[Notice of Temporary Closure of Public Restrooms at Mount Oyama Summit and Mount Oyama-dera] 2025.2.14 The public restrooms at Mount Oyama Summit and the restrooms at Mount Oyama-dera are currently unavailable due to frozen water supply pipes. *The restrooms at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine are currently available.* ✨A special opening of the nationally registered tangible cultural property Mount Oyama-dera Main Hall runs until Tuesday, February 18 (9:30–15:30). Please check the trail map for restroom locations and use facilities before your visit. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. We will announce when reopening is expected. Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the bus bound for “Oyama Cable” for about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes along the Koma approach to the cable car station

Winter season only! Snow Adventure Ride 🚴‍♂️ Limited-time plan for the snowy season ❄️ Conquer snowy trails with an exceptional ride experience! Why not try the trending fat bike this winter? Equipped with extra-wide tires, it glides over snow and mountain paths with ease. It offers outstanding stability and traction, and its stylish design is another draw. 📌 What makes fat bikes special? ✅ Designed for snow: wide tires resist sinking and let you ride comfortably on snow ✅ Excellent cushioning: absorbs shocks for a smooth, stable ride ✅ Great for beginners: recommended for those who prioritize safety and comfort over speed 📅 Rental hours: 10:00–15:00 (no nighttime rentals) 🔔 About reservations 📍 Reservations accepted up to 6 hours in advance 📍 Cancellations accepted up to 3 hours in advance ⛄ Enjoy a special winter experience! Book now and make the most of your snow ride!

Request to refrain from entering Tadatate Falls Due to heavy snowfall, there is currently more than 50 cm of snow near Tadatate Falls. The road to Tsubukuri Parking Lot is slippery from snow and ice, and there is a risk of rockfalls and becoming lost at the falls, so please refrain from entering the mountain. *The photo shows past conditions.*

Hello 😊 This is Jewelry Town. The air in Shosenkyo Gorge is crisp in winter, and on clear days you can see the sheer rock face of Kakuenzan peak in sharp detail — it’s truly dramatic! Fewer tourists visit at this time of year, so you can relax and fully enjoy the vast natural scenery 🌳 At our shop we offer a variety of natural stones, including amethyst, the February birthstone, and rutilated quartz, which is popular for attracting financial luck 💎 Please stop by and enjoy the winter beauty of Shosenkyo Gorge ☺️

Isehara Handmade Armor Corps Notice of the Large Armor Exhibition and Armor Workshop About 60 impressive handmade armors worn by the corps members will be displayed together‼ ✨Armor Workshop (15 sessions in total)✨ is also recruiting students! Take this chance to make your own armor✨ ◆Dates: Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Sunday, February 23, 2025 9:00 (1:00 PM on the first day) – 17:00 (4:00 PM on the final day) ◆Venue: Isehara City Central Public Hall, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall (1-21-1 Higashi-Otake, Isehara) ◆Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit 【Bus】Kanachu Bus from Isehara Station North Exit, Platform 1 Take the "for Isehara Depot" bus and get off at "Chuo Kominkan-mae" (in front of the Central Public Hall) ◆Admission: Free ◆Inquiries: Isehara Handmade Armor Corps Office (Tel: 0463-95-2385, Wakabayashi) https://isehara-kattyuutai.com/?p=14010...

https://shimatabi-rito.com/okinawa/plan/detail/656/... Day Trip Blitz Tour of Izanami Island, Okinawa is now available! Book online below↓ Since lodging on Izanami Island can be hard to secure, the tourism association created a day-trip plan you can enjoy. We guide you to your preferred spots within the time available—Shō-en King history course, scenic photo spots, utaki (sacred sites) tour, cultural heritage museum course, training camp preview course—or we can choose the itinerary for you (^▽^)/ Reservation required two days in advance ※ Available for groups of two or more From 3,000 JPY per person (adult) Duration: 11:30–13:30 (Ferry departs Izanami at 13:30) Foreign visitors accommodated (English only) ☆ Staying overnight is still recommended; lodging guests can arrange times by discussion

Isehara Flower Report 2025.02.12 *Maruyama Castle Ruins Park* (Shimokasuya 2168-2) The white plum blossoms have finally started to open in duet with the red plums, but the red plums will likely finish blooming by the time the white ones are fully out. *Uga-bunko Yamaguchi Residence Plum Garden Free Admission* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The plums have begun to open considerably, but they need a bit more time. ◆Period: until Sunday, March 9, 10:00–15:00 ◆Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit Kanachu Bus platform 4 Get off at the “Shimebiki” stop on the “Mt. Oyama Cable Car” route ※Hina dolls are displayed only on Sundays during the period (Adults 300 yen, includes admission to the nationally registered tangible cultural property Yamaguchi Residence) *Isehara City General Sports Park* (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees between the Slope Cherry and Ginkgo Promenade are still some way from blooming. *Hyuga Yakushi Plum Garden* (Hyuga 1644) The plum garden above the Hyuga Yakushi rear parking lot will take a while longer. We will post updates on blooming status as they come, so please look forward to them! #Isehara Flower Report #Isehara #plum #plum blossoms #Maruyama Castle Ruins Park #Uga-bunko #Isehara City General Sports Park #Hyuga Yakushi

Shirataki in Winter Look at this 😳! Thanks to the recent cold snap, Shirataki has been cloaked in snow and ice, creating a stunning sight ❄️✨ Pale blue-tinted pillars of snow and ice line up into a breathtaking scene 👏 If possible, we’d love for you to see it with your own eyes! …That said, the path to Shirataki is coated in snow and ice and is extremely dangerous ⚠️ This time, specially trained staff from the tourism association risked their lives to climb up, so please enjoy the photos instead… 🙏🙏🙏 The trail to Shirataki is already hazardous, so we ask for your understanding 😭 Still, nature’s artistry is truly beautiful… I’d grown tired of all the snow, but it turns out it’s not all bad ✨ Let’s stay positive and enjoy ourselves 💪❤️‍🔥

Maido! This is the Sakai Tourism and Convention Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association! On Cool Japan Video, we will be sharing information about Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture, so we hope you will enjoy it! Sakai City sits in the south-central part of Osaka Prefecture, facing Osaka Bay, and is a compelling city where history, culture, and modern life coexist. With a population of about 810,000, it is the second largest city in Osaka Prefecture after Osaka City. Step away from the bustle of the streets, and you will find historic burial mounds and venerable shrines—an altogether different, rich charm lives here. Sakai’s history is ancient: people settled here more than 10,000 years ago in the Paleolithic era, and many stone tools and pottery pieces have been unearthed from Sakai’s archaeological sites. From the late 4th century onward, burial mounds were built one after another, eventually forming a group of over 100 tumuli. These mounds still remain throughout the city, allowing you to feel history up close. During the Sengoku period, Sakai prospered as an international trading port. Now, let us introduce some of Sakai City’s most attractive sightseeing spots. First is the Mozu Tombs and Furuichi Burial Mounds. Consisting of the Mozu area in Sakai City and the Furuichi area in Habikino City and Fujiidera City, the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. At the center of the Mozu area stands the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, Japan’s largest keyhole-shaped kofun at 840 meters long. It is said to be one of the world’s three great tombs alongside the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in China. Currently, 44 kofun remain within Sakai City. Come and feel the breath of antiquity. At Mozu Hachimangu Shrine, an ancient and atmospheric shrine, you are greeted by a camphor tree more than 800 years old that is designated a Natural Monument of Osaka Prefecture. The shrine grounds are filled with seasonal trees that paint different scenes throughout the year. Other popular temples and shrines in Sakai City include Tajihayahime Shrine, Ohtori Grand Shrine, Hochigai Shrine, and Kaikou Shrine. For families with children, Sakai Municipal Children's Museum, known as Big Bang, offers an indoor play space that is perfect even on rainy days. Inside the UFO-shaped facility, kids can run and climb on a giant jungle gym reaching 53 meters high. Children can learn about science and physics while playing on the equipment. At Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum (formerly Sakai Traditional Industry Hall), which brings together Sakai’s traditional industries, you can learn about the city’s proud history of blades and their manufacturing processes. Exhibition rooms showcase incense, tatami mats, wagashi sweets, and Sakai May carp streamers, and demonstrations of blade sharpening and hands-on workshops are also held, making it a popular tourist spot. Sakai hosts many popular festivals and events such as the Sakai Festival, Sakai Futon Daiko, and Sakai Danjiri. The Sakai Festival, held annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of October, is the city’s largest celebration. The main street, Oshoji-suji, becomes a pedestrian zone for a grand event featuring folk dances, Nanban costumes, and gun squads, with some 7,000 participants—an unmissable spectacle. Sakai Futon Daiko is famous as Sakai’s autumn festival, with mikoshi portable shrines adorned with five layers of decorated futons parading through the city. Alongside the futon drums, Sakai Danjiri is another autumn tradition. More than 80 danjiri floats remain in Sakai City today, offering a sense of history and tradition. Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture holds a wealth of attractions where tradition, culture, and history blend together. We will continue to share more information so that everyone can learn more about Sakai City, and we appreciate your support!

The 4th Isehara Amateur Rakugo Competition — Free Admission 🆓 Finally tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (national holiday) ✨ The Isehara Amateur Rakugo Competition ✨ takes place Amateur rakugo performers selected by public application will compete, bringing a heated contest that showcases their hard-earned skills This is your chance to experience classic (Edo) rakugo live You’re sure to enjoy laughs and even moments of genuine emotion Plus, a distinguished panel of judges with ties to Isehara ✨ Yukichi Sanyutei (from Shimokasuya) Komba Kinbaratei (from Higashi-Otake) Issa Shunputei (from Hadano) Kitaro MukashiMukashitei (from Itado) Don’t miss the professional rakugo judges’ evaluations Please come with friends and family and join us Date and Time Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (national holiday) Preliminaries 10:00–14:00 Finals from 15:00 Venue Isehara Civic Cultural Center, Small Hall (348 Tanaka, Isehara) #Isehara Amateur Rakugo Competition #rakugo #amateur rakugo #classic rakugo #Edo rakugo #Isehara #Isehara City #Isehara tourism #Kanagawa #amateur rakugo performers #Yukichi Sanyutei #Komba Kinbaratei #Issa Shunputei #Kitaro MukashiMukashitei #free admission #free event #February 11 #national holiday #Isehara Civic Cultural Center https://www.isehara-rakugo.jp//

Notice Regarding the End of Distribution for the “Tokutoku Coupon 2025” Usable at Kawayu Onsen To all guests staying at Kawayu Onsen, the “Tokutoku Coupon 2025” that we had been distributing has reached its planned quantity and distribution has ended. Thank you very much to everyone who used the coupons.

Introducing the stay-and-sightseeing facility Mount Io MOKMOK Base, which opened in September 2023. The complex features MOKMOK Terrace, a refined space that blends rock walls reminiscent of Mount Io’s geology with warm, natural wood; MOKMOK Theater, where you can enjoy the mountain’s dramatic steam through large glass panes like a theater screen; Mount Io Museum, which explores the mountain’s past and present; and MOKMOK Marche & Café, offering local foods and souvenirs — among many other attractions. Please come and visit us!!

Sairinka, which had been canceled due to heavy snow, resumed on February 8th! Because the snowfall set a record, we thought it might be impossible to hold the event again, but with the cooperation of many people we carried out snow removal and successfully restarted the event. It's regrettable that attractions like Alley of Light and Tunnel of Light were canceled by the heavy snow, but we are happy to be able to resume them. Although some roads still remain in poor condition, thank you to everyone who came to visit us.

Gokase Specialty Center Snow Play The special cold snap that began this Tuesday has left the Gokase Specialty Center covered in snow☃️ Is everyone safe and free from injury or accidents?💦 To lift the spirits of customers who braved these harsh roads to visit the shop, the staff at the Gokase Specialty Center made a Totoro snowman to bring a little brightness and warmth 🥰👏 It’s big and adorable😳✨ While it was being made, children who had come in for lunch kept asking, “Is Totoro finished yet!?” as they eagerly waited🤣💕 Please stop by and take a commemorative photo when you visit📸！ There are also impressive icicles hanging from the shop eaves😮💡They glittered beautifully as they caught the light✨ The tips are sharp, so be careful—they could be dangerous if they fall on your head⚠️ With persistent bad weather making movement difficult, it might be nice to take a moment to enjoy the snow like a child again🤭 Our association’s Instagram photo campaign “Winter in Gokase 2025” is still accepting entries📸✨ Please consider applying during this opportunity🤗 ※See the pinned post on our Instagram profile page for details🙏 https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... Everyone, please stay safe and stay alert for the rest of the day🙇‍♀️

Sairinka, which had been canceled due to heavy snow, will resume today, February 8. We apologize for the inconvenience. All of our staff look forward to your visit. Road conditions are still poor in some areas, so please travel with caution. Please note that the Light Alley is canceled because heavy snow has made it impassable, and snow rafting remains canceled as there is no clear prospect for resuming it. Thank you for your understanding. Sairinka Time 19:00–21:00 Place Tokachigaoka Park Sairinka, which was canceled due to heavy snow, will resume today, February 8. All of our staff look forward to your visit. Road conditions may be poor in some areas, so please take care when traveling. Time 19:00–21:00 Place: Tokachigaoka Park Sairinka, canceled due to heavy snow, will resume today, February 8. All of our staff look forward to your visit. Road conditions may be poor in some areas, so please be careful when traveling. Time 19:00–21:00 Place: Tokachigaoka Park

National Registered Tangible Cultural Property: Special Opening of the Main Hall of Oyama-dera Special Exhibition ‘‘Oyama Pilgrimage and the Dedicated Sword’’ 2025 Oyama-dera is a component cultural property of the Japan Heritage ‘‘Oyama Pilgrimage,’’ and its main hall ranks among the finest early modern temple and shrine buildings in Isehara. A local guide will explain its cultural value and its place within the Oyama pilgrimage. Why not take advantage of this rare opportunity to visit? ✨Special Opening of the National Registered Tangible Cultural Property ‘‘Oyama-dera Main Hall’’✨ ◆ Dates: February 11 (Tue, public holiday) – February 18 (Tue) 9:30–15:30 *The public display of the principal image during the special opening is only on Tuesday, February 18.* ◆ Venue: Oyama-dera (724 Oyama, Isehara) ◆ Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the bus bound for ‘‘Oyama Cable’’ for about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes along Komamiendo Shopping Street Or take the cable car 2 minutes and get off at ‘‘Oyama-dera’’ ◆ Admission: Free (Viewing the principal image: 400 yen) ✨Commemorative Special Exhibition: ‘‘Oyama Pilgrimage and the Dedicated Sword’’✨ Actual dedicated swords and ukiyo-e woodblock prints depicting the Oyama pilgrimage will be on display. ◆ Dates: February 13 (Thu) – February 17 (Mon) 9:30–17:00 ◆ Venue: Isehara City Central Community Center, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall (1-21-1 Higashi-Otake, Isehara) ◆ Access: About a 10-minute walk from Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit [By bus] From Isehara Station North Exit Kanachu Bus Stop No. 1 Take the bus bound for ‘‘Isehara Depot’’ and get off at ‘‘Chuo Kominkan-mae (Central Community Center)’’ ◆ Admission Fee: Free ＊＊Inquiries＊＊ Cultural Properties Section, General Affairs Division, Board of Education, Isehara City Phone: 0463-74-5109 (direct) ＊＊Organizer＊＊ Isehara City Council for the Preservation and Use of Local Cultural Properties #Isehara #Isehara Tourism #Oyama #Oyama-dera #Cultural Property #History #Special Opening #Exhibition

[Isehara Flower News] 2025.2.6 The white plum blossoms haven’t opened yet, but the red plums at Maruyama Castle Ruins Park (Shimokasuya 2168-2) in the photo are dazzlingly beautiful✨!! A few plums have started to bloom at Isehara City General Sports Park (Nishitomioka 320) and the plum grove at Hinata Yakushi (Hinata 1644), but most buds remain tight. I’m looking forward to watching the blooms open gradually from now on💖 *Free opening of the plum garden at the Ugaku Bunko Yamaguchi House* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The plum trees are just beginning to bloom now. ◆Period: Tuesday, February 11 (national holiday) – Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:00–15:00 ◆Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit Kanachu Bus Platform 4 Take the ‘To Oyama Cable Car’ bus and get off at “Shimehiki” ※On Tuesday, February 11 (national holiday) and Sundays during the period, hina dolls will be on display (Adults 300 yen; includes admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi House) Please come and see it✨ #Isehara #Plum #Plum blossoms #Red plum #White plum #Maruyama Castle Ruins Park #Isehara City General Sports Park #Hinata Yakushi #Ugaku Bunko #Yamaguchi House #Hina dolls #Arrival of spring #Isehara tourism

Isehara City Community Center Festival Notice The Isehara City Community Center Festival✨ runs from Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 16th at each community center in turn. Enjoy a full program of circle and group exhibitions, activity presentations, food stalls, and events. The Isehara City Tourism Association will have a booth at Ota Community Center on Saturday, February 8th only! Come and visit us💖 Inquiry: City Board of Education, Division of Social Education Phone 0463-93-7500 (Central Community Center)

Oyama Isehara Market is on! Rain or light showers will not cancel; the event will be called off only in severe weather. Once again this month—so popular—discover plenty of delicious food and fun in Isehara! Sunday, February 9, 2025, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) A wide variety of food tents and kitchen cars, local vegetables for sale, and diverse booths will gather, and you can also enjoy stage performances including music♬! It’s sure to be a day full of smiles 😊 ● Access 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station From the north exit, take Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from platform 3 bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I-34 or I-36, get off at Sogo Undokoen (General Sports Park) ▪ If you take routes I-31 or I-37, get off at Sogo Undokoen Iriguchi (General Sports Park Entrance) and walk 5 minutes *Crowds are expected, so please cooperate by using public transportation. [Contact] By email to the Isehara Ichi Executive Committee iseharaichi@j4.gmobb.jp (Contact: Sakamoto)

Teshikagacho presents a calm sky, a stark contrast to yesterday. As far as the eye can see, the pure white landscape is beautiful. It’s perfect weather for sightseeing, so come and visit us ☺️⛄️❄️

Due to heavy snowfall, the Sairinka event scheduled for February 5–7 has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

🌳🚲 Tour de Yatsugatake Returns 🚲🌳 After five years of planning, Tour de Yatsugatake makes a fresh start this year ✨ We look forward to your participation! 🚴‍♂️☀️ ◇◇ Highlights ◇◇ ☑️ Elevation gain 1,087 m A season-spanning hill climb race with an elevation gain of 1,087 m! ☑️ Snow-view cycling We will partially open sections normally closed in winter! Enjoy a scenic ride through birch forests and remaining snow. ☑️ Birch groves Ride alongside what is said to be Japan’s most beautiful birch, and take in the breathtaking scenery. ––––––––––––––––– Event Overview ––––––––––––––––– Schedule Sunday, April 13, 2025 Location Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Yachiho Kogen Along Japan National Route 299 Race Category Hill climb bicycle race Course Details Full Course Yume no Mori (elevation 1,040 m) to Mugikusa Pass (elevation 2,127 m) Distance: 20.8 km Elevation gain: 1,087 m Half Course Yume no Mori (elevation 1,040 m) to Yachiho Highland Ski Resort (elevation 1,625 m) Distance: 11.4 km Elevation gain: 585 m Registration and Check-in • Pre-event check-in (April 12) Location: Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Outdoor Exchange Plaza (tentative) ※Those who check in the day before receive a 1,000 yen discount • Same-day check-in (April 13) Location: Yume no Mori, Start Area Headquarters (tentative) ※After check-in we will direct you to parking locations. Eligibility ○ Participants must have the fitness to complete their chosen course. ○ Participants under 18 require parental consent. ○ Participants must follow event rules, traffic laws, and etiquette. ○ Participants must agree to the event regulations. Capacity 700 participants ※There are no per-category limits. How to Apply Registration period: December 21, 2024 to March 16, 2025 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Notice from Ekinaka Kururin House ♪ 2025 At Ekinaka Kururin House, the Kururins welcome everyone in a Valentine’s mood 💖. ✨New product announcements✨ ◍ Hot spring bath additive ♨️ ‘Isehara Ooyama no Yu’ (Oyama natural hot spring Komaya no Yu) - One sachet 300 yen - ◍ Bear-repellent bell A good charm for mountain climbing ⛰️ and hiking! Its gentle sound alerts others to your presence and approach, and it is said to reduce the chance of encountering bears. - One bell 200 yen - ◍ Carabiner for attaching bear-repellent bells and similar items - One carabiner 100 yen - We also recommend the hugely popular Kururin goods that you can only get in Isehara! ♬ We look forward to seeing you♪ 【Open every day, including during the New Year holidays】 On the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station Ekinaka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round) https://isehara-kanko.com/shop-kururinhouse/... #Present #Kururin #Isehara #Ooyama #Bear-repellent bell

[Event Announcement] 🍽️ Nobeoka Tapas 2025 🍽️/ Nobeoka City, in northern Miyazaki Prefecture, is a treasure trove of ingredients from the sea, mountains, and rivers. Fresh seafood, mountain delicacies, river catches, locally raised beef, pork, and chicken, and seasonal vegetables all come together thanks to the region's rich natural bounty. At Nobeoka Tapas, local chefs use these ingredients to craft inventive small-plate dishes, each priced at 600 yen. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Japanese to Western to Chinese. Why not sample a little of Nobeoka's unique flavors, one bite at a time?🍽✨ [Dates] Three days: Friday, February 7, 2025, and Sunday, February 9, 2025 On Sunday the 9th, a market will also take place around the west exit commercial building area of Nobeoka Station! (10:00–15:00) [Location] Throughout Nobeoka City (walking food tour at participating local restaurants) [Value Tasting Ticket] A great-value ticket that normally covers five 600-yen dishes (600 yen × 5) will be sold for 2,500 yen, starting January 15! [How to Purchase Tickets] ･ In-person sales at designated counters (cash only) 1. Nobeoka City Hall, 3rd floor, East Kyushu Basque Initiative Promotion Office 2. Onokobo Design LLC ･ Online reservation Reserve and purchase via the link on the profile page, then exchange your purchase for tickets at the information desk on the event day ※ Please note that payments are non-refundable. ･ Same-day sales Tickets will be available at the downtown information desk or the market information desk ※ If advance or reservation tickets sell out, there will be no same-day sales.

[Please be careful of mountain accidents] As of Monday, February 3, 2025, Mt. Ooyama is hidden in clouds but covered in white. The photo shows the state of Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine on February 2. Please take extra care when going out. Also, climbing Mt. Ooyama (especially from the Lower Shrine to the summit) requires proper equipment. Be sure to prepare, such as wearing trekking shoes and bringing trekking poles. In the coming season, Mt. Ooyama can have enough snow that crampons may be required on some days. *The Mount Oyama Summit Public Toilet is currently unavailable due to a frozen water supply pipe. Please start early to allow plenty of time and use nearby toilets such as those at Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine before you leave.* ★Essential gear for safe mountain climbing Backpack: a rucksack to carry your gear Hat: to protect your head from sun and cold Rainwear: waterproof clothing; a two-piece set is recommended Sunglasses: to protect your eyes from sun and glare off the snow Sunscreen: to protect your skin from UV rays Change of clothes and warm layers: to change into if you sweat or the temperature drops Gloves and neck warmer: for cold protection Crampons: metal traction devices attached to boot soles to prevent slipping on snow or ice Mountaineering boots or walking shoes (flat-soled sneakers are dangerous because they are slippery) Don’t forget water and food! ★About submitting a climbing notification To enjoy climbing Mt. Ooyama safely, please submit a climbing notification. You can also submit a notification online via the QR code. Scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet, enter the required information, and submit. Submitting a climbing notification helps prepare for emergencies and enables prompt rescue operations if needed. We appreciate your cooperation. #Isehara #Ooyama #Hiking #Safe climbing #Climbing notification

Setsubun Festival on February 2, 2025 On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Setsubun Festival was held at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (guests: sekitori stablemasters Takadagawa, Ryurai, Shonan no Umi, Teru; rakugo storyteller Sanyūtei Yukichi), and Isehara Daijingu. The morning brought unfortunate rain, and snow fell in the cold at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, but many worshippers still gathered. At the customary bean-throwing, everyone chanted “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto!” to drive away demons and welcome good fortune. There was also a lottery exchangeable for koban coins and other draws, with lovely prizes awarded, making the event very lively!

Isehara Flower Report — January 31, 2025 The days are still bitterly cold. With the Setsubun Festival on Sunday, February 2, weather is on everyone’s mind, so dress warmly when you go out. Walking along the Oyama koma approach, you’ll be soothed by the sweet scent of the yellow, delicate flowers of robai (wintersweet). Plum blossoms are beginning to open here and there. Many buds remain, but it’s exciting to watch the blooms progress from now on! *Utage Bunko* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The robai beside the torii in the parking area is still beautiful. Most plum trees in the grove are still in bud, but you can see a patch of rapeseed flowers blooming toward the back. *Maruyama Castle Ruins Park* (Shimokasuya 2168-2) The robai at the park entrance is in bloom. The plum trees beyond the stairs are developing many buds; the white plums have not opened yet, but red plums are starting to bloom. *Isehara City General Sports Park* (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees between the cherry- and ginkgo-lined slope up to the entrance are beginning to show buds. *Hinata Yakushi Plum Grove* (Hinata 1644) The plum grove behind Hinata Yakushi is just starting to form buds.

Ichiyamamoto Seki visits the Roadside Station! The local sumo wrestler from Iwanai-cho, Ichiyamamoto Seki, who finished the January tournament with a winning record, has come to the Roadside Station! Ichiyamamoto Seki visits the Roadside Station! The staff were flustered by the sudden visit… He also came for an interview and related appearances on TV. He is said to be about 10 kg heavier now than when the life-size panel was photographed.😳 He kindly posed for photos— Thank you very much!! Keep up the great work from now on!👏🏻

ICE LAFORET IN KAWAYU, the extreme cold resort A special two-day event, Lantern Balloon Night, holds its second edition tomorrow! A fantastical lantern balloon event lights up the night sky. The special two-day event Lantern Balloon Night, held for a limited time, is scheduled to hold its second session tomorrow, February 1. Those who wish to join should pick up a participation ticket at the on-site general information desk on the day or at inns affiliated with the Ryokan Association (Kawayu Kanko Hotel, Oyado Kinkiyu, Oyado Kinkiyu Annex Suikazura, KKR Kawayu), and gather at Kawayu Shrine by 5:00 PM. Registration closes once capacity is reached. If you prefer to reserve in advance, please contact the Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association. (015-483-2211, inside Oyado Kinkiyu) Please note the event may be canceled on the day due to weather, such as strong winds. The moment the lanterns rise fills the entire venue with a scene that seems touched by magic. For details, check the notices on Teshikaga Navi. Don’t miss this special night!

Mashu⭐︎ Snowland 2025 Returns This Year After closing to great acclaim last year, Mashu⭐︎ Snowland is back this winter with even more to enjoy. Expect a very long snowy slide, midwinter barbecue, a fun raffle, and many other activities. Bring your friends and family and join us! Mashu⭐︎ Snowland 2025 Event Details Date and Time: Saturday, February 15, 2025, 10:00–20:00 Venue: Yunoshi­ma Park, Teshikaga Highlights: a very long snowy slide, candy toss, Snowball Fight Japan Championship, midwinter barbecue, fireworks display, and a fun raffle * Admission is free and open to everyone. * Purchase a barbecue ticket with a raffle coupon to enjoy midwinter barbecue at the venue and enter the fun raffle! Barbecue Ticket with Raffle Coupon Presale midwinter barbecue ticket: 1,500 yen; same-day ticket: 2,000 yen * Both presale and same-day tickets include entry to the fun raffle. Main Ticket Outlets: Shokudo to Kissa poppotei / Third place Livingbar221 Sumika Ishibana Kikin / Mashu Izakaya Mokkiriya Inquiries: Mashu⭐︎ Snowland Executive Committee (090-5951-9471 Nishizaki) Supported by: Teshikaga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mashu Lake Agricultural Cooperative Association and Mashu Lake Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)