In the Chikuma River riverbed, Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture In the fields, the flowers of fruit trees such as peach blossoms and pear blossoms are in best time to visit. There are about 24 hectares in the Chikuma River riverbed The peach orchard spreads to about 8,000 peach trees Bright pink flowers are in full bloom. In addition, the white flowers of "plum", "Pear" also has white flowers, yellow "rape flower", etc. It's blooming! When the weather is nice, you can ⛰️ see the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu in the peach field Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu is a mountain in the Hokushin region of Nagano Prefecture. It can be seen mainly from the Nagano Basin, Mt. Myoko, Mt. Madarao, Mt. Kurohime, Mt. Togakushi Mountain, It is a general term for Mt. Mt. Iizuna.

How do you do! Chiba Prefecture Kamagaya City kamagayashi. Chiba Prefecture Kamagaya City is a convenient city that can be reached in about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, and has direct access to Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. With a population of about 110,000, Kamagaya City is easily accessible from the city center, and you can enjoy sightseeing spots full of history and culture with abundant nature. We will send out recommended information so that you can visit Kamagaya City for sightseeing, so thank you! ★★ Recommended places to visit in Chiba Prefecture Kamagaya City ◇Kamagaya Daibutsu Great Buddha The historic 1.8-meter-high Great Buddha, built in 1776, was designated as the first designated cultural property of Kamagaya City in 1972 and was selected as one of the "500 Charms of Boso". It has become a symbol of Kamagaya City. ◇Grave of a Tomb of a Government Soldier It is a valuable historical site that conveys the turbulent history of the end of the Edo period. It is designated as a city cultural property and is located in the Great Buddha Cemetery where the Kamagaya Daibutsu Great Buddha, which is also a city-designated cultural property, sits. ◇Hyakkoshin Within the Precincts of Hachiman Shrine, a total of 100 Koshin pagodas have been built, including 10 blue-faced Kongo statues and 90 character pagodas. ◇Kaigara-yama Park In the pond in the center of the park, waterfowl swim gracefully. It is a popular picnic spot for families, where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, such as cherry blossoms in full bloom, fresh greenery, colorful autumn leaves, and snowy scenery. ◇Fighters Kamagaya Stadium Nicknamed "Kamasta", it is the farm home of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. MLB players Shohei Ohtani and Yu Yu Darvish also worked up a sweat at this stadium. It is a must see spot for sports fans. ★★ Beloved events and festivals in Chiba Prefecture Kamagaya City ◇Kamagaya City Citizens' Festival For a long time, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024, it is a festival loved by the people of Kamagaya City. Equestrian warrior processions, parades, and Free Bazaar are held, and it is an event full of smiles. ◇ Kamagaya fireworks "Kamagaya Fireworks" is a summer tradition in Kamagaya City that began in 2016. 3,000 fireworks color the summer night sky of Kamagaya. ◇New Kamaya Illumination The beautiful event that heralds the visit of winter, when the area around Shinkamagaya Station is decorated with 53,000 illuminations, warmly illuminates the winter nights. ★★ Specialty Products Gourmet in Chiba Prefecture Kamagaya City Kamagaya City has a thriving pear cultivation, and the sweet and juicy pears are loved by locals and tourists alike as a taste from summer to autumn. There are about 150 pear farms in the city, and many of them sell directly to them, so please taste the freshly freshly caught pears. It is also popular as a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ★★ We look forward to seeing you in Chiba Prefecture Kamagaya City! Chiba Prefecture Kamagaya City allows you to feel the beauty of nature and the depth of history. We will send out travel recommendation Information that will be one page of everyone's memories on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you!

■Cycling Guide Tour■ – Fruit Sweets Plan – Pick your own fruit for the sweets!? ~A smart two-hour plan~ [ Cycling × Fruit Picking × Sweets ] Cycle through the seasons and harvest fresh fruit, then savor a one-of-a-kind taste made just for that day. The fruit you pick will be turned into desserts by the chef at the village eatery cafe and dining en! Riding is easy even on hills because we use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). If you’re not used to cycling, a guide certified by the Japan Cycling Guide Association will support you. We set the course to match each group’s level for your peace of mind! [ Plan Details ] ■Season and Available Fruit (Spring) Mid-March to Early May (Summer) Early June to End of August (Autumn) October to December (Winter) December to February – Fruit Grown in Toyooka Village – Strawberries: Early March to Early May Cherries: Early June to Late June Peaches: Mid-July to Mid-August (varieties vary by time) Grapes: Late August to Late September (varieties vary by time) Pears: Late August to Early October (varieties vary by time) Apples: Mid-August to Early December (varieties vary by time) Sweet persimmons: Late October to Late November Ichida persimmons: Late December to Late February (winter only; dried persimmons provided by local farmers) ■Duration, Distance, Start Time • Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours • Riding distance: Under 10 km • Start time: From 13:00 If you prefer a morning start, please consult with us. Please arrive at toyooka travel time 10 minutes before the start. ■Group Size 2 to 5 people. For single participants or groups larger than five, please consult with us. ■Price (tax included) Ages 3 and up: 5,000 yen per person and up. Ages 0–2: Free. Prices may vary depending on the fruit. Please note in advance. We cannot accept bookings when cafe and dining en is closed (closed every Monday and Tuesday). ■Course Details & Schedule 1. Meet at toyooka travel time and depart 13:00 (payment) 2. Cycle to the orchard 13:00–around 13:30 3. Arrive at the orchard and pick fruit around 13:30–14:00 4. Move to cafe and dining en around 14:15 5. Enjoy sweets around 14:30–15:00 6. Return to toyooka travel time and finish around 15:15 This plan normally starts in the afternoon; for a morning start, please consult with us. ■About the Plan [ Fruit ] Experience and enjoy the fruit of the season. If two or more fruits are available at the same time, please tell us which fruit you prefer. [ Course ] This course is designed for beginners. Even those who don’t usually ride a bike will be accompanied by a guide. The plan generally follows the schedule above. If you wish to extend the cycling portion, you can do so by paying an additional rental fee for the bicycles. [ Bicycles ] We use E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles). (There are no electric-assist bikes for children.) Small children who cannot ride can use a rented carrier bike. (Weight limits and other restrictions apply.) Rental bike list: • E-BIKE • Kids bike and carrier bike [Provided Equipment] • Helmet, gloves, saddle cover, trouser band, locker • Shower (additional fee) [Clothing] • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement ■Inquiries toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)

Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association! Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, home to a population of about 50,000, is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, about 90 minutes by car from Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Suzaka City has a long history, flourishing in the Silk industry from the Meiji era to the early Showa period, and in the city you can see storehouses and merchant houses with big wall construction that retain the remnants of that time. We will send out recommended information full of the natural beauty of Suzaka City and the charm of historical buildings on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so please look forward to it. ==Must see tourist spots in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Here are some recommended sightseeing spots in Suzaka City. Please use it as a reference for sightseeing in Suzaka City! ・Garyu Park In Garyu Park, you can enjoy about 600 cherry blossom trees that have been selected as "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots". Other flowers such as iris, wisteria, azaleas, and hydrangeas also decorate the park, and you can feel the beauty of nature throughout the year. ・Suzaka City Zoo The zoo in Garyu Park has about 50 species and 230 animals. There are events that can only be experienced here, such as "Capybara Onsen" and "Night Zoo Expedition", and "Digital Animal Park for Everyone" established by Sudaka Cable TV, where you can watch several kinds of animal videos live-streamed 24 hours a day. ・ 100 selections of waterfalls in Japan "Yonago Great Falls" The road collapsed due to a typhoon in the first year of Reiwa and was closed, but the road was opened in May 2023. Located in the southeastern part of Suzaka City, Yonago Falls is one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, with two waterfalls Fudo Falls and Gongen Falls that fall in a straight line down the caldera cliffs of Mt. Hyakumei and Mt. azumayasan straddling the border with Gunma Prefecture. ・Kura townscape In the Edo period, Suzaka City, where the domain office of the Suzaka clan "Hori clan" was located, flourished as a jinya town. It flourished in the Silk industry after the Meiji era, and there are many warehouse-making buildings that show the prosperity of that time. Why don't you go around the townscape with the Kura townscape walking map? ・Minenohara Plateau It is a plateau with an altitude of about 1,500 meters ~ 1,600 meters overlooking the Northern Alps and Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu. In the summer, you can enjoy highland sports such as tennis, golf, and trekking as a summer resort, and in the winter, it is a ski resort that entertains many people. ・Suzaka Art Park This facility is located on the south side of Garyu Park. It is a general term for three facilities: the World Folk Doll Museum, the Suzaka Print Museum, the Hiratsuka Unichi Print Museum, and the Historical Building Park, where you can experience history, culture, and art. During the Hinamatsuri season, the World Folk Doll Museum also hosts popular events such as "30-tiered decorations" and "Thousand Dolls Festival", and the Suzaka Print Museum exhibits "Tiered and Hanging Hina Decorations". ・Sekiya Onsen Yukku LAND It is a hot spring facility with a panoramic view of Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu and the night view of Suzaka City and Nagano City. There are 9 bathhouses, 4 saunas, restaurants, freshly baked bread factories, and other substantial facilities. ==Beloved events and festivals in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Garyu Park Sakura Festival It is a cherry blossom festival held in Garyu Park, and in 2024 it will be held between April 1 Mon ~ 21 Sun, 2024. You can also enjoy the fantastic scenery by lighting up the cherry blossoms at night. ・Kattakata Festival It is a historic festival that will be held for the 46th time in 2023 and is a summer tradition in Suzaka City. Giant "Ryu Mikoshi" and dancers exhaling white smoke parade through the streets of Suzaka City. ==Specialty Products of Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Suzaka City is rich in delicious specialty products loved by the locals, such as fresh fruit, miso, soba noodles, and oyaki. In particular, Shine Muscat, apples, grapes, etc. are cultivation, and their sweetness and freshness leave the name of the fruit kingdom "Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture" wanted. It is also popular as a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ==Enjoy the best trip in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture welcomes you with its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. Spending time in Suzaka City will be an irreplaceable memory for everyone. We will send out recommended information about Suzaka City, so thank you!

The pomegranate fruit that I was planting in the garden of my grandma's house became a pomegranate, so I captured it on camera.

This is the Toyooka Village Tourism Association. Hello to everyone watching the Cool Japan Video! Toyooka Village, in Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture, is located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture, in a region known as Minami Shinshu (Southern Shinshu). The village has a population of approximately 6,500. Compared to much of Nagano Prefecture, Toyooka Village enjoys a relatively mild climate with little snowfall, making it a thriving agricultural community for fruits and vegetables. On Cool Japan Video, we will be sharing recommended information about Minami Shinshu Toyooka Village, so please enjoy our content. In this first post, we will briefly introduce some special experience plans and sightseeing spots you can enjoy within Toyooka Village. ■□ Cycling Guided Tours to Fully Enjoy Toyooka Village’s Nature □■ The Toyooka Village Tourism Association offers the following cycling guided tours to allow visitors to experience the village’s natural blessings. Our cycling tours use E-BIKEs (electric-assist bicycles), making it easy to navigate even uphill slopes♪ Even if you are not used to cycling, our Japan Cycling Guide Association–certified guides will provide support, so you can feel at ease. ◇ Fruit Sweets Plan ◇ This beginner-friendly course takes about two to two and a half hours to complete♪ Harvest seasonal fruit and then enjoy a dessert prepared on the spot by the chef at the local restaurant Cafe & Dining en—an experience you can enjoy year-round. Taste sweets made from freshly picked Toyooka Village fruit♪ ◇ Forest Road Activity Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late May through the end of August♪ This roughly three- to four-hour course offers thrills and excitement as you ride over bumpy paths you wouldn’t normally take. After working up a sweat in the midsummer heat, the natural water slide will create an unforgettable memory! After enjoying playing in the river, relax with a takeaway lunch from Toyooka Village. ◇ Exquisite Course Lunch Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late April through early December♪ This roughly four- to four-and-a-half-hour plan lets you experience harvesting Toyooka Village’s seasonal vegetables. After harvesting with a local farmer, savor a superb multi-course lunch prepared by a dedicated chef using freshly picked vegetables while enjoying the spectacular view of the Ina Valley below. ◇ Night Tour Overnight Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late April through mid-October♪ This evening-start plan lets you enjoy sunset cycling and vegetable harvesting in Toyooka Village, followed by a luxurious BBQ dinner prepared by a dedicated chef with a panoramic view of the Ina Valley below. Afterward, you can soak in a ceramic bath and spend the night at Toyo Terrace for a relaxing, indulgent stay. ■□ Must-See Sightseeing Spots in Toyooka Village □■ ◇ Roadside Station "Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche" ◇ A must-see spot showcasing fresh local produce and specialty items. Serving as the regional food market of southern Shinshu, it offers a wide selection of locally grown vegetables and fruits—perfect souvenirs for your Toyooka Village visit. ◇ Fukushima Teppen Park ◇ From the park’s observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Maeda rice terraces in Fukushima Honmura and the Ina Valley. During winter, seasonal illuminations are also displayed. ◇ Mibusawa Fudo Falls ◇ This waterfall has a 15-meter drop. It is about a five-minute walk from the prefectural road, so you can visit easily. (You can also reach it by rental bicycle.) ◇ Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Sasamidaira ◇ This weeping cherry tree reaches about 15 meters in height and is estimated to be over 400 years old. It is designated as a Toyooka Village natural monument. ■□ Popular Events Loved in Toyooka Village □■ ◇ Toyooka Festival ◇ Held each year in November at the Toyooka Village Hall venue, the Toyooka Festival attracts roughly 12,000 attendees in total and is one of the village’s most popular events. Many food stalls line the venue, and stage events and musical fireworks take place. ■□ Specialty Products of Toyooka Village □■ Toyooka Village produces delicious fresh fruits nurtured by its rich nature, including peaches, apples, Shine Muscat grapes, Ichida persimmons, and pears. The village is also known for matsutake mushrooms, often called the king of mushrooms. These specialty products are carefully cultivated by local people, and their flavors have impressed many visitors. In Toyooka Village, you can also enjoy seasonal fruit-picking experiences such as the apple tree owner system and peach picking. These activities are especially recommended for families, giving children a valuable chance to enjoy nature while learning the importance of food. Also, at the Vegetable Garden Buffet Restaurant Vegful Kitchen, you can enjoy superb dishes made with fresh vegetables from Toyooka Village in a buffet style. When visiting Toyooka Village, be sure to fully indulge in the local cuisine! ■□ Enjoy Toyooka Village Tourism □■ Toyooka Village also runs the Toyooka Village Working Holiday program, which offers countryside living experiences and agricultural experiences for those considering relocating to the countryside or starting farming. Surrounded by Toyooka Village’s great natural beauty, why not escape the daily hustle and find true relaxation? Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended and up-to-date information about Toyooka Village, Nagano Prefecture, so please follow us!

This is the Minami-Alps City Tourism Association. We will share lots of appealing information about Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, through Cool Japan Video. ◇What is Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture?◇ Minami-Alps City covers about 5.9 percent of Yamanashi Prefecture and has a population of around 70,000. Located in the western part of Yamanashi, the city sits embraced by the majestic Southern Alps. In 2003, six towns and villages—Hatta Village, Shiranecho, Ashiyasu Village, Wakakusa-cho, Kushigata Town, and Kosei Town—merged to form Minami-Alps City. In 2014, the entire city was designated the Minami-Alps UNESCO Eco Park. The Southern Alps surrounding Minami-Alps City span Nagano, Yamanashi, and Shizuoka prefectures and form Japan’s largest mountain range. It includes 3,000-meter peaks loved by climbers, such as MtKitadake, Senjogetake, Houou Sanzan, and Kai-komagatake. ◇Tourist attractions in Minami-Alps City◇ ・Ecopa Inagako Located on the slopes of MtKushigata, Ecopa Inagako offers nature classes, the Forest Science Museum, camping and BBQ facilities, and other hands-on experiences. It is a popular spot for families to enjoy time in nature. ・Yukyari no Sato Juen Yukyari no Sato Juen is a multi-purpose facility that features 100% natural hot spring baths, accommodations, barbecue areas, and tennis courts. It also serves as a base for mountain climbing. ・Roadside Station Shirane Farm Products Direct Sales Market Renovated in April 2023, the spacious market offers a relaxed shopping experience. Visitors can buy fresh local fruits, vegetables, and specialty products, making it a popular destination for people from inside and outside the prefecture. ・Yashagami Pass This pass at the southern end of the Houou Sanzan offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps. You can reach the pass in about an hour, making it suitable for family hikes. ◇Local specialties and gourmet foods of Minami-Alps City◇ Minami-Alps City is known for abundant fruit production, including cherries, plums, peaches, grapes, persimmons, kiwifruit, and Shine Muscat grapes. When these fruits are in season, you can enjoy fruit picking at orchards across the city. Cherry picking and Shine Muscat harvest experiences are especially popular with families and couples. These fruits are also popular choices for hometown tax return gifts. ◇Rich nature and hot springs in Minami-Alps City◇ The city offers seasonal natural beauty and plentiful hot spring resources. You will find many hot spring facilities, from day-use baths to hotels and ryokan, catering to a wide range of needs. Please take time to refresh your body and mind in the hot springs. Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, is filled with rich nature and delicious local products that create lasting memories for visitors. We look forward to welcoming you to Minami-Alps City. Stay tuned to Cool Japan Video for recommended information about Minami-Alps City!

Kyowa-cho Furusato Tax Donation Program A perennial favorite! We are now accepting donations for the 2024 allotment of Kyowa-cho’s popular gift, the Raiden melon. These delicious melons are grown using clean, pesticide-free methods that harness natural processes, and their sweetness is measured at shipping with a high-precision light sensor to improve sorting accuracy. Please take this opportunity to enjoy Kyowa-cho’s proud Raiden melons! Scheduled to ship around the end of Obon next year 🚚

Haskap hunting In the idyllic countryside surrounded by nature, there is a haskap field with dark purple berries that bear fruit like bells. Bibai City is the production area of "haskap", which boasts the highest harvest in Japan, and you can enjoy haskap picking experience at many farms in the city during the season of June ~ July. Haskap, which is famous as a healthy fruit, contains a lot of vitamins, calcium, iron, etc., and is said to be effective in preventing anemia, sensitivity to cold, eye strain, as well as spots and freckles, and was once prized as a "fruit of immortality and longevity" in Ainu culture. Haskap, a precious fruit grown only in a limited area of Hokkaido, is also called the "phantom fruit" or "pearl of the north." The haskap hunting experience is held for about one month from the end of June every year.

I pickled my yuzu, red turnips, and frozen persimmons. It is the autumn food itself. My body is happy.

Yuzu is in season, but do you know the demon yuzu, also known as lion yuzu? It bears the scary names of demons and lions, and is about 10 times the size of ordinary yuzu, 2~3 times the size of a grapefruit, and has a presence that is about the size of a small watermelon! When it is fruiting, it is said that it is so large that the branches bend.