The Yoritomo cherry trees (Kawazu-zakura) at Lake Sakuma Dam are now in full bloom. Some parts have begun turning into leafed cherry trees, but you can still fully enjoy the flowers. The illumination in the cherry-viewing square, "Yoritomo Cherry and Bamboo Lights," has been extended until the end of the cherry viewing season and lights up daily from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Manda Pit is also hugely popular as a cosplay photo spot! Arao City's symbol Manda Pit In 2015 (Heisei 27) it was registered as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage. The Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution—iron and steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining—represent the first successful spread of the Industrial Revolution from Europe to the non-Western world. Between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization in just over half a century. Now preserved as valuable industrial remains, Manda Pit has newly become extremely popular as a cosplay photo location!! Many cosplayers and photographers use the site. Visitors and staff alike find themselves captivated by the authentic costumes and makeup. Here are some precious off‑shot photos. When a shoot starts, the site feels different from the Manda Pit we usually see as staff, and that gives us a strange, wonderful feeling. Manda Pit is perfect for cosplay photography, offering everything from striking action shots to nostalgic scenes. You’re sure to get photos you’ll love—highly recommended. We look forward to your visit. Information Filming requires advance reservation and a photo shoot application form. Please download the application form from the Arao City website. For changing rooms and luggage storage please use the Manda Coal Mine Museum (paid). This also requires advance reservation. Please contact the Manda Coal Mine Museum for room availability. Manda Coal Mine Museum: Phone 0968-64-1300 If you have any questions, please contact Manda Pit Station. ◆ Manda Pit Station 〒864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆ Phone: 0968-57-9155 ◆ FAX: 0968-57-9156 ◆ Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday), and during the New Year holidays ◆ Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) ◆ Admission fees: Manda Pit ruins / Adults: ¥410, High school students: ¥310, Elementary and junior high students: ¥210, Preschool children: free ◆ Access: Bus / 8 minutes from JR Arao Station ◆ Parking: 5 large buses, 3 medium buses, 72 passenger cars #Kumamoto #World Heritage #World Cultural Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Manda Pit #Manda Coal Mine Museum #cosplay #photo spot #Arao City website

🌼🆕 Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure 🌼 Hello everyone 🌟 This is the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. The Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure has been refreshed! 😸👏🏻👏🏻 From today, you can pick one up freely in the Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture section of the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center 🌼💫✨ We also carry brochures for Minamimaki, Kitaaiki, Minamiaiki, Koumi, and Kawakami. Feel free to stop by anytime ✨

Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival is now underway! Until March 23! The plum blossoms are beautiful with their buds together♪ They will be in full bloom from today through the final day! We look forward to welcoming many visitors!

Isehara Flower Report 2025 The Okame cherry trees along the Shindo trail usually reach full bloom around the time of the Ooyama Climb Marathon, but this year flowering seems a little delayed. The buds have swelled considerably, so we’re looking forward to the blossoms. ✨Sunday, March 9th — Ooyama Climb Marathon✨ The Isehara Tourism Association will also have a booth at Isehara Elementary School (11:00–16:00). ＊Offered with the sacred salt from Ooyama Afuri Shrine Sakamoto Poultry’s Sakamoto no Tamago Boiled egg — 100 yen each (tax included) ＊New release: Value pack Large size 250 g (10 servings) Ooyama Natural Hot Spring Komaya no Yu “Isehara Ooyama no Yu” ♨️ 1 bag 1,500 yen (tax included) And more — a bounty of Isehara’s delicious local specialties and famous products. Once sold out, they’re gone—come early! We look forward to seeing you. #Isehara #Isehara #Ooyama Climb Marathon #Okame cherry #cherry blossoms #flower report #Isehara tourism #sightseeing #local specialties #souvenirs #hot springs Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit — on the stairs Station Shop Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round)

It’s still cold, but spring is definitely approaching! Early-blooming cherry trees around the region are at their best right now. https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/theme_list/hayazaki_cherry_blossom...

Celebrating the 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon and *Ekimae Chuo Shopping Street* Welcome Event 2025 The Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon finally takes place on Sunday, March 9, 2025! A brutal course awaits: a one-way 9 km route with a 650 m elevation gain and 1,610 stone steps just before the finish line. Starting from Isehara Station North Exit, the course runs past Japan National Route 246 intersection, Shimehiki, Oyama Old Road, Afuri Bridge, Koma approach, Onna-zaka (women's slope), Daisenji Temple, and up to Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine ⛩️ *Star Guest Runners* 10:00 start: Men 50s and 60 and over Karen Michibata and Angelica Kayoko Fukushi and Ryoko Ichikawa 10:30 start: Men 40s; Women under 39 and 40 and over Mako Chiba, Zhao Youfeng, and Reiko Tosa 11:00 start: Men 30s and under 29 Yuriko Kobayashi, Mari Ozaki, and Kayoko Obata ※Please note that on the day of the event, Chuodori from Isehara Station North Exit to the Japan National Route 246 Isehara Crossing will be temporarily closed to vehicles except route buses, as traffic restrictions related to the climb will be in effect from 9:50 AM to 12:00 PM. At Isehara Elementary School, where the opening ceremony takes place (11:00 AM–4:00 PM), local specialties from Isehara will be on sale, and 100 blocks of Oyama tofu (enough for 900 servings) will be distributed free of charge, among other attractions! A grand welcome event will be held along Ryujin Street at Isehara Station North Exit✨ ※For details of the Ekimae Chuo Shopping Street welcome event, visit the Isehara City Tourism Association website https://isehara-kanko.com/news/9796/... You can run, of course, but also cheer on the runners and soak up the festival atmosphere at the welcome events and more Come on—let’s all get excited together🎉

Hello! This is the Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association. Yamaga Onsen is a famous hot spring in northern Kumamoto Prefecture with a history of over 1,300 years. Its waters are characterized by alkaline simple hot spring quality, known for enhancing skin beauty. The water is clear and colorless, tasteless and odorless, with temperatures ranging from 39 to 45°C. This account will share recommendations and the latest information about Yamaga Onsen, so please follow us! ◆About Yamaga Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture You can enjoy flowing-only (gensen-kakenagashi) hot spring water at many inns, and there are plenty of outdoor baths and family baths available for day use, making the area beloved by both visitors and locals. The town offers a historic atmosphere, and popular sights include Yachiyoza Theater and the Buzen Highway. ◆Access to Yamaga Onsen Yamaga Onsen is conveniently accessible from Fukuoka. By car: Take the Kyushu Expressway and exit at Kikusui IC or Ueki Interchange; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Fukuoka City. By bus: Take the Hinokuni Bus from Fukuoka Tenjin to Yamaga Bus Center, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the bus center, hot springs and attractions are within walking distance. ◆History of Yamaga Onsen Yamaga has long been a hot spring town. In the Edo Period it prospered as a post town along the Buzen Highway, where many travelers stopped for healing baths. In the Meiji Era the playhouse Yachiyoza was built, adding cultural appeal to the hot spring area. Today, the town continues to enchant many visitors as a hot spring town where history and tradition live on. ◆Popular attractions in Yamaga Onsen ・Buzen Highway The Buzen Highway runs through the heart of Yamaga Onsen and preserves the historic streetscape of an Edo Period post town. Along the cobblestone road you will find white-walled townhouses and old folk houses, perfect for a stroll through a retro atmosphere. Cafes and souvenir shops dot the area, making it an ideal spot to buy local specialties. ・Sakura-yu Hot Spring Sakura-yu, a symbol of Yamaga Onsen, is a public bathhouse with roots in the Edo Period. It was restored in 2012 as one of Kyushu’s largest wooden hot springs using traditional Japanese construction methods. The spacious main bath retains the charm of wooden architecture and offers flowing-only hot spring water. It’s an easy place to enjoy a soak between sightseeing. ・Yachiyoza Theater Built in 1910 (Meiji 43), Yachiyoza Theater was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1988 (Showa 63). It features lavish ceiling paintings and a revolving stage, and performances are still held today. You can tour the interior and experience the atmosphere of this historic theater. ・Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum This facility exhibits Yamaga City’s traditional craft, the Yamaga lantern. Inside, you can admire the beauty of gold lanterns made from delicate Japanese paper and learn about their production process. ・Kongojoji Temple / Stone Gate Kongojoji Temple, with a history of 1,300 years, features an imposing Stone Gate that evokes foreign lands. ◆Local specialties and souvenirs of Yamaga Onsen ・Lantern Monaka Lantern Monaka is a signature confection of Yamaga Onsen shaped like a gold lantern. Its crispy wafer shell is filled with delicately sweet red bean paste, making it a popular souvenir. ・Yamaga Yokan Made in the traditional way, Yamaga Yokan is known for its gentle sweetness and moist texture. It pairs well with green tea or coffee and is a welcome gift. ◆Events and festivals at Yamaga Onsen ・Yamaga Lantern Festival Held annually on August 15 and 16, the Yamaga Lantern Festival is one of Kyushu’s premier summer events, when the whole town glows with mystical light. The Thousand Lantern Dancers, where more than a thousand performers dance gracefully, is a breathtaking sight. ・Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights Held every winter, Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights welcomes visitors with enchanting lights created from Japanese umbrellas and bamboo installations along the historic streets. The Buzen Highway is illuminated at night, offering photogenic scenes unlike any other time of year. ◆Enjoy Yamaga Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture Yamaga Onsen is a hot spring town known for waters that beautify the skin and for its historic attractions. In addition to overnight stays, there are many outdoor baths and family baths available for day visitors, and the area consistently ranks highly on hot spring lists. Beyond the baths, Yamaga Onsen offers diverse pleasures—local cuisine, traditional crafts, and festivals—so please come and visit.

On Sunday, March 9, the always-popular ISEHARA Bread Festival: Wheat Fest will take place! Many beloved bakeries will be attending, so please come and join us✨! For venue and schedule details, check the official Tourism Association website below https://isehara-kanko.com/news/9790/... #ISEHARA Bread Festival #Wheat Fest #Isehara Bread Festival #Bread Festival #Isehara #Isehara City #Isehara Tourism #Isehara Events #bread #bakery #bread lovers #bakery shop #gourmet #food stroll #event #outing

Notice of the 'Green Trust – 2025 Musen-yama Sakura Festival'🌸 Location: 752-1 Komuro, Inamachi Period: Friday, March 21, 2025 – Sunday, April 6, 2025 ※Canceled in case of rain ※Subject to change depending on bloom conditions Various food stalls 10:00–16:00 Food trucks 10:00–19:00 Bonbori lanterns lit 18:00–20:00 Member-led events: Saturday, March 29, 2025 and Sunday, March 30, 2025 Access A 5-minute walk from Shiku Station on the Saitama New Urban Transit New Shuttle Temporary parking lot: about 80 spaces Parking cooperation fee: 500 yen per entry (no re-entry) Opening hours: 9:30–20:00 ※Last entry by 19:00

Survive on Okinawa’s largest uninhabited island! “Uninhabited Island Survival Escape Tour” now open! It’s the ultimate team-building experience—step outside the everyday and take on the extraordinary. 📍 Izanami Island, Okinawa Prefecture Three sessions in 2025: May, July, and September! We also welcome bookings for corporate training and incentive trips. For inquiries, visit the site below: https://www.mujinto-yanaha.com//

Snow conditions on Ooyama ⛄️ The photos show Ooyama around 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. By 3:00 PM it was completely white and invisible. A snowfall forecast has been issued for the period from Tuesday, March 4 to Wednesday, March 5. When going out, please check the latest weather updates and service information. For cable car operations and details refer to the Ooyama Kanko Dentetsu Co., Ltd. website https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/20250304.html...

Special Exhibition "Kamakura, Enoshima, Ooyama Walking the New Board Journey Sugoroku ~From the Early Modern Period to the Present~" Opens in 2025 This exhibit displays a travel sugoroku board (sugoroku) drawn as a roadside ukiyo-e game by Katsushika Hokusai in the late Edo period. Starting at Nihonbashi, the popular destinations of Kamakura, Enoshima, and Ooyama take center stage as the route circles through Shibuya for a roughly 40 ri 11 cho (about 157 km) journey over six nights and seven days. Each scene is explained in detail. Dates and Times: Sundays only from March 2 (Sun) to April 27 (Sun) 10:00–15:00 Free admission Venue: Ugaku Bunko Archive (on the grounds of the Yamaguchi family residence) 862-1 Kamikasuya, Isehara City Also running concurrently through this weekend for your enjoyment♬ *Plum Garden Open Free* Almost in full bloom✨ It's beautiful! Period: Through March 9 (Sun) *Hina doll display: final day only, March 9 (Sun) (10:00–15:00) (Adults ¥300, includes admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi family residence)

From March 1st, the "Kashiwa Landscape Channel Photo Exhibition" is held in! !! The Facebook "Kashiwa Landscape Channel" groups exhibits 20 exhibitions selected by the Ogawa brothers, photographers active mainly in Kashiwa, from among the works posted in 2024. We hope that more people will see this wonderful Kashiwa landscape photo and that it will be an opportunity to rediscover the charm of Kashiwa. [Held in the venue of the photo exhibition varies depending on the schedule] (1) Date & Time: 3/1 (Sat) ~ 3/7 (Fri) (10:00~20:00 *Last day 17:00) 　Location: Kashiwa Takashimaya Station Mall New Building 10F Gallery (BeARIKA) (2) Date & Time: 3/8 (Sat) ~ 3/18 (Mon) (9:00~19:00) 　Location: KAMON Kashiwa Information Center 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　(Kashiwa City Kashiwa 1-1-11 Family Kashiwa 3F) (3) Date & Time: 3/19 (Tue) ~ 3/28 (Fri) (10:00~18:00 *Last day 17:00) 　Location: Junji NakaVillage Museum of Art (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) (1-41-5 Otsugaoka, Kashiwa City) 　　　　 * Access: Kashiwa Station East Exit (6) 　　　　　　Otsugaoka Danchi, Higashiga Abiko Car Depot Yuki 　　　　　　Get off at Otsugaoka 1-chome 1 minute walk Inquiries about exhibitions KAMON Kashiwa Information Center TEL：04-7128-5610

Notice: Ooyama Cable Car Service Suspension Due to wire rope replacement, the cable car will be suspended for three days from Monday, March 12, 2025 to Friday, March 14, 2025. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Ooyama Kanko Densha Official Website https://www.ooyama-cable.co.jp/unkyu202303-copy.html...

[Oyama-dera Five-Platform Goma 2025] At Oyama-dera, on the grand festival day of February 28, the only Five-Platform Goma ascetic ritual in Japan was performed. The sacred flames rose together on five goma platforms as prayers for the worshippers’ wishes were ritually empowered.✨ The crackling fire, the chanting sutras, and the pounding taiko drums combined into a breathtaking prayer service that left everyone holding their breath in awe…! The solemn flames🔥 and the otherworldly scene woven by sutra recitation and drumbeats felt like a cleansing for the heart! [Notice of Reopening of Mount Oyama Public Toilet on February 28, 2025] The Mount Oyama public toilet, which had been closed due to pipe damage from freezing, has now reopened.

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 4/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest celebrates its 14th year this time. While recent years have favored digital submissions and entries via social media, the Teshikaga Photo Contest follows a classic format, judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, an internationally known mountain photographer who lives in Teshikagacho, to serve as a special juror. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries from November 1, 2024, to December 25, 2024, across four categories: Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open. From 154 submissions, 20 works won awards! Today we present five Special Prize winners. Congratulations! 🎊 The final installment will appear in the next post. Stay tuned📸♪ ✴︎Special Prize✴︎ “Morning Awakening, In the Calm” Hazuki Yamada “As in Ancient Times” Masao Kainuma “A Night of Complete Ice Cover” Masaru Murakami “Nature’s Vitality” Tadashi Takeda “Charge” Toshikazu Yanagihori

🌷Manda Pit Spring Festa 2025🌷 Delicious gourmet food, handmade goods, and food trucks! Also featuring “Manda Elementary Kids Guide” collaboration: Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3! For details, please visit the Arao City Tourism Association website 💁‍♀️ ◆Date and Time Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:00–15:00 ※Event will proceed in light rain ◆Location Manda Pit Lawn Plaza, 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City Free admission! ※The paid area of Manda Pit remains charged as usual. ◆Program ・Petting zoo ・Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3 (quiz rally) ・Bubble Time (teambub) ・Gymnastics workshop by acrobat performance team VIVO ・Gourmet and craft market with over 30 vendors ◆Organizer Manda Pit Station @akane.0604k93 #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao #Event #Spring Festa #Manda Pit #Gourmet #Food truck #Crafts #Handmade #Zoo #Petting zoo #Quiz rally #Challenge from Manda Pit #Tamana #Omuta #Nagasu #World Cultural Heritage #World Heritage

Announcement of Kururin Birthday Exhibition Everyone’s beloved Kururin’s birthday falls on March 1, 2025 🎉 A birthday exhibition runs at the in-station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) on the north side stairs of Odakyu Line Isehara Station until Sunday, March 9, open 9:00–17:00 🎂 You’ll also find a video message from Odakyu’s Mokoron-chan! Come and join us! Plus! Today, February 27, from 10:00 to 14:00, is the final day of the Isehara local gourmet specialty pop-up sale in the entrance hall on the first floor of Isehara City Hall Ryoben’s “Ooyama Manju” is on sale in limited quantities They’re likely to sell out—grab them early! We also have extremely popular Kururin goods you can only get in Isehara ✨ We look forward to seeing you! ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊ North side stairs of Odakyu Line Isehara Station In-station Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open daily) #Isehara #Kururin #Birthday #Tourist Information #Ooyama Manju #Souvenirs #In-station #Odakyu Line #Mokoron #Event #Limited #Outing #Kanagawa Tourism #Isehara Tourism #Yuru-chara #Happy Birthday

[Thorough Guide to the World Cultural Heritage Site: Manda Pit!] Manda Pit, located in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of the coal mine ruins that supported Japan’s modernization. It is registered as a component of the World Cultural Heritage site "Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution" and holds great significance in Japan’s industrial history. Highlights of Manda Pit One of Japan’s Largest Shaft Facilities Manda Pit served as one of the Miike Coal Mine shafts, producing high-quality coal from the Meiji era through the early Showa era and supporting Japan’s modernization. The massive steel headframe symbolizing Meiji- and Taisho-era mining technology and the winding engine house are must-sees. Well-Preserved Industrial Heritage Many mine facilities and equipment used from the Meiji through Showa eras remain at Manda Pit, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of the time. The red-brick buildings and the imposing steel-frame structures are especially popular photo spots. Guided Tours to Learn Mine History Specialist-guided tours at Manda Pit explain the history and workings of the mine in detail. You can see the machinery and equipment that were actually used up close. Display of Mine Trains Manda Pit also exhibits the mine trains once used there. You can view the trains used to transport coal and for local transport up close, and running demonstrations are held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Recommended Nearby Spots Arao Tidal Flats (a nature-rich tidal flat registered under the Ramsar Convention) Greenland (one of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks) Yotsuyama Shrine (a historic shrine beloved by Arao residents) Coal Industry Science Museum (a science museum about energy from coal) Access Information About 10 minutes by car from JR Arao Station About 1 hour by car from Fukuoka City About 1 hour by car from Kumamoto City #Manda Pit #World Cultural Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Kumamoto Sightseeing #Arao City #Historical Exploration #Industrial Heritage #Photo Spot

Discover the charms of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! Arao City, located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture on the border with Fukuoka Prefecture, is a captivating destination with the World Cultural Heritage site Manda Pit, beautiful nature, and leisure spots. Through Cool Japan videos, we will bring you plenty of information on Arao City’s sightseeing, gourmet food, and events! Stay tuned! ■■■Sightseeing spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao offers many places to enjoy history, nature, and leisure. Be sure to visit. ◇Manda Pit (Manda-kō) This coal mine site flourished from the Meiji era through the Showa era and is part of the World Cultural Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” With brick winding engine rooms and massive steel headframes, you can feel the power and history of the mines. ◇Greenland One of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks, Greenland features more than 70 attractions. It’s a top leisure spot where families and friends can spend the whole day. Fireworks are held several times a year, drawing large crowds. ◇Arao Tidal Flats (Arao Higata) This Ramsar-listed tidal flat is a precious habitat visited by many migratory birds. It’s perfect for birdwatching and leisurely walks. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Yotsuyama Shrine has watched over Arao’s history and remains beloved by the local community. Many worshippers still visit; a grand torii welcomes visitors to a peaceful shrine atmosphere. ■■■Local specialties and gourmet food of Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao is full of local culinary delights to savor! ◇Arao Pears Known nationwide for their large size and rich sweetness, Arao pears offer a juicy, crisp texture. The new summer variety, Arao nashi, has attracted attention as a summer fruit. ◇Melon Bread Arao boasts many melon bread shops, including Fukuyama’s Melon Bread and Mankodo’s Melon Bread. ◇Kosen Dago A giant okonomiyaki exceeding 30 cm in diameter, this local favorite is loved by residents and tourists for its size and flavor. ◇Ojiro ware Ojiro ware is a representative Kyushu pottery fired for about 400 years on the northern slopes of Mount Odai. Its glazes blend deep indigo and blue with white slip, earning high artistic praise. ◇Arao Olive Olive cultivation is thriving, and locally produced olive oil is often used as a gift. ■■■Events in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao hosts enjoyable events throughout the seasons! ◇Arao Night Market A summer festival held at Manda Pit, the night market gathers many gourmet food trucks and attracts large crowds each year. ◇Nobaru Hachimangu Annual Festival (Nobarasan) Affectionately called “Nobarasan” by locals, this festival preserves a traditional performance known as furyu that has been passed down orally for over 770 years. Furyu is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and in 2022 the furyu dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. ◇Yotsuyama Shrine Annual Festival (Kokunzosan) Local elementary and junior high school students perform miko dances such as Urayasu no Mai and Toyosakae no Mai. Climb the 311 steps that lead to the shrine to offer prayers and receive lucky coins, and enjoy the many stalls lining the path to Yotsuyama Shrine. ◇Majaku Fishing Tournament A signature Arao event, this unique tournament involves catching majaku (ghost shrimp) on the tidal flats—an authentic local experience. ◇Manda Pit Spring Festa A spring event held at Manda Pit featuring a variety of attractions. It’s popular with families and visitors. ■■■Hot springs and accommodation in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Arao also offers relaxing hot springs and a range of accommodations. ◇Accommodation in Arao City The city has ample hotels that are convenient for both sightseeing and business. Some properties feature hot springs, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel. We will continue to share Arao City’s attractions through Cool Japan videos! Come and enjoy Arao’s history, nature, and gourmet food! #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao City #Kumamoto tourism #World Cultural Heritage #Manda Pit #Greenland #Arao pears #Melon bread #coal mine

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted for Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 6❄️】 Although days have warmed noticeably, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold in Gokase Town 🥶 We’re grateful that entries for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” campaign on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram have been accumulating, so here are some of the submissions 🙌✨ @donguri223103 @xitiannaiyang4 @goto0619 @irnoarkoa @yamabico_san @satoshi.misaki @thusandleavis @fowafuwarin5 (in no particular order) While many winter scenes come from the Kuraoka area, this time we received a snow photo of Josenji Temple in the Sanko area as well 👏✨ Even within snowy landscapes, the lively atmosphere of the ski resort, the calm winter mood of Kuraoka, and the sacred, quiet presence of Josenji each have their own charm — they’re all wonderful ☺️💫 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- There’s only a short time left before this campaign closes ✨ Please feel free to enter with any small winter photo — we’d love to see your submissions 🤗🎶 How to enter (deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025) Follow Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※Snow accumulation and icy roads can be dangerous. Please prioritize safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing⚠️

Iwanai Onsen 50th Anniversary♨️ With heartfelt thanks to the local community “Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri” Celebration♨️ About the Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri⤵︎ Event period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 to Monday, March 31, 2025 🟡Benefit 1: Limited-time discounts (bathing and accommodation) Special discounts are available at participating Iwanai Onsen facilities *Present the flyer to receive the benefits❗️ *For accommodation, offers are limited to residents of the Shiriuchi area and require telephone reservations 🟡Benefit 2: Onsen stamp rally A chance to win luxurious prizes by lottery!!! Prizes 1st prize: Pair accommodation voucher for Takashima Ryokan♨️ (1 group) 2nd prize: Set of 3 craft beers🍺 (1 person) 3rd prize: IWANAI RESORT 1-day lift ticket⛷️ (3 people) Flyer distribution locations⤵︎ ・Iwanai Onsen bathing facilities and venues ・Iwanai Town Hall ・Roadside Station Iwanai ・Other distribution spots around town ⭐︎How to participate⭐︎ Bring the flyer and use discounts at participating facilities! Collect stamps at two onsen locations and enter the lottery Iwanai Onsen won in the “Onsen General Election 2024” Ranked 3rd nationwide and 1st in Hokkaido in the Beautiful Skin category👏🏻 Takashima Ryokan also defended its national No.1 spot in the Solo Traveler category❗️ Take this opportunity to visit Iwanai Onsen♨️

A cold snap hits the Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival! The plum blossoms haven’t opened yet, but a spectacular bloom of snow flowers has appeared ❄️ Photo: Yasuki Okamoto

Thank you for always visiting Michikusakan, the Roadside Station Higashikawa. We regularly update the blackboard at Michikusakan with event and local information, so please take a look! *Please note that the blackboard is updated irregularly!*

Mystery-Solving Event at Gion Shrine On Saturday, February 22, a mystery-solving event took place at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district 👏 The event was titled “Gion Shrine Real Mystery: ‘As the Gods Say’” 💡 Local high school students from Gokase Secondary School led the planning, collaborating with local company Gokase Entertainment and the Kuraoka Lovers Women’s Group to prepare the event 😳✨ Participants of all ages gathered, and the shrine grounds rang with lively voices 🤗🎶 The puzzles were quite difficult until a spark of insight or a discovery occurred… I tried hard to solve them but couldn’t in the end 🤣 I had to borrow the children’s wisdom, haha As we solved the puzzles, we learned the correct way to worship at Gion Shrine 😯💡 I had no idea about those customs, so the many new discoveries were great fun 🤩 After finishing the puzzles, participants faced a two-part showdown with the gods played by Gokase Secondary School students ⚔️ The first part, “Sengoku Gokase Town,” was a game in which players spent their held points to approach the god; the winner was the one who first knocked the bead off the god’s shoulder with a sword 💪 In the second part, the winning prize from part one, a rope, was formed into a circle on the ground as a ring, and contestants challenged the god in a hand-push sumo match 👐 Both games excited adults and children alike, and smiles filled the event from start to finish 😆 After completing all stages, participants received a “Mystery Completion Certificate,” but looking closely revealed the certificates came in different colors…🤔? It turned out the hand-push sumo in part two mirrored the ceremonial sumo offered to entertain the gods during the Morimaki ritual held at Gion Shrine. Since the tradition holds that “the one who loses to the god is correct,” the completion certificates of those who lost the hand-push sumo gleamed in gold🤣 You could feel the students’ attention to detail throughout the setting, and it was wonderful 🥹✨ At the end, participants and students took a commemorative photo together, and warm tea provided by Yukihoshien was served as a participation prize, bringing the lively, friendly event to a close 😌👏 Seeing Gokase Town come alive through events created by students, local businesses, and community groups working together is truly moving 🥹 We hope the whole town continues to join forces to keep Gokase Town thriving ✨

A seven-tier Hina doll display is exhibited at the tourist information center of Roadside Station Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche 🎎 Because Toyooka Village traditionally celebrates Hinamatsuri on April 3, these dolls will remain on display until around early April. Please be sure to stop by the roadside station and enjoy viewing them.

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival is now underway! At Romantopia Tsukigase, Yumekko Cafeteria is open♪ At Romantopia Tsukigase, enjoy the proud "irori set" cooked over a sunken hearth: you grill Tsukigase-grown log shiitake mushrooms, homemade konnyaku, and yomogi rice dumplings over charcoal yourself! Cover them generously with our special yuzu miso and enjoy♪ We also recommend our udon dishes, made with carefully prepared dashi broth!! The meat udon features Iga beef plus shiitake, spinach, and thinly sliced mochi for a luxurious bowl! We carry many souvenirs not only from Tsukigase but from neighboring areas as well! A cold snap has arrived, so the plum blossoms still haven't opened much yet... For now, food beats flowers♪ When the blossoms are at their peak, every teahouse gets extremely crowded! Come now for the food while you can♪

Tomakomai Tourism Information Center’s Tomachop has dressed up for the Hina Matsuri festival ✨🎎

EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! How do you do! It is a Sakaki Town Tourist Association. Nagano Prefecture Hanishina District Sakaki Town is located Oyster Northern part Nagano Prefecture and is a Rich in nature area that stretches along the Chikuma River. With a population of about 14,000 people (as of 2024), it is There is a between Nagano City and Ueda City, and is known as an easy town to live in due to its convenient transportation. We will Broadcasting Tourist Information full of charm of Sakaki Town in Hanishina District, Nagano Prefecture on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you! ■What is Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture? Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture, where history and tradition are alive, is dotted with sightseeing spots such as the famous castle "Katsurao Castle Ruins" of the Sengoku period and the "Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park" where beautiful roses bloom, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. In addition, Gourmet unique to Sakaki Town such as the famous "Nezumi daikon radish" and "Oshibori udon" are also attractive. In addition, there is also the "Iron Exhibition Hall", which is also known as the "town of swordsmiths" and is the only permanent exhibition hall of Japan swords in the prefecture. ■Access to Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture Access to Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is good, and you can get there smoothly from Tokyo Central Tokyo. Use the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Ueda Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, or transfer to the Shinano Railway and arrive at Sakaki Station in about 15 minutes. Use by Car will take the Kan-Etsu Expressway and Joshinetsu Expressway from Tokyo in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. ■Historical background of Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is known as the site of Katsurao Castle, where Takeda Shingen and Yoshikiyo Murakami fought fierce battles during the Sengoku period. In addition, in the Edo period, it developed as an important place for transportation, and agriculture utilizing the Chikuma River basin was also actively carried out. Even now, it is popular with many history buffs as a town with many historical sites where you can feel the history. ■Popular Sightseeing spots in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park is a beautiful park with 2,300 roses of about 330 species. Located along the Chikuma River, you can enjoy colorful roses from Spring to autumn. Best time to visit around May ~ June, and many tourists visit. Promenade surrounded by roses is maintained in the park, and you can enjoy the Aroma while taking a leisurely stroll. Held in the Rose Festival from late May to early June every year, where rose saplings are sold and Local Specialty products are Stalls. ・Katsurao Castle Ruins Katsurao Castle Ruins, which was the residence of Yoshikiyo Murakami during the Warring States period, is located on a mountain 800m Elevation and has a superb view overlooking Ueda City and Chikuma River Spot. There are traces of stone walls and Earthen mound on the Ruins of the Castle, and you can feel the history. Mountain trails are maintained, and you can experience history while enjoying Hiking. ・Bingushiyu-san It is a One Day Hot Spring with various indoor baths, various open-air baths, exercise baths, large halls, etc. Spring quality is widely applied to neuralgia, muscle pain, Relief from fatigue, etc. From the open-air bath overlooking Sakaki Town, there is a superb panorama! There is also a Shokudo and a shop, and it is popular as a hot spring facility where you can spend a relaxing time. ・Sakashiro Shrine In the 1350 years since its founding, Izumo Taisha has held a festival to the god of the great country lord, and has received many prayers as the god of Marriage. As one of the largest Izumo Taisha shrines in eastern Japan, the shrine Precincts boast a majestic sanctuary and are popular with prayer visitors as a power spot. ・Manzenji Temple Manzenji Temple is a historic temple located in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture, and is also known as the ruins of the ancestral residence of the Village Kami clan known for the warring states Warlord Yoshikiyo Murakami, making it an interesting Spot for history buffs. ・Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is known as the "Town of Sword Makers", and the "Sakaki Town Iron Exhibition Hall" is a facility where the works of the human national treasure Miyairi Ikihei swordsmith born in Sakaki Town and the works of Miyairi Ichimon who inherited the tradition are exhibited. There are plenty of Japanese swords and armor on display, and you can see the art of Swordsmithing up close. Elaborate special exhibitions are held throughout the year, and gallery talks and Japan sword care experiences are also held. ■ Gourmet specialty products of Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Nezumi daikon radish The Specialty products of the Sakaki Town, "nezumi daikon radish", has a shape of a lower bulge and a thin, long root like a mouse Traditional Japanese straw raincoat tail, and its taste is characterized by a faint sweetness after spiciness. "oshibori udon", which is made with grated radish Squeezed Juice, is popular as a Local cuisine of Local. ・Oshibori udon noodles Oshibori udon is a local cuisine in which Udon noodles are eaten by dissolving miso paste in the Squeezed Juice of Nezumi Daikon Radish to make a Dipping Sauce. It is characterized by its spiciness and sweetness that you can feel faintly afterwards, and it is a delicious taste that you will become addicted to once you eat it. ■Traditional crafts of Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Shinshu Kumiko Woodcraft Certified as a traditional craft in Nagano Prefecture in 2019, "Shinshu Kumiko Woodcraft" is a traditional craft that combines wood to create delicate patterns. In Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture, this technique is still passed down to this day, and exquisitely crafted works are made. ■Events and Festivals in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture ・Sakaki Hina Dolls The Sakaki Hina Dolls, which is Held in in February and March every year, is a Events where traditional Hina Dolls are exhibited. Hina dolls from the Edo period to the present day gather in one place. The venue is the Iron Exhibition Hall and the Sakaki-juku Furusato History Museum. ・Rose Festival Held in every year from late May to early June at Sakaki Chikuma River Roses Park, the Rose Festival sells rose seedlings and specialty products, Stalls at restaurants, and events.  ■Enjoy Enjoy sightseeing in Sakaki Town, Nagano Prefecture! Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture is a fascinating town full of history, nature, and traditional culture. Access is also good, and you can fully enjoy sightseeing, gourmet food, and events. Please come to Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture and experience the charm of Sakaki Town in Nagano Prefecture!