“Hanakku and Hana Road” started on June 28! Beautiful flowers are in full bloom in front of the Guide Center, at Hanakku, and at the Garden Spa Roadside Station 🌷 Come by and enjoy the colorful flowers 🌸 Event period: Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, July 27

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Minamiechizen Town Tourism Federation. Minamiechizen Town in Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture, sits almost at the geographic center of Fukui Prefecture. The town blends sea, mountains, and countryside, and its history and culture are still alive. Formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nanjo Town, Imajo Town, and Kono Village, the area preserves many distinctive local charms. Along the coast you can enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, while inland the satoyama landscape unfolds with mountains and clear streams. Minamiechizen Town is also known for preserving a picture of traditional Japan, where seasonal nature and everyday life live in harmony. In the peaceful rice fields visitors can try agricultural experiences such as rice planting and harvesting, which are popular with many tourists. Access to Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture By car it takes about five minutes from the Hokuriku Expressway’s Nanjo Smart Interchange, making access from the highway extremely convenient. You can also use the JR Hokuriku Main Line at Imajo Station and Nanjou Station, making rail travel from the Kansai and Chukyo regions comfortable. From Nagoya or Osaka it takes about two to three hours by car or train, so a day trip is ideal. At Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi you can rent electric bicycles, making a relaxed cycling tour of Minamiechizen Town a popular option. About Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Minamiechizen Town belongs to Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture. Its area is about 344 square kilometers and its population is around 9,000 (as of May 2025), offering rich nature and a tranquil lifestyle. Stretching north to south, the town ranges from coastal settlements to mountain farming villages, each with distinct cultures and customs. Local residents actively engage in tourism, agriculture, and crafts, drawing attention from many visitors. Historical background of Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture From ancient through medieval and early modern times, Minamiechizen Town developed as an important hub for transportation and logistics. The Imajo area prospered as a post town on the Hokkokukaido during the Edo period, welcoming many travelers and merchants. Stone-paved streets and latticed houses remain, recalling the bustle of those days. The Kono area flourished as a port for Kitamae ships plying the Sea of Japan, and buildings that reflect the wealthy merchants’ lifestyles still stand. These historical assets are preserved today as the town’s cultural properties. Popular sightseeing spots in Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Hanahasu Park In summer about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a serene and elegant scene. The park features walking paths, an observation deck, and rest areas, and the annual Hasu Festival draws many visitors. You can also enjoy lotus-themed gourmet items and local specialties. Imajo-shuku Post Town This post town preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. Stone-paved streets and white-walled houses evoke history and offer a peaceful ambiance. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it has high cultural value. Hands-on experiences like soba noodle making and guided town walks are available. Nearby you will find museums, cafés, and accommodations in renovated traditional houses where you can enjoy a refined stay soaked in history. Kitamae Ship Owner's House Ukonke The Ukonke residence, once home to a wealthy Kitamae ship merchant in the Edo period, is open to the public. Inside, exhibits recreate merchant life and present materials about historic trade routes, creating a must-see space for history enthusiasts. Yashaga-ike This mountain lake carries a mysterious legend and sits at the end of a nature-rich trekking route. Located at about 1,100 meters elevation, the lake is clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it. Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage are beautiful, offering different scenery each season. The trail is well maintained, and lookout spots along the way offer panoramic views of Echizen’s mountain ranges. Roadside station in Minamiechizen Town Roadside Station Minamiechizen Sankairi represents the town and is a large complex combining a tourist information center, local product shops, restaurants, and rest areas. Conveniently accessible from both the expressway and local roads, the station includes an indoor kids’ area, a dog run, and EV charging stations, and is popular with many visitors. Fresh vegetables and fruits from local farms and Minamiechizen-specific souvenirs are also on sale. Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minamiechizen Town Imajo Soba (oroshi soba) A classic Fukui specialty. Served with grated daikon and broth, its light, refreshing flavor is perfect for hot seasons. Beni-sashi Ume A specialty plum grown in the Kono area, it balances sweet and tart flavors and is popular as umeboshi or plum wine and other processed products. Harvest experiences and plum-based cooking classes are held, and these activities are valued as food education. Events and festivals in Minamiechizen Town Kono Ume Festival Held every June, this local festival celebrates the plum harvest. You can enjoy plum-picking experiences and purchases of local processed goods, and food trucks also set up, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Imajo Soba Festival A celebration of soba where soba shops from inside and outside the town serve their dishes so visitors can compare Imajo Soba’s variety of flavors. Soba-making demonstrations and workshops introduce and promote the town’s food culture. Kono Summer Festival Typically held in late July at Korakujo Beach, this festival is a summer highlight for Minamiechizen Town. The finale lights up the night sky and sea with around 5,600 fireworks, drawing many visitors. Stalls and festival games line the area, making it a perfect event for summer memories. Tourist information for Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Minamiechizen Town charms visitors with its historic streets and abundant nature. We will continue to share plenty of information that brings the town’s seasonal landscapes, rooted food culture, and warm local hospitality to life, so you can carry Minamiechizen Town with you into tomorrow! Thank you very much!!

[Shinshu Sakuhomachi Nature Immersion Day Tour] 🍃🌿 \A day trip to soothe you in the great outdoors/ Event Date: Sunday, August 3 Highlights ✔︎ Walk around the moss-covered, mystical forest at Shirakoma Pond🌳 ✔︎ Tour a long-established sake brewery with tasting experience🍶 ✔︎ Lunch featuring local flavors: yamame fish rice bowl and soba set🐟🥢 ✔︎ Enjoy shopping at the Roadside Station Visitor Center✨🛣️ Departure and Return Locations ・Sakudaira Station, Asama Exit ・Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center ➡️If you live nearby, meeting and dispersing at the Roadside Station is convenient! Price: 9,900 JPY per person (tax included), includes lunch What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, rain gear Capacity: 25 people (minimum operation 15 people) Refresh your body and mind as you savor nature’s gifts with all five senses🫧 This charming day tour is perfect for making summer memories🌱 How to Apply / Inquiries Chikuma Kanko Co., Ltd., Saku Head Office Sales Phone: 0267-62-1000 (Hours: 10:00–17:00) ※Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays Please join us with your family and friends.

＼ ✨💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠✨ ／ Starting today, July 2nd, hydrangeas are floating in the monument tank at Izukyū Shimoda Station rotary.💠🫧 The hydrangeas were carefully pruned by the staff in charge of Shimoda Park, and they will remain on display until Wednesday, July 16th. Even hydrangeas that have passed their peak in the park look fresh and beautiful when floated on the water! There are especially many blue hydrangeas, which stand out against the summer sky and give a very refreshing impression.🌿🩵 If you are nearby, please stop by and take a look! *Only authorized personnel have pruned or collected plants within Shimoda Park. Please refrain from cutting or taking plants from the park.*

■Paella Cooking Experience■ This plan invites you to try making paella with support from a specialist certified by the All Japan Paella Federation. The venue, Notanohira CampGround, lies deep in Toyooka Village. Far from populated areas, it is a quiet campground set beside the clear Abukawa River. Relax and refresh to the green trees and the gentle murmur of the river, and enjoy making paella together in a lively atmosphere! [Plan Details] ■Season Late April through October ■Meeting Point Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time) = For those using car navigation = toyooka travel time Address: 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395 If the above address does not appear, please set Toyooka Village Central Nursery School as your destination and come to that location. Toyooka Village Central Nursery School Address: 12368 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953 ■Capacity 10 people (minimum operating number: 5) If you wish to participate with fewer than 5 people or more than 10 people, please contact us to discuss arrangements. ■Price (tax included) For groups of 5 to 10 participants: 5,500 yen per person If you wish to participate with a different number of people, please contact us. [Contact: Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)] ・By phone: 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00) ・Inquiries via website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/... ■Course Details and Schedule (approximately 4 hours) 1) Gather at toyooka travel time 11:00 (payment) 2) Travel to Notanohira CampGround 11:00–11:45 approximately ※Please travel by private car. 3) Arrive at Notanohira CampGround around 11:45 4) Paella making experience and meal 11:45–15:00 approximately 6) Local dismissal at Notanohira CampGround around 15:00 ■About the Plan [About Notanohira CampGround] It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village. Far from populated areas, you can enjoy a leisurely time amid green trees and the river’s murmur. Please travel to the campsite by private car. [About the Paella Cooking Experience] Participants will make paella with guidance from a certified paellero (paella chef) accredited by the All Japan Paella Federation. Specialists from the Japan National Paella Contest Team, members of Paella Mania Cup winning teams, and other authentic paella experts will teach you, offering a special hands-on experience. [Combining with Other Activities] It is possible to combine this plan with other activities. We particularly recommend pairing it with the Pothole Tour, where you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites. [Clothing] ・Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for active movement ※You may use the changing room and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association before and after the tour. ※For an additional fee, showers are available at the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility. (300 yen) ■How to Inquire and Apply Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the website. Phone: toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00) Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/... ■Cancellation Policy Free cancellation is possible until 6:00 PM four days before the experience date. Cancellations after that time will incur a 100 percent cancellation fee.

■Pothole Tour■ Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes. Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax. Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream. Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children. We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground! 【Plan Details 】 ■Season Around July to early September ※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us. ■Meeting place General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan) ＝ For those using car navigation ＝ 《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》 Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395 ※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location. 《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953 ■Capacity 8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people) ※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us. ■Price (tax included) Per person: 5,000 yen ※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required. ■Course details and schedule ① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan 9:30 (payment) ② Travel to Nodaira Campground Around 9:30–10:10 ※Please travel by private car. ③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground Around 10:10 ④ Walk to the pothole area Around 10:15–10:45 ⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole Around 10:45–12:15 ⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site Around 12:45 ■About the plan 【About Nodaira Campground】 It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village. Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river. Please travel to the campground by private car. 【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】 In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter. A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years. 【Can be combined with other activities】 You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details. 【Clothing and items to bring】 ● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard ● Change of clothes ● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes ※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour. ※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen). ※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen). ■Inquiries and reservations Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website. Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00) Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/...

At the National Bihoku Hillside Park (Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture), the hydrangeas that color the early summer in Japan are in Best time to visit! ✨ About 100 varieties and 10,000 "hydrangeas" planted in the Hiba-no-Sato hydrangea garden and Japanese cedar trees are in Best time to visit! Best time to visit is expected to continue until early July. Hydrangea flowering status (as of June 29) 【Name】Hydrangea 【Flowering state】Best time to visit 【Flowering period】Mid-June ~ mid-July *Best time to visit is ~early July 【Flowering place】Hiba no Sato, Hydrangea Garden, Japanese cedar trees Number of units: Approx. 10,000 shares 【Place】National Bihoku Hillside Park 【Address】4-10 Mikkaichi Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 【Contact】National Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000 Click here for details▽ https://www.shobara-info.com/news/5133...

Shintoku and Tokachi-Shimizu Train Travel Campaign 2025 Last winter’s popular winter train travel campaign This summer! From Shintoku Town and its neighboring town Tokachi-Shimizu, ride the train from either station and collect a Train Travel Stamp in this event 🎫 ーーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーー Period: July 1 (Tuesday)–August 31 (Sunday) Train Travel Stamp Distribution Stations 🚉 Shintoku Station · Tokachi-Shimizu Station Distribution Locations and Times 🕰️ Shintoku Station — 7:10–18:25 Tokachi-Shimizu Station — 6:55–17:05 (Due to operations, staff may be temporarily absent) Participation Conditions 💡 1. Use a train and alight at Shintoku Station or Tokachi-Shimizu. 2. Inform the ticket gate staff that you would like to receive the Train Travel Stamp. ※Distribution applies only at the time of alighting. ※Entry tickets and commuter passes are not eligible. ※One stamp per person. ※The Train Travel Stamp is a printed slip and does not include a prewritten date. ※Please write the date yourself. ※Stamps will not be distributed outside the listed times. ーーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーー And now! The first 100 people to collect stamps from both stations will receive an Original Mounting Sheet as a gift 🎁 Redemption Location — Tokutoku Community Center, 2nd floor, in front of Shintoku Station Redemption Time — 9:00–18:00 ※Please present the Train Travel Stamps from both Shintoku Station and Tokachi-Shimizu for redemption. ※Be sure to write the date on your Train Travel Stamp before exchanging. ※When redeeming, we will stamp the back of the Train Travel Stamp as proof of distribution. Plus! Show your Train Travel Stamp around town in Shintoku Town or Tokachi-Shimizu Town to receive special local benefits and deals 🉐 You must write the date before using benefits. Benefits are valid only on the date written on the Train Travel Stamp. ※If the date on the Train Travel Stamp is the same, you may receive benefits at multiple stores and facilities. ※Please confirm store and facility information yourself. ※Benefits may change depending on circumstances at stores or facilities. ー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ー In Shintoku Town specifically, sponsors from north to south and west to east support this campaign, so why not explore the town by rental bicycle? 🚲 Rental Desk — 2nd floor of the Tokutoku Community Center Shintoku Town Tourism Association Desk Business Hours — 9:00–17:45 Fees — City cycles, mountain bikes: free Electric-assist bicycles: 1,000 yen per day ※Limited quantities available, so please feel free to contact us. ーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーーー Shintoku Town Participating Shops and Facilities #Soba-dokoro Minatoya @sobanoyakata @ramen_miurashouten @ishimatsu_susi @tuktuk_shintoku #Shokujidokoro Sekiguchi #Heiseien @yuka_cyoko #Snack Fuusen @setouchi.urapp4313 / @oyatsuya_hana3 @t_kinokotan #Miyagiya Ryokan #Minshuku Sahoro House @kyodogakusha_shintoku #Village 432 @tokachi_sahoro_resort_official @lake_inn2141 @kamuimintara2000 @higashitaisetsusou Tokachi-Shimizu Participating Shops and Facilities #Ebisuya Confectionery #Soba-dokoro Mitsushina @idaten4947 #Ryokan Ariake @tokachi_millennium_forest ーーーー🚃ーーーーーーー🚃ーーーーー🚃 #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Tokachi-Shimizu Town #shintoku #shimizu #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shimizu Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #Shimizu Station #Tokachi-Shimizu Station #Train Travel #Campaign #JR Hokkaido #hokkaido #tokachi #station #tokachi #shintoku #tokachishimizu #welcomeshintoku

Today, June 30, is the last day of the Hydrangea Festival 💠✨ How did you find the hydrangeas at Shimoda Park? If you have favorite photos, please join our Instagram photo contest 📸💜 To enter, follow the official Shimoda City Tourism Association Instagram and post with these two hashtags: "#Izu Shimoda Onsen Hydrangea Festival 54" and "#Japan’s No.1 Hydrangea Garden 54" — that’s all! Winners will receive prizes to help them fully enjoy Shimoda 🎁👏 Follow us on Instagram from here 👇 https://www.instagram.com/shimoda_kanko/... Don’t forget to check the blog, too 👀! https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250630...

Secret Garden Starting from Shintoku Station, if you head toward Shintoku Hireya, you come upon a lovely garden. This is a private residence, but the owners said, “We want not only the people of Shintoku but many others to come and see it,” so I paid a visit. The garden is full of the owner’s love for flowers, affection for Shintoku, and memories of a loved one. However, a while ago some rose saplings were dug up and stolen, which was very sad. They may have been plants tended with great care, and above all they may have held deep sentiment. I don’t think anyone who reads this post and comes by would do anything hurtful, but since this is a private home, please view the garden respectfully. If the owner or the gardener is working in the yard, say hello and they may show you their lovely inner garden. If no one is there, please enjoy looking into the inner garden from the outside. If the owner is present, they might tell you the origins of the flower names or share stories about them.💁‍♀️ I hope that when you visit, you’ll get to meet the owner! #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #shintoku #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #Secret Garden #secretgarden #Rose Garden #In Full Bloom #Currently in Bloom #Station-front Complex Tokutoku #tuktuk #tokutoku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

🍑Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan (Peach)– 🚴‍♀️ Enjoy a rewarding ride wrapped in Shinshu’s nature, feeling the breeze as you go. On the Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan – local guides lead you to relish the village’s scenic charms and seasonal flavors. The seasonal fruit for summer is “peach”! After cycling along roads lined with orchards, take a break with a special dessert made lavishly with peaches. The juicy, sweet aroma of peach fills the dessert, offering a blissful treat you can only taste here. Tour Information ■Meeting Time 12:50 PM ■Duration About 2 hours 30 minutes ■Distance Less than 10 km. The tour uses E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). (No electric-assist bicycles for children are available.) Children who cannot ride a bicycle can use a carrier bike (weight limits and other restrictions apply). ■Group Size 2 to 5 people ※Participation as a single person or groups larger than five can also be discussed. ■Price Ages 3 and up: JPY 5,000 per person Ages 0–2: Free (please share the fruit and sweets with an accompanying adult) ※The above price applies when the fruit is “peach.” Prices vary depending on the fruit. ■Inquiries & Reservations Toyooka Tabijikan 0265-49-3395 (Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM) You can also see more details on the Toyooka Tabijikan website. https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/...

💛 A field of canola flowers in Otofuke town, Shimoshiro 💛 Driving by, I saw a sea of yellow!! The canola flowers filled my view!! They shone in a beautiful yellow 🌟

Climbing hydrangeas in bloom at Karikachi Kogen Park From mid-June to early July, an estimated several hundred climbing hydrangea plants wind around the larch plantation trees in Karikachi Kogen Park, creating a beautiful sight. The cream-colored flowers, about 5 mm in size, bloom in clusters, making the larch trees look as if they are wearing dresses. The usual peak season is early to mid-July, but the warm temperatures likely caused them to bloom all at once this year. Bicycle rentals are available at the Shintoku Town Tourism Association counter on the 2nd floor of the Shintoku Station Community Center "Tokutoku." The ride from "Tokutoku" to Karikachi Kogen Park is about 10 km (approx. 40 minutes). From SL Square, take the Poppo Road — it's a steady uphill all the way to Karikachi Kogen Park, but on the return you'll enjoy a fast downhill ride with the wind at your back 🚲 For those who are reasonably fit and want to enjoy active, slightly adventurous sightseeing, please use our rental bikes. We have: 4 mountain bikes 4 city bikes Same-day reservations are welcome! We look forward to seeing you 🚲 #北海道 #十勝 #新得町 #しんとく #日本新八景 #狩勝峠 #狩勝高原園地 #KarikachiKogenPark #北海道ガーデン街道 #国道38号線 #r38 #レンタサイクル #rentalcycle #レンタサイクルで観光 #sightseeingbyrentalcycle #ポッポの道 #PoppoRoad #sl広場 #SLSquare #新得町観光協会 #新得駅 #駅前複合施設とくとく #tuktuk #とくとく #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

We have updated the blooming status of hydrangeas at Shimoda Park 💠✨ Although the peak season continues, the flowers are gradually changing color. We recommend visiting soon ☝🏽🌈

Potato fields in Otofuke Town🥔 Potato flowers were in bloom🌼 The flowers vary by variety, ranging from pale purple and pink to white—it's quite a sight! This scenery is truly unique to Otofuke Town✨

#009 There are about 50 restaurants and confectionery shops in Tsunocho. This is the second installment of our gourmet series! Opened in May 2019, this udon shop has become popular even outside Tsunocho, and we would like to introduce it here. — Now firmly a "Tsuno specialty" — Hinoya Udon After exiting Tono IC on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, turn left at the first traffic light and go a short distance; you will see a sign reading "udon" on your left. That is Hinoya Udon, the shop featured this time. The parking lot is usually full at lunchtime. Here are Hinoya Udon’s recommended menu items, a lesser-known dessert, and advice on the best times to visit. ◆ Recommended menu (including my personal picks) 〇 Vegetable Tempura Bukkake Udon They source vegetables from Roadside Station Tsuno and directly from local farmers, so the vegetables are all from Tsunocho. The vegetables are sweet and the batter is crispy! It’s addictive!! 〇 Meat and Egg Bukkake Udon The simmered beef pairs perfectly with the broth and soft-boiled egg—really delicious!!! I recommend this to students and meat-udon lovers. By the way, it’s my personal favorite. (laughs) You can also enjoy seasonal choices like Ume Oroshi Bukkake Udon and cold Zaru Udon, as well as set menus combining udon and tempura. Now for a dessert that surprisingly many people don’t know about. It’s the homemade soy milk pudding. In fact, some customers come specifically for this pudding. I sometimes go just for it myself. But it tastes best after udon! Even the fact that it’s homemade makes it appealing. The pudding is topped with kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and kinako (roasted soybean flour); its silky texture and gentle sweetness deliver a moving experience unlike any I have had before. I lived in Kagawa while at university, so I ate many firm, delicious udon dishes. However, Hinoya Udon’s noodles have good bite, and you can sense their dedication to the broth and ingredients. For me, Hinoya Udon is uniquely superb and the most delicious. I was impressed by the owner’s attention to detail and delicacy. If you stop by Tsunocho, be sure to come and try these exquisite udon. Finally, when is the best time to go? On weekdays, come right at opening or after 1:30 PM. Depending on the day, these times work best! On holidays, the shop is generally full! ◆ Shop information Hours 11:00 AM–2:30 PM Closed Tuesday (occasional irregular closures) ☎ 0983-32-8311 Instagram ⇒ @hinoyaudon

Relax at Kurunconne 😌🌿 Today I stopped by Kurunconne 🤗✨ (Yes, I was working properly!) For the meeting I ordered a craft cola and a Mix Berry smoothie 😚🍹 Both are a treat to look at 😆 The craft cola is different from regular cola — it gives you that “I’m drinking something good for my body!” feeling, with no guilt. It has a nice spice kick and is perfect for the season when you want something refreshing ✨ The Mix Berry smoothie offers natural sweetness from the ingredients alone… it satisfied both my thirst and a little hunger — a blissful drink 🤤 There are many varieties, so it’s fun to try different ones 💫 They also offer light meals and desserts, and takeout is available 🥪✨ The shop has lots of manga and hosts many healing events every day ✨ I tried a tarot-like reading where you pick one card from 100 based on the theme “for this version of myself…,” and the message I received was very uplifting and gave me energy 💪❤️‍🔥 They sell fun goods and body-friendly foods, so there are endless ways to enjoy the place 🤗🎶 Be sure to check out Kurunconne’s account too 🙌 kurun→https://www.instagram.com/kurun2424/... conne→https://www.instagram.com/conne.jp/...

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba × JR Hokkaido Stamp Rally Collect stamps by riding limited express trains across Hokkaido in this ongoing event 📢 Excitingly, at Shintoku Station, a major limited express stop, the station is specially decorated with characters from Demon Slayer to liven up the stamp rally! On the platforms, you can see the Upper Rank demons led by Kibutsuji Muzan, just like in the photos! And from 9:00 to 17:00, Tanjiro’s haori is available to borrow for free. Put on Tanjiro’s haori and sprint across Hokkaido with Total Concentration 🚃 For more details 💁‍♀️ @jrhtrip_official #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #JR Hokkaido #Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba #Total Concentration #stamp rally #Station-front complex Tokutoku #tuktuk #Tokutoku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku #Repost @tokachi_shintoku with @use.repost ... Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ✖️ Shintoku Station Shintoku Station is currently decorated with Demon Slayer themes! Characters appear at five locations across the prefecture. At Shintoku Station you can see Upper Rank demons including Kibutsuji Muzan! In collaboration, Tanjiro’s haori is available to borrow for free inside Shintoku Station. Please come visit Shintoku Station! #Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba #JR Hokkaido #Shintoku Station #Shintoku #Tokachi

#008 [Tourist Spot Feature Part 2 ✨] Introducing Tsuno Winery, a sightseeing spot with panoramic views of Tsunocho! We’ll do our best to make this a place you’ll want to visit! Tsuno Wine has won numerous awards at home and abroad, and Tsuno Winery, where that wine is made, is full of charm. Here we introduce that wine and the winery. ◆About Tsuno Wine Because Miyazaki Prefecture traditionally has a shochu culture, wine never took hold easily, and the region was said to be an unfavorable environment for grape growing. Even so, the foundation built by Momoto Eitomo 102 has been handed down, and Tsuno Wine is made with the ambition to create wines that can compete on the world stage. Tsuno Wine is known for its Campbell Early rosé, which was actually selected in 2004 for the Wine Report’s “World’s Top 100 Wines,” and this rosé still attracts many repeat customers. Every year many of their wines win awards at domestic and international competitions, drawing buyers from within and beyond the prefecture as well as online customers from overseas. They also offer wines that are easy to drink for those who usually dislike wine, and even wines made with Miyazaki’s famous mangoes. So what kind of place is the Tsuno Winery where these wines are produced? ◆What kind of place is Tsuno Winery? Tsuno Winery sits on the Makiuchi Plateau, surrounded by Hyūga Nada and the Mount Osuzu range, offering sweeping views over Tsunocho. The site is famous as a night-view spot and for unbeatable views of the town’s fireworks. The site includes a shop with wine and a bakery, a wine brewery, and vineyards, and offers guided tours. You normally can’t enter the brewery, so it’s hard to know exactly how it’s laid out, but there is a spot in the shop where you can glimpse inside. You’ll be surprised by the size of the machinery! I haven’t personally been to the vineyards, but there is a row of grapevines by the parking lot, so you can get a pseudo-experience. And above all, the shop! It carries dozens of wines with detailed descriptions, making it easy even for beginners to choose. If you still can’t decide, someone knowledgeable about wine is usually nearby to ask. Beyond wine, the shop stocks many snacks that pair well with the wines, giving wine lovers a delightful dilemma. The shop also houses a bakery, attracting many visitors who come just for the bread. The selection is wide and changes day by day, which adds to the fun. When you visit Tsunocho, be sure to stop by. Next time in our tourist spot feature, we’ll cover the town’s roadside gateway, Roadside Station Tsuno. Stay tuned!!

Hydrangeas are beginning to bloom Hydrangeas, the flower that symbolizes the rainy season, are starting to bloom across Gokasecho 🤗✨ (Photo: Kuwanochi area) From pale blue to deep blue, pink and purple… Their round shapes draped in refreshing colors look utterly charming 🥰 The lacecap hydrangeas also show a delicate beauty, like quiet sparklers 😌 We saw many bushes that haven’t bloomed yet, so they should continue to delight us for a while ✨ Rain is forecast again from tomorrow, but isn’t viewing hydrangeas dotted with raindrops a rather poetic pleasure 😆? This season can easily bring people down, so let’s find small joys and keep our spirits up 💪✨

NEW Orahomap The refreshed Orahomap, now packed with the charms of Sakuhomachi, has arrived with extra features 😼💫💫 Check out the adorable hand-drawn illustrations that make you want to go out just by looking 👀🎨 "I didn’t know a place like this existed!" "I’d love to visit here~" You might make discoveries like these...🤍💭 Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to take a look 😸

Hello everyone! This is the Minami Town Tourism Association. During the rainy season, there were many sunny days, and the past week has been very hot. Here in Minami Town, the extremely hot days continued with a record of 30 degrees Celsius. In the coming season when you want to seek "coolness", we will introduce recommended Nature Spots! This is "Ebisu Cave"! Located about 1.5 kilometers north of the Ohama Coast and about 5 minutes by car, Ebisu Cave is a large sea erosion cave. As a result of the erosion of the interior of the Iwayama (rocky mountain) at an elevation of 52 Meters jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, a large semicircle with a diameter of 30 Meters and a depth of 40 Meters opened up. The cave is inhabited by the "Rock Swallow", which is designated as a "town bird" and is a town-designated natural monument. At the top of the Iwayama (rocky mountain)Observation decks and you can see the majestic Pacific Ocean, and beside it is the Ebisu-dong Shrine, which prays for the happiness of husband and wife. Ebisu Cave Splash of water flashily while emitting a Roaring Sound when the waves rush in. Please visit us in search of the "coolness" brought by Nature! !! * The road to the entrance of Ebisu Cave is narrow and Gari winding, so please pay attention to traffic when visiting. * The Promenade leading to Ebisu-dong is a steep staircase and slope, so please be careful of your feet.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video — nice to meet you! We are the Miyoshi City Tourism Promotion Organization. Miyoshi City, located in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, sits at the meeting point of the San'in and Sanyo regions. This nature-rich, montane area is a town where history and culture thrive. Surrounded by the Chūgoku Mountains and blessed with abundant forests, clear streams, and the Gonokawa River, Miyoshi has long prospered as a hub of travel and exchange. As a tourist destination, it offers a variety of attractions: ancient myths and yokai folklore, traditional performing arts, local specialties such as wine and cheese, and spectacular scenic spots. In Miyoshi, where nature and history blend with contemporary art, local ingredients, and everyday life, you can enjoy a relaxed trip away from the bustle of the city. ◆Access to Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi City in Hiroshima Prefecture lies about 90 km north of Hiroshima city, roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive, making it conveniently accessible. You can reach the area via the Chugoku Expressway at Miyoshi Interchange or Miyoshi-Higashi Interchange, and it is also about a one-hour drive from Hiroshima Airport. By train, JR Geibi Line’s Miyoshi Station serves as the gateway. Direct trains run from Hiroshima Station, and the scenic views from the window make the journey popular. Express buses also run frequently from Hiroshima Station and Hiroshima Bus Center, offering a convenient option. Within Miyoshi City, rental cars and local buses are well organized, making it easy to get around to tourist sites. ◆About Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi City lies in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, bordering Shimane Prefecture. The city occupies a basin surrounded by mountains, with the Gonokawa River, Basen River, and Saijo River flowing through it. As of April 2025, the population is about 47,000. The modern city was formed in 2004 through a merger of eight surrounding municipalities, and it ranks among the largest municipalities by area in Hiroshima Prefecture. Agriculture and forestry remain important industries, and in recent years the city has promoted tourism that leverages local resources, with wineries and direct-sales markets and other community-focused facilities flourishing. ◆History of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi’s history is ancient, appearing in mythic eras. The area is associated with Izumo mythology and preserves many kagura performances and legends. During the Sengoku period, Hieioyama Castle, once the stronghold of the Miyoshi Clan (later moved to Bikuma Castle), was built and the town developed as a castle town. In the Edo period, Miyoshi prospered as a post town on the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Road and became an important river-transport relay on the Gonokawa River, thriving as a center of commerce and transportation. ◆Popular sightseeing spots in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture ・Miyoshi Mononoke Museum (Yumoto Koichi Memorial Japan Yokai Museum) This nationally renowned yokai museum in Miyoshi houses the collection of leading yokai scholar Yumoto Goichi. Exhibits cover yokai culture from the Edo period to the present, and AR and video displays make the museum enjoyable for both children and adults. Special exhibitions and workshops are held regularly. ・Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery This complex offers wine production, sales, and tastings using locally grown grapes. It features one of western Japan’s largest wine cellars and a wine bar counter. In addition to factory tours, the facility includes a restaurant, cafe, and a direct-sales shop selling local products, making it popular with families and couples. Each year during Golden Week the Miyoshi Wine Festival draws many visitors from inside and outside the prefecture. Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery’s wines earn awards at various international competitions each year. ・Okuda Genso Sayume Art Museum This museum exhibits works by Japanese painter Genso Okuda and doll artist Sayume Okuda, a married couple who were the first spouses to receive the Cultural Merit Award in Japan. The building itself is an artwork, making it a must-see for art lovers. ・Josei Falls Located in Sakugi-cho, Miyoshi City, Josei Falls is a beautiful three-tier waterfall with a drop of 126 meters. Surrounded by seasonal nature, you can enjoy fresh green in spring, cool relief in summer, autumn colors, and frozen cascades in winter—an all-season scenic spot. Selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, it offers a cleansing, restorative experience just by visiting. ・Mt. Takatani (Sea of Clouds Observatory) This 490-meter lookout offers a panoramic view of Miyoshi’s iconic “sea of clouds.” From October to December on clear early mornings with sharp temperature differences, a mystical sea of clouds appears, transporting you to another world. The sunrise and mist together create scenes beloved by photographers. ◆Roadside stations in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi hosts the popular Roadside Station Yumeland Funo, a favorite rest spot for visitors. Yumeland Funo sells fresh local vegetables, fruits, and processed goods, and its dining facilities serve local dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. ◆Hot springs in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi is home to Kimita Onsen Mori no Izumi. This bicarb-onsen is famous as a “beauty bath” that leaves skin smooth. As a large facility offering lodging, dining, and shopping, it attracts many visitors. ◆Traditional culture and crafts of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture ・Kagura Kagura represents a symbol of Miyoshi’s traditional culture. This performing art, passed down since ancient times, features different programs, costumes, and staging across communities and plays an indispensable role in local festivals and events. ・Cormorant Fishing in Miyoshi Cormorant fishing in Miyoshi has a history and tradition spanning more than 450 years and is a rare cultural practice available at only about 11 locations nationwide. Designated as a Hiroshima Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property and honored with the Hiroshima Prefectural Education Encouragement Award, Miyoshi’s cormorant fishing is notable for its unique method in which cormorant boats and pleasure boats run side by side. On summer nights, boarding a pleasure boat to watch cormorant fishing up close creates an otherworldly experience as if traveling back in time. The torches flickering on the river at dusk add a magical atmosphere, leaving you with unforgettable memories. ◆Local specialties and gourmet foods of Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi’s food culture draws on the region’s abundant natural resources. A flagship product is Miyoshi wine. High-quality wines produced at local wineries come in red, white, and rosé varieties and have earned high praise at domestic and international competitions. Another specialty is ayu dishes made from the Gonokawa River’s sweetfish. You can enjoy freshly caught ayu grilled with salt, simmered in sweet soy, or as ayu-flavored soy sauce. Many processed products using local ingredients make excellent souvenirs. ◆Events and festivals in Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Miyoshi hosts colorful local events and festivals throughout the year. ・Miyoshi Kinsai Festival This major summer event, organized by Miyoshi residents, fills the streets with parades, taiko drumming, food stalls, and bon-odori dancing. ・Miyoshi Wine Festival Held on the lawn area of Hiroshima Miyoshi Winery, the Wine Festival features tastings, live music, and local gourmet stalls, making it a must for wine lovers. ◆Tourist information for Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture With a unique museum dedicated to yokai culture, gourmet offerings born from nature’s bounty, seasonal scenic spots, and community-rooted traditional events, Miyoshi still holds many little-known gems where repeated visits reveal new discoveries. Cool Japan Video will share information ranging from these hidden spots to popular attractions so you can enjoy sightseeing in Miyoshi City. Please follow us.

"Uenohara Ruins of the Castle" This is the view from Mt. Gozen in the early 1955 (Showa 30)'s century. The circled area in the center of the photo is where Uenohara Castle was located. The moat on the west side had been filled in before the central road was built, but the moat-enclosed land called the river terrace would have been a great place to keep the enemy out. It is the residence of the Furugori clan of the Heian period and the Kato clan of the Sengoku period.

[2025 Peach Picking] Reservations open on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM. We offer two great plans: a value-packed Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Peach set, and an All-You-Can-Eat Peach only plan. Peach picking is very popular every year! Come with family or friends to make summer memories this year. Reservations are required during the season. Please book at least three days before your preferred experience date. [ Peach Picking Details ] ■Period Saturday, July 5, 2025 – Friday, August 8, 2025 *Dates may shift depending on weather and peach growing conditions. ■Check-in times 12 sessions per day (6 morning / 6 afternoon) 9:00 / 9:30 / 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 / 11:30 12:00 / 12:30 / 13:00 / 13:30 / 14:00 / 14:30 =Notes= We generally cannot accept reservations at or after 14:30. Please book with plenty of time. Arrive at the reception location (Toyooka Tabi Jikan) so you are not late for your reservation. If you are late for your reserved time, we may not be able to accommodate you. ■Plans (tax included) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] Please reserve in advance. Pick 2 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,500 yen [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] Please reserve in advance. (Standing) 20 minutes all-you-can-eat 1,500 yen *Peach picking includes admission to the orchard and the experience fee. *Guests choosing the All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan may not enter the peach orchard. *All plans above are a flat rate for ages 4 and up. Children aged 3 and under cannot pick peaches but may join the all-you-can-eat for free. ■Flow on the day (Duration: about 1 hour) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] *Reservation required ① Check-in and payment (Toyooka Tabi Jikan) ↓ ② Peach picking experience (move to orchard) *Please travel by private car ↓ ③ All-you-can-eat (standing) 20 minutes (dedicated all-you-can-eat area at the Roadside Station Toyooka Marche) =Notes= ◎All transfers are by private car. You will receive a map to the orchard at check-in. ◎Depending on congestion, steps ② and ③ may be swapped. ◎You will proceed to the orchard or the all-you-can-eat area immediately after check-in. (Please refrain from visiting other sightseeing spots after check-in.) ◎Depending on weather and orchard conditions, picking may be replaced by a souvenir option (the grower will pre-pick peaches in the orchard and hand them to you). ◎Please allow about 60 minutes from the picking experience to the end of the all-you-can-eat. [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] *Reservation required ① Check-in and payment (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche Tourist Information Center or Toyooka Tabi Jikan, Toyooka Village Tourism Association) ↓ ② All-you-can-eat (standing) 20 minutes (dedicated all-you-can-eat area at the Roadside Station Toyooka Marche) =Notes= ◎Guests choosing the All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan may not enter the peach orchard. Please check in and pay at the Toyooka Marche Tourist Information Center. ◎The all-you-can-eat ends when the day’s peaches run out. ■Requests Peaches are delicate. Whether on the tree or for all-you-can-eat, please avoid pressing them hard. ■Meeting place / Contact Toyooka Tabi Jikan (Toyooka Village Tourism Association) Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 12407 Kamii, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-3202, Japan TEL: 0265-49-3395 Email: toyotabi@vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp Because this facility is new, entering the above address into car navigation systems may direct you to the wrong place. For car navigation, set the destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School or Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche. On Google Maps, search for Toyooka Tabi Jikan. ■How to reserve Reservations are given priority. We recommend booking in advance. ・Phone reservations 0265-49-3395 (Reception hours 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) ・Web reservations Reservations start at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2025 [Toyooka Village Tourism Association Homepage – 2025 Peach Picking] https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/experience/mikaku-02/9784/... *Use the web reservation link above to make web reservations. [Cancellations] No cancellation fee is charged even on the day, but please be sure to contact us if you cancel.

Ume Juice and Umeboshi Making On a crisp summer day today (June 19), the red, white, and pink azaleas welcomed us cheerfully at Kuraokakurara. The eldest children from Kuraoka Nursery School and first graders from Kuraoka Elementary gathered to make ume juice and umeboshi.🤗 The children had harvested plenty of fresh ume at the Kuraoka district orchard the day before.😳💕 Under the guidance of the neighborhood’s “ume expert,” who lives in the Kuraoka area, everyone packed the prepared ume into jars. They will take the jars back to school, turn them over every day, and let them develop until the juices rise.💪 When the red shiso season arrives, they will move on to the next step.💡 It sounds delightful.🥰 It seems the children, now junior ume experts, also took some ume home, so they will likely enjoy processing them at home while passing on what they learned to their families.🤩✨

Shintoku Town Tourism Association has opened 📢 After exiting Shintoku Station, you’ll see a large building on the right. Go up to the second floor from the north entrance of that building and… you will find the reception desk of our Shintoku Town Tourism Association. From this desk, we welcome visitors who come for sightseeing, those who stop by to liven things up, and local residents 💁‍♀️ We staff the desk on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays except during the New Year holidays, so please stop in. We also take reservations for rental bicycles and rental cars at this desk, so feel free to inquire. We look forward to your visit 💁‍♀️

Hello, everyone! Here is an event announcement!! The 3rd Higashikawa-cho Kids Bike Race ● Date: Sunday, August 24th, 2025 ● Registration deadline: Friday, August 1st, 2025 Please see the flyer for details. Contact: Kitoushi Kids Bike Race Executive Committee (mail:kitoushitaikai@kazokuryokoumura.jp) https://www.kazokuryokoumura.jp/kidsbike20250824/...

Notice!! Bear sighting near Mt. Asahidake Around 4:30 p.m. on June 17, a bear was sighted near the Gamaiwa parking area, about 6 km before the hot-spring town on the Dodo Asahikawa–Asahidake Onsen Line heading to Asahidake Onsen. Please exercise extreme caution if you are passing through the area. If you sight a bear, report it immediately to the contact below. Higashikawa-cho Agricultural Promotion Division, Forestry and Agriculture Promotion Office TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 152)

Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Sakaebashi" 🌉 Completed in 1938 (Showa 13), it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 13 of this year. Every time you cross this historic bridge, you can sense the passage of the local community. 💭 Sakaebashi exists as a familiar part of the scenery that represents Sakuhomachi. Come and feel the town's history for yourself—be sure to visit at least once. 🫧🦋