As part of the Kumamoto Prefectural Theater’s 40th anniversary projects, five videos were produced under the theme “A Moving Theater.” One of these, a collaboration video pairing Manda Pit with dance, has been released on YouTube. The performance set against the historic Manda Pit features professional dancer Yusuke Hayama as lead, choreographer, and scriptwriter. Art director Takashi Yoshida composed and directed an original piece for this project, and the film was produced by OP Films from Onigashima Productions. True to the phrase “Dance is Timeless,” the video offers a dance interpretation of Manda Pit’s history that transcends eras. https://arao-kankou.jp/info/11207/... Other videos created under the “A Moving Theater” theme are also available. Please take a look. ・Sakitsu Village × Double Bass ・Yatsushiro Myoken Festival × Tsugaru Shamisen and Japanese Drums ・Aso × String Quartet ・Misumi West Port × Marching Band

Kumamon Island finally appears in the popular game Fortnite!! The hugely popular online game Fortnite has introduced a new stage set in Kumamoto called Kumamon Island!! Kumamon Island isn’t the usual shooting game; it’s a business simulation game!! The game’s story centers on Kumamoto’s major tourist spots, including Kumamoto Castle, and features a plot in which players help Kumamon and friends build a giant Kumamon robot!! One of the tourist sites featured is the Manda Pit!! Enjoy the game together with the adorable Kumamon♪ Island code 0507-8727-1071 https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kumamonisland/...

A coal mine trolley will run at Manda Pit! The coal mine trolley displayed at the Manda Pit coal preparation plant will run! Of the two displayed cars, No. 12 will run. The coal mine trolley used the Miike Coal Mine private railway to carry coal mined at Manda Pit for export from Miike Port. Be sure to see the trolley as it glides along in pleasant operation. Scheduled running times Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 Manda Pit Postal code 864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the New Year holidays ◆Admission fees: Adults 410 yen, High school students 310 yen, Elementary and junior high students 210 yen, Infants free *Group rates available (20 people or more) ◆Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30) ◆Phone: 0968-57-9155

Manda Pit is also hugely popular as a cosplay photo spot! Arao City's symbol Manda Pit In 2015 (Heisei 27) it was registered as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage. The Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution—iron and steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining—represent the first successful spread of the Industrial Revolution from Europe to the non-Western world. Between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization in just over half a century. Now preserved as valuable industrial remains, Manda Pit has newly become extremely popular as a cosplay photo location!! Many cosplayers and photographers use the site. Visitors and staff alike find themselves captivated by the authentic costumes and makeup. Here are some precious off‑shot photos. When a shoot starts, the site feels different from the Manda Pit we usually see as staff, and that gives us a strange, wonderful feeling. Manda Pit is perfect for cosplay photography, offering everything from striking action shots to nostalgic scenes. You’re sure to get photos you’ll love—highly recommended. We look forward to your visit. Information Filming requires advance reservation and a photo shoot application form. Please download the application form from the Arao City website. For changing rooms and luggage storage please use the Manda Coal Mine Museum (paid). This also requires advance reservation. Please contact the Manda Coal Mine Museum for room availability. Manda Coal Mine Museum: Phone 0968-64-1300 If you have any questions, please contact Manda Pit Station. ◆ Manda Pit Station 〒864-0001 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◆ Phone: 0968-57-9155 ◆ FAX: 0968-57-9156 ◆ Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday), and during the New Year holidays ◆ Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.) ◆ Admission fees: Manda Pit ruins / Adults: ¥410, High school students: ¥310, Elementary and junior high students: ¥210, Preschool children: free ◆ Access: Bus / 8 minutes from JR Arao Station ◆ Parking: 5 large buses, 3 medium buses, 72 passenger cars #Kumamoto #World Heritage #World Cultural Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Manda Pit #Manda Coal Mine Museum #cosplay #photo spot #Arao City website

What did the mine baths look like? At the Miike Coal Mine Manda Pit there is a newly opened Safety Lamp Room and Bathhouse that opened to the public in fiscal 2024. This bathhouse is the facility that was used from around 1951 (Showa 26), about 74 years after coal extraction stopped at Manda Pit, until 1997 (Heisei 9). Because this bathhouse served the small number of miners who performed maintenance work underground, it is different from the large bathhouses from Manda Pit’s heyday. Although smaller in scale, it served the same purpose of washing off the grime from underground work. Because coal dust that stuck to workers during work was hard to wash off, the washing area was separate from the tubs, and the tubs were divided into the "first bath" and an "up-bath (kakari-yu)" used after cleaning oneself thoroughly. (For details about the large bathhouse used by about 3,500 miners at Manda Pit’s peak, guided tours at Manda Pit offer more information, so please consider using a guide.) The Miike Coal Mine had abundant groundwater and required constant pumping. You might think that plentiful groundwater would be suitable for filling the tubs, but the water used for bathing was tap water. The reason was that water drawn from underground contained fine fragments of coal and other materials that posed a risk of injury, so it was not used at Manda Pit. On Hashima (Gunkanjima), water had to be brought in by supply ship from the mainland until a submarine water pipeline opened in 1953 (Showa 28). At that time, sea water was boiled for baths, and fresh water was reserved for the final "up-bath (kakari-yu)." A scene in the 2024 drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" also shows miners using the bathhouse after finishing underground work, so please pay attention to that when you watch.

'Mine Tram Preservation Sites Stamp Rally' Event Period Sunday, November 3, 2024–Sunday, March 30, 2025 Stamp and Card Pickup Locations Mine Tram Station Zero (shop reception) Manda Pit (Marugoto Arao Local Products Center reception) Mikawakou (shop register) Omuta Tourist Plaza (register reception) *Banners will mark the entrances where stamps and cards are available. How to Collect Stamps and Get Your Prize 1. Pick up a rally card at any of the four locations listed above. 2. Collect stamps at each location. 3. Receive your prize at the location where you stamp the fourth mark. The 'Mine Tram Preservation Sites Stamp Rally' runs from Sunday, November 3, 2024 through March 30, 2025. During the event, visit the four stamp and card pickup locations to receive an original tin badge produced by the NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society (two designs available). We look forward to many participants! Inquiries NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society Organizer: NPO Mine Tram Preservation Society Supported by: Omuta City, Arao City Cooperation: Shiraishi Motor Co., Ltd.; Omuta City Tourism Association; Arao City Tourism Association; NPO Miike Port Future Town Development Association

🌷Manda Pit Spring Festa 2025🌷 Delicious gourmet food, handmade goods, and food trucks! Also featuring “Manda Elementary Kids Guide” collaboration: Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3! For details, please visit the Arao City Tourism Association website 💁‍♀️ ◆Date and Time Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:00–15:00 ※Event will proceed in light rain ◆Location Manda Pit Lawn Plaza, 200-2 Haramanda, Arao City Free admission! ※The paid area of Manda Pit remains charged as usual. ◆Program ・Petting zoo ・Challenge from Manda Pit ver.3 (quiz rally) ・Bubble Time (teambub) ・Gymnastics workshop by acrobat performance team VIVO ・Gourmet and craft market with over 30 vendors ◆Organizer Manda Pit Station @akane.0604k93 #Kumamoto Prefecture #Arao #Event #Spring Festa #Manda Pit #Gourmet #Food truck #Crafts #Handmade #Zoo #Petting zoo #Quiz rally #Challenge from Manda Pit #Tamana #Omuta #Nagasu #World Cultural Heritage #World Heritage

[Thorough Guide to the World Cultural Heritage Site: Manda Pit!] Manda Pit, located in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of the coal mine ruins that supported Japan’s modernization. It is registered as a component of the World Cultural Heritage site "Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution" and holds great significance in Japan’s industrial history. Highlights of Manda Pit One of Japan’s Largest Shaft Facilities Manda Pit served as one of the Miike Coal Mine shafts, producing high-quality coal from the Meiji era through the early Showa era and supporting Japan’s modernization. The massive steel headframe symbolizing Meiji- and Taisho-era mining technology and the winding engine house are must-sees. Well-Preserved Industrial Heritage Many mine facilities and equipment used from the Meiji through Showa eras remain at Manda Pit, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of the time. The red-brick buildings and the imposing steel-frame structures are especially popular photo spots. Guided Tours to Learn Mine History Specialist-guided tours at Manda Pit explain the history and workings of the mine in detail. You can see the machinery and equipment that were actually used up close. Display of Mine Trains Manda Pit also exhibits the mine trains once used there. You can view the trains used to transport coal and for local transport up close, and running demonstrations are held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. Recommended Nearby Spots Arao Tidal Flats (a nature-rich tidal flat registered under the Ramsar Convention) Greenland (one of Kyushu’s largest amusement parks) Yotsuyama Shrine (a historic shrine beloved by Arao residents) Coal Industry Science Museum (a science museum about energy from coal) Access Information About 10 minutes by car from JR Arao Station About 1 hour by car from Fukuoka City About 1 hour by car from Kumamoto City #Manda Pit #World Cultural Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Kumamoto Sightseeing #Arao City #Historical Exploration #Industrial Heritage #Photo Spot

Maido! This is the Sakai Tourism and Convention Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association! On Cool Japan Video, we will be sharing information about Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture, so we hope you will enjoy it! Sakai City sits in the south-central part of Osaka Prefecture, facing Osaka Bay, and is a compelling city where history, culture, and modern life coexist. With a population of about 810,000, it is the second largest city in Osaka Prefecture after Osaka City. Step away from the bustle of the streets, and you will find historic burial mounds and venerable shrines—an altogether different, rich charm lives here. Sakai’s history is ancient: people settled here more than 10,000 years ago in the Paleolithic era, and many stone tools and pottery pieces have been unearthed from Sakai’s archaeological sites. From the late 4th century onward, burial mounds were built one after another, eventually forming a group of over 100 tumuli. These mounds still remain throughout the city, allowing you to feel history up close. During the Sengoku period, Sakai prospered as an international trading port. Now, let us introduce some of Sakai City’s most attractive sightseeing spots. First is the Mozu Tombs and Furuichi Burial Mounds. Consisting of the Mozu area in Sakai City and the Furuichi area in Habikino City and Fujiidera City, the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. At the center of the Mozu area stands the Tomb of Emperor Nintoku, Japan’s largest keyhole-shaped kofun at 840 meters long. It is said to be one of the world’s three great tombs alongside the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in China. Currently, 44 kofun remain within Sakai City. Come and feel the breath of antiquity. At Mozu Hachimangu Shrine, an ancient and atmospheric shrine, you are greeted by a camphor tree more than 800 years old that is designated a Natural Monument of Osaka Prefecture. The shrine grounds are filled with seasonal trees that paint different scenes throughout the year. Other popular temples and shrines in Sakai City include Tajihayahime Shrine, Ohtori Grand Shrine, Hochigai Shrine, and Kaikou Shrine. For families with children, Sakai Municipal Children's Museum, known as Big Bang, offers an indoor play space that is perfect even on rainy days. Inside the UFO-shaped facility, kids can run and climb on a giant jungle gym reaching 53 meters high. Children can learn about science and physics while playing on the equipment. At Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum (formerly Sakai Traditional Industry Hall), which brings together Sakai’s traditional industries, you can learn about the city’s proud history of blades and their manufacturing processes. Exhibition rooms showcase incense, tatami mats, wagashi sweets, and Sakai May carp streamers, and demonstrations of blade sharpening and hands-on workshops are also held, making it a popular tourist spot. Sakai hosts many popular festivals and events such as the Sakai Festival, Sakai Futon Daiko, and Sakai Danjiri. The Sakai Festival, held annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of October, is the city’s largest celebration. The main street, Oshoji-suji, becomes a pedestrian zone for a grand event featuring folk dances, Nanban costumes, and gun squads, with some 7,000 participants—an unmissable spectacle. Sakai Futon Daiko is famous as Sakai’s autumn festival, with mikoshi portable shrines adorned with five layers of decorated futons parading through the city. Alongside the futon drums, Sakai Danjiri is another autumn tradition. More than 80 danjiri floats remain in Sakai City today, offering a sense of history and tradition. Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture holds a wealth of attractions where tradition, culture, and history blend together. We will continue to share more information so that everyone can learn more about Sakai City, and we appreciate your support!

It is a strange rock in Kumano City, Mie Prefecture, and a lion rock that has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. It has a height of about 25 meters.

Memories of Shirakawa-go Shirakawa-go in early summer taken when I was still able to drive to the Observation decks Currently, you have to take a shuttle bus or walk to this observation decks. At night, the parking lot of the village is closed, so it is a scenery that can no longer be photographed. The four photos are combined with the comparative names.

"Beyond Time" Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture Photograph of the 9th generation of Otorii Gate near the end of repairs A historical building called Otorii Gate that has been passed down through the ages

Kannon-do at Ninna-ji Temple The construction of Ninna-ji Temple began at the request of Emperor Mitsutaka, and was founded by Emperor Uta in the 4th year of Ninwa (888). It has been revered by successive emperors as a private temple of the Imperial Family. The photograph is a high-resolution image of 33 enshrinement Buddha statues and murals Reproduction the normally non-Open to the public Kannondo at the Tokyo National Museum. There were so many visitors that it was difficult to take pictures so as not to let people in, but this was the only one that looked like Kannondo. It's really beautiful.

Cherry blossoms and Himeji Castle Himeji Castle is also known as White Heron Castle, a castle located in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Major buildings such as castle towers and turrets built in the Edo period still exist, and are registered as national treasures, important cultural properties, and UNESCO World Heritage Lists. I visited Himeji Castle when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, The photo was taken from the restaurant in the building. I tried to make it a panoramic style, and when you look at it like this, it is quite wide. Cherry blossoms and egret castle are the best match.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / Visiting the site inside the bare roof I saw the restoration work of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in October 2019, because it is a special Opening to the public and you can Visiting the site during the period. The craftsmen of the palace carpenter are working hard to rebuild. But it was a pity that I couldn't see the craftsmanship because it was Sunday. In Okinawa, there are many typhoons, and construction is carried out in temporary buildings called "bare roofs" to prevent rain and wind. The main hall is completely covered, so it's very big ^^ This is the roof part at the top, and at both ends of this 3-meter dragon sits as the guardian deity of the main hall. By the way, the pillars of the main hall are made of Cypress trees from Nara Prefecture, and the scent of Cypress trees is good. It is expected to be completed in 2026.

The road to the main hall of Shuri Castle / Shuri Castle Park Walk along this street to the main hall of Shuri Castle. So far, you can come in for free. Okinawa is Ume Plum Rain and it is a pity that it rained on this day, and the main gate that you can see at the far end is the main gate "Kankaimon" that enters Shuri Castle, and you will dive through 6 gates including the gate of Shuri Castle.

Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, stands as the best-preserved castle in Japan. This stunning fortress is not just a Japanese National Treasure but also a World Heritage site. With its 400-year-old, seven-story castle keep and over 1,000 cherry trees that bloom in spring, the castle's grounds are a sight to behold.

Narai-juku, located on the old Nakasendo road, is the longest post town in Japan, stretching about 1 km along the Narai River. This historic site features the Chinjin Shrine at the top of Torii Pass on its Kyoto end. Once a bustling hub for travelers, Narai-juku was known as "Narai Senken" Narai's Thousand Houses and was the busiest stop on the Kisoji road. The town still preserves architectural marvels from the Edo period, such as the eaves lights of the inns and the thousand latticed windows, reflecting the timeless grandeur of the area.

I looked up at Himeji Castle. You can see the multi-layered roof and the structure of the eaves, and it is not only beautiful. You can get a glimpse of the original appearance of the sturdy castle, and the people who made it in the past are the very essence of Cool Japan.

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Katsuren Ruins of the Castle / World Heritage Site Katsuren Ruins of the Castle located in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site. Built around 1200, it is the oldest of the World Heritage Sites of Okinawa's castles. It is said that the castle owner, Amawari, tried to take a different path from the Ryukyu royal government, but was destroyed by the Ryukyu royal government. The gracefully curved city walls are impressive, and you can see the Pacific Ocean from the top!

Sacred place, Saiba Ontake This sacred site, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, is located in a natural environment full of lush trees, and is said to be the place where the highest ranking priestess of the Ryukyu Kingdom prayed for the nation. Originally, it was a sanctuary where men were forbidden, and it is said that some places of worship in Saiba Ontake were given the same names as the rooms in Shuri Castle, which shows the roles of male and female societies that form the two sides of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the strength of their ties. The location of this photo is the innermost place of worship "Sangui", which exists further back in the triangular space created by two huge boulders. On this day, it was raining and windy strongly, but the weather improved on the way, and by the time we arrived at Sankori, the sun was shining brightly. The light is so strong that the sunlight filtering through the trees creates a clear contrast pattern on the ground. As the sea breeze shook the trees, a strong light flew into the viewfinder, but I didn't care. Flares, ghosts, and large glows, usually NG as photos. But this is a sanctuary. I felt that my heart was shaken by the overflow of light. The photographs, which should have been unusual, were engraved as vivid memories.

The Yomeimon Gate at the Nikko Tosho-gu shrine. We arrived towards the closing time of this shrine and yet this gate made me stand and stare at the gorgeous detail of the artist's work. Very symbolic of the beautiful Japanese history. The cherry on the cake was that beyond this gate, we could walk up to the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, someone who I admire and had read about so much before arriving in Japan.

The other day, Hiroshima Prefecture ranked first as a "famous place for cherry blossoms" in an online article One piece facing the large Torii shrine gate gate of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima with cherry blossoms.

The majestic Mt. Red Mount and a 🗻 330-year-old Ipponzakura tree Nirasaki City, Yamanashi

Dyed in the Morning Sun Red Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms at sunrise Susono City, Shizuoka

The charm of Mt. Fuji and fresh greenery on a spring morning is beautiful Yamanashi Prefecture Fujikawaguchiko Town Kawaguchiko Shore

春の朝に绮丽な藤士山と青空と新緑 Yamanashi Prefecture, Fuji Kawaguchiko Town, Oishi Park

Mt. Fuji and azalea flowers seen from Lake Shoji Lake Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi

Mt. Fuji and Cherry Blossoms "Spring in Japan is beautiful" Iwamoto Park, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture