Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

Saturday, November 23, 2024 — One-day-only tour “A Winter Tradition: Nozawana Pickling Experience — From Harvest to Brine” Meeting place: Public lodging facility Village Azumino Time: Gather at 1:00 PM, dismiss at 3:30 PM (planned) Fee: ¥5,000 per person (tax included) Fee includes: the Nozawana pickling experience; delivery fee for 5 kg of Nozawana per person; light refreshments and tea; insurance; and a complimentary day‑use bath on the day of the experience only Who can join: Open to everyone; reservations accepted from one person (children in elementary school or younger must be accompanied by a guardian) *Reservations will close once capacity is reached The complimentary day‑use bath is valid only on the day of the experience. Please speak to a staff member. For details, visit the Azumino City Tourism Association website under “Experience Tour Reservations”

Visited 10/24/24. Near Hon-Kawagoe Station, we visited the Pre-opening of Tatsumi Udon noodles. It is Udon noodles + toriten. Both Udon noodles and toriten are very delicious. 😊

"The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls (7)" For 3 days from 10/25~10/27, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. We will introduce the Stalls in front of the Held in! 【Kanedai Ono Shoten】~Mukawa Towns~ It is a popular store that has been Stalls since the first edition of the East Iburi Product Festival. The "Raw Dried Shishamo", which is made by drying Hokkaido honshishamo overnight, is a popular item, and we also accept local shipments from the venue to all over the country. Fried shishamo, stewed shishamo honeydew, hokki curry, etc. We have a wide range of delicious products made in-house.

Afternoon tea from November 【Winter Afternoon Tea】 ☃ There are a variety ❄ of sweets such as "Cup de White Chocolate Short" and "White Glass" that are reminiscent of winter in Hokkaido For savory, we have prepared a "Roast Beef Sandwich". In addition to the popular "Push Activity Plan", the "Christmas Mini Parfait Plan" will also be available from December! Please ♪ enjoy a variety of winter sweets ❄menu❄ -Sweets- ・Cup de White Chocolate Short ・Stick ganache ・Croquis chocolate (caramel) ・Macarons ・White glass ・Choux caramel ・Ginger cookies -Savory- ・Roast beef sandwich ・Pickles ・Vegetable chips Reservations and details 📞011-222-1522 Or on the hotel's ✨ website

"The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls Introduction (6)" For 3 days from 10/25~10/27, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. We will introduce the Stalls in front of the Held in! 【Roadside Station Utonai Lake Plaisir】~Tomakomai City~ B1 Tonchan's pork buns and shumai at the pig farmer's directly managed store Thanks to you, we are celebrating our 21st anniversary! We also sell sausages and gyoza that you can conveniently eat at home. Please come and visit us!

Notice of City Hall Local Product Sale♪ Continuing from yesterday, today Thursday, October 24, 2024, we will hold a pop-up sale of Isehara’s specialties in the entrance hall on the first floor of Isehara City Hall. You’ll find plenty of tasty items from Isehara, including seasonal vegetables from the Katano family, karabuki (pickled butterbur) from Otsuya, Ryoben Oyama manju, Kururin goods, and more. We look forward to seeing you there! Thursday, October 24 10:00–14:00 @ Isehara City Hall, 1st floor lobby

Visited on 10/19/24. On the first day of the Kawagoe Festival, we visited LEC COFFEE. It is an original chai and a hot sandwich. The hot sandwich was very tasty. 😊

On October 26 and 27, at the Shinsui Park venue, we will hold the 14th Atami Fish Festival (2024), where you can enjoy Atami’s delicious seafood on the spot. Event period: Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, 2024 Hours: 10:00–16:00 (until 15:00 on October 27) Venue: Shinsui Park Event Plaza (2018-8 Nagisa-cho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Contact: Atami City Tourism Association 0557-85-2222 Fee: Free admission Parking: Municipal Shinsui Park P and others (paid) *The event may be canceled or changed due to weather or other reasons. Food and drink vendors Around 10 vendors, mainly local restaurants, are scheduled to participate. Dates/times: October 26, 2024 (Sat) 10:00–16:00; October 27, 2024 (Sun) 10:00–15:00 Grilled seafood on the beach (hamayaki) Dates/times: October 26, 2024 (Sat) 10:00–16:00 (reception until 15:00); October 27, 2024 (Sun) 10:00–15:00 (reception until 14:00) One table seats four (40 tables total, 160 seats) Hamayaki ingredient set: 3,000 yen (Each table must purchase one set. After purchase, individual ingredients may be bought separately.) *No advance reservations; reception is on-site only on the day. Dried fish workshop Date: October 26, 2024 (Sat) Participation fee: Adults 3,000 yen; children elementary school age and under 2,000 yen (both tax included) *Children elementary school age and under require a guardian to participate or accompany them because knives are used. Same-day take-home plan: 10:00–15:00 Fish filleting → salting → drying (2 hours) → completion Shipping plan: 13:00–15:00 Fish filleting → salting → drying (left to the professionals) → shipped after completion *Additional shipping fee applies (from 1,045 yen). Capacity: Each plan limited to the first 10 applicants Reservation deadline: By 17:00 the day before; if capacity is not reached, same-day participation is possible. Please contact the number below. What to bring / clothing: Apron and clothes that can get slightly dirty. *Wearing a mask is required. Reservations: Atami City Tourism Association, tel. 0557-85-2222 (9:00–17:00; closed on October 16) Stage program October 26 (Sat) 11:00–11:40 Kids’ dance (Eyes Dance School) 12:00–12:30 Band performance (Itokawa Ventures) 12:30–13:00 Character appearance (Atsuo, Mamekko) 13:00–13:30 Kayou show (Ami Mitsuya) October 27 (Sun) 11:00–11:30 Hula dance (Ka Fuakai Hula Studio) 11:45–12:15 Kids’ dance (Infinity Dance Studio) Special operation of the Sun Remo sightseeing boat Dates: October 26 and 27, 2024 Free service times (approx. 30-minute ride) October 26 (Sat): 8th voyage departs 15:00; 9th voyage departs 15:40 October 27 (Sun): 7th voyage departs 14:20; 8th voyage departs 15:00 Capacity: 50 passengers per voyage Inquiries: Sun Remo Sightseeing Boat tel. 0557-52-6657 *Tickets will be distributed on the day (October 26 from 14:30; October 27 from 13:50) at the sightseeing boat boarding area: Shinsui Park Third Pier. *Voyages 1–7 on October 26 and voyages 1–6 on October 27 will operate at the regular fare. (The 9th voyage on October 27 is reserved and not available for boarding.) *Please note that operations may be suspended depending on sea conditions on the day.

"The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls Introduction (5)" For 3 days from 10/25~10/27, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. We will introduce the Stalls in front of the Held in! 【Kitaya】~Tomakomai City~ "Hokki Shumai" using Tomakomai hokki, which won the Grand Prix at the 2022 SEA class gourmet "Chicken char siu" made by layering Hokkaido chicken thighs and breast meat, etc. Please enjoy our handmade products using raw materials from Hokkaido.

Gokase Winery Harvest Festival 2024 Yesterday, Sunday, October 20, following last week’s events, Gokase Winery held the "Gokase Winery Harvest Festival 2024" to celebrate the release on Saturday, October 19 of the 2024 vintage new wines 🍷🎉 Although the rain from the day before was gone and the sky cleared, it turned sharply cold from the morning, and as the name suggests the Wind Hall felt chilled by strong, cold breezes today 🥶💦 Still, the crowd warmed up with a lineup of lively, exciting stage programs 🤩✨ Taiko drumming, hula dance, singing, and a raffle… and the familiar Hikari hosted the event 💡 Her light, bright hosting energized the audience greatly 🥳 She was so busy she kept appearing on stage again and again 🤣🤣🤣 Food stalls offering pizza, sausages, Kitaura scallops (hiougi kai), and various sweets that paired well with the new wine filled the venue and kept everyone happy 🤤💕 The highlights were the sashimi servings of sakuramai kampachi and tuna 🐟🍴✨ Fresh sakuramai kampachi, alive that very morning, were filleted on site and served to attendees 😍 Sakuramai kampachi raised on nutrient-rich pomace—the leftover pressed grapes from winemaking at Gokase Winery—have no fishy odor and less of the greasy taste typical of farmed fish, making them especially delicious 🤤💡 Lines snaked through the venue for the kampachi and tuna 😳 I managed to grab some myself; it had no off-putting smell, a smooth, mellow texture, and was truly delicious 🥰 The finale featured the main guest, Reiwa’s Showa-era pop song young star Kokoro Umetani, on stage 🎤✨ Kokoro appeared in an outfit that matched the wine-themed atmosphere 🤩🍷 Despite her cute appearance, her powerful, glamorous voice stunned the audience 😳✨ Fans had come from afar, including from Saitama Prefecture, to support her 👏 With fans and townspeople together, the stage reached a spectacular peak of excitement 🎉🎉🎉 At last, the newly released Gokase wines are now available. Although the summer heat had raised concerns about the harvest, the tireless efforts of local grape growers paid off. They harvested higher-than-usual sugar levels and aroma, producing exceptionally fine grapes and very tasty wine 🥹👏 I haven’t had a chance to drink it yet, so I can’t wait to taste it 🍷✨ Everyone, please enjoy the season’s wines.

Hello ✨😃❗ This is the Kyowa-cho Tourism Association❗ Announcing the Iwau Four-Town-and-Village Regional Products Fair📢 We will sell specialty products from Kyowa-cho, Iwanai-cho, Tomari Village, and Kamie-cho at Hotel Polestar in Sapporo❗ Please come by😆 Event dates: October 23 and October 24 Venue: Hotel Polestar Sapporo

Local ingredients and specialty products are gathering in Tomakomai City: the 41st Higashi-Iburi Products Festival runs for three days from Friday, October 25th to Sunday, October 27th. This year’s venue is Aeon Mall Tomakomai. Come and enjoy our proud local flavors.

"The 41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival Stalls Introduction (1)" For three days from October 25th to October 27th, the "41st Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival" will be Held in at the West Court on the 1st floor of the AEON MALL Tomakomai store. From today, we will introduce the stores that will be Stalls at the festival, so please keep an eye out! 【Kitakiya Joint Stock Company】~Tomakomai City~ In addition to the same Traditional Japanese straw raincoat hokki cooked rice, we will also sell "Toma Chop Oyaki" in the shape of a hokki shell with Toma Chop branding. It's heavy and There are satisfying! In addition to selling products at the venue, we also accept shipping.

Visited on 10/10/24. Takagi Coffee opened in Kawagoe Claire Mall, so I went there. Jade sandwich and chamomile citrus. I'm also curious about pancakes.

Squid 🎄 for a hotel cake at Christmas At New Otani Inn Sapporo, we have 🎅 prepared three types of Christmas cakes that are special to the pastry chef 🎂 Charlotte Berry Chocolat A mousse cake made with strawberries, framboise, passion fruit, and carefully selected chocolate with a Roux sour taste that goes well with nuts. Enjoy a premium cake that colors the holy night. 🎂 Gateau phrases Sweet and sour strawberries are sandwiched between the fluffy sponge of New Otani and finished with plenty of fresh cream for an elegant sweetness. 🎂 Chocolat Noir It is a Adult cake made by sandwiching the sweetness of chocolate and sweet and sour strawberries on a sponge made by adding cocoa to the Shortcake and Same as above manufacturing method to make it fluffy. 🌟 Early bird Privileges 🌟 All three types are 5% off when booked by November 30th Please enjoy it 🤤 Reservations, details 📞011-222-1522 Or check 👀 the hotel's website

[Autumn-Sky Market] Autumn markets often bring rain and chilly winds. This year was rare: the sun watched over us on both days. The market took place on September 22 and 23, and many people attended on the 22nd, the middle day of the three-day holiday. The soba and udon noodles sold out mostly on the first day alone, wiping out two days' worth of noodles. The chiffon cakes sold only at the event were so popular that they sold out by midmorning on both days. The piping-hot Ezo deer meatballs and venison braised in red wine were comfortingly warm and delicious. Vegetable stalls came from Seiryu no Sato, with rows of green onions, daikon radishes, and potatoes, and many people bought them as souvenirs. The children's festival booths were mobile on the first day and set up next to the Ezo deer meatballs on the second day, adding to the market's lively atmosphere. For 100 yen, kids could try the candy-fishing game three times, and a little expert who had the knack appeared, catching four sweets in one go. There was also a sales corner for ume and tea, making the market even livelier. Thank you to everyone who came! #Nishiokoppe Village #Market #Autumn #Roadside Station #Kamu #three-day holiday #Ezo deer meatballs #venison braised in red wine #Yume-mura Mori no Garden #soba and udon #chiffon cake #Setoushi-kun-yaki #Seiryu no Sato #vegetable sales #Puppet Theater Circle Doremi #children's festival booths

"Roundabout Tomakomai Stamp Rally" is being held in! !! If you visit 5 spots in Tomakomai City, you will receive luxurious Premiums by lottery! You can enjoy gourmet, Nature, history, and various Tomakomai! Please join us! Held in period:9/2~11/30

The 41st East Iburi Bussan Festival Held in! Date & Time: October 25 (Fri) ~ 27 (Sun) 10:00~17:00 Venue: AEON MALL Tomakomai 1st Floor West Court The Higashi Iburi Bussan Festival is a festival where you can feel the food culture of the Higashi-Iburi region of Hokkaido. A Great concentration of Specialty Products and specialties from the Higashi-Iburi region (Tomakomai City, Shiraoi Towns, Atsuma Towns, Anping Towns, Mukawa Towns) that are perfect for the taste of autumn! Please take this opportunity to visit us!

Thursday, October 3 — G Class: Tea Pan-Frying Experience at Miyazaki Sabou🍵 Today, third graders from four elementary schools across Gokase Town gathered at Miyazaki Sabou for a G class✍️💡…so I was able to observe their visit👀✨ We had considered skipping the tea-picking experience because of light rain, but the kids’ energy cleared the sky enough for a short session, so we did a little picking👏👏👏 Chanting “one bud, two leaves!” everyone happily hand-picked tea leaves🌿 After that, the group split into three teams to do 1) a factory tour, 2) a pan-frying experience, and 3) a tasting session✍️✨ 1) The factory was full of first-time sights! Different tea aromas drifted through the air, and just watching the tour felt soothing🤤💕 When told that a single tea leaf can become green tea, oolong tea, or black tea, the kids gasped “Whaaaat!?” with perfect reactions😳💮💮💮 lol 2) The pan-frying experience stemmed from what they heard on the tour: machines roast leaves at 200–300°C, so the kids nervously asked, “Is it hot!?”🤣 But trying it turned out to be fun🤩 They watched, fascinated, as the leaves dried and released a pleasant aroma, commenting “I like this smell!” and “But it’s tiring~💦” while learning the pan-fried tea production process😊 3) They learned about types of tea utensils and how to use them, the ideal water temperature for brewing, and other tips for making tasty tea, then each brewed and tasted pan-fried tea themselves🍵✨ One child said it smelled like corn soup, which surprised me, but apparently pan-fried tea is often said to have a corn-like flavor😮💡 The children’s sensitivities never cease to amaze me👏 They compared four teas by taste and tried to identify which was pan-fried tea, oolong, hojicha, or black tea. Many struggled, confused by the familiar colors and aromas🤣 Did you know? Taiwanese and Gokase oolong teas are closer in color to green tea rather than brown😏✏️ At the end, during the Q&A, the children asked sharp questions to the producers and summarized what they had learned✍️💫 The kids experienced the full charm of Gokase’s pan-fried tea and felt the producers’ passion😌 I hope they take pride in this local specialty and help weave the future of Gokase Town✨

Act 12 and Makomai Cosplay Festa will be held in! !! Date and time Held in Day 1: Saturday, November 2, 2024 (Reiwa 6) 10:00~21:00 Day 2: Sunday, November 3 10:00~19:00 Held in venue Grand Hotel New Oji, etc. For more information, do you want to scan the QR code on the image? Search by Tomakomai Cosplay Festa

Takeaway Afternoon Tea🧁 Enjoy the hotel's sweets at ♪ home Take-out afternoon tea, which is perfect for special rewards and gifts for yourself, will be ✨ available from October Includes 4 types of tea packs from ☕ the long-established tea maker "Ronnefeldt" Enjoy 💕 the pastry chef's special sweets 【Menu】 ・White Chocolate Mont Blanc ・Cookie Cup ・Paris Brest ・Framboise mousse and rose jelly ・Marron Swiss roll cake ・Black Brownie ・Ronnefeldt Tea 4 types of tea bags Reservations and details 📞011-222-1522 Or on the hotel's 🍰 website

◆Ise Lobster Festival Period: Saturday, October 5, 2024–Saturday, November 30, 2024 ※Checkout until Sunday, December 1, 2024 ※Reservation applications start: Saturday, September 14–Friday, November 22, 2024 (phone reception 9:00–17:00) ※Applicable to stays for two or more people (one night) ※The lottery is not first-come, first-served for reservations, reception, or applications ※No accommodation discounts are available ◆Overview ◉Accommodation reservations are accepted through Friday, November 22, 2024. ◉Stays on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 may be difficult to reserve due to a local town event. ◉Ise lobster is offered to adults (junior high school students and older) and children (ages 6 through elementary school). ◉Each guest may choose one lobster cooking method. ※Choose one of three lobster cooking methods: sashimi, boiled, or oni-gara yaki (roasted in the shell). ※The available cooking methods and their details may vary by accommodation. ◉The lottery tickets are limited to the first 500 people who draw at the venue. ※The order is not based on reservation, reception, or application sequence but on the order in which lottery tickets are actually drawn at the venue (Tourism Association). ◉Lottery eligibility covers adults and children (ages 6 through elementary school). ※Infants (ages 0–1) and toddlers (ages 2–5) are not eligible. ◉The lottery ends once the 500-ticket limit is reached. ◉After the lottery ends, accommodation reservations will continue to be accepted without special benefits. ◉Only guests who made accommodation reservations through our Tourism Association are eligible for the lottery. ※However, lottery tickets are awarded on a first-come basis to those who actually come to the Tourism Association in person. ◉When you pay the reservation deposit, you will receive a “Reservation Deposit Receipt,” which you must present to draw a lottery ticket. ◉Lottery tickets can be drawn at Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (Tourist Information Center). ◉Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana is open from 9:00 to 17:00. Accommodation Procedure ◉Apply for accommodation via the application form, email, or phone. ◉Once our Tourism Association arranges your accommodation, we will mail you an accommodation information letter. ◉After you receive the accommodation information letter, please transfer the stated accommodation fee to the designated bank account. ◉After confirming your transfer, we will mail you the Reservation Deposit Receipt. ◉Once you receive the Reservation Deposit Receipt, please come to Minami-Izu Town. ◉Present the Reservation Deposit Receipt at the Tourism Association reception to draw a lottery ticket. ◆Steps to the Lottery Ticket ① Apply (via form, etc.) ② Accommodation arrangement (rooms may be unavailable) ③ Accommodation information letter mailed ④ Guest transfers accommodation fee ⑤ Reservation Deposit Receipt mailed ⑥ Lottery ticket drawn at the Tourism Association ◆Accommodation Benefits (Prize Redemption) With numbered tickets ・Five winners: accommodation subsidy voucher worth 15,000 yen each ・Ten winners: accommodation subsidy voucher worth 5,000 yen each ・Twenty winners: live Ise lobster (one box, approximately 1 kg, 2–7 lobsters) ・Seventy-five winners: frozen Ise lobster (150 g–300 g) ・Ten winners: Irozaki Ocean Park shopping voucher worth 3,000 yen ・Thirty winners: Irozaki Ocean Park shopping voucher worth 2,000 yen ・Fifty winners: Irozaki Ocean Park shopping voucher worth 1,000 yen Without numbered tickets ・100 yen discount on purchases at Irozaki Ocean Park ※Present the non-numbered lottery ticket plus a parking ticket at the register ※Lottery participants will receive a free parking voucher for Irozaki Ocean Park ※If the lottery ends, accommodations will be offered as regular Ise-lobster-inclusive stays without the lottery benefits.

The Way of the Brush For those of us living in today's busy world, learning about the samurai spirit can give us insight into our attitude, attention, and focus, and foster the determination needed to achieve our goals to the fullest. #kangi #calligraphy #kimono #osakacastle

Hello, this is Koshu local cuisine Waraji. The oppressive late-summer heat is easing, and we can feel the arrival of autumn. This is the perfect season for a stroll through Shosenkyo Gorge. At Waraji, our recommended dishes are houtou and unajuu, but the tempura rice bowl is actually popular too! It comes piled high with three large prawns and plenty of vegetables: eggplant, kabocha squash, enoki mushrooms, and shiso leaves. Our secret sauce not only brings out the flavour of the tempura but also makes the rice delicious with sauce. Be sure to try it with a large serving of rice. If you get hungry while walking, please drop by Waraji. #Shosenkyo Gorge #Mitake Shosenkyo #Yamanashi Prefecture #Yamanashi #Kofu City #Kofu #sightseeing spot #Yamanashi trip #Yamanashi sightseeing #outing #day trip #Waraji #Koshu local cuisine Waraji

The 48th Kashiwabayashi Park Festival was held! On Sunday, September 22, the 48th Kashiwabayashi Park Festival took place. Despite the unfortunate rain, many guests attended. Thank you very much!

Nobeoka City Event Information ＼The season of Nobeoka’s suigo ayu-yana has arrived again this year!／ What is ayu-yana… Ayu-yana is a traditional fishing method that dams the river and creates an outlet in part of the flow, using the ayu’s instinct to swim downstream to spawn to guide them into a catch trap called otesu. While yana fishing is found across Japan, the Nobeoka Suigo Ayu-Yana stands out for its grand scale—constructed in spots where the river exceeds 100 meters in width—and for being set up close to the city center, a rarity elsewhere. On the Ose River, dining huts associated with the ayu-yana open, so you can enjoy a full course of freshly caught ayu—salt-grilled, miso-grilled, and more—while taking in the otherworldly scenery right before you. The sight of ayu being grilled on the riverbank has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Fragrant Landscapes, and it is the only site in Miyazaki Prefecture to receive this recognition. Each year a pier is laid out so visitors can walk out toward the center of the river, offering a chance to see ayu fall into the otesu up close. 👀✨ Please come and visit us!

Visited on 9/15/24. It is a rice set (+ fried chicken) from Tomori Shokudo. The miso soup and side dishes with many vegetables are also delicious. It is a set meal with a good nutritional balance. 😊

On this day, foodie Kawanishi visited Tokoro Terrace in Shiga Akanuma, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture. This stylish spot, known in Suwa for selling kanten, also houses a cafe and dining area.☕ Tokoro Terrace promotes making kanten part of everyday life with the motto “bringing kanten closer to you.” The person who introduced the shop that day was manager Kurane. Next to the shop and cafe is a factory specializing in tokoroten, so the tokoroten served here comes fresh from the adjacent factory!!! I dislike vinegar-and-soy dressing, and since I learned about kuromitsu I’ve been hooked♪ It’s virtually zero calories (excluding the kuromitsu lol)!!! Kanten comes in many forms—block kanten (bō kanten), string kanten, and powdered kanten—and it’s a versatile ingredient you can add to rice, miso soup, or salads. As a child, I couldn’t wait for the school lunch day with mandarin orange milk kanten and used to pace around the serving area... Kanten provides dietary fiber and doesn’t overpower other ingredients, so it shines in main dishes, appetizers, and desserts alike—truly the Shohei Ohtani of the ingredient world!!! That day I found a pack of 100 sticks of kanten; some customers buy that size a few times a year!!! The quantity and enormity were astounding lol At the cafe, they use that kanten in tokoroten, cream anmitsu (their most popular item), soft serve, and even the hugely popular pudding. They serve lunch (11:00–14:00), where a salad with added kanten enhances the flavors of the main dish. The place is welcoming to men and has counter seating, so you can easily enjoy a casual cafe visit or lunch.🍴 You can also enjoy coffee made from beans by Yuhigahama Coffee of Matsumoto alongside the sweets, so try them together.☕ The entire shop is barrier-free, so customers in wheelchairs can enter with confidence. Many visitors come in three generations—grandmother, mother, and grandchild—and enjoy the cafe together. Why not consider this as a souvenir from Suwa? ◎ Tokoro Terrace 📍 1545-1 Shiga, Suwa (5-minute drive from Suwa I.C. toward Lake Suwa; parking for 40 cars) ☎ 0266-52-1056 ◎ Hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Shop hours: 10:00–18:00 ・ Cafe hours: 10:00–17:00 (Lunch 11:00–14:30) ◎ Closed: Thursdays and during the New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 2) ◎ Online shop available.

Visited on 9/12/24. This is a hot sandwich set of avocado and shrimp from CAFE ANDON. It's my favorite combination. I'm allowed to relax before work. 😊