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

【Events Announcement】 \🍽️2025 Beoka Tapas Held in 🍽️/ Nobeoka City, located in the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, is a "treasure trove of ingredients" filled with the blessings of the sea, mountains, and rivers! Fresh seafood, Delicacies of the mountains, river food, Local beef, pork, chicken, seasonal vegetables, and other delicious ingredients produced by rich nature are available. At Nobeoka Tapas, Local chefs make use of these ingredients and offer ingenious small plates for 600 yen. You can enjoy various genres of cuisine such as Japanese, Western, Chinese, etc.! Why don't you try a variety of flavors unique to Nobeoka little by little? 🍽✨ 【Schedule】3 days on February 7 (Fri) and 9 (Sun) in Reiwa 7) On the 9th (Sunday), market around the Nobeoka Station West Exit Block Building Held in! （10:00〜15:00） 【Place】Nobeoka City (Restaurants participating in Events in the city) [Great value food walking ticket] You can buy 5 dishes for 600 yen × 2500 yen, and the special tickets will go on sale from January 15th! [How to purchase tickets] ・Nature Window sales (cash only) (1) Nobeoka City Hall 3F East Kyushu Basque Concept Promotion Office (2) Onokobo Design LLC ・Online Reservation Pre-order from the link on the profile screen and exchange for tickets at the Information Center on the day of the Events * Please note that refunds cannot be made after payment ・ Same-day sales Purchase at the town Information Center or Information Center in the markets * If it is sold out in advance or pre-order, it will not be sold on the day

[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)

It’s snowing in Higashikawa today❄️ A row of snowmen stands in front of Roadside Station Michikusakan!⛄ The winter scenery is truly beautiful, so come and see it for yourself! We make snowmen every day! If you’re interested in building snowmen, please speak to us—we’ll make them together❣

A festival of lights to enjoy in the coldest winter Sairinka is now open! It starts at 7:00 PM. We look forward to welcoming you.

With the Tsubetsu Ice Candle Festival coming up the day after tomorrow, the plastic sheet that had been hung over the snow sculpture was removed, and we met for the first time in a long yellowtail. Nya The igloo part is also alive and well! It withstood the unexpectedly high temperatures every day well... 😂 For a little dirt, apply snow like white powder to whiten and whiten ... And. The night before yesterday, the snow stand was also developed by the executive committee members! After preparations the day before tomorrow, the Ice Candle Festival will start at 2 p.m. the day after tomorrow. We look forward to seeing you at the Sansan Pavilion! #Okhotsk #okhotsk #Tsubetsu #Tsubetsu #Tsubetsu Town #hokkaido #Hokkaido #The 12th Tsubetsu Ice Candle Festival #Tsubetsu Eye Candle Festival #Tsubetsu Town Multipurpose Activity Center Sansankan #Events Information #Hokkaido Events #Sansan Kan #Ice Candle #Events #Ice Candle Festival #Igloo #Snow Sculpture

Tonight is the 5th broadcast of HTB "Midori no on-chan" Tsubetsu Town edition! In the city, Tsubetsu Pass, Lake Chimikepp, children's garden, library... ON-chan came around. Where are we going today? Looking forward to it (o▽n) For past broadcasts, please see the program's YouTube! #Okhotsk #okhotsk #Tsubetsu #Tsubetsu #Tsubetsu #Tsubetsu Town #Hokkaido #Hokkaido #Hokkaido TV Broadcasting #HTB #on-chan #Street on-chan #Scheduled to be broadcast #Media appearances

The Mashu and Kussharo sightseeing loop buses convenient for Teshikaga tourism, the "Teshikaga Eco Passport," will operate this winter 2025 on the following schedule. You can enjoy Teshikaga’s spectacular scenery with peace of mind even in winter. Please make use of this service 🌱🚌 [Operation and Sales Period] January 25, 2025 (Saturday) – March 2, 2025 (Sunday) [Routes] ● Mashu Lake Bus ※Scheduled to run three times a day JR mashu station ⇔ Roadside Station ⇔ Lake Mashu Kamuy Terrace ⇔ ⇔ Lake Mashu First Observatory ● Kussharo Bus ※Scheduled to run twice a day JR Kawayu Onsen Station ⇔ Mount Io ⇔ Taiho Sumo Memorial Museum ⇔ ⇔ Nibushi ⇔ Sunayu (sandy hot spring) ⇔ Kotan ⇔ Maruyama ⇔ Toondō ⇔ ⇔ Roadside Station ⇔ JR mashu station [Sales Locations] Onboard limited-time bus sales, Oyado Kinkiyu, Bettei Suikazura, Hotel Parkway, HOSTEL MISATO, Youth Guesthouse Kussharo Plain, Mashu Station Tourist Information (8:30–16:00 / open daily during the period) [Fares] Adult 2-day pass: ¥2,000; 3-day pass: ¥3,000 Child 2-day and 3-day passes: ¥1,000 [Inquiries] Mashu Lake Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) TEL: 015-482-2200 9:00–17:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) For details, check the Teshikaga Navi official site from the profile URL!! 🚌❄️♨️

“Bar Hopping De Stamp Rally” — Drink, Eat and Enjoy in Teshikaga Town Center! Tour the restaurants and bars in Teshikaga Town Center and collect stamps as you hop from place to place. Gather stamps for a chance to win fun prizes worth over 10,000 yen, a pair accommodation voucher, meal tickets and more! Even in the cold winter, drink! Eat! Enjoy! Spend hot nights out with us. Period December 23, 2024 (Monday) – February 28, 2025 (Friday) How to Enter 1. Check the participating establishments listed below 2. Receive one stamp for dining or drinking at each participating venue 3. When you have stamps from three different establishments, fill in the required information on the stamp card and drop it in the dedicated entry box at the Chamber of Commerce or at a participating venue where an entry box is provided. You may join the stamp rally and submit entries as many times as you like during the event period, but please note that duplicate wins for the same prize are not allowed. Participating Venues – Dining spots (blue stamp) – Toriyaki Manbo / Ramen Ibuki / Mashu Izakaya Mokkiriya / Higashi Sushi / food&bar DOMANI / Izakaya Denden / Sumika Ishikabukin / Izakaya Nawanoren / Teppan Izakaya Koguma / Ezo / Charcoal Grill Beko no Suke / ubusuna / Shokuno Tomo Ichimi / Ramen Curry Yoshimatsu – Snacks & Bars (red stamp) – Snack Amour / COCKTAIL&DRINK SOLO / Japanese Style Snack Karakatsu / Livingbar 221 / Drink House Tsukasa / FLOR / JAZZHOUSE KINGKONG / Stylish BAR WoodLand / Snack Kado Entry Card Locations Entry cards are available at participating venues or at the Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Entry Box Locations Japanese Style Snack Karakatsu / COCKTAIL&DRINK SOLO / food&bar DOMANI / Livingbar 221 / Toriyaki Manbo / Izakaya Denden / Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry Main Prizes Orange Prize: Collect three mixed red and blue stamps to win a fun prize worth over 10,000 yen Red Prize: Collect three red stamps from snacks & bars to win 10,000 yen each for 20 winners Blue Prize: Collect three blue stamps from dining spots to win 10,000 yen each for 20 winners We also offer pair accommodation vouchers and meal tickets!! Entry Deadline March 1, 2025 (Saturday) Winners Announcement Winners will be notified by shipment of prizes starting in mid-March 2025, which will serve as the official announcement. Organizer: Bar Hopping De Stamp Rally Executive Committee Supported by: Mashu Lake Tourism Association; Teshikaga Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Special discount coupons are available at Kawayu Onsen! Tokutoku Coupon 2025 A special campaign called the Tokutoku Coupon has started for guests staying at hotels in the Kawayu Onsen district! Guests who stay at any of the four properties—Kawayu Kanko Hotel, O宿 Kinkiyu, Bettei Suikazura, or KKR Kawayu—will receive discount coupons worth a total of 3,000 yen that can be used at restaurants and eateries in the Kawayu Onsen district. Pick up your coupons at your hotel front desk and present them when dining at participating establishments to receive the discount. The campaign runs from January 15, 2025 through March 15, 2025, but it will end once supplies run out. Please take advantage of this offer and enjoy one of the pleasures of Kawayu Onsen.

Notice: Partial Closure of the Oyama Historic Path in the Oyama Area – January 29, 2025 A section of the Oyama Historic Path in the Oyama area is currently closed to traffic. (See map) We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Notice: Reopening of a Section of Yakushi Forest Road The Yakushi Forest Road (from the back of Hinata Yakushi to Atsugi Nanasawa) has been reopened after the closure at the end of last year. It is now passable.

【❄️ Winter Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Part 5 ❄️】 Today we continue to showcase photos submitted to the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram event “#Winter Gokase 2025” 🙌✨ @photo_ay_umi Here is another photo taken at Gokase Highland Ski Resort ⛷️💫 The subject and photographer were perfectly in sync, producing images that look like scenes from a commercial—simply wonderful 🤗💕 Thank you for your submission 🙇‍♀️ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gokase Town is covered in a snowy landscape this morning ☃️ The wind is howling and it’s really cold 😂 Road conditions are poor, so when you head out to shoot photos please use proper studless winter tires or chains and take care to stay safe and enjoy yourself without overdoing it 🙏 How to enter Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#location of the photo (e.g., #Unoko Waterfall)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account→https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※There is a risk from snow accumulation and icy roads. When taking photos, secure your safety and take care to avoid accidents ⚠️

The 22nd Lively Senior Isehara Festival 2025 On Saturday, January 25, the Isehara Lifelong Learning Volunteer Association and the Isehara Tourism Volunteer Guide & Walk Association co-hosted the event at the Central Community Center. This year’s festival proved to be a lively day where children through seniors could mingle and enjoy activities across generations. The Sanno Junior High School brass band’s selections—“Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana,” “Tsugaru Kaikyo Fuyugeshiki,” and “Matsuken Samba” among them—sent the crowd into a roar and filled the venue with warm smiles! The energetic rec dance by the Smile Club, a passionate kodan (traditional storytelling) performance of “Ota Dokan” by Kotosei Takarai, a bold martial demonstration by the Isehara Handmade Armor Corps, and songs by local singer Keiko Ogura were all well received and contributed to the lively atmosphere! Building on the 22nd festival and continuing enjoyable events helps release feel-good hormones, bringing energy and vitality to everyone! For Isehara’s further development and to support the realization of an NHK Taiga drama about the Sengoku warlord Ota Dokan, we ask for your cooperation starting with a signature campaign. Let’s raise the excitement together! We’re also looking forward to the Sanno Junior High School brass band and chorus club’s next regular concert on Saturday, March 15 (Isehara Civic Cultural Center, curtain at 3:00 PM).

Extreme Cold Resort ICE LAFORET in KAWAYU Welcome to a stunning extreme cold resort... Heart‑pounding excitement awaits in winter Kawayu...! This winter marks the first time this event is held at Kawayu Onsen. Experience the special moments of ice monuments, an ice bar, and more that only a cold winter can offer. Extreme Cold Resort ICE LAFORET in KAWAYU Event Details Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025 – Sunday, February 2, 2025 *The Kawayu Shrine venue runs until Saturday, February 1 Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Venue: On the grounds of Kawayu Shrine and the surrounding area Admission fee: Adults 2,000 yen; Children 1,500 yen (ages 6–11); Toddlers 500 yen (ages 3–5) *Additional paid activities and gourmet options will be available. Organizer: Kawayu Onsen Ryokan Association

【❄️Introducing Photos Submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Part 4❄️】 Today we present photos submitted to the Winter Gokase 2025 contest, currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account 🫡🎉 @_aymiii_photo @eco9syu_sekiryo @photo_ay_umi *Order is random* From Gokase Highland Ski Resort we received delightful, humorous shots and beautiful images that convey the joy of snow 😆🎶 Thank you for your submissions 😌💕 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gokase Town has seen a touch of snow again since yesterday ❄️ It’s cold and icy roads are worrying, so going out can be daunting, but we also welcome photos taken in your own yard — capture a lovely winter scene and feel free to submit it 🤗✨ <How to Enter> Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#Photo location (e.g., #Unoko Falls)” 📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account → https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... *There are risks such as heavy snow and icy roads. Please ensure safety and take care to avoid accidents while shooting⚠️

【❄️Winter Gokase 2025 Photo Contest — Featured Entries Vol. 3❄️】 This is the third installment of our series showcasing entries posted to the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram for the “#Winter Gokase 2025” contest.💡 We’re excited to share more photos today!😆👏 @yamabico_san @aiaiaiaiaiaiai77 @conne.hikariconect @gokase_entertainment ※In no particular order Many submissions captured the quiet atmosphere and beautiful snowy scenery.😌❄️ Thank you for your entries.👏 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- We’re delighted to see the number of entries steadily growing.😊✨ Thank you all so much for your continued support.🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️ With about one month left until the entry deadline, please feel free to photograph any winter scenes you love and submit them.🤗💕 How to enter Follow the Gokase Tourism Association on Instagram (@gokase_kanko) and post your photo with the hashtags “#Winter Gokase 2025” and “#photo location (for example: #Unoko Falls)”.📸 Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account → https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ※There may be hazards such as deep snow or icy roads. Please ensure your safety and take care to avoid accidents when photographing.⚠️

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Sakuho Town Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, lies toward the eastern side of Nagano in the central part of Japan, spread out on either side of the Chikuma River like a pair of outstretched wings. We will introduce many attractions and recommended spots in Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, so please enjoy. - - - - - - - - - - - Recommended sightseeing spots in Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture - - - - - - - - - - - - ◆Shirakoma Pond Nestled in the vast primeval forest of Kita-Yatsugatake, this mystical lake glistens with clear water. It is the largest natural lake in Japan located above 2,100 meters. The trail to the pond winds through virgin forest of Kometsuga, spruce, and Shirabiso that have stood for centuries, while the forest floor is carpeted with moss as if a green rug has been spread across it. You can easily see alpine plants and the seasonal changes of wild nature here, and the area is also famous as a gateway for climbing and trekking the majestic Yatsugatake peaks. ◆Moss Forest The "Moss Forest," home to 519 species of moss. It was designated a "Precious Moss Forest of Japan" by the Bryological Society of Japan. Step into the woods and you will be struck by an expanse of blue-green moss stretching as far as the eye can see. Around Shirakoma Pond, ten individual forests have been named. Each has its own character and different moss varieties. Be sure to visit the mysterious Moss Forest of Kita-Yatsugatake. ◆Shirakaba Gunseichi (Birch Grove) Regarded as the most beautiful birch grove in Japan, Yachiho Kogen to the northeast sits on a plateau formed by volcanic activity. Some 500,000 birch trees grow across approximately 200 hectares. The tall, pale trunks stand in vertical rows with light green leaves, and the sound of the wind makes this a bright, pleasant forest. The area is also famous for large colonies of Rhododendron kaempferi, mitsuba azaleas, renge azalea, and Enkianthus perulatus, which contrast beautifully with the birch trees to create a rich white woodland. ◆Yachiho Highland Natural Garden Within the expansive grounds, stands of birch, larch, and mizunara oak form varied natural woodland, while clear streams, two waterfalls, and a wide variety of alpine plants change their displays with the seasons to welcome visitors gently. Three walking courses of different lengths are available, and you can enjoy refreshing strolls while listening to the songs of wild birds. ◆Yachiho Highland Arboretum The arboretum sits at an elevation of 1,600 meters. As you walk the highland you can observe natural birch groves, stands of sasa grass, and wildflowers up close. The trails pass streams, ponds, and waterfalls, offering scenes woven from pure water and plants, and you may also spot birds drawn to the water. ◆Komadeike Campground A well-located campground surrounded by what is said to be Japan’s most beautiful birch forest. Komadeike, the pond that serves as the campground’s symbol, reflects the blue sky and trees like a mirror on clear days, and its beauty is breathtaking. ◆◆Tourist information for Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, is an attractive destination where Shinshu’s beautiful nature and traditions thrive. Cool Japan Video will bring you plenty of sightseeing information packed with the charms of Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, so thank you for watching!

The poster for the 2025 Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival is complete!! Each year, we select the gold‑prize photograph from the photo contest held during the festival period for the poster image. We hope many people will visit this year’s plum festival, take lots of photos, and make lasting memories of Tsukigase! From the early‑spring Tsukigase Marathon to the Spring Breeze Plum Village Friendship Festival and sencha tea festival at Romantopia Tsukigase, plus a haiku competition and Nara‑zome textile exhibition, the event lineup is packed with activities!! At the tea houses that open only during the festival, you can enjoy Tsukigase specialties you’ll find nowhere else: Tsukigase hot pot, country udon, wild boar hot pot, plum soft serve, charcoal‑grilled kusa‑mochi, plum roll cakes, and more! May many smiles bloom again this year! All members of the Tsukigase Tourism Association are working hard to prepare and look forward to your visit!