Hadano Ukiyo-e Gallery Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter: A Genji Monogatari Picture Scroll Through the Four Seasons The gallery will present the exhibition "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter: A Genji Monogatari Picture Scroll Through the Four Seasons" from Saturday, January 20, 2024 to Sunday, March 10, 2024. ◆ Opening hours: 9:00–19:00 (until 17:00 on Tuesdays and public holidays) ◆ Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday), Friday, January 26; Friday, February 16 ◆ Venue: Hadano Ukiyo-e Gallery (2nd floor, Hadano City Library) ◆ Admission: Free ◆ Inquiries: Hadano City Cultural Promotion Division 0463-86-6309 ◆ Organizer: Hadano City

Shonan Hiratsuka Orihime Recruitment! We are recruiting the “Shonan Hiratsuka Orihime,” who will promote the charms of Hiratsuka! Would you like to become an Orihime too? The application period runs until Monday, January 15, 2024. Entry takes about five minutes, so it’s easy! Check the official Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival website for details! We look forward to many applications. Contact Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival Executive Committee Secretariat [Hiratsuka City Industrial Promotion Department, Commerce and Tourism Division 0463-35-8107]

[Isehara Pilgrimage] January 4, 2024 The Isehara City Tourism Association officially started today. Once again, we look forward to your support this year. We immediately visited Sannomiya Hibita Shrine and Isehara Daijingu Shrine to pray for further promotion of tourism this year. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and pray for a swift recovery. *A packed lineup of events in 2024* ♦ Monday, January 8 (holiday) Hinatayakushi’s First Yakushi of the year. A rice porridge offering is planned. ♦ Saturday, January 6 Kururin Café opens♪ Kururin-yaki makes its debut at the Hinata Marche! ♦ Weekends and holidays from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, January 28 Enjoy winter night views on the Oyama Cable Car’s evening runs. ♦ Saturday, February 3 Setsubun Festival. Events are planned at Oyama Afuri Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, and Isehara Daijingu Shrine. ♦ Sunday, February 4 Isehara will also have a booth at Atsugi’s event as part of the Shimokitazawa Road Footbath Campaign. ♦ Saturday, February 10 to Monday, February 12 (holiday) We will promote and exhibit at the Japan Heritage event in Yurakucho. ♦ Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 15 Local Isehara souvenirs and products will be sold in the Isehara City Hall lobby. ♦ Sunday, March 10 The long-running Oyama Mountain Running Marathon, its 39th edition, is coming up. ♦ From Thursday, March 14 Works by students of the pottery class “Sae Hajime” will be displayed in the station-side Kururin House showcase. Look forward to various events again this year!

Nice to meet you! We are the Yamato City Event and Tourism Association in Kanagawa Prefecture. Yamato City in Kanagawa Prefecture sits in the center of Kanagawa and had a population of 243,412 as of December 2023. It is designated as a Special City, a status for areas with populations over 200,000. In this first post, we introduce the many attractions and event information unique to Yamato City! ■■ Tourist information for Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture ■■ ◇ Izumi no Mori Centered on the Yamato water source, this vast park covers about 42 hectares—roughly nine Tokyo Domes. Protected through Kanagawa’s trust movement for nature conservation, it is designated as Kanagawa Trust Green Area and preserves rich natural environments. The park includes a Wetland Botanical Garden, Yamato City Folk House Garden, Fureai Campground (day-camp area), and the Yamato City Nature Observation Center "Shirakashi-no-Ie." At the Fureai Campground, you can even rent cooking and barbecue equipment for day camps free of charge. ◇ Jōhō-ji Temple Located near Izumi no Mori, this temple is one of the Busō Udoshi Kannon Pilgrimage sites, a Kannon pilgrimage centered on the South Tama area of Tokyo Metropolis and Sagamihara City in Kanagawa Prefecture. The quiet, soothing temple grounds bloom with cherry blossoms in spring and offer autumn foliage in fall. ◇ Fureai Forest Facing Izumi no Mori across the Tomei Expressway, Fureai Forest stretches as a woodland themed around water, greenery, and flowers. The park features a Herb Garden, Rose Garden, an Orchard at Higashikari green area, and Fureai Hiroba, offering seasonal delights throughout the year. ◇ Kakurinji Temple Founded in 1569 during the Sengoku period, Kakurinji is a Jōdo sect temple. A wide precinct beyond stone steps is one of its charms, and seasonal sights such as cherry blossoms and azaleas draw visitors. Every January, the temple hosts a traditional Daruma fair. ◇ Naval Air Facility Atsugi Naval Air Facility Atsugi, also known as Atsugi Naval Airfield, straddles Yamato City and Ayase City and covers about 507 square meters as a military airfield. Every April, the base opens to the public for the Japan–U.S. Friendship Spring Festival, featuring impressive aircraft displays, American food, live concerts, and more. ◇ Yamato Yutorinomori Park A beloved local park for sports and recreation, Yutorinomori divides into zones: Picnic Plaza with recreational facilities, a landscaped zone centered on lawns, and the Light Sports Plaza with tennis courts. Near the tennis courts, a barbecue area lets visitors enjoy casual barbecues (reservation required). Within the Picnic Plaza, Wanpaku Plaza features large multi-section playground equipment by age group and is popular with children. ◇ Yamato City Cultural Creation Base Sirius Opened on November 3, 2016, east of Yamato Station, Sirius is a new cultural hub. It houses an arts and culture hall, a well-equipped children’s reading room, music rehearsal studios, and a regional materials corner with exhibitions, offering many attractions. ■■ Event information for Yamato City, Kanagawa Prefecture ■■ ◇ Yamato Citizen's Festival Held every May, this popular festival attracts many visitors from inside and outside the city. The program includes stage performances and participatory, hands-on events, offering plenty to see and do. About 200 diverse stalls line the venue, and a parade runs for roughly 1.2 kilometers. In 2023, the festival returned after a four-year hiatus, attracting about 90,000 visitors over two days. ◇ Kanagawa Yamato Awa Odori One of the three major Awa Odori dances in the Kanto region, Kanagawa Yamato Awa Odori began over 40 years ago as a local shopping street event. Groups from across the country gather in colorful costumes to perform over two days, presenting an overwhelming spectacle. A summer highlight for Yamato City, the July 29–30, 2023 edition drew around 300,000 attendees. The official website of the Yamato City Event and Tourism Association publishes the Yamato Guide Map. Please check it out! (If you prefer a printed guide map, please visit the Yamato City Event and Tourism Association on the second floor of Yamato City Cultural Creation Base Sirius.) We will continue to bring you the charms of Yamato City in Kanagawa Prefecture, where nature and history coexist. We hope this information helps with your sightseeing. Thank you for your continued support.

Nice to meet you! This is the Isehara City Tourism Association. Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, lies in the center of Kanagawa and has a population of 101,495 as of December 2023. About one third of its total area is covered by forests and wilderness, making it a region rich in nature. It also boasts excellent access—about 60 minutes from Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line (Rapid Express/Express). In this first post, we introduce Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, focusing on its sightseeing spots! ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Sightseeing Information for Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ ■ Mt. Ooyama / Oyama Cable Car / Daisenji Temple / Oyama Afuri Shrine Mt. Ooyama, at 1,251.7 meters and part of Tanzawa-Ōyama Quasi-National Park, is one of the most popular hiking spots in the Kanto region. In 2016 it was designated a Japan Heritage site. From the summit you can see the Sagami Plain and even Tokyo’s skyscrapers on clear days, and the mountain is listed among Kanagawa’s 50 scenic spots. ・Oyama Cable Car The Ōyama Cable Line, commonly called the Oyama Cable Car, is a 0.8 km cable car. With large windows to enjoy Ooyama’s nature, it provides easy access toward the summit. ・Daisenji Temple Daisenji sits on the mountainside and is also known as Mount Amefuri. In autumn the maple trees flanking the stone steps to the main hall turn brilliant red, making it a famous spot for autumn foliage. A “Momiji Festival” is held and draws many visitors. There are four types of goshuin (temple stamps), including a striking gold-letter special edition. [Access: Get off at Daisenji Station on the Oyama Cable Car, about a 3-minute walk] ・Oyama Afuri Shrine Founded over 2,200 years ago, the shrine enshrines the three deities Ōyamatsumi no Ōkami, Ooi-Kazuchi-no-Kami, and Takaokami-no-Kami. The main shrine sits at the summit of Mt. Ooyama, with the lower shrine located on the mountainside. The view from Afuri Shrine Station on the Oyama Cable Car, which earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, is a must-see when you get off the cable car. [Access: Get off at Afuri Shrine Station on the Oyama Cable Car] ■ Hinata Yakushi Officially named Hinatayama Hojo-bo, it enshrines a Yakushi Nyorai carved from a single block of wood and is one of Japan’s three great Yakushi temples. Until the end of the Edo period it was called Mount Hyūga Ryōzen-ji and served as a center for Hinata Shugendo, where monks practiced ascetic training in this sacred area. Every year in mid-September red spider lilies bloom around Hinata Yakushi and attract many visitors. Hinata Yakushi offers many sights starting with the Kongorikishi statues along the approach. The Hoden, built to store cultural properties, houses 23 historic Buddhist statues, including eight nationally designated items and two prefecturally designated items. The Yakushi-do, the main hall with its thatched roof, is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. ■ Isehara Tounoyama Ryokuchi Park The park and citizen green space together cover about 13 hectares, with trails and lawns where you can relax and enjoy nature at a gentle pace. The well-maintained paths make hiking enjoyable and safe even for small children. ■ Mitakeen This mikan orchard covers about 1 hectare and grows approximately 900 mikan trees. Mikan picking season runs from mid-September to around February. From mid-September you can pick early varieties such as Hinano-hime and Nitta No. 1, and from early October varieties like Miyagawa wase and Taguchi wase are available. From spring through summer you can also enjoy barbecues and vegetable-harvesting experiences. Because Mitakeen sits on the mountainside, on clear days you can enjoy views of Sagami Bay, Enoshima, and the Boso Peninsula. ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Event Information for Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Isehara City hosts a variety of events throughout the year. ■ Setsubun Festival Celebrities are invited and events are held at sites such as Oyama Afuri Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, and Isehara Daijingu Shrine. [Held: the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring)] ■ Sannomiya Hibita Shrine Spring Grand Festival Hibita Shrine has been known as a power spot since the Jomon period. The spring grand festival features three colorful karakuri doll floats parading through town. Traditional folk kagura performances take place on the shrine grounds and are another highlight. Festival stalls line the streets—about 200 vendors in 2023. [Held: usually in April] ■ Painted Lantern Festival Handmade painted lanterns line Oyama Shinmichi (the bypass), creating a magical scene that lights the night. Lantern designs include Edo-period woodblock print motifs and popular characters. A stamp rally and other events are held during the festival. [Held: mid to late August every year] ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Accommodation Information for Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Isehara offers inns, temple lodgings, and hotels tucked into quiet mountain valleys. Each accommodation serves dishes made from fresh local ingredients, and some venues offer meal-only options. You can also find lodging information on the official website of the Isehara City Tourism Association for reference. With dramatic natural scenery, historic landmarks, and the mystical atmosphere of shrines and temples, Isehara City in Kanagawa Prefecture has many attractions to explore. We will continue to share Isehara’s charms through this account. Thank you and we look forward to your support!

Happy New Year A new year begins. Beautiful scenery and wonderful experiences await you! Please come visit Kanagawa Prefecture again this year!

Kanagawa Prefecture has launched the "Kanagawa Railway Discount" to offer discounted special train tickets so that many visitors from inside and outside the prefecture can enjoy sightseeing around the region. Get up to 30% off! Make the most of Kanagawa Prefecture with the value-packed "Kanagawa Railway Discount" special ticket campaign! How to use Register as a member and purchase discounted special tickets from each railway operator's website. On the day, present your discounted special ticket at the station or participating stops and enjoy your trip. *The types of special tickets eligible for discounts, discount rates, and usage procedures vary by railway operator. Please check each railway operator's website for details.

Izu-Hakone Railway Co., Ltd. and Izu-Hakone Bus Co., Ltd. Take the train and bus to Daiozan Saijoji (Doryoson) for your first shrine visit of the year! Izu-Hakone Railway Co., Ltd. and Izu-Hakone Bus Co., Ltd. will operate “New Year’s shrine-visit special trains and route buses” from late on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day 2024 to improve convenience for those traveling to Daiozan Saijoji (Doryoson) for hatsumode. Daiozan Saijoji is known as a sacred site with a 600-year history since its founding, and it attracts many visitors during the first three days of the New Year. The Daiyuzan Line opened in 1925 to transport worshippers to Daiozan Saijoji, and the railway and buses continue to serve those visiting the temple. About the “Hatsumode Special Train (Odawara Station – Daiyuzan Station)” ● Operating period and hours: Sunday, December 31, 2023, 23:35 – Monday, January 1, 2024, 5:45 ● Timetable: Departure times from each station are as shown below The white-shaded sections (train numbers down 501–519 and up 500–518) indicate the special trains. ● Fare: Odawara Station – Daiyuzan Station Adult 280 yen Child 140 yen About the “All-night New Year’s Route Bus (Daiyuzan Station – Doryoson)” ● Operating period and hours: Sunday, December 31, 2023, 22:30 – Monday, January 1, 2024, 16:40 ● Timetable: As needed ● Travel time: Approximately 10 minutes ● Boarding and alighting location: Temporary bus stop in front of Daiyuzan Station This is different from the regular bus stop for Doryoson-bound services. ● Fare: Bus Daiyuzan Station – Doryoson Adult 300 yen Child 150 yen ● Note: Additional daytime buses will run on January 1–3. Inquiries: Izu-Hakone Railway Daiyuzan Line – Odawara Station TEL. 0465 (22) 9173 Izu-Hakone Bus – Odawara Office TEL. 0465 (34) 0333

Zushi City Tourism Association in Kanagawa Prefecture has made its first post on Cool Japan Video! Zushi is a popular destination with easy access from Tokyo—about a one-hour trip—and offers casual opportunities to enjoy marine sports. Get the latest on Zushi City from Cool Japan Video. Be sure to follow!

Sagamihara City Recruiting the 18th Sagamihara City Tourism Goodwill Ambassador!! Sagamihara City blends rich nature with urban appeal, offering a wide variety of attractive tourist spots. In recent years, designated as an SDGs Future City, Sagamihara has implemented many initiatives to revitalize the region and solve local issues, advancing sustainable urban development. We are now looking for the 18th Sagamihara City Tourism Goodwill Ambassador to enthusiastically and cheerfully promote the city’s charms through tourism events, campaigns, media, and social media! Become a Tourism Goodwill Ambassador and help promote Sagamihara City!! We look forward to receiving many applications!

Ninomiya Town 20th Azumayama Rapeseed Flower Watching At the summit of Azumayama, 60,000 early-blooming rapeseed flowers reach their peak from late December. From the panoramic view you can see the Tanzawa and Hakone mountains, Sagami Bay, the Izu Peninsula, and—on clear days—the beautiful, snow-capped Mt. Fuji unfolding right before you. Please come and enjoy this memorable scene of yellow, pale blue, and white in the New Year season. During the event period we offer a stamp rally and receipt rally, station-to-trail hikes, and weekend sales of local products and other events. It’s a 5-minute walk from Ninomiya Station to the trailhead, and a 20-minute walk from the trailhead to the summit! You can enjoy an easy hike♪ We look forward to your visit. Event Period: Saturday, January 13, 2024 to Sunday, February 18, 2024 Location: Azumayama Park Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Organizer: Ninomiya Town Tourism Association Co-organizer: Ninomiya Town Supporters: Kanagawa Prefecture; Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Association (Public Corporation) Contact: Ninomiya Town Tourism Association 0463-73-1208 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

The Kanagawa History Tour “Rekishi Tabi” 2023 will be held! Across Kanagawa Prefecture, guide groups affiliated with the Kanagawa Guide Association are offering a variety of tours that unravel local history. Why not explore Kanagawa’s historic sites through the unique perspective of guides who know the area and its past intimately? We hope you will join us! Tsurumi Highlights Guide Group: Walk the old Tokaido and visit the post town and surrounding areas Tsurumi Highlights Guide Group Walk the old Tokaido and visit the post town and surrounding areas Date and time: Saturday, January 20, 2024, starting at 9:30 AM Atsugi Tourism Volunteer Guide Association: Walk the Oyama Kaido “From Atsugi-juku to Aiko-juku” Atsugi Tourism Volunteer Guide Association Walk the Oyama Kaido “From Atsugi-juku to Aiko-juku” This route follows the Oyama pilgrimage road that grew popular from the mid-Edo period onward. We will introduce the Oyama Kaido from the Sagami River ferry crossing. Date and time: January 19, 2024 Hadano City Volunteer Tourist Guides: Walk the Yagurasawa Okan — Over Zenba Pass Hadano City Volunteer Tourist Guides Walk the Yagurasawa Okan — Over Zenba Pass Date and time: Wednesday, February 7, 2023, starting at 9:00 AM Yokohama City Guide Association: Walk the old Tokaido — from Kanagawa-juku along the scenic Sodegaura Yokohama City Guide Association Walk the old Tokaido — from Kanagawa-juku along the scenic Sodegaura Date and time: Monday, January 22, 2024 For tour details and how to reserve, please visit the official website linked in our profile!

Kenritsu Onshi Hakone Park Christmas special: a kids' event, "Christmas Boot Hunt" will be held! To mark the Christmas season, we will hold a Christmas special called "Christmas Boot Hunt" for children in elementary school and younger. The event runs for three days from Saturday, December 23, 2023, through Monday, December 25, 2023, and is limited to 20 participants each day. For details, please visit the official website linked in the profile!

NICE TO MEET EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Zushi Tourism Association. Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture is located in the southeast of Kanagawa Prefecture and is bordered by Yokohama City, Kamakura City, Hayama Town, Yokosuka City, and Sagami Bay. It takes about 1 hour by train or car from Tokyo and has good access, making it a recommended area for day trips. In this first post, we will introduce various sightseeing spots and event information that cannot be missed when sightseeing in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture! [Popular sightseeing spot information in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture] ■Hiroyama Park Located at the top of Mt. Hiro, it is a popular viewing spot. When the weather is good, you can see Mt. Fuji from the observatory in the park, and it has been selected as one of the "50 Scenic Spots in Kanagawa", "50 Parks in Kanagawa", and "100 Views of Fujimi in the Kanto Region". ■Malibu Farm Zushi Marina It is a resort facility with a yacht harbor, hotel, restaurant and café, event space, condominiums, chapel and tennis courts. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy the sea and a café terrace where your dog is OK! It is also used for filming TV dramas and movies, and you can enjoy the outstanding location. ■SHOPPING PLAZA HAYAMA STATION Hayama Station, which opened in September 2016, has about 26 stores, including antenna shops and fresh foods in the Zushi and Hayama areas. As of December 2023 Local gourmet food and local vegetables are enriched! It is recommended for purchasing souvenirs and as a base for sightseeing. ■Zushi Coast It is a tourist attraction that represents Zushi City! YOU CAN ENJOY VARIOUS MARINE SPORTS SUCH AS WINDSURFING AND SUP. In addition, the scenery of the sunset on the Zushi Coast won the "Miura Peninsula Sunset Grand Prix No. 1", and it is also attracting attention as a scenic spot. The area around Zushi City is also a great area for driving. In particular, the coastal route from Zushi to Hayama allows you to enjoy the beautiful coastline and blue sea, and you can enjoy the feeling of refreshment. The official website of the "Zushi City and Zushi Tourism Association" also publishes Zushi City tourism model plans model courses! We would appreciate it if you could refer to it. [Event information in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture] ■Zushi Coast Fireworks Festival Fireworks launched from boats floating in Zushi Bay to the Zushi Coast area brightly color the night sky in early summer. About 7,000 fireworks set off in time with the music are spectacular! Contents at the time of the 2023 event ■Zushi Kaigan Film Festival This film festival started in 2010 with the theme of "Play with the Earth". The Zushi Kaigan Film Festival, which is celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2023, is usually held during Golden Week and is visited by many people. The film will be screened after sunset on a large screen set up on the beach of Zushi Beach. You can enjoy a movie in the best location! At the venue, there will be a food court, a seaside merry-go-round, and daily events. Contents at the time of the 2023 event [Workation information in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture] In recent years, the number of users has been increasing as a way to spend vacations while teleworking at resorts and hotels, and "workation" a coined word that combines "work" and "vacation". In Zushi City, there are many workspaces such as cafes, co-working spaces, and accommodation and recreational facilities. In addition, there are plenty of activities that you can experience in between work! In addition to marine sports such as SUP, you can also experience incense making, ukulele classes, yoga, and more. On the official website of the Zushi City and Zushi Tourism Association, you can also search the workspace of Zushi. We will continue to deliver information on the charms of Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as sightseeing and events. Thank you in advance!

The Manazuru Town Tourism Association in Kanagawa Prefecture also joined the Cool Japan video! Manazuru is full of recommended spots and events, including the Kifune Festival, one of Japan’s three great boat festivals. Follow to stay updated on Manazuru’s tourist information!

It is "TOWERS Milight "UP" held at Minato Mirai in Yokohama. "TOWERS Milight "UP" is an event in which all the office floors of 40 corporate buildings in Minato Mirai are lit up for one day only during the Christmas season. Therefore, it is a very valuable scenery that can only be seen one day a year. On the contrary, an event called "TOWERS Milight "DOWN" is scheduled to be held from 2024.

It is "TOWERS Milight "UP" held at Minato Mirai in Yokohama. "TOWERS Milight "UP" is an event in which all the office floors of 40 corporate buildings in Minato Mirai are lit up for one day only during the Christmas season. Therefore, it is a very valuable scenery that can only be seen one day a year. On the contrary, an event called "TOWERS Milight "DOWN" is scheduled to be held from 2024.

I took a picture of Yokohama's illumination, Yornoyo 2023, from the Yokohama Port Osanbashi International Passenger Ship Terminal in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. From Minato Mirai to Yamashita Park, music and illuminations work together to color the city. The photo shows the Yokohama Marine Tower and the Japan Yusen Hikawa Maru on the Yamashita Park side.

I took a picture of Yokohama's illumination, Yornoyo 2023, from the Yokohama Port Osanbashi International Passenger Ship Terminal in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. From Minato Mirai to Yamashita Park, music and illuminations work together to color the city. The photo is of the Minato Mirai side.

This is a photo of Minato Mirai from the Osanbashi International Passenger Ship Terminal of the Port of Yokohama in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Minato Mirai is a development area where new buildings are constantly being built, but old buildings are also used for restaurants, shops, government buildings, etc., and it is an area where you can see a very beautiful cityscape where new and old things coexist.

It is a bronze statue of Heihachiro Togo and a memorial ship Mikasa in Mikasa Park in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Mikasa was built in England during the Meiji era, and was a battleship that was very active in the Russo-Japanese War with Secretary Heihachiro Togo on board. It is the oldest surviving steel battleship in the world, and you can actually board it and see the inside of the ship at that time.

Nice to meet you! This is the Manazuru Tourism Association. In this account, we will send out the charm of Manazuru Town in Kanagawa Prefecture. Thank you in advance! Manazuru Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, is located in the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture and is the second smallest town in Kanagawa Prefecture with a population of 6,740 as of November 2023 Reiwa 5. The Iwasawa River, which originates in Mt. Hoshiga, is covered with forests and is also a natural conservation area. In this first posting, we will introduce Manazuru Town in Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as information on sightseeing spots, festivals, and events! ◆ Sightseeing information of Manazuru Town, Kanagawa Prefecture ◆ 【Cape Manazuru】 Located at the tip of the Manazuru Peninsula, it is a popular spot that has been selected as one of the "Kanagawa Scenic 50 Selections"! There are promenades in the forest and along the coastline, so you can easily take a stroll. At the tip of the cape, a huge rock protruding from the surface of the sea called "Mitsuishi" is also a highlight! Mitsuishi is also popular as a famous place for the first sunrise. 【Matsumoto Farm】 It is a mandarin orange farm in a great location overlooking Sagami Bay. Every season, you can experience mandarin orange picking, sweet summer citrus picking, and daffodil flower picking. The park is also equipped with a dog run and barbecue area! You can also play with a rental dog. 【Manazuru Sea Station Manazuru Bay Marina】 It is mainly a marina port facility that welcomes visitors from the sea, such as pleasure boats and yachts. Only temporary mooring is available. *Advance reservation required Fresh fish, vegetables and souvenirs are also sold. There are also hot spring resorts in the vicinity, and there are also plenty of cafeterias where you can taste seafood. 【Kibune Shrine】 It is a shrine founded in 889 where the main god of the country, the chief god of things, and the god Sukunabikona are enshrined. It is said to have benefits such as family safety, business prosperity, and prayer for good luck. The Kibune Festival, held every July, is one of Japan's three major ship festivals. It is also designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Brightly decorated with lanterns and flower decorations, it is an annual grand festival in which Kohaya boats and mikoshi boats cross the sea. 【Iwa Beach】 About a 20-minute walk from Manazuru Station on the JR Tokaido Line, about 5 minutes by bus, and a hidden gem with good access! The waves are calm, so it is also recommended for families. Scuba diving, fishing and marine activities are also available. In the summer, the marine athletic "Manazuru Water Park" will be available for a limited time! As of 2023 There are plenty of rental spaces, playground equipment, kitchen cars, hot showers, etc., so you can spend a comfortable time. 【Manazuru Peninsula Sightseeing Boat】 It is a sightseeing boat that allows you to enjoy the Manazuru Peninsula from the sea! It will be a round trip between Manazuru Port and off the coast of Mitsuishi about 30 minutes. You can enjoy Hatsushima, Oshima, Kibune Shrine, Mitsuishi, etc. from the sea. ◎ Boarding fee Adults: 1,500 yen Up to junior high school students: 1,000 yen *Free for preschoolers and pets 【Manazuru Town Folklore Museum】 It is a museum where you can learn about the history and life of Manazuru. It is located in the former house of the Tsuchiya family, which flourished in the stone industry, and arts and crafts, daily necessities, and materials related to the fishing and stone industries are also on display in the building. In addition, special exhibitions will be held on various themes! The "New Year's Exhibition" is being held until January 28, 2024. ◆ Gourmet and accommodation information in Manazuru Town, Kanagawa Prefecture ◆ Speaking of gourmet food in Manazuru Town, after all, seafood! There are many cafeterias and sushi restaurants in the town. Please enjoy the dishes using fresh fish. The town is also dotted with fresh fish shops and string shops that are perfect for souvenirs. At the "Manazuru Nabura Market" held at Manazuru Port on the last Sunday of every month, you can buy not only fish but also vegetables and handicrafts. In Manazuru Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, there are many accommodation facilities such as minshuku, inns, and hotels. There are a wide variety of facilities such as rooms with ocean views, inns with a nostalgic atmosphere, and facilities with co-working facilities. You can choose according to your preference. Manazuru Town in Kanagawa Prefecture is a great area where you can spend a quiet time with nature. It is also a town loved by cultural figures such as Akiko Yosano, Naoya Shiga, and Natsume Soseki. We will continue to deliver the charm of Manazuru Town here! We hope you will find it helpful for your trip to Manazuru. Thank you in advance.

Hakone Gora Park Christmas illumination "Forest Tunnel" now on display! In time for Christmas, the park’s event hall is featuring a Christmas tree illumination called "Forest Tunnel." This event runs through Monday, December 25th. From Tuesday, December 26th onward, the park will welcome visitors with New Year–themed decorations. For details, please visit the official website linked in our profile!

Public Interest Incorporated Association Sagamihara City Tourism Association Conquer Sagamihara!! We have launched a cycling page packed with classic courses and off-the-beaten-path routes! Sagamihara City Tourism Association has partnered with the cycling media Ring to introduce cycling routes for everyone from beginners to advanced cyclists aiming to enter races, and released a special site called "SAGAMIHARA RIDE." For details, please visit the official website via the link in our profile!

Atsugi Tourism Association in Kanagawa Prefecture also joined the Cool Japan video. We will keep sharing tourism information about Atsugi City, so please follow us!

Enjoy Kanagawa by bike! A route map that tours its rich natural beauty is now complete! The prefecture is promoting cycle tourism to invigorate local communities through sports, encouraging wide-area rides that make the most of the region’s abundant natural environment. We have developed 14 recommended cycling routes in collaboration with municipalities and local organizations, offering plans that take you by bike to Kanagawa’s appealing spots for gourmet food, sightseeing, and outdoor sports. For details, please visit the official website linked in the profile!

NICE TO MEET EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Atsugi Tourism Association. Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture is a city with a population of 224,102 as of December 2023 Reiwa 5 located in the center of Kanagawa Prefecture, and is an area rich in nature through which the Sagami River, a first-class river, flows. Since there is a highway interchange, it is also characterized by good transportation access! The Atsugi Parking Area Atsugi PA, located on the way to Tokyo on the Tomei Expressway, is equipped with a smart IC that can be used 24 hours a day. In addition, Atsugi PA has a Japanese-style appearance inspired by a post town, and you can enjoy gourmet food unique to Atsugi City, such as fish set meals directly from Numazu Port. In this first post, we will introduce Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as recommended sightseeing information! --- Things to do in Atsugi, Kanagawa --- ■Atsugi Onsen Town■ "Atsugi Onsen Town" includes Iiyama Onsen, Nanasawa Onsen, Hirosawaji Onsen, and Kabutoyu Onsen. Both hot springs are located in a mountain village about 30 minutes by car from Hon-Atsugi Station and the Atsugi Interchange on the Tomei Expressway, and are located in the back of Atsugi, surrounded by lush nature. The quality of the spring is a highly alkaline spring with beautiful skin. Why don't you spend such a luxurious time soaking in the hot water and enjoying gastronomy? ■Strawberry picking■ Strawberry picking can be enjoyed from late December to spring every year. Taste the ripe strawberries that are unique to freshly picked. The strawberry garden in Atsugi City is "all-you-can-eat for 30 minutes". You can also enjoy comparing different types of strawberries. Join your family and friends and enjoy delicious strawberries. Please be sure to make a reservation or confirmation by phone. Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays can be very crowded, so make your reservation as early as possible. For details, please contact each farm. * The price is "all-you-can-eat for 30 minutes" ● Depending on the growing conditions and reservation status, it may not be possible to pick strawberries even during the season. When you go out, please be sure to make a reservation or confirm by phone. ● Prices are subject to change. For details, please contact each farm. ■Iiyama Hakusan Forest Park■ It is a park with an area of about 33 hectares and beautiful nature in all four seasons. It spreads across Hakusan and Satoyama, and is adjacent to Iiyama Kannon, which is famous for cherry blossoms. Hakusan hiking trails and trail running trails are also available, so you can easily enjoy a walk. The summit of Mt. Hakusan is a spectacular spot where you can see all the way to Yokohama and Shinjuku! In addition, the cherry blossom plaza in the park is in full bloom around the end of March every year, and many people visit during the Atsugi Iiyama Cherry Blossom Festival. ■ Iiyama Kannon "Chokokuji" ■ Located in the middle of Mt. Hakusan, it is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect, which has been selected as one of the "50 Best Kanagawa Scenic Spots" and "100 Kanagawa Flower Spots". Kannon-do is designated as a tangible cultural property of Atsugi City, and the bell of the bell tower hall is designated as an important cultural property designated by the prefecture. The precincts show various colors depending on the season, and cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, daffodils, and maples are popular attractions. During the Atsugi Iiyama Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry blossoms on the approach are in full bloom, and it is crowded with many cherry blossom viewers every year. One of the highlights is the 400-year-old "Inumaki Tree", which is designated as a natural monument of Atsugi City! ■Higashitanzawa Green Park■ An outdoor facility with a 3.5-kilometer-long athletic course spread out in the forest. There are 36 points that utilize the slopes of the mountain, such as log bridges and ropeways, and there are also points that young children can enjoy, so children and adults can use it with confidence. In addition, there is also an outdoor barbecue and a fishing pond center. You can also enjoy a walk on a mountain bike. ■Koganei Sake Brewery■ It is a sake brewery with a history of more than 200 years, which has been in business since 1818 in the late Edo period. It is also the only sake brewery in Atsugi City. "Daiginjo Sakarimasu" brewed by Koganei Sake Brewery won the Gold Award at the National New Sake Appraisal Competition for three consecutive years! ■Prefectural Nanasawa Forest Park■ It is one of the largest urban parks in Kanagawa Prefecture. Located at the foot of Higashitanzawa, you can enjoy nature throughout the year with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves. Forest therapy, art programs such as pottery, and hands-on programs such as nature observation are also held! There is also an outdoor barbecue area in the park, where you can enjoy barbecue empty-handed business period: March ~ November * Charged, reservation required, food can be brought in. ■ Ogama Benzaiten ■ Located in the upper reaches of the Osawa River, it is a benzaiten river goddess enshrined for begging for rain. The origin of the name "Ogama Benzaiten" is said to be derived from the fact that the waterfall basin resembles the bottom of the kettle. It is also popular as a power spot and a refreshing spot! ■ Tree Cross Adventure ■ A life-changing experience on a forest adventure that originated in France! It is a forest adventure park that originated in France and can be experienced in the size of one Tokyo Dome. You can enjoy a total of 10 courses, a 700-meter zipline, and one of the most high-level attractions in the Tokyo metropolitan area. There are some courses that can break your heart, where you can experience bouldering at a height of 15 meters, but there are also courses for beginners that you can easily try. After getting the hang of it up to the 1~5th course, the highlight of the park, the 173m zipline, will appear. In front of the zipline where you can't see the future and the scenery with the drop spreading out at your feet, your legs may be weak, but let's have the courage to jump out! You're sure to have a wonderful experience that will last a lifetime. ■Atsugi City Ogino Athletics Park■ It is a facility that is popular with locals as a base for sports and recreation. There is a heated pool that is open all year round, tennis courts where you can play at night, a gymnasium, a stadium, and more! At the entrance of the "Multipurpose Plaza" on the vast lawn, the "Iki Iki Health Plaza" is equipped with 12 types of health equipment. It is used as a place to build physical strength. In addition, in the wildflower garden in the park, flowers of the four seasons bloom, and it is also known as a flower attraction spot. Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is also known as the birthplace of the warlord Mori clan Mori-shi, and is also an area where remnants of historical figures and celebrities remain. It is also recommended to visit Atsugi City while following historical spots. Please visit Atsugi City and experience its charm! In the future, this account will continue to provide information on Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Thank you in advance!

It's been a long time since I went to 🏝️ Enoshima When I was aiming for the sunset at my favorite place, I was able 🌅 to take a picture of something out of the ordinary. It's also nice to see Tombi dancing gracefully in the thick clouds 🤩.

I took the Enoden from Kamakura Station and walked around Enoshima. At the end of the day, be impressed by the view of the Shonan Sea dyed in the sunset and Mt. Fuji! Nearby beaches such as Shichirigahama and Yuigahama are crowded with surfers, and many people are equipped with hooks to hook surfboards on bicycles and scooters. I got a train on Enoshima Electric Railway from Kamakura and walked around Enoshima island. At end of the day, you can enjoy beautiful twilight sight of Mt. Fuji and sea of Shounan Southern Kanagawa. Many people enjoy surfing at Shichirigahama or Yuigahama beach and they equip luggage hook on their bicycle or scooter.

A new facility has opened in Ebina! WEINS PARK Ebina. Centered on three main facilities—the new car sales location WEINS PARK Ebina store, the U-Car sales location WEINS PARK U-BASE Ebina, and the camping and BBQ area WEINS PARK U-BASE CAMP—it also brings together a 3x3 basketball court, sports cafe, dog cafe, yakiniku restaurant, bathing facilities, a dog run, and other activities. This completely new-concept facility brings together cars, experiential services, and recreational activities in one place. WEINS PARK Ebina is adjacent to the Ebina Interchange (Ebina IC) on the Ken-O Expressway and is also just a 10-minute walk from Atsugi Station, served by the JR Sagami Line and the Odakyu Line. Occupying a vast 17,492 m² (about 67 tennis courts), the site brings together new cars, U-Cars, camping, and activities to attract visitors from across Kanagawa Prefecture and beyond, offering a comprehensive facility where guests can experience the car lifestyle proposed by Weins. The site is also planned as an emergency power supply hub using PHEVs and other means during disasters, and aims to work with the local community to contribute to the region. Facility Overview ■Facility name: WEINS PARK Ebina Main building (new cars and service) ■Store name: WEINS PARK Ebina store ■Address: 3289-40 Nakashinden, Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture ■Phone: 046-235-6201 ■Hours: 10:00–19:00 U-BASE building (U-Car) ■Store name: WEINS PARK U-BASE Ebina ■Address: 3290-1 Nakashinden, Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture ■Phone: 046-235-6204 ■Hours: 10:00–19:00 CAMP experiences (campground and BBQ) ■Facility name: WEINS PARK U-BASE CAMP ■Address: 3290-1 Nakashinden, Ebina City, Kanagawa Prefecture ■Phone: 046-235-6208 ■Hours: Campground: Check-in 13:00 / Check-out 10:00 BBQ: 10:00–21:00 (three time slots)※Hours are subject to change.