The long-closed “phantom roadway” Chobochinai Route will reopen for a limited time again this year.
The Chobochinai Route, long closed to traffic, will open a little earlier than usual this year!
📅 Friday, August 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM

■ What the phantom roadway is
This road is an extremely limited route that is usually passable for only about one month, from mid-September to mid-October.
It is called the “phantom roadway” because it can be used only when the water level falls to its lowest.
Early October in particular coincides with peak autumn foliage, drawing many visitors from both inside and outside the route.

📌 Open section
Dodo Route 1116 (Chobochinai Gate to Higashikawa-kita 7-sen Gate)

📅 Opening date and time
From 11:00 AM on Friday, August 22, 2025
※ The schedule may change or be canceled due to weather or road conditions.
※ The start of the winter closure period is undecided at this time.

🚧 Cautions
There are no maintained sidewalks, and some sections are narrow.
Please take extra care with vehicle passing, sharp curves, and road surface conditions.

Enjoy the nature of Higashikawa while driving safely.

PS. The photos were taken in past years.

Tsumago inn (Tsumago-juku)
Vehicles are prohibited from passing through from 10:00 to 16:00 🚗⚠

Recently, the number of cars entering the post town during the restricted hours has been increasing.
This restriction is in place to protect pedestrians and the historic streetscape, so we ask for your understanding and cooperation.

Please park in the No.2 parking lot or the central parking lot along National Route 256.
The parking fee is 500 yen per day.

The sea is great, but the mountains are also worth visiting!
Minami-Echizen Town has the sea, of course, and also rivers and waterfalls☆

Even at this time of year the river water is very cold and feels wonderful♪
Refresh yourself while soaking in the negative ions.

Nishi-Izu's Tourist Information is [@nishiizu.kankou]
__________________________________
Sunset No.1 in Japan Events a total of four days of fireworks over two weeks, Held in in Nishi-Izu Town and Dogashima Hot Spring Village.
Against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset called the magic hour after sunset, a condensed Powerful Presence fireworks is launched in about 10 minutes. Enjoy the autumn fireworks in Dogashima with your family and friends.
〜Held in Information〜
[Held in days] Held in for 4 days!
Saturday, September 27, 2025 and Sunday, September 28, 2025
Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5
【Held in time】17:45~ about 10 minutes
【Held in】Dogashima Park
【Car parking lot】Approx. 200 cars
Dogashima Park, Sunset Plaza Dogashima (2nd and 3rd Car Parking Lots), Former Rannosato Car Parking Lot
[Remarks]
Postponement in case of light rain or stormy weather to the day after the last day
In case of Postponement, we will inform you on the Tourism Association social media
__________________________________
【Nishiizu Tourism Association】
2910-2 Nishina, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka
📞0558-52-1268

🌳 Today at the “Tokachi Ranch Birch Avenue” 🌳

This birch avenue in Otofukecho has been designated a “beautiful forest.”
Right now the leaves have turned a deep green, and the contrast of the blue sky with the white trunks is strikingly beautiful.🍃

Come experience this Tokachi-only landscape in person!

Fireworks festivals are nice

Shirakawa Township on a family trip
When you enter the wooden gassho building, the summer heat is as cool as a lie
When I looked at the wall, I saw a gaping hole in the knot of the wood
Immediately, the photo taken by my nephew in the sixth grade was so Traditional Charm that it reminded me of the late Township of Japan somewhere

【👒Summer in Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Spotlight 1👒】

We are featuring photos submitted to the "#Summer in Gokase 2025" contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account!

@goto0619
@niidome2110
@sakai_0808

Thank you for your submissions 😆✨
We are still accepting entries!!

How to enter (Submission period — through September 15)
Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "#Summer in Gokase 2025" and "#Gokase" 📸
We look forward to your entries 🙇‍♀️✨

A Long-Awaited Hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 👟

From the 13th to the 17th, the town road Hon’yashiki–Hagisen reopened to regular vehicles, so I left my car at Gokasecho Highland Ski Area’s Ski Center and hiked up Mt. Shiraiwa 💪

Because the management road up to the ski area still prohibits ordinary cars, I first headed on foot for the Gobobatake trailhead ✨

About 30 minutes after starting, I reached the Gobobatake trailhead 💡
From there I set off on my long-awaited hike up Mt. Shiraiwa 😊

The trail was rough at first, but it was generally easy to walk and the cool weather made the climb comfortable ✨
At the summit I exchanged valuable information and learned about conditions on nearby peaks 👍

The photos show an asagi-madara butterfly and alpine wildflowers I encountered along the way 🥰
It felt great to hike Mt. Shiraiwa again and it was a refreshing experience 😆

🌊Echizen Coast🌊
The Echizen Coast is perfect for a driving getaway.
In the Kono district of Minami-Echizen Town, you can watch the sun sink beyond the horizon.
Come and enjoy a weekend drive yourself☆

After taking pictures of the starry sky at Asama Highlands, I took pictures at Shiraito Falls, and when I arrived at the site early in the morning, about seven photographers arrived first. I managed to secure a place to shoot and waited for the sunlight to shine.
I waited for the sunlight to start turning around around 7 a.m.

I posted it yesterday with the same name, but I didn't know how to put the sentence, so I posted it.
We apologize for the inconvenience, but please discard it if it and applicable.

View from Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden

The queen of alpine plants, Lycaenidae, made me feel the summer of Hakuba.

Would you like to eat lotus while admiring the lotus flowers?
We recommend the local specialty “hasu udon,” a subtly green noodle made with lotus leaf.
It has a faint lotus aroma, thin noodles, and a nice chew.
Even if the heat has left you a bit drained this summer, you can slurp it down with ease!

○○ Hana Hasu Park ○○

In summer, about 130 varieties of lotus bloom, creating a calm and elegant landscape.
The park features walking paths, an observation deck, and rest areas, and many visitors come each year for the annual Hasu Festival.
You can also enjoy lotus-based gourmet dishes and local specialties.

Address
64-41 Nakagoya, Minami-Echizen Town, Nanjo District, Fukui Prefecture 919-0214

Speaking of summer flowers, "sunflower"
I went to a sunflower field in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, where sunflowers are in full bloom.
There were many people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, and they were taking pictures while enjoying the sunflowers.
I photographed the sunset and sunflowers with my favorite digital camera, Papershoot. The beauty of this camera is that it expresses light in a good Ume plum.
The point of this photo is that in order to express the Scene and the dynamics of the sunflowers being gently illuminated by the setting sunflower, the camera was taken slightly below the height of the sunflower flowers and taken from a fanning angle.

August 8, 2025
Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan

On a recent tour, we cycled out to a peach orchard🚴
Guests also enjoyed peach picking and peach shaved ice!

This year’s peaches were especially sweet and juicy compared with the past few years!
We were delighted to hear how much everyone enjoyed the shaved ice made with peaches from Toyooka Village.

Sweets are served at the local eatery Cafe & Dining en in Toyooka Village.
It features a kids’ play area, so families can relax and enjoy their time.

Tour details below
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/

A mysterious, legendary pond lies tucked in the mountains, reached by a trekking course rich in nature.
Sitting at about 1,100 meters above sea level, the pond is remarkably clear and the trail is designed so even beginner hikers can enjoy it.
Fresh spring greenery and autumn foliage both shine here, offering a different face each season.
The hiking path is well maintained, and viewpoints along the way offer sweeping views of the Echizen mountain range.

https://www.minamiechizen.com/en/spot/19456/

This is a view taken from the elevator of the Hotel on the afternoon of 8/8.

The weather has been dull for the past few days, but it is ☀ a good feeling to see the clear sky again
From the Hotel elevator, you can overlook the cityscape of Kushiro like this.
Be sure to take in 💭 the scenery when you arrive, go out, or leave

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you!
We are the Shimanto City Tourism Association in Kochi Prefecture.
Shimanto City lies in the southwest of Kochi Prefecture, bounded to the north by mountains around 1,100 meters high and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, making it a city rich in nature.
The city was formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nakamura City and Nishitosa Village, and its name comes from the Shimanto River that runs through the city. On this account, we will deliver the many charms of Shimanto City to you. We look forward to sharing them with you!

■How to access Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
About a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Kochi Ryoma Airport
About 1 hour by limited express from JR Kochi Station

■Basic information about Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
The population is about 30,000 people (as of June 2025), making it the third most populous city in Kochi Prefecture. Forests cover about 91% of the city area, and the Shimanto River, which flows through the city, stretches 196 km without dams on its main stream. Known as “Japan’s last clear stream,” the city’s catchphrase is “a town that lives with the river.”

■History of Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
The former Nakamura area of Shimanto City is called “Tosa’s Little Kyoto.” About 550 years ago, Ichijo Norifusa moved south following the Onin War and laid out streets in a grid pattern modeled on Kyoto, and that urban design remains today. The town’s blend of culture, history, and nature creates a picturesque setting perfect for strolling.

■Recommended sightseeing spots in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture
Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges)
・There are nine chinkabashi on the main stream, including Sada Chinkabashi and Iwama Chinkabashi
Activities
・Shimanto River sightseeing boats
・Canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding)
・Shimanto river barbecue
・Cycling
History
・Ichijo Shrine
・Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine
・Shimanto City Local Museum
・Hanka Tenmangu Shrine
・Kurosongu Shrine
Food
・Shio tataki (salt-seared fish)
・Biri katsuo (local skipjack tuna specialty)
・Bushukan chu-hai (citrus shochu highball)
・Ayu (sweetfish)
・Unagi (eel)
・River shrimp
・Gori (gori fish)

■Visit Shimanto City, where nature and culture live on
Shimanto City, where vast nature and historical culture come together, is an ideal destination to refresh both body and mind.
Come and seek the landscapes and experiences you can only find here.

We will continue to share the attractions of Shimanto City, so please follow us!

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Natsumōde 2025

On this day, glutton Kasai brings you fresh, hot-off-the-press information.
Have you heard of Natsumōde? This seasonal ritual offers a chance to savor an evening that avoids the daytime heat, letting you enjoy the cool dusk air, quiet atmosphere, and the shrine’s charming summer mood. Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya is holding a Natsumōde event!!!
During the festival, the shrine will be illuminated. Shrine maidens will perform kagura, local performers will present bugaku dances, the Shimosuwa Koyō High School brass band will play, and Tsugaru shamisen performances will take place each night from 19:00. On weekends, special attractions such as festival stalls and food trucks will appear!
For details ⇒ https://shimosuwaonsen.jp/event/21644/
Goshuin collectors, take note! Limited-edition Natsumōde goshuincho and special nighttime Natsumōde goshuin will be available at Akimiya during the event. A nighttime-only “Yo-Yo Omikuji” will be offered from 18:30 to 21:00 each day, so please come and enjoy!!! Fans made of bamboo will be distributed to visitors only. They are elegant bamboo hand fans perfect for the occasion 🎶
※ This is Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya, so please be careful not to confuse it with other shrines!

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya Nighttime Natsumōde
◎ Period: Thursday, August 7 – Thursday, August 14, 2025
◎ Time: 18:30–21:30

◎ Shinano-kuni Ichinomiya Suwa Taisha (Shimosha Akimiya)
📍 5828 Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-27-8035 (Natsumōde inquiries)
◎ Homepage : https://suwataisha.or.jp/


Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya – Nighttime Natsumōde 2025
Gluttony Kasai is here to bring you fresh, hot-off-the-press news!
Have you heard of Natsumōde?
While the slow, lingering summer heat has its own charm, Natsumōde offers a chance to avoid the midday heat and instead enjoy the cool evening air, the quiet atmosphere, and the magical scenery of the shrine at night.
This summer, Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya will once again host this special evening event.
During the festival period, the shrine grounds will be beautifully illuminated, and visitors can enjoy sacred kagura dances performed by shrine maidens, traditional bugaku court dances by local performers, music by the Shimosuwa Kōyō High School brass band, and live Tsugaru shamisen performances.
On weekends, food stalls and kitchen cars will also make a special appearance.

Special Limited Items
• Limited-edition Natsumōde Goshuincho (temple seal book)
• Nighttime Natsumōde special Goshuin (temple seal)
• “Yo-Yo Omikuji” (balloon yo-yo fortune), available 18:30–21:00 during the event
If you are a Goshuin collector, you won’t want to miss this!

Dates: August 7 (Thu) – August 14 (Thu), 2025
Time: 18:30–21:30
Venue: Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya – Shinano-kuni Ichinomiya (First Shrine of Shinano Province)
📍 5828 Shimosuwa-machi, Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture
☎ 0266-27-8035 (Natsumōde Inquiries)
* Homepage : https://suwataisha.or.jp/
・ Distributed to visitors only; a traditional hand fan made from bamboo, perfect for enjoying the summer evening in style 🎶
※ Please note: This event is held at Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya.

📣＼ Writer Recruitment! ／
Discover, interview, write about, and share the charms of Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture
We are recruiting members for the "Shobara Travel Editorial Team" ✍️

✅Love Shobara
✅Write at least one article per month
✅Experienced writers warmly welcomed

📌Application deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

For details and to apply, click here🔽
https://www.shobara-info.com/special/special/4765

<What is the Shobara Travel Editorial Team?>
The editorial team experiences and broadly shares seasonal topics, the latest information, classic spots, popular local food, and little-known attractions.

<What will you do?>
Each member will plan, structure, research, photograph, and write articles about attractive spots, local food and sweets, events, and other aspects of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, that they find appealing.
You will also join a planning and editorial meeting about once a month to confirm future coverage and schedules and to discuss ideas like "I want to try this kind of project!" with the whole team.

[Experienced writers encouraged to apply]
We welcome applicants who can make the most of their writing experience by proactively engaging in planning, structuring, reporting and photography, and writing. From timely seasonal pieces to in-depth reads, if you are interested in creating community-focused articles that boost Shobara City, please apply!

[Beginners also welcome]
If you worry, "I have no writing experience" or "I've never planned, reported, or photographed before…", that's okay! We will discuss submitted ideas in the monthly meeting to improve them and support you as a team. Start with articles you can write at your own pace and get comfortable step by step◎

Contact
Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO), Attn: Okutani
TEL 0824-75-0173
Email kanko@shobara.net
Details URL https://www.shobara-info.com/special/special/4765

[Notice] This year’s lodging fireworks will again take place on August 10th.

Launch site: IWANAI RESORT ※There is no parking available.
Launch time: 8:30 PM. Postponed in case of severe weather.

Organizer: Iwanai-cho Lodging Fireworks Executive Committee
Inquiries: 0135-62-2222

If you are coming by car, the Hokuriku Expressway’s Nanjo Smart IC is about a five-minute drive away, making access from the highway extremely convenient.
From Nagoya and Osaka it takes about two to three hours by car or train, making day trips ideal.

You can also use the Hapiline Fukui Imadate Line stations Imadzo Station and Nanjo Station, which make rail travel from the Kansai and Chukyo areas comfortable and convenient.

We also sell a one-way taxi ticket to the destination for 500 yen.

At Roadside Station Minami-Echizen Sankairi and Hapiline Imajo Station you can rent electric bicycles, so a relaxed cycling tour around Minami-Echizen Town is a popular way to sightsee.

Hello from Jewelry Town ✨ How are you coping with the ongoing heat every day? 🫠
Shosenkyo Gorge can be hot too, but occasional cool breezes and abundant greenery make it a place where you can feel nature's refreshment 🌳

Among its sights, Senga Falls is a soothing spot that represents Shosenkyo.
Gazing at the lush foliage and the ion-rich waterfall blows away the heat and fatigue 💦
For a summer mountain refresh, please consider visiting ✨

At Jewelry Town, we still offer many rare natural stones, including the much-talked-about rutilated quartz.
We hope the beauty of these gems, together with the nature of Shosenkyo Gorge, brings you comfort ☺️

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you!

I joined the annual Lake Mashu SKY Cruise this year ✨
Even though I’m not great with rides,
I had a lot of fun taking photos📸⛰️
Why not take a look at Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo from above?
Services run until August 11, so hurry💨
https://masyuko.or.jp/news/skycruise_2025/

A serene summer moment at Kyoto’s Tenryu-ji Temple, where the reflections of nature and tradition blend in harmony.

📍 Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

@zw.lens

Kumagaya Fan Festival 🪭

This is the [Kumagaya Fan Festival 🪭] Held in in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture.

Lively atmosphere envelops Kumagaya, the hottest place in No.1 in Japan, for three days on July 20, 21, and 22 every year.

In particular, the large procession on the last day was and powerful. Summer in Japan is all about 🫡 festivals

Yorii Tamayodo Water Tengu Festival Fireworks Festival 🎆

This is a fireworks festival held in every year in Yorii Town, Saitama Prefecture.

The Mikoshi of each town floats on the river and creates 🤤 a summer atmosphere

Here are some of the Hotel staff's favorite evening walking routes 👣
Leave the Hotel and head towards the river.
As you walk along the Quay of Fisherman's Wharf MOO, you can 👀 admire the beautiful scenery with the street lights reflected in the water
After that, if you go in the direction of Nusamai Bridge, you will see 🌉 the bridge Light up.
Gari climb the stairs to the bridge and take 📸 the best shots of the statue of the four seasons & the sea at night
In addition, the view from the opposite bank is also a little different.
Return, it is also a good idea ✨ to leave a commemorative photo with the KUSHIRO monument
Accommodation, please visit 😊 us

Taijaku Gorge
Taijaku Gorge is a canyon along the Okudake River.
Steep cliffs of welded tuff with well-developed columnar jointing rise on both sides.
The cliffs reach heights of up to 70 meters.
Rocks on the valley floor are exposed from volcanic activity about 15 million years ago.
Because the Okudake River originates in the rich natural forests of the Sobo–Katamuki mountain range, the gorge is a clear, blue ravine.
[Location] Obara and Taijaku, Ogata-machi, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture

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

■■■■■■■■■■■■
Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture
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