\Around Izumi Castle/ This is a guide to Events that is a must see for history lovers and those who want to know the history of Izumi. For two days on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26, 2025, a lecture and a walking party will be held in under the title of "Medieval Mountain Castle: Visiting Izumi Castle". Izumi Castle, a medieval mountain castle with a unique structure called "Minamikyushu type castle". Many tiles have been excavated in the prefecture that have few excavated examples. Through lectures and the Yamashiro Walking Club, it is an Events that approaches the origin of Izumi Castle and the mysteries of excavated items. In addition, Hitoshi Nakai, professor emeritus of the University of Shiga Prefecture and councilor of the Japan Castle Association, will be invited as a lecturer on both days to learn more about Izumi Castle. It will be two days where you can fully immerse yourself in the history of Izumi, so please join us! ▼ Medieval mountain castle Visiting Izumi Castle ・Lectures Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 2:30 p.m. 【Place】Marumae Hall Izumi (Izumi City Bunkacho 23) 【Commentary】Hitoshi Nakai ・Yamashiro Walking Club Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 8:30 a.m. 【Place】In front of the Izumi Foothills History Museum (10-39 Foothills, Izumi City) 【Commentary】Hitoshi Nakai 【Notes】 ・ Subject of participation in the walking club is elementary school students and above. Elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. ・On the day of the walking party Izumi we will take a walk around Ruins of the Castle (Yamashiro). Please wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes. ・Thereare the program may be changed or canceled due to weather conditions. [How to apply] Please apply electronically or by Phone. Pre-registration is not mandatory for those who will only participate in the lecture, but due to the preparation of the venue, we ask for your cooperation in pre-registration. city.kagoshima-izumi.lg.jp/page/page_010469.html Application deadline: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 【For inquiries, please contact】Cultural Properties Section, Culture and Sports Division, Izumi City (TEL: 0996-63-2108)

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Aso City Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture. Best regards for introducing plenty of attractive information about Aso City in this Account. In this First Post, I would like to briefly introduce Aso City. ▶▶▶ What is Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture? ◀◀◀ Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the Northeastern region of Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its active volcano "Aso Mountain" and its majestic Caldera topography, one of the one of the most in the world. With a population of about 23,000 (as of November 2024), it is a region with beautiful prairies that have been protected by people for generations for 13,000 years. It has a variety of attractions that Fascination the Visitors, including Five Peaks of Aso, Hot Spring, and landscapes registered as UNESCO Global Geoparks. ▶▶▶ Access ◀◀◀ to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Kumamoto Station - Access by train to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture From Kumamoto Station to Aso City, it is convenient to Use the JR Hohi Main Line. Via Higo-Ozu Station, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Aso Station. There is also a limited express train Car "Trans-Kyushu Limited Express". In addition, there are plenty of buses and rental cars to Aso City, and Access to the surrounding Sightseeing spots is also good. ◎ Aso Kumamoto Airport - Access to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture by Car From Aso Kumamoto Airport to Aso City, it takes about 1 hour by car. Use a rental car or shuttle bus from the airport for smooth Access to Aso City and Sightseeing spots. At Aso Kumamoto Airport, a new Passenger terminal building will be opened in March 2023 that integrates domestic and international flights. ▶▶▶ Historical background ◀◀◀ of Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture The history of Aso City is centered on the Agricultural culture that has benefited from Mt. Aso Mountain since ancient times. In particular, the grasslands of Aso are said to have existed since the Jomon period about 13,000 years ago, forming the beautiful landscape of present-day Aso. One of the world's one of the most Caldera, created by hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic activity, has become a symbol of the Aso UNESCO Geopark. ▶▶▶ Popular Sightseeing spots ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto I would like to introduce some Sightseeing spots that represent Aso City. ◎ Nakadake Crater Nakadake Crater is a place where you can experience the power of volcanic activity up close, and you can observe plumes and volcanic rocks near the crater. You can have a valuable experience where you can directly feel the power of geothermal heat and volcanoes. Access is convenient because there is a Car road leading to just before the crater. ◎ Kusasenrigahama Kusasenrigahama, a vast grassland of 785,000 square meters or about 38 times the size of Tokyo Dome, is a spot where you can enjoy a magnificent view with the Five Peaks of Aso in the background. Grazing cows and horses can be seen grazing leisurely, and it is a healing place where you can feel the breath of nature. Walking trail is also Maintenance and popular with tourists. ◎Aso Shrine It is an ancient shrine with a history of more than 2,000 years, enshrining 12 family gods, including Kenban Ryumei, who pioneered Aso, and is revered as the best shrine in Higo Province, and there are 500 branch companies Located in nationwide. Six buildings, including the temple and the tower gate, are nationally designated important cultural properties, and the tower gate is said to be one of the "three major tower gates in Japan". ◎ Daikanbo Daikanbo is a superb view point overlooking the entire Aso Caldera. You can see the magnificent view of the Five Peaks of Aso as a "reclining Buddha", and the scenery woven by the Sunrise and sunset is especially exceptional. The Observation decks has Car parking lots, shops, and convenient Access. ◎ Kusasenri Observation Point Elevation 1,100 Meters, Kusasenri Observation Point overlooks Kusasenrigahama. If the weather is good, you can see the Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen in the distance behind Mt. Kinbozan, and a spectacular 360-degree view Unfolds as far as the eye can see. ◎ Rice Mound Rice Mound, which is said to have been formed by an eruption about 3,300 years ago, is a beautiful cone-shaped volcanic hill about 80 meters high located within the Caldera of Mt. Aso Mountain. It has a beautiful shape characterized by a lush slope that looks like an upside-down dog with a large depression at the top, and you can enjoy the expression of the four seasons, with vivid fresh greenery from Spring to summer and golden pampas grass Unfolds in autumn. ◎ Tagoyama Forest Park Tagoyama Forest Park is an observation spot where you can overlook the Five Peaks of Aso and Aso Valley. Hiking and forest bathing can be enjoyed in the park where lush nature spreads. From the "Sorafune Pier" where the top of Mt. Tagoyama protrudes, you can also see the sea of clouds spreading all below. ◎ Hana Asobi (ASO MILK FACTORY) Hana Asobi is one of the largest English rose gardens in western Japan, with 4,500 roses of about 750 species. There is a restaurant, cheese workshop, café, souvenir shop and Strawberry picking, so the whole family can enjoy it. ◎ Roadside Station Aso Roadside Station Aso is a facility where Local Specialty products and Tourist Information are gathered. Fresh vegetables and Souvenirs are lined up, and many tourists visit it as a base point for traveling to Aso. Take a break from driving is also a great spot. ◎ Cuddly Dominion It is a theme park where you can meet bears and various animals from all over the world. Popular events include a show by Director Miyazawa, who is famous as an animal trainer, holding a bear cub that can only be experienced here in Kyushu, and a "petting Zone" where you can play with dogs and cats from around the world, alpacas and capybaras. ▶▶▶ Specialty products gourmet ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Aso's Akaushi (Higo Akaushi) Aso's Akaushi beef is a brand of beef that is characterized by its lean meat, healthy and juicy taste. The high-quality meat grown in the grasslands of Aso is popular for steaks and yakiniku. ◎ Pickled mustard greens Aso's Specialties, Pickled mustard greens, are traditional pickles made from Takana grown in the Rich in nature environment of Aso. Ideal for accompaniment to rice and Ochazuke. ◎ soup It is a local cuisine of Aso, and is popular for its gentle flavor made with flattened or rolled Dango and vegetables from the earth's Traditional Japanese straw raincoat, seasoned with miso and soy sauce. ◎ Red pickled vegetables Red pickled vegetables are a traditional pickle that has been handed down to Aso along with pickled mustard greens, and it is a sweet and spicy pickle made with Aso's Local vegetables. Local people feel the visit of autumn by eating red pickled vegetables. ▶▶▶ Events and Festivals ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Agricultural festivals in Aso It is an agricultural festival held mainly at Aso Shrine, Kunizukuri Shrine, Shimo Shrine, etc. It is a historic festivals designated as a nationally designated Important Intangible folk cultural property. ◎ Great Aso Fire Mountain Festival Great Aso Fire Mountain Festival is a popular Events that is Held in every August. Fireworks color the night sky of Aso, which is rich in rich in nature. Various events are held in at the Aso City General Center Multipurpose Plaza, the Events venue, and stalls are lined up. ▶▶▶ Tourist Information ◀◀◀ of Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture is an attractive Sightseeing spot that combines magnificent Nature, history and culture. People fascinates visit the Caldera topography that spreads around the active volcano "Aso Mountain", the grassland culture that has lasted for more than 10,000 years, and the abundant Specialty products gourmet. We will continue to introduce recommendations of Aso City, so please follow us!

On Friday, October 18, 2024, the first batch of cranes, a winter tradition in Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, arrived! At 3:45 p.m. on Friday, October 18, the Kagoshima Prefecture Crane Conservation Association confirmed that nine cranes landed on the East Reclamation. The breakdown was 7 Crowned Cranes, 1 Black-crowned Crane, and 1 Canadian Crane. The first crane feather count survey was canceled due to bad weather, but after that, the second crane feather count survey of the season was implementation in the early morning of Saturday, November 30, 2024, and as a result of the survey, a total of 12,992 cranes were confirmed: 12,036 cranes, 948 cranes, 4 black-crowned cranes, 3 Canadian cranes, and 1 black-crowned crane. As a result, for 28 consecutive seasons since 1997, we have achieved the arrival of more than 10,000 cranes! In the latest bird count survey on Saturday, December 21, 2024, the number of cranes decreased from the second survey, but a total of 10,928 cranes were confirmed: 8,998 cranes, 1,917 cranes, 8 black-crowned cranes, 3 Canadian cranes, and 2 black-crowned cranes. The next bird count survey of the season will be on Sunday, January 12, 2025. We are looking forward to seeing more cranes coming to the country and seeing rare cranes that have not yet been confirmed this season.

There are two Gun Dam Manholes in Izumi City that were donated by the Gun Dam Manhole Project planned by the Bandai Namco groups' Gun Dam Project. Izumi City is the first municipality in Kagoshima Prefecture to donate this "Gun Dam Manhole". The first is the RX-78-2 Gun Dam manhole. This is installed in "Izumi City Tsuru Museum Crane Park Izumi". "Izumi City Crane Museum Crane Park Izumi" is a Museum about "cranes" that come to Izumi City every year for wintering. Throughout the year, it is a "multifunctional facilities" that provides a place for citizens and Izumi, from children to Adult, to learn about and become familiar with the rich Nature of the plains, including cranes Izumi which migrate to the Izumi region Subject Visitors, as well as lifelong learning and research. In addition, at this facilities, one "manhole card" of "RX-78-2 Gun Dam" is distributed to each person who visits the museum directly and answers the questionnaire. (* We do not distribute by phone or mail, make reservations, set aside, or distribute after hours.) ） Next is the manhole of "MSM-04 Aggai". This is located in the "Izumi Foothills History Museum" in the "Samurai residences at the foot of Izumi", which is one of the largest samurai residences in Japan. This facility opened in May of the first year of Reiwa, and exhibits on the history of the foothills of Izumi. At the entrance, a diorama of the foothills of Izumi is on display, and the Reproduction of the foothills of Izumi around the end of the Edo period is reproduced. In addition, there is a VR in the lobby where you can see the scenery of the Izumi foothills in the Edo period. Gun Dam fans, manhole fans, and manhole card fans, please come to Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture for "Push Activity"!

Notice of "Japan's Oldest Love Rumi 2024" Held in Held in "Japan's Oldest Love Ami" for the fourth time this year. 　Projection mapping, which is rare in the prefecture, is a highlight, and a fantastic world of light with the motif of mythology unique to the western city Unfolds. 　It is an Events that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, so please stop by. ■ Lighting period Saturday, December 14, 2024 ~ Sunday, February 2, 2025 ■ Lighting time 18:00~21:00 Projection Mapping 18:00~22:00 Illumination ■Venue Aisome Square (next to Community Plaza PAO) ■ Organizer / Inquiries West City Office, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, Town Planning Promotion Section Phone number: 0983-32-1011 ■Planning & Management Town planning circle "SAITO BASE" Town planning Saito KOKOKARA #Illumination #Illumination 2024 #Dating Spot #Dating #Illumination Date #Winter Date #Christmas Date #Christmas #Christmas Events #Miyazaki Date #Miyazaki Date Spot #Saito Date #Saito Date Spot #Miyazaki sightseeing #Saito sightseeing #Koi Irumi

"GET! Pokélid Stamp Rally in Saito, Koyu" Held in This is an announcement from the Saitokoyu Tourism Network. "GET! Pokélid Stamp Rally in Saito, Koyu" is currently being held in. Enjoy the Sightseeing spots and delicious gourmet food of Saito Koyu while touring the poke lid! If you collect all the Poké lid Stamps installed in the 7 cities and towns of Nishi City, Shintomi Town, Takanabe Towns, Kishiro Towns, Kawaminami Towns, Tsuno Towns, and Nishi Rice Village, and apply, you will be selected by lottery to win Nassy's original acrylic stand and an assortment of Specialty Products from each city and Town/Village! ■ Duration Saturday, December 14, 2024 ~ Sunday, March 2, 2025 ■ How to apply Please collect all the Stamps of Poké lids and product shops installed in Saito and Koyu Districts and post them in the application box attached to them. Winners will be replaced by shipping. * Mounts are distributed at the Stamp installation location. ■ Installation location Takanabe Towns (Pokélid: Mosquito Seaside Park, Stamp: VIVA CAGUCCI, Takanabe Hot Spring Meirin-no-yu) Shintomi Town (Pokélid: Sannashiro Plaza, Stamp: Shintomi Hot Spring Saint Lupine, Shintomi Town Agricultural and Livestock Products Direct Sales) Kishiro Towns (Pokélid: Kishiro Hot Spring Kan Yurara, Stamp: Kishiro Hot Spring Kan Yurara, Kishiro Towns Agricultural Products Sales Office Nabaya) Nishi Rice Village (Pokélid: Nishi Rice Hot Spring Yuta~, Stamp: Nishi Rice Hot Spring Yuta~, Village Products Museum) West City (Pokélid: Aisome Plaza, Stamp: Machinaka Gallery Yumetamago, JA Saito Ichaga Plaza) Kawaminami Towns (Pokélid: San A Kawaminami Culture Hall, Stamp: San A Kawaminami Culture Hall, Kawaminami PLATZ) Tono Towns (Pokéfuta: Roadside Station, Stamp: Roadside Station) ■ Inquiries Saitokoyu Tourism Network Secretariat (in the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division, West City Office) TEL 0983-42-4068 #Saitokoyu Tourism Network #Pokélid Stamp Rally in Saito Koyu #Nassy Resort in Miyazaki #Nassy Resort #Nassy #Alora Nassi #Miyazaki Daisuki Pokemon #West City #Shintomi Town #Takanabe Towns #Kijo Towns #Kawaminami Towns #Tono Towns #Nishi Rice Village #Stamp Rally #Poké lid #Pokemon #Pokemon Local Acts #Campaigns #Miyazaki Prefecture

[Gokase Town, Miyazaki Prefecture — Accommodation] Potunto Detached House Kuraoka "An escape from the everyday that still lets you enjoy rural daily life" I want to try living in the countryside. I want to relax in a quiet place. I want to focus quietly on work for a few days. I want a day that makes me forget everything. A nostalgic place like the grandmother’s house I visited as a child. This is an accommodation where you can experience that kind of deep-mountain lifestyle. A home for lovers of mountains and rural life. From October 2024, a newly opened whole-house simple lodging, Potunto Detached House Kuraoka, is available for rent. Come and take a leisurely taste of country living! ↓For detailed rates and other information↓ https://potnt-kuraoka.com/#contents... Contact 3959-2 Kuraoka, Gokase, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki 882-1201 TEL: 0982-83-0522

Gokase Highland Ski Resort Reopens After Two Seasons 🎉 Today, December 20, Gokase Highland Ski Resort resumed operations for the first time in two seasons 😭👏✨ The road to the resort collapsed during the 2022 typhoon, making passage impossible and forcing a prolonged closure, but today it has safely reopened 🥹❤️‍🔥 A long-awaited grand opening saw the mayor’s remarks and a ribbon-cutting by honored guests, including Minami-chan, who returned to join the celebration, officially opening the slopes ⛷️✨ Eager skiers and snowboarders who had been waiting for the resort to reopen began to glide down the runs with style, and the landscape of old seemed to be restored once more 😭✨ It’s a deeply moving moment… We hope the resort, a winter symbol of Gokase, will continue to regain its bustle and flourish even more from now on 😌🙏 The season has only just begun! Please come visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort and enjoy the slopes 🤩💫 Gokase Highland Ski Resort Official Website http://www.gokase.co.jp/ski/#...

Bungoono City in Oita Prefecture on Kyushu. [Notice of No Entry to Yujaku Park] Shinji Pond's revetment in Yujaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture will undergo repair work. Entry to Yujaku Park is prohibited during the construction period. Please take note if you are considering visiting Yujaku Park for tourism or other purposes. Location Yujaku Park (Kamiozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) No-Entry Period January 6, 2025 – Around summer 2025 * All entrances will be closed during the no-entry period. * The no-entry period may shift earlier or later depending on construction progress. Contact Bungoono City Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division, Tourism Promotion Section Phone: 0974-22-1117 ■■■ Access to central Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended sightseeing, food, and accommodation spots in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. The Bungoono City Tourism Association website is linked from the profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

🍁Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024🍁 Please vote! [Until January 5, 2025!] Thank you very much for the many entries to the “Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” contest held recently on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account 🥹✨ We have taken the liberty of conducting a strict first-round selection by the tourism association staff and have chosen 12 entries from all submissions 🤔💡 From these 12 entries, we would like to decide the winners by asking followers of our Instagram account to vote 🤩👏 Please follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko), then in the comments of a post with the hashtag #Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Vote, choose one of the 12 entries and comment the number of the entry you selected ✍ Voting is limited to one vote per account. [Voting period: Until Sunday, January 5, 2025] [Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account] https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Please check the original posts by the entrants before voting 🤗 1 @gokase_pan 2 @kaaazuuu1123 3 @thusandleavis 4 @mitsu_yumi.0520 5 @san.shimako.1105 6 @hiroko.gf1 7 @kaaazuuu1123 8 @niidome2110 9 @sakai_0808 10 @sakai_0808 11 @thusandleavis 12 @naomin168 Ten winners who vote will be selected by lottery to receive specialty products from Gokase Town as a gift 🎁💫 We look forward to your many votes 🥰

Kurara Band Christmas Live 🎄 On Saturday, December 14th, Kurara Band Christmas Live took place at Gion Terrace Kuraraku Multipurpose Hall 😆 This was the third Christmas live, and once again a large crowd came to enjoy the show 😀 Despite the winter chill typical of Kuraoka, the venue buzzed with heat 🔥 as adults and children alike jumped and danced with excitement 😁🎵 It was a concert that brought smiles to everyone who attended, and we look forward to it happening again next year 🥰

Ginji Katsura Rakugo Performance Today, December 15, a rakugo performance by Ginji Katsura, who hails from Nobeoka and is also active in Tokyo, took place🪭✨ This event held the morning show at Kurun and the afternoon show at Kuraokakurara🤗 As a poster, this was my first time seeing live rakugo properly, and I was very excited to watch🤩✨ Rakugo uses almost no props! Performers remain seated, using only a tenugui (hand towel) and a sensu (folding fan), skillfully expressing characters through gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact😯 They make the audience imagine the scene, delivering stories that end with a punchline that makes you laugh out loud🤭 It was truly funny, and I listened with excitement wondering how each punchline would land🤣💫 The scene of eating soba was especially striking. It was incredible—he really made it seem like he was eating. It looked delicious🤤💕 lol In the afternoon, students from Gokase Secondary School also came to watch, and the venue filled with laughter✨ A boy of around five laughed out loud too, and I felt rakugo is a wonderful art that transcends gender and age😳 He kindly agreed to commemorative photos, and both the morning and afternoon shows provided a consistently enjoyable time🥹👏 I hope he will hold another rakugo performance in Gokase soon🤗✨ Thank you very much for today, Ginji Katsura👏👏👏

Ceremony for the Opening of Prefectural Route Taketa–Gokase, Habu Section Today, Friday, December 13, the opening ceremony for the Habu section of the Taketa–Gokase Line took place in the Kuwanouchi area 🤩👏 The Taketa–Gokase Line is an important road that starts in Taketa, Oita Prefecture, passes through Takamori and Takachiho, and ends in Gokase Construction on the Habu section, a part of that route, has been completed, and today’s ceremony marked its opening 👏 First, a Shinto ritual was performed by the priests of Kuwanouchi Shrine and Futono Shrine to celebrate the road’s opening and pray for safety going forward 😌🙏 After that, distinguished guests cut the ribbon, and all the students of Kamigumi Elementary School opened a decorative paper ball, officially opening the road 🎊 Next, as a ceremonial first passage, Kuwanouchi kagura was performed 👹✨ This special kagura is said to be danced only at ceremonies 😳 During the kagura performance, participants released balloons, and many balloons colored the wide blue sky over Kuwanouchi 🎈👋 By the time the rituals concluded, the cold wind that had blown since morning had died down and the sun brought warm, calm weather for the opening ceremony ☀️ We hope the remaining construction is completed smoothly and that everyday life and transportation become more convenient ☺️

Light Fantasy KIKUCHI Held from 30/Nov/2024 to 12/Dec/2024 @ Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizen's Square, Kumamoto Prefecture

Gokase Highland Ski Resort Safety Prayer Ceremony Today, Thursday, December 12, a safety prayer ceremony was held at Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which is set to reopen in eight days for the first time in three years. 🙏✨ Around 60 people boarded shuttle buses from the base to gather, and amid heavy media coverage, a Shinto ritual took place inside the ski center. 😌 The ritual proceeded smoothly, and after offering prayers for the resort’s safety and success, participants toasted together. 🍻 At the post-ceremony gathering, everyone spent a relaxed time, eagerly anticipating the ski area’s opening. 🤗 Along the road up to the resort, snow had accumulated in places, and the slopes were adorned with frost-covered trees that created a magical scene. ❄️✨ When the wind blows, it really is cold, isn’t it? 🥶 I came fully bundled up today, but cold is cold. 🤣 Still, a ski resort should feel like this! Right? 💪❤️‍🔥 Only a little time left until opening. 🤩 Let’s hold on a bit longer and wait with excited anticipation. ✨

【Uedahara Yutate Kagura (kamitawara yutate kagura)】 The "Uedahara Yutate Kagura" took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered every three years to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest, drew many spectators on the day. The Uedahara Yutate Kagura begins with the fire deity tending two large cauldrons of boiling water while the waters are inspected. Afterward, dancers wildly leap over the charcoal embers, scattering sparks as they perform. Next, two performers dressed in eboshi caps and hakama stir the hot water and scoop it by hand to collect the yudama (hot-water spirit) to offer before the shrine. Then two performers in white robes drench themselves with sasa bamboo leaves, dance barefoot over the charcoal, enter the cauldron area to recite norito (Shinto prayers), and conclude with a final dedicatory dance. The courageous and otherworldly spectacle drew loud applause from the audience. 【Location】 Mitarai Shrine grounds (Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) ■■■ Access to downtown Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram, we share recommended spots in Bungoono City for sightseeing, dining, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from our profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura (Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura) White-robed performers douse themselves with hot water The Kamitarawara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered once every three years to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest, drew many spectators on the day. The ceremony begins with the aragami (rough deity) performing a water purification of two large cauldrons whose fires have been kept burning, then wildly dancing over the charcoal fire while scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the deity. Then two white-robed performers drench themselves with water using kumazasa bamboo leaves, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the cauldron area to recite norito prayers, and conclude with a final dedication dance. The powerful, otherworldly spectacle drew loud applause from the audience. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Kamitarawara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) Access to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Follow Bungoono City on Instagram for recommended sightseeing, gourmet spots, and accommodations⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. You can find the Bungoono City Tourism Association website linked from our profile.

Uedahara Yutate Kagura (kamitawara yutate kagura) — The fierce deity that scatters sparks The Uedahara Yutate Kagura took place on December 8, 2024, at Mitarai Shrine in Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This ritual, offered every three years, prays for health and safety and a bountiful harvest. Many spectators attended on the day. The performance begins with the fierce deity testing the hot water from two large kettles as the firewood continues to burn; after that, the deity whirls and stomps across the charcoal fire, scattering sparks. Next, two performers in eboshi caps and hakama stir the water, scoop it by hand, and collect the yudama (water spirit) to offer before the shrine. Then two performers dressed in white drench themselves with sasa bamboo, dance barefoot over the charcoal fire, enter the kettle, recite norito prayers, and finally perform the concluding dance. The bold, otherworldly display drew great applause from the crowd. Location On the grounds of Mitarai Shrine (Uedahara, Mie-machi, Bungoono City) Access to central Bungoono City About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Instagram shares recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodations in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. The Bungoono City Tourism Association website is linked from the profile.

[e-Sports Trial Event 🎮] Today (December 10) an "e-Sports Trial Event" took place in the Sakamoto area.💡 At first, many faces looked tense—perhaps from unfamiliar games and the cold—but as the rounds went on people relaxed and smiles grew.😁✨ Some teams shone with individual skill, others with outstanding teamwork, and each team had its own style. The crowd cheered loudly whenever other teams played, creating a lively atmosphere.😆 Hearing comments like "That was fun!" and "Let’s do it again!" made us very happy.😄

Autumn foliage spot in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing the 2024 autumn colors at Yujaku Park (Yujaku Kōen) Yujaku Park in Asaji Town, Bungoono City Around 500 maple and Japanese maple trees line the Tanji Pond and Shinji Pond, making this one of Oita Prefecture’s representative autumn foliage spots. Many visitors come during the autumn color season. In 2024, the foliage was later than usual, with peak colors around late November. Every year from early to mid-November, the Momiji Festival is held, and the herbal rice cakes made by local residents are very popular during the event. For one day a special stage is set up on the pond for an event called Yujaku Night Kagura Mizukagami. Please visit Yujaku Park again in 2025. Location Yujaku Park (Ageotsuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City) About 45 minutes by car from Oita Mera IC About 6 minutes by car from Roadside Station Asaji About 4 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station Parking available (free) Access to central Bungoono City About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture Instagram shares recommended spots for sightseeing, food, and accommodation in Bungoono City ⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We’d be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from the profile.

[Recording of Itome Meeting Deluxe] Today, December 5, we recorded the hugely popular “Itome Meeting” segment of Gokasecho Kurara Channel, beloved both inside and outside Gokase Town📹✨ Although the recording was originally scheduled for June, it was postponed due to various circumstances😭 The venue was Potunto Ikkenya Kuraoka, which just opened this October🏠💡 On a set that looked like a real TV show, we welcomed local legends Ito-shan (96) and Tome-shan (98) from the Kuraoka district, Gokase Town, plus special guest Asakiss-san (98). The three of them, totaling 292 years, delivered razor-sharp conversation🤣👏 Reporters from Miyazaki Nichinichi Shimbun also covered the event, and Itome Meeting continues to lead the way in energizing Gokase Town literally from the front lines…🥹✨ This edition has been powered up as “Itome Meeting Deluxe – Together with Asakiss-san♪” and will be released soon🤩🙌 Please subscribe to Gokasecho Kurara Channel on YouTube and look forward to the video upload🥳💫 Their quick-witted responses, despite being nearly 100 years old, are sure to inspire you. If you haven’t seen it yet, please give it a watch🤗

Autumn in Gokase: Peak Season Now! Josenji With only one calendar page left and autumn foliage ending in most places, surprisingly Josenji is now at its peak 😳🍁 It was cloudy when I took the photos, but the deep, vivid reds stood out and looked incredibly beautiful 🥹✨ While leaves are fading elsewhere, are the trees at Josenji a late-foliage variety? Or is it due to local environmental factors? I’m not sure, as I don’t know the details… In any case, I never expected to see such stunning autumn colors in December 😳👏 Please stop by and enjoy them for yourself 🤗✨

Commemorative Celebration for the Registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Today, Sunday, December 1, a celebratory gathering was held at the Ara-Odori Hall in the Sakamoto district to mark the registration of “Gokase Ara-odori” as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in February of Reiwa 3 (2021).👏✨ Because the registration around Reiwa 3 fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, holding a celebration then was difficult, so today’s event was finally realized.🥹 After the opening, the ceremony proceeded smoothly with greetings from the Ara-Odori Preservation Society and congratulatory messages from guests, followed by kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening) accompanied by the powerful sounds of Ara-odori drums, bells, and matchlock gun volleys.🍶🔨 Later, Mr. Fujimoto, the lead dancer, gave the toast and the banquet began.👏 It was a wonderful gathering where members of the Ara-Odori Preservation Society, the dancers and their families all shared their various feelings about Ara-odori.😌 During the banquet, the host conducted interviews in which, somewhat shyly, everyone spoke passionately about Ara-odori.🤭✨ When people had enjoyed enough sake and conversation, the event concluded with three cheers of banzai.🙌🙌🙌 In Miyazaki, a land that preserves many traditional performing arts such as kagura, the registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage truly felt like a great achievement.😳 Going forward, we hope these traditional performing arts, preserved and passed down in each district, will continue to be treasured.✨

Anata Terasu: Tea, Healing, Fortune-telling, and Goods Today, Saturday, November 30, Anata Terasu took place at Miyazaki Sabo’s Barber House ☺️🍀 This event, which was also held in summer, is now at Volume 5 🖐️💡 A wood-burning stove warmed the shop, giving a gentle, happy warmth 😌💕 A wide range of fortune-telling and healing services were available 🫶 I asked Hikari Therapy for a guardian reading and a channeled message this time 🤗 I was surprised by some unexpected results 😳 but they might indeed be true 🤭 I felt encouraged to keep the messages in my heart and live joyfully 💪✨ While others waited for healing services, they relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed delicious tea, chiffon cake, and bread 🍵 Healing goods like warm items and other soothing accessories were on display, making for a lovely event where time flowed slowly ☺️✨ Actually, I’m typing this post while eating the hojicha chiffon cake I bought… and it’s unbelievably delicious 🥹💕 The rich hojicha flavor and moist chiffon texture are perfect… If you get the chance, please try it ✨ This was a rewarding event recommended for anyone who’s always busy and feeling a bit short on mental space 🥰

[🍁Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submission Showcase — Part 6—🍁] Here we introduce works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” contest held on the Instagram account of Gokase Tourism Association! @gokase_pan

【🍁Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 5🍁】 Here we showcase works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024” held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. @thusandleavis様

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 4 🍁 Here we introduce works posted to the "#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" contest held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @mitsu_yumi.0520 @naomin168 @niidome2110 (in no particular order)

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submissions — Part 3 🍁 Here we showcase photos posted to the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account for the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” event! @donguri223103 @san.shimako.1105 @kaaazuuu1123 @kickcamp_with_jimny (in no particular order)

[🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submissions — Part 2 🍁] Here are works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” event on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account! @hiroko.gf1 @gokase_pan @miyazaki_212449 (in no particular order)

⛩ Gion Shrine Niiname Festival and Final Kagura Performance 👹 On November 23rd, the Niiname Festival and the final kagura performance were held at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district.⛩ First a Shinto ceremony took place, followed by a kagura dedication at the kagura hall.👹 Today we welcomed visitors from overseas and guests who came from Tokyo.😮 The gingko trees at Gion Shrine had turned color, creating a carpet of yellow.😆✨ Gokase Town is getting colder, and it looks like winter is finally arriving.⛄