"The Climbing Dragon of the Nagome Valley" National Route 309 * commonly known as Namego Valley, which runs in the middle of the deep mountain valley and is located along the Squid Forest Road, has evergreen conifers on the mountain surface and broad-leaved vegetation only on the ridge line. Autumn leaves undulate the ridge in autumn, creating an unusual sight like a dragon climbing up. The sun was shining on the broad-leaved trees.

A typhoon has passed. In Tsukigase, Nara, there is Tsukigase Plum Valley, which was designated as Japan’s first nationally recognized Scenic Spot 100 years ago. During the Plum Festival, held from mid-February through the end of March, many photographers gather from early morning to capture the breathtaking views where the plum groves, the valley, and the sea of clouds meet. However the best time to see Tsukigase Plum Valley is not only in spring. Its fresh green in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy winter landscapes charm visitors through every season. This submission is not of the verdant summer valley but of the sunrise after a typhoon. At first the valley was shrouded in thick river mist, but the fog gradually lifted and the sun began to break through. The way sunlight pierces the shifting mist is truly dramatic. Photo: Yasunori Okamoto

This photo was taken at the wind chime festival in Ofusa Kannon, Nara Prefecture. The wind chimes ringing in the summer breeze seemed to make me forget the sun and sweat.

Baikoan Located in Tsukigase, Nara, Baikoan is Japan’s sole maker of karoubai (processed plum) that has preserved a production method passed down there for about seven hundred years without alteration. Karoubai refers to processed ume fruit, introduced to Nara as a medicine some 1,300 years ago by envoys to Sui and Tang China. Around seven hundred years ago, during the Nanbokucho period, it reached Tsukigase as a mordant for safflower dyeing. From the late Edo period through the early Meiji era, karoubai reached its heyday as a mordant for cosmetic red dye, and some 400 karoubai workshops operated, but demand plunged after the invention of chemical dyes. By the early Showa era only a few producers remained; after the war Baikoan became the sole manufacturer and continues to this day. Baikoan cultivates plums, rice, and vegetables and processes food across 30,000 square meters of verdant land and rich nature. Although the plums in Tsukigase were originally planted to make karoubai, the sight of plum trees in full bloom reflected on the valley and river of the Satsukigawa captivated people and made this area Japan’s first officially designated scenic spot. During the plum festival from February through the end of March, our shop offers dining and hanami from scenic box seats filled with the scent of plum. In Reiwa 6 (2024) we built the Nara Beni Workshop. This Japanese-style building incorporates traditional Japanese craftsmanship throughout. Inside the workshop, where you can feel delicate, advanced techniques and Japanese aesthetics, visitors can experience safflower dyeing using karoubai. We hope the experience becomes an opportunity to rediscover the wonders of Japanese culture. Watching the ever-changing colors of nature and the early-morning sea of clouds spreading across the Tsukigase valley can create the illusion of being in a plum paradise. Early spring light, tranquil fresh greens, the bounty of autumn, the scents of winter. We live and work with the seasons in the strict yet warm nature of Tsukigase.

Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley ~Experience the seasons at Romantopia~ In spring there’s a plum festival, in summer you can pick ume plums and try tea leaf picking. You can also enjoy year-round activities such as mochi pounding and black tea making. ◇RV Park Enjoy Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley in a campervan. Experience the extraordinary in hills and fields that reveal different faces with the seasons. ◇Tent Camping Relax with tent camping at Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley. Experience the extraordinary in hills and fields that reveal different faces with the seasons. ◇Hands-on Learning Have fun trying things you’ve never done before at Romantopia Tsukigase Plum Valley. ◎Mochi Pounding Experience Enjoy freshly pounded mochi made with a kine mallet and usu mortar. After the experience you can eat some on site and take the rest home. 18,000 yen / per mortar session ※Includes experience fee, equipment fee, and ingredients (2 sho rice) Available for groups of 4 or more. ◎Konnyaku Making Experience Enjoy freshly made handmade konnyaku. After the experience you can eat some on site and take the rest home. 2,000 yen / per person ※Includes experience fee and materials (konnyaku yam 1 kg yields 10 blocks) ※Additional portions negotiable; available for groups of 4 or more. ◎Tea Picking & Factory Tour Tea picking season begins when the tea fields flush with the young green of new leaves. Includes one-pack tea to take home. 1,500 yen / per person ※Includes experience, tour, and souvenir. [Experience season] Mid-May – October (contents vary by timing) ◎Hand-rolled Tea / Black Tea Making Make hand-rolled tea or black tea using a hot plate. You can take the tea you make home. 2,500 yen / per person ※Includes experience, tour, and souvenir. [Experience season] Mid-May – October (contents vary by timing) ◎Miso Making Experience Try the full process of making miso. You can take the miso you make home. 8,000 yen / per person ※Includes experience fee, materials, and take-home container. [Experience season] January 10 – mid-February ◎Matcha Experience Under preparation ※Consultation required ◆Romantopia Tsukigase◆ 707-10 Tsukigase Nagahiki, Nara, Nara Prefecture Open days (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday)
Available only from 9:00 to 17:00 0743-92-0810

~At Miharasou a special time flows~ Iga's finest ryotei A building that Mr. Chubei Soga of "Tomotada" carefully crafted with refined taste was relocated almost intact to this scenic spot in 1970 that structure is today's "Miharaso Annex" Away from everyday life inside this charming building time moves slowly slowly flows by Perched at the top of the valley, this annex offers a panorama that stretches as far as the eye can see "Scenic and picturesque" Within this annex you can enjoy a miso broth that brings out the ingredients' full flavor with shiitake mushrooms and vegetables from Tsukigase and boar meat chosen with the owner's exacting standards The specialty: botan nabe (wild boar hot pot) It has absolutely no unpleasant odor and is beloved by people of all ages a hugely popular delicacy We hope you will experience even once the blissful time woven by this building, the view, and the food Miharaso 78-2 Tsukigase Oyamacho, Nara City

Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen Welcome Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen is a nature-rich hot spring retreat in Tsukigase, Nara City, located in the northeastern part of Nara Prefecture on the borders with Kyoto Prefecture and Mie Prefecture. In spring, the rows of plum trees create a beautiful landscape in Tsukigase, which was designated the nation’s first scenic spot in 1922. This simple mountain hot spring offers a relaxed time with an open-air panoramic bath, indoor baths, a sauna, and dining while you enjoy the seasonal scenery. The facility reopened on February 1, 2014, with a new open-air panoramic bath. Enjoy the tranquil natural setting and time at Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen. Opening Hours and Admission Fees ・Onsen 10:30–20:30 20:00 last admission ・Ume Kokoro (dining) 11:00–20:30 20:00 last order ・Fureai Market 9:00–17:00 ※Please purchase a bathing ticket from the ticket machine beside the reception when using the baths. If you have a discount coupon or voucher, present it with your bathing ticket at the reception. The discount amount will be refunded. Adults (junior high school and older) .. ¥700 Children (elementary school) .. ¥350 Children under elementary school age .. Free Senior (65 and over) .. ¥100 discount (ID required) Persons with disabilities (adult) .. ¥250 discount (ID required) Persons with disabilities (child) .. ¥100 discount (ID required) ※Discounts are refunded only to those who present proof at the reception. ※No discount without presentation of proof. ※Discounts cannot be processed after bathing. ※For details, please inquire here. Value Coupon Books Adults (12 tickets) .. ¥7,000 Children (12 tickets) .. ¥3,500 Bath towel .. ¥110 (for sale) Bath sheet .. ¥350 (for sale) ※Towels are sold items and may be taken home. Razor .. ¥150 Toothbrush .. ¥50 Hairbrush .. ¥100 Hair cap .. ¥50 Shampoo, rinse, and body soap provided (free) ・We strictly refuse bathing to persons with tattoos※ ※This applies to tattoos, body art, stickers, or paint, regardless of type. ・Please refrain from bringing food or drinks anywhere inside the facility. ・Persons under the influence of alcohol will be denied use. ・Please take responsibility for your personal belongings. ・Follow staff instructions when using the facility. ・We appreciate your cooperation so all guests can enjoy a pleasant visit. Footbath facility: We apologize but it is currently closed. Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen Gift Cards Available! Available for use at Tsukigase Onsen and the Fureai Market. Sold at ¥600 per card. Please use for gifts and special occasions. Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Thank you for always using Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen. We are implementing the following measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ask for your understanding and cooperation. Enhanced cleaning with alcohol disinfectant throughout the facility We regularly disinfect and wipe shared areas used by many guests with alcohol disinfectant. Staff Measures ・For customer safety and hygiene, staff wear masks while on duty. ・Before opening, we monitor staff health and conduct checks. ・Staff wash hands and disinfect hands frequently during service. ・Cash handling is done using a tray. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Reiwa 6 Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival Photo Contest Gold Prize Nobuko Nakamura "Tsukigase Wanpo" This will be the poster for next year’s Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival! Thank you for many entries this year! We look forward to many visitors and many entries next year. All members of the Tsukigase Tourism Association await you!!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! We are the Tsukigase Tourism Association. We will be sharing plenty of highlights of Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, so we hope you enjoy it! ◆◆◆ What and where Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture is Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, sits at the easternmost edge of Nara Prefecture. It borders Minamiyamashiromura in Kyoto Prefecture to the north, Iga City in Mie Prefecture to the east, and Yamazoemura in Yamabe District to the south. With a population of about 1,200 as of April 2024, Tsukigase has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It is one of Japan’s premier plum blossom spots, and many visitors come when the plums are in full bloom. ◆◆◆ Access to Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture ・Bus About 80 minutes from JR Nara Station to Tsukigase Bairin (Tsukigase Plum Grove). ・Car About 50 minutes to Tsukigase Bairin from the Nara direction. About 100 minutes to Tsukigase Bairin from the Kyoto direction. ◆◆◆ History of Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture Tsukigase has long been known as a renowned plum site. In 1205, plum trees were planted on the grounds of Shimpukuji Temple in Oyama, and later in 1331 a court lady is said to have popularized a smoked plum called ubai, spreading its production in Tsukigase and leading to many plum plantings. The beautiful rows of plum trees in Tsukigase were designated as Japan’s first scenic spot in 1922. ◆◆◆ Popular sightseeing spots in Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture ◇ Tsukigase Plum Valley (Tsukigase Bairin) About 10,000 plum trees line the Satsuki River gorge, painting the area in red and white. The plum blossoms reach full bloom from February through March each year, offering a spectacular sight. Walking trails are maintained along the valley, and about 200,000 visitors enjoy the blossoms annually. ◇ Lake Tsukigase Lake Tsukigase is an artificial lake formed by Takayama Dam, offering beautiful scenery through the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, autumn colors in fall, and snowy winter landscapes make it worth visiting year-round. Hiking courses surround the lake, making it ideal for hiking and cycling. ◇ Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen is a hot spring facility set amid Tsukigase’s beautiful nature. From the onsen you can enjoy seasonal views, and the sight of plum trees in bloom in spring recalls its designation as Japan’s first scenic spot. From the open-air observatory baths you can take in a panoramic view of the Iga Basin for a truly indulgent moment. At the restaurant Ume Kokoro you can savor dishes made with local ingredients. ◇ Tsukigase Onsen Fureai Market The Fureai Market is a direct sales outlet offering fresh local produce and specialties. Yamato tea and umeboshi (pickled plums), Tsukigase’s specialties, are particularly popular. It’s a great place to look for Tsukigase souvenirs. ◇ Romantopia Tsukigase Romantopia Tsukigase is a comprehensive facility where you can fully enjoy Tsukigase’s nature. It offers camping and barbecue facilities, making it ideal for families and groups. You can also try experiences like tea picking and hand-rolling tea, making konnyaku and mochi pounding, making black tea, and participating in traditional craft workshops. ◇ Lakeside Village Tsukigase Lakeside Village Tsukigase is a tourism facility surrounded by majestic nature, hosting events throughout the year such as the plum festival, cherry blossom festival, new tea festival, autumn leaves festival, and giant pumpkin festival. The direct sales shop sells fresh local produce. The cafeteria’s daily special set meal, made with local vegetables and homemade care, is very popular. ◆◆◆ Events and festivals in Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture ◇ Tsukigase Plum Festival The Tsukigase Plum Festival, held at Tsukigase Plum Valley from February through March each year, draws many visitors. Various events take place at venues including the Tsukigase Plum Museum. Please enjoy the roughly 10,000 vivid red and white plum trees. ◆◆◆ Local specialties of Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture ◇ Yamato tea Tsukigase has long been known as a producing area for Yamato tea. Grown on the Yamato Plateau at about 400 meters elevation, Yamato tea is prized for its clean flavor and lovely aroma. ◇ Umeboshi (pickled plums) Tsukigase offers many plum-based products such as ume shiso rolls, plum chocolate, and plum syrup. Among them, Tsukigase’s umeboshi are celebrated for their rich flavor and health benefits and have been loved by many for generations. ◆◆◆ Tourism information for Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture Tsukigase in Nara City, Nara Prefecture is a region colored by beautiful nature and a rich history. Especially in spring, the spectacular sight of the plum blossoms in full bloom is one everyone should see. We will share more great deals and information about sightseeing in Tsukigase, Nara City, Nara Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, so please follow us! Photo credit: Yasunori Okamoto

Foreigners also ride bicycles around the World Heritage Site. The three-storied pagoda of Yakushiji can be seen from the Nishinokyo area, so you can ride a bicycle around it.

Yakushiji Temple in Nara has a history of 1300 years. There is something deeply moving about it when you think that it was shining against the full moon even at that time.

I took a picture of the Kondo hall of Toshodai-ji Temple, which is known for its tenpei paintings. The way the tiles of the large roof are neatly roofed makes you feel the commitment of the craftsmen of the Tenpei period even today, which is truly Cool Japan.

In Odaigahara in Nara Prefecture, you will be able to see the flowers of white palm and red palm, which are members of the azalea family, from around the end of this month.

Every year on January 14th, the "Demon Run" held at the Buddha Hall of Nenbutsuji Temple in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, is a fire festival that prays for good luck in disaster prevention. This event, which has been going on for about 500 years since the Muromachi period, has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets of Japan.

Tsubosaka-dera Temple where you can enjoy the four seasons. Spring, of course, cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, it is not 😅 blessed with very sunny weather Takaichi-gun, Nara Tsubosaka-dera Temple

"Flower Temple" Choukokuji Temple Sakurai City, Nara Choukokuji Temple

The rice paddies in Totsugawa Village, Nara Prefecture, are planted around Golden Week every year. Rice fields at high Elevation, you can also say "rice fields in the sky"!　By the way, the cobblestone road on the side of the rice field leads to the Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and is recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

It is "Mifune Falls" in Kawakami Village, Nara Prefecture. It is famous for its icefalls in winter, but I think the fresh green season is also wonderful.

This photo was taken when I participated in the 50th Osaka Prefecture Challenge Mountaineering Tournament held on Sunday, April 14. Luckily, it was a sunny day, and it was a cherry blossom view that I encountered when I passed through the Mizukoshi Pass from Mt. Yamato Katsuragi to Mt. Kongo. After all, I pressed the shutter while thinking that the blue sky would look good on the cherry blossoms, and I personally think it is one of the convincing photos.

This is also a photo of the Uda River cherry blossom trees in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Red bonbori are lined up along the river, and the contrast of red mixed with light pink is very cute and recommended.

Choukokuji Temple 2024 Spring In addition to enjoying cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn, it is a wonderful temple where you can enjoy hydrangeas in the coming season. Sakurai City, Nara Choukokuji Temple

Uda River cherry blossom trees in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Not only the cherry blossoms, but also the bright grass was a road that looked great with the cherry blossoms. Although it is not in the photo, it is a very cute and beautiful place with a view of red bonbori lined up in full bloom cherry blossoms.

Mt. Yoshino in spring. I took an aerial photo with a drone toward Mt. Kinpusan from Kamisenbon. Yoshino Town, Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture April 2024

Rape flowers and cherry blossoms Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture Fujiwara Kyo Site April 2024

I was able to go again this year. It is a bewitching drooping cherry blossom that you will want to see every year. Uda City, Nara April 2024 Shot on iPHONE

Tamaki Shrine in Totsugawa Village, Nara Prefecture, is located in the mountains at an Elevation of 1077 meters, and the rhododendron flowers are in full bloom in May. Tamaki Shrine has many giant cedars, including a 3,000-year-old Shindai cedar, and is said to be the shrine where the gods live.

The azaleas of Mt. Yamato Katsuragi in Nara Prefecture are in full bloom around mid-May. There is also a mountain trail, and you can climb it on foot, but there is also a ropeway from Gose City, so anyone can easily enjoy the spectacular view.

It is the cherry blossom of Tsubohanji Temple in Nara Prefecture. The sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom along with the Big Buddha and historical buildings is a symbol of spring in Japan.

Every year, I can't stop getting excited about how to take pictures of Tsubosaka-dera Temple. Takatori Town, Nara Tsubosaka-dera Temple April 2024

Choukokuji Temple 2024 Spring A glimpse of cherry blossoms in the back. Sakurai City, Nara Choukokuji Temple