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!

The 5th Sakuhomachi Ikebana Exhibition From tomorrow, Saturday the 22nd, through Monday the 24th, the Ikebana exhibition will take place at the Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum🌷🌷 Participating schools include Koyama-ryu, Kodo-ryu, Koryu Matsufuji-kai, Sogetsu, and Ikenobo! Enjoy the collaboration of Taisho-era romantic architecture and fresh floral arrangements🌺🎶 ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂ Venue: Okumura Togyu Memorial Museum Address: 1429-1 Hozumi, Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Dates: Saturday, February 22, 2025 – Monday, February 24, 2025 Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Museum admission: Adults 500 yen (400 yen), Elementary and junior high students 300 yen (250 yen) ※Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more ※Admission covers both the museum and the Ikebana exhibition. Access: Transfer at Hokuriku Shinkansen Sakudaira, then a 1-minute walk from JR Koumi Line yachiho station Five minutes by car from Central Japan Expressway Yachiho Kogen, sixty minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Sudama IC ꧁————————————————————————————————꧂

Akindo City♪ Today (the 21st) and tomorrow (the 22nd) for two days Roadside Station Iwanai marks the Hina Festival with a special offer Beniko plush normally ¥2,100 is now ¥1,800! Beniko pudding (Fujita Confectionery Shop) Normally ¥200, now ¥180!! This pudding was recently enjoyed by Ichiyamamoto Seki on HBC’s Taku⭐︎Aki Bura Research We look forward to seeing you 😊

🌺 The 10th Nobeoka Flower Story 🌺 [Period] Saturday, February 1, 2025 – Sunday, April 6, 2025 The annual spring event “Nobeoka Flower Story” runs from Saturday, February 1 to Sunday, April 6, 2025! This event succeeds the former Tenkaichi Himuka Cherry and Rapeseed Blossom Festival. It was renamed “Nobeoka Flower Story” in 2014 and, though some years were canceled due to the coronavirus, we are grateful to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year. Local residents who wanted to beautify the Gokase River embankment, the event site, began planting Kawazu cherry trees and rapeseed flowers. Their efforts have created a spectacular display of blooms for everyone to enjoy. After a gourmet TV show featured the Kawazu cherry trees at the venue last year, we received many inquiries asking where that magical spot in Nobeoka City is located. [Main Events] 🌿 Hontoji Ei Nichiume (Eini-ume) The weeping plum known as “Eini-ume,” with a trunk older than 240 years, blooms splendidly each year. Fifty white plum trees and five red plum trees color the temple grounds this season.🌺 As of February 20, 2025, they are in full bloom and at their best! 🌸 Konohana Walk 📅 Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 Three hundred Tenkaichi Himuka cherry trees along the Gokase River embankment and one million rapeseed flowers will spread a carpet of spring color.✨ A special stage will showcase local performing arts and song acts, and the riverbed will host the Nobeoka Delicious Food Market.🌿 Local seafood and mountain produce from Nobeoka City will be on offer, and proud specialty vendors from Kumamoto and Oita prefectures will also attend. The popular annual Mini Sasuke Course Challenge will feature Sasuke Legend led by Makoto Nagano, a native of Nobeoka City. We will give a case of flowers used for the “flower lettering” to the first 200 visitors as a gift.🎁 There will also be seed-dumpling giveaways that kids and adults can enjoy! 💡 WaiWai Flower Story 2025 📅 Thursday, March 20 (national holiday) – Sunday, April 6 At Nobeoka Castle Hill and Shiroyama Park, enjoy Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and one of Japan’s three great wild camellia groves. Highlights include the WaiWai Gourmet Expo on Saturday, March 22, and the enchanting WaiWai Hanayoi Story, which features beautiful illuminated cherry blossoms—this series of events brings the Nobeoka Flower Story to a close. Enjoy the magical atmosphere created by the night-lit cherry blossoms and the stone walls of Nobeoka Castle.✨ 📍 For bloom updates and event details, please see the “Nobeoka Flower Story 2025 Official Website.” *Images are from last year.* Inquiries ▷▶ 0982-29-2155 (Nobeoka Flower Story Executive Committee)

Isehara Flower Report 2025.2.20 Plum blossoms bloom delicately✨ Their composed beauty soothes the heart. ＊Maruyama Castle Ruins Park＊ (Shimokasuya 2168-2) White plum blossoms are opening and, together with red plums, are at their best! ＊Rainkaku Bunko Yamaguchi Family Residence Plum Garden Free Admission＊ (Kamikasuya 862-1) The blossoms are coming into full view. ◆Period: Until Sunday, March 9, 10:00–15:00 ※Hina dolls will be displayed only on Sundays during the period (Adults 300 yen, including admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi Family Residence) ＊Isehara City General Athletic Park＊ (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees on the slope have begun to bloom. ＊Hinata Yakushi Plum Garden＊ (Hinata 1644) The plum garden above the rear parking lot at Hinata Yakushi shows scattered blossoms, and it will likely take a little longer. The flowering of mitsumata is gradually beginning. We will update the flowering status as needed, so please look forward to it!

Tour de Yatsugatake 2025 Volunteer Staff Recruitment The historic cycling event "Tour de Yatsugatake" returns to Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture for the first time in six years! 🚴‍♀️✨ We need volunteer staff to help make this comeback possible. If you love cycling, nature, or Yatsugatake, join us to help create an exciting event together 🎶 We look forward to welcoming you in Sakuhomachi! 😸💫💫 ◆ Venue Sakuhomachi, Minamisaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture Volunteers will be assigned to different positions and should gather at their assigned locations. The secretariat will contact you in advance. Examples: Parking staff = gather at each parking area; Chip collection staff = gather at each finish point ◆ Expenses Free of charge Lunch and a participation commemorative gift will be provided. *Please cover your own transportation costs to the event site.* ◆ Event date Sunday, April 13, 2025 ◆ Highlights Event resumes after six years An emotional cycling race Experience the great outdoors of Yatsugatake ◆ Who we are looking for Working adults, university students, vocational students, seniors ◎ Requirements ・Able to drive and travel by car on your own ・Able to prioritize communication with staff and participants ◎ Recommended for ・Cycling enthusiasts ・Nature lovers ・Fans of Yatsugatake The event takes place outdoors in cold conditions with remaining snow. Please prepare and take measures to stay warm. Participants of all generations are welcome People of many age groups will work together. Many staff in their 30s are active in the secretariat. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Volunteer Positions – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – ・Start staff: day-of registration, guiding riders, and other duties ・Finish staff (half-finish and full-finish locations): collect timing chips, guide riders, and other duties ・Aid station staff: manage water supply points ・Parking staff: check parking permits at entrances and monitor parking during the event ・Withdrawn rider recovery staff: assist in collecting withdrawn riders and their bicycles — applicants should be experienced in handling bicycles To apply, please scan the third QR code on the application form.

Celebrating the 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon The memorable 40th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025! The time limit is 90 minutes for a one-way 9 km course along the Oyama Kaido, climbing 650 meters in elevation and tackling 1,610 stone steps. It’s one of Japan’s most grueling, heart-pounding courses! Starting from the north exit of Isehara Station, the route passes the Route 246 intersection, Shimehiki, the old Oyama road, Afuri Bridge, Koma Sando, Onnazaka (the women’s slope), Oyama-dera temple, and finally Oyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine ⛩️ Guest runners include Karen Michibata and Angelica, along with celebrated former Olympic athletes such as Kayoko Fukushi, Masako Chiba, and Reiko Tosa, among other distinguished participants On the day, festive welcome events will be held at Isehara Elementary School and along Ryujin Street at Isehara Station North Exit ✨ Join everyone and celebrate together♪

Would you like to try some craft beer? 🍺 From IWANAI BREWERY & HOTEL their craft beer “Malty” has a best-before date of March 20, so it’s available at a lower price than usual. 🙏 Why not take this chance to try some craft beer? 🍺 It’s on sale at the Roadside Station shop. 🙏🙏 Thank you!

Sairinka 2025 ended on February 16th. There was a period when the event was canceled because of heavy snowfall, but it reopened and many people visited. Thank you to everyone who came to see us 😊 2025 Sairinka ended on February 16th. There was a period when it was canceled due to heavy snow, but we reopened and many people came! Thank you to everyone who came to visit us 😊 2025 Sairinka ended on February 16th. There was a period when it was canceled due to heavy snow, but we reopened and many people came! Thank you to everyone who came to visit us 😊 #Sairinka #Tokachigawa Onsen #Otofuke #event #mall onsen #Tokachi #Hokkaido tourism #snow #sairinka #tokachi #hokkaido

[Notice from Ekinaka Kururin House] 2025 ✨Oyama pickled greens sold out—thank you for your support✨ Our seasonal favorite, "Oyama pickled greens," has sold out due to popular demand. We sincerely thank you. We were delighted to hear so many people say, "I want to eat this again!" Look forward to the next sale♪ At Ekinaka Kururin House, we also offer many other popular Kururin goods you can only find in Isehara, along with local delicacies and souvenir items. We are open every day all year round, so please stop by. [Open through 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 Tel/Fax 0463-95-5333 https://isehara-kanko.com/shop-kururinhouse/... #Gift #Kururin #Ekinaka Kururin House #Isehara Station #Tourist Information #Oyama pickled greens #Sold out—thank you #Kururin goods #Souvenirs #Isehara #Sightseeing

Roadside Station Iwanai This year, Tamaru and Beniko’s Hina dolls are on display again at the counter 👏 When you stop by please take photos 😊

KKday has launched sales of the “Tate Chari Rental Bicycle + Vegetable Harvesting Experience + Tateyama Seared Seafood Rice Bowl Set Plan”! The tour dates are Tuesday, February 25, R7; Tuesday, March 4; Tuesday, March 11; Tuesday, March 18; and Tuesday, March 25! Sales are scheduled to continue after April! Please check it out! https://www.kkday.com/en-hk/product/269149...

Special Exhibition Commemorating the Opening of Oyama-dera Temple: “Pilgrimage to Oyama and the Offering Swords” *The Oyama pilgrimage, a popular practice in the Edo period* ✨Experience Corner✨ Try on the pilgrimage garments, carry an offering sword for a photo, and take home the memory! The weight of the sword is striking and adds to the emotional impact. Up to 6 m in length✨All 15 actual offering swords once dedicated here make an impressive sight! Ukiyo-e prints that offer a glimpse of the Oyama pilgrimage are also on display✨ A must-see! Don’t miss this rare opportunity with your family. ◆Dates: On display through Monday, February 17, 2025 9:30 AM–5:00 PM ◆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 [Bus] From Isehara Station North Exit, Kanachu Bus Stop No. 1 Take the “Isehara Shako” bound bus and get off at “Chuo Kominkan-mae” (Central Community Center) ◆Admission: Free ＊＊Contact＊＊ Isehara City Board of Education, Educational Affairs Division, Cultural Properties Section Tel: 0463-74-5109 (direct) ＊＊Organizer＊＊ Isehara City Council for the Preservation and Use of Local Cultural Properties

[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 💪❤️‍🔥