2024 Minamiizu Town Photo Contest Results Announced! We have selected six prize-winning works—Grand Prize and Runner-up—across three categories. Submission period: Saturday, June 1, 2024 to Friday, January 31, 2025. Eligible works: Photographs taken between February 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. Total submissions: 310 entries (two winners chosen from each category). Thank you very much for the many entries that expressed such deep affection for Minamiizu. The results page is as follows. https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/award.html?cn=52...

I've been diving in the wreck & cave of Atami! About 1 hour 🚗 by Car from Hiratsuka I went to a diving Spot in Atami, Spot Access by far the most popular from Kanagawa Prefecture! One of Japan's one of the best sunken ships, the Asahi 16, is waiting there 🚢 This wreck is one of the Specialties of Atami diving, and it is a Spot that tickles the adventurous spirit that divers should visit at least once! The wreck is Dawn! and Powerful. The depth is about 25m, so you will need to be an AOW diver. This is the next step for OW divers. If you want to go, but you're worried about ear removal, neutral buoyancy, and dry suits, don't worry! Even if you are a beginner in diving, you can practice well if you request it, so you can challenge it 😃 with peace of mind This time, a guest from Florida, USA, participated! Therefore, a Japanese ban has been issued for diving this time! The yellowtail was also done 🖐️ entirely in English If you want to practice diving in English, go to Hokule'a, an international diving school. We are also looking for people who can speak English! Diving is a wonderful opportunity to ♪ connect with the world On the way back, I had a delicious Kaisen Donburi bowl at Ishida Shoten in Manazuru, which can be reached by car from Atami, and it was 😃 a very satisfying day In fact, this day was also 🎂✨ the 43rd birthday of Our Store Representative Koike Pachiri 📸 for a commemorative photo with everyone Thank you for the many warm blessings! We will continue to do our best to bring you the charm of Kanagawa, Atami, and the wonderful diving Spot of many, so we will continue to Best regards in the future! #ShipwreckDiving #DiveAdventure #UnderwaterWorld #DiveJapan #AtamiDiving #KanagawaDiving #WreckDivingJapan #OceanLovers #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan #OurOceanCrew #DiveWithUs #BlueWorldJourney #ScubaTravel

Samurai Armor Experience In April 1615, the Tokugawa forces marched on Osaka Castle. Here, the "Osaka Summer Campaign" begins. You, a member of Toyotomi's side, will wear armor and participate in the battle. You will be the best soldier in Japan, and go into battle! #osakacastle #samuraiarmor

First, we will explain what calligraphy is, followed by an explanation of attitudes and tools first. You will better understand the difference between calligraphy as a form of character decoration (caligraphy), which also exists overseas, and Japanese "shodo" (calligraphy). Calligraphy is a traditional Japanese culture that uses brush and ink to express characters artistically, and is appreciated for its neatness, the way the brush is carried, the shade of the ink, and the beauty of the overall arrangement of the characters. #kanji #kimono #Calligraphy #tatamiroom #samurai

The Samurai sword is the most cutting blade to date and can only be worn by Samurai. After changing into a samurai costume and learning how to handle a sword, it's time to try your hand at sword cutting! Let's try zanjiri zanjiri! #katana #samuraiSword #bushido

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 Samurai. For details on the most popular Hanami plans, please visit Osaka Castle Park 🌸Best time to visit Umegorin (plum grove) ➤ 2/ upper - 3/ middle Cherry blossoms (Someiyoshino) ➤3/15 - 5/up #samuraiarmor #kimono #Sakura #osakacastl

The snow in the mountains is thinning now; in a little while you might be able to trek across the snowfields. "Snowfield Horse Journey" availability depends on conditions, so please call us. #Western Village Sahoro www.sahoro.jp

🌿✨ Cleaning the shrine grounds for two 🏯🧹 – Start your day at Otori Taisha – A special offering from the “Futari Demo Sakai” campaign! ✨ Enjoy the unusual calm of the shrine in the early morning and experience cleaning the historic Otori Taisha grounds (※). ✨ ※If it rains, participate in a ritual prayer transcription experience Join a Shinto priest for the daily sunrise worship called “Nippai,” hear an introduction to Otori Taisha, and receive a special “Omamori that helps you see ahead.” ⛩️🌿 📅 Dates: Friday, April 11 and Sunday, May 18 📍 Location: Otori Taisha 💰 Fee: 6,400 JPY per pair (2 people), includes two omamori 📢 Applications accepted until one week before each event date! 🌟 Experience a special chance to purify your heart at this historic shrine—join us! 🔍 For details and to apply, search “Cleaning the shrine grounds for two – Start your day at Otori Taisha”

Komekome Sōmon Tour (Komekome Sōmon Tour) The Shimomachi Sōmon district along the Buzen Highway. Long known as a rice distribution center, this street still retains charming traditional townhouses. Enjoy a special walking tour of the neighborhood called the Komekome Sōmon Tour. There are four stops on the route. This popular tour includes Instagrammable spots and opportunities to learn about the history of rice. 1. Kiya Main Shop A koji maker that preserves traditional methods and remains committed to products rich in the aroma of koji. 2. Chiyo no Sono Brewery A pioneer in junmai sake brewing, ahead of other breweries. 3. Kosenji Temple A temple that houses a sutra repository containing a complete set of sutras donated by the wealthy merchant Munakata-ya. 4. Senbei Workshop A handmade senbei shop that uses carefully selected ingredients and offers a fun senbei-grilling experience. Participation fee: 600 yen (includes a souvenir) Closed: Wednesdays, August 14–17, and during the New Year holidays (Kiya Main Shop, Chiyo no Sono Brewery, and the Senbei Workshop are each available for viewing.) Meeting place: Kiya Main Shop Parking: Chiyo no Sono Brewery parking lot Organized by: Shimomachi Sōmon Association Reservations: Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association TEL. 0968-43-2952 Please register by the day before the tour (cancellations by the day before are accepted; same-day cancellations will be charged 50% of the participation fee). Some sites may be unavailable depending on the season or other circumstances. The order of shops visited on the tour may change depending on the number of participants and other factors.

【Cotton Cafe】Relaxing, yarn spinning experience 🧶 Today, I would like to introduce ☺️✨ the "Cotton Cafe" held on the third Saturday of every month at the former Kuraoka junior high school "Kuraokakura" Feel free to Use the café only.☕💕 You can 😌 order delicious homemade cakes and drinks Today's cake was a cake with kumquat jam and a cake 🍰✨ with apple jam (I had a lot of it, but it was 🤤 insanely delicious) Everyone was having a relaxing time 🫶 while enjoying reading and chatting Of course! There is a fee, but you can 🧶✨ also experience yarn spinning Pick up cotton seeds with a "cotton gin" ↓ Use a tool called a "hand carder" like a large slicker brush to adjust the stream of fibers. ↓ When wrapped around a winding stick, a bundle of cotton called a "pony" is formed 😌☁️, which looks like a fluffy cocoon ↓ If you pull this out little by little with a tool called a spindle and twist it, you will get 😳👏 a magnificent thread as shown in the first photo It seems that 💡 you can adjust the thickness of the finished yarn by twisting the fiber and the amount of force You can make it thinner or thicker, or try to spin a single yarn with various thicknesses... There are There are fun of spinning your favorite yarn If 🤗✨ you are interested, please try 💪 it When you visit Cotton Cafe, you don't need to make a reservation or anything, so 👌 please feel free to stop by and enjoy 😌🌿 your own time 【Date & Time】3rd Saturday 13:00~15:00 【Place】Kuraoka Kurara (Staff Room) 〒882-1201 5929 Kuraoka, Gokase-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture 【Reservation】Not required 【Fee】Yarn spinning experience 1,500 yen, cotton (with seeds) 400 yen

🚴 Exploring the mystery of how the bicycle industry began in Sakai ♬ In Sakai, famed as "the birthplace of many things," the bicycle industry took root and flourished 🚲 Join a guided tour led by a curator to learn about Sakai’s unique craftsmanship and history 🕵️ 📢 “Untangling Sakai: Investigating Sakai’s Mysteries 2025” 🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025 📍 Shimano Bicycle Museum 🔍 For details, please check the announcements on the Sakai Tourism Guide website. 📬 Registration: on-site, first-come, first-served 🎫 Participation fee: Free (museum admission not included) 📞 Inquiries: 072-221-3196

Would you like to share the appeal of Azumino through outdoor activities set in this landscape? Azumino City trains all-around outdoor guides to meet visitors’ needs as it seeks to become a mecca for outdoor sports. Learn the fundamental skills and knowledge of an outdoor guide and make your mark as an Azumino Outdoor Guide. For details, please visit the official Azumino City Tourism Association website. https://azumino-e-tabi.net/outdoorguide...

📢 The “Futari Demo Sakai” Campaign Is Here!💑✨ Starting Friday, March 14, Sakai City kicks off the “Futari Demo Sakai” campaign!🎯🚶‍♂️ Enjoy plenty of activities made for pairs, from journeys decided by dart throws to special Sakai-only experiences💛🎉 📅 Period: Friday, March 14 – Saturday, May 31 ✅ Free to participate 🆓 ✅ No reservation required 📆✖️ ✅ Chances to win prizes!🎁 🔍 For details, visit the Sakai tourism guide website and search “Futari Demo Sakai”! 💡 Campaign Highlights 1. Dart Trip Let fate choose your destination! Visit spots while taking on quizzes along the way🎯 Answer all questions at a spot correctly to earn a chance to play a prize-winning dart game✨ 2. Special Experiences Try Sakai cultural activities like wagashi (Japanese confection) making and tea ceremony experiences🍵 3. Digital Stamp Rally Visit any 4 of the 7 spots to enter a lottery for prizes🎁 4. Share Campaign Post photos or videos of your pair trip in Sakai on Instagram with both hashtags #futari_demo_sakai and #futari_tabi! 🏯💑💫 Five winners will be chosen by lottery from those who post to receive lovely prizes!🎁 Share your memories and join the campaign!📲✨ We have posted a reel video for this campaign on our official Instagram and Facebook. Please take a look👀

🌊 【Kanagawa】Impression experience in the suburbs of Tokyo! Diving 🌊 with a beautiful view of Manazuru's soft coral Did you know that there is a diving Spot in Kanagawa Prefecture where you can see beautiful soft corals like a painting? 🤩 Just the other day, I went boat diving to the rocks of Manazuru and the scene was absolutely fantastic! 🪸✨ Colorful soft corals vividly colored the world in Water, and along the way, we met Traditional Japanese straw raincoat scorpionfish swimming gracefully. 👀🦁🐟 🌟 There is a to all the wonderful smiling guests who had a good time with us! 🤗 We can't wait to dive with you again! 🤿 🚗 Just a 30-minute Car ride from Our Store in Hiratsuka, Manazuru Rock Boat Diving is a special Spot where you can see the Water world of Impression without long travel! ✨ The instructor will support you firmly, so you can rest assured even if you are a beginner. This Spot is also recommended for photo divers for an unforgettable diving experience near Tokyo. 🙌

-Samurai Sword Trial Cutting You will learn how to use a sword and become aware of your self-respect and the responsibility of carrying a deadly weapon. At that time, you will be allowed to wear a serious sword. You will try your hand at sword cutting with a samurai sword. Experience the best cutting edge in the world. #samuraisword #bushido

The winter sea is soothed by kelp! Impression diving experience in Fukuura, Kanagawa Prefecture Every year at this time of year, many kelp is swaying 🍀 near the surface of the Water Not only for those who like diving, but also for those who are thinking of starting diving, the sea at this time of year is highly recommended. This time, we will introduce 🤿 an Impression diving experience in the sea of Fukuura, Kanagawa Prefecture ✨ The sea is crystal clear in winter! ✨ The sea in Fukuura on this day is 15 meters transparent! Impression by the world under the water that spreads out in front of me 😊 Squid may think that the sea is cold in winter, but in fact, this is the time of year when diving is recommended. This is because in winter, the amount of plankton decreases, so the water becomes very clear and the water becomes much clearer. The sunlight shining into the water sparkles, and a clear blue world Unfolds before ✨ your eyes It is 🏝 so beautiful that you feel that it would be a waste not to dive in the sea in winter 🌳 Diving 🌳 to be soothed by kelp In the sea of Fukuura, you can see 🍃 "swaying kelp" unique to this time of year Scene of the kelp swaying quietly, it seems as if healing time is streaming. When you relax in the water and are surrounded by a kelp forest, you will 😊 feel as if your daily fatigue has been blown away In addition, on this day, the water camera 📸 debuted! I was a little nervous at first, but before I knew it, I was hooked. I clicked the shutter many times at the magnificent view of the blue sea and swaying kelp spreading out in front of me. "I want to take more pictures!" and "What kind of scenery awaits me next?" The Water camera is There are fun that you can't help but get hooked on. 🙌 Hokule'a Shonan makes it easy ♪ to move around 🌸 If it's 🌸 Hokule'a Shonan Just 30 minutes by car from the shop in Hiratsuka to reach 🚙 the dive site in Fukuura The charm of Hokule'a Shonan is that you can go straight to the beautiful sea with outstanding transparency in a short time without the fatigue of traveling long distances. "I want to enjoy the sea casually but firmly." If that's the case, you've come to the right place 🤿 Recommended points for winter diving In winter, the sea is ✅ High transparency, making the scenery look clear ✅ There are few divers, and you can dive leisurely ✅ Nudibranchs and other creatures that can only be encountered in winter can be seen And, actually, there are many charms! In winter, why don't you enjoy leisurely diving in the sea of Kanagawa and Fukuura, which has outstanding transparency? Thank you to 🙏 everyone who participated We look forward to 😊 your next dive at Hokule'a Shonan

🌊 Welcome to the ✨ mysterious and beautiful world of the sea I went again this year! Annual event 3 days 2 nights tour🐋 of Okinawa Impression diving, and dreamy whale watching... It was a special experience that stayed with me all the time. The dance of the dogfish and damselfish flocking in the coral forest was a masterpiece, and it was truly indescribably beautiful. What is the appeal of whale watching? Speaking of winter in Okinawa, whale watching is not to be missed. Humpback whales appear in the waters around Okinawa for breeding in winter, and you can see their Powerful presence right in front of you. By combining whale watching after diving, you can enjoy the waters of Okinawa even deeper. 🐳 Whale Trivia The humpback whale is a large whale that can reach up to 15 meters and weigh up to 30 tons. Their graceful swimming and dynamic jumps (yellowtail ching) are spectacular. Humpback whales are also famous as "singing whales", where male whales sing beautifully to communicate with their mates. 🪸 Beautiful sea with coral forests The sea in Okinawa is also known as the "Coral Forest" where colorful corals spread all over. Corals are an important part of the marine ecosystem, and the colorful fish that live there are truly fantastic. For divers, it is truly a Impression moment to experience such a rich world of the sea up close. Thank you to everyone who participated for a wonderful three days! 😃 Dive, drink, eat... It was a great memory! smile 📅 Next held in: Early March 2026 If you couldn't make it this year, be sure to do it next time! 💪 Experience this unforgettable impression together! Thoughts 🌈 of Hokule'a Shonan At Hokule'a Shonan, we believe that diving is not just an adventure, but a journey to explore the unknown and discover a new side of ourselves. You may be able to meet a new self by encountering Okinawa's rich sea creatures and entrusting yourself to the quiet and serene blue world. "Let's embark on a journey into a world we have not yet seen." We hope you will join us on this tour. 🌊

The only souvenir that can make you feel "Japanese". 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 the mind quiet and focused when writing. It is also essentially about basic manners, such as sitting upright, keeping a straight back and holding the brush upright. The fan, which is still familiar to Japanese people as a tool that appears at milestones in life, and calligraphy on hanging scrolls, which are traditional Japanese works of art, are very popular among foreigners, as they are decorated in an appropriate manner and can be displayed in tokonoma (alcove) and other places. #kakejiku #kanji #wabisabi #snuvenir

Samurai Calligraphy Resignation is the last character to be written in this world in preparation for death. Calligraphy is a beautiful part of Japanese culture, but before you experience it, imagine it. Before you experience it, imagine that you are about to say goodbye to this world. You will be dressed in kimono or hakama like a samurai. #kanji #Calligraphy#performance

Zen Etiquette and Manners 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. #Calligraphy #teaceremony #Zen

-Samurai Calligraphy Experience When a samurai foresees his death, he looks back on his life so far and writes his last characters in this world with a brush. Each kanji character has its own meaning, so please learn what meaning the last character left behind has. #Calligraphy #kanji #kimono

Kahori-bukuro Making Experience “Exploring the Mysteries of Aromatic Woods and Kampo Medicine” 🙌 In Sakai, where incense was first made in Japan, you can blend several incense ingredients to create your favorite kahori-bukuro (scent sachet) 💕 We will delve into the mysteries of aromatic woods and Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal medicine) ✨ 📢 “Untie the Strings, Explore Sakai — Investigating Sakai’s Mysteries 2025” 🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23, 2025 📍Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum, 2nd floor TAKUMI EXHIBITION — held only on Saturday the 22nd! 🔍For details, please check the notices on the Sakai Tourism Guide website. 📬Registration: First-come, first-served on the day 🎫Participation fee: 500 yen (tax included) 💰Payment: Pay at the 1st-floor TAKUMI SHOP register on the day, and show the receipt at the venue. 📞Contact: 072-227-1001

【Trial Slashing】 Try your hand at sword cutting with a real Japanese sword! Experience the world's best cutting performance. This time, you will try cutting a rolled straw #samuraisword #katana #teaceremony

Meet the blue world and coral paradise 🌊🐠 on the Okinawa main island tour The sea on the main island of Okinawa is as beautiful as if you were lost in another world. Hokule'a Shonan Held in a tour of the main island of Okinawa where you can fully enjoy this charm. In this article, we will introduce you to plenty of fantastic sights that you can encounter during the tour. 【Impression experience 💙 surrounded by the world of blue】 When you dive into the waters of Okinawa, you will see a world of crystal clear blue in front of you. The color of the sea is deep and clear, and you feel as if you are being sucked in. The sunlight shining into the water beautifully highlights the silhouettes of corals and fish, and you will lose track of time. Especially from winter to Spring, the sea in Okinawa is even more transparent, and you can clearly see the details of fish and coral in the distance. During the tour, experienced instructors will provide solid support so that even beginners can enjoy this mysterious sight with peace of mind. 🤿 [A coral paradise 🌿🪸 woven with pale greenery] Okinawa's coral reefs are impressive with their gentle greenish hue. The sight of coral spreading out like a flower garden is truly a paradise under the sea. If you look closely, you can see colorful small fish swimming around energetically in the coral gaps, like a scene from an Anime. 🐟🐡 Coral reefs are an important part of Okinawa's rich ecosystem. In order to protect this beautiful coral reef, Hokule'a Shonan dives while conveying the importance of environmental protection. Participants are also encouraged to be aware of environmentally friendly behaviors. 🌍 【Encounters 🐠🐟 with a variety of fish】 In the waters of the main island of Okinawa, you can encounter a variety of fish, such as colorful tropical fish, schools of blue-purple fish, and small and cute yellow fish. In particular, the fish swim densely near the coral reef, making it a perfect scene that makes you want to take pictures. 📸 On the tour, you can enjoy each of them, admiring schools of fish swimming leisurely and looking for rare creatures hidden behind the rocks. The instructor will also introduce the names and ecology of the fish, so one of the attractions is not only to see them, but also to have a learning experience. 📝 [How to 🧳✈️ participate in the Okinawa main island tour] Hokule'a Shonan's tour of the main island of Okinawa can be enjoyed by everyone, from beginners to experienced people. We propose a plan tailored to the skills and wishes of the participants, so that they can safely experience the beautiful world of the sea. Details and dates of the tour are available on the official website and social media, so be sure to check them out. 👀 Why don't you create your own special memories in the sea of Okinawa? ✨ [The possibilities are endless! ] 🌟】 Hokule'a Shonan supports the first step into the unknown. In the sparkling blue waters of Okinawa, let's embark on a journey to free your mind and find a new you. 🌊💫

[Hokule'a Shonan] is certified by the PADI 5 Star ID Center! [Hokule'a Shonan goes to the PADI5 Star ID Center] Hokule'a Shonan is the seventh dive shop in Kanagawa Prefecture to be officially certified as a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center (PADI 5 Star ID Center) in July 2024! [What is the PADI 5 Star ID Center?] 】 The PADI 5 Star ID Center is a special dive center 🤿 that not only meets the standards of a 5 Star Dive Center, but also provides training from beginner Sense OW divers to aspiring professional instructors This certification is awarded only to 5-Star Dive Centers that meet the following four PADI criteria and are recognized for their higher water level education and achievements: Education: We offer a wide range of educational programs from beginner to advanced Participation in community activities: Contribution through activities and events in the local community Environmental Protection Activities: Proactive Efforts to Protect the Environment Equipment & Experience: Extensive diving equipment and high-quality diving experience In this way, the PADI 5 Star ID Center is a certification built on our desire to "share the joy of diving with as many people as possible" and our belief that we want to provide safe, high-quality services to divers. [A diving experience that you can enjoy with peace of mind] Hokule'a Shonan is a small dive shop, but they put a lot of effort into meticulous care and safety measures. Since we try to respond closely to each customer, we have created an environment where you can Fun diving with peace of mind while valuing the relationship of trust between the instructor and the customer. Under the theme of "Let's embark on a journey to a world we have not yet seen!", we want to provide an exciting experience of discovering new worlds and values through diving. Hokule'a Shonan is not just a diving experience, but also a place where you can feel comfortable in harmony with nature and discover a new you. We will continue to work hard to bring you new discoveries that inspire your sense of adventure, experiences that make you feel Gari connect with your Nature, and Impression that will last a lifetime. When you come to our shop, we would be happy if you could talk a little about the sea!

Hello! This is the Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association. Yamaga Onsen is a famous hot spring in northern Kumamoto Prefecture with a history of over 1,300 years. Its waters are characterized by alkaline simple hot spring quality, known for enhancing skin beauty. The water is clear and colorless, tasteless and odorless, with temperatures ranging from 39 to 45°C. This account will share recommendations and the latest information about Yamaga Onsen, so please follow us! ◆About Yamaga Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture You can enjoy flowing-only (gensen-kakenagashi) hot spring water at many inns, and there are plenty of outdoor baths and family baths available for day use, making the area beloved by both visitors and locals. The town offers a historic atmosphere, and popular sights include Yachiyoza Theater and the Buzen Highway. ◆Access to Yamaga Onsen Yamaga Onsen is conveniently accessible from Fukuoka. By car: Take the Kyushu Expressway and exit at Kikusui IC or Ueki Interchange; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Fukuoka City. By bus: Take the Hinokuni Bus from Fukuoka Tenjin to Yamaga Bus Center, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the bus center, hot springs and attractions are within walking distance. ◆History of Yamaga Onsen Yamaga has long been a hot spring town. In the Edo Period it prospered as a post town along the Buzen Highway, where many travelers stopped for healing baths. In the Meiji Era the playhouse Yachiyoza was built, adding cultural appeal to the hot spring area. Today, the town continues to enchant many visitors as a hot spring town where history and tradition live on. ◆Popular attractions in Yamaga Onsen ・Buzen Highway The Buzen Highway runs through the heart of Yamaga Onsen and preserves the historic streetscape of an Edo Period post town. Along the cobblestone road you will find white-walled townhouses and old folk houses, perfect for a stroll through a retro atmosphere. Cafes and souvenir shops dot the area, making it an ideal spot to buy local specialties. ・Sakura-yu Hot Spring Sakura-yu, a symbol of Yamaga Onsen, is a public bathhouse with roots in the Edo Period. It was restored in 2012 as one of Kyushu’s largest wooden hot springs using traditional Japanese construction methods. The spacious main bath retains the charm of wooden architecture and offers flowing-only hot spring water. It’s an easy place to enjoy a soak between sightseeing. ・Yachiyoza Theater Built in 1910 (Meiji 43), Yachiyoza Theater was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1988 (Showa 63). It features lavish ceiling paintings and a revolving stage, and performances are still held today. You can tour the interior and experience the atmosphere of this historic theater. ・Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum This facility exhibits Yamaga City’s traditional craft, the Yamaga lantern. Inside, you can admire the beauty of gold lanterns made from delicate Japanese paper and learn about their production process. ・Kongojoji Temple / Stone Gate Kongojoji Temple, with a history of 1,300 years, features an imposing Stone Gate that evokes foreign lands. ◆Local specialties and souvenirs of Yamaga Onsen ・Lantern Monaka Lantern Monaka is a signature confection of Yamaga Onsen shaped like a gold lantern. Its crispy wafer shell is filled with delicately sweet red bean paste, making it a popular souvenir. ・Yamaga Yokan Made in the traditional way, Yamaga Yokan is known for its gentle sweetness and moist texture. It pairs well with green tea or coffee and is a welcome gift. ◆Events and festivals at Yamaga Onsen ・Yamaga Lantern Festival Held annually on August 15 and 16, the Yamaga Lantern Festival is one of Kyushu’s premier summer events, when the whole town glows with mystical light. The Thousand Lantern Dancers, where more than a thousand performers dance gracefully, is a breathtaking sight. ・Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights Held every winter, Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights welcomes visitors with enchanting lights created from Japanese umbrellas and bamboo installations along the historic streets. The Buzen Highway is illuminated at night, offering photogenic scenes unlike any other time of year. ◆Enjoy Yamaga Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture Yamaga Onsen is a hot spring town known for waters that beautify the skin and for its historic attractions. In addition to overnight stays, there are many outdoor baths and family baths available for day visitors, and the area consistently ranks highly on hot spring lists. Beyond the baths, Yamaga Onsen offers diverse pleasures—local cuisine, traditional crafts, and festivals—so please come and visit.

🌊March 5th is Coral Day! Protecting 🪸 the future of coral reefs Today, March 5th, is [Coral Day]! 🌍 Named after a pun on the words "3 (san)" and "5 (go)", the anniversary aims to raise awareness of the importance of coral reefs and raise awareness of conservation efforts. 🐠 What is a coral reef? Why is it important? 🌊 Coral reefs are an integral part of the marine ecosystem. Not only does it create a beautiful seascape, but it also serves as a habitat for many marine life. It also plays a role in purifying sea water, absorbing carbon dioxide, and cushioning the impact of tsunamis, making it a very important part of the global environment. ⚠️ However, in recent years, coral reefs around the world have Located in in crisis due to climate change, marine pollution, overfishing, and other factors. In particular, coral bleaching due to rising sea water temperatures is a serious problem. 🌏 It's important for each of us to start with what we can do. 🏝️ Three important roles played by coral reefs 1️🐟 ⃣ A paradise for marine life Coral reefs, also known as the "cradle of the sea," provide a rich environment for a wide variety of organisms, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks. 2️🌎 ⃣ Nature's filters to protect the ocean and the planet Corals absorb carbon dioxide and purify sea water. In coastal areas, it also absorbs the energy of waves and reduces the damage caused by tsunamis and storm surges. 3️🛫 ⃣ Attractiveness of Tourist Resources and Ecotourism The coral reef waters are a popular Spot for tourists who enjoy diving and snorkeling. It also serves as a base point for ecotourism and is an important Minamoto to support the local economy. 🌱 5 Things You Can Do to Protect Coral Reefs ✅ 🛍️ Opt for eco-friendly products 　For daily necessities and cosmetics, consider that they will stream into the ocean, and choose environmentally friendly ingredients. In particular, it is important to choose an anti-UV cream with "coral-friendly" ingredients. ✅ 🚯 Reducing plastic waste and keeping our oceans clean 　Try to reduce single-use plastics and pick up trash on the Coast. Plastic waste has a serious impact on marine life. ✅ ♻️ Be aware of actions to prevent Global Warming 　Coral bleaching is caused by rising sea water temperatures. Be aware of actions that contribute to Global Warming measures, such as saving electricity, using renewable energy, and eco-Drive. ✅ 🤿 Observe good manners when diving and snorkeling 　When diving or snorkeling, be careful not to damage the coral. If you kick it with your fins or touch it unconsciously, the coral can easily be damaged. ✅ 💙 Participate in coral reef conservation efforts 　Participating in environmental groups and local cleanup efforts can help protect coral reefs more directly. Online donations and coral farming support are also options. 🌊 Let's 🪸 connect beautiful coral reefs to the future In order to protect the future of coral reefs, it is essential for each of us to be aware of and take action. Whether you enjoy diving or not, protecting the marine environment Gari protects our entire planet. 💡 Let's be aware of "what we can do today" and act together to connect beautiful coral reefs to the future! 🌍 What actions do you take to protect corals? Think about it! ---------------------- 😍 The ocean connects the 🌎✨ world Let's embark on a journey into a world that has not yet been seen! 🇯🇵🗻
 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️ ⭐️ Experience Diving
 ⭐️ Snorkeling
 ⭐️ Sense acquisition
 ⭐️ Fun Diving

 We have a program that everyone can enjoy, from beginners to professional divers! 
 Small group size, so even beginners can feel safe and secure ✨ PADI 5-Star Certified Center🏅

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 🤿 Dive Shop Hokule'a Shonan 🏝️
 🏠1 hour from JR Tokyo Station + 30 seconds 🚶 ♀️ walk from JR Hiratsuka Station

Kintsugi Workshop 🖌️ Bring your favorite cracked or chipped dish back to life with an easy kintsugi method using putty and brass powder! 👀 📢“Himo Tokeba Sakai: Exploring the Mysteries of Sakai 2025” 🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍Sakai Risho no Mori; held only on Saturday, March 22. Reservations open from Saturday, March 1! 🔍For details, please check the announcements on the Sakai Tourism Guide website 📬Apply: Sakai Risho no Mori reservation site 📞Inquiries: 072-260-4386

🍵 Matcha experience with a golden tea bowl (seated tea ceremony)🍡 Enjoy matcha served in a golden tea bowl while seated, along with Sakai wagashi (fresh Japanese confections)✨ 📢 “Untie the Knot, Sakai: Delving into Sakai’s Mysteries 2025”🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍 Sakai Rishō no Mori — reservations open from Saturday, March 1! 🔍 For details, please check the announcements on the Sakai Tourism Guide website 📬 Apply: via the Sakai Rishō no Mori reservation site 📞 Inquiries: 072-260-4386

🌼 Half a million rapeseed flowers are coming into bloom Like a yellow carpet!✨ Under the winter sky, enjoy a field of rapeseed flowers stretching as far as the eye can see♪ This week is peak viewing💕 📍 Location: Village Area Flower Fields (Hoshi Hill · Tsuki Hill) 🌿 Variety: Kanaki (Kanaki) 💛 Number of flowers: 500,000 📅 Blooming season: Now at peak – around mid-March (subject to weather) 🔍 The latest bloom updates are posted on the official Instagram ( @harvesthill_sakai )!