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The last few days have been warm. What's going on with Lysichiton camtschatcensis? I was curious and went to the swamp along Poppo's road on the Old Karikachi Line track. It seems that it was still a little early, but there were pretty flowers blooming nearby. Soon, Lysichiton camtschatcensis will also be there.

Despite being adjacent to Tokyo, Saitama prefecture is often overlooked by tourists. However, this prefecture has a lot to offer with its mesmerizing natural beauty. Currently, Kita Asaba Sakura Zutsumi is gaining attention, thanks to photographers who have captured its beauty. I visited this place last year, but this year, I witnessed the astonishing view of the pink sakura rows against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains.

Cherry blossoms released by photographer Toshinobu Takeuchi Many of the old cherry trees have withered, and new children's cherry blossoms have begun to grow. Gunma Prefecture Annaka City Upper and Lower Autumn Cherry blossoms in autumn

When you visit go sightseeing in the Kawazu cherry blossoms town of "Kawazu Town" and Please enjoy the exquisite gourmet of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Deai Chaya". ・ Eat original products Our stores' original boar soup, matcha dango set, matcha cream anmitsu, etc. are popular. Souvenirs are also waiting for us with a variety of original products only available to Our stores, from local products to Adult black sesame sweets. ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot name】Deai Chaya 【Address】Nashimoto, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 382-1 Nashimoto, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-35-7604 【Business hours】9:00~14:00Meal~17:00Shop 【Regular holiday】Not opens 【Parking lot】Yes

Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima　 Recommended spots in Hiroshima #Miyajima 👈 The first photo with 📸 drooping cherry blossoms and deer The path of the deer. In the morning, deer descend from the mountains. On this day, the weather was good and it was a cherry 🌸 blossom viewing day. Many tourists enjoyed 😊🌸 cherry blossom viewing After noon, it will be full of tourists, so if you want to take pictures, morning is recommended! 📸

Cherry blossoms 🌸 at night on a starry night This is Edohiganzakura in Yorii, Saitama Prefecture. It was a 400-year-old Edohigan cherry tree and was crowded with many people! Even when I took pictures with the stars at night, there were a lot of photographers.

Mt. Yoshino from a decaying house. The contrast with the glamour. Nara Prefecture Yoshino Yamanaka Senbon

I landed at Takamatsu Airport to see the cherry blossoms in Kagawa, but unfortunately the cherry blossoms in Kagawa Prefecture had not yet bloomed, so I rented a car and went to Kochi, which was already in full bloom. Niyodogawa Town is famous for its Niyodo Blue, but the cherry blossoms at the 500-year-old Gourd Sakura Park in Niyodogawa Town are spectacular. The cherry blossoms illuminated by the moon at night were divinely beautiful.

Kochi Castle, located in Kochi, is one of the 12 surviving castle towers built in the Edo period. The castle tower is usually lit up at night and you can enjoy it, but in spring, the cherry blossoms in full bloom color Kochi Castle, making it even more attractive. After sightseeing in various parts of Kochi Prefecture, I visited at night in an exhausted state, but the performance of the illuminated Kochi Castle and the cherry blossoms was so beautiful that the fatigue was blown away.

For the rehearsal of the birch sap water collection experience that will start the day after tomorrow, we will do a final check of the flow at the site. I was worried because it snowed the day before yesterday, but thanks to the warmth today, I was relieved by the sap that oozes out when I make a hole in the birch. It seems that it was still a little early for full-scale collection, and the sap that came out was about 50 ml in one hour. From now until the end of the week, the daytime temperature is forecast to exceed 10 degrees Celsius, so I think the amount of collection will stabilize. The birch sap water collection experience will be held from the 5th Friday to the 14th Sunday of this month, and reservations can be made even the day before. If you are interested, please join us. In addition, those who are only interested in visiting are welcome. * If there are no participants, there will be no event, so please contact the tourism association in advance. For details, please contact the Shintoku Tourism Association [0156-64-0522].

【Yokohama City】 OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theater opens at Landmark Plaza! ― Feel free to get acquainted with Noh and Kyogen, Gallery & Shop ー The Yokohama Noh Theater will be closed for two and a half years until June 2026 due to large-scale renovation work. During the closure, in order to let more and more people know about Noh and Kyogen, we will open a place "OTABISHO Yokohama Noh Theater" at the Landmark Plaza in Minato Mirai to introduce Noh and Kyogen. This is the first time in Japan that a facility introducing Noh and Kyogen has entered a shopping mall. At the Landmark Plaza, which has excellent access, please get close to Noh and Kyogen. 《Webinar Summary》 □ Date & Venue Sunday, April 14, 2024 Reiwa 6　 12:15~ Parade Toshi Ryugo Kagura, Raw Wheat DanceNamamugihayashi Preservation Society, Ushigome Lion Dance Preservation Society Route: Sakuragicho Station ~ Moving Sidewalk ~ Sakata's Seed Garden Square 13:00~ "Sanbasou（三番三,三番叟）"Sennojo Shigeyama, Mannnojyo Nomura, etc. Venue: Landmark Plaza 1st floor, Sakata's Seed Garden Square

Hello, the 🌸 cherry blossoms in Shinshu Suzaka have not bloomed yet、、、 This time, we would like to introduce the "5 major cherry blossoms of Toyooka". A little away from Suzaka City a little higher altitude There is a spot in the Toyooka area where you can enjoy the splendid "Ipponzakura". Since the altitude is higher than the urban area, the Garyu Park 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots It blooms later than sakura. Please go out to Shinshu Suzaka to find your favorite cherry blossoms. ~The Five Great Cherry Blossoms of Shinshu Suzaka and Toyooka~ 🌸 The Shidarezakura weeping cherry blossoms tree of the Obinata Kannon-do is about 250 years old 🌸 The Shidarezakura weeping cherry blossoms tree at Choumyouji Temple is about 400 years old 🌸 The Shidarezakura weeping cherry blossoms tree in Borairi Kannondo is about 250 years old 🌸 The cherry blossom tree at Enmei Jizodo is about 430 years old 🌸 Benten's Shidarezakura weeping cherry blossoms tree is about 250 years old * The earliest blooming "Shidarezakura weeping cherry blossoms of Obinata Kannon-do" is scheduled to 🌸 bloom around April 7. 　Flowering forecast as of April 3, 2024 Please contact us for the best time to see it. Contact: Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association ☎026-215-2225

Hello to all viewers of Cool Japan Videos! This is the Shimoda Tourist Association. Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, sits at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture. With a population of about 20,000 as of January 2024, Shimoda is known for its beautiful scenery framed by sea and mountains. ◇◆◇◆Introducing the history of Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda played a historically important role as the place that led Japan to open to the world. Known as the landing site of Perry, the Shimoda Kaikoku Museum preserves and shares that historical background and is a must-see spot. ◇◆◇◆Sightseeing spots to visit in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Surrounded by the sea and mountains, Shimoda offers many recommended attractions. In this first Cool Japan Videos post, we briefly introduce some of them. ・Shimoda Underwater Aquarium This aquarium uses a natural Shimoda inlet, and its grounds equal roughly the size of one Tokyo Dome, where you can encounter a variety of marine life. You can observe creatures raised in environments close to nature right before your eyes. ・Shirahama Ohama Beach (Shirahama Beach) With emerald-green, clear water and beautiful white sand, this beach ranks among Japan’s most beautiful bathing beaches. Nearby shores offer marine activities such as surfing, sea kayaking, and diving. ・Ryugong Grotto This cave features a roughly 50-meter-diameter skylight and a mystical atmosphere, making it a popular power spot. Viewed from above, the cave’s heart-shaped formation makes it a photogenic spot. ・Perry Road This road was walked by Perry’s delegation when the Black Ships arrived in the late Tokugawa period. It retains a retro historical charm and is a popular sightseeing spot. ・Shirahama Shrine The oldest shrine in the Izu district with a history of 2,400 years, it is a sacred spot known for blessings related to matchmaking and improving love fortunes. ・Black Ships Tour Boat and Izu Cruise Board the Black Ship “Sasukehana” for a scenic cruise of Shimoda Port from the sea. ・Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato From the terrace you can enjoy panoramic views of Shimoda Port. The shop offers many local souvenirs, especially abundant seafood including splendid alfonsino. ・Mt. Negata Nature Park Accessible via the 540-meter ShimodaRopeway, the park’s observation deck offers sweeping views of Shimoda Port. You can also enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the grounds. ◇◆◇◆Local specialties and gourmet food in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture is blessed with fresh seafood. Seafood dishes are popular, and items such as igenda miso hot pot, kinme croquette, sanma sushi, tokoroten, spiny lobster, splendid alfonsino, and hijiki seaweed are specialties you should try when visiting Shimoda. ◇◆◇◆Events and festivals in Shimoda City◆◇◆◇ Shimoda hosts a variety of popular festivals, events, and gatherings throughout the year. Here are some of Shimoda’s well-known festivals. ・Shirahama Sea Festival Summer Fireworks A fireworks display held at Shirahama Ohama Beach; in 2023, 1,173 shells of sea fireworks were launched. ・Shimoda Taiko Festival A festival associated with Shimoda Hachiman Shrine that dates back about 400 years, featuring more than 14 taiko floats and portable shrines parading through Shimoda. ・Tetsutsu Fireworks The traditional hand-held tetsutsu fireworks performed at Kawachi Suwa Shrine in the Inabusawa District are handmade using methods passed down through generations. ◇◆◇◆Enjoy the wonderful scenery of Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture◆◇◆◇ Shimoda offers lush natural attractions, historical sites where you can feel Japan’s past, plentiful leisure facilities, rich marine activities, and welcoming inns and hotels to soothe your travel fatigue. Shimoda’s charms are abundant. We will continue to bring you recommended information about Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, so stay tuned!

Spend a blissful time in the beautiful town, Kawazu Town When you visit surrounded by the nature of the sea and mountains, and the Accommodations in the town! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Mutsumi-an, a Japanese dog lodging where you can stay with your dog". ・ Dog Run "Dog Square" is about 200 tsubo in size! You can play while looking at Sagami Bay and part of Izu Nanashima in the distance. Fun meals include Izu seafood, mountain food, Izu seafood, Kinmedai sea bream, local fish sashimi, and Wagyu beef shabu-shabu with your dog. ◆Detailed Information◆ 【Spot name】You can stay with your dog Wami no Dog Lodging Mutsumi-an 【Address】Mitaka, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture, 777-7 Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number 0558-32-1700 Check-in/Check-out is 4:00 p.m., Check-out 10:00 a.m.　 [Total number of rooms] 5 【Pick-up/drop-off】No pick-up/drop-off 【Parking lot】8 cars

Early blooming tulips 🌷 This is located in Higashimatsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture It is a state-run Musashi Hills Forest Park. It is the earliest in Saitama Prefecture and you can see 🤤 early-blooming tulips You can 😁 feel spring one step ahead

■Cycling Guide Tour■ ~Night Tour 1‑Night Plan~ An evening‑start, one‑night plan! A relaxed all‑day, get‑together itinerary for everyone to enjoy. [Cycling × Vegetable Picking × Luxurious BBQ × Group Stay] After an evening cycling session, enjoy a luxurious BBQ dinner with spectacular views of the Ina Valley spread below. Then, while savoring drinks at dinner, soak in a ceramic‑style bath and spend a leisurely night on site in this indulgent plan. You will stay overnight at Toyo Terrace, where you can fully enjoy the BBQ course. For dinner, hand the vegetables you harvested to the BBQ specialist and enjoy an exquisite course of grilled dishes. This special, one‑group‑per‑day plan delivers an extraordinary experience available only on that day and in that moment. Guides will accompany and support you on the cycling portion, so no prior cycling experience is required. Rest assured that the slopes in Toyooka Village are tackled using E‑BIKES (electric‑assist bicycles). The sustainable travel information site “Sustavi” has featured the Night Tour. [Plan Details] ■Season Late April through mid‑October ■Duration, Distance, Start Time ●Cycling: about 2 hours ●Distance: under 10 km ●Start time: from 15:00 (overnight stay at Toyo Terrace) ■Group size From 5 up to 10 guests ■Price (tax included, per person) Adult (junior high school and above): ¥15,000 Child (elementary school and under): ¥7,500 Infant (preschool): ¥2,000 *Drinks at dinner are on a one‑drink basis; additional drinks are charged separately. *You may bring drinks for dinner, so please shop before the start if you plan to bring your own. *Breakfast is not included. (The kitchen can be lent for cooking, so if you plan to prepare your own breakfast please shop beforehand.) ■Course itinerary 1. Meet at toyooka travel time at 14:00 (payment) 2. Depart for Toyo Terrace at 14:30 3. Cycle to the partner farm at 15:00 4. Arrive at the farm — vegetable harvesting experience, etc., 15:30–17:00 5. Return to Toyo Terrace at 17:30 6. BBQ dinner around 18:00–20:00 7. Overnight at Toyo Terrace — check‑out next day at 9:00 ■About the plan [Dinner] Meals (BBQ) follow a chef’s choice course. Drinks are one‑drink included; extra drinks and additional items require separate payment. We also offer a chef‑curated drink package (price negotiable). →Any additional drink charges are to be paid in cash on site. You may bring drinks or ingredients for breakfast cooking. Please discuss this when you make your reservation. [Breakfast] Please provide your own breakfast the next morning. You may use the kitchen to cook. If you plan to cook, please shop for ingredients in advance. [Bicycles] E‑BIKES (electric‑assist bicycles) are used. Guests who cannot ride a bicycle cannot participate. Thank you for your understanding. Rental bicycle list here → 《E‑BIKE》 [Provided equipment] Helmets / gloves / saddle covers / pant bands / lockers [Clothing] Comfortable, easy‑to‑move clothing and shoes ■Contact toyooka travel time 0265‑49‑3395 (9:00–18:00)

■Kids Rental Bikes■ Monthly rentals for kids bikes are now available! For details, see the Rental Bicycle Rates (Monthly) below. Hourly rentals are also available! Available Rental Bikes 12-inch Kick Bike ■Recommended height: 85–105 cm ■Suitable age: 2–5 years ■Perfect for children touching a bicycle for the first time 18-inch Kids Bike ■Recommended height: 102–120 cm ■Suitable age: 4–7 years 20-inch Junior Bike ■Recommended height: 122–135 cm ■Suitable age: 6–10 years ■Equipped with a 7-speed drivetrain 24-inch Junior Bike ■Recommended height: 130–150 cm ■Suitable age: 8–12 years ■Equipped with an 8-speed drivetrain Child Carrier Bike ■Available for children aged 12 months and older ■Load capacity: 34 kg (maximum total load including luggage) ■One passenger only, up to 18 kg * When using this item, it must be paired with another bicycle. If you choose a monthly rental, please write “monthly rental: X months” in the comments section. Contact 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 Toyooka Tourism Association Toyooka Travel Time (General Incorporated Association) 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

■Cycling Guide Tour■ ~Exquisite Course Lunch Plan~ Get the ingredients for your course lunch yourself! ~A relaxed, indulgent full-day plan~ [Cycling × Vegetable Picking × Course Lunch × Refreshment] Enjoy the spectacular views of the Ina Valley while cycling and immerse yourself in the culture of Toyooka Village. At the partner farmer’s orchard, harvest seasonal vegetables that will be used in your course lunch. Bring the vegetables you harvested to the on-site chef, and they will turn them into an exquisite course lunch. This is a special one-group-per-day plan that lets you savor flavors unique to that day and moment. You don’t need to be used to riding a bike to enjoy the cycling— a guide certified by the Japan Cycling Guide Association will accompany and support you. Even the slopes in Toyooka Village are manageable because we use E-BIKEs (electric-assist bicycles). With a cycling guide along, you can relax and enjoy the experience. [Exquisite Course Lunch Plan] ■Period and Available Vegetables Late April to early December ~Vegetables you can harvest in Toyooka Village (examples)~ [Late March] shiitake mushrooms grown on logs, asparagus [April] tara shoots, udo, butterbur, bamboo shoots (moso bamboo) [May] spring cabbage, spring myoga ginger, lettuce [June] onions, broccoli, bamboo shoots (madake bamboo) [July] zucchini, bell peppers, Manganji chili peppers [August] tomatoes, eggplant, mizuna, bell peppers [September] sweet potatoes, taro, autumn eggplants [October] broccoli, peanuts, cabbage [November] daikon radish, Chinese cabbage, carrots [December] autumn cabbage, burdock root, spinach ■Duration, Distance, and Start Time ●Duration: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours (around 10:00–15:00) ●Riding distance: About 10 km ●Start time: 10:00 ※Please arrive at toyooka travel time at least 10 minutes before the start. ※If you need to change the start time or other details, please consult with us in advance. ■Group Size 2 to 5 participants (for customers junior high school age and older) ■Price (tax included, per person) For a reservation of 2 people: 13,500 yen per person For a reservation of 3 people: 11,000 yen per person For a reservation of 4 people: 10,000 yen per person For a reservation of 5 people: 9,000 yen per person ※For an additional 500 yen you can purchase optional insurance. ■Sample Course and Schedule 1. Meeting and departure 10:00 (payment) 2. Transfer to Toyo Terrace and depart 10:30 3. Cycle to the partner farm 10:30–11:00 4. Arrive at the farm and vegetable-picking experience 11:00–11:30 5. Return to Toyo Terrace 12:00 6. Course lunch 12:30–13:30 7. Dismissal at Toyo Terrace 14:00–15:00 ※For some courses, you may be driven to Toyo Terrace by car. ■About the Plan [Lunch Menus] 1. Italian course 2. BBQ course When making a reservation, please indicate which course you prefer in the comment field. [Bicycles] We use E-BIKEs (electric-assist bicycles). Please note that customers who cannot ride a bicycle cannot participate. For the list of rental cycles, see here → 《E-BIKE》 [Provided Equipment] • Helmet / Gloves / Saddle cover / Pant leg band / Locker [Clothing] • Comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes ■Inquiries toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

◆Gensuke Turnip Greens Harvesting Experience & Pickling Workshop◆ When it comes to Shinshu pickles, nozawana is famous, but in Minami Shinshu the pickles made from Gensuke turnip greens are the local favorite. Exposed to frost, these greens develop a unique crunch and a pleasant sweetness that make for delicious pickles. Be sure to try Gensuke turnip greens, a winter staple of Minami Shinshu. [ Gensuke Turnip Greens Harvesting Experience ] The flow of the Gensuke turnip greens harvesting experience is as follows. 1. Check in at Toyooka Travel Time ↓ 2. Drive by private car to the field ↓ 3. Harvesting experience (you harvest yourself) ↓ 4. Return to Toyooka Travel Time for weighing and payment Recipes are available for those who would like one. ■Period November 27 (Monday) – December 20 (Wednesday) New registrations are closed. Available until supplies run out. ■Registration place and time Registration place: Toyooka Travel Time Registration hours: 10:00–15:00 ■Fee 200 yen per 1 kg ■What to bring Kitchen knife / String to tie the turnip greens ■How to reserve Advance reservation is required, so please contact us with your desired harvest date. Toyooka Travel Time (Toyooka Village Tourism Association) Hours: 9:00–18:00 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 FAX: 0265-49-3396 On the day, registration, weighing, and payment will be handled at Toyooka Travel Time. [ Gensuke Turnip Greens Pickling Workshop ] Under the guidance of experienced staff, you can harvest, pickle, and take home your turnip greens. They will carefully teach you pickling methods and tips for making delicious pickles. ■Date Sunday, December 3 ■Registration place and time Registration place: Toyooka Travel Time → Please pay at registration. Registration hours: 12:30–13:30 ■Schedule 1. Check in at Toyooka Travel Time (12:30–13:30) ↓ 2. Drive by private car to Tamurabara field (harvest field) ↓ 3. Harvesting experience (you harvest yourself) ↓ 4. Move to Daichi, the Agricultural Support Center (pickling workshop location) ↓ 5. Pickling workshop ■Pickling workshop location Toyooka Village Agricultural Support Center Daichi Processing Experience Room (the workshop lasts approximately two hours) 3128-1 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 ■Harvesting location Tamurabara field ■Fee 2,700 yen per participating group (one barrel), which includes 3 kg of cut turnip greens for pickling If you want to harvest more than 3 kg, an additional 200 yen per kg will be charged. ■What to bring Kitchen knife / Kitchen gloves / Rubber boots / 15-L pickling barrel (if you do not have one, barrels are available for 1,000 yen each) Rain gear as needed depending on the weather ■How to reserve Advance reservation is required. Reservations are accepted up to the day before the experience. For reservations and inquiries: Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395 FAX: 0265-49-3396)

From April 2, 2024, we will change the tourist information center’s opening hours as follows. • Opening: 9:30 (previously 9:00) • Closing: 18:00 (unchanged) Accordingly, the rental bicycles’ pickup time will change from 9:00 to 9:30. Thank you for your understanding. #Tomakomai #Rental Bicycles

■Cycling Guide Tour■ – Fruit Sweets Plan – Pick your own fruit for the sweets!? ~A smart two-hour plan~ [ Cycling × Fruit Picking × Sweets ] Cycle through the seasons and harvest fresh fruit, then savor a one-of-a-kind taste made just for that day. The fruit you pick will be turned into desserts by the chef at the village eatery cafe and dining en! Riding is easy even on hills because we use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). If you’re not used to cycling, a guide certified by the Japan Cycling Guide Association will support you. We set the course to match each group’s level for your peace of mind! [ Plan Details ] ■Season and Available Fruit (Spring) Mid-March to Early May (Summer) Early June to End of August (Autumn) October to December (Winter) December to February – Fruit Grown in Toyooka Village – Strawberries: Early March to Early May Cherries: Early June to Late June Peaches: Mid-July to Mid-August (varieties vary by time) Grapes: Late August to Late September (varieties vary by time) Pears: Late August to Early October (varieties vary by time) Apples: Mid-August to Early December (varieties vary by time) Sweet persimmons: Late October to Late November Ichida persimmons: Late December to Late February (winter only; dried persimmons provided by local farmers) ■Duration, Distance, Start Time • Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours • Riding distance: Under 10 km • Start time: From 13:00 If you prefer a morning start, please consult with us. Please arrive at toyooka travel time 10 minutes before the start. ■Group Size 2 to 5 people. For single participants or groups larger than five, please consult with us. ■Price (tax included) Ages 3 and up: 5,000 yen per person and up. Ages 0–2: Free. Prices may vary depending on the fruit. Please note in advance. We cannot accept bookings when cafe and dining en is closed (closed every Monday and Tuesday). ■Course Details & Schedule 1. Meet at toyooka travel time and depart 13:00 (payment) 2. Cycle to the orchard 13:00–around 13:30 3. Arrive at the orchard and pick fruit around 13:30–14:00 4. Move to cafe and dining en around 14:15 5. Enjoy sweets around 14:30–15:00 6. Return to toyooka travel time and finish around 15:15 This plan normally starts in the afternoon; for a morning start, please consult with us. ■About the Plan [ Fruit ] Experience and enjoy the fruit of the season. If two or more fruits are available at the same time, please tell us which fruit you prefer. [ Course ] This course is designed for beginners. Even those who don’t usually ride a bike will be accompanied by a guide. The plan generally follows the schedule above. If you wish to extend the cycling portion, you can do so by paying an additional rental fee for the bicycles. [ Bicycles ] We use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). (There are no electric-assist bikes for children.) Small children who cannot ride can use a rented carrier bike. (Weight limits and other restrictions apply.) Rental bike list: • E-BIKE • Kids bike and carrier bike [Provided Equipment] • Helmet, gloves, saddle cover, trouser band, locker • Shower (additional fee) [Clothing] • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement ■Inquiries toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

◆Vegetable Harvest Experience◆ Enjoy filling a bag with seasonal vegetables throughout the year. You may eat the vegetables you harvest in the field. This value-packed plan lets you taste vegetables at their freshest. 【 Details 】 ※Reservations are currently being accepted※ Reservations are prioritized. Same-day reservations are also possible. Please contact us by phone. ■Period ● Early July to late January (held in light rain) ■Reception time and duration ● Reception: 10:00–14:00 ● Duration: About 1 hour ＝Notes＝ ・Please complete reception at least 10 minutes before your reservation time. ・If you are late for your reservation time, we may be unable to accommodate you. ■Fees (tax included) Admission + Vegetable Harvest Experience Fee ① Admission Fee Adults (15 years and older) 300 yen per person ※Free for junior high school students and younger ② Vegetable Harvest Experience Fee For regular cars (up to 10 passengers) and kei cars (up to 4 passengers), please use from one bag per vehicle. ● Small bag 500 yen ● Medium bag 1,000 yen ● Large bag 1,500 yen (Bag size reference: plastic bag S, M, LL) See “About the Vegetables” for the vegetables you can harvest. ＝Notes＝ ・We prepare 2–3 kinds of vegetables for harvesting, but harvest times may shift due to weather and other conditions. ・You cannot specify which vegetables you will harvest. Thank you for your understanding. ・Harvestable vegetables will be announced at reception on the day. ■Large vegetables (additional charge) Large vegetables that do not fit in a bag will incur an additional charge. Prices will be provided at reception on the day. Extra-charge vegetables must be paid for separately at the farm, so please prepare small change. Large vegetables = Chinese cabbage, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, watermelon The above large vegetables are priced at market value. ■Vegetable Grilling Kit (tax included) You can sample the vegetables you harvest in the field. (Usage time: about 1 hour per group) One set 1,000 yen ＝Contents＝ Outdoor gas stove / cutting board / knife / seasonings such as salt and pepper / chopsticks and plates for each person / garbage bags ＝Notes＝ ・This kit is for grilling vegetables for tasting. Bringing other food is not permitted. ・No drinking water is available at the farm. (Please bring your own.) ・Water for handwashing is provided. ・Please take any brought garbage home with you. ・Alcohol consumption and other brought food at the farm are strictly prohibited. ■Flow on the day ① Reception (Toyotabi Time) / Payment (prepayment) ② Move to the farm ③ Vegetable harvest experience (vegetable grilling available for those who wish) ④ Disband on site ＝Notes＝ ・All transfers are by private car. ・If you wish to purchase additional items at the farm, only cash payments are accepted on site. ■What to bring ・Shoes that can get dirty or rain boots ・Gloves for harvesting (work gloves, etc.) ・Towel ・Drinks ・Rain gear (in case of rain) ※Harvesting requires both hands. You cannot harvest while holding an umbrella. ■Other ・There are no restrooms at the farm. Please be aware in advance. ・Please park at the farm following staff instructions. ・If farm management determines that the harvest experience is difficult for any reason, we may, regrettably, cancel the activity. ■Meeting place & Contact Toyotabi Time (Toyooka Village Tourism Association) Hours: 9:00–18:00 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 Email: toyotabi@nagano-toyooka.jp 【 About the Vegetables 】 List of vegetables available by season No vegetables can be harvested from January to May, so the experience is not available then. Because cultivated varieties change with that year’s weather and other factors, you cannot specify which vegetables will be harvested. Please contact Toyotabi Time directly for the actual cultivation status. ■Summer (June–August) Lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, okra Eggplant, corn, potatoes, onions, daikon radish, carrots, parsley, shiso, watermelon ■Autumn (September–November) Cucumber, bell pepper, zucchini, okra, eggplant, pumpkin, spinach, komatsuna, bok choy Lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, daikon radish, Chinese cabbage, long green onion ■Winter (December) Chinese cabbage, long green onion, carrots, Gensuke turnip greens, spinach, komatsuna, bok choy (Gensuke turnip greens are a pickling green popular in Minami Shinshu.) 【 How to Reserve 】 Same-day guidance is possible, but reservations are prioritized. We recommend booking in advance as we may not be able to accommodate you on the day. ■By phone 0265-49-3395 Reception hours 9:00–18:00 ■Online reservation Vegetable picking web reservation page ■Cancellation fee There is no cancellation fee. Please be sure to contact us by the reserved time on the day.

◆Sport Bike Rental◆ Rent a sport bike with ease! Why not explore the nature-rich Toyooka Village by bicycle? We offer a wide range of models so even those who have never ridden a sport bike can easily try one. Guided courses are also available, so please inquire. ■Special campaign: enjoy both a rental bike and a harvest-picking experience!! If you book a rental bike together with either vegetable picking or peach picking, the rental fee is 50% off. Please check the detailed pages on the Toyooka Travel Time website for harvest-picking contents. Reservations are also possible from the website. When booking a rental bike, write in the “Comments” field that you also reserved a harvest-picking experience. Available rental bikes Cross Bike ■Recommended height: 150–180 cm (three sizes available) ■From the famous Italian brand Colnago ■Stylish design with a premium feel *Number of units available for reservation: 3 (first come, first served) Road Bike ■Recommended height: 155–175 cm (M size) ■Equipped with disc brakes ■Frame designed to reassure beginners *Number of units available for reservation: 1 (first come, first served) Mountain Bike ■Recommended height: 130–145 cm ■Wider tires provide stability on rough roads ■Equipped with disc brakes; sized for easy use by women as well *Number of units available for reservation: 2 (first come, first served) Cyclocross Bike ■Recommended height: 155–175 cm (M size) ■Authentic cyclocross bike ■Feel free to ask if you’d like a test ride *Number of units available for reservation: 1 (first come, first served) Gravel Bike ■Recommended height: 145–170 cm (S size) ■Wider tires provide stability on rough roads ■High-end Shimano components for gears and brakes *Number of units available for reservation: 1 (first come, first served) Reservations are accepted via the Toyooka Travel Time website or by phone. Bicycles may be unavailable due to prior reservations or event participation. Please check the Rental Bike Calendar for details. Contact 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 Toyooka Village Tourism Association, Toyooka Travel Time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

Margaret Picking at Ihama in Minami-Izu Town Starts March 27 You can start picking the town’s official flower, the margaret (marguerite). Stop by during your spring break trip or drive by. ❁ From Wednesday, March 27, 2024 — until supplies last ❁ 9:00–15:00; canceled in case of rain ❁ Free; up to 10 stems per person ❁ Near Ihama Fishing Port; look for the banners 🚘 About a 1-hour drive from Shimoda Station 🚌 Local buses to Ihama take about 1 hour 5 minutes; service is very limited, so we recommend coming by car. Scissors available for loan Event may end early if the margarets run out. Contact Ihama Flower Association Tel: 090-3384-6701 (Contact: Saito) Please call during daytime hours. 🌼 Request To help ensure the event continues in future years, a donation box is provided. We appreciate your cooperation.

◆E-BIKE Rental Bicycle◆ Rent an E-BIKE and enjoy cycling. E-bikes offer a more natural pedaling feel than conventional electric bicycles and make hills effortless! With an E-BIKE, you can fully enjoy the scenery in the open air. We also offer guided courses, so please inquire. ■ Special campaign: enjoy rental bicycles plus fruit and vegetable picking!! If you reserve a rental bicycle together with vegetable picking or peach picking, the rental bicycle fee will be 50% off. Please check the detailed pages on the Toyooka Travel Time website for the contents of the harvest experiences. You can also make reservations from the website. When reserving a rental bicycle, please write in the “comments” field that you are also reserving a harvest experience. eBIG.SEVEN Size M ■ Recommended height: 155–175 cm ■ Vehicle weight: approx. 20 kg ■ Equipped with a powerful motor that makes the weight barely noticeable *Available for reservation: 5 units ePASSPORT CC 400 EQ Size S ■ Recommended height: 160–175 cm ■ You can place a basket or bag on the rear rack ■ This is a city-style model that makes mounting and dismounting easy *Available for reservation: 2 units ePASSPORT CC 400 EQ Size XS ■ Recommended height: 150–165 cm ■ A smaller size recommended for women ■ A stylish bike that’s perfect for Instagram-worthy photos *Available for reservation: 3 units Reservations are accepted via the Toyooka Travel Time website or by phone. Bicycles may be unavailable due to reservation status or event participation. Please check the Rental Bicycle Calendar for details. Contact 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 Toyooka Travel Time, Toyooka Village Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

◆2024 Bamboo Shoot Harvesting◆ You can harvest bamboo shoots that herald the arrival of spring. Beginners welcome! Farmers will patiently teach you how to dig from the very beginning. The well-maintained, spacious bamboo grove makes it safe and enjoyable even with children. The bamboo shoots come from moso bamboo, a species that grows only in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture. Fine bamboo shoots! Aim at the base and swing once! If you wish, we can prepare grilled bamboo shoots from what you harvest. Toyo Terrace parking lot serves as the grilled bamboo shoot venue. Plunge freshly harvested bamboo shoots, still in their husks, into bamboo charcoal! We use bamboo charcoal—made by burning bamboo—as the heat source for the footbath! They finish grilling in 15–20 minutes!! They steam to a delightful doneness. A sweet aroma, like grilled corn, fills the air! A portion of the shoot tip becomes especially delicious! [ Details ] Participation is by advance reservation only. Depending on reservation status, same-day registration may be possible. Please call to inquire. ■Reservation start April 6 (Saturday) from 9:00 AM ※Please note the reservation period may change depending on bamboo shoot emergence. Rising fertilizer costs and the aging of the grove owners have made it difficult to maintain the groves. Therefore, to cover labor and maintenance costs, we introduced an admission fee starting in fiscal 2023. For details, see the section “Admission Fee + Bamboo Shoot Harvesting Fee.” ■Period April 17 (Wednesday) – May 6 (Monday) Rain or shine ※The schedule above may change depending on bamboo shoot growth. ■Reservation times Four sessions per day ① 9:00 AM ② 10:30 AM ③ 1:00 PM ④ 2:30 PM =Notes= The grove owner will meet you at each reservation time. (Follow the owner’s car in your private vehicle to the grove.) Please complete check-in at least 10 minutes before your reservation time. If you are late for your reservation, we may be unable to accommodate you. ■Admission Fee + Bamboo Shoot Harvesting Fee (tax included) ●Admission fee: 300 yen per person (junior high school students and older) The amount you harvest per standard automobile (including kei cars) affects the fee as follows. ・Harvest 10 kg or more → Admission fee waived ・Harvest 5–10 kg → Admission fee 100 yen For details, see the Admission Fee Quick Reference. ●Bamboo shoots: 450 yen per kg We will provide one harvest bag per standard automobile (including kei cars) at reception. ■About harvest bags One harvest bag is issued per group. If a bag becomes full at the grove and cannot hold all your bamboo shoots, we will provide an additional bag on site. If you want to split your bamboo shoots into separate bags to take home, please inform reception at payment. Additional bags are sold for 50 yen each. ■About rice bran One bag of rice bran is provided per harvest bag. (One bag of rice bran is enough to remove bitterness from about 15 kg of bamboo shoots.) If your measured total exceeds 15 kg, we will provide additional rice bran bags (one per 15 kg). If you split your bamboo shoots and need more than one rice bran bag, please request them at payment. Additional bags are sold for 50 yen each. ■Domestic travel accident insurance You may opt to enroll in domestic travel accident insurance. If you wish to use it, please request it at reception. 500 yen per person (tax included) ■For parties arriving in two or more private cars We will settle fees per group based on one standard automobile (up to 10 seats) or one kei car (up to 4 seats). Do not use extra cars; please leave them in the Toyo Terrace parking lot. Please check here for payment instructions. ■What to bring / Wear ・Work gloves ・Boots or other shoes that can get dirty ・Clothes that are easy to move in ・Rain gear (in case of rain) ・Bags to divide bamboo shoots (only if needed) ■Grilled bamboo shoots (optional) We offer a service to turn your harvested bamboo shoots into grilled bamboo shoots at Toyo Terrace. If you wish, please harvest a separate, smaller bamboo shoot specifically for grilling, apart from the ones you take home. Toyo Terrace provides bamboo charcoal; toss husked bamboo shoots boldly into the charcoal, steam for 15–20 minutes, and they’re ready. Freshly harvested shoots have less bitterness at the tip and can be eaten as-is without blanching if grilled. The bamboo charcoal grill is free to use, so give it a try. Bamboo shoots become noticeably more bitter about an hour after harvesting. Even if you take them home and try to grill them, the bitterness may be too strong to enjoy. Please savor the freshly harvested grilled bamboo shoots available only here. ■Meeting place / Contact Toyo Terrace (Toyooka Village Tourism Association) Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 ■How to reserve Reservation start: April 6 (Saturday) from 9:00 AM Please wait a little longer until reservations open. ●Phone reservations 0265-49-3395 (Reception hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

I visited Atami City’s power spot, Kinomiya Shrine, for the first time in a long while. When I drew a fortune by the more-than-2,100-year-old natural monument "Ookusu", a cute little leaf was tucked inside.🌿

The 81st issue of Atami de Asobo, the magazine that introduces restaurants, souvenir shops, and other businesses in Atami City, has been published. This free paper is packed with ways to enjoy Atami. It features 74 recommended spots, including trending eateries and shops offering special deals, Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants, safe nightlife venues, day-use hot springs, and specialty stores. This issue also includes a special feature titled "Retro Atami Time: Savoring the Past at a Historic Western-Style Restaurant." Copies of Atami de Asobo are available from the Atami City Tourism Association, the Atami Tourist Information Center (Lusca Atami station building, 1st floor), the Atami Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and other local shops, so please pick one up.

April has begun 🌸 It's getting warmer and warmer, the snow is melting, and it's becoming a comfortable season! The cherry blossoms bloom around May every year, so it seems that it will be a little later to see them again this year. This is 😎 an introduction to the limited menu for the first half of April that started today 🐖 Shredded pork soup soba noodles soy sauce flavor 🦐 Stir-fried shrimp and egg with chili sauce with rice and sasai Both come with ♪ [salad, soup, dessert, coffee buffet] Use it slowly at the hotel restaurant with a sense of freedom! Reservations and details 📞 011-222-1522 direct line to restaurant reservations Or On the hotel website. We look ✨ forward to seeing you