Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty Products and Souvenirs: Gokase Wine Nestled in rich nature atop a hill at 660 meters stands Gokase Winery. A climate with large temperature swings and pure water nurtures grapes with an exquisite balance of sugar and acidity. “We wanted to make wine using 100% locally grown grapes.” With that wish, the winery opened in 2005. Wines made from freshly harvested grapes have a juicy, fruity character. Please enjoy wines made from 100% Gokase-grown grapes, filled with the scent of the earth. Wine Introductions ■ Niagara (white, sweet — most popular) Grape variety: Niagara This white wine made from the table grape Niagara has a beautiful golden color. Aroma reminiscent of osmanthus with added fresh notes makes for a pleasantly refreshing sweet wine. ■ Delaware (white, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Delaware The pale yellow hue of Delaware is easy on the eyes in this white wine. Its citrus-like aroma and fresh acidity pair well with a wide range of meat dishes. ■ Chardonnay (white, medium dry) Grape variety: Chardonnay Chardonnay shows a lovely pale yellow-green that evokes Gokase’s spring buds. Its lively acidity is refreshing and leaves a clean finish. This crisp, slightly dry style pairs well with fish-based Japanese cuisine. ■ Campbell Early (rosé, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Campbell Early This slightly sweet rosé locks in the grape’s fresh fragrance and natural sweetness. Its vivid color is as striking as a sunset pouring over Kuwanochi. ■ Yuhi (red, dry) Grape varieties: Merlot, Petit Verdot Merlot and Petit Verdot were aged carefully in barrels for one year. This light-bodied red balances gentle acidity and tannin for easy drinking. ■ Juju (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Niagara Keeping Niagara’s characteristic aroma, this sparkling version transforms it into a crisp Niagara. It has a refreshing mouthfeel. ■ Oubu (sparkling, rosé) Grape variety: Campbell Early A sparkling wine made from the table grape Campbell Early. Enjoy its mature, developed flavor. ■ Ryoka (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Chardonnay A sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, featuring youthful, fresh fruit aromas and moderate acidity. It is dry and sharp in taste and pairs excellently with fish dishes. ■ Akane (red, dry) This is a half bottle (360 ml). Named Akane to evoke the beautiful autumn sunset skies visible from Gokase Winery. A Merlot-dominant red. Akane, finished dry, rested in stainless tanks for a light taste. It features gentle tannins and clean acidity. Other options include half (360 ml) bottles of Niagara, Rosé, and Chardonnay.

[Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho] Local Specialty and Souvenir: kama-iri tea Kama-iri tea is made by pan-frying tea leaves instead of steaming them. This method, similar to the process used for oolong tea, brings out the tea’s natural aroma. Compared with standard steamed teas, it boasts a light, refreshing flavor and excellent fragrance that make it easy to drink cup after cup.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Hinatamichi Hinatamichi is an izakaya in the Kuraoka area This izakaya, where you can also sing karaoke, fills up with locals In summer, guests can enjoy a beer garden as well Because the restaurant has irregular holidays, it’s best to call ahead before visiting Hours: Contact for details Closed: Irregular holidays Contact 3263 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2360

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Yakitori Masa-chan When night falls in Gokasecho, this is the place to be: Yakitori Masa-chan With a wide variety of yakitori and a cold beer, you might just feel like a true Gokase local!? Besides yakitori, they offer a selection of proud signature dishes! Hours: From 17:00 Closed: Sundays Contact 10650-5, Sangasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1541

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet] Takara Shop A snack bar you can also use for after-parties. It's a good idea to call ahead before visiting. [Hours] 7:00 PM–1:00 AM [Closed] Irregular holidays [Contact] 10650-1, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1539

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Akaneya Sabou Akaneya Sabou sits on a hilltop It opened in 2021 as a cafe with views of Mt. Aso. Their hamburgers are perfect for lunch, and the monthly limited lunch menu is also popular. This is the only restaurant in Gokasecho where you can dine with your dog. Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Wednesdays Contact 67 Sangasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1107

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Rest House Shima Rest House & Guesthouse Shima sits along National Route 265 by the Gokase River Here you can enjoy dishes like seafood champon and a Takachiho beef set meal The champon in particular is loaded with toppings and very filling! Feel free to stop by just for a meal Hours: Irregular holidays Contact 4871-1 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2837

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: IL gardino della corasita IL gardino della corasita is a garden café–style restaurant run by the auberge corasita, a stay-in restaurant operated by a tomato farm. (IL gardino della corasita means "corasita's garden" in Italian.) Dinner service is available only on nights when no overnight guests are staying. The restaurant is also available for lunch, celebrations, banquets, and trainings. Hours of operation By reservation only Lunch 11:30–13:30 (last order 13:00) Dinner 17:00–20:30 (last order 20:00) Closed: irregular holidays Please note that if someone is staying on your desired date, dinner cannot be served. Outdoor garden seating depends on the season and weather; please inquire when making your reservation.

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet] CORASITA (Corashita) Corasita is a reservation-only restaurant where owner Hiromi Fujiki, a certified Italian cuisine researcher, serves traditional Italian home cooking, especially from Tuscany, using proudly homegrown tomatoes from her own farm. Dinner is available only on nights when no overnight guests are staying. The restaurant is also available for lunch, celebrations, banquets, and training events. [Hours] Reservation only Lunch 11:30–13:30 (last order 13:00) Dinner 17:00–20:30 (last order 20:00) [Closed] Irregular holidays *Please note that dinner cannot be served if there are guests staying on your desired date. [Contact] Phone: 0982-83-2017

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Kurunkonne Kurunkonne, a café in Gokasecho where you can read manga This place also serves as a relaxing spot where you can refresh yourself. They hold monthly events, so why not treat yourself? The owner’s proud takoyaki and takakibi veg hot sandwiches are highlights, and the café offers a full range of drinks and desserts. Hours: 11:00–17:00 (hours may change) Closed: See the business calendar Contact 9719-1 Sangkasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-0308

【🌻 Summer Gokase 2024 Campaign 🌻】 We're doing it again this year! An Instagram campaign 💪✨ Post a photo of your favorite summer scene in Gokasecho—people, buildings, nature, anything that feels like summer—on Instagram with the hashtags #Gokase and #Summer Gokase 2024! Every day during the campaign one person will win a specialty product from Gokasecho! Outstanding entries will also receive assortments of Gokasecho specialty products!! Entries you post will be featured on the Gokase Tourism Association’s social media channels as they are received. [Period] From Monday, July 22, 2024 to Saturday, August 31, 2024 *The period may change depending on circumstances.* [Prizes] (Contents may change.) Gold Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Silver Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Bronze Prize…Assortment of Gokasecho specialty products Daily Prize…Gokasecho specialty product — one winner per day during the campaign [Eligibility] Anyone who agrees to the terms of use [How to Enter] 1) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) 2) Post a summer photo taken in Gokasecho on Instagram with the hashtags #Gokase and #Summer Gokase 2024 ■Anyone may enter with a summer photo taken within Gokasecho. ■Winners will be contacted by the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account @gokase_kanko. (If you do not reply within two weeks, the entry will be invalid.) ■Entries from accounts that block direct messages or are set to private are not eligible. ■Please respect subjects’ portrait rights when photographing people and obtain permission when necessary; follow proper manners. ■Posted photos may be published on the Gokase Tourism Association website or its social media. Publication does not guarantee winning the Daily Prize. *Other rules are posted on the Gokase Tourism Association website. Please read them before applying.* Come find the Gokase summer you love 🥰 It's already getting hot, so remember to stay hydrated and replenish salts, and please take care to avoid heatstroke ⚠️

July 15 (Mon) Gion Shrine Summer Festival⛩️✨ On Monday, July 15, the Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka area held its summer annual festival, affectionately known as “Gion-san.”🎉 The day opened with the Morimaki ritual, followed by a ceremony, kagura performances, the sacred procession, and dance presentations—there was so much to enjoy.😊🎶 Although the weather brought rain at first, true to the spirit of “Gion-san,” a break in the clouds appeared by the time the sacred procession ended.☀️ Despite the rain, people from the neighborhood, across the prefecture and beyond, and even from overseas, came out early in the morning to enjoy the festival.🌍✨ It’s wonderful to see a community festival cherished by locals becoming known to and enjoyed by so many people.😌👏 We hope this tradition will continue to be passed on carefully into the future.

Star Party on Saturday, July 6th 🌠 On the night of Saturday, July 6th, just before Tanabata, I visited an irregular Star Party hosted by Gokase Nature School🔭✨ This time, star lovers gathered at Gokase Winery to enjoy the night sky🌟 The clouds were few that night and the weather was excellent, so we could see a sky full of stars🥹👏 The sky over Gokase shows a truly beautiful scene from sunset to starlight😌💕I want to preserve this charm forever and share it with many people💪✨

🌸 Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024 — Results Announcement 🌸 Thank you for waiting‼️ Here are the results of “Gokase Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024” 🥳👏 We received a total of 116 votes this time ✍️✨ Thank you so much for all your votes 😌 Now for the results 👇👇👇 🥇 Gold Prize @gokase_pan — Rain and the Night at Josenji Weeping Cherry Tree 🥈 Silver Prize @sakai_0808 — Nighttime Hanami Camp at the Waterfront Park 🥉 Bronze Prize @niidome2110 — Evening at Josenji Weeping Cherry Tree Congratulations to all the winners㊗️🥳🎉 And thank you to everyone who participated and submitted entries 🙏✨ By the way…… We’ll soon announce a photo contest on Instagram themed around summer in Gokase 😳💡 Please join us again 🥰

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Bar EL CAMPO (Bar Eru Kanpo) A hidden retreat in the forest: Bar EL CAMPO You can unwind in a log-house venue surrounded by mountains and enjoy a slow pace of time. The owner’s carefully crafted cocktails and the wide selection of whiskies are a highlight. Try the unique “El Campo Burger,” made with deer meat and available only here. Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 3:00 PM–12:00 AM Note: Monday–Thursday are by reservation only. Please consult us by the day before. Contact: 872-1 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201 Phone: 080-9799-0094

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet — Enoha no Ie Enoha no Ie sits right beside the clear stream where yamame trout thrive. Here you can enjoy yamame dishes made from Gokase’s pure water. Alongside grilled salt-roasted yamame and sweet-simmered yamame, you can also taste yamame sashimi, which requires the freshest fish. A yamame fishing pond nearby lets you try yamame fishing casually. Hours: 11:00–17:00 Closed: Open daily Contact: 4615 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, 882-1201 Phone: 0982-83-2321

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Shoku no Sato Gogo At lunch, enjoy hearty, filling meals; in the evening, the restaurant fills with locals at Shoku no Sato Gogo. You can dine while looking out over the upstream of the Mikasho River. The house specialties are charcoal-grilled local chicken and kama-age udon. Hours: Lunch 11:00–13:30 (last order 13:15) / Dinner 17:30–21:30 (last order 21:00) Closed: Monday Contact: 1287-3 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-0635 (Reservations are recommended for dinner)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Cloud Above the Grapes Cloud Above the Grapes is a restaurant located on the grounds of Gokase Winery Enjoy a buffet of dishes made with local ingredients and freshly caught yamame trout. The curry made with Gokase wine is also popular. Help yourself to a wide selection of dishes from salads to desserts as much as you like! Hours: 11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30) Closed: Wednesday and Thursday Contact: 4847-1 Kuwanochi, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1202 Phone: 0982-73-5470

Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture Gourmet Restaurant Gose (Itsuse), located inside Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya You can enjoy a variety of seasonal dishes. Using 100% Gokase-grown grapes for Gokase Wine, the locally acclaimed Takachiho Beef—a brand honored at the National Wagyu Ability Competition—salt-grilled yamame (mountain trout), tempura of wild mountain vegetables, and other carefully chosen seasonal ingredients, the restaurant offers a menu that highlights the best flavors of each season. Hours: Lunch 11:00–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–21:00 Closed: Every Tuesday. Please check the official website for holiday closures. Contact: 9223 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1115 Fax: 0982-82-1145

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Shopping & Souvenirs: Yuuhi no Sato Local Products Center Yuuhi no Sato Local Products Center sits on the grounds of Gokase Winery In addition to freshly harvested morning vegetables brought in by local residents, the center offers a wide selection of kamairi tea and processed goods Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Thursdays Contact: 0982-73-5471

July 7 (Sunday) Sunset Village Kids Festa – Tanabata Festival– On Tanabata day, July 7, the Sunset Village Creation Promotion Council and the Childcare Support Center teamed up to hold the Sunset Village Kids Festa – Tanabata Festival – in the Wind Hall at Gokase Winery👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🎋✨ True to the Wind Hall’s name, the wind blew strongly, but the sky was perfectly clear and blazing sunny—a day with no better weather🥵☀️ That didn’t bother anyone: the children were full of energy💪✨ A water play area was set up at the venue! Kids blasted water pistols in the pool, sent all kinds of bubbles into the air, and played with water-balloon yo-yos… the fun continued from morning until the event ended, always packed and lively🔫👏 On stage, children moved their bodies to music in a rhythmics session, sang together at a mini concert, and listened intently to picture-book readings and a panel theater. A special collaboration with the local wind ensemble, G Music Band, brought an electrifying hula dance that thrilled the crowd🥳🙌 There were also hands-on experiences with wind and percussion instruments and the koto, and the children were ecstatic to touch live instruments they rarely get to try🎺🎶 Vendors lined up, including BLANCO Ice Cream from nearby Yamatomachi, offering drinks and treats for kids and adults and fun lottery games. The place was bustling🌭🥤🍧 Upstairs in the cool Wine Hall, Midori Kakuda’s photo exhibition and photo session were held, capturing many lovely and new scenes of Gokase in beautiful shots📸✨ On the same floor, a nursing room and a rest area provided considerate support for visitors with small children🍼💕 In the afternoon, everyone wrote wishes on tanzaku and tied them to the bamboo. The once bare bamboo became brightly decorated, creating a very atmospheric scene😌 The children’s heartfelt, unique wishes felt cleansing to the heart🥹✨ The venue was arranged with parents’ comfort in mind, and the children, who had played to their hearts’ content and ended up soaked from head to toe, left wearing satisfied smiles😊🥰👏 Places and opportunities where children can laugh and play freely are precious😳✨ It was a perfect day, and I hope many more wonderful events like this will be held in the future👍👍👍

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Shopping and Souvenirs: Baba House Baba House sits on the grounds of Miyazaki Sabou. Here you can buy Miyazaki Sabou tea and sweets from Baba Club. Contact 4805-4 Kuwanochi, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1202 Phone: 0982-82-0211

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Shopping & Souvenirs: Gokase Winery Wine Hall At Gokase Winery, we use 100% grapes grown by local farmers who work closely with the region’s strict yet generous natural environment. These proud wines are gathered in the Wine Hall. Niagara Premium, the Wine Hall’s exclusive, ages Niagara grapes in tanks to develop a calm aroma and a smooth taste, and it is our number one favorite. Hours: 9:30–17:00 Closed: during the New Year holidays Contact: Phone number: 0982-73-5477

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Shopping & Souvenirs Speciality Center Gokase Located along National Route 218 on the border between Miyazaki Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture, Speciality Center Gokase Local specialties from Gokasecho and fresh vegetables grown by nearby farmers are displayed here. In the diner you can enjoy Gokase udon or soba topped with a whole simmered yamame trout in sweet soy glaze, and Tokuhoru-don, which won the grand prize at the Miyazaki B-grade Gourmet Contest. Hours of operation Shop: 9:00–18:00 Diner: 11:00–16:00 Closed days Shop: Open year-round Diner: During the New Year holidays Contact Phone: 0982-82-1400 Fax: 0982-82-1252

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Mountaineering and Trekking] Karasudake Karasudake sits at the northern tip of the Kuwanouchi district The summit offers a full 360-degree view where you can take in sweeping scenery Each May, the azalea festival is held

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Hiking and Trekking: Kabakidake Rising at the heart of the Kuwanouchi district, the mountain is known locally as Shiroyama, or Castle Mountain, because an ancient mountain fortress called Kabakidake Castle once stood there. It is cherished by the local community. With Mt. Masugata to the east as its backdrop, the mountain offers wide views to the west, south and north. Its shape—easy to defend but hard to attack—has made it famous as the representative mountain of Kuwanouchi.

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Mountaineering and Trekking] Mt. Masugata Mt. Masugata in the Kuwanochi area The summit offers a full 360-degree panorama, with views of the Aso mountain range, Kuju mountain range, Mt. Sobo, Mt. Unzen Fugen, and the gorge of the Gokase River all visible at a glance. You can also see a sky full of stars at night, but be aware that the trail to the summit is rugged and there are no streetlights.

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Mountaineering and Trekking] Gionyama This mountain is said to be the birthplace of Kyushu, first emerging from the sea as the current Kyushu rose from tectonic movement, and fossils dating back 430 million years have been excavated here. During the mountain opening season, you can enjoy flowers such as the fully blooming akebono azaleas. Some sections require using ropes to advance.

Traditional Performing Arts of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture — Usu-daiko Dance The Usu-daiko dance performed at the autumn grand festival of Gion Shrine was once offered on the lunar calendar date of September 9, so it is also called the "kunchi dance," and it has been passed down for more than 400 years. It is said to have begun when members of the defeated Taira clan, driven from Kyoto and wandering in exile, reached the mountain hamlet of Shiiba on their way to safety and, while remembering the glittering capital, danced in the village of Kuraoka. The dance shows a poised, dignified movement within its grace, evoking the hearts of people from the capital, and it is offered each year at Gion Shrine’s autumn festival. <Legendary Events>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the first year of Bunji (1185), near the end of the Genpei conflicts, remnants of the Taira clan who were defeated at the Battle of Dan-no-ura fled into the interior to evade the Genji pursuit. They reached the village of Kuraoka and, on their way to Mt. Shiiba, left the weak, women, and children in the mountains near Kuraoka Hakki because of the steep, treacherous roads. In Genkyu 2, the Kamakura shogunate did not ease its pursuit of the Taira remnants and ordered Nasu Daihachiro Munenaga to hunt down the clan that had fled into the Kyushu Mountains. Receiving the order, Nasu Daihachiro's party entered Kuraoka intending to head for Shiiba, and finding the Taira fugitives in Kuraoka lacking the will to fight, they staged a dance of shared company to comfort them after the long journey, setting aside the victors' arrogance to show compassion for the defeated. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The dance described above became the foundation of the Kuraoka Usu-daiko dance, which, after cycles of prosperity and decline and several relocations over the ages, is said to have survived in its present form. Dancing to the beat of drums and bells, performers display dignified movements within an overall elegance. In recent years, the Gion Shrine Usu-daiko Dance Preservation Society, with the cooperation of children from Gokase Nature School and local parishioners, has carried on the dance. Schedule for the Usu-daiko dance: every year on October 9.

Traditional Performing Arts of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Kuraoka Staff Technique The Kuraoka staff tradition follows the Ōkuruma school, said to be a martial art founded by Marume Kurando (one of the four greats of the Shinkage tradition) from the Higo Sagara domain. Also called Shinkage Ōkuruma Musō-ryū, documents show the earliest mention of Kuraoka in the early Edo period. After that, the art passed through Mamimahara and Omae in Shiiba Village before returning to practitioners in Kuraoka at the local end of the line. Kuraoka staff techniques use two kinds of staff: the long staff, 6 shaku 2 sun (about 188 cm), and the short staff, 3 shaku (about 91 cm). The forms are basically defensive. There are over thirty paired forms, including long staff versus short staff and staff versus sword. Forms that employ the sword are commonly called shiraha (white-blade). The Kuraoka Staff Preservation Society offers a shiraha dedication at the summer grand festival of Gion Shrine and provides instruction to students at Kuraoka Junior High School.