As many of you know, Lake Suwa is famous for its omiwatari, but are you also aware of another mysterious natural phenomenon called yosehyo? Lake Suwa often experiences strong winds in winter, and yosehyo occurs when ice that has formed but not completely frozen cracks and the ice sheets are driven by strong winds onto the shore. This phenomenon appears on large lakes and does not occur in constantly flowing rivers. The ice sheets can look like huge shards of glass, piling up in layers to create a magical scene. The ice also looks especially beautiful when it reflects sunlight. Take a walk and photograph the scene, or experience the enchanting winter of Lake Suwa while running or walking. The omiwatari has not appeared for six years, including last winter. Neither yosehyo nor omiwatari is guaranteed to appear every year. That is why the Suwa Tourist Association streams live video on its website during the winter. We strongly recommend checking those live streams before you visit. ◎ Also, even if the lake is frozen, walking on the ice is extremely dangerous because you could fall into Lake Suwa. Please follow proper manners and view the ice from a safe location.

Hello! This is the Suwa Tourist Association. Suwa City in Nagano Prefecture sits at the heart of Nagano Prefecture. The area offers beautiful natural scenery such as Lake Suwa and Kirigamine, along with rich history you can experience at sites like Takashima Castle and Suwa Grand Shrine. At Cool Japan Video, we share recommended sightseeing spots and the latest information about Suwa City, so please stay tuned! ◆◆About Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City has a population of about 47,000 and is roughly a two-hour drive from the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Suwa Grand Shrine Upper Shrine and Lower Shrine, said to be one of Japan’s oldest shrines, attracts many visitors year-round. In the Edo period the city prospered as the castle town of the Takashima Domain, and in the Meiji period it grew into a global center of the sericulture industry. ◆◆Tourist Attractions in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ◇Suwa Grand Shrine This shrine is the head of Suwa Grand Shrine sites across Japan. The Upper Shrine is divided between Honmiya (Main Shrine) in Suwa City and Former Shrine in Chino City, while the Lower Shrine consists of Autumn Shrine and Harumiya in Shimosuwa Town, forming a two-shrine, four-shrines configuration. Built in the architectural style known as Suwa-zukuri, the shrine buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and the shrine forests are prefectural natural monuments. A popular sightseeing course is the pilgrimage visiting the four shrines known as the “Shisha Mairi.” ◇Takashima Castle and Takashima Park Built about 420 years ago, the castle is nicknamed the “Floating Castle of Suwa” because Lake Suwa’s waters once served as its moat. The present castle tower welcomes many visitors as a museum and observation deck. Takashima Park inside the castle grounds is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. ◇Lake Suwa Located almost at the center of Nagano Prefecture, Lake Suwa is the largest lake in Shinshu with a shoreline of about 16 kilometers. The lakeside offers pleasant walks and plenty to see, including the Harmo Museum of Art and SUWA Glass Village, one of the largest glass museums in Nagano Prefecture. ◇Kami-suwa Onsen This hot spring on the shores of Lake Suwa ranks among the nation’s top in daily spring output. A large number of hotels, ryokan, minshuku, and day-trip hot spring facilities allow visitors to plan their stay as they like. ◇Tateishi Park Perched on the hillside, the park overlooks Lake Suwa below. There’s even local talk that it inspired a movie setting. Tateishi Park is selected among the 100 Best Sunset Points in Shinshu and included in the New Three Major Night Views and Night View 100 selections. ◇Kirigamine Highlands Alpine plants color the highlands through the seasons. The panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the Alps, and the Yatsugatake Mountain Range provide unforgettable scenery. Kirigamine Ski Area within the highlands offers winter sports. ◇Nagano Prefectural Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center This prefectural visitor center in Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park presents photos and panels to learn about the plants, animals, and history found on Kirigamine. ◇Suwa Gokura (Five Breweries of Suwa) Thanks to the spring water that wells up from the Kirigamine Highlands, the clear air, and the cool climate, Suwa City’s sake ranks among the top in Japan. Five breweries—the Suwa Gokura—stand in the city, and brewery-hopping tours to sample each sake are popular. ◆◆Local Specialties of Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City produces a wide range of local specialties, including quince (marmelo) products, river fish products, sake, kanten (agar), and Shinshu miso, all grown and made locally. These items are known for their high quality and are highly regarded not only in local markets but across Japan. ◆◆Festivals and Events in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ◇Onbashira Festival at Suwa Grand Shrine This traditional ritual of Suwa Grand Shrine has been handed down for over 1,200 years and takes place every seven years in the years of the Tiger and Monkey. During Onbashira, sixteen fir trees over 17 meters tall are raised by hand at the four corners of the shrine buildings. The next festival will be held in 2028. ◇Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks Display on Lake Suwa Held annually on August 15, spectacular fireworks launched from platforms set on Hatsushima on Lake Suwa paint the lake with brilliant color. This is one of the nation’s largest fireworks festivals, attracting about 500,000 spectators each year. ◆◆Sharing Tourist Information about Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City is a region rich in charm woven from its history, nature, and culture. Visit Suwa City to immerse yourself in Japanese history, surround yourself with great nature, and enjoy moments of pure bliss. At Cool Japan Video, we will continue to share recommended information about Suwa City, so please look forward to it.

TV Asahi's 'Jun Sanpo' Junji Takada Takes a Further Stroll Through Isehara Japan Heritage! The spectacular Mt. Ooyama revered by Edo townspeople as the 'Mountain of the Gods' Worship pleasures, souvenirs and gourmet treats abound along the Koma approach This week, on Monday and Tuesday, two full days showcased the charms of Mt. Ooyama. After walks around Tsurumaki Onsen and Tokai University-mae, the Isehara episode aired further on Friday, May 24. ◇ Program Content "With every step, a new encounter is born…" Junji Takada explores the town freely under the theme "one step, one meeting (ippo ichi e)" ◇ Cast [Cast] Junji Takada Broadcast Date and Time: Friday, May 24, 2024, 9:55–10:25 Program Summary: Junji Takada strolls through Isehara ▽ A treasure trove of fresh ingredients! Touring ranches in this agricultural belt close to the city ▽ Hugely popular as hometown tax return gifts! Exquisite hamburg steak ▽ Quiz face-off featuring classic car-shaped sweets *Photo: View from the lower shrine of Ōyama Afuri Shrine (This is not footage from the program) Be sure to record it so you don't miss the show! And please come experience Isehara—with its spectacular views, souvenirs, and gourmet offerings— see it with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears, feel it on your skin, and enjoy visiting the filming locations!!

The seasonal Tomuraushi Line bus service has been approved. This summer, as last year, a route will run between Shintoku Station and Tomuraushi Onsen. Will this summer be as hot as last year? Seek cool relief, immerse yourself in the healing power of vast nature, and discover hidden hot-spring baths. Take this chance to visit Tomuraushi Onsen as well as go mountain climbing!

The question is, do you know where this is?? It's a lot of northern Kanto lol.

Japan's largest poppy field This is a poppy field in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. Famous as the largest poppy field in Japan, it has 12.5 hectares and 30 million poppies are in full bloom. It was started by local people. It has now become such a popular tourist destination that it is even organized on tours 🤤

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan's proud history? Is it traditional performing arts, historical buildings, or the food culture of Shomata Japan? Among them, I would like to recommend this "night view" Each building, big or small, has a history and a memory Buildings and houses are demolished due to the deterioration of buildings, and new buildings are constructed through the development of the city. Through such a history, the night view has changed The scenery you see now may change again in a few years I think it is no exaggeration to say that the "night view" where you can see such changes in history is also a history that Japan is proud of Location: Sapporo City, Hokkaido New Three Great Night Views

It is a starry night at the scenic spot of Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture.

Sky Tree dyed in the sunset This is Hirai Sports Park in Tokyo At this time of year, it is crowded with poppies 🤤 in full bloom This time, I layered poppies on the 📸 sunset You can 🤤 only see the collaboration with the world's best radio tower here

Tea plantation in the sky While being bitten by leeches, I went to the Observatory. I can't 😅 climb anymore Ibi-gun, Gifu Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO

Recommended nearby attraction: "Tokachi Hills — Garden on the Hill" 🌷 This soothing garden in Makubetsu celebrates the farming and culinary charms of Tokachi. The flowers and trees change with the seasons, each offering its own appeal to enjoy. 🍃🍂 The garden also holds monthly events; please refer to the Tokachi Hills website for details. About a 20-minute drive from Tokachigawa Onsen by car 🚗 - Introducing a recommended spot near Tokachigawa Onsen: "TOKACHI HILLS" 🌷 Located in Makubetsu, Hokkaido, this park blends Tokachi’s agricultural and food traditions. The garden’s flowers and trees display different looks and charms as the seasons change. You can feel the distinct beauty of the four seasons. 🍃🍂 Monthly events take place; for details, check the official TOKACHI HILLS website. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Tokachigawa Onsen. We recommend visiting to enjoy not only the restorative hot springs but also Tokachi’s nature and food culture! ✨

Poppy field dyed in the morning glow This is Kokaigawa Fureai Park in Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It seems that the best time to visit is from mid-May to early June every year. Poppies bloom on about 1.9 hectares of land. It was started by locals 20 years ago, and now many people visit to catch a glimpse.

In Odaigahara in Nara Prefecture, you will be able to see the flowers of white palm and red palm, which are members of the azalea family, from around the end of this month.

We went to see Tenjinfuji in Tenjinyama Ryokuchi Park. Wisteria flowers growing from a large tree wrap up nearby pine trees, I felt a powerful life force.

[Lively Forest Park] The forest park in Nishiokoppe Village reopened on April 29, at the start of Golden Week. Last year it was under renovation, and this was my first time seeing the playground equipment actually in use. I was surprised by how many people showed up on opening day! Many visitors came to make the most of the free-access play equipment. Some rode the go-karts again and again, and others kept batting at the batting cages for hours, while some enjoyed a peaceful picnic. The crowd grew even larger in the latter half of Golden Week when food trucks arrived, and the inflatable dome was continually full. Even the equipment that wasn’t free kept running. It was so pleasant to watch a park filled with the sounds of people enjoying themselves. Please come visit again! Look forward to the campground opening in early June. #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Park #Golden Week #Opening Event #Renewal Open #Plenty of Play Equipment #Northernmost Batting Center #Sharp-turn Go-Karts #The cherry blossoms were beautifully in bloom

Akitani / Tateishi Coast I have been going here several times a year for more than 30 years to see Mt. Fuji. This landscape, painted by the Edo period landscape painter Hiroshige Ando under the title "Aishu Miura Akiya no Sato," is a typical Japanese landscape, and personally, the sunset of Mt. Fuji and the single pine tree that grows wild on the rocky shore make me feel nostalgic.

Inohana Park / Chiba Castle Chiba City Local Museums / Inohanatei It is a historical park located in the birthplace of Chiba, where Tsuneshige, the father of Chiba Tsuneshige, set up a residence in this area in 1126 Daijigen. Although it is located in the center of Chiba City, it has a quiet and calm environment and is a place of relaxation for citizens and tourists. In Inohana Park, there is "Chiba Castle Chiba City Local Museum / Free Admission", which exhibits Documents on the history of the local area, including Mr. Chiba, who laid the foundation of the town of Chiba, as well as various special exhibitions related to Chiba. The view from the observation deck on the 5th floor is wonderful, overlooking the city and Chiba Port, and sometimes you can see Mt. Fuji. In the calm Japanese space "Inohanatei" where you can see Chiba Castle, there is a green Garden and serves the Specialties Inohana Dango and sweets. There is also a tea room with a view of the garden, and it is a nostalgic tea shop that conveys traditional Japanese tea culture. You can enjoy the nature of the four seasons in Inohana Park, and especially in Spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. At the Chiba Castle Sakura Festival, food stalls and Kitchen Car using local ingredients are lined up, and local cultural and performing arts live performances Gari live. The Limited Time festival of Chiba Castle illumination and the competition of cherry blossoms at night are reputed to Fascination people. ■ Access: ・From JR Chiba Station, take the Keisei Bus to "University Hospital" and get off at "Local Museums" ・10 minutes walk from Chiba Monorail Prefectural Office Station ・ 15 minutes walk from JR Honchiba Station ■Address: 1-6 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

History of Kawagoe and Sunset 🌇 This is the bell of time in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. Kawagoe, also known as Koedo, is said to have been the first city lined with merchant houses in warehouses. It is said that it came to be called Koedo because it was "a town that flourished like Edo". It is a place 🤤 that you should definitely visit in Saitama Prefecture

It's exciting to be close to rice planting. Because you can take pictures of this kind of scenery. I took an aerial shot with a drone. Inabe City, Mie Prefecture * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Flight plan report and flight log book have been prepared.

Hello 😃 This is Waraji, a restaurant of Koshu local cuisine. Shosenkyo Gorge is covered in fresh green foliage, and pleasant days are continuing. At Waraji we have added the Waraji Gozen as a weekend and holiday special menu. This special set lets you enjoy Waraji’s recommended dishes all at once, including Iwana trout with crisp skin and tender flesh, hoto noodle soup, simmered chicken giblets, and basashi (horse sashimi). It would not be an exaggeration to call this the definitive collection of Waraji’s menu items. Please enjoy it if you have the chance.

Chiba Park Located in the Central Tokyo center of Chiba City, it is a park loved by the locals as a park where you can enjoy various experiences throughout the four seasons, such as cherry blossoms in Spring, Giant Lotus in early summer, and autumn leaves in autumn, as well as the city's only boat pond. In April 2024, the new bustling area "Shibaniwa" Gari has been reopened! ■ Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Chiba Station Chiba Park Exit or North Exit Get off in front of Chiba Monorail Chiba Park Station ■Address: 3-1-1 Benten, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

Wrapped in an arch of roses 　　　　　　　　　　Tokyo Tower🗼 This is one photo taken from Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Since its opening in 1958, it has been watching over the city as a symbol of Tokyo for about 60 years. It is said that the construction technology of that time is so advanced that it is said that it cannot be reproduced now. It has been earthquake-resistant for more than 60 years in Japan, an earthquake-prone country, and I felt that it was the crystallization of craftsmanship. Why don't you enjoy matching with modern roses? 🌹

Speaking of glowing things in the early summer season, in addition to fireflies, the glowing mushroom "Shiino Tomoshibitake" is always impression no matter when you encounter it.

Unlike fireflies and fireflies, the place where you can see them is a cedar forest.

It's the season when you can see fireflies dancing wildly in a stream in the mountains of Susami Town in the southern part of Wakayama Prefecture.

On a rainy day, I found a flower in the Kumano Kodo Highlands area. I see a lot of white flowers, but I wonder if there are few purple flowers~.

"Satsuma Pass" 　　 What is Satsuma Pass? He was a Ukiyoe artist of the Edo period It was also depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige's "Tokaido Fifty-Three Years" Known for its spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay At a mountain pass that was a difficult place on the Tokaido Highway connecting Yui inn and Okitsu inn The night view here is good if the weather is good You can see Mt. Fuji beautifully and it is a superb view. This photo is a photo that I managed to take many times by car for about 5 hours from Shiga, and I have a great feeling.

Nagoya Castle 🏯 has a history of more than 400 years This is Nagoya Castle in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Nagoya was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1615 and then prospered as a residence of the Tokugawa family until the 16th generation. Later, it was burned down in World War II, but it was rebuilt. Today, it is crowded 🤤 with people from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the scenery that Ieyasu saw

HELLO VIEWERS OF COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association. Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture is a city in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by the Asama mountain range of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park to the north and Tateshina and Yatsugatake to the south, it is an area rich in Rich in nature, with more than half of the city being mountain forests and one-fourth being fields. The city was created in 2002 by the merger of Higashimomachi and Kitamomaki Village, and became "Tomi City" by taking one letter each of the Omi of Higashimomachi "east" and Kitamomaki Village. There is the Joshinetsu Expressway "Tobu Yunomaru Interchange" and the Shinano Railway "Tanaka Station" and "Shigeno Station", and it is about 2 hours from Central Tokyo and about 1 hour from Nagano City and Matsumoto City. ==Recommended sightseeing spots in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Unno Yado Opened in 1625 as a Shukuba-juku on the Kitakuni Highway, it is a tourist destination that still retains its original appearance. You can feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. ・Myojin Pond It is a pond built in the Edo period, and it is Maintenance as an Art Village Park centered on the pond, and you can see the beautiful scenery of the four seasons such as New green and autumn leaves in the Satoyama. There are facilities in the park such as the Umeno Memorial Picture Gallery and the Fureaikan. ・Unnojyuku History and Folklore Museum The building built around 1790 in the Edo period is still used as a Documents Museum. The climate, history, and documents of Unno Yado are on display ・Roadside Station Raiden Walnut Village At the Roadside Station at the entrance to Yunomaru Highland, you can enjoy a meal that makes use of hand-made soba "Inutate Soba" and local ingredients at the restaurant. Local agricultural products and specialty products are lined up, so it is also recommended to buy Souvenirs for sightseeing in Tomi City. ・Yunomaru Ski Resort It is the closest powder snow ski resort to Central Tokyo, and the six slopes can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. The business period is from late November to early April every year. ・Yunomaru Plateau It is a plateau located on the west side of the Asama mountain ranges, and the Renge azalea of Azalea Plain is also designated as a national natural monument. Every year, when the Renge azalea is in full bloom, the "Yunomaru Kogen Azalea Festival" is held. ・Yurakuchi-kan Wine & Beer Museum It is a facility where you can experience Tomi Wine, such as an exhibition room that introduces the history of Tomi Wine, winery Information in Tomi City, grape cultivation amount, etc., and a tasting area and wine sales centered on Tomi City wine. A wine concierge is also available, so be sure to find your favorite wine. ==Specialty products and gourmet foods of Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== Kyoho grapes, walnuts, sweet corn, Shirado potatoes, and broccoli are specialty products of Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture. These specialty products are also popular as thank-you gifts for roadside stations and Furusato Nozei tax payments. In addition, wineries are being born one after another in Tomi City, and wine taxis are also operated to visit wineries in the city. ==Events and festivals in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Raiden Festival It is a major summer event in Tomi City held at Tanaka Shopping Street, and there are performances and dances on stage, and many Kitchen Cars are lined up in the shopping street. At the climax, the festivals are enlivened by a dance parade. ・Unno Yado Fureai Festival It is a festival held every November at Uminojuku, Old Kitakuni Highway, Unno Juku, and a procession dressed in Edo period costumes parades through the city. The buildings and gardens of Unno Yado, which you cannot usually see, will be opened. ==Agricultural experience in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== The idyllic atmosphere of Tomi City, with its fields spread all around, is difficult to enjoy in the Central Tokyo. There is also a travel plan where you can enjoy farming experience while interacting with the warm and friendly people of Tomi City. Even if you visit sightseeing for the first time in Tomi, the local staff will support you so that you can participate with peace of mind. Agricultural experience plans include "Rice cultivation", "Apple cultivation", "Corn harvesting experience", and "Traditional Japanese straw raincoat harvesting experience". ==Recommended Information for Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== The Nature of the Tomi City and the atmosphere of the historic city Fascination those who visit. Please feel the charm of Tomi City firsthand. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will provide recommended Information that will help you plan your trip to Tomi City.

Dolphins flying over Nagoya Port at night This is one photo taken at the Port of Nagoya Aquarium in Aichi Prefecture. I went there for the first time because I was only doing 😆 a night dolphin show during GW The dolphins dancing in the night sky were very soothing 🤤 to watch