Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) Japanese Sweets Making Experience Learn about Japanese food culture Wagashi plays an important role in learning about Japanese food culture. Beautiful appearance By making them beautifully, such as in the shape of seasonal flowers, you can enjoy not only the taste but also the appearance. As a samurai, I must strengthen my character from the experience of making traditional cultural wagashi. I must continue to perfect my spirit.

The sword is the soul of the samurai; it cannot be sold even if it starves to death. Bushido made the sword a symbol of his power and valor. From an early age, one is taught how to use a sword. He started with a wooden sword, and when he reached the age of 15, he was allowed to carry a serious weapon. At that time, he became aware of his self-respect and sense of responsibility for carrying a dangerous weapon in the street.

Samurai fought fair and square in one-on-one battles, which was the samurai way of fighting. During this time, it was not acceptable for the adversary to initiate a fight. If they did, they were considered "cowards.

The reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "The beauty of the Japanese language. I often hear that the reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "the beauty of the Japanese language. Using the calligraphy skills learned through the calligraphy experience, students write their favorite kanji characters on fans and hanging scrolls of their choice. The master calligrapher will then take the kanji back to your bag with his expert brush strokes. Since each kanji character has multiple meanings, it is important to know what other meanings they have. Knowing the meaning will make the bag shine. #brush #kanji #shodo #travelmemories #calligraphy

That day, greedy Kawanishi visited a wagashi shop he had long been curious about! It was Koshido, located in Suehiro, Suwa. I spoke with President Kurita. To my surprise, this long-established wagashi shop has been in business for 99 years since Taisho 14 (1925). The current president appears to be the third generation. By chance, five days before my visit, a local newspaper ran a story saying students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School had designed the shop’s classic packaging and stickers. Even amid such history, I was charmed by this flexible approach and arranged an appointment. According to the president, the Suwa Confectioners’ Association once included 60–70 shops, and many were in the city, but now only 17 remain. I want to cherish the wagashi culture left by earlier generations and pass it on. I personally love anko (sweet red bean paste), so I’ve always liked wagashi. That day I learned that wagashi can be enjoyed in every season, and I gained new insights!!! In spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi; for the equinoctial week there are botamochi and ohagi; in autumn there are inoko-mochi and tsutsugayu, and more. I hope to introduce these delicate and delicious wagashi to everyone! ◎ Koshido 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture ☎ 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/ That day, I went to Koshido, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Suwa. Mr. Kurita is the shop’s president and craftsman. The shop has been open for 99 years, and he is the third generation. On November 9th, I saw a newspaper article about the shop: students from Suwa Jitsugyo High School designed stickers for the product. He told me that long ago there were 60–70 wagashi shops in Suwa city, but now only 17 remain. I feel it’s important to preserve this great tradition for future generations. I didn’t know wagashi could be enjoyed across the four seasons! It’s true. In autumn there are dango, inoko-mochi, and tsutsugayu; in spring there are sakura-mochi and kashiwa-mochi, among others. I still have much to learn about traditional Japanese sweets, and I will continue to write about seasonal wagashi from now on! ◎ KOSHIDO 📍 Suehiro 12-12-9, Suwa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan ◎ Tel: 0266-52-0920 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 – 18:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Closed on Wednesdays ◎ Online shop: www.okashi-net.com/mall/koshido/

[Event: Report on the November 9 (Sat) Salt Road Walk!] Here is a report on our autumn Salt Road Walk, where participants felt history underfoot. The walk began in the Sha district at Nishina Shinmeigu Shrine. The morning started shrouded in mist, but the sky cleared into perfect blue as the day progressed. Participants enjoyed walking while gazing up at the snow-capped Northern Alps. Thank you to everyone who joined us 😍 A brief introduction: we plan to hold this event again around the same time next year. If you’re interested, please check our association website in the fall. Omachi City Tourism Association

The reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "The beauty of the Japanese language. I often hear that the reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "the beauty of the Japanese language. Using the calligraphy skills learned through the calligraphy experience, students write their favorite kanji characters on fans and hanging scrolls of their choice. The master calligrapher will then take the kanji back to your bag with his expert brush strokes. Since each kanji character has multiple meanings, it is important to know what other meanings they have. Knowing the meaning will make the bag shine.

[🍁Autumn Foliage Updates Are Live🍂] Autumn colors are later than usual across Japan in 2024, and the foliage spots in Omachi are about ten days behind their typical peak. We are sharing these color updates on the official website “Shinano Omachi Navi.” Please use this information to help plan your visit.😊

Honoring the Samurai girl The more onago is bullshit, the more the world will be bullshit. The stronger you are, the calmer you will be.  The more you can hang your head and bow low, the more genuine nobility and strength you will acquire.

Samurai fought fair and square in one-on-one battles, which was the samurai way of fighting. During this time, it was not acceptable for the adversary to initiate a fight. If they did, they were considered "cowards.

The reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "The beauty of the Japanese language. I often hear that the reason why foreigners are interested in the Japanese language is "the beauty of the Japanese language. Using the calligraphy skills learned through the calligraphy experience, students write their favorite kanji characters on fans and hanging scrolls of their choice. The master calligrapher will then take the kanji back to your bag with his expert brush strokes. Since each kanji character has multiple meanings, it is important to know what other meanings they have. Knowing the meaning will make the bag shine.

Ganseiji Temple in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture Hakumizu Amida Temple. The photo shows an incense burner standing in front of the temple. Mido, with its Heian period Pure Land Garden, is also designated as a national treasure. There are relatively few people on Saturdays and Sundays, and it is a spot where you can enjoy the Autumn leaves calmly. In autumn, Ooin ginkgo and maples beautifully decorate the temple. In the middle of the prime, you can enjoy various autumn gradations from yellow to deep red!

Bushido made the sword a symbol of his power and valor. From an early age, one is taught how to use a sword. He started with a wooden sword, and when he reached the age of 15, he was allowed to carry a serious weapon. At that time, he became aware of his self-respect and sense of responsibility for carrying a dangerous weapon in the street.

Kokan Bridge (Kōkankyō) – Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property Kokan Bridge stands between Mie-machi in Bungoono City and Usuki in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. The name Kokan means "a rainbow crossing a ravine," and true to its name it is a large, beautiful arched stone bridge spanning a mountain stream. Built in the late Edo period, it was erected on the road connecting Mie town and the castle town of Usuki. Because the river runs through a gorge, people of the time had to descend steep slopes, cross the river, and climb steep slopes again, enduring great hardship. To overcome this difficulty, wealthy merchants from Usuki and Mie pooled funds to build the bridge. This sturdy and elegant stone bridge is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. As an arched stone bridge from the Edo period, it is the largest in Oita Prefecture, with a span of 25.4 meters. Kokan Bridge was built where welded tuff from Aso pyroclastic flows had been deeply eroded by the river. Location: between Sugo, Mie-machi, Bungoono City and Nishihata, Notsu-machi, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture About a 35-minute drive from Oita Mera IC About a 4-minute drive from JR Sugaeo Station ■■■ Access to Bungoono City Center ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ On Instagram we share recommended spots for sightseeing, dining, and accommodation in Bungoono City⬇ Bungoono City Tourism Association @satonotabiii We would be happy if you follow us. A link to the Bungoono City Tourism Association website is available from the profile. ■■■■■■■■■■■■

〜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.

〜The Way of the Brush〜 Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentleman.

Samurai are born aware of their "honor" The goal of the aspiring samurai was not wealth or knowledge, but honor. Honor is a goal to be pursued "within oneself," without regard to profit or loss. Therefore, "honor" that is concerned with public reputation is not real honor.

The sword is the soul of the samurai; it cannot be sold even if it starves to death. Bushido made the sword a symbol of his power and valor. From an early age, one is taught how to use a sword. He started with a wooden sword, and when he reached the age of 15, he was allowed to carry a serious weapon. At that time, he became aware of his self-respect and sense of responsibility for carrying a dangerous weapon in the street.

A samurai is a man of letters and a man of martial arts, studying both arts. For the Samurai, the way of literature and the way of martial arts are like two wheels on one wheel. Samurai honor, which believes that the way of literature and the way of martial arts are two sides of the same coin, aims at the path of both literature and martial arts through two experiences: Samurai tea ceremony and Samurai calligraphy. #Calligraphy #samuraiarmor #japaneseculture #osakacastle #kanji #katana

It is the first autumn of Mt. Koya, the Head Shrine of Shingon Buddhism, which boasts a history of more than 1200 years. In the fog, I photographed Monks in ascetic training around the temple during their service.

Autumn Listening Pavilion

Sankei Garden in Autumn Looking at the three-storied pagoda of the old Kanmyoji Temple from the back of the Kanshu Pavilion.

Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentleman.

The Way of the Brush Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentleman.

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.

The Way of the Brush Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentlemen.

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.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is Ina Town Tourism Association. Ina Town, Kitaadachi District, Saitama Prefecture, sits in the central-eastern part of Saitama Prefecture and boasts a beautiful natural environment. Known as the Rose Town, it attracts many visitors to the prefecture’s largest rose garden. Leave the city’s noise behind and enjoy a leisurely pace—Cool Japan Video brings you recommended sightseeing information for Ina Town in Saitama Prefecture. Thank you for watching! [Access from Tokyo to Ina Town, Saitama Prefecture] ▼ By car From central Tokyo, you can reach Ina Town in Saitama Prefecture in about one hour via the Shuto Expressway or the Tohoku Expressway. ▼ By train Train access is also convenient. From Tokyo Station, take the Ueno-Tokyo Line and transfer at Oomiya Station to the NewShuttle. The NewShuttle runs directly to Uchijuku Station, and the trip takes about one hour. Buses also run from ageo station and lotus field station, providing access into Ina Town. [Rose Town, Ina Town, Saitama Prefecture] Ina Town in Saitama Prefecture is widely known as the Rose Town. The town’s Town Establishment Memorial Park, opened in 1972, contains the largest rose garden in Saitama Prefecture. Some 400 varieties and 5,000 rose bushes bloom in a riot of color, delighting visitors. You can see Ina Town’s original varieties, including Ina Hime, a charming pink climbing rose that continues blooming into autumn; Ina Rose, a deep crimson large-flowered rose whose shape becomes antique-like as it opens; and Ina no Tsuki, a pale yellow medium-flowered rose created to commemorate the town’s 50th anniversary. The best viewing seasons are early May to early June and late October to mid-November. Rose-themed events and festivals are also held, letting you fully enjoy the charm of roses. Ina Town is a member of the Rose City Conference, which includes 29 municipalities nationwide (as of May 2024). In 2024, the 33rd Rose City Conference in Ina was held on a grand scale, welcoming municipal leaders from across Japan. [Popular sightseeing spots in Ina Town, Saitama Prefecture] ▼ Around the Ina Clan Residence Site The Ina Clan Residence Site is the former estate of Ina Bizen-no-kami Tadayoshi, a retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was active from the Sengoku Period into the early Edo Period. Tadayoshi earned Ieyasu’s deep trust and contributed to flood control, civil engineering, and new paddy development, using Ina as a base to help lay the foundations of the Edo Shogunate. Earthen ramparts, moats, and roads from that time still remain, and the residence is designated as a prefectural commemorative monument (historic site). ▼ Green Trust Conservation Area No. 13 “Musenyama – KDDI Forest” Musenyama – KDDI Forest is a conservation area with rich nature, featuring a native deciduous broad-leaved woodland centered on konara oak. It hosts the cherry festival, and many hanami visitors come during peak season. ▼ Cultural properties of Ina Town Ina Town is home to many cultural properties. Representative examples include nationally registered tangible cultural properties (buildings) such as Oshima Family Residence Main Building and Saito Family Residence Main Building; Saiko-ji Temple’s wooden seated Amida Nyorai statue, designated as a prefectural tangible cultural property (sculpture); and the Shiku no Mikoshi, a town-designated tangible folk cultural property. Thanks to local efforts, these items remain today and hold high historical value. They are scattered throughout the town, so visitors can enjoy historical exploration and cultural property tours. [Local specialties of Ina Town, Saitama Prefecture] ▼ Wine A recommended souvenir from Ina Town is wine made from 100% locally grown Kyoho grapes or pears. These wines feature rich flavor and aroma and pair well with meals. ▼ Sake Another specialty is sake. This sake uses 100% Saitama-brand rice from Ina Town called Sainokagayaki as the polishing rice, producing a concentrated, rich rice flavor. It is brewed at Shinkame Shuzo in Hasuda City, a brewer famous nationwide for producing only junmai sake. [Events and festivals in Ina Town, Saitama Prefecture] ▼ Cherry Festival A lesser-known but beloved cherry spot, the cherry avenue in Green Trust Conservation Area No. 13 hosts an annual festival. On festival weekends, farm produce direct sales and various events take place. This area is called Musenyama because it once stood where the antenna array of Kokusai Denshin Denwa Co., Ltd., the predecessor of KDDI, soared. Although there are relatively few cherry trees, about 200 meters of tunnel is formed by ancient cherry trees over 80 years old, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors. ▼ Rose Festival The Rose Festival, held in May during the peak rose season at Town Establishment Memorial Park, is one of Ina Town’s signature events. Tree roses, climbing roses, old roses, and English roses bloom in a rainbow of colors, filling the park with a sweet fragrance that delights visitors. On weekends, programs such as rose weddings and mini concerts add variety to the festival. ▼ Ina Festival Ina Festival, held every August at the Town Establishment Memorial Park, is a major summer event enjoyed by families and tourists. Traditional taiko drumming, bon odori dancing, food stalls showcasing local specialties, and stage events provide plenty of entertainment. The festival concludes with a vivid fireworks display. ▼ Autumn Rose Festival – Rose Festa – The Autumn Rose Festival – Rose Festa –, held in late October, lets visitors savor the beauty and scent of autumn roses. Though autumn roses tend to be smaller, their fragrance is said to be stronger. Like the spring Rose Festival, it features various rose-related events, local vegetable sales, food stalls and kitchen cars, and stage performances. [Tourist information for Ina Town, Saitama Prefecture] Ina Town in Saitama Prefecture is an attractive town with beautiful nature and a rich history. With good access from central Tokyo and a reputation as the Rose Town, we bring you plenty of recommended information about Ina Town’s history, nature, and more. We hope you enjoy it!

Shinyu Onsen L.P. has released “Suwa Taisha Navi,” an app for foreign visitors and domestic tourists. This in-shrine interactive app supports English, French, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese, and highlights the attractions of the four shrines of Suwa Taisha. The navigator is Suwahime, Suwa City’s official character, who introduces 84 monuments and buildings across the four shrines. Download the app and launch it on site to hear the explanations; locations you’ve heard are marked with a folding-fan icon. It makes a great travel memory. Shinyu Onsen L.P. launched the Suwa Taisha Navi app for foreign visitors and domestic tourists. The app supports Japanese, Traditional Chinese, French, and English and introduces the four shrines (Honmiya, Maemiya, Harumiya, Akimiya). The navigator is Suwahime, Suwa City’s official character, who explains 84 monuments and buildings across the four shrines. First, download the app and visit any of the four Suwa Taisha shrines. Enable GPS and go to a spot; Suwahime will begin the explanation. After a spot’s explanation, it is marked with a Japanese folding-fan stamp. It’s a lovely way to remember your trip to Suwa and Suwa Taisha—please give it a try!

Zen is alive and well in traditional Japanese culture. Zen has greatly influenced traditional Japanese culture, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, and martial arts. Zen has had a great influence on traditional Japanese culture. It is also said that modern etiquette is based on the The Ogasawara school of etiquette, which is said to have become the standard of modern etiquette, is said to have been established by relating Zen manners to the lifestyle of the samurai class.