Traditional Performing Art of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Ara-Odori (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) The Ara-Odori of Gokase is a style of elegant festival dance that was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property on January 8, 1987 (prefectural designation: May 15, 1962). In February 2021, a group of 41 nationwide “furyu odori” (elegant festival dances), including Gokase’s Ara-Odori, was selected as a candidate for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. A nomination dossier was submitted to UNESCO in March of the same year, and the dances were officially inscribed on November 30, 2022. “Furyu odori” embodies the spirit of flamboyance and eye-catching elegance. Performers wear elaborate costumes and carry decorative props as they dance to songs and the sound of flutes, drums, and small gongs. Across Japan, 42 furyu odori entries (covering 25 prefectures and 43 municipalities) are designated National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. In Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokase’s Ara-Odori is the only designated example. These dances carry prayers from local communities for protection from calamities, memorials for the dead, prosperous harvests, and rain. Villagers of all ages take part during festivals and annual events. Each locality’s history and natural environment are reflected in its performance, and the dances serve as a vital source of community energy. The Ara-Odori of Gokase is said to have begun in the Tensho era (1573–1592) when Sakamoto Iga no Kami Masayuki, lord of Sakamoto Castle (upstream of the Mikasho River), started the dance to raise his troops’ morale before going to war. Later, in the Keicho era (1596–1615), his grandson Sakamoto Yamashiro no Kami Nyudo Kyukaku established a ritual code for offering the dance to the guardian deity Futakami Daimyojin (now Mikasho Shrine). At that time, it is said that a successor from the temple called shinbochi oversaw funerary rites, and a monkey kept at the temple was also made to join the dance. One theory holds that the dance originated in Sakamoto, in Ōmi Province (modern Shiga Prefecture). However, the Nisshu Takachiho Kokon Jiran-ki (collected in Volume 4 of the Hyuga Local Historical Materials) records that descendants of Sasaki Rokkaku Takayori from Ōmi fled to Takachiho and served the Mitai clan; their descendants later took the names Saho, Sakamoto, and Masaki. The Sakamoto mentioned here is not the Sakamoto of Sakamoto Castle but the Sakamoto from Mukoyama to Kanegase, a separate lineage with its own origins distinct from the Minamoto, Oogami, or Fujiwara clans. Ara-Odori schedule: every year on the fourth Sunday of September

Ukusu Shrine - Shizuoka Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property Designation It is said that the place name of Ukusu became Ugusu after the name of the Great camphor tree, and the Precincts of this palace is wide, and a large camphor tree tree once Restrooms available it. Restrooms available at Ukusu Shrine is a hexagonal fishing lantern designated as a tangible cultural property of the prefecture, and it is a graceful and exquisite work with bronze plate castings throughout, a crest of ascending wisteria hammered out on top of the arabesque openwork in the center, and a jewel engraved on the eaves of the upper and lower rows. In recent years, Ukusu Shrine has held an event called "Wind Chime Shrine" to decorate the worship hall with 240 blue wind chimes only in the summer. ■Address 1269-1 Ukusu, Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Nice to meet Mr./Ms. everyone! This is the Fujikawa Development Corporation. Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture is a town of about 14,000 people located in Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Located in the southwestern part of the Kofu Basin, it is a Rich in nature area where one of the Two Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan Mt. Kushigatayama on the west side and the Fuji River, one of the three major rapids Japan, stream on the east side. Fujikawa Town flourished as a post town for Fuji River boat transportation during the Edo period, and many travelers visited this area. In addition, many old shrines and temples Restrooms available in the Fujikawa Town, and Kongozan Myouji Temple is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. These historic buildings convey the long history and culture of Fujikawa Town to the present day. ==Introduction to Sightseeing spots in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture== ・Oboshi Park It is a famous place for cherry blossoms that has been selected as a "Japan 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots". 2,000 cherry trees bloom in Springs. Oyanagawa Valleys Promenade You can enjoy the beautiful nature of the four seasons, such as fresh greenery and autumn leaves. ・Himuro Shrine Elevation is a shrine located in 1000 meters, and you have to climb 575 long stairs to Prayer to the main hall. ・Mt.Hoda Nanmyoji Temple It is a historic temple built in 1480. ・Myohoji Temple It is also known as "Hydrangea Temple" or "Haiku Temple", and from the end of June to the beginning of July, 20,000 hydrangeas bloom all over the Precincts. ==Specialty products of Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture== Fujikawa Town's Specialty Products include yuzu and La France, Restrooms available. These Specialty Products are nurtured by the rich nature of Fujikawa Town, and you can enjoy their Fresh taste. Roadside Station Fujikawa is lined with these fresh agricultural products and specialty products, so it is also recommended as a souvenir. ==Recommendations for Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi == The Linear Central Shinkansen Line tunnel Penetration memorial "Penetration stone" in the thank-you gift of the Fujikawa Town Furusato Nozei has become a popular item. Fujikawa Town is a Town where people who visit it can truly enjoy peace and Impression thanks to its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious Specialty Products. Enjoy a journey of nature, history, and gastronomy in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture. Fun will be sending out Recommendations for Fujikawa Town at COOL JAPAN VIDEOS!

Hello! This is Agematsu Tourism Association. Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture, sits in the southwest of Nagano, at the heart of the Kiso Valley along the upper reaches of the Kiso River. The town boasts rich history and beautiful nature that continue to charm visitors. ◆◆History of Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ During the Edo period, Agematsu Town was the 38th post town on the Nakasendo, which linked Edo and Kyoto. The stretch from Koumatsu-juku to Suhara-juku is the longest on the Kiso Road, and the area thrived as a rest stop for many travelers. You can still feel that history at sites such as the Kiso Plank and Nezame-no-toko Gorge. Guided Nakasendo walking tours led by veteran guides are available to help you create lasting travel memories. Agematsu Town has long prospered as a forestry town producing high-quality timber, notably Kiso hinoki (Japanese cypress), and is known as the “village of hinoki.” ◆◆Popular sights in Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ ◇Nezame-no-toko Gorge The Kiso River has carved the granite into squared formations that look like large boxes lined up. A local legend says Urashima Taro opened his tamatebako (treasure box) here. ◇Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest This recreation forest features natural Kiso hinoki trees over 300 years old and was an early site of forest protection measures some 400 years ago. Seven walking trails wind through the forest, and paid experiences such as forest therapy are available. Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is regarded as the birthplace of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. The term “forest bathing” was coined in 1982, and that year the first national forest bathing event was held here at Akasawa. ◇Akasawa Forest Railway A 2.2-kilometer round-trip tourist trolley runs through Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest; it was once used to transport timber. You can enjoy forest bathing while riding the railway. The Forest Railway Memorial Museum displays a steam locomotive from the railway’s opening era. ◇Kiso Komagatake The highest peak of the Central Alps, Kiso Komagatake rises to 2,956 meters. A ropeway climbs to 2,612 meters, offering Japan’s greatest elevation gain by ropeway. ◇Kiso Old Road, a natural trail This route linked the north and south of Kiso before the Nakasendo was developed. A hiking course on the Kiso plateau at about 1,000 meters elevation offers expansive natural views. ◆◆Events and festivals loved in Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ ◇Komagatake Shrine Annual Festival Held every year on May 3, the festival features the nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property performance “Daidai Kagura 13 Seats.” You can see pieces such as the four tengu dance “Shijin Gokae-hai” and the sword dance “Sanken no Mai.” ◆◆Local specialties of Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ Local specialties include gohei-mochi, sunkki (fermented turnip), and hooba-maki (hoja leaf-wrapped dishes). These regional foods offer rich, distinctive flavors you can enjoy only here. ◆◆Why visit Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ Agematsu Town charms visitors with its abundant nature and deep history. From the dramatic landscapes of Nezame-no-toko Gorge and Kiso Komagatake to the extraordinary forest bathing at Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest and the sense of history you feel walking the Nakasendo, Agematsu offers many attractions. Leave everyday life behind and enjoy a restorative trip filled with nature, history, and culture in Agematsu Town. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended information about Agematsu Town. Thank you for your support.

It is a World Heritage Site, but it is lit up three times a year. The other day, there was a winter illumination event, so I went there. This time, I made a reservation half a year ago, so I was able to stay lodging in a 200-year-old gassho-zukuri minshuku, and thanks to that, I was able to fully enjoy the nostalgic original scenery of Japan. In addition to the illumination at night, the quiet early morning walk, which is only possible for those who stayed at the lodging, was exceptional.

It is a World Heritage Site, but it is lit up three times a year. The other day, there was a winter illumination event, so I went there. This time, I made a reservation half a year ago, so I was able to stay lodging in a 200-year-old gassho-zukuri minshuku, and thanks to that, I was able to fully enjoy the nostalgic original scenery of Japan. In addition to the illumination at night, the quiet early morning walk, which is only possible for those who stayed at the lodging, was exceptional.

Shizuoka Prefecture Designated Cultural Property: Former Yoda Residence In 2010 (Heisei 22), the cluster of buildings that make up the Yoda family residence was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property (buildings) by Shizuoka Prefecture. The designation covers five structures: the main house built about 300 years ago, a detached guest room built about 200 years ago, and three storehouses erected in the late Tokugawa period—the tool storehouse, the rice storehouse, and the miso storehouse. According to tradition, the main house was constructed over 13 years during the Genroku era. Its exterior is a namako-wall style common in Matsuzaki, but every element down to the rafters is coated in plaster, and copper-sheeted fire shutters were installed at the eaves, making it a fully fire-resistant structure. This is a large-scale folk house built for a wealthy village headman family, and among folk houses in the Izu region it ranks as the second oldest building.

Hashima Island, located off the coast of Kyushu Nagasaki, is a coal mining facility that is now in ruins, called Gunkanjima because of its shape. It can be reached by boat in 40 minutes from Nagasaki Port, so you can go ashore on a tour, but from the coastline of the Nomozaki area in the southern part of Nagasaki City, you can see Gunkanjima from land. This view is also a view that I would like to keep forever, but it may not be possible to see it in a few years due to the progress of decay.

Former Kiya Takeshi Family Residence / Okinawa World Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town Okinawa World is located in Nanjo City in the southern part of Okinawa Prefecture. I went to the castle town of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which reproduces the townscape of the Ryukyu Dynasty era lined with red tile kominka, which is a registered tangible cultural property. The building in the photo is a private house that miraculously survived the ravages of war and was the site of the most intense ground battle of the Pacific War. On the pillars on the side of the corridor, the scars of shells received during the war were still vivid. The building was moved here from its original location. Since it was relocated, it has been used as a hands-on workshop. A very valuable building that tells the history of the Battle of Okinawa, I want to preserve it for a long time.

Lanterns brightly color the precincts. The photo shows "Osaki Hachimangu" in Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture The shrine hall main shrine, stone room, worship hall is designated as a national treasure, and is famous for its naked worship at the "Donto Festival" held on January 14 every year.

Chusonji Temple, one of the most popular temples in Tohoku It is a temple of the Tendai sect Tohoku Daihonzan located in Hiraizumi Town, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture. In 2011, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Chusonji Temple is famous for its gorgeous golden hall, but there are many other attractions such as Benkei-do, Yakushi-do, and Hondo. 　 By the way, the photo is "Benzaitendo" in the precincts of Chusonji Temple. It is said that it was donated in 1705 by Senhime of the Sendai feudal lord Date Tsunamura. This is a famous photo spot that is crowded with photographers.

Shirakawa-go in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, which is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. This photo was taken on 2022/11/9. The combination of vivid autumn leaves and Shirakawa-go is the best.

Shirakawa-go in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, which is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Shirakawago Open-Air Museum Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, 2022/11/9 Red, yellow, yellow-green, green and blue sky, it was the best autumn leaves with all colors.

Shirakawa-go in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, which is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. This photo was taken on 2022/11/9. Walking around Shirakawa-go is also a photo spot everywhere, so it is also recommended for photography lovers.

Shirakawa-go in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, which is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. View of gassho-zukuri and autumn leaves seen from the observatory. This photo was taken on 2022/11/9. There is fun in every season here, but the season of autumn leaves was also very great. Gassho-zukuri and autumn leaves were everywhere as photo spots. It is a very recommended place during the autumn foliage season, which is easy to move.

★ The 15th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest is currently being ★ held under the theme of "Recommended Japan Sightseeing Spots in 2023" We look forward to receiving many applications from you! This time, we will introduce a post by "Abhi Sen"! It's a piece that feels wabi sabi. The "Old Kaneiji Five-storied Pagoda" in Ueno Zoo, Taito Ward, Tokyo. It has a long history of about 400 years and is designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. It was lost in 1639, but was donated in 1958. ◆Ueno Park◆ 【Address】〒110-0008 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo Ikenohata 3-chome 【Access】 Get off at JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin Tohoku Line, JR Takasaki Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Ueno" G16 / H17 and walk about 2 minutes 【Parking lot】Available charged Please check the official website for details.