) Group size: 2–10 people Price: 26,400 yen per adult ■ Please make your reservation at least 14 days before your planned date. ■ Due to guide availability and other factors, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred date. Thank you for your understanding. Why not take in the expansive scenery while cycling and enjoy a refreshing break from everyday life? After the exercise, the soba-making experience offers a great chance to meet locals and learn more about the town’s charm, agriculture, and food culture. The soba you make yourself will taste even more special. We hope the Tokachi experience will become a memorable page in your travel diary 😄 If you’re interested, please visit the federation’s official website page “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE — A Journey Connecting to Tokachi’s Food Origins” via the URL below. Contact KUNAU Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com https://tokachibare.jp/behindthegoodtaste/...

【A must see for divers】The world of the sea expanding in the rescue course and the power to 🛟🌊 protect yourself When you hear the word "rescue diver," you might 👩 🚒🦸 ♂️ think of a hero who helps someone But in fact, this course is a very important step 💡💪 in learning the skills not only to help others, but also to protect yourself I couldn't swim originally. And the sea was also a little scary place... 😣🌊 Still, I decided to take on the challenge 💥 of "Let's at least get to the rescue!" When I actually took the course, I learned that the skills of a rescue diver are not only for "just in case", but also for preventing accidents. Even if you check the equipment with your buddy, it is not just a confirmation, but an important step to do in case of emergency. I realized 🔍 the importance of staying calm and having a broad perspective even in situations where I tend to panic By not ending with "learning" and applying what I learned to every dive, I have become 🐠💙 more confident in tackling the sea In the rescue course, you can 😊🎶 acquire observation and judgment skills to prevent trouble, and how to deal with emergencies Nature broadens your horizons, and diving itself becomes more interesting! And through the course, you will deepen 🤝✨ your bond with your reliable colleagues I strongly felt 💞🌊 that the sense of security in the sea comes from skill and trust At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer 🌺🏝️ small-group classes that are tailored to each individual Beginners are also welcome! Let's 😊🌈 aim together for "not only fun, but also safe diving" If you are even a little interested in rescue training now, it may be ✨ a sign that you want to be safer and have more fun That feeling is very important 💖 Your ocean world will Unfolds 🌏🐬 greatly by learning to rescue 🌸 Spring Rescue Campaign Held In! 🛟✨ Rescue course 🤿 of "No. 1 in the training ranking that I am glad I received (according to Our store)" 📅 Held in ・Saturday, April 12 – Sunday, April 13 ・Saturday, May 24 – Sunday, May 25 ✅ Application Guidelines ・ AOW diver or above ・Those who have already taken the EFR course or wish to take it at the same time ・ Those who want to enjoy diving "more safely" and "more freely"! 📍 It is a 30-second walk from the south exit of JR Hiratsuka Station, and English is also 🌏💬 available With a small class size and friendly and courteous training, let's take your diving skills to the next level! #Rescue Diver #PADI Rescue #Hokule'a Shonan #Spring Diving Campaign #Small group diving #Enjoy the sea more #Improve your diving skills #Rest assured diving #Diving girls #Don't worry if you can't swim #RescueDiver #ScubaLife #PADIRescue #DiveJapan #HokuleaShonan #SpringDiveCampaign #SmallGroupDiving #OceanSafety #ConfidentDiving #LearnToRescue

🔪✨ Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour 🏭🔍 ~ Experience Sakai’s blade-making culture, where craftsmen’s skills shine! ~ Held on Thursday, May 29; Thursday, August 28; and Thursday, November 27! ✨ A special public opening of the factory that produces the world-renowned Sakai Takayuki kitchen knives! 🛠️✨ 🔹 May 29 is a special edition! Includes a Sakai Takayuki petty knife 🔥 ▶ Special plan for the JR Destination Campaign (DC)! 🔹 Highlights 🔹 Tour the Sanpou factory to watch knife-making processes (blacksmithing, rough grinding, etc.) 🏭 🔹 Visit the gallery displaying about 500 knives 🔍 🔹 Try a simple knife sharpening experience! ✨ 🔹 May 29 only: receive a Sakai Takayuki petty knife as a gift 🎁 💰 Participation Fee 🔹 May 29: ¥15,000 (includes petty knife 🎁) 🔹 August 28 and November 27: ¥4,000 📌 Application Deadline: Until 3 days before each event date! 🔍 For details and to apply, search for "Knife Factory and Sakai Takayuki Knife Gallery Tour with Simple Knife Sharpening Workshop"

Introducing an experiential tour you can take in Tokachi, Hokkaido😄 —The Nation’s Top Bean Town— Tofu-making Experience with Local Farm Wives in Honbetsu Town Located in Tokachi’s upland and mid-mountain area, Honbetsu Town enjoys large temperature swings and long hours of sunshine, making it Japan’s premier town for growing high-quality beans. To share the charm of these proud beans, the group called the Bean-Proud Farm Wives Association formed, bringing together farm wives who process and sell their harvest as tofu, deep-fried tofu, miso, and more. You will tour the production sites of soybeans, an indispensable ingredient in Japanese cuisine, and try traditional tofu-making alongside the farm wives. You will also try making farmer-style meals using okara (soy pulp) and local vegetables, guided by the mothers’ time-honored recipes. [Tour Schedule] 10:00 Meet at Ms. Yamada’s home, Bean-Proud Farm Wives Association 10:05 Visit the soybean field See the soybeans grown in a home garden plot and learn about growing tasty beans from Ms. Yamada’s many years of experience. 10:30 Move to Senbiricho Community Center for tofu-making experience Try the tofu-making methods the farm wives have passed down through generations. 12:00 Cooking experience: bean rice and okara salad Make miso soup with freshly made tofu and use the leftover okara to make an okara salad. 12:30 Lunch Enjoy lunch featuring bean rice made generously with Honbetsu beans. 13:30 Tour ends Operating period: July–October Time: 10:00–13:30 (about 3 hours 30 minutes) Group size: 3–12 people Price: Per person Adult JPY 8,800 *If English interpretation is requested, the fees are as follows. Per person Adult JPY 16,500 ■ Please make a reservation at least 14 days before your preferred date. ■ Due to guide availability and other reasons, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred date. Thank you for your understanding. This is a great opportunity to learn about agriculture and food production firsthand through traditional tofu-making with farm wives in a region known for excellent beans!! We hope this experience will spark new discoveries and values, enriching your lifestyle. We would be delighted if you could add a Tokachi experience to the pages of your travel memories😄 If you are interested, please visit the federation’s official website page "BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE — Journeys Connecting to Tokachi, the Source of Food"! Contact Kuna Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

📢 Osaka Destination Campaign is here! 🎉✨ ✨Special Osaka DC experiences from April 1 to June 30 only! 📍Sakai offers a host of special experiences!📍 🛕 Kofun stroll｜Walk atop the normally off-limits Oritsuka Kofun!⛰️ 🌳 Japanese garden tour｜See a gardener’s craft up close🌿✨ 🍵 Tea ceremony experience｜Authentic thick and thin matcha services🍃🎁 🔫 Gunsmith (teppo blacksmith) house guide｜Romance of Edo-period history🏯 🖼️ Mucha exhibition｜Lost oil paintings paired with Sakai’s dantsu rugs🎨 🌷 Harvest Hill｜70,000 tulips in full bloom🌼 📖 Check the Osaka DC official website for details! Which one would you like to join? Tell us in the comments 💬

Introducing an experiential tour you can enjoy in Tokachi, Hokkaido 😄 —Enjoy with a strawberry farmer— A half-day strawberry-focused plan in Shikaoicho Farm Bell Veggy is a family-run farm where a husband and wife carefully grow and sell their home-grown strawberries. In this program, you’ll pick ripe strawberries grown energetically inside the greenhouse, then use your harvest to try making processed strawberry products and sweets. Farm Bell Veggy also operates a kitchen car selling food and drinks, so they know the best ways to enjoy their strawberries. This tour is a dream for sweet lovers, offering plenty of fresh strawberries to enjoy. Tour Schedule 13:30 Meet at Farm Bell Veggy 13:35 Program briefing and strawberry picking experience Enter the greenhouse where bright red strawberries grow. Harvest strawberries raised safely. 14:00 Strawberry jam-making experience Make jam from the strawberries you picked! 15:00 Pancake-making experience and tasting Make pancakes using fresh strawberries! Adding your own toppings makes the pancakes even more delicious. 16:30 Tour ends Operating period: Around late June to October Time: 13:30–16:30 (about 3 hours) Group size: 2–10 people (minimum 2 adults) Price: For 2 people (per person) Adult JPY 16,500, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 For 3 or more people (per person) Adult JPY 12,100, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 *With English interpretation, prices are as follows.* For 2 people (per person) Adult JPY 23,200, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 For 3 or more people (per person) Adult JPY 17,600, Elementary school student JPY 4,500 Please make a reservation at least 14 days before your desired date. Depending on guide availability, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred date. Thank you for your understanding. This is a great opportunity to meet and talk with the producers and learn about the behind-the-scenes of farming and food!! We hope this experience leads to new discoveries and perspectives, enriching your lifestyle. We would be delighted if a Tokachi experience became one page of your travel memories 😄 If you are interested, please visit the federation’s official website page “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE —Journeys Connecting to the Roots of Food in Tokachi—” via the URL below! Contact KUNAU Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

Calligraphy is an ancient Japanese art of learning. In addition to greetings, students learn to be respectful and polite to those around them. Many parents send their children to calligraphy classes because they can learn such manners from early childhood. #kanji #kimono #Calligraphy

Trial Slashing Try your hand at sword cutting with a real Samurai sword! Experience the world's best cutting performance. #SamuraiExperience #samuraisword #katana

Calligraphy, a traditional culture, is generally started in early childhood, when children are 3 to 5 years old, as a form of learning. It helps develop the ability to write beautiful letters, concentration, and etiquette, and does not cause great embarrassment or disgrace when they grow up. #kanji #Calligraphy #kimono

I went ❣️ to "Arimatsu", a town that is Located inside Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture but retains the faces of the Edo period Arimatsu was a teahouse settlement between Chiryu no Shuku and Narumi inn inn on the former Tokaido Highway that connected Edo and Kyoto, and flourished as a tie-dye production area, and was the perfect place ❣️ for a kimono trip It is a wonderful town where you can touch the atmosphere of the Edo period. I was 😃 exposed to a lot of cultural techniques and things in Japan, such as facilities where you can experience tie-dyeing, museums, and merchant's houses

Introducing hands-on tours you can enjoy in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region 😄 ~Enjoyed on a wooden deck at the farm~ Savor Matsuhashi Beef BBQ at Matsuhashi Farm in Sarabetsu Village Matsuhashi Farm has run livestock operations in Sarabetsu Village for over 90 years. The farm manages every stage from breeding and fattening to sales, and also grows wheat and soybeans. Yasuhiro Matsuhashi, the fourth-generation owner, is rethinking Tokachi agriculture, shifting from yield- and income-focused farming to sustainable, self-sufficient practices. His current theme is stockpiling and seed preservation so the next generation will not go hungry. The cattle raised by Mr. Matsuhashi are called Matsuhashi Beef. They focus on preserving the beef’s natural lean flavor with minimal marbling. This plan lets you taste that proud beef on a BBQ terrace built on the farm grounds. From the wooden deck you can see vast fields. Eating locally raised beef amid a panorama that seems to blend into the fields makes the flavor especially memorable. Tour Schedule 11:30 Gather at Matsuhashi Farm 11:35 Farm introduction and walk / Introduction to Matsuhashi Beef Learn from Mr. Matsuhashi about the care he takes in raising Matsuhashi Beef. 12:00 BBQ with Tokachi fields spread before you Enjoy the lean flavor of Matsuhashi Beef and the taste of locally grown vegetables on a perfect BBQ deck with sweeping field views. 13:30 Commemorative photos in the fields Put on shoe covers and take commemorative photos against the spectacular backdrop. 14:00 Tour ends Operating season: June–August Time: 11:30–14:00 (about 2 hours 30 minutes) Participants: 4–100 people Price: ◎ Vegetable Course / A BBQ course focused on freshly harvested vegetables with less meat (mid-July–end of August) ・Without English interpretation: 9,900 yen per person ・With English interpretation: 14,300 yen per person ◎ Matsuhashi Beef Standard Course / Standard plan to enjoy Matsuhashi Beef ・Without English interpretation: 13,200 yen per person ・With English interpretation: 17,600 yen per person ◎ Matsuhashi Beef Premium Course / A luxury plan featuring rare cuts of Matsuhashi Beef ・Without English interpretation: 20,900 yen per person ・With English interpretation: 25,300 yen per person ※As an option, an all-you-can-drink plan is available for 2,000 yen (tax included) for each course. Please make a reservation at least seven days before your desired date of use. (We may not be able to accommodate your requested date due to guide availability or other reasons.) Visitors who have been living abroad within seven days before entering Japan cannot enter hygiene-controlled areas for quarantine reasons, so please understand. Depending on the World Organization for the Animal Health’s reported global outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, participation in the tour may be refused. Please be aware of this in advance. This experience offers a great opportunity to meet producers, learn about Matsuhashi Beef and Mr. Matsuhashi’s philosophy, and discover the behind-the-scenes of livestock farming and food production!! We hope this Tokachi experience will become a memorable page in your travel story 😄 If you are interested, please visit the relevant page on our official website, "BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE – A Journey Connecting to Tokachi, the Source of Food." Contact Knau Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

[Making a map by diving!? ] 】 I've been trying to make a map under Water! 🧭🌊 Hello! Yesterday, I had a rare diving course at the popular diving Spot "Fukuura Beach" on the Manazuru Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture! The theme this time is..."Making a map in Water"! This is done as part of the "PADI Divemaster Course" aimed at the professional level, but many people are 🗺😊 surprised by how you draw a map when diving On this day, the surface of the water was a little wavy due to the wind, but it was very calm in the water and the transparency was good. In such a quiet sea, I took on the challenge 🧭 of drawing a map while observing the terrain This "Water Map" is one of the steps required to become a PADI Divemaster and is a practical content that tests a variety of skills such as compass navigation, buoyancy control, observation, and teamwork. Using a compass and dive computer, you will measure the direction, depth, and distance to complete ✏️ the Original map Before the course, the participants seemed anxious about whether they would be able to do it properly, but as soon as they actually started, they went into concentration mode. It's a little difficult to read the terrain while maintaining buoyancy, but the navigation skills I learned in the AOW course were put to good use, and it was ☺️ a fun time to feel my growth ---------------------------- 🌟 A diving course aimed at becoming a professional is actually interesting! Hokule'a Shonan offers a "Professional Course" to acquire Divemaster (DM). The word "professional" may seem like a high hurdle, but the course will be carefully supported according to each person's level and pace, so even those who are not confident in their skills can take it with confidence! Currently, many people are participating in the DM Course, and they are ✌️ having fun improving their skills while working hard with their friends If you want to learn more deeply, convey the charm of the ocean, or aim to become an instructor in the future, please take a step forward. Hokule'a Shonan is a PADI 5 Star IDC Center and also Held in Instructor Courses ✨ It's OK even if it's an extension of your hobby! If you are interested, please feel free to contact us 😊 ---------------------------- 📅 You can also make a reservation the day before! It is an environment where you can easily dive. At Hokule'a Shonan, if there is a vacancy in the schedule, it is possible to participate in diving by making a reservation the day before! "Vacation suddenly" or "My schedule has changed and I have free time", please feel free to contact us. We will 🫡 do our best to accommodate your wishes ---------------------------- 🏝 More about Hokule'a Shonan Hokule'a Shonan is a dive shop with a small number of people and reliable support located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the theme of "Let's go on a journey to an unseen world!", we help you discover the wonders and joys of Nature through diving. Held in a wide range of tours, mainly on the Izu, Manazuru, and Miura Peninsulas, as well as Okinawa and overseas tours. Implementation more than 300 days of training and tours per year, we can accommodate a wide range of people, from beginners to advanced players and those who aim to become professionals. Why don't you embark on a diving journey to "meet a new you"? 🌊 #HokuleaShonan #DiscoverYourself #FindANewYou #DiveIntoAdventure #ScubaTraining #DiveMasterJourney #UnderwaterMap #DiveAndGrow #OceanExperience #JapaneseDiving #ExploreTheBlue #ScubaLife #SmallGroupDiving #PADI5Star #LetTheSeaSetYouFree

Calligraphy has a delicate sense of beauty, and the subtle changes in fine lines, dots, and shading enhance its beauty. There is also an aesthetic sense of stillness, and it is important to keep one's mind quiet and focused when writing. In addition, it is essentially important to perform basic manners, such as sitting upright, keeping the back straight, and holding the brush upright. #kanji #kimono #Calligraphy

Introducing experience tours you can take in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region 😄 ~A journey to glimpse the second life of pharmaceutical scientists~ An experiential tour titled “Visiting the medicinal herb fields of Rikubetsu, Japan’s coldest town”!! Rikubetsu is known as Japan’s coldest town. In a place where winter temperatures can drop below minus 20°C, a couple tends their own medicinal herb fields and develops products gentle on people’s everyday lives. The couple, Mr. Yu Hinata and Ms. Mikie Hinata, originally worked for a major pharmaceutical company in the Kansai region. Mr. Hinata also holds a doctorate in pharmaceutical sciences. With abundant knowledge and experience, the Hinatas moved to Rikubetsu in 2017. Living in the remote, mountainous Rikubetsu area, they visit the herb fields every day and pursue cultivation methods suited to cold climates while developing products at the same time. This retreat program invites you into the Hinatas’ daily life in Rikubetsu to learn about life there, the herb fields, and medicinal herbs. You will touch herbs and plants and enjoy a relaxing program for the mind and body. After working in the fields, you will try blending an original herbal tea using the herbs the Hinatas cultivate. Beside the fields, sip your own herbal tea and enjoy herb-based sweets while sharing a quiet, peaceful time with the Hinatas. Tour Schedule 13:00 Gather at Jotoma Exchange Center and travel to the herb field In the fields surrounded by rich nature, about 20 kinds of medicinal herbs are cultivated. 13:15 Farm work and herb harvesting experience Surrounded by fragrant plants, you will harvest herbs and try weeding and other farm tasks. 14:00 Move to the seed-growing research facility 14:20 Original herbal tea blending experience Using dried herbs, you will blend your own original herbal tea. 14:50 Tea time with the herbal tea you made Finally, relax with the herbal tea you made and herb-based sweets made by the Hinatas. 15:30 Tour ends Operated: June to September Time: 13:00–15:30 (about 2 hours 30 minutes) Group size: 2–12 people Price: For 2 people: 13,200 yen per person For 3 or more people: 11,000 yen per person *With English interpretation, prices are as follows. For 2 people: 24,200 yen per person For 3 or more people: 18,700 yen per person ■Please make your reservation at least three days before your desired date. ■Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your requested date due to guide availability or other circumstances. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet producers through hands-on experiences and learn about their lives, medicinal herbs, and the behind-the-scenes of farming and food production!! Why not make a Tokachi experience part of a page in your travel memories? We would be delighted if you did 😄 If you are interested, please visit the official website of our federation and see “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE – A journey connecting to Tokachi, the source of food.” Contact KUNAUPublishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email address: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com

Hello! Yesterday, the Shonan area passed through the cheerful weather, and it was 🌻 a summer-like day On such a day, be sure to go Scuba Diving! Why don't you cool down in the cool sea and enjoy the water world with outstanding transparency? 😎🌊 【AOW Course & 2nd Water Garbage Picking (DAD) Seminar Held In】 By the way, yesterday Sunday we Held in the "Advanced Open Water (AOW)" course and the "Dive Against Debris (DAD)" seminar in the Water! 🔹 Yellowtail Scene In the yellowtail field, add 🌼 rape flowers like Spring Everyone, your drysuit dressing skills and neutral buoyancy skills have improved a lot! "I feel like a different person than I was that day!" 💪 🔹 Traditional Japanese straw raincoat situation during Water Unfortunately, there was more garbage and than I could have imagined during the Water ... That's the 😅 result of just one dive 🎣 There were a lot of "fishing tools" such as lures, fake baits, and fishing lines. The total weight of Traditional Japanese straw raincoat recovered in the two dives was 6.2 kg, and the total number was 106. There is a to everyone who participated! Recently, there have been many people who have come from far away, and yesterday a guest from Fukushima also participated. Thank you from the bottom of my 🙏🙏 heart "Maybe we'll have a Fukushima branch soon?" was a joke, and it was 😄 a fun day full of laughter 🔹 Congratulations on your Advanced Open Water certification! Congratulations 🎉 to all the guests who successfully completed the AOW course This will allow you ✈️ to step up to the diving Spot you have always wanted to go to 🔹 To all DAD participants I was happy to hear many people say, "I was finally able to participate in my long-awaited participation!" In a way, it is interesting to know the types of Traditional Japanese straw raincoat that vary from region to region. Maybe you'll find a "treasure" next time? smile [Hokule'a Shonan is such a dive shop] Hokule'a Shonan is a dive shop located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to an unseen world!", we help people discover the wonders and joys of Nature through diving. 🌊 Izu, Okinawa, and even overseas! Held in diving courses and tours about 300 days a year, and guide you through the beautiful sea in Four Seasons. 🤿 Safe for beginners! Due to the small number of students, we provide careful support to each individual. 💬 Requests are welcome! We flexibly respond to requests such as "I want to go to the sea like this" or "I want to have this kind of experience". Diving is the best Activities to learn while having fun! If you are interested, please experience 🐠 a new sea world at Hokule'a Shonan #Kanagawa Diving #Shonan Diving #Marine Debris #DiveAgainst Debris #Advanced Open Water #Environmental Protection #Let's embark on a journey to a world we have not yet seen

The sea in Kanagawa Prefecture is wonderful! 👏 If you want to enjoy the beautiful world of the sea in the suburbs of Kanto, the sea in Kanagawa Prefecture is recommended. Among them, this time we will introduce the popular diving spot "Iwa". ------------ 🪨 The Attraction of 🪨 Rock Diving Spots "Iwa" is a popular diving spot in the Nishisho area of Kanagawa Prefecture, and the symbolic area is the Iwa Bridge, which was selected as one of the "100 best bridges in Kanagawa". It is a hidden famous landmarks for divers, with crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. The soft coral that spreads throughout the Water Unfolds like a flower field, and you can enjoy 🌸 "cherry blossom viewing during the Water". Colorful pink and purple soft corals grow in clusters, making you feel as if you have entered a fantasy world. It is ✨ a superb view Spot that is sure to be Instagrammable ------------ 🏝️ You can enjoy Hokule'a Shonan comfortably! 🏝️ Hokule'a Shonan has excellent access with about 45 minutes by car to the rock! Meet at Hokule'a Shonan in the morning, then head to the sea of rocks for two leisurely dives before enjoying 🍴 a delicious Local lunch. After that, you don't have to worry about traffic jams, and you can leave at 3pm, so you can spend a day with plenty of time. It is also very popular with repeat customers, such as "I don't feel tired even the next day after work" and "You can easily go day trip diving". 🫶 ------------ ⭐️ Beginners are also welcome! ⭐️ "I want to try diving, but I'm a beginner, so I'm worried..." If you are such a person, please leave it to Hokule'a Shonan! Our store's instructors are experienced and friendly. We will carefully teach you everything from how to use the equipment to tips in water. It's a small-group tour, so even first-timers can participate 💡 with confidence "I want to take a peek into the unknown!" "I want to touch the mysteries of Nature!" If you have such thoughts, let's dive together! 🙏 ------------ 🗓️ Make your reservation as soon as possible! 🗓️ "Water cherry blossom viewing" is one of the special attractions of rock diving. Please experience 🪸 this Spot with its high transparency and fantastic scenery ------------ 📱 📱 Contact us At Hokule'a Shonan, we provide a wide range of support from beginners to experienced divers. Why don't you casually experience the extraordinary world in the suburbs of Kanto? ------------ 📍 Hokule'a Shonan 🚃 30 seconds walk from JR Hiratsuka Station South Exit 🏝️ Small-scale, comfortable and secure diving tour Let's enjoy the charm of the sea in Kanagawa Prefecture together! #KanagawaDiving #IwaDiving #UnderwaterHanami #DayTripFromTokyo #HokuleaShonan #DiveWithUs #ExploreTheBlue #OurOceanCrew #DiveJapan

This is the only place in Osaka Castle where the cherry blossoms bloom early！ A proverb that combines the dying moment of a samurai with the magnificent cherry blossoms in their waning moments. The flowers are cherry blossoms, the people are warriors. A proverb that combines the dying moment of a samurai with the magnificent cherry blossoms in their waning moments. The flowers are cherry blossoms, the people are warriors. For details on the most popular Hanami plans, please visit #SamuraiArmor #kimono #SAKURACelestialBlossom

Introducing an experiential tour you can take in Hokkaido’s Tokachi😄 A journey to touch the preciousness of life through gratitude for the food we receive An experiential tour: “Visit Kyoko Endo, a livestock farmer in Shihorocho, and meet her beloved wagyu”!! In the heart of Tokachi, the agricultural and dairy town of Shihorocho, the Endo family raises cattle🐂 Kyoko Endo, who supports the family business as a veterinarian, compiled the story of one particular cow into a video and booklet titled “Beloved Wagyu.” She wants people who eat that beef to see the cow’s journey of overcoming injury and growing strong, and to feel the wonder and energy of receiving life as food!! “Beloved Wagyu,” carrying Kyoko’s feelings, is sent to households across the country🥩 On this occasion, through caring for the cows, you will reflect with Kyoko on the value of taking life to nourish us😄 Tour Schedule 10:00 Gather at Endo Livestock Farm 10:05 Farm introduction and presentation of “Beloved Wagyu” (video screening) Change into work clothes and learn about “Beloved Wagyu” while watching the video! 10:35 Barn tour and hands-on work (brushing, cleaning, etc.) Move to the barn to help with grooming the wagyu and assisting with tasks around the farm! 11:35 Make “Beloved Wagyu” pizza with Ms. Endo Try making pizza using Beloved Wagyu beef and vegetables and cheese produced in Shihorocho 13:00 Tour ends Operating period: Year-round Time: 10:00–13:00 (about 3 hours) Group size: 2–6 people Price: For 2 people, per person Adult 18,700 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY For 3 or more people, per person Adult 12,100 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY If English interpretation is included, the prices are as follows. For 2 people, per person Adult 30,800 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY For 3 or more people, per person Adult 20,900 JPY, Child 3,300 JPY Please make a reservation at least seven days before your desired date of use. (We may be unable to meet your requested date due to guide availability or other reasons.) Please note that visitors who have arrived in Japan within the past seven days and live abroad may not be allowed to enter sanitary areas for quarantine reasons. Depending on the “Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Situation” as determined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, we may refuse participation in the tour. Thank you for your understanding. This tour offers a great opportunity to meet producers and learn about livestock farming and the realities behind our food while taking part in hands-on experiences!! We hope you will make an experience in Tokachi a memorable page in your travel memories😄 If you are interested, please visit our federation’s official website section “BEHIND THE GOOD TASTE – Journeys that connect you to Tokachi, the source of food.” Contact Knao Publishing Co., Ltd. Slow Travel HOKKAIDO Email: slh@slow-life-hokkaido.com