Manda Pit is also hugely popular as a cosplay photo spot! Arao City's symbol Manda Pit In 2015 (Heisei 27) it was registered as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage. The Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution—iron and steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining—represent the first successful spread of the Industrial Revolution from Europe to the non-Western world. Between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization in just over half a century. Now preserved as valuable industrial remains, Manda Pit has newly become extremely popular as a cosplay photo location!! Many cosplayers and photographers use the site. Visitors and staff alike find themselves captivated by the authentic costumes and makeup. Here are some precious off‑shot photos. When a shoot starts, the site feels different from the Manda Pit we usually see as staff, and that gives us a strange, wonderful feeling. Manda Pit is perfect for cosplay photography, offering everything from striking action shots to nostalgic scenes. You’re sure to get photos you’ll love—highly recommended. We look forward to your visit. Information Filming requires advance reservation and a photo shoot application form. Please download the application form from the Arao City website. For changing rooms and luggage storage please use the Manda Coal Mine Museum (paid). This also requires advance reservation. Please contact the Manda Coal Mine Museum for room availability. Manda Coal Mine Museum: Phone 0968-64-1300 If you have any questions, please contact Manda Pit Station. ◆ Manda Pit Station 〒864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆ Phone: 0968-57-9155 ◆ FAX: 0968-57-9156 ◆ Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday), and during the New Year holidays ◆ Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) ◆ Admission fees: Manda Pit ruins / Adults: ¥410, High school students: ¥310, Elementary and junior high students: ¥210, Preschool children: free ◆ Access: Bus / 8 minutes from JR Arao Station ◆ Parking: 5 large buses, 3 medium buses, 72 passenger cars #Kumamoto #World Heritage #World Cultural Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Manda Pit #Manda Coal Mine Museum #cosplay #photo spot #Arao City website

Exploring Japan goes beyond just stunning landscapes; it’s a journey steeped in rich traditions. Experiencing traditional Japanese style tea ceremony and making Wagashi with friends in Kimono or Yukata is just a wonderful experience which I will remember my whole life. This is the other side of cool Japan beyond the Natural beauty and mouth watering food. We enjoyed it in Asakusa area of Tokyo.

Zoom in on Tokyo Station at night! Zoom in Tokyo Station !

What did the mine baths look like? At the Miike Coal Mine Manda Pit there is a newly opened Safety Lamp Room and Bathhouse that opened to the public in fiscal 2024. This bathhouse is the facility that was used from around 1951 (Showa 26), about 74 years after coal extraction stopped at Manda Pit, until 1997 (Heisei 9). Because this bathhouse served the small number of miners who performed maintenance work underground, it is different from the large bathhouses from Manda Pit’s heyday. Although smaller in scale, it served the same purpose of washing off the grime from underground work. Because coal dust that stuck to workers during work was hard to wash off, the washing area was separate from the tubs, and the tubs were divided into the "first bath" and an "up-bath (kakari-yu)" used after cleaning oneself thoroughly. (For details about the large bathhouse used by about 3,500 miners at Manda Pit’s peak, guided tours at Manda Pit offer more information, so please consider using a guide.) The Miike Coal Mine had abundant groundwater and required constant pumping. You might think that plentiful groundwater would be suitable for filling the tubs, but the water used for bathing was tap water. The reason was that water drawn from underground contained fine fragments of coal and other materials that posed a risk of injury, so it was not used at Manda Pit. On Hashima (Gunkanjima), water had to be brought in by supply ship from the mainland until a submarine water pipeline opened in 1953 (Showa 28). At that time, sea water was boiled for baths, and fresh water was reserved for the final "up-bath (kakari-yu)." A scene in the 2024 drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" also shows miners using the bathhouse after finishing underground work, so please pay attention to that when you watch.

Mr. Jizo in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Many of them are simple paintings that look like eyes and noses in chaos

🔪Delving into the Mystery of Blade Shapes🔪 📚Join Eric Chevalier, a blacksmith-trained native of France who apprenticed in Sakai, as he explores the many mysteries behind blade shapes! Blades are indispensable in our daily lives, and this event digs into the unique appeal of Sakai cutlery.✨ 📢“Untying the Threads of Sakai: Exploring Sakai’s Mysteries 2025”🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍Sakai Hamono Museum “CUT” (inside Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum) 🔍For details, please check the notices on the Sakai Tourism Guide website. 📬Registration: First-come, first-served on the day (Participation fee: free) ※If you wish to participate, please speak to staff at the TAKUMI SHOP on the first floor. 📞Contact: 072-227-1001

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

Coal Mine Train Photo Exhibition 2025 Now Open! We are exhibiting photographs that capture the many faces of coal mine trains. Please come and visit! ◆Dates: Sunday, March 2, 2025 – Sunday, March 30, 2025 ◆Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM ※Closed: Every Monday (closed the following Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) ◆Venue: Manda Coal Mine Museum, 213 Hara Manda, Arao City ◆Contact: Manda Pit Station, 200-2 Hara Manda, Arao City ☏0968-57-9155 Organizer: Manda Coal Mine Museum Co-organizer: NPO Coal Mine Train Preservation Society

\Echizen's Kiln Artist Exhibition, Held in! ／ There are many pottery makers in Fukui Prefecture, mainly in Echizen Town. Would you like to know more about the work, commitment, personality, etc. of such potters? At the Cultural Exchange Hall in Echizen Pottery Village, an exhibition of works "Echizen potters" is being held in, which exhibits the works of potters in the prefecture. Please take a look at the works that express "now" along with the thoughts and unknown profiles of more than 50 potters! If there is a timing on the weekend, the potter will actually guide you ~. The exhibition will run until Sunday, March 16, 2025. Admission is free. ==================== Fukui "Ceramics" Network Exhibition 2025 ~Echizen no Kilns~ Date: March 1 (Sat) ~ March 16 (Sun), 2025 Venue: Echizen Ceramics Village Cultural Exchange Center (https://www.town-echizen.jp/spot/spot01Detail.php?id=434)... Fee: Free admission Time: 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. ====================

◎ Duty-free shop in Echizen Town where you can buy Echizen pottery The number of foreign tourists is gradually increasing in Fukui Prefecture. Even in Echizen Town, the number of people seeking Echizen pottery and Echizen crab is increasing day by day. Therefore, when you come from far away and buy Souvenirs that you like, a nice service is the TAX FREE shop. Until now, there was not a single registered facility in Echizen Town, but finally the first registered facilities! Two facilities registered this time are Furai Kiln, the Echizen pottery kiln, and Fukui Prefectural Pottery Museum. I would like to Broadcasting the charm of Echizen Pottery to the world and Spread people who like Echizen Pottery to the world! ◎ Furai kiln https://www.instagram.com/furaigama/... With the theme of Nature and living creatures, we create vessels that look like the world of a warm Picture book.　 We value the simplicity and warmth of the soil of Echizen, and try to make the tableware moderately light and palatable so that it can be used in daily life. ◎ Fukui Prefectural Ceramics Museum https://www.instagram.com/tougeikan/... Fukui Prefectural Pottery Museum is a museum of Echizen pottery. We will introduce a documents museum where you can see and learn about Echizen pottery, a pottery class where you can make and enjoy it, a tea garden that you can use and taste, a museum shop, and nature in the Seasonal Nature.

'Mine Tram Preservation Sites Stamp Rally' Event Period Sunday, November 3, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025 Stamp and Card Pickup Locations Mine Tram Station Zero (shop reception) Manda Pit (Marugoto Arao Local Products Center reception) Mikawakou (shop register) Omuta Tourist Plaza (register reception) *Banners will mark the entrances where stamps and cards are available. How to Collect Stamps and Get Your Prize 1. Pick up a rally card at any of the four locations listed above. 2. Collect stamps at each location. 3. Receive your prize at the location where you stamp the fourth mark. The 'Mine Tram Preservation Sites Stamp Rally' runs from Sunday, November 3, 2024 through March 30, 2025. During the event, visit the four stamp and card pickup locations to receive an original tin badge produced by the NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society (two designs available). We look forward to many participants! Inquiries NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society Organizer: NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society Supported by: Omuta City, Arao City Cooperation: Shiraishi Motor Co., Ltd.; Omuta City Tourism Association; Arao City Tourism Association; NPO Miike Port Future Town Development Association

Nagawacho Wada Kyuin Shrine "After a heavy, continuous downpour, floods swept through and clusters of earthworms about one shaku long died. After that, an epidemic broke out in this area and caused a great uproar. People said, 'It's the curse of the earthworms,' so they built a small shrine and enshrined the earthworms." Kyuin (earthworm) may have transformed into a deity, and it is called 'Okin-sama.' The earthworm's form is... 😘

Nagawacho Wada along the Nakasendo A stone monument erected near the side path toward the Mimizu Shrine. Can you see that it says “mimizu”? It’s such an adorable Mimizu-sama (Okin-sama) 😊

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

🧵Unraveling the Mystery of the Tea Room – Hideyoshi’s Golden Tea Room and Rikyu’s Taian Sen no Rikyu, born in Sakai, perfected the tea ceremony culture 🍵 This event focuses on the tea room and features a special lecture by a curator along with an exhibition-guided tour visiting two tea rooms ✨ 📢“Untie the Cord: Exploring Sakai’s Mysteries 2025” 🎉 🗓️ Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍Sakai Risho no Mori; reservations open from Saturday, March 1! 🔍For details, please check the announcement on the Sakai Tourism Guide website 📬Apply via the Sakai Risho no Mori reservation site 📞Inquiries: 072-260-4386

🌷Manda Pit Spring Festa 2025🌷 Delicious gourmet food, handmade goods, and food trucks! Also featuring “Manda Elementary Kids Guide” collaboration: Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3! For details, please visit the Arao City Tourism Association website 💁‍♀️ ◆Date and Time Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:00–15:00 ※Event will proceed in light rain ◆Location Manda Pit Lawn Plaza, 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City Free admission! ※The paid area of Manda Pit remains charged as usual. ◆Program ・Petting zoo ・Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3 (quiz rally) ・Bubble Time (teambub) ・Gymnastics workshop by acrobat performance team VIVO ・Gourmet and craft market with over 30 vendors ◆Organizer Manda Pit Station @akane.0604k93 #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao #Event #Spring Festa #Manda Pit #Gourmet #Food truck #Crafts #Handmade #Zoo #Petting zoo #Quiz rally #Challenge from Manda Pit #Tamana #Omuta #Nagasu #World Cultural Heritage #World Heritage

"The 10th Sakaki Hina Dolls" is held in! Held in from February 6 (Thu) ~ March 30 (Sun) at the Iron Exhibition Hall and the Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum. We will welcome you with an elaborate exhibition. Iron Exhibition Hall Admission fee: 400 yen (300 yen after admission to Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum) Hours: 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.) ■Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Admission fee: 100 yen (free after admission to the Iron Exhibition Hall) Hours: 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.) Events during the < period> ★ Guided tour of Sakaki inn and Showa Bridge Date & Time: February 9 (Sun) ~ March 16 (Sun) Every Sunday 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m. Meeting place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum (Reception from 9:30 am) Planning: Sakaki Inn Fureai Guide Association Participation fee: 400 yen (including admission fee) ★ Let's make a hanging ornament (knot) Held in: February 8 (Sat), 15 (Sat), 23 (Sun) Hours: 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m., 1 p.m. ~ 3 p.m. Place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Admission: 500 yen (admission fee not included) Lecturer: Oyster Wabu no Kai ★ Making a flower brooch with wool felt Held in: February 22 (Sat), March 9 (Sun) Hours: 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m., 1 p.m. ~ 3 p.m. Place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Participation fee: 700 yen (admission fee not included) Lecturer: MS.ten My Teshigotoya ★ Enjoy the aroma of making flowers in Mizuhiki Held in dates: February 16 (Sun), February 19 (Wed), March 2 (Sun) Hours: 10 a.m. ~ 12 p.m., 1 p.m. ~ 3 p.m. Place: Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum Participation fee: 1,000 yen (admission fee not included) Lecturer: Aromatherapy Room Fuka * Fuka * Akiko Yamazaki ★ Let's touch the Japan sword! Let's actually pick up a Japan sword and Appreciation it. Held in: Every Sunday during the exhibition period (except February 23 and March 2) Time: 9 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. Place: Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall Admission: Free (admission fee not included) * Events contents are subject There are change. Thank you for your understanding. <Contact us> Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall TEL. FAX：0268-82-1128 Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum TEL. FAX：0268-82-4193

[Thorough Guide to the World Cultural Heritage Site: Manda Pit!] Manda Pit, located in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of the coal mine ruins that supported Japan’s modernization. It is registered as a component of the World Cultural Heritage site "Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution" and holds great significance in Japan’s industrial history. Highlights of Manda Pit One of Japan’s Largest Shaft Facilities Manda Pit served as one of the Miike Coal Mine shafts, producing high-quality coal from the Meiji era through the early Showa era and supporting Japan’s modernization. The massive steel headframe symbolizing Meiji- and Taisho-era mining technology and the winding engine house are must-sees. Well-Preserved Industrial Heritage Many mine facilities and equipment used from the Meiji through Showa eras remain at Manda Pit, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of the time. The red-brick buildings and the imposing steel-frame structures are especially popular photo spots. Guided Tours to Learn Mine History Specialist-guided tours at Manda Pit explain the history and workings of the mine in detail. You can see the machinery and equipment that were actually used up close. Display of Mine Trains Manda Pit also exhibits the mine trains once used there. You can view the trains used to transport coal and for local transport up close, and running demonstrations are held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Recommended Nearby Spots Arao Tidal Flats (a nature-rich tidal flat registered under the Ramsar Convention) Greenland (one of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks) Yotsuyama Shrine (a historic shrine beloved by Arao residents) Coal Industry Science Museum (a science museum about energy from coal) Access Information About 10 minutes by car from JR Arao Station About 1 hour by car from Fukuoka City About 1 hour by car from Kumamoto City #Manda Pit #World Cultural Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Kumamoto Sightseeing #Arao City #Historical Exploration #Industrial Heritage #Photo Spot

Discover the charms of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a captivating destination with the World Cultural Heritage site Manda Pit, beautiful nature, and leisure spots. Through Cool Japan videos, we will bring you plenty of information on Arao City’s sightseeing, gourmet food, and events! Stay tuned! ■■■Sightseeing spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao offers many places to enjoy history, nature, and leisure. Be sure to visit. ◇Manda Pit (Manda-kō) This coal mine site flourished from the Meiji era through the Showa era and is part of the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” With brick winding engine rooms and massive steel headframes, you can feel the power and history of the mines. ◇Greenland One of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks, Greenland features more than 70 attractions. It’s a top leisure spot where families and friends can spend the whole day. Fireworks are held several times a year, drawing large crowds. ◇Arao Tidal Flats (Arao Higata) This Ramsar-listed tidal flat is a precious habitat visited by many migratory birds. It’s perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Yotsuyama Shrine has watched over Arao’s history and remains beloved by the local community. Many worshippers still visit; a grand torii welcomes visitors to a peaceful shrine atmosphere. ■■■Local specialties and gourmet food of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao is full of local culinary delights to savor! ◇Arao Pears Known nationwide for their large size and rich sweetness, Arao pears offer a juicy, crisp texture. The new summer variety, Arao nashi, has attracted attention as a summer fruit. ◇Melon Bread Arao boasts many melon bread shops, including Fukuyama’s Melon Bread and Mankodo’s Melon Bread. ◇Kosen Dago A giant okonomiyaki exceeding 30 cm in diameter, this local favorite is loved by residents and tourists for its size and flavor. ◇Ojiro ware Ojiro ware is a representative Kyushu pottery fired for about 400 years on the northern slopes of Mount Odai. Its glazes blend deep indigo and blue with white slip, earning high artistic praise. ◇Arao Olive Olive cultivation is thriving, and locally produced olive oil is often used as a gift. ■■■Events in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao hosts enjoyable events throughout the seasons! ◇Arao Night Market A summer festival held at Manda Pit, the night market gathers many gourmet food trucks and attracts large crowds each year. ◇Nobaru Hachimangu Annual Festival (Nobarasan) Affectionately called “Nobarasan” by locals, this festival preserves a traditional performance known as furyu that has been passed down orally for over 770 years. Furyu is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022 the furyu dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Annual Festival (Kokunzosan) Local elementary and junior high school students perform miko dances such as Urayasu no Mai and Toyosakae no Mai. Climb the 311 steps that lead to the shrine to offer prayers and receive lucky coins, and enjoy the many stalls lining the path to Yotsuyama Shrine. ◇Majaku Fishing Tournament A signature Arao event, this unique tournament involves catching majaku (ghost shrimp) on the tidal flats—an authentic local experience. ◇Manda Pit Spring Festa A spring event held at Manda Pit featuring a variety of attractions. It’s popular with families and visitors. ■■■Hot springs and accommodation in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao also offers relaxing hot springs and a range of accommodations. ◇Accommodation in Arao City The city has ample hotels that are convenient for both sightseeing and business. Some properties feature hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. We will continue to share Arao City’s attractions through Cool Japan videos! Come and enjoy Arao’s history, nature, and gourmet food! #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao City #Kumamoto tourism #World Cultural Heritage #Manda Pit #Greenland #Arao pears #Melon bread #coal mine

🔫 Special guided tour exploring the mystery of Sakai gunsmith Inoue Sekiemon! In the Edo period, Sakai was a major center for firearm production✨ This tour delves into the mystery of Sakai gunsmith Inoue Sekiemon, who inherited that history🕵️ 📢 “Untie the Threads, Uncover Sakai: Exploring Sakai’s Mysteries 2025”🎉 📅 Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23 📍Teppo-kaji residence, about 8 participants per session, advance reservations accepted! 🔍 For details, please check the notices on the Sakai Tourism Guide website. 📬Application: Phone/Fax: 072-228-1501 Email: info@sakai-machiyamuseums.com

Samurai Teaceremony Zen is alive and well in traditional Japanese culture. Zen has greatly influenced traditional Japanese culture, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, and martial arts. Zen has had a great influence on traditional Japanese culture. It is also said that modern etiquette is based on the The Ogasawara school of etiquette, which is said to have become the standard of modern etiquette, is said to have been established by relating Zen manners to the lifestyle of the samurai class. #teaceremony #japanesetea #calligraphy #wabisabi

SamuraiCalligraphy 戦国時代、世を死と隣り合わせに駆け抜けたサムライとその妻たちが、死に際（死を覚悟）に儚くも美しい書を遺した。 During the Warring States period, samurai and their wives, who ran through the world side by side with death, left behind ephemeral but beautiful calligraphy on their deathbeds (prepared to die). #SamuraiCalligraphy Deathbed calligraphy is something a person writes down with a brush as their last words in this world when they foresee their death and look back on their life so far. #shodo #kanji

Samurai become  For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the best of our ability. We must not only carefully consider the words of the Samurai, but we must also act on them. #katana #samuraisword #bushido

Bushido Samurai are born aware of their "honor" The goal of the aspiring samurai was not wealth or knowledge, but honor. Honor is a goal to be pursued "within oneself," without regard to profit or loss. Therefore, "honor" that is concerned with public reputation is not real honor. 〜I have found that bushido means to die〜

SAMURAI Armor Samurai fought fair and square in one-on-one battles, which was the samurai way of fighting. During this time, it was not acceptable for the adversary to initiate a fight. If they did, they were considered "cowards. #osakacastle #samurai #calligraphy #teaceremony #katana

How many snow patterns can you see from Shinano-Omachi? Today's quiz! We had an enormous amount of snow this winter. On mornings when I have to dig my car out before commuting, I feel completely drained from the start of the day. This morning the snow glittered, each flake shining like a crystal. The temperature dropped sharply and the air itself seemed to sparkle. When spring comes and the mountain snow begins to melt, snow patterns appear on the slopes. In Hakuba, where I grew up, there are patterns like the rice-transplanting horse and the Takeda crest on Goryu, but I learned that Azumino has many other snow patterns too! How many do you know? How many snow patterns can be seen from Omachi City? As always, find the answer on our blog! Please come visit us. We also introduce station-to-hike courses that start in April. https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/blog/90844/... The Omachi City Tourism Association's Instagram logo has been refreshed! We mainly introduce activities in Shinano-Omachi. Please follow and like our page! Likes make us very happy and encourage us a lot. https://www.instagram.com/omachi_activitybook/... Thank you for always reading!

Honoring the Samurai girl The more onago is bullshit, the more the world will be bullshit. The stronger you are, the calmer you will be.  The more you can hang your head and bow low, the more genuine nobility and strength you will acquire. #osakacastle #samuraigirl #harakiri #bushido #katana

EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! How do you do! It is a Sakaki Town Tourist Association. Nagano Prefecture Hanishina District Sakaki Town is located Oyster Northern part Nagano Prefecture and is a Rich in nature area that stretches along the Chikuma River. With a population of about 14,000 people (as of 2024), it is There is a between Nagano City and Ueda City, and is known as an easy town to live in due to its convenient transportation. We will Broadcasting Tourist Information full of charm of Sakaki Town in Hanishina District, Nagano Prefecture on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you! ■What is Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture? Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture, where history and tradition are alive, is dotted with sightseeing spots such as the famous castle "Katsurao Castle Ruins" of the Sengoku period and the "Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park" where beautiful roses bloom, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. In addition, Gourmet unique to Sakaki Town such as the famous "Nezumi daikon radish" and "Oshibori udon" are also attractive. In addition, there is also the "Iron Exhibition Hall", which is also known as the "town of swordsmiths" and is the only permanent exhibition hall of Japan swords in the prefecture. ■Access to Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture Access to Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is good, and you can get there smoothly from Tokyo Central Tokyo. Use the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Ueda Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, or transfer to the Shinano Railway and arrive at Sakaki Station in about 15 minutes. Use by Car will take the Kan-Etsu Expressway and Joshinetsu Expressway from Tokyo in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. ■Historical background of Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is known as the site of Katsurao Castle, where Takeda Shingen and Yoshikiyo Murakami fought fierce battles during the Sengoku period. In addition, in the Edo period, it developed as an important place for transportation, and agriculture utilizing the Chikuma River basin was also actively carried out. Even now, it is popular with many history buffs as a town with many historical sites where you can feel the history. ■Popular Sightseeing spots in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park is a beautiful park with 2,300 roses of about 330 species. Located along the Chikuma River, you can enjoy colorful roses from Spring to autumn. Best time to visit around May ~ June, and many tourists visit. Promenade surrounded by roses is maintained in the park, and you can enjoy the Aroma while taking a leisurely stroll. Held in the Rose Festival from late May to early June every year, where rose saplings are sold and Local Specialty products are Stalls. ・Katsurao Castle Ruins Katsurao Castle Ruins, which was the residence of Yoshikiyo Murakami during the Warring States period, is located on a mountain 800m Elevation and has a superb view overlooking Ueda City and Chikuma River Spot. There are traces of stone walls and Earthen mound on the Ruins of the Castle, and you can feel the history. Mountain trails are maintained, and you can experience history while enjoying Hiking. ・Bingushiyu-san It is a One Day Hot Spring with various indoor baths, various open-air baths, exercise baths, large halls, etc. Spring quality is widely applied to neuralgia, muscle pain, Relief from fatigue, etc. From the open-air bath overlooking Sakaki Town, there is a superb panorama! There is also a Shokudo and a shop, and it is popular as a hot spring facility where you can spend a relaxing time. ・Sakashiro Shrine In the 1350 years since its founding, Izumo Taisha has held a festival to the god of the great country lord, and has received many prayers as the god of Marriage. As one of the largest Izumo Taisha shrines in eastern Japan, the shrine Precincts boast a majestic sanctuary and are popular with prayer visitors as a power spot. ・Manzenji Temple Manzenji Temple is a historic temple located in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture, and is also known as the ruins of the ancestral residence of the Village Kami clan known for the warring states Warlord Yoshikiyo Murakami, making it an interesting Spot for history buffs. ・Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is known as the "Town of Sword Makers", and the "Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall" is a facility where the works of the human national treasure Miyairi Ikihei swordsmith born in Sakaki Town and the works of Miyairi Ichimon who inherited the tradition are exhibited. There are plenty of Japanese swords and armor on display, and you can see the art of Swordsmithing up close. Elaborate special exhibitions are held throughout the year, and gallery talks and Japan sword care experiences are also held. ■ Gourmet specialty products of Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Nezumi daikon radish The Specialty products of the Sakaki Town, "nezumi daikon radish", has a shape of a lower bulge and a thin, long root like a mouse Traditional Japanese straw raincoat tail, and its taste is characterized by a faint sweetness after spiciness. "oshibori udon", which is made with grated radish Squeezed Juice, is popular as a Local cuisine of Local. ・Oshibori udon noodles Oshibori udon is a local cuisine in which Udon noodles are eaten by dissolving miso paste in the Squeezed Juice of Nezumi Daikon Radish to make a Dipping Sauce. It is characterized by its spiciness and sweetness that you can feel faintly afterwards, and it is a delicious taste that you will become addicted to once you eat it. ■Traditional crafts of Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Shinshu Kumiko Woodcraft Certified as a traditional craft in Nagano Prefecture in 2019, "Shinshu Kumiko Woodcraft" is a traditional craft that combines wood to create delicate patterns. In Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture, this technique is still passed down to this day, and exquisitely crafted works are made. ■Events and Festivals in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Sakaki Hina Dolls The Sakaki Hina Dolls, which is Held in in February and March every year, is a Events where traditional Hina Dolls are exhibited. Hina dolls from the Edo period to the present day gather in one place. The venue is the Iron Exhibition Hall and the Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum. ・Rose Festival Held in every year from late May to early June at Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park, the Rose Festival sells rose seedlings and specialty products, Stalls at restaurants, and events.  ■Enjoy Enjoy sightseeing in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture! Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is a fascinating town full of history, nature, and traditional culture. Access is also good, and you can fully enjoy sightseeing, gourmet food, and events. Please come to Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture and experience the charm of Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture!

The 5th Sakuhomachi Ikebana Exhibition From tomorrow, Saturday the 22nd, through Monday the 24th, the Ikebana exhibition will take place at the Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum🌷🌷 Participating schools include Koyama-ryu, Kodo-ryu, Koryu Matsufuji-kai, Sogetsu, and Ikenobo! Enjoy the collaboration of Taisho-era romantic architecture and fresh floral arrangements🌺🎶 ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂ Venue: Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum Address: 1429-1 Hozumi, Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Dates: Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Monday, February 24, 2025 Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Museum admission: Adults 500 yen (400 yen), Elementary and junior high students 300 yen (250 yen) ※Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more ※Admission covers both the museum and the Ikebana exhibition. Access: Transfer at Hokuriku Shinkansen Sakudaira, then a 1-minute walk from JR Koumi Line yachiho station Five minutes by car from Central Japan Expressway Yachiho Kogen, sixty minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Sudama IC ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂

In Hinomotoichi's Calligraphy Trial Plan, students do not pick up a brush and start writing immediately after the lesson begins. Instead, we begin by explaining about the culture of calligraphy and the history of calligraphy in Japan. This is because it helps them to better understand the difference between Japanese calligraphy and caligraphy, which is a form of character decoration that also exists in other countries, and to appreciate the beauty of the Japanese language. #calligraphy #kanji #shodo