Shinshu High Yamazakura Festival Takayama Village is dotted with Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) that are over 100 years old. Led by the 600-year-old Tsuboi Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms), Water the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Mizunaka, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Akawa Kannon, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Nakashio, and the Edohigan cherry blossoms of Kurobe are called the Shinshu Five Great Cherry Blossoms of Takayama, and Events such as Cherry Blossom Trek Tour are Held in in conjunction with the good cherry blossom season. Please take a look at the single cherry blossom that blooms quietly in the mountain village. For more information on cherry blossom Information and Events, please check the Home page.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop! Cold days continue, and at Shosenkyo Gorge you can enjoy winter-only spectacles, such as spray frozen onto the rock face of Senga Falls ❄️ After a day of winter sightseeing in Shosenkyo, please stop by our shop to finish your visit! The interior is warm, and we offer a relaxed space where you can enjoy choosing wine 🍷✨ We especially recommend wines for mulled wine that suit this season, the richly sweet Blueberry Wine, and gift sets in charming packaging perfect for Valentine’s Day 🎁! At the tasting corner you can sample wines produced in Yamanashi Prefecture, so please try and find your favorite bottle. We also sell local snacks that pair well with wine! They make great souvenirs from your trip or thoughtful gifts for someone special. Warm your heart during winter in Shosenkyo. Everyone on staff at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop looks forward to welcoming you 😊

This Friday! Ina Town Kitchen Car Bar 2025 — inaBar A “bar” is a local gathering place where you can enjoy light meals, drinks, and alcohol. Our association will be waiting with proud rose drinks and alcoholic beverages! How about hot wine🍷 or warm sake🍶?😆 Don’t miss our special campaigns and offers🔎 (For details, please see the Ina Town website) https://www.town.saitama-ina.lg.jp/0000008580.html... ●Place: Open space under Ina-Chuo Station viaduct ●Date & Time: Friday, January 17, 2025, 17:00–20:00 There is an eat-in area, so you can enjoy your purchase right away☺️ Please come and join us!

🍷 Wine Party 🍷 Held in 😁 the first wine party to commemorate the occasion This time, we also have 🎍 a New Year's party We are grateful 🙏 for the participation of many people If it's so much fun, I'd ✨ like to Held in it every month Held in to 🥂 the next event 🌼 Advantageous Campaigns 🌼 It's time ✨ to start something new Now, to the diver of your dreams! 🉐57,250 yen →39,000 yen Refer-a-Friend Campaign ✌️ Let's dive together! 🉐 5,000 yen discount for everyone Experience Diving Campaign 🌻 In the most beautiful sea of the year! 🉐19,800→14,300 yen

Once again this year, thanks to a collaboration with Ina Winery in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture—linked by the shared name “Ina”—we have produced delicious wines.👏 [Saino-mi (Kyoho Grape Wine)] Made with 100% Kyoho grapes from Ina Town.🍇 Fermented whole with the skins, using the same method as red wine, this process draws out the color and flavor compounds from the skins, resulting in a wine with rich aroma and a clean, refreshing taste. It’s also delightful served warm at this time of year.🍷✨ [Otome no Kaori (Pear Wine)] Made with 100% Hosui pears from Ina Town.🍐 By fermenting only the pear juice, this wine captures a pear-like flavor with a well-balanced gentle acidity and sweetness. We recommend serving this one chilled.🥂✨ 〈Retail Locations〉 • Yamazaki Shop Uchida-ya • Seven-Eleven Ina Oohari Store • Seven-Eleven Ina Hanu-eki-mae Store • Seven-Eleven Ina Sakae Store • Seven-Eleven Ina Sakae 6-chome Store • Ina Town Tourism Association (general incorporated association) You can also purchase them on Yahoo! Shopping and Furusato Choice. For details, please see the Tourism Association website.🔎 These wines, luxuriously made with Ina Town’s specialty products, make a great choice for Christmas or the New Year holidays. Please enjoy them!😊

[HOTEL NUPKA] At HOTEL NUPKA in Obihiro City, the CAFE & BAR serves Tokachi drinks, starting with the “Journey-Beginning Beer” crafted for visiting guests. Here are some Tokachi drinks you can enjoy at the CAFE & BAR. ● Hard cider made from apples grown in Ashoro Served by the bottle!! ↓ ● Aizawa Winery’s “Ryunosuke” (rosé) and “Sachirera” (red) ● Tokachi Regalo’s “Sanenkoro” (red and rosé sparkling) You’ll also find various Tokachi snacks—edamame, peanuts, cheese, sausages, popcorn—so please enjoy them with your drinks. NUPKA’s special “NUPKA Gyoza” comes in two types: pork gyoza made with Tokachi pork and vegetables, and chicken gyoza made with Tokachi mushrooms and cheese. Be sure to try both and compare!!

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!

Autumn leaves have begun! Matsukawa Valleys in Takayama Village is a large area of Autumn leaves with plenty of attractions, from Kasadake at Elevation 2,000 meters to Yamada Hot Spring at Elevation 900 meters Autumn leaves front descends from high elevation to low Best time to visit forecast Near Mt. Kasa and Manza Pass (approx. 2,000m) October 18　 Near Yamada Ranch (about 1,500m) October 18 Near Shichimi Hot Spring and Goshiki Hot Spring (approx. 1,200m) October 21 Near Thunder Falls and Hachitaki (approx. 1,100m) October 23 Near Yamada Hot Spring (Takaibashi) (about 900m) October 25 As of 10/21, the area around Yamada Ranch is in Best time to visit Now it's time for the real work Please take a look at the colorful Autumn leaves

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

The Katsuragawa Festival will be held in for the first time in five yellowtails. In addition to fully backing the Tourist Association of Uenohara City, we will Held in the 5th food, agriculture, wine, and market in front of the station in Uenohara at the same time Held in and add flowers.

Friday, August 2 — The grapes of Gokase Wine🍇✨ Today, while I was out, I visited a local vineyard in town and had a look at the grapes🍇📸! The variety in the photos is Niagara🍷 Large clusters of plump berries hung everywhere, and they looked so beautiful🥹👏 In the fifth photo, the sunlight shines through the grapes so they look translucent😲—they have a jewel-like beauty👏 Though these berries aren’t fully ripe yet, their fresh green color feels cool, and the vineyard somehow looked stylish to me😳✨ They’ll grow riper and the fragrance will start to float through the air…😌💕 I was told that the earliest varieties will begin to be harvested starting this month… I’m already looking forward to the grapes and the wine🤤🍇✨

Summer is finally here, and Shosenkyo has been seeing many hot, sunny days — how is everyone doing? At Shosenkyo’s Senga Falls, the powerful spray fills the air with negative ions, making it wonderfully cool and refreshing.☺️ At Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls shop, we have a selection of award-winning wines from the Japan Wine Competition 2024 (including different vintages) waiting for you.🍷♪ This hot summer, let’s enjoy delicious wine😄 and stay full of energy! We look forward to your visit ^_^

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty Products and Souvenirs: Gokase Wine Nestled in rich nature atop a hill at 660 meters stands Gokase Winery. A climate with large temperature swings and pure water nurtures grapes with an exquisite balance of sugar and acidity. “We wanted to make wine using 100% locally grown grapes.” With that wish, the winery opened in 2005. Wines made from freshly harvested grapes have a juicy, fruity character. Please enjoy wines made from 100% Gokase-grown grapes, filled with the scent of the earth. Wine Introductions ■ Niagara (white, sweet — most popular) Grape variety: Niagara This white wine made from the table grape Niagara has a beautiful golden color. Aroma reminiscent of osmanthus with added fresh notes makes for a pleasantly refreshing sweet wine. ■ Delaware (white, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Delaware The pale yellow hue of Delaware is easy on the eyes in this white wine. Its citrus-like aroma and fresh acidity pair well with a wide range of meat dishes. ■ Chardonnay (white, medium dry) Grape variety: Chardonnay Chardonnay shows a lovely pale yellow-green that evokes Gokase’s spring buds. Its lively acidity is refreshing and leaves a clean finish. This crisp, slightly dry style pairs well with fish-based Japanese cuisine. ■ Campbell Early (rosé, slightly sweet) Grape variety: Campbell Early This slightly sweet rosé locks in the grape’s fresh fragrance and natural sweetness. Its vivid color is as striking as a sunset pouring over Kuwanochi. ■ Yuhi (red, dry) Grape varieties: Merlot, Petit Verdot Merlot and Petit Verdot were aged carefully in barrels for one year. This light-bodied red balances gentle acidity and tannin for easy drinking. ■ Juju (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Niagara Keeping Niagara’s characteristic aroma, this sparkling version transforms it into a crisp Niagara. It has a refreshing mouthfeel. ■ Oubu (sparkling, rosé) Grape variety: Campbell Early A sparkling wine made from the table grape Campbell Early. Enjoy its mature, developed flavor. ■ Ryoka (sparkling, white) Grape variety: Chardonnay A sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, featuring youthful, fresh fruit aromas and moderate acidity. It is dry and sharp in taste and pairs excellently with fish dishes. ■ Akane (red, dry) This is a half bottle (360 ml). Named Akane to evoke the beautiful autumn sunset skies visible from Gokase Winery. A Merlot-dominant red. Akane, finished dry, rested in stainless tanks for a light taste. It features gentle tannins and clean acidity. Other options include half (360 ml) bottles of Niagara, Rosé, and Chardonnay.

How do you do! This is the Shinshu Takayama Tourist Association. ■What is Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture? The Takayama Village is located in the northeastern part of Nagano Prefecture, about 20 Kilometers from Nagano City, There is a prefectural capital, about 50 minutes Use Train bus from JR Nagano Station, and about 20 minutes by car from the Suzaka Nagano Higashi Interchange and Obuse Smart Interchange on the Joshinetsu Automobile Expressway, and has a population of about 6,400 people as of May 2024 Village. Takayama Village covers an area of about 17.8 kilometers from east to west, about 10.7 kilometers from north to south, and 98.56 square kilometers, and about 85% is occupied by forests and wilderness, and many of the forest areas are designated as Joshinetsu Highlands National Park. It has an inland climate with a large daily range of temperatures throughout the year, with a maximum temperature exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in summer and an average monthly temperature below freezing in winter, and the annual precipitation is as low as about 1,000 mm. Shiga Highlands UNESCO Eco Park The UNESCO Eco Park was launched by UNESCO with the aim of harmonizing the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems. 　Shiga Highlands UNESCO Eco Park consists of an area spanning five towns/villages in two prefectures: Yamanouchi Town, Takayama Village Nagano Prefecture, Nakanojo Town, Kusatsu Town, and Tsumagoi Village Gunma Prefecture, and is located almost in the center of Joshinetsu Highlands National Park. Elevation region blessed with 2,000-meter-high mountains, majestic Nature, and abundant Hot Spring Minamoto, including the one of the most Hot Spring and snow resorts in Japan, which was the venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. 　The Shiga Highlands UNESCO Eco Park was registered in 1980 and included part of Takayama Village from the beginning. Later, due to heightened awareness of the Nature environment, we considered expanding the area of the Shiga Highlands UNESCO Eco Park from 2012 to 2013, expanded the "transition area" and "buffer area" in Takayama Village, and decided to make the registered area all villages, which was approved by UNESCO in 2014. ■NPO "The Most Beautiful Village in Japan" Union The NPO "The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan" Union started in 2005 with seven towns/villages. At that time, the Period of the so-called Great Heisei Merger promoted the merger of Town/Village city, and it was becoming difficult for a small but wonderful local Minamoto and a Village with beautiful scenery to survive Period. Following the example of the "France's Most Beautiful Village" movement, which carefully selects and introduces simple and beautiful villages in France, it is an organization that started a movement that aims to become independent as the most beautiful village while protecting the landscape and culture of Japan's agricultural, mountainous, and fishing villages that can never be regained if lost. Takayama Village was recognized as a member in 2010 in recognition of three regional Minamoto: the original landscape of a mountain village with ancient weeping cherry blossoms, the nature beauty of the Matsukawa Valleys and the foothills of Mt. Kasatake, and the environmentally-friendly agricultural village landscape. ■ Introduction of recommended Sightseeing spots in Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture ・8 Hot Spring Shinshu alpine Hot Spring Village Along the valley line of the Matsukawa River in the Takayama Village, there are eight Hot Spring There are: Okuyamada Hot Spring, Shichimi Hot Spring, Goshiki Hot Spring, Matsukawa Valleys Hot Spring, Yamada Hot Spring, Warabi Onsen, Koyasu Onsen, and YOU Yu Land. 　Since ancient times, it has been loved as a Hot spring resort and Hot Spring Village. ・Thunder FallsKaminari Falls 　Thunder Falls Kaminari Falls is a spectacular waterfall with a drop of 30 meters. 　As the name suggests, the Roaring Sound and the Scene of the water streaming down are spectacular, and many tourists Visit it. 　When you walk along the promenade installed behind the waterfall, you can see the waterfall through the water curtain, so it is also known as Urami Waterfall, and you can feel its power up close. ・Yamada Ranch Yamada Ranch is a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the Nature of Takayama Village. The 160-hectare ranch is a great place to interact with cows and other animals, which is especially popular with children. In winter, you can enjoy winter spots as a ski resort YAMABOKU Wild Snow Park. The 13-Kilometer Takochi Tour Course is also one of the most popular. ・Kenashi Pass 　Kenashi Pass is a Representative Sightseeing spot in Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture. 　It is a mountain pass that connects the Kamitakai-gun Takayama Village of Nagano Prefecture and the Azuma County Tsumagoi Village of Gunma Prefecture, and from the pass with a Elevation of 1,823 Meters, you can Unfolds a 360-degree panoramic view and overlook the majestic Nature. 　Especially in the Autumn leaves season in autumn, many tourists visit and are Fascination by its beauty. 　In addition, you can enjoy Hiking and trekking, and it is an irresistible Spot for outdoor lovers. ・Winery There are six Winery that produce wine using wine grapes produced in the Village. I will. Among them, at Shinshu Takayama Winery, you can enjoy wine Tasting and Visiting the site. Wine made from 100% grapes from Takayama Village is characterized by a mellow aroma and deep taste. It is also a great Souvenir. ・Specialty products of Takayama Village Apples, grapes, wild vegetables, and Nemagari bamboo bamboo shoots There are popular Specialty Products. In addition, the Nature conditions of Takayama Village are said to be close to the wine-producing regions of France "Champagne" and "Burgundy", and the wines made in Takayama Village have been highly evaluated in various wine competitions. ■Introduction of festivals and events in Takayama Village ・Shinshu Takayama Yamazakura Cherry Blossom Festival The Shinshu Takayama Yamazakura Cherry Blossom Festival is a cherry blossom Festival Held in every Spring. It is a Events to enjoy the Shidarezakura weeping cherry blossoms of Takayama Village Village trees, which are more than 200 years old. A "Cherry Blossom Trek Tour" and a Stamp Rally are held around the five major cherry blossoms in the Village. ・Shinshu Takayama Festival The Takayama Village Town hall parking lot, which will be the venue, is illuminated by Bonfire, and dances and Japanese Drum are heard. At the climax, fireworks light up the night sky of Takayama Village. ■Tourist Information of Takayama Village, Nagano Prefecture Takayama Village in Nagano Prefecture is an attractive sightseeing spot with rich nature and history. We will send out Recommendations so that many people can enjoy sightseeing in Takayama Village in Nagano Prefecture, so thank you!

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Cloud Above the Grapes Cloud Above the Grapes is a restaurant located on the grounds of Gokase Winery Enjoy a buffet of dishes made with local ingredients and freshly caught yamame trout. The curry made with Gokase wine is also popular. Help yourself to a wide selection of dishes from salads to desserts as much as you like! Hours: 11:00–15:00 (last order 14:30) Closed: Wednesday and Thursday Contact: 4847-1 Kuwanochi, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1202 Phone: 0982-73-5470

Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture Gourmet Restaurant Gose (Itsuse), located inside Gokase Onsen Mori no Yado Kijiya You can enjoy a variety of seasonal dishes. Using 100% Gokase-grown grapes for Gokase Wine, the locally acclaimed Takachiho Beef—a brand honored at the National Wagyu Ability Competition—salt-grilled yamame (mountain trout), tempura of wild mountain vegetables, and other carefully chosen seasonal ingredients, the restaurant offers a menu that highlights the best flavors of each season. Hours: Lunch 11:00–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–21:00 Closed: Every Tuesday. Please check the official website for holiday closures. Contact: 9223 Mikasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1203 Phone: 0982-82-1115 Fax: 0982-82-1145

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Shopping & Souvenirs: Yuuhi no Sato Local Products Center Yuuhi no Sato Local Products Center sits on the grounds of Gokase Winery In addition to freshly harvested morning vegetables brought in by local residents, the center offers a wide selection of kamairi tea and processed goods Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Thursdays Contact: 0982-73-5471

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Shopping & Souvenirs: Gokase Winery Wine Hall At Gokase Winery, we use 100% grapes grown by local farmers who work closely with the region’s strict yet generous natural environment. These proud wines are gathered in the Wine Hall. Niagara Premium, the Wine Hall’s exclusive, ages Niagara grapes in tanks to develop a calm aroma and a smooth taste, and it is our number one favorite. Hours: 9:30–17:00 Closed: during the New Year holidays Contact: Phone number: 0982-73-5477

Did you know Shiojiri is one of Japan’s top wine regions? Japan has about 400 to 500 wineries, and roughly 80 of them are in Nagano Prefecture. Shiojiri City has the most wineries in the prefecture, with 15 operating producers. Some of these wineries have operated for more than a century since the Meiji era, while others are brand new, founded in the Reiwa era; each of the 15 crafts wines with its own distinct character. There is even a high school in Shiojiri that makes wine, giving students the chance to learn winemaking while still in school. What makes the wine industry so vibrant here is the ideal growing environment: at about 700 meters elevation the large day–night temperature swings and long hours of sunlight, combined with gravelly and volcanic-ash soils, create perfect conditions for growing grapes. High-quality grapes from this land produce high-quality wines. Among the wines made in Shiojiri, merlot earns especially high praise. In 1989 a merlot from the area won a major gold award at a prestigious international competition. The annual Shiojiri Winery Festa draws visitors from across Japan who sample wines from all over Shiojiri, often drinking to their heart’s content. Please try Shiojiri wine.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Shiojiri City Tourism Association. Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, sits in the heart of Nagano with a population of about 65,000. The city is known for its historic streets and abundant local specialties, which draw many visitors. We will share recommended sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, on Cool Japan Video, so please enjoy it! ◆What is Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture?◆ Shiojiri City is surrounded by the Northern Alps, the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mt. Takabochi, and the Central Alps, and it stretches across broad agricultural landscapes. Grapes are a specialty here, and wines made from those grapes have gained renown worldwide. At Narai inn (Narai-juku), once a post town on the Nakasendo, visitors are still greeted by streets that vividly retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. ◆Shiojiri City sightseeing information◆ [History & Culture] ◇Narai inn Located below Torii Pass, a difficult section of the Nakasendo, Narai inn prospered as one of the eleven post towns of Kiso. It still preserves the look of the Edo period, offers beautiful seasonal scenery, and serves as a setting for films and dramas. The town remains full of attractions and local cuisine that continue to charm visitors. ◇Kisohirasawa Kisohirasawa, known as a lacquerware town, was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2006. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, medals that fused metal and Kiso lacquerware were adopted. ◇Historic roads and post towns Shiojiri City, crossed by several historic roads including the Nakasendo that links Edo and Kyoto, long flourished as a transportation hub. Explore the distinct charm and hidden stories of each post town. ◇Hiraide Ruins This site contains dwelling remains from the Jomon period over 5,000 years ago through the Heian period, showing where people lived. Many valuable artifacts have been unearthed. ◇Shiojiri Tanka Museum (Registered Tangible Cultural Property) The museum exhibits materials from poets connected to Shiojiri, such as Shimaki Akahiko. The main building is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. [Nature] ◇Mt. Takabocchi Highlands (Mt. Takabocchi Highlands) Part of Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park, the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sit at 1,665 meters and offer beautiful highland scenery. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes here, especially summer rhododendrons and alpine plants, and autumn sea-of-clouds views. From the highlands you can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Northern Alps, and Lake Suwa, a beauty that captivates visitors. ◇Wine and grapes Shiojiri is one of Japan’s leading wine regions, with a winemaking history spanning 130 years. Tour the wineries and savor the products that reflect the skill and spirit of the makers. ◇Grapes Kikyogahara, the home of grapes, produces exquisite varieties you can taste only here. ◆Shiojiri City festivals and events◆ ◇Shiojiri Winery Festa This event lets visitors taste Shiojiri wines and enjoy conversations with local winemakers. Many wine fans visit from inside and outside the prefecture. ◇Kiso Lacquerware Festival and Narai Shukuba Festival The once-a-year great lacquerware market features prized items and cellar finds displayed at shop fronts. The popular “Ochatsubo Dochu” procession in Narai inn is also a highlight. ◆Summary of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture◆ Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, offers rich nature and history to enjoy. Warm hospitality, beautiful nature, and culture await you. Cool Japan Video will continue to share great sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Thank you for your support!

Hello! This is the Uenohara City Tourism Association. Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City is a city with a population of about 22,000 located in the easternmost part of Yamanashi Prefecture. It is about 1 hour easily accessible from Shinjuku, Tokyo by Use the JR Chuo Line and Chuo Expressway, so it is an ideal area for Day Trip from Tokyo Central Tokyo. In this COOL JAPAN VIDEOS First Post, we will introduce some of the attractions of Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Please enjoy it until the end. What is ==Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture? == Uenohara City was established in 2005 by the merger of Uenohara Town in Kitatsuru-gun District and Akiyama Village in Minamitsuru-gun District. Surrounded by Yaeyama, Yougai Mountain, Ougiyama, Tsuboyama, Mt.Takatsuka, and Mt. Mito Spring Uenohara City offers spectacular views of nature throughout summer, autumn, and winter. One of the attractions of Uenohara City is that you can experience various outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, camping, fishing, horseback riding, sports, and hot springs. In addition, Momotaro has a strong image of Okayama, but Uenohara City, along with neighboring Otsuki City, also has the "Legend of Otsuki Uenohara Momotaro". Onigashima is Mt. Iwadono in present-day Otsuki City, and there is a legend that Momotaro followed a dog in Uenohara Town, and the place name of Dangozaka is also said to be derived from the legend of Momotaro "Dango". ==Introduction to Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture Tourist Destinations== ・Guntori Shrine It is a shrine with a history of 500 years and is famous as the god of good fortune and Marriage. In addition, since there is a benefit of luck in victory, sports players such as soccer teams also Visit to Prayer in the hope of winning. ・Ichinomiya Shrine Ichinomiya Shrine is surrounded by Cedar trees that are more than 500 years old. It is a shrine with a history that is said to have been founded in 1343. ・Gongen Mountain It is a mountain with an elevation of 1312 meters and has been selected as one of the 100 famous mountains of Yamanashi Hundred Famous Mountains and the three mountains of Kitatsuru. From the top, you can overlook Mount Doshi, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Mitsutoge, and Mt. Undori. ・Mt. Mito It is a mountain with a Elevation of 1,531 meters that spans Okutama Town, Tokyo, Hinohara Village, Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and Kosuge Village, Kitatsuru-gun, and has been selected as a Three Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan, Yamanashi Hundred Famous Mountains, and One Hundred Famous Mountains of Flowers. There are three peaks, the West Peak, the Central Peak, and the East Peak, which is the origin of the name "Mt. Mito". ・Ougiyama It is one of the "top 3 popular mountains" along the JR Chuo Main Line. There is also a mountain trail that even beginners can enjoy. ・Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Uenohara City Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture was used in the filming of Juzo Juzo's 1984 film "Funeral," while the city's Former Shimada Junior High School was used in the filming of the short drama "My Beautiful Man," which aired in 2023, and a commercial for a famous fast-food restaurant. These filming locations have become popular Spots for fans as a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. ==Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture Specialty Products== Uenohara City is famous for its Specialty Products such as Cereals and Sake Manju. In particular, locally Cultivated millet is known for its high nutritional value and good flavor, and is supported by health-conscious people. Sake Manju is also characterized by its unique sweetness and moist texture, which is appreciated by Visitors. ==Introduction of festivals and events in Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City Prefecture== ・Tsukimigaike Benzaiten Festival It is a festival of Benten-sama enshrined in Tsukimigaike every year in July. Visit the Lantern floating and Noryo Fireworks Display held from dusk are visited by many spectators. ・Ushikura Shrine Annual Grand Festival It is a festival held every year in September to give thanks to the gods of agriculture. Mikoshi portable shrines and festival floats procession through the city, making it lively. ・Koshu Meat and Wine Festival Stalls of more than 50 stores and more than 200 brands of wine can be enjoyed at Special venues around JR Uenohara Station for the second time in 2024. It is a popular event that is visit by many people from Central Tokyo. ==Introduction to Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture== There are many historic shrines in Uenohara City, and there are many Spots where you can feel the history, such as the giant Japanese Judas tree at Guntori Shrine and the giant cedar tree at Ichinomiya Shrine. It is also recommended to visit these spots and think about history. Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture is a town with a rich Rich in nature environment and a deep history. We will introduce recommended Spots that will remain in everyone's memory, so thank you.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom main building. The days have been humid and hot this season. How are you doing? If you started a new life in April, you might be feeling worn out by now. When that happens, why not take a walk in Shosenkyo Gorge, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the negative ions from Senga Falls to refresh yourself? Looking at crystals and gemstones can also be very soothing!

The Katsura River streams through the area of Yamanashi Prefecture. This river is Famous for sweetfish anglers as a fishing Spot one of the most the Kanto region. On the other hand, the current situation is that it is not known to the general public. I want more people to know about the Katsura River and sweetfish, which are local tourist resources. And I want to revitalize and promote the region. Squid, we have developed Specialty Products. In particular, this sweetfish sandwich is a rare product that you should try at least once. Sweet and spicy honeydew stew, confit with olive oil and garlic, It is a set of 3 types of fried foods that are fried and entwined with sauce.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store! June has arrived and the weather is humid, but Shosenkyo Gorge is full of fresh green leaves and a refreshing breeze blows through the area 🍃 Near the falls you can feel the spray and find a cool spot. You can also see the rare view directly above the falls from the wooden deck 👀 Please be sure to take a look! A new wine has arrived at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom next to that wooden deck ☀️ This unusual Yamanashi wine is made from Chardonnay and Syrah. It’s a crisp, dry wine recommended for hot summers, so please give it a try. When you visit Shosenkyo, please stop by ☺️

Koshu Katsuragawa sweetfish stewed with honeydew and confit. The Katsura River starts at At the foot of Mt. and stream the county area of Yamanashi Prefecture. In particular, the Katsura River, which stream through Uenohara City, is an important Tourist Resources that can be proud of both inside and outside the city, stream the sight of the spectacular scenery that you see is magnificent. In addition, since the Edo period, sweetfish from the Katsura River has gained popularity among people traveling along the Koshu-kaido as a Specialties of Uenohara. This sweetfish, which was once lost due to the construction of the Sagami Dam, has been revived in modern times thanks to the hard work of the Local Katsura River Fisheries Cooperative. Even now, many anglers visit the Katsura River during the season, bringing liveliness to the city. Using the wonderful scenery of the Katsura River and Uenohara's Specialties of Sweetfish as an opportunity, we would like to deliver the charm of the city to even more people. I want to liven up the community. Specialty products have been developed from such thoughts.

Hello, this is 💁 ♀️ the Otsuki Station Tourist Information Center Wine !️ is now 🙌 on sale We have 🎉 two types of Orifan from Sasaichi Sake Brewery Saruhashi Daikokuya has also started selling wine. In addition, we also carry 🍷 Koshu nigori Ume plum wine and sangria made with peaches and grapes From Sasaichi Sake Brewery, summer-only sake, From FAR YEAST BREWING, we are ✨ waiting for you with a chilled noon moon, a "beer exclusively for outdoor use" If you are looking for sake with a Yamanashi or Otsuki feeling, please stop by! 😉 Vegetables are also coming in 🥬 little by little Please stop by ☀️

With the aim of regional revitalization, promotion of recognition, and expansion of consumption by Tomi Wine, which leads the Chikuma River Wine Valley, we will invite visitors from the Tokyo metropolitan area and all over the country to hold a wine festival outdoors in May with a new look from every year autumn. This year, the event will be held for two days, and will also sell limited edition wines that assemble mix and harmonize grapes from each producer in the city, and to convey the charm of delicious food in the region. I hope you all enjoy it. Name: Tomi Wine Festa 2024 - Assemblage Date and time: May 11 Sat and 12 Sun held for 2 days in Reiwa 6 　　　11:00~16:00 on both days Implementation in case of rain Location: JA Shinshu Ueda Tomi Branch La Vérité Parking Lot 63-4 Tanaka, Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture 　　　Shinano Railway About a 5-minute walk from Tanaka Station Participation fee: Free for everyone Bring your own wine glasses 　　　* All drinks and food Will be sold charged. Wine glasses with participating winery logos 2024 limited sale 700 yen will end as soon as they run out Organizer: Tomi Wine Club wineries in the city, wine grape producers, wine support group Supported by: Tomi City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association, Nagano Wine Association Sponsor: Tomi City, each company Cooperation: 82 Bank Tanaka Branch, JA Shinshu Ueda Tomi Branch Vendors: Wineries, wine grape producers, local restaurants, etc.

HELLO VIEWERS OF COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Shinshu Toumi Tourism Association. Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture is a city in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by the Asama mountain range of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park to the north and Tateshina and Yatsugatake to the south, it is an area rich in Rich in nature, with more than half of the city being mountain forests and one-fourth being fields. The city was created in 2002 by the merger of Higashimomachi and Kitamomaki Village, and became "Tomi City" by taking one letter each of the Omi of Higashimomachi "east" and Kitamomaki Village. There is the Joshinetsu Expressway "Tobu Yunomaru Interchange" and the Shinano Railway "Tanaka Station" and "Shigeno Station", and it is about 2 hours from Central Tokyo and about 1 hour from Nagano City and Matsumoto City. ==Recommended sightseeing spots in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Unno Yado Opened in 1625 as a Shukuba-juku on the Kitakuni Highway, it is a tourist destination that still retains its original appearance. You can feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. ・Myojin Pond It is a pond built in the Edo period, and it is Maintenance as an Art Village Park centered on the pond, and you can see the beautiful scenery of the four seasons such as New green and autumn leaves in the Satoyama. There are facilities in the park such as the Umeno Memorial Picture Gallery and the Fureaikan. ・Unnojyuku History and Folklore Museum The building built around 1790 in the Edo period is still used as a Documents Museum. The climate, history, and documents of Unno Yado are on display ・Roadside Station Raiden Walnut Village At the Roadside Station at the entrance to Yunomaru Highland, you can enjoy a meal that makes use of hand-made soba "Inutate Soba" and local ingredients at the restaurant. Local agricultural products and specialty products are lined up, so it is also recommended to buy Souvenirs for sightseeing in Tomi City. ・Yunomaru Ski Resort It is the closest powder snow ski resort to Central Tokyo, and the six slopes can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. The business period is from late November to early April every year. ・Yunomaru Plateau It is a plateau located on the west side of the Asama mountain ranges, and the Renge azalea of Azalea Plain is also designated as a national natural monument. Every year, when the Renge azalea is in full bloom, the "Yunomaru Kogen Azalea Festival" is held. ・Yurakuchi-kan Wine & Beer Museum It is a facility where you can experience Tomi Wine, such as an exhibition room that introduces the history of Tomi Wine, winery Information in Tomi City, grape cultivation amount, etc., and a tasting area and wine sales centered on Tomi City wine. A wine concierge is also available, so be sure to find your favorite wine. ==Specialty products and gourmet foods of Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== Kyoho grapes, walnuts, sweet corn, Shirado potatoes, and broccoli are specialty products of Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture. These specialty products are also popular as thank-you gifts for roadside stations and Furusato Nozei tax payments. In addition, wineries are being born one after another in Tomi City, and wine taxis are also operated to visit wineries in the city. ==Events and festivals in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Raiden Festival It is a major summer event in Tomi City held at Tanaka Shopping Street, and there are performances and dances on stage, and many Kitchen Cars are lined up in the shopping street. At the climax, the festivals are enlivened by a dance parade. ・Unno Yado Fureai Festival It is a festival held every November at Uminojuku, Old Kitakuni Highway, Unno Juku, and a procession dressed in Edo period costumes parades through the city. The buildings and gardens of Unno Yado, which you cannot usually see, will be opened. ==Agricultural experience in Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== The idyllic atmosphere of Tomi City, with its fields spread all around, is difficult to enjoy in the Central Tokyo. There is also a travel plan where you can enjoy farming experience while interacting with the warm and friendly people of Tomi City. Even if you visit sightseeing for the first time in Tomi, the local staff will support you so that you can participate with peace of mind. Agricultural experience plans include "Rice cultivation", "Apple cultivation", "Corn harvesting experience", and "Traditional Japanese straw raincoat harvesting experience". ==Recommended Information for Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture== The Nature of the Tomi City and the atmosphere of the historic city Fascination those who visit. Please feel the charm of Tomi City firsthand. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will provide recommended Information that will help you plan your trip to Tomi City.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom main building. Under a bright blue sky, the cherry trees around the ropeway are now in full bloom. A stroll while admiring the cherry blossoms feels very exciting. Next up, after the Somei-yoshino finish, a rare pale yellow-petaled ukon (Ukon cherry) will begin to bloom. Kanezakura Shrine is famous, so look forward to it! By the way, there is also an Ukon cherry at the corner of the Wine Kingdom parking lot, but it is still in bud. Why not take a cherry-blossom walk in Shosenkyo Gorge?

Hello😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store. As April arrives, the weather has felt like winter at times, with cold and rainy days continuing. It looks like the weekend will bring back more spring-like weather, so that’s a relief☺️ While a fine day is nicer for a walk, there are some unusual sights you can only see when it rains☔️ For example, rainwater streaming from a crack in the rock directly opposite Senga Falls can look like a small waterfall👀 You might think, “I came all the way to Shosenkyo and it’s raining,” but rain can reveal scenes and little discoveries you wouldn’t see otherwise. We hope you enjoy the many faces of Shosenkyo😊 We also have a recommended rosé that pairs beautifully with the spring season and its colors. Why not try Japan Wine Sakura, with petals of gold leaf drifting in the glass, or an aromatic Merlot rosé? As it becomes easier to stroll around, please come visit Shosenkyo and enjoy your time here😄