Isehara Flower Update 2024.8.14 *Sunflower field at Kushibashi along the Odakyu Line🌻* The sunflowers in the Kushibashi area, which draw many visitors every day hoping to photograph them with the Romancecar, have bowed their heads and passed their peak. Next month, we look forward to the red spider lilies in the Hyuga area!! *Photo from past red spider lily seasons in the Hyuga area*

Notice of trail closure on Tsuzura-zaka in the Hinata area Tsuzura-zaka in the Hinata area (around the former Fureai no Mori Hinata Campground) will be closed to traffic due to construction from Monday, August 19, 2024 until around mid-December 2024. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding and cooperation.

2024.6.27.(Thursday) Solo traveler in Sarushima It was a yellowtail worldview Impression that recent smartphones are too high level

[Notice: Preorders for “Oyama Mairi Tofu”] Produced by Yonetani Tofu Shop We are accepting preorders for one block of “Oyama Mairi Tofu” at 324 yen (tax included). Order deadline: By Friday morning before the desired pickup date Pickup: 2nd and 4th Saturdays We offer a wide selection of popular Kururin goods, local delicacies, and souvenirs. Please stop by! Isehara Station North Exit stair landing Isehara City Tourist Association Information Office (Kururin House) Business hours: 9:00–17:00 (open year-round) Tel/Fax 0463-95-5333

Sunflower Field at Kushihashi Along the Odakyu Line in Full Bloom 🌻 2024.8.5 The Vincent Orange variety has grown to about 2 m tall and is blooming vigorously under the blue sky. You can also see it from Odakyu Line trains between Isehara Station and Tsurumaki-Onsen Station. A sunflower field stretches out before you with Mt. Oyama as a backdrop. Don’t miss the chance to capture it with an Odakyu train in the frame. Please take photos from the train deck! Blow the heat away! Come see this burst of summer energy! *Be sure to take measures against heatstroke, and be careful of vehicles on the narrow farm roads.* 〈Access〉 * Bus (services are infrequent, so please check in advance.) From Tsurumaki-Onsen Station, take the Mak11 bus toward Isehara Shako for about 3 minutes and get off at Kushihashi-shita. From there it’s about a 7-minute walk (550 m); enter at the curve opposite Myozoji Temple. * 25-minute walk from Tsurumaki-Onsen Station. * By car ・About 20 minutes (8.7 km) from Shin-Tomei Atsugi-Minami IC ・About 10 minutes (4 km) from Shin-Tomei Isehara-Oyama IC

Isehara City Tourism Association Bus Tour Participants Wanted A social learning tour to Ibaraki visiting Japan Heritage Ushiku Chateau, Ushiku Dabutsu, Kirin Beer Toride Brewery and more Enjoy exclusive experiences at wineries and factories We look forward to your participation!! ◆Date and Time◆ Wednesday, September 4, 2024 【Meet 6:50 AM, Disband 6:00 PM (scheduled)】 ◆Meeting Place◆ In front of Isehara Station North Exit municipal parking lot ◆Participation Fee◆ General: ¥12,000; Association members: ¥11,000 (Includes lunch and insurance) ◆Number of Participants◆ First 40 applicants (Minimum number to hold: 30 people) ◆How to Apply / Inquiries◆ Isehara City Tourism Association Phone registration: 0463-73-7373 Application deadline: Friday, August 30 (Weekdays 8:30 AM–5:00 PM) ※For details, please see the Isehara City Tourism Association website.

It is my wife and son in the sunflower field that I go to every summer.

[2024 Season Shonan Bellmare Isehara Hometown Day] Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 From 3:00 PM until the match starts at the Isehara booth The following vendors are scheduled to appear: ・Oyama specialty Suzuki chili peppers ・Fresh, juicy vegetables from Katano Facility Horticulture ・Pocokoko’s wildly popular crepes Bring your family and friends and come join us! Residents of Isehara City can purchase a special “Hometown Day Ticket” Back A Reserved Seat ¥500 (regular general same-day price ¥2,500) Kickoff: 7:00 PM Venue: Lemon Gas Stadium Hiratsuka Opponent: Avispa Fukuoka Ticket purchase: via the Shonan Bellmare official ticket purchase page You can buy tickets from the “Belchike” web site. *For details, please see the Shonan Bellmare official website.

Oyama Paper Lantern Festival Find the Yokai Tofu Boy! Stamp Rally Featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan A dazzling showcase of light with premium night views from Oyama and a roughly 3 km corridor of illuminated paper lanterns!! Date and Time: Saturday, August 10–Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from sunset to 8:30 PM Location: Oyama Shindo, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture – around Oyama Station bus stop to Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, take Kanachu Bus platform 4 bound for Oyama Cable Using the map on the back of the flyer, collect tofu boy stamps hidden among the illustrated paper lanterns! Receive prizes based on the number of stamps collected. * Four red stamps: juice (redeemable only at Sanshuden) * Eight red and blue stamps: mini spinning top or cable car paper craft Prize redemption (4:00 PM–8:00 PM): Shimizuya, Oyama Tourist Information Center, Oyama Cable Station, Sanshuden * One entry card per person; each prize can be redeemed once only. From Saturday, August 10 to Sunday, August 18, ride the Oyama Cable Car lit along the line (night service hours: sunset to 8:30 PM) for a magical experience! Contact: Paper Lantern Committee 090-2322-6599

Oyama Mountain Accident Prevention Campaign Saturday, August 10, 2024, 9:00–11:00 Under the slogan “Enjoy hiking safely,” this campaign, organized by the Isehara Police Station, raises awareness about safety measures during mountain climbs and the importance of submitting a climbing registration form Three members of the prefectural Ishida High School mountaineering club will be appointed as one-day mountain rescue team members! Program: Mountain rescue demonstration Summer mountain safety prayers and more Venue: On the grounds of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine 355 Oyama, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, take bus stop No. 4 “for Oyama Cable” about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop, then a 6-minute cable car ride With the cooperation of Morinaga & Co., Ltd., the first 100 visitors (one item per person) will receive an in-bar protein “Zaku Zaku Chocolate” as a gift! Please join us.

[Bon Odori and Commerce Festival Postponed to the 11th in Case of Rain] Koyasu Shrine, which just celebrated the completion of its shrine office, held a ritual to mark the occasion. Enjoy a range of events starting with traditional Bon Odori, plus a free ice distribution during Ice Time. Why not take a break and forget this heat for a while? Saturday, August 10, 2024, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM Venue: Ishida Koyasu Shrine Ishida 707, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture About a 5-minute walk from Aikou-Ishida Station South Exit 3:00 PM – Food stalls, street performances, Aoi Nagasawa live, and dance Band performances, hula dance, raffle and more 6:40 PM–9:00 PM Bon Odori 7:30 PM Ice Time (free distribution)

[Free Participation] LINE Puzzle Event “The Lost Osametachi” Osametachi is a traditional Isehara cultural heritage recognized as part of Japan’s cultural patrimony. Explore the history of Oyama through a puzzle hunt, find the Osametachi by clearing the puzzles, and receive an original Oyama Afuri Shrine achievement certificate!! Period: Through Monday, September 30, 2024 Participation Fee: Free Estimated Time: About 2 hours (depending on hiking pace) How to Join: From the flyer QR code Access to Oyama From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the bus bound for the Oyama Cable (routes I10, I11, I12) and get off at the final stop (about 30 minutes) Organizer: Isehara Plus Project WonderSpace Co., Ltd. Contact: Isehara Plus Project Representative Aoki: 090-6112-4303

Mountain Isehara Market is on! Events proceed in light rain, canceled in severe weather. A stage show will take place in the center of the General Sports Park. Food tents, food trucks, and local vegetable stalls will also be available. A variety of tasty and fun offerings await! Sunday, July 28, 2024, 10:00–15:00 Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (Free admission) 320 Nishi-Tomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa ● Access by train and bus Get off at Isehara Station on the Odakyu Line. Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from North Exit stop 3 bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, fare 240 yen. ▪ If you board routes I-34 or I-36, get off at General Sports Park. ▪ If you board routes I-31 or I-37, get off at General Sports Park Entrance and walk 5 minutes. ※ Walking from Isehara Station takes about 45 minutes. ● Access by car ▪ About 30 minutes from the Tomei Expressway Atsugi Interchange. ▪ About 8 minutes from the Shin-Tomei Expressway Isehara-Ōyama Interchange. ※ Congestion is expected, so please use public transportation when possible. For details and inquiries, please see the flyer. Lots of delicious treats! Please come and fully enjoy Isehara!!

[Temporary Closure of Hyuga Yakushi Hoden (Storage)] The Hoden (storage) will be temporarily closed from Monday, July 22, 2024 to Wednesday, July 24, 2024 due to the risk of heatstroke. *Please note that worship at the main hall and the issuance of goshuin (shrine stamps) and omamori (protective charms) will be conducted as usual. For more details, please check the official Hyuga Yakushi Hojobo website.

Notice from the Kururin House inside the station, open year-round Responding to Kururin’s popularity among Isehara residents, a new-design Kururin drawstring pouch is now available for 380 yen and the hugely popular Kururin nylon eco bag, priced at 880 yen (tax included), now comes in a new sky-blue color!! Kururin, the official image character of Isehara City, wears the traditional Oyama spinning top hat on its head and has become a beloved symbol of the city. The bellflower emblem on Kururin’s back represents the city flower, and touching it is said to bring happiness. Our perennial favorites are selling well, including embroidered handkerchiefs, Pilot ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils, memo pads, and an expanded selection of pin badges. These cute Kururin goods, available only in Isehara, are perfect for everyday use or as gifts!! Station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information Center) Open year-round (9:00–17:00) TEL: 0463-95-5333

[Notice from the Station-Naka Kururin House, Open Year-Round] The Bon Odori season has arrived again this year! Summer festivals are planned across the region, and this is a great opportunity to prepare for Bon Odori and the forthcoming Dōkan Festival by practicing festival preparations and dance! * CD “Isehara Odori” A song everyone in Isehara should know! Includes two tracks: one with vocals and one orchestral version. ¥880 (tax included) * CD “Isehara Odori / Oyama Ondo / Tanko Bushi” This value set contains three tracks: “Isehara Odori,” “Oyama Ondo,” and “Tanko Bushi.” ¥1,200 (tax included) ※If out of stock, items will be ordered. Please allow 4–5 days. On sale now at Station-Naka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) Open year-round (9:00–17:00) TEL: 0463-95-5333 Hinamaru Hazuki, an active Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance) performer of the Hazuki school, offers popular dance lessons on-site for neighborhood associations, clubs, and other group organizations. [One lesson: approximately 90 minutes (including break) ¥10,000] ※Please prepare playback media (CD, cassette tape, etc.) and a boombox or other playback device for your group. Inquiries and applications: Visit the Hazuki School Nihon Buyo and General Etiquette website or call 090-5513-1981 (Hinamaru Hazuki)

Oyama Summer Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert “Oyama of Performing Arts and Culture” at the Noh Stage of the Oyama Afuri Shrine Office The Oyama Sekison Arts Festival’s "Oyama Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert," a beloved blend of tradition and innovation and a fusion of Japanese and Western sounds that many music fans look forward to each year, returns this year! Saturday, October 12, 2024 — Doors open 12:00, Concert begins 13:00 Venue: Noh Stage, Oyama Afuri Shrine Office Access: From Isehara Station north exit, Platform 4 (bound for the Oyama Cable Car) Get off at the "Shamukyoku Entrance" stop; the venue is immediately nearby. Admission: Adults ¥1,500 (advance) / ¥1,800 (door) Junior and senior high school students ¥500 — elementary school children and younger free Tickets are also on sale at Ekina Kururin House Isehara Station Tourist Information (0463-95-5333)! Inquiries Oyama Summer Jazz Concert Executive Committee 090-8441-5467 (Nakamura)

Reiwa 6 Summer Mountain Opening at Ōyama On Saturday, July 27, the summer mountain opening took place, and the climbing gate of Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine at the trailhead was opened! This event has continued since the Genroku era, and it is customary for the climbing gate to be opened by “Ohana-kō,” one of the Ōyama pilgrim groups from Nihonbashi, Kodenmacho, Tokyo “Sange, sange (flower scattering), rokkon shōjō (purification of the six roots) — the mountain is clear skies, rokkon shōjō,” as they chant the hanging nenbutsu while ascending straight from the temple lodging to the lower shrine, followed by the gate-opening ritual (from 8:30). Sange… scattering flowers to purify Rokkon… the six human senses: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind Venue: Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine Contact: Ōyama Afuri Shrine Office 0463-95-2006 On July 13, ahead of the summer mountain opening, Ōyama Tourism Promotion Association carried out trail cleaning. Local residents and others swept away dead leaves with brooms and rakes, and sprayed pesticide to control leeches (yamahiru), preparing the trails to welcome those who will come for summer mountain climbing! The summer mountain season starts now. Enjoy your climb safely and with fun! *Image from the 2023 summer mountain opening Image of the 2024 leech-control pesticide spraying

Isehara Daijingu 48th Great Summer Festival This year’s theme is “Shomon Raifuku” (Good Fortune Comes to a Laughing Gate) A festival meant to make everyone smile Why not make the best memory of this summer! Saturday, July 27, 2024 2:40 PM–8:00 PM Sunday, July 28, 2024 3:00 PM–8:00 PM Venue: Isehara Daijingu 3-8-1 Isehara, Isehara, Kanagawa A 10-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit along Chuo Street Contact: Isehara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Person in charge: Ito) Tel. 0463-95-3233 The Great Summer Festival, hosted by the Isehara Chamber of Commerce Youth Division Enjoy two days packed with food stalls and live performances!!

Lake Sagami in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It feels like you're far away even though it's close to the Central Tokyo.

Kanagawa Chuo Transportation Partial suspension of bus service on the Hadano Station–Naganuki/Minoge–Yabitsu Pass route The Hadano Station–Yabitsu Pass line has suspended service between Naganuki/Minoge and Yabitsu Pass for the time being due to road damage, and buses are turning back at Minoge Bus Stop, so please be aware. ※Private cars and motorcycles can still pass. Before heading out, please check the latest information on the Kanagawa Chuo Transportation website.

Reiwa 6 (2024), Sunday, June 30 — Nagoshi no Oharae (Summer Purification) This Shinto rite, held every June and December, invites attendees to pass through a chinowa (ring of cogon grass) to purify mind and body and pray for health and protection from illness. The grand purification rites take place at various shrines across Isehara City. * Oyama Afuri Shrine, Lower Shrine (TEL 0463-95-2006) from 14:00 355 Ooyama, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, board the bus from platform 4 bound for Ooyama Cable — about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop, then take the cable car for 6 minutes * Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (TEL 0463-95-3237) from 14:00 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Kurihara via Sekidai — about 15 minutes Get off at Hibita Shrine From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 4 bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi — about 12 minutes, get off at “Sannomiya” and walk about 5 minutes From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Tsurumaki Onsen Station via Osumidai — about 12 minutes, get off at “Godo” and walk about 12 minutes From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Isehara Depot via Shirane and Route 246 — about 12 minutes, get off at “Danchi-kita” and walk about 12 minutes * Isehara Daijingu (TEL 0463-96-1611) from 16:00 3-8-1 Isehara, Isehara, Kanagawa A 10-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit along Chuo Street Pass through the chinowa to cleanse impurities and let’s overcome this hot summer together!

Isehara Daijingu Flower Market, Reiwa 6 Saturday, July 6 — 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, July 7 — 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on both days Seasonal flowers such as morning glories and potted plants will be on sale, and there will be festival booths and food trucks offering shooting-gallery games, yo-yo fishing, cotton candy, and more. A magic show will take place on the 6th, and the Daijingu-dori Shopping Street Lucky Draw and other events will be held on the 7th, making the venue very lively. Come by in the cool of the evening with family and friends. Inquiries: Isehara Daijingu Office 0463-96-1611 3-8-1 Isehara, Isehara, Kanagawa A 10-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit along Chuo-dori

Mountain Isehara Market is on! Event goes ahead in light rain (canceled in severe weather) Sunday, June 23, 2024, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa Access by train and bus Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from North Exit bus stop 3, bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I34 or I36, get off at General Sports Park ▪ If you take routes I31 or I37, get off at General Sports Park Entrance and walk 5 minutes * Walking from Isehara Station takes about 45 minutes Access by car ▪ About 30 minutes from Atsugi Interchange on the Tomei Expressway ▪ About 8 minutes from Isehara-Ooyama Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway * Public transport is preferred as congestion is expected; please cooperate by using buses and trains A central stage will feature performances Food tents and kitchen cars Local vegetables will also be on sale A wide variety of booths will be gathered! Lots of delicious treats! Be sure to enjoy Isehara to the fullest!!

Notice of extended closure due to renovation work at Oyama Afuri Shrine Saryo Sekison Scheduled renovation work at Saryo Sekison Closed: July 11 Reopening: July 12 Some menu items normally served at Sekison, such as the masu tiramisu, will be available on weekends only at Senshinkaku, the community hall on the grounds of Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine (Afurisha Shimosha). We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding and cooperation. Please check the latest information on the Oyama Afuri Shrine official website before you visit. Oyama Afuri Shrine Office 355 Ooyama, Isehara, Kanagawa TEL 0463-95-2006 (Reception hours 9:00–17:00)

Isehara Delicious Selections and Local Products Sale Announcement June 19 (Wednesday) and 20 (Thursday), 2024, 10:00–14:00 Location: City Hall Main Entrance Hall Seasonal vegetables, selected delicious items, Kururin goods and more We will hold a local products sale. Featured items this time… * Oyama specialty by Suzuki Peppers: Original Shichimi Togarashi (seven-flavor chili) * Freshly harvested seasonal tomatoes from Katano Horticulture Facility * Friedn’s hamburgers, sausages and more 3 assorted packs for a great price of 1,100 yen (tax included) * Fresh wood ear mushrooms from Takei Mushroom Farm * Otsuya’s seasonal limited “New Karabuki” * Thank you for waiting! Popular Kururin goods restocked: Kururin Magnet Sheet ※Sale ends when items are sold out. Isehara is full of delicious treats and original products!! We look forward to seeing you♪

This kagura has been handed down since the founding of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and has a history of more than 800 years. It was destroyed by fire, and there is a Tradition that it was used when Minamoto no Yoritomo relocated the palace for reconstruction. The Kagura will be held on December 16 at the Imperial Throne Memorial Festival, and the "Miyajin Song" that was chanted at that time will be played in the north garden of the Maiden, and the dance music "The Dance of the Chief" will also be performed. The appearance of dancing only with a Bonfire is elegant, and the ethereal world of the distant past is Reproduction. (Photography is allowed, but not only flash, but also shutter sound, fill light, and light leakage from the image monitor are prohibited.) Shinto ritual, not just sightseeing)

Isehara Flower Update 6.5 *Hydrangeas on the shaded path in the Hinata area* When Hojo Masako visited Hinata Yakushi in the Kamakura period, the old road she is said to have taken is now lined with hydrangeas. They are beginning to color and are at their best! You can enjoy them for some time yet. ～From the many hydrangea meanings～ What looks like surrounding flowers is actually modified sepals: the decorative flowers. The small clustered flowers in the center are the bisexual flowers, which can seem to represent family bonds. Flower meanings: “family togetherness” and “close friendship” Why not explore Hinata Yakushi and the surrounding area with your family and friends? ※During the hot, humid hydrangea season, be sure to wear longer socks and bring salt and insect repellent to guard against mountain leeches. Hinata, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, take bus stop 3 toward "Hinata Yakushi" and get off at the Takahashi stop.

It is a Kamakura Yabusame horse performed at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura (Japan Heritage). It is a traditional Shinto ritual in which a dignified archer in the form of a warrior shoots a target with a bow and arrow from a galloping horseback riding. According to history, "In Kamakura, Minamoto no Yoritomo first made a dedication to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine on August 15, 1187." This Yabusame Shinto ritual is still being held on the Annual Grand Festival of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (September 16). It is a brave and solemn Shinto ritual where you can feel the breath of the Kamakura period. Feel the history in the traditional events of the historic town.

Notice: Oyama Cable Car Suspensions and Saryo Sekison Closure in June *Cable car suspension for routine inspection Suspension period: Monday, June 3, 2024 – Friday, June 7, 2024 June 10, 2024 (Monday) – June 12, 2024 (Wednesday), eight days total *Note: The cable car will operate normally on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. During the suspension, please use the Onna-zaka hiking trail to reach Oyama-dera and Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. It takes about 20 minutes from Oyama Cable Station to Oyama-dera. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. *You cannot reach Oyama-dera via the Otoko-zaka trail (steep slope). Inquiries: Oyama Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd. 0463-95-2135 Oyama Cable Station 0463-95-2040 *Saryo Sekison closed for renovation Reopening: Sunday, June 30, 2024 – Nagoshi no Oharae (Summer Purification Ceremony) Closure period: Saturday, June 1, 2024 – Saturday, June 29, 2024 *Some menu items served at Sekison, such as masu tiramisu, will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays in June at Senshinkaku, the assembly hall on the grounds of Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine. Inquiries: Saryo Sekison 0463-94-3628 We apologize for the inconvenience to those planning a visit and appreciate your cooperation.