#005 This time, I will introduce the Tsuno town soccer team aiming to join the J.League, Veros Chronos Tsuno. Veros, currently based in Tsunocho, Koyu District, Miyazaki Prefecture, plays in the Kyushu Soccer League and is striving to join the J.League. In this post, I will touch on Veros’s details, history, initiatives, and one player I worked with. ◆Details about Veros The hometown is Tsunocho and the home stadium is Tsunocho Fujimi Park Athletic Stadium, where the team trains daily toward its goals. The club color is asagi (light blue-green), and the operating corporation is J.FC Miyazaki Co., Ltd., founded in 2014. ◆History of Veros In 2019, J.FC MIYAZAKI (the former team of Veros) and the general incorporated association Tsuno Sports Commission of Tsunocho signed an agreement on the Tsuno vocational training project. The following year they moved the hometown from Miyazaki City to Tsunocho and adopted the current asagi club color. The next year the club name changed to Veros Chronos Tsuno, and the team logo and emblem were revamped. Veros’s history as a name is short, but the team actually has a much longer background. I will abbreviate that history here. By the way, the name Veros Chronos Tsuno comes from combining the Greek word for “arrow,” veros, referring to Yatake Falls in Tsunocho, and Chronos, the Greek mythological god of agriculture. ◆Recent Veros I started working at the Tsuno Town Tourism Association in April last year, and since then I learned about Veros, worked with them, and began supporting the team. Many Veros players balance being professional footballers and company employees. The root of this is the regional revitalization cooperation program. The program brings people from urban areas to depopulated or disadvantaged regions to live and carry out community revitalization activities. Veros adopts this system: players devote their mornings to soccer and work at various places in the afternoons. Employers include local farmers, companies, and organizations in Tsunocho, grouped as digital teams or agricultural teams. Last year, one player was assigned to the tourism association as a cooperation squad member for a year. Veros’s youth teams are also attracting attention. As part of the general incorporated association Tsuno Sports Academy’s efforts, they run a unique, community-engaged project to nurture young people from childhood through youth in sport, daily life, education, vocational training, and local engagement. Before being athletes, these young people grow into good members of society, serve as role models for the community, and lead regional development—this kind of human resource development may be unique to this town. Frankly, if I imagined myself as a professional athlete, I would find it hard to accept working another job while still a pro; I might wonder why I had to do it. Because of that doubt, I asked players about it. ◆A player who was seconded to the tourism association as a cooperation squad member said “Certainly, some players question doing farming or working with computers while being professionals. Some players are dissatisfied with the team’s methods and policies. Still, this characteristic is rare among other teams, and for those of us without social experience, it’s a valuable opportunity. It’s rewarding, and it has changed how I think about everyday life. Joining this tourism association made me feel that, being of an age called a veteran, I must set an example for the team, and the results here strengthen ties with local residents. When I consider life after retirement, some will enter society or stay involved with soccer. In society, past athletic experience hardly carries weight. That’s why joining Veros prompted me to think about life after retirement and who I will be when I re-enter society. I want to say this: these experiences become a wonderful asset in life. There will come a time when you think, ‘It was because of that experience,’ or ‘Because I was at Veros.’ Young players might not understand now, but by working hard where you are, you earn recognition from teammates, coaches, staff, and, more broadly, local residents. That recognition will bring support not just for you but for the team. Because it’s a small town, working together and helping each other makes the team rooted in the community and able to aim higher.” He told me this. He now lives in Kanagawa Prefecture and works as a secretary to a local assembly member. That was surprising, but it’s undoubtedly the result of what he built for himself. Next, I will talk about what I felt during the year I worked with him. When I joined the tourism association in April 2024, he had been dispatched about two months earlier as the association’s first cooperation squad member. My first impression was that he looked flashy, but we quickly became close and often acted together. At the summer festival, under the blazing sun, our team carried the mikoshi shrine float. We traveled together on business to the sister city Saroma in Hokkaido and to the sister city Itoman in Okinawa Prefecture, where he was in charge of grilling local jidori chicken over charcoal at events. Looking back, he was a hard worker. The event we worked hardest on together was one of Tsunocho’s famous festivals, the Industry Festival. We arranged stalls and food trucks, scoped venues, and took on new challenges together. I may have seen him more as a respected senior colleague at work than merely as a soccer player. He rarely acted like a footballer while working. Then, at the end of 2024, he retired from soccer, left the cooperation squad, and became a secretary to an assembly member. It is common for retired professional athletes to stay in sports as managers, coaches, sports directors, or move into team management. I was amazed that he became a secretary to an assembly member after retirement. No wonder it was covered in online news. Working with someone like him from my first year as a professional was a valuable experience for me too. I write this because I believe Veros Chronos’s initiatives have real meaning. These efforts greatly influence players’ careers after retirement. Some players fell in love with Tsunocho after joining Veros and chose to live here after retirement. By not only cheering the team but cooperating with local residents, I am convinced that both Tsunocho and Veros will develop together. This year, they dominated the league with five wins and one loss, and in the Emperor’s Cup they beat J3’s Gainare Tottori, setting up a second-round match against J1 Nagoya Grampus on June 11. I hope for a giant-killing upset. I will continue to watch Veros Chronos Tsuno’s progress!!

[Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) Announcement] Good morning 🌞 Today, Cool Japan Video granted this account an official badge ✨✨✨ And thank you, as always, to everyone who watches. We will continue working hard to share the charms of Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way so that more people will visit! If you’re curious about outing information for Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture, please check the Shobara Tourism Information site "Shobara Tourism Navi"! Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) is an organization that values contributing to the community and personal growth! ▷ Development and sales of tourism products and local specialties that leverage regional resources. ▷ Promotion, PR, and sales activities to attract tourists and tours. ▷ Information services for inquiries about tourist information. [Contact] Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (General Incorporated Association) TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172 Shobara DMO official site ▽ https://shobara-dmo.jp// Shobara Tourism Navi information site ▽ https://www.shobara-info.com//

We present seven recommended ways to spend time in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Take time to face the mountain colors, the scent of the trees, the murmur of rivers, and the voice of the wind, and cherish moments to look inward as you enjoy how to spend your time in Shobara. 1 Satoyama (Rural Mountain Landscapes) Photo 1: Rice field scenery in Mikawachi Shobara still preserves pastoral landscapes where traditional ways of life persist and many kominka, or old private houses, that retain a nostalgic charm. Seeing how people live here, you feel a surprising sense of nostalgia despite it being your first visit. 2 Healing Photo 2: Kumano Shrine Step into a mysterious shrine precinct deep in the forest, surrounded by countless cedar trees, and ancient cedars older than a thousand years will greet you. As you move forward in awed silence, the fatigue of everyday life seems to wash away little by little. 3 Oishii (Delicious Food) Photo 3: Hiba Beef gourmet Eating fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the place they were harvested is one of this town’s great pleasures. The tender meat of Shobara’s branded Hiba beef, passed down from the oldest local cattle line, paired with crisp vegetables, brings a smile the moment you take a bite. 4 Botanical (Nature and Plants) Photo 4: National Bihoku Hillside Park A blue sky and a sea of flowers feel like stepping into a storybook. The blooms’ colors enchant you and make you eager for the next season. Surrounded by sweet fragrances, let easy conversation flow. 5 Activity Photo 5: Apple picking Pluck a cluster of glossy red apples and take a big bite! The juicy sweetness fills your mouth. Enjoy the different colors and shapes of each variety, and you’ll feel like a child again—so much so you might pick more than you need. 6 Relaxation Photo 6: Staying in a kominka Gentle mountains and clear air set the scene. Sunlight streaming into your lodging slows your sense of time, and the warmth of the wooden house soothes both body and mind. 7 Adventure Photo 7: Shobara Satoyama Rafting Surrounded by vast nature, move forward while feeling the fresh air and the river’s flow. Gripping your paddle, you’ll find yourself swept up in the action. The thrill of descending the river together with everyone is unforgettable.

#004 It's getting a bit warmer little by little! It seems the rainy season began today in southern Kyushu, but I'm not someone who dislikes rain! Now, as the rainy season ends, summer will arrive all at once. By the calendar it's already summer, so let me introduce Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, a summer tradition of Tsunocho in Miyazaki Prefecture! 【Origins of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival】 When you think of summer, you picture fireworks, food stalls, and bon dancing. Different regions have their own traditional events, like Aomori's Nebuta Festival or Kyoto's Gion Festival. So what is the traditional event in Tsunocho? It is the Tsuno Shrine Summer Festival. Festivals are rarely held without reason; they usually serve a purpose, such as protecting crops from pests and natural disasters, warding off epidemics, or fostering community ties. What about the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival? In fact, this festival has an origin. Its origin is said to trace back to an old account in which Empress Jingū invited ritual ceremonies onto her ship during her expedition to Silla. The festival's purposes reflect Tsunocho's character as a town with thriving agriculture and livestock. People pray to drive away crop-damaging pests, repel typhoon-related damage—which Miyazaki Prefecture is susceptible to—and ward off epidemics. However, the enshrined deity at Tsuno Shrine, Ōkuninushi no Mikoto, is also a god of water, so the festival day sometimes brings rain, and a few years ago a typhoon struck directly. Even so, townspeople continue to hold the festival without stopping. 【The festival’s appeal】 People born and raised in Tsunocho often say in unison, "I won't come home for Bon or New Year, but I always come back for the summer festival" or "It's not summer unless I go to the summer festival." They look forward to it every year. You might wonder, really? I feel the same way. Born and raised in Tsunocho, I have loved this festival since childhood. When I was in my third year of junior high, I always helped carry my school's taiko float. That experience made me appreciate the float's coolness and sense of purpose, and it made me want to carry a float someday. Let me introduce the charms of the Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival. ◆Festival dates Every year on August 1 and 2 ◆Introduction to the taiko floats and more In addition to the shrine's gilded portable shrine, several taiko floats appear at this festival. These floats are arguably the festival's main attraction. ・Hamawaka Taiko Float (Shimohama district) ・Shinmachi Taiko Float (Shinmachi district) ・Kitawaka Taiko Float (Kitamachi district) ・Idobata Taiko Float (mainly Matsubara district) These four town floats parade through the town for two days and, after the shrine entry on the second day, engage in a kenka clash. Other participants include the Tsuno Junior High School taiko float, Shimohama children's taiko float, Shicho children's taiko float, and the Ichinomiya Nursery School mikoshi, all raising the festive spirit. The festival atmosphere is further heightened by Tsuno Youth Taiko, djembe drums, the Matsubara lion dance, Yosakoi Miroku troupe, and dances performed by each elementary school. Over the two days, the sound of drums echoes from many places. ◆What happens over the two days On the first day, the "Hama-oroshi" procession takes place. Sarutahiko and the lion cleanse evil spirits along the route while leading the mikoshi. A burly Sarutahiko strikes a tree branch on the ground, and the lion bites the heads of onlookers as it walks. The spectacle can make children burst into tears. Behind them, boys of junior high carry the gilded mikoshi. Next comes Tsuno Junior High's taiko float. Until the Hama-oroshi, girls carry the taiko float. Then the four town floats follow, carried with shouts that match the middle schoolers' intensity, and the Hama-oroshi proceeds. On the second day, the taiko floats parade through the town. In the evening the mikoshi departs down the shopping street, followed by the other taiko floats. Ahead lies the finale at Tsuno Shrine, the Ichinomiya of Hyūga Province. Thousands of spectators gather in front of the shrine's east torii to witness the dramatic scene, watching and waiting toward the sound of drums. At 7:00 p.m., when the mikoshi and all taiko floats pass through the torii, the shrine entry concludes. Actually, spectators are especially there for what comes after the entry. After the shrine entry comes, as touched on above, the "kenka" between taiko floats. Hearing "kenka," you might imagine fistfights or police intervention, but rest assured: no punching occurs, and police are present. In the past there were accidents and real fights, but not anymore. The kenka involves ramming the floats together and pushing. Pushing a few meters declares victory. Some visitors come from outside the prefecture or from abroad just to see this. The festival is that compelling and worth visiting. ◆Conclusion The Tsuno Shrine Summer Grand Festival, one of Tsunocho's attractions, embodies history and the dedication of the people who have carried it forward. Similar festivals exist across Japan, but each has its own history, charms, and scenery. The summer grand festival that Tsuno townspeople have built over decades is waiting for you—please visit at least once.

On Sunday, June 1, representatives from Ashoro Town, the Ashoro Tourism Association, the Ashoro Mountain Friends Association, the Ministry of the Environment, the Eastern Forest Management Office, Hokkaido Police and other stakeholders gathered to hold the 2025 MtMeakan Climbing Safety Prayer Ceremony, followed by a prayer climb. We recently shared safety reminders about climbing, and we ask anyone planning a climb to take care to avoid accidents and enjoy ascending MtMeakan again this year.

On display in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture until Sunday, June 15, 2025! “Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring” Shobara Satoyama Open Garden is a regular spring and autumn event where visitors can tour gardens ranging from imaginative small plots to full-scale Japanese gardens, all showcasing seasonal blooms 🌼🌹 For the latest updates, check the Shobara Satoyama Open Garden Instagram! ✅ Account here ▽ 🌼 @satoyamaopengarden 🌼 Event name: Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring Location: Various gardens throughout Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172 Open garden notes If an entrance sign at a garden reads “CLOSE,” please refrain from visiting that garden. Do not enter private areas such as homes or restrooms. Use restrooms inside the open garden information centers or public restrooms. ※Gardens marked as having restrooms allow use of those facilities. If you come by car, please use designated parking areas. Refrain from parking in ways that disturb neighbors. Bringing pets is generally not allowed. ※Gardens with a pet-friendly mark permit pets. Always keep pets on a leash and as short as possible. The open gardens are available to view thanks to the generosity of the garden owners. Please follow viewing etiquette and be sure to express your gratitude. ◎For the latest updates, visit Instagram!

Fresh green at Unoko Falls 🍃 It feels like May has flown by in no time 😅 Saturday, May 31 in Gokasecho was a delightfully clear day 🌞 At this time of year, Unoko Falls has plenty of water and brilliant fresh greenery ✨ I was soothed by birdsong, the sound of the water, and the breeze 🥰 The light was just right, so I got some great photos 📷 When you walk down to the plunge pool, be careful—wet spots can be slippery, so watch your step 👣

Relocation of “Shintoku Stella Station” and the reception of bicycle rentals in front of JR Shintoku Station Due to the move to the Tokutoku Community Center, bicycle rental reception on Saturdays and Sundays will be suspended. After the relocation, the new store will be renamed Cafe & Shop Kotoise. From Sunday, June 15th, bicycle rental reception in front of JR Shintoku Station will take place at the Shintoku Town Tourism Association on the 2nd floor of the Tokutoku Community Center. Ride through Shintoku Town <Ride with the winds of Tokachi!> We look forward to your visit. #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #shintoku #Welcome to Shintoku #Welcome back to Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #JR Shintoku Station #Station-front multipurpose facility Tokutoku #tuktuk #tokutoku #bicycle rental #Sightseeing by bicycle rental #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #cyclelife #cycle #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Hello everyone. Thank you very much for always using Roadside Station Higashikawa-cho “Michi-kusakan”. We update the chalkboard at Michi-kusakan with events and local information, so please take a look❣ *Chalkboard information is updated irregularly!*

To residents and visitors of Higashikawa-cho and surrounding areas On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, a brown bear was sighted along Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line). Please exercise extreme caution if you are traveling through or using the nearby area. Date and time: Wednesday, May 28 Location: On the road and near the bridge in front of Daisetsu Asahidake Gensui Park, heading from Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward Higashikawa-cho. Number of bears: One (encountered twice) Situation: The bear ran from the T-junction of Prefectural Route 1160 (Asahidake Onsen Line) toward the Asahidake Gensui area. After fleeing into the forested area, it appeared on the road again before running off. We will continue to update with the latest information, so please remain alert. If you spot a bear, please report it immediately to the contact below. Higashikawa Town Agricultural Promotion Division, Forestry and Agriculture Promotion Office TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 152) https://reurl.cc/W0ZGYO...

Today, May 30th, is "Kominka Day"!🏘 Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is blessed with vast nature and retains many traditional wooden houses, ranking third in the nation for kominka preservation. To address vacant-house issues, several renovated inns that evoke the satoyama (rural mountain landscape) by showcasing the buildings' original materials have appeared. setouchi kominka stays hiroshima introduces three houses—chojaya, furousen, and kozako forest—and this time we present a newly renovated inn focused on the outdoors with maximum openness. Its name is kusamura. This is a private-rental tent sauna and an entire kominka available for exclusive use, boasting perhaps the most striking presence in Japan. Housed in a 150-year-old renovated kominka with plenty of outdoor features, one highlight is the BBQ. About a 15-minute drive away, shokusai-kan shobara yume sakura sells Hiba Beef and fresh vegetables, so you can buy ingredients there and bring them for a lively group meal. Second, enjoy a tent sauna that offers a strong sense of privacy for you and your friends. Cooling off outdoors on the engawa (veranda) feels great and provides a unique, deeply relaxing experience. Third, you can have a bonfire. Gather around the flames and enjoy conversation. The sleeping area includes four single beds, one air mattress, and one hammock. The place is equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, stove, and towels. Happily, pets are allowed, so consider staying with your dog. Please note that guests under junior high school age cannot stay overnight, so be careful when booking. Address: 2765 Kawakitacho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Price: From JPY 16,200 per night Reservations: Book via Airbnb or Booking.com Hours: Check-in from 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00

The famed hot spring Kawayu Onsen draws its waters from MtAtosanupuri, a name that means “naked mountain” in the Ainu language. True to its name, the mountain’s slopes lack trees, and steam billows from vents with a thunderous roar, creating a dramatic sight. Getting as close as possible to view the fumaroles adds to the sense of occasion. Here we introduce Mt. Io (Atosanupuri), a designated natural sightseeing feature of Teshikagacho. For more details, see Teshikaga Navi 👀⭐️ https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/iouzan/...

June is almost here! In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, blessed with great nature, you can see fireflies. At Hotaru-mi Park in Kuchiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, many visitors gather every year. The fireflies fly from around 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a peak 30-minute period from about 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. About 300 meters downstream from Hotaru-mi Park there is a spot where Genji fireflies appear. This year’s best viewing time is expected to be later than usual because cherry blossoms bloomed late. Hotaru-mi Park has a campsite, and around July you can see Hime fireflies. Hime fireflies glow more quietly than Genji fireflies, and people who have gone camping at Hotaru-mi Park report the rare experience of seeing many fireflies gather in front of their tents. Hotaru-mi Park has few lights, making it an excellent place for firefly watching. At the “Firefly Viewing Gathering” held on Saturday, June 21, all lights in the management building and campsite will be turned off for one minute starting at 9:00 p.m., so you can enjoy only the fireflies’ glow. You just have to go…! Food trucks and stalls are also planned for the day. Please come visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—see you by car! ● Basic information for Hotaru-mi Park Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Phone: 0824-87-2513 *The manager is on duty from 8:00 to 17:00* *If no one answers, the manager will call you back* Parking: Available, about 30 spaces ● Event information for the Firefly Viewing Gathering Venue: Hotaru-mi Park, Moomoo Local Products Hall, Shingetsu Marche (former Mikami residence) Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Date and time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. (Firefly viewing hours: 6:00 p.m. onward) There are many other spots and events where you can see fireflies. For details, please see the Shobara tourist information site, Shobara Tourist Navi.

Finally, the long-awaited opening! The new community exchange center Tuktuk opens next to JR Shintoku Station. ・Date: Sunday, June 15 ・Time: 10:00–16:00 ・Venue: Tuktuk Community Exchange Center, next to JR Shintoku Station @tuktuk_shintoku For the opening event there will be food trucks, a flea market, a rock–paper–scissors tournament, a communal ribbon-cutting and many other activities. And the highlight is… the “Cherry Pit Spitting Contest in Shintoku Town” hosted by Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture 🍒 ・Date: Sunday, June 15 ・Time: 12:00–14:00 (Registration opens at 11:30) ・Venue: Station Front Event Plaza ・Participants: 200 people (same-day registration, first come, first served) ・Participation prize: 50 g of Sato Nishiki cherries ※ Prizes will be awarded for exceeding a set distance Eat delicious cherries and give your best shot at spitting the pit as far as you can! We look forward to your challenge 💪 At the station front event plaza, cherries and local specialties will also be sold, so look forward to that. ◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆ Also, the Shintoku Town Tourism Association, currently located in Shintoku Town Hall, will relocate to the second floor (station side) of Tuktuk. If you visit Shintoku for sightseeing, stop by for work, or have a little time while waiting for a train or bus, please drop in. We look forward to meeting you and sharing the charms of Shintoku Town. We’ll be waiting on Sunday, June 15 💁‍♀️ #Hokkaido #Yamagata Prefecture #Tokachi #Higashine City #Higashine cherries #Sato Nishiki #Sato Nishiki cherries #Cherries #Pit Spitting Contest #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #JR Shintoku Station #Tuktuk station-front complex #tuktuk #Tuktuk #Opening #Opening Event #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #cherry #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

Good morning, everyone. Event announcement!! On June 1, 2025, the “Town of Photography” will celebrate its 40th anniversary. On this milestone 40th birthday, we will hold a variety of events so townspeople and everyone who supports us can enjoy the Town of Photography. At the Higashikawa Town Cultural Gallery, there will be a photo exhibition and talk by local photographer Minoru Okuda, an answer reveal for the crossword published in the May public relations issue, and a talk event tied to the publication of the Town of Photography 40th Anniversary Magazine. At the Higashikawa Town multipurpose exchange facility Sento Pure, there will be hot air balloon flight experiences, food trucks, a concert by Tokiko Kato, and te-tetsu hand-held fireworks by the Higashikawa Tetotetsu Fireworks Entomo-kai. The main event will be a birthday celebration with everyone gathered, singing “Happy Birthday” together with Tokiko Kato to mark the town’s 40th birthday! We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the Town of Photography’s 40th birthday, and we hope many of you will come. On the day of the event, the parking lot on the Sento Pure grounds will be unavailable because of the hot air balloon and te-tetsu fireworks events, so please use nearby public parking such as the JA Higashikawa lot or the Higashikawa Town Office parking. For details, please see the attached flyer. Contact: Higashikawa Town, Town of Photography Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 590)

Roses are coming into season in Kanagawa Prefecture! https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/theme_list/rose...

Chowa Town Sasayaki Shrine Sasayaki Shrine at Marmelo Station Nagato. It was dressed up stylishly 😍! They say that if you whisper to the "ear stone" visible in the back from both sides, a bond will be formed… 🤭🌟 #Chowa Town #Marmelo Station Nagato #Sasayaki Shrine #wagasa (Japanese oil-paper umbrella) #Nagano Prefecture

The town flower of Otofuke: 'Lily of the Valley' It was blooming behind the tourism association! A quintessential spring flower that heralds the season🌼 The bell-like flowers look so charming together💓 Note: Lily of the Valley is poisonous, so please be careful.

Direct flights between Obihiro and Cheongju operated by Aero K Airlines have been running since May 21! 🛫 You can reach South Korea in about three hours😮✨ Please consider using this service!! *The photo shows the scene from May 21.* Operation period May 21, 2025–October 24, 2025 Three round trips weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)🛬 *For more details, please refer to the official Tokachi-Obihiro Airport website.*

We present the official tourism association website that packs together the charms of Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture—tourist information, access details, dining spots and more♩ It's convenient for checking before your trip! Be sure to take a look☺ ▶Visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association website here https://yachiho-kogen.jp//

In Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture, the noble prince azalea (Tougoku mitsuba azalea) is reaching its peak bloom. Against the soft fresh greenery, the vivid pink stands out, and just walking through it lifts your spirits in this season. Come see this fleeting scenery while it lasts ☺

At the ‘‘Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park’’ in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—situated almost in the exact center of the Chugoku region—the rose garden has reached peak bloom starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025! Colorful roses are in full bloom, and each one is beautiful. This rose garden was newly established in 2020 on roughly 400 square meters and features 118 varieties and 206 repeat-blooming rose shrubs. To enliven the north area and enhance the garden’s appeal, we began collaborating with rose enthusiasts from Shobara City in July 2024 to improve fertilization, perform detailed pruning, and train plants on arches and fences as part of ongoing cultivation and maintenance. We have added varieties such as Michelangelo and Christian Dior to further enrich the rose garden. The garden is expected to be at its best from mid-May through late July and again from mid-October through late November. Blooming information (as of May 21) Name: Roses Varieties currently in bloom: Peace, Queen Elizabeth, and many others Bloom condition: Peak bloom Blooming period: Mid-May to late July; early October to late November Basic facility information Location: Inside Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park, Satoyama Station Shobara Furari Address: 4-10 Mikkaichicho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 Contact: Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000 Website: For details, check the official Kokuei Bihoku Hillside Park website!

🌸"Gokase Hanami 2025" Voting Now Open🌸【Until Friday, June 6, 2025!】 Thank you all for entering "Gokase Hanami 2025"! We held a strict first-round screening by the tourism association staff and selected 12 entries from all submissions🙏✨ From these 12 entries, we would like you to vote to decide the final winners🤩👏 Among those who vote, 10 people will be chosen by lottery to receive local specialties from Gokasecho as a gift🎁💫 We appreciate your participation🙇‍♀️ Here is how to vote💡 【Voting period: Until Friday, June 6, 2025】 ⚠️You may vote by only one of the methods below, one time per account or one time per person. <If voting via Google Form> ・Go to the "voting form" using the URL below https://forms.gle/uBpw7C7xFDsDKBo2A... ・Enter your email address (required). You may optionally provide your name. ・Choose one of the 12 entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response. ⚠️No login is required, but an email address is mandatory, so please note this in advance. <If voting via Instagram> ・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ・From the post with the hashtag #Gokase Hanami 2025 Voting, choose one of the 12 featured entries and send the photo number by direct message or comment✍ ⚠️If you do not follow our account, message exchange may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please be aware. <If voting at a polling location> ・Vote at polling stations set up at Gokasecho Town Hall, Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya, or the mobile vendor "Gokase Marche" truck. ・Choose one of the 12 entries, write the entry number, your name, and your email address on the voting slip, and place it in the voting envelope. Additionally, a polling station will be set up at Gokase Secondary Education School in collaboration with the Gokase Sakura Project, and students will also be participating in voting💪✨ ⚠️If your email address is missing or illegible due to poor handwriting, you will be excluded from the gift lottery. Please understand. Please be sure to view the original posts by the entrants before you vote🤗 1 @sokoatari.urouro (photo 1) 2 @fowafuwarin5 (photo 2) 3 @ 920cherry71 (photo 3) 4 @_yuta610 (photo 4) 5 @1230fuukeinoturishi (photo 5) 6 @8215dr72 (photo 6) 7 @code_name_cross_fire (photo 7) 8 @sakai_0808 (photo 8) 9 @reoron001219 (photo 9) 10 @hisabou1958 (photo 10) 11 @landscape133_22 (photo 11) 12 @omilove.1203 (photo 12) We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone🥰

Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 The moss phlox at Kompira Park Campground has reached its peak bloom! At Kompira Park, perched on a gentle hill, moss phlox spreads across the slope in the spring sunshine, creating a carpet of flowers that unfolds into a breathtaking view✨ These moss phlox plants were first planted in 1979 and have been lovingly tended by the local community. Over the years they continue to bring joy to many people🌸 It’s a perfect spot for a relaxed camping trip or picnic while enjoying the blossoms🎶 On sunny days, be sure to visit Kompira Park!

✳︎Event Information✳︎ ~ Hirakawa Co., Ltd. Thanksgiving Festival ~ ◆Date Saturday, May 24th, 10:00–17:00 Sunday, May 25th, 10:00–15:00 ◆Location @cafeandbar.lazo This weekend, Hirakawa Co., Ltd. will hold a Thanksgiving Festival at cafe&bar LAZO. There will be displays of gas stoves and gas dryers from Rinnai and Noritz, and since they are offering festival special prices, feel free to stop by if you are considering replacing or upgrading appliances. If you rarely get to visit the bar at night, why not take this chance to peek inside the venue? From the morning you can enjoy the drinks usually served at the bar, plus the owner’s special closing parfait🍨 and various cream sodas, and you can also try sandwiches from @get_new_sand🥪. Why not visit Shintoku Town this weekend? #Hokkaido #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #Event Information #Tuktuk Complex in Front of the Station #tuktuk #tokutoku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

NEW OPEN on May 23! A new general store is opening in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture☕🌳 Its name is bonheur poche (bonheur poche). In French it means "pocket of happiness." The owner, Mr. Motoyoshi, is from Osaka and has worked mainly as an interior coordinator, contributing to the creation of over 1,000 homes. Driven by a long-held wish to run a café, Mr. Motoyoshi opened Satoyama Cafe An in October 2024. Families, café lovers, and visitors from afar keep returning to Satoyama Cafe An. The café, renovated from a 100-year-old traditional house, feels stylish and refined while holding a hint of nostalgia. He places particular care on creating a comfortable atmosphere. He sources everyday goods that blend into daily life and add a little richness to living. Bonheur poche will also host workshops in the future. Both Satoyama Cafe An and bonheur poche will continue to develop as places that visitors can enjoy. For details, see the Editorial Report on the Shobara Tourist Navi site, Shobara Tourist Navi. Basic information for bonheur poche Opening date: Friday, May 23, 2025 Address: 89 Kamihara-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Monday and Tuesday; Sundays irregularly closed Parking: Available (shared with Satoyama Cafe An) Contact: 0824-74-6994 (shared with Satoyama Cafe An)

"Introducing Sakura Spots Around Hokuryu Town vol. FINAL" Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association 🌻 The cherry blossom scenes we've shared since early May come to an end with this final installment To conclude, we present a roundup of all the spots we've introduced so far. Please enjoy once more the beautiful cherry blossoms of Hokuryu that we encountered at each location! May beautiful sakura bloom again next year 🙏 Thank you for staying with us until the end 🌸

The JTB special train “Tabimonogatari” has arrived! The JTB “Tabimonogatari” has made a stop here for three consecutive years since Reiwa 5. This year too, we welcomed guests on the station platform with about 34 minutes of hospitality. 🚃 About 60 guests enjoyed Shintoku soba tea, two kinds of soba-yu (rich soba-yu and dashi-infused soba-yu), and soba karinto, and we sold a limited assortment set. Afterward, guests took photos on the platform and in front of the station’s photo frame, and enjoyed shopping at the station shop. More than ten groups posed at the “Soba Red Photo Frame” installed immediately to the left after exiting JR Shintoku Station. At the station shop, the soba karinto offered for tasting proved so popular that it sold out. When we spoke with guests returning to the platform, we heard happy remarks like “It was very delicious” and “It goes well with tea,” with people holding soba karinto. We bade them farewell, hoping they will stop by again next year. A short announcement. The “Soba Red Photo Frame” in front of the station is not a face-in panel, but you can pose as if you are eating soba noodles. If you’re interested, please come visit JR Shintoku Station.💡 #Hokkaido #Hokkaido tourism #Tokachi #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #JR Shintoku Station #JR #Stella Station #JTB #Tabimonogatari train #hospitality #Station-front complex Tokutoku #tuktuk #Tokutoku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #Tokachi #Shintoku #omotenashi #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

🌸[Hokuryu Town Cherry Blossom Spot Introduction vol.6]🌸 Hello, this is the Hokuryu Town Sunflower Tourism Association🌻 This time, we again introduce cherry blossom spots that color spring in Hokuryu Town! 🌟The sixth installment is―― “A Tour of Wild Cherry Trees along the Etaibetsu River”! The Etaibetsu River flows through Hokuryu Town. Along this river, we present simple, beautiful wild cherry trees that bloom in their natural state! There are no signboards or information boards here, and no paved promenades or benches. It isn’t a so‑called “maintained scenic spot,” but precisely for that reason you can feel the unvarnished beauty of nature. The wild cherries, blooming as if leaning into the land, quietly announce the arrival of spring right next to everyday life. Especially striking are lone cherry trees standing against the backdrop of farmland and the trees that bloom beside rivers where snowmelt rushes dramatically—scenes beyond words. Even on the paths locals pass casually, such beautiful spring scenes unfold. These nameless cherry trees weave a simple, gentle landscape— We look forward to meeting again next year the cherry trees that will bloom, once more, nestled in this town’s nature 😊

Taishaku Gorge, one of Japan’s leading gorges, spans Tojo Town in Shobara City and Jinseki Kogen Town in Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the heart of the Chugoku Mountains, it is a principal scenic spot of Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and is designated a nationally recognized place of scenic beauty. Here are two highlights of the Taishaku Gorge area: Onbashi and Shinryu Lake. Onbashi is a colossal natural bridge representing Japan, measuring 90 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 40 meters high. It is a limestone bridge spanning the Taishaku Gorge valley and, because of its grandeur, is also known as Kono Bridge. Shinryu Lake is an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era within a limestone gorge, with a 24-kilometer shoreline and an 8-kilometer length. In the coming season the area will be lush with fresh green leaves, and in autumn you can admire fiery foliage from sightseeing boats on the lake. A karst plateau formed by deep erosion of limestone extends across the area, preserving a landscape that remains in harmony with nature. Within this quasi-national park’s expansive natural setting, you can rent bicycles and enjoy activities such as kayaking and open-boat rides. Aim to visit now while the fresh green season is at its most beautiful!