[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Savoring the River! Ayu, Unagi, River Shrimp, Gori! Traditional Fishing Methods That Live Alongside the Shimanto River Introducing the traditional river fishing methods passed down by river fishers on the Shimanto River. This highlights the important local culture of living close to the river and gratefully receiving its bounty. 〇Traditional Fishing Methods of the Shimanto River The Shimanto River’s traditional fishing methods have been carefully preserved by local river fishers. While their form has gradually changed with environmental shifts, they still remain part of daily life. The river’s abundant gifts—ayu (sweetfish), unagi (eel), tenaga-ebi (long-arm shrimp), and aosa nori (green seaweed)—brighten family meals with the seasons. Skilled chefs in Shimanto City also prepare them into delicious dishes for visitors, and various processed forms are enjoyed as souvenirs. 〇See the River, Taste the River A slow walk along the Shimanto River reveals traps for catching eels and long-arm shrimp seen from chinkabashi bridges, partly submerged in the water. Depending on the season, you may encounter people fishing for ayu or working from traditional river boats. Along the banks you might spot stone-lined devices for catching gori, and at the river mouth workers harvesting green seaweed. If you look closely at the Shimanto River, you’ll discover human lives intertwined with the river. In the evening, taste the very ingredients caught with the traps you saw, slowly savored at a local restaurant. It’s a distinctive, insider way to enjoy the Shimanto River. 〇Introduction to Traditional Fishing Methods ・Ayu Fire-Swinging Fishing Nets are set across the river in advance, and at night a boat swings torches from the deck. Startled by the dancing bands of flame, ayu panic and are driven into the nets. Today this practice often uses LED lights, but the principle remains the same as the traditional method. Ayu are also caught by cast nets, angling, and other methods. ・Long-Arm Shrimp Fishing From a chinkabashi bridge looking toward the water’s edge, you can see PVC pipes spaced at regular intervals. These are korobashi, traps for catching long-arm shrimp. Once made of wood, they have changed to more convenient materials over time. Long-arm shrimp are commonly enjoyed deep-fried whole, producing vibrant colors, and are treasured as a local flavor—some grow large enough to resemble cucumbers. ・Unagi (Eel) Fishing You may see pieces of styrofoam or PET bottles floating in the river without drifting away; they can mark korobashi used to catch eels. Sensitive to smell, eels avoid resin traps, so wooden korobashi are still widely used. ・Gori Fishing If stones are lined along the riverbank to dam the water, they may form the setup for gori’s noborio-toshi-ue fishing. In the Shimanto River, juvenile Numachichibu fish are called gori and are enjoyed as a spring to early-summer delicacy. They are typically eaten deep-fried or simmered in soy-based preserves. 〇Important Notices Fishing on the Shimanto River is subject to fishing rights. Purchasing an angling permit is required when you fish. Also, closed seasons are established to protect resources. Please be aware of these regulations.

In September, a 16-inch mini velo crossed the Shikoku Mountains from Kochi to Matsuyama From Kochi, we passed along the Niyodo River, climbed a steep slope, climbed a steep slope, and finally reached the Shikoku Karst The scenery I saw there was so magnificent that I felt a sense of accomplishment that I was able to reach the ceiling of Shikoku with my own power, and I experienced an Impression that I will never forget for the rest of my life The karst terrain jutting out at an elevation of 1,400 meters on the border between Kochi Prefecture and Ehime prefectures seems to be somewhere else that is not Japan, but if you shift your gaze to the side, you will see steep mountains unique to Japan, reaffirming that it is Japan after all The contrast between the blue, white, and green that seems to symbolize summer, and the ridge that stretches endlessly from east to west Shikoku in the summer was the strongest And at night, I make dinner, spread out the shroud, and take a light nap At 10:00 p.m., I felt something and crawled out of the tent, and there was a starry sky everywhere I looked The Milky Way rising from the cloudless Shikoku Mountains It's only been a little over 20 years of my life, but it was the most beautiful Milky Way in my life I landed alone in Shikoku, carrying heavy camping equipment, riding a bicycle with small tires, and finally arrived at this place with a really tough feeling in the extreme heat, and this impression must have been the reason why I was so impressed I wonder if I will be able to encounter such impressions in the rest of my life. No, maybe I'm traveling by bicycle to meet people Rather than comfort, stability, and security, I want an overwhelmingly uplifting impression For that reason, I can't help but feel that I can overcome any difficulties on my own Because it is a Japan place, I want more people to experience everything that can be felt in the style of bicycle × travel

Shimonada Station at sunset At Shimonada Station, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture. In late March, the sun sets over the Seto Inland Sea in front of the station. Am I the only one who feels that there is something sacred about the roof of the platform and the telegraph pole that stand out black in contrast?

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] A complete introduction to must-try pleasure boat cruises on the Shimanto River! Do you associate the Shimanto River only with summer? That image isn’t quite right. In fact, plankton declines in winter, and the river’s clarity improves dramatically. You can see the riverbed in winter when summer visibility doesn’t allow it. Why not experience the Shimanto River’s winter charm aboard a sightseeing boat that brings you closer to the water…? 〇 Want a discount on cruise tickets? Stop by Shimanto City Tourism Association Visitors to the Shimanto City Tourism Association can buy sightseeing boat tickets at a 10% discount. The staff can also help make reservations on your behalf. They can assist foreign visitors too! 🛅🆓 Free baggage storage [8:30–17:30] 🛜🆓 Wi‑Fi available 🚶 Located inside Nakamura Station rotary If you want to buy sightseeing boat tickets cheaply, please stop by the Shimanto City Tourism Association! 1. Sada Chinkabashi “Sakoya” This yakatabune (traditional roofed pleasure boat) departs from the downstream-most, longest sinking bridge on the Shimanto River, Sada Chinkabashi. The route passes under both Sada Chinkabashi and Sanri Chinkabashi. The tour lasts about 50 minutes. *Reservation required; operation starts from two people.* There is a period when the engine is stopped and the boat glides forward using only hand‑rowed oars, letting you escape the bustle of daily life and fully enjoy the Shimanto River’s peaceful atmosphere. During the yakatabune cruise you will also be served karintō (deep‑fried sweet sticks) seasoned with Shimanto River blue‑nori. During firefly season, a special firefly boat operates so you can enjoy the river’s swirling fireflies from the deck. (Reservation required) 🍽️ Onboard meals (boxed lunches) available. *Reservation required; available only for private bookings.* 🚗 About 20 minutes by car from Nakamura Station. 🚲 About 50 minutes by bicycle. 2. Sanri Chinkabashi “Shimanto no Ao” This yakatabune is based at Sanri Chinkabashi, the second sinking bridge from the river mouth. The course goes under Sanri Chinkabashi and runs toward the area near Sada Chinkabashi. The tour lasts about 50 minutes. Scheduled sightseeing yakatabune service [Operating hours 9:00–16:00], departing on the hour. Bring friends or family and drop in to enjoy the Shimanto River at your leisure. You can board without advance reservation, but it can get crowded, so booking ahead is recommended. (Open year‑round) During firefly season, a special firefly boat operates so you can enjoy the river’s swirling fireflies from the deck. (Reservation required) 🍽️ Onboard meals available. *Reservation required by 12:00 the day before.* 🚗 About 25 minutes by car from Nakamura Station. 🚲 About 1 hour by bicycle. 3. Takase Chinkabashi “Nattoku” This yakatabune is based at Takase Chinkabashi, the third sinking bridge from the river mouth. The route goes under Takase Chinkabashi and travels the most upstream section among the three locations that retain the Shimanto River’s original scenery. The tour lasts about 50 minutes. Scheduled service [Operating hours 9:00–16:00], departing on the hour. Among the Shimanto River sightseeing boats, this one uniquely offers seating with tables and chairs. It’s suitable for passengers with limited mobility and wheelchair users. You can board without advance reservation, but it can get crowded, so booking ahead is recommended. (Open year‑round) During firefly season, a special firefly boat operates so you can enjoy the river’s swirling fireflies from the deck. (Reservation required) 🍽️ Onboard meals available. *Reservation required by the day before.* In addition to scheduled and meal courses, there is a private gourmet charter. Meal courses and the private gourmet charter require reservation by the day before. The private gourmet charter is available from three people. 🚗 About 30 minutes by car from Nakamura Station. 🚲 About 1 hour 40 minutes by bicycle.

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Only in Shimanto City!! “Salt-Seared Bonito” (Part 2) Following Part 1, Part 2 introduces recommended ways to enjoy the bonitos seared in Shimanto City that you can taste only here. 〇 Nakamura’s one-and-only “Traditional Salt-Seared Bonito” When people think of delicious food from Kochi Prefecture nationwide, the first thing that comes to mind is the seared bonito. Sprinkling salt or pouring sauce before searing is said to be a food culture unique to Kochi. Yet within the same prefecture, the style in central Kochi City differs greatly from that in Nakamura in the southwestern Shimanto City: Nakamura’s salt-seared method stands apart. Around Kochi City, the dish is a simple one of just sprinkled salt. In Nakamura, by contrast, chefs marinate the seared fish with proud house sauces featuring salt, vinegar, citrus juice, and other flavoring, letting the flavors meld. Nakamura’s traditional salt-seared bonito piles on heaps of condiments—onions, garlic and more—until the fish is nearly hidden. Those generous toppings don’t just look appetizing; they make nutritionally balanced combinations, so the dish is also excellent as a healthy choice. Nakamura’s traditional salt-seared bonito, found only in Shimanto City, carries an unshakable local food culture and history. Each restaurant crafts and serves its own proud version of this delicious salt-seared specialty. From the searing process to the way it’s eaten, the condiments and the sauces, every establishment applies its own ingenuity and care to its salt-seared bonito. In Shimanto City, you can enjoy as many distinctive salt-seared styles as there are restaurants. Would you like to go on a salt-seared tasting tour in Shimanto City and sample Nakamura’s traditional salt-seared bonito? 〇 Perfect match for salt-seared bonito: Shimanto Bu-chu Highball A perfect companion to Nakamura’s traditional salt-seared bonito is the Shimanto Bu-chu Highball, made with the locally grown “forbidden fruit” bushukan. It’s a standard menu item at izakayas in Shimanto City. The drink is ultra-refreshing from first sip to finish, with a crisp citrus flavor and a pleasant, moderate bitterness. Popular with both men and women, it pairs beautifully with food. Try Shimanto Bu-chu Highball with salt-seared bonito—you’ll likely get hooked after one sip. 〇 Shimanto-grown “forbidden fruit”—the bushukan Why call it the forbidden fruit? Bushukan is related to yuzu and sudachi but is an entirely different fruit. Once you taste it, ordinary vinegar-citrus fruits won’t satisfy—you’ll understand why it’s called the “forbidden fruit.” Its defining features are a clean, sharp acidity and a uniquely refined aroma. That elegant scent and tartness bring out the best in ingredients from mountains, rivers, and sea. Beloved by citrus fans across Kochi, the “kingdom of sour citrus,” bushukan has long been nicknamed the “king of sour citrus.” Beyond its flavor, the tree is very vigorous: once it bears fruit, it will yield abundantly each year from late August through early October with little care. While most citrus trees live for several decades, bushukan remains healthy and productive for over a hundred years. Bushukan is also resistant to disease and pests and grows vigorously without heavy reliance on pesticides, making it a safe, reliable crop. This rare bushukan grows only in Shimanto City and is not shipped widely across Japan—why not come taste it for yourself? How did you find this? Perhaps the appeal of salt-seared bonito and bushukan has whetted your appetite. Please enjoy salt-seared bonito and a Shimanto Bu-chu Highball when you visit Shimanto City.

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] You can only eat this in Shimanto City!! "Salt-Seared Bonito" (Part 1) When you think of delicious food from Kochi Prefecture, the first thing that comes to mind nationwide is the seared bonito known as "katsuo no tataki." Katsuo is a famous specialty of Kochi, and as everyone knows, it actually has two peak seasons! In this piece about the katsuo beloved by Kochi residents, Part 1 explains the timing and characteristics of each season, and Part 2 will cover recommended ways to enjoy it that you can only taste in Shimanto City. 〇 The seasons of katsuo: hatsugatsuo and modorigatsuo Katsuo is a well-known specialty of Kochi, but its name changes with the fishing season (peak season) to "hatsugatsuo" or "modorigatsuo." Here we introduce these two types of katsuo with different names, describing each season, their characteristics, and Kochi-specific recommended ways to eat them. 〇 Light-flavored hatsugatsuo! Hatsugatsuo, loved since long ago as one of spring’s seasonal ingredients, originally referred to katsuo landed at the start of the year, as suggested by the prefix "hatsu" (first). In recent years, however, the term has come to mean katsuo landed from spring into early summer. Juvenile katsuo hatched from eggs ride the Kuroshio Current northward around spring to seek food and grow into adults. Katsuo landed during this northward migration are called "hatsugatsuo," also known as "noborigatsuo." The exact landing locations vary, but in Kochi the season runs mainly from spring to early summer (around March to May). Young, fast-growing hatsugatsuo have translucent red flesh, a clean, springy texture, and a firm bite. They have less of the characteristic katsuo aroma, making them easy to eat even for those who are not fond of strong fishy smells. Because hatsugatsuo is low in fat and light in flavor, it’s recommended to serve it as tataki together with the fatty skin. This is the season for the Nakamura-style salt tataki enjoyed with plenty of condiments. We will introduce Nakamura-style salt tataki in the next article, "Salt-Seared Bonito You Can Only Eat in Shimanto City!! (Part 2)." 〇 Rich-flavored modorigatsuo! On the other hand, the katsuo that migrated north in search of food reaches southern Hokkaido, where falling water temperatures prompt them to head south again in search of warmer waters. Katsuo landed during this southward migration are called "modorigatsuo." In Kochi, the season is around autumn (September to November). Because modorigatsuo feed heavily and are landed after growing large, they are rich in fat and are also called "toro katsuo" or "abura katsuo." They have long been cherished as an autumn ingredient. The flesh of a large modorigatsuo is deep crimson in color, with fatty, pale areas near the skin and a rich, chewy flavor. How was that? Are you starting to get curious about katsuo? In Part 2, we will introduce the salt-seared katsuo you can only taste in Shimanto City!

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] Feel secure with this! A Directory of Shimanto River River Activity Operators! ★The Appeal of River Activities★ You can enjoy the Shimanto River with your whole body in 360°, and nothing captures that feeling better than river activities! The Shimanto River has a gentle current, so beginners and children can take part. On canoe tours you can sometimes go where no man-made structures are visible, offering a true escape from everyday life. Shimanto City is home to many river activity operators, with a variety of options that let everyone from small children to seniors enjoy themselves with peace of mind. Take this chance to find an operator that interests you♪ 1. Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawaracco Shimanto Canoe and Camp Village Kawaracco sits beside the Shimanto River, surrounded by rich natural scenery. In addition to campsite facilities, the site includes well-equipped bungalows and a Shimanto hinoki cypress house. It also serves as a terminal for the Rinrin Cycle rental service. Operating season: Year-round Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, closed Tuesday) *Open during the period around Golden Week and from July 1 to September 30 Pets allowed to ride together (tandem kayaks). *Please bring a life jacket for your pet. Depending on size, joint riding may be unavailable. 2. withRIVER withRIVER is located at the foot of a Shimanto River chinkabashi (submersible bridge). The current is gentle here, so beginners and small children can feel safe. At the end of the tour you can even try jumping from the chinkabashi. In addition to canoe and SUP experiences, withRIVER offers horseback riding. Besides ordinary rides, there is a course that lets you ride within the Shimanto River. Because the horse stands where you can touch the bottom, children and non-swimmers can participate safely. Operating season: March to mid-November Dogs may ride along (on SUP or two-person canoe). Dog life jackets are available to rent (500 yen per jacket). Free photo sharing available 3. Shimanto River Lodge Yuubetei Shimanto River Lodge Yuubetei is a rented villa-style accommodation on a hill overlooking the Shimanto River, available to one group per day. Families, groups, and couples can relax here. Rooms include a terrace where you can barbecue while watching the sunset. River SUP experiences are available from Yuubetei. The owner customizes courses to match guests. SUP board rentals are also offered. Please request when booking your stay. *SUP experiences operate only in the summer season. 4. Okera Adventures Shimanto Okera Adventures Shimanto centers on “bikerafting,” a combination of cycling and packraft (inflatable boat) river descent. They are the only operator in Japan to run regular guided bikerafting tours. (*Survey by Okera Adventures, March 2022) They operate by private-group bookings only, so you and your group enjoy the tour alone. One appeal is that guides tailor the tour to participants, weather, and conditions. Operating season: Year-round Dogs may ride along (dog life jackets available for rent). Free photo sharing available 5. Shimanto – River Station Canoe Center Shimanto – River Station Canoe Center is known for the spectacular natural scenery in the latter part of its tours. The attached Shimanto Hiroba Auto Campsite offers toilets and barbecue sites so you can camp beside the Shimanto River. (Advance reservation required) There is a beginner-friendly canoe school where instructors lead basic half-day and full-day courses. You can paddle an 8 km canoe touring course to the famous Iwama Chinkabashi Bridge featured on TV and in magazines; the latter 4 km of the course shows almost no man-made structures, letting you fully enjoy the Shimanto River’s wilderness. The Canoe Center also serves as a river station exhibiting canoes from around the world and as a terminal for the Shimanto River Rinrin Cycle rental service. Operating season: Year-round Free photo sharing available 6. Shimanto Rakusha Shimanto Rakusha is a former school repurposed into a place where you can stay and play. The lodging uses spaces such as the school infirmary as bedrooms, and classrooms have bunk beds. You can even stay in the broadcasting room that still runs the school PA system or in the principal’s office. Because canoe experiences here do not involve long downstream runs, you can set your own experience time. Families can take turns, play in the river, and enjoy canoeing freely. In addition to canoeing, you can try stream trekking (shower climbing), raft play, and relaxed fishing in the Shimanto River. Closed: Every Wednesday *Open daily in July, August, and September Free photo sharing available 7. Canoe Shimanto Base Canoe Shimanto Base runs tours using sit-on-top canoes that you sit on the deck rather than inside. You can choose a half-day course with a 3 km downstream stretch (morning or afternoon) or a shorter course without downstream paddling. All canoes are single-person, and two sizes are available so you can pick the right fit. The half-day course is available from third grade elementary school and up; the short course is available from first grade elementary school and up. The short course is a private booking for groups of 1–10 people. Operating season: March to November Dogs may ride along. *Please be sure to bring a life jacket that fits your dog’s body size. Free photo sharing available 8. Good River Shimanto At Good River Shimanto you can enjoy a full Shimanto River canoe tour. They instruct you from canoe boarding and paddle technique to how to enjoy canoeing. The downriver course follows the river current and reveals little in the way of man-made structures, letting you relax in expansive nature. You can take commemorative photos at the popular Iwama Chinkabashi Bridge. They also run rafting tours, letting you drift downstream in a raft boat on the gentle Shimanto River in relaxed comfort. Guests from age three through seniors can participate. Operating season: Mid-March to early November Children and dogs may ride along Free photo sharing available How was it? Try experiencing Shimanto City’s river activities!

We are looking for participants for "Ishizuchi Kekuromoji Essential Oil Extraction / Plant Dyeing Experience"! At the Ishizuchi Fureai Village, you will experience a part of the extraction work of Kuromoji oil and floral water and dyeing a silk scarf with the instructor. The Ishizuchi kekuromoji used for the experience grows naturally at an Elevation of about 400m~1400m, and the amount that can be extracted from 1 kg of its branches and leaves produces only 1.5 ml of high-grade Japanese oil. Surrounded by the noble aroma of the forest, you can relax at the foothills of the mountains. Return oil, floral water and scarves as Souvenirs. Lunch is included. Date: Monday, September 15　 10:00~13:30 (* 9:50 Meeting / Reception Ishizuchi Fureai no Sato　 〒793-0214 25-1 Nakaoku 1, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture) Tour price: 6,000 yen Payment on the day of the event, cash only (Included: Lecturer fee, lunch) Capacity: 8 people on a first-come, first-served basis (minimum number of participants: 4) Application deadline: 7 days before each event date Application and Inquiries　 Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Tour Application Officer Tamai Fujita Phone 0897-56-2605 Fax 0897-47-3733 　

[Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture] “Japan’s Last Pristine River, the Shimanto River” — a river where people live alongside the water and that sustains a culturally rich landscape ☞ What is the Shimanto River? …………………………………………… The Shimanto River originates on Mt. Irizuyama in Tsuno Town, Kochi Prefecture (elevation 1,336 m). It runs 196 km in total, with 35 main tributaries and 319 tributary streams overall. The river meanders through the southwestern part of Kochi Prefecture—including Yusuhara, Nakatosa, Shimanto Town, and Shimanto City—flowing without steep drops before emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Shimanto City Shimoda. …………………………………………… ☞ Where the name “Japan’s Last Pristine River” comes from …………………………………………… The Shimanto River, where residents still live close to the water, gained the symbolic label “Japan’s Last Pristine River” after a 1983 television broadcast. That description created a brand image of a clear, life-filled river running from its source to the sea. …………………………………………… ☞ What the Shimanto River provides. …………………………………………… Nurturing abundant life, the Shimanto River and its wide estuarine areas host around 200 species of aquatic life. Even today, some fishers sustain their livelihoods using traditional methods such as late-season sweetfish (ayu) fishing, fire-fishing, long-armed shrimp fishing, goby fishing, and green seaweed harvesting. These practices preserve deep ties between people and the river and a living culture of work. …………………………………………… ☞ Activities on the Shimanto River. …………………………………………… On the Shimanto River you can enjoy canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling, stream-walking, raft trips, sightseeing boats, camping, and many other year-round experiences. …………………………………………… ☞ The river’s tempestuous side. …………………………………………… The Shimanto River is also famous as a wild river prone to rises in water level, flooding, and typhoons, making it susceptible to water damage throughout the year. Against this backdrop, people living along the basin have adapted their lives and landscape to nature, for example with low, railing-free bridges called chinkabashi that submerge during high water. These bridges, together with human activity, create a distinctive regional scenery. …………………………………………… ☞ Selected by the Environment Agency as one of Japan’s 100 Exquisite Waters and the 100 Exquisite Waters of the Heisei era. …………………………………………… In July 1985, the Shimanto River was chosen as one of Japan’s 100 Exquisite Waters because of its excellent water environment and active local conservation efforts. Later, in June 2008, the Kuroson River, a tributary of the Shimanto, was recognized as one of the 100 Exquisite Waters of the Heisei era in recognition of environmental conservation activities and local community initiatives. …………………………………………… ☞ The exceptionally clear Kuroson River among the tributaries. …………………………………………… The Kuroson River, selected for the Heisei-era 100 Exquisite Waters, is the clearest and most beautiful tributary of the Shimanto River. The area also preserves legends and stories such as Kuroson Shrine and Okiku Falls, and in autumn the foliage colors the landscape vividly. …………………………………………… ☞ Designated as an Important Cultural Landscape by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. …………………………………………… In February 2009, the unique landscapes formed by people’s lives and activities in the Shimanto River basin were designated an Important Cultural Landscape. This is the first time such designation covered five municipalities in the basin—Tsuno, Yusuhara, Nakatosa, Shimanto Town, and Shimanto City—drawing significant attention. ※ An Important Cultural Landscape is a landscape formed by people’s lives or livelihoods and the local natural environment, and is indispensable for understanding the lives or occupations of our nation’s people (from the Cultural Properties Protection Law, Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 5). …………………………………………… ☞ People appear on the Shimanto River throughout the seasons. …………………………………………… The Shimanto River is not only praised as the beautiful “Japan’s Last Pristine River,” it is also an environment and landscape enriched by the everyday livelihoods of local communities. This close relationship is the river’s mysterious charm that continues to draw people even now.

We are looking for participants for the autumn "Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour"!! Accompanied by a Nature guide, you will observe the subalpine vegetation in autumn as you stroll along Mt. Kamegamori forest roads. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the changes in vegetation due to the Elevation and the spectacular scenery from the "UFO Line" Spot spectacular scenery while Transportation taking a bus to around 1,700m Elevation. We do not aim to Transportation safe and secure charter buses and climb to the top, but mainly walk on paved roads, so beginners and Families can easily participate. Why don't you spend a special time in Rich in nature in Mt. Kamegamori? Lunch is included. Autumn leaves can be expected, and we invite you to join us on a special tour where you can enjoy beautiful alpine plants and spectacular views! 【Events Overview】 Events name: Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour Held in Date & Time: October 8 (Water), 9 (Thu), 10 (Fri) (9:00~16:00) 　　　　　* 8th (Water) is currently fully booked. Held in Location: Around Mt. Kamegamori (Meeting: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 8:35) Number of participants: 20 (first-come, first-served basis, minimum number of participants: 15) Participation fee: 8,900 yen (tax included) / person * Including guide, charter bus, lunch, Tea fee Application deadline: 14 days prior to each event The terms and conditions will be provided separately to the customer who made the reservation. The exchange center next to JR Iyo Saijo Station is disbanded, From the area, Orange Ferry Kansai Route [Osaka Nanko ~ Toyo Port (Saijo)] (* After disembarking at Toyo Port, there is a free shuttle bus to the front of the station) is convenient! 【Corporate Information and Inquiries】 Organizer: Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 Location: 〒793-0030 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture Contact: 0897-56-2605 Reception hours: 9:00~18:00 Email: kankou03saijo@circus.ocn.ne.jp

As a Special Program for the 10th Commemorative Ishizuchi Mountain Foothills SWEET Ride Special Program, we are looking for participants for the Water City Saijo Water Tour Tour. The day before the SWEET ride, why don't you walk around the city with a guide, which is not on the bicycle course, and experience the culture of Uchibuki, one of the 100 famous waters, and the cityscape of Saijo? Please check the image flyer for details. [The 10th Commemorative Ishizuchi Mountain foothills SWEET Ride Special Program Water Tokyo Saijo Water Tour] Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 Time: From 13:30 (meet at 13:20) about 90 minutes Meeting/return location: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 〒793-0030 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture Number of applicants: About 10 people * Contact for groups Minimum number of participants: 1 person Application Deadline: 25/10/28 (Tue) 【Inquiries and Reservations】 Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Registration number: T1500005007749 Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents Ehime Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 〒793-0030 798-1 Omachi, Saijo-shi, Ehime Phone: 0897-56-2605 FAX:0897-47-3733

We will take a guided tour of some of the Annual Grand Festivals scheduled for 25/10/14 (Tue), 15 (Water), and 16 (Thu) at Ishioka Shrine and Isono Shrine. Walk through the autumn Halle day with a knowledgeable guide. Please enjoy the splendid Cypress trees sculptures of Mizuju, flowers, birds, wind and moon, human figures, gold and silver thread sewing, and a gorgeous festival rituals with many lanterns flickering in the early morning. Tour guide Hajime Kono [Request for participation] ・ Application for those who can walk the number of km displayed on each tour menu (Walk through Traditional Japanese straw raincoat for the whole process) ・Please check the flyer for the number of applicants and groups. ・ This itinerary assumes those who plan to stay at Hotels near JR Iyo Saijo Station. 【Menu and Fee】 Please check from the image. Combinable. Contact us for details. Time is indicative. Those who make a reservation will be mailed a separate travel condition form and application form. 【Reservations and Inquiries】 Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201　 Person in charge: Tamai, Fujita 〒793-0030　 798-1 Omachi, Saijo-shi, Ehime TEL:0897-56-2605　 FAX:0897-47-3733

The Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center has started selling the 25th edition of the Saijo Festival poster and calendar. 【25th edition Saijo Festival poster vertical / horizontal】 B1 (728×1030mm) size Product price: 400 yen (tax included) / piece Image 1 Portrait Image 2 Horizontal 【FY25 Saijo Festival Calendar】 A2 (610×425mm) size Product price: 1,300 yen (tax included) / part Image 3 Calendar Both products are sold at the following locations: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center (798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture 793-0030) In.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you! We are the Shimanto City Tourism Association in Kochi Prefecture. Shimanto City lies in the southwest of Kochi Prefecture, bounded to the north by mountains around 1,100 meters high and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, making it a city rich in nature. The city was formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nakamura City and Nishitosa Village, and its name comes from the Shimanto River that runs through the city. On this account, we will deliver the many charms of Shimanto City to you. We look forward to sharing them with you! ■How to access Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture About a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Kochi Ryoma Airport About 1 hour by limited express from JR Kochi Station ■Basic information about Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture The population is about 30,000 people (as of June 2025), making it the third most populous city in Kochi Prefecture. Forests cover about 91% of the city area, and the Shimanto River, which flows through the city, stretches 196 km without dams on its main stream. Known as “Japan’s last clear stream,” the city’s catchphrase is “a town that lives with the river.” ■History of Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture The former Nakamura area of Shimanto City is called “Tosa’s Little Kyoto.” About 550 years ago, Ichijo Norifusa moved south following the Onin War and laid out streets in a grid pattern modeled on Kyoto, and that urban design remains today. The town’s blend of culture, history, and nature creates a picturesque setting perfect for strolling. ■Recommended sightseeing spots in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges) ・There are nine chinkabashi on the main stream, including Sada Chinkabashi and Iwama Chinkabashi Activities ・Shimanto River sightseeing boats ・Canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) ・Shimanto river barbecue ・Cycling History ・Ichijo Shrine ・Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine ・Shimanto City Local Museum ・Hanka Tenmangu Shrine ・Kurosongu Shrine Food ・Shio tataki (salt-seared fish) ・Biri katsuo (local skipjack tuna specialty) ・Bushukan chu-hai (citrus shochu highball) ・Ayu (sweetfish) ・Unagi (eel) ・River shrimp ・Gori (gori fish) ■Visit Shimanto City, where nature and culture live on Shimanto City, where vast nature and historical culture come together, is an ideal destination to refresh both body and mind. Come and seek the landscapes and experiences you can only find here. We will continue to share the attractions of Shimanto City, so please follow us!

We are looking for participants for the summer "Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour" with a large number of flowers per season!!There is a vacancy on the 20th (Water). The exchange center next to JR Iyo Saijo Station is disbanded, From the area, Orange Ferry Kansai Route [Osaka Nanko ~ Toyo Port (Saijo)] (* After disembarking at Toyo Port, there is a free shuttle bus to the front of the station) is convenient! Accompanied by a Nature guide, you will stroll along Mt. Kamegamori forest road while observing subalpine plants in early summer. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy the changes in vegetation due to the Elevation and the spectacular scenery from the "UFO Line" Spot spectacular scenery while Transportation taking a bus to around 1,700m Elevation. Since it is not a tour that aims to Transportation safe and secure chartered bus and climb to the top, beginners and Families can feel free to participate. Why don't you spend a special time in Rich in nature in Mt. Kamegamori? Lunch is included. 【Events Overview】 Events name: Mt. Kamegamori Flower Watching Tour Held in Date & Time: Water, August 20, 25 (9:00~16:00) Held in Place: Around Mt. Kamegamori (Meeting: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center 8:40) Number of participants: 20 (first-come, first-served basis, minimum number of participants: 15) Participation fee: 8,900 yen (tax included) / person * Including guide, charter bus, lunch, Tea fee Application Deadline: 25/8/8 (Fri) The terms and conditions will be provided separately to the customer who made the reservation. 【Corporate Information and Inquiries】 Organizer: Saijo City Tourism and Products Association Ehime Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 3-201 Location: 〒793-0030 798-1 Omachi, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture Contact: 0897-56-2605 Reception hours: 9:00~18:00 Email: kankou03saijo@circus.ocn.ne.jp We invite you to join us on a special tour where you can enjoy beautiful alpine plants and spectacular views!

Hello everyone! Today, I would like to introduce 🎶🎶🎶 a tour organized by the Minami Town Tourism Association For two days from October 12, 2025 [Sunday], in the Hiwasa area of Minami Town, "Minami Town Hiwasa District History and Culture Trip Yakuo Temple Special Inner Worship & Autumn Two Major Festivals" will be held in 😄 In addition to seeing the stall drum "Chosa" of the Hiwasa Yawata Shrine Autumn Festival, the dedication blowtube fireworks at Akamatsu Shrine, you can participate in the special inner worship of the 23rd temple of the 88 Shikoku sacred sites, Yakuo Temple! !! Please 🎵😆 enjoy the autumn hiwasa full of historical atmosphere For more information on the tour and how to apply, please see the flyer! We look forward to your participation! * This tour is for women only.

**Facilities** Ehime Prefectural Science Museum Three permanent exhibition rooms, the Nature Museum, the Science Museum, and the Industry Hall, Own one of the largest planetariums in the world It is ✨ a museum that Ehime Prefecture is proud of \Charm of the permanent exhibition/ In particular, the Life-size "Moving Dinosaur" is Powerful Tyrannosaurus Triceratops is a highlight 👀! !️ Fun for 🦖💓 kids and adults alike "Nature Pavilion" is composed → the universe → the earth Zone Ehime. You can learn a wide range of things from the world to familiar things while experiencing them! The "Industrial Hall" introduces the industrial history of Ehime. There is also ✨ a Zone where you can learn about the industrial heritage of Niihama City \Special Exhibitions Held in/ And during the period of July 12 (Sat) ~ September 23 (Tue), "Special Exhibition: Japanese Otter Exhibition" is being held in ♪ This is a rare opportunity for the treasured collection of the Science Expo to be opened to the public in one fell swoop. For details, please see the Ehime Prefectural Science Museum website. Please come and ♪ visit We'll keep you 🪐 posted ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ehime Prefectural Science Museum 📍792-0060 2133-2 Daiseiin, Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture TEL：0897-40-4100 Business hours: 9:00~17:30 (Entry until 17:00) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🌸Shinyan and Nyanko’s Layered Stamp Rally Tour 🌸 Extended due to popular demand!! Event period Friday, August 1, 2025 – Friday, October 31, 2025 Extended period Friday, August 1, 2025 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Join Shimanto City Tourism Association’s official characters, Shinyan and Nyanko, for a stamp rally that lets you enjoy Shimanto City! This isn’t just any stamp — these are layered stamps. As you stack each stamp, by the end…ta‑da! A single piece of art appears✨ Turn your completed sheet into a postcard! It’s perfect as a travel keepsake or a gift for friends💌 Why not create your own Shimanto art? How to enjoy — it’s super easy♪ 1. Get a stamp sheet! → Sheets are distributed in limited numbers at each facility. If one place runs out, another might still have them! 2. Stack and stamp five stamps! → Stamps 1–5 share the same design in either area. The final image is the same even if you don’t stamp in order! 3. Once all stamps are in place, a cute Shinyan art piece is complete🎨 → You can take it home as a postcard✨ 4. Show your completed sheet and… → The first 500 visitors receive an original cotton tote bag as a gift🎁 Two areas — start anywhere you like Stamp spots form one design across the Nakamura Area and the Nishitosa Area. Because stamps 1–5 are common, collecting them in either area yields the same final image♪ Nakamura Area🐾 1. Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio — Admission required A facility where you can learn about the creatures of the Shimanto River. With dragonfly and insect specimens and displays of fish from the Shimanto River basin, it’s fun for adults and children alike! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays) 2. Shimanto River Sightseeing Boats (Yakatabune) — Boarding required Three sightseeing boat operators participate; whichever operator you board will stamp your sheet. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the beautiful Shimanto River♪ Hours: 9:00–16:00 (Advance reservation recommended) 3. Shimanto City Local Museum — Admission required A castle-shaped museum on a small hill. Learn Shimanto City’s history and culture, and take in city views from the tower for a castle‑lord feeling! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed Wednesdays) 4. harenoba cafe n2 (Cafe N2) — Purchase or dine required Located around the middle of Tenjinbashi Shopping Street, it’s the perfect stop to rest during sightseeing. Hours: 11:00–18:00 (Closed Mondays) 5. Shimanto City Tourism Association — Cotton bag pick‑up location — Visit required A hub for travel information on Shimanto City and the Hata Region. They offer rental bikes (¥1,000 and up) and discounted sightseeing boat tickets! Hours: 8:30–17:30 (Open year‑round) The Nakamura town center is easy to explore by rental bike, so you can take a leisurely stroll and collect stamps! Nishitosa Area🐾 1. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa — Visit required A popular spot with local specialties and souvenirs. Enjoy grilled natural ayu (sweetfish) from the Shimanto River and sweets made from local ingredients — ideal for a break or shopping! Hours: 7:30–18:00 (No holidays during the event period) 2. Shimanto River Station Canoe Hall — Purchase, experience, or stay required A facility offering canoe experiences, SUP, and rafting, with an adjacent campsite so you can fully enjoy the outdoors! Hours: 8:30–17:30 (No holidays during the event period) 3. Iwami Chaya (near the sinking bridge!) — Visit required Right next to Iwami Sinking Bridge, this spot sells homemade bento and unique handmade goods made by locals. Fans should also check out the “Shimanto River” monument by Hiroshi Miyama with parking available! Hours: 10:00–15:00 (Closed Mondays) 4. Hotel Seira Shimanto — Stay or day‑use hot spring required In addition to lodging, the hotel has a restaurant and day‑use hot spring, perfect for soothing travel fatigue. At night, the stargazing guide by the star attendant is highly recommended! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Open year‑round) 5. Shimanto River Furusato Guide Center — Cotton bag pick‑up location — Visit required The Nishitosa tourist information desk located right by the station. You can also rent Rinrin Cycles here! Hours: 8:30–18:00 (Closed Wednesdays) Driving is recommended in Nishitosa! Enjoy a scenic drive along the Shimanto River while taking in nature♪ Note: Opening days and hours may vary. Please check each facility’s website for the latest information. (Information current as of July 2025) Key point! Stamps 1–5 share a common design, so collecting them across Nakamura and Nishitosa will still complete the same image! (For example: either Nakamura’s Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio or Nishitosa’s Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa for stamp 1 is fine) When you collect all the stamps… 🎉 The first 500 participants will receive ＼an original cotton tote bag／ Show your completed stamp sheet at one of the following locations👇 • Nakamura: Shimanto City Tourism Association • Nishitosa: Shimanto River Furusato Guide Center This cute, exclusive bag features Shinyan artwork and is only available here🐾✨ Who are Shinyan and Nyanko? Shinyan and Nyanko are local cat characters of the Shimanto City Tourism Association. There are five cats in total, each inspired by the Shimanto River’s nature, traditional fishing methods, and local culture. In this stamp rally, those Shinyan cats appear together as art♪ 🎨 Character designs are by Junya Inoue, a popular manga artist from Shimanto City and a tourism ambassador (best known for BTOOOM! and Kaiju Jieitai). Come play around Shimanto City with the Shinyan cats! Don’t just press stamps — enjoy the fun of layering them to complete the art. Explore nature, history, food, and adorable characters on a Shimanto City tour. We’re sure your very own special piece will take shape✨ We look forward to your participation!

This weekend is finally approaching, "Iyo Color Festival"! !️ !️ Held in in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, it is the largest summer Festival in Iyo City. The executive committee is currently making preparations 🏃💦 so that everyone can fully enjoy the enthusiasm of the dancers at the Iyo Odori Parade and the power of the fireworks that go off up close at the fireworks festival We will post a program leaflet covering the contents of the two-day "Iyo Color Festival", so please take a 👀 look In addition to parades and fireworks festival, there are many other Events, so please enjoy the hot summer in Iyo City! !️ This year's fireworks festival is a collaboration with the Anime "People Who Want to Eat Me," which will begin airing in October. Somewhere in the announcement stream the venue, the narration of the main characters may stream! Original fans are also distributed and goods are sold! !️ In addition, we will traffic restriction to ensure the smooth and safe Held in of the Iyo Color Festival. If you are planning to visit, please check the traffic restriction map for details. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation 🙇🙇🙇 In addition, there is expected to be a lot of traffic jams on the day. Use public transportation to 🚎 reach the venue

In the morning, while preparing the pool in the garden. If you say, "Don't go in yet!", at least with your hands! And I'm playing like this. After this, my foot slipped and I dived forward and got soaked! Delicious chilled Squid is ready Gari (^^)

Hello everyone! This is ♪ the Minami Town Tourism Association On July 19, 2025, the Hiwasa Umigame Museum Caretta, located in Minami Town, Kaibu District, Tokushima Prefecture, reopened after about two years of renovation work. Therefore, this time, we would like to introduce "Hiwasa Umigame Museum Caretta" to everyone! 【Overview】 Hiwasa Umigame Museum Caretta (commonly known as Caretta) is a Museum located in the Minami Town of Kaibu District, Tokushima Prefecture, and is one of the world's rare Museum specializing in sea turtles. Caretta, with the theme of "Coexistence between Nature and Man", opened in 1985. Its predecessor was the Hiwasa Town Water Museum, and its predecessor was the loggerhead turtle protection and breeding research activities by the Hiwasa junior high school Sea Turtle Research Group, Located in. The Hiwasa Junior High School Sea Turtle Research Group was established in 1950 with the aim of protecting and breeding loggerhead sea turtles that land and lay eggs on the Ohama Coast. At that time, there were no systematic research results on sea turtles, and there were not enough facilities in rural junior high schools in the immediate postwar period, so students at that time began to protect sea turtles in a semi-fumbling state. The students' trial and error over the course of about 10 years bore fruit, and the results of their research have been introduced in numerous magazines, and "Ohama Coast as a spawning ground for loggerhead sea turtles" has become famous throughout Japan. Finally, it was designated as a nationally designated natural monument as "sea turtles and their spawning grounds on the Ohama Coast," and the activities of Hiwasa in Minami Town were in the spotlight. In order to make these conservation and research activities more widely known to as many people as possible, the Hiwasa Umigame Museums Caretta was opened. 【Exhibit Contents】 As the museum's name derives from the scientific name of loggerhead sea turtles "Caretta caretta", the exhibition focuses on loggerhead sea turtles. Before the renovation, Caretta was an exhibition that mainly introduced the ecology of sea turtles. Even in this renovation, the exhibit introducing the ecology of sea turtles remains, but it has been reborn to introduce the conservation and research activities of Minami Town Hiwasa in more detail. As soon as you enter, there is an exhibition that covers the evolution of turtles and sea turtles, and in the passage that follows, you can see stuffed sea turtles of eight existing species and explain the ecology of each sea turtle. The next section focuses on loggerhead sea turtles that land on the Ohama Coast and explains in detail what kind of life loggerhead sea turtles lead on the Ohama Coast. Scenes of newborn hatchlings and one-year-old hatchlings swimming vigorously here. And in the next corner, there is an exhibition that looks back on the history of the activities of Minami Town Hiwasa, which is a major feature of this renovation. Why did the students of Hiwasa junior high school embark on loggerhead turtle conservation, how did they proceed with their research, and how did they come to be recognized by the public? You can learn about the history of sea turtle conservation that continues to the present day. At the end of the exhibition, you can learn how to protect sea turtles from modern environmental problems and how sea turtle conservation activities are carried out. In addition to this, there is a display exhibition of sea turtles designed by children in the Original swimming on the screen, and a corner where you can take a quiz about sea turtles. In addition, from the observation space on the 2nd floor, you can overlook the Ohama Coast in front of you. [Outdoor Exhibition] Outside the main exhibition building, there is a "large turtle pool" where adult loggerhead sea turtles swim leisurely. In consideration of an environment that is easy for loggerhead sea turtles to swim in, the indigo color scheme that is conscious of the seabed of the Nature and the streamlined pool without horns are created. It was also designed to be viewed from the side of the pool so that it is easy to observe them swimming and resting on the bottom of the water. Hamataro, one of the loggerhead sea turtles living here, was born in 1950 at Hiwasa Junior High School and has been bred ever since for the purpose of observing the life of the sea turtle, which is still a mystery. Hamataro, who turned 75 years old this year, holds the world's longest-lived loggerhead sea turtle record for which his age and individual have been reliably recorded, and he continues to break it. In addition to this, there is also a "Touch Pool" and a "Pale Water Turtle Pool" where you can interact with the creatures of the seashore, and the "Tatayo Umigame Museum" where you can observe swimming sea turtles from below. 【Umigame Shokudo】 Caretta has a "Umigame Shokudo" adjacent to the large game pool. Meals set meal, curry rice, and kamemonaka with ice milk are on sale, and you can enjoy them in the dining space. In addition, there is a side window of the large turtle pool facing the Meals space, and you can watch the sea turtles swimming gracefully while enjoying the food. Squid was it? The charm of Caretta presented here is only a small part. The charm of Caretta and the charm of sea turtles can only be felt with your five senses when you go to the site! This time, the Hiwasa Umigame Museums Caretta has been reopened. When you come to Minami Town Hiwasa, please come and visit us! !! 【When you come to the museum】 ・ Car parking lot available (40 cars) ・Smoking is prohibited in all Inside the facility. ・Prohibition of eating and drinking outside of designated areas 【Access】 ・About 15 minutes walk from JR Mugi Line, Hiwasa Station ・About 120 minutes by Car from Tokushima city For more information about Hiwasa Umigame Museum Caretta, please see Official website.

Hello everyone! This is ♪ the Minami Town Tourism Association Under the clear blue sky, today, July 19th, we celebrated the grand opening of Hiwasa Umigame Museums Caretta! !! Minami Town PR characters Kamero, Kameko, and Kame Yellow welcome nearly 300 visitors! To commemorate the reopening of Caretta, world-renowned route player Yuki Saito rushed to give us a wonderful performance! !! In addition, Tomoyuki Akashi, a film director from Tokushima Prefecture, also rushed to celebrate the renewal opening! The ultimate highlight is a dance show and ribbon cutting by children from the Local Hiwasa Children's Garden! With a splendid Ceremony that delighted visitors with its adorable appearance and made Caretta and her children look forward to a bright future, the Hiwasa Umigame Museums Caretta officially opened its grand opening ♪♪ And in the afternoon, we Held in the "Caretta Opening Commemorative Festival" in the Precincts of the adjacent Hiwasa Yawata Shrine! An imitation show by Spring Matsuyama, an imitation comedian from Tokushima Prefecture, In collaboration with pianist Kenji Kanemasu and percussionist Kazuyoshi Hashimoto, they performed ♪♪♪ a concert by Yuki Saito and TEAM YUKI On the way, we were hit by rain, but it was a hot festival until the end! When you come to Minami Town Hiwasa, please come to the new Hiwasa Umigame Museums Caretta! !!

Hello everyone! This is ♪ the Minami Town Tourism Association Yesterday, Minami Town Hiwasa had a special day ......! After a long time of about 2 years, this day has finally arrived! Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your patience. It must have been a "big deal". Hiwasa Umigame Museum Caretta Gari reopened!! Caretta, a museum specializing in sea turtles, which is rare in the world, has redesigned its exhibits and outdoor pool. The adjacent lawn park was named "Umigame Marine Park" by Local children. And at the opening Ceremony yesterday, various guests came to congratulate Caretta on her new beginning. In the afternoon, the interior viewing limited to Minami Town residents began, and many Town residents came to see the reborn Caretta. Kametaro of the Minami Town Tourism Association also took a look around and greeted ♪ the sea turtles in Caretta Today, Thursday, the 17th, will also be open to Minami Town residents only, and the grand opening will be open to the general public on Saturday, the 19th. Please come and visit Caretta, which has been reopened for three consecutive holidays this weekend! For more information on Access Museum Hiwasa Umigame Caretta, opening hours, admission fee, and exhibition contents, please see Caretta's Official website! We look forward to seeing you there!

Good evening, everyone! This is the Minami Town Tourism Association! Yesterday, we Implementation the opening Events of Tainohama Beach Station in Tainohama Beach Beaches and reported on it. But that wasn't all Minami Town did yesterday and today! !! While the hot sun was shining brightly, the Lively atmosphere was boiling in Minami Town Hiwasa! !! Yesterday (July 12th), the 62nd Hiwasa Umigame Festival was held in! Centered on the Ohama Coast, where sea turtles land and lay eggs, this historic summer festival prays for gratitude to sea turtles and the sea. In addition to the Shinto ritual at Ohama Coast, baby sea turtles were released and prayed for their return to Ohama Coast. In addition, Many stalls were lined up on Sakuramachi Street, which is the street in front of the Temple of Yakuo Temple, and performances sponsored by local people were also shown on two stages. On the main stage, the venue was very crowded with Kameta and "Tokushima Prefecture resident entertainer" Mitoshi and the two-person MC system performing the Sentai Hero Show and Awa Odori. The Noryo Fireworks Display was held on the riverbed of the Hiwasa River to conclude the festival. A total of 1,500 fireworks were launched on the largest scale in the southern region of Tokushima Prefecture, and they scorched the summer night sky brightly and flashily! The excitement of the Hiwasa Umigame Festival has not cooled down, and today (July 13th), the 26th Hiwasa Umigame Triathlon was Held in! A 1.5km swim departing from Ohama Coast, a 40km bike ride on the Minamiawa Sunline and back, and a 10km run along the Hiwasa River. As the name suggests, about 350 participants took on the challenge of three very grueling competitions. With the sincere support of the Town residents and those who visited to watch the race, many people completed the race brilliantly! Summer is finally in full swing in Minami Town. The hot days continue, but let's all spend this summer energetically with the "heat" in our hearts that is as hot as the heat!

Hello everyone This is the Minami Town Tourism Association! Today's Minami Town is in full Excitement with the big summer Events "Hiwasa Umigame Festival"! Shinto rituals to express gratitude to the sea and sea turtles, various displays held in on Sakuramachi Street, and a Noryo Fireworks Display that colors the night sky. The festival that heralds the arrival of summer in Hiwasa will be Held in ♪ today …… However, the Umigame Festival is not the only Events Held in in Minami Town today! !! In the Tai area of Yuki, we have Held in the Events "Tainohama Beach Station Opening Events" sponsored by the Minami Town Tourism Association!! Tainohama Beach Beaches opened to the sea last week. Tainohama Beach Station, which is adjacent to here, is a temporary station that is installed only during the Bathing in the sea season. And today, Tainohama Beach Station opened and welcomed our first customers this summer! !! For those who came to play on the JR Mugi Line, we welcomed ♪ them with a creative dance by the Kame family and the dance circle of Minami Town We also opened a one-day-only beach house and welcomed nearly 50 customers who visited! In addition, with the cooperation of Yamamoto Shipbuilding, we will also held in a free standup paddleboarding trial and provide marine Activities! !! The "Tainohama Beach Station Opening Events" was a great success and ended safely! Tainohama Beach Station on the JR Mugi Line will be open until August 3rd. When you come to Tainohama Beach Beaches this summer, please ♪♪ Use Tainohama Beach Station

Hello, this is Soleyo Tourism and Products Association, Ehime Prefecture! Now, following on from Yamabuki Shrine and the legend of Goshikihime, this time let's talk about "Kamakura Shrine". When you think of "Minamoto Heigosen", names such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Taira Kiyomori immediately come to mind, but do you know who "Minamoto Noriyori" is? One of Minamoto no Yoritomo's younger brothers, who also appeared in the NHK taiga drama "13 people of Kamakura-den" broadcast in 2022 (Reiwa 4), is "Minamoto no Yoriyori". Since he was born and raised in Kama Mikuriya in Toei Province (present-day Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture), he was also called Kabakaja and Kabado. Tucked away at the foot of Mt. Gyodo in Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, the tomb of Minamoto Noriyori is built at Kamakura Shrine. Noriyori played a great role for the Minamoto clan, such as defeating Kiso Yoshinaka with Minamoto Yoshitsune and leaving achievements in the pursuit of the Heike at the Battle of Dannoura, but he was suspected of rebellion due to a single careless remark and was imprisoned in the ShuZen Temple in Izu. There are various theories about his whereabouts after that, but one of them is that he fled to Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture, relying on the Kono clan of Iyo. The five-ring pagoda at the foothills of the pond beside the shrine was mourned as the tomb of Noriyori, and it is the Shomyoji Temple that stands right next to it. It is written in the ancient journal that the golden Bishamon statue of Bishamon, which is said to have been carried by Noriyori, came out when the enoki tree in the Shomyoji Temple was cut down. In the Edo period, the Lords of Ozu erected a tombstone and began to enshrine Minamoto Noriyori as Kamakura Shrine. It is said that since ancient times, as a god of war, many people from distant other prefectures have visited to pray for victory. Before Shrine, I There are Natsume Soseki's phrase monument. It is the oldest Soseki phrase monument in Japan, and it is a rare phrase monument with two phrases and one stele. "Kamaden's Sad Obana at Last" "Dead Trees, Graves of Crowned Bearers, Pine Fallen Leaves" Kamakura Shrine *Address: 1492 Kamikogawa, Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture *Free to visit (please Use the parking lot of Shomyoji Temple Car for Car parking Car)

We have started selling commemorative medals with a new design at Matsuyama Castle!! The newly designed medal is designed in two-tone silver and gold colors, with Matsuyama Castle on the front and 12 existing Castle Keep on the silhouette of the Castle Keep on the back. The Matsuyama Castle Memorial Medal has been sold for a long time since the Showa era, but this is the first time that a two-tone medal has been introduced ☆ The newly designed medals can only be purchased by those who enter the Castle Keep. The medal can also be engraved with the date and name (Roman characters) with an engraving machine (for a separate fee), so it is ♪♪ perfect for commemorating your ascent to Matsuyama Castle In addition, commemorative medals of the old design can continue to be purchased on the first floor of the Matsuyama Castle Ropeway Station Building. On the surface of the golden medal is Matsuyama Castle. On the back, the first gondola of the ropeway, which began operation in Showa 30, is designed. To commemorate the ascent of Matsuyama Castle, please purchase your favorite medal! !! <Matsuyama Castle Commemorative Medal > New design [sold in the Castle Keep and Rice warehouse]: 700 yen for 1 piece New design key chain (silver): 1 piece 300 yen Old design [sold on the 1st floor of the ropeway station building]: 600 yen per piece Key chain for old design (gold): 1 piece 300 yen Engraving (1 time): 30 yen #Ehime Prefecture #Matsuyama City #Matsuyama Castle #Commemorative Medal #EHIME　#MATSUYAMA　#CASTLE　#MEDAL

Good evening everyone! This is the Minami Town Tourism Association. Today (July 7, 2025), the maximum temperature of 37.7°C was observed in the Hiwasa area of Minami Town. Surprisingly, it was the highest temperature in the history of observation in July. Recent summers have been too hot. At times like this, you want to swim as much as you can to cool off! So, this time, I would like to introduce "Tainohama Beaches" located in the Tai district of Minami Town! !! Tainohama Beaches is a beautiful white sand Beaches with a length of about 1.5 km There is a Tai, Minami Town, Kaibu District, Tokushima Prefecture (formerly Tai, Yuki Town). The area is a coast area included in the Muroto-Anan Coast National Park, and Tainohama is formed at the far end of a small cove. Although it faces the Pacific Ocean, thanks to the Uninhabited island called Nunoshima Island in front, the waves are calm, and the shallow sandy area continues, creating favorable conditions as a Beaches. Tainohama Beaches is also famous for its outstanding water quality! In the Water Beaches quality inspection Implementation by the Ministry of the Environment, the highest Water of "AA" is issued every year, and it is said that the safe and transparent sea is One of the Best in western Japan. In 2006, it was selected as one of the "One of the Best 100 Pleasant Bathing Spots in Japan" comfortable Water baths in Japan selected by the Ministry of the Environment. Thanks to this, it is sometimes called "Yuki is Tainohama!", and it is crowded with many Families every year. Other, as a feature of Tainohama Beaches, "Tainohama Station" is set up as a temporary station of JR Shikoku and Mugi Line every year during the Bathing in the sea season. (The third photo was taken at the opening Events of Tainohama Station in 2024) As the name suggests, Tainohama Station is adjacent to Tainohama Beaches, and you can walk to Beaches in 3 minutes after leaving the station! You can jump into the sea as soon as you get off, that's Tainohama Beaches! !! Tainohama Beaches is open until August 24. When you come to Minami this summer, why don't you take a dip at Tainohama Beaches? 【Access】 ●When coming by train Boarding the JR Mugi Line from JR Tokushima Station (about 80 minutes) ・About a 10-minute walk southwest from JR Yuki Station ・3 minutes walk from JR Tainohama Station (temporary station) * The installation period of Tainohama Station in 2025 is July 12 ~ August 3. In addition, the Car Car lines that stop at Tainohama Station are limited, so please be careful when Boarding. ●When coming by Car From the center of Tokushima City, take National Route 55 toward Muroto for about 60 km (about 70 minutes) After that, enter Hiwasa Road / Ono IC and get off Yuki IC for about 5 minutes 【Other】 ・Public Toilets and shower rooms are Located in on both sides and in the center of the beach. ・ Free Car parking is provided during the opening period of the Beaches. (300 Cars)

Good evening, everyone! This is the Minami Town Tourism Association! Here in Minami Town, the rainy season ended last month, and it became hot in the middle of summer. The sun shines every day, and Water and salt supplementation are essential! Please take sufficient precautions against heat stroke and be careful not to be a second person to me (the spokesperson)!! By the way, the first post after returning is the announcement of the "opening of Tainohama Beaches"! Today (July 6th), we held a Shinto ritual to open the sea at Tainohama Beaches, a beautiful beaches that Minami Town is proud of. The ceremony, which began at 10 a.m., was attended by guests from all parties concerned, and everyone prayed for safety this summer. Families who came to swim right away were also seen, and it is expected that the excitement of Tainohama Beaches will be Gari again this year! !! Tainohama Beaches in Minami Town, which boasts one of the one of the best water quality in western Japan. I will post a detailed introduction to what kind of Beaches it is tomorrow! It is a beautiful sea full of charm, so please come and visit us! In addition, on the 12th of next week, the opening Ceremony of JR Shikoku and Mugi Line's Tainohama temporary station and the Events sponsored by the Minami Town Tourism Association will There are, so it will be ♪ Fun

In my previous post, I told you that Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture has many historical sites and traditions related to the "Minamoto Hei Battle". This time, I would like to introduce the second installment, "The Legend of the Five-Colored Princess". A 15-minute walk from JR Iyo Station towards the sea, there is Thereare "Goshikihime Seaside Park" with a tropical mood lined with palm trees. In the summer, the beach is crowded with Beachgoers, and a national beach volleyball high school girls' tournament is held every year. Also, in autumn, you can enjoy "Kangetsu Imotaki" in the park. The area around such a seaside park has been called "Goshikihama" for a long time. A sad legend has been preserved on this name. Five princesses of the Heike family who were defeated in the Battle of Minamoto and lived in hiding on the beach of Iyo City. One day, Sister Princess sees Aka Squid Ni and remembers the red flag color of the Heike family, which causes her to hold a grudge against Minamoto. Sister Princess orders her sisters to look for the white Squid Squid, the color of Minamoto's flag, as if it were an enemy of the inn and killed the enemy, but no matter how many days they searched, they could not find the white Squid Ni. The exhausted sisters smear the crab with white powder and give it to the sister princess, but it is soon found out that it is a lie, and the youngest sister is cut by the enraged sister princess. The grieving sisters throw themselves into the sea, and the remaining sister and princess soon throw herself into the sea with the death of her youngest sister in her arms. The five princesses who died in this way turned into stones of five colors, red, white, green, yellow, and black, and washed up on the beach, so this beach came to be called "Goshikihama". When it was Maintenance in 1996 (Heisei 8) as "Goshikihime Seaside Park", a "crab square" with five colored stones installed after the legend was established. In addition, the women's festival "Goshikihime Easter" is Held in every year on the fourth Sunday of March, in reference to the story that when the tears of the people of the land who pity the princesses and wish to come back to life fall on the five-colored stones, the princesses were resurrected from beyond the sea. There is also a famous confectionery called "Five-Colored Negai Stone" that has been certified as a "more and more Iyoshi brand". The legendary five-colored stone is represented by red beans, green peas, white green beans, sweet corn, and chestnuts. They are wrapped in domestic red beans that have been slowly simmered and soaked in honey. Squid for Souvenirs. Last June 29th was the opening of the sea, Goshikihime Seaside Park. Summer has finally arrived. Let's enjoy Bathing in the sea to the fullest on the beach with beautiful white sand and gentle waves! *Goshikihime Seaside Park* Address: Ozaki, Iyo City Contact: Iyo City Hall 089-982-1111 (Representative)