From Saturday, February 1 to Sunday, April 20, the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum is hosting the 2024 Winter Topics Exhibition “Castle Collection 2025 Winter” — Characters Inspired by Castles and Samurai Commanders. The museum director’s personal collection of castle-themed items is showcased according to the exhibition theme. This year’s display features mascot characters and plush toys based on castles and Sengoku-era samurai. 2024 Winter Topics Exhibition “Castle Collection 2025 Winter” — Characters Inspired by Castles and Samurai Commanders — Schedule: Sunday, February 1 – Sunday, April 20 Venue: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum 25-2 Sakaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00–17:00; winter hours (December–March) 10:00–16:30 ※ Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Admission: Adults 100 yen; Children (junior high school age and under) 50 yen ※ Group discounts available for parties of 20 or more. ※ Holders of a physical disability certificate, an intellectual disability certificate, or a mental disability and health welfare certificate, and preschool children Closed: Every Monday, the day after national holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) ※ If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be closed the following day. ※ Additional temporary closures may occur. https://www.town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp/soshiki/30/8966.html...

Honda Tadakatsu, one of the four Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa, entered Otaki Castle in the 18th year of Tensho (1590) for 100,000 koku. The photo shows the statue of Honda Tadakatsu on the Gyotoku Bridge.

Sumimata Castle Snow Makeup Sumimata, Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture * Aerial view from the sky over the Nagara River * Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Comprehensive Flight Permit has been obtained. * Notification of flight plan and preparation of flight log book

Happy New Year: New Year’s Castle Goshuin for the Year of the Snake 2025.01.09 / Last updated: 2025.01.09 The “Goshoin” castle seal—now a staple among castle goods—appears at Kuniyoshi Castle as the “Gosho-shuin.” Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum will begin selling a New Year limited castle seal. It features a gold “snake” seal appropriate for the New Year of Reiwa 7. In keeping with Kuniyoshi Castle’s reputation as an impregnable fortress, the museum also offers a “Pass-the-Exam Version” stamped with the “Unfallen” seal for the upcoming exam season, as well as a “Castle Visit Commemorative Version.” For the start of the New Year, and for examinees, these make a fitting protective charm for success in exams. Sales Period January 6, 2025 (Monday) – January 31, 2025 (Friday) *Excluding closed days. Note that January 6 is a special opening day. Closed days: every Monday (if Monday is a public holiday, the following day), and the day after public holidays. Information Sales location: Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum reception desk Price: 300 yen each *Limit of 3 per person. *Please check the museum’s opening hours and closed days in advance. Sales are not available outside opening hours. Mail-order sales are not offered. Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum Address: 25-2 Sakaki, Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture Phone: 0770-32-0050 Opening hours: 9:00–17:00; winter (Dec–Mar) 10:00–16:30 *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Admission fees: Adults 100 yen; Children (junior high school age and younger) 50 yen *Group discounts available for 20 or more people. *Free admission for holders of a physical disability certificate, a rehabilitation certificate, or a mental disability health and welfare handbook, and for preschool children. Closed: every Monday, the day after public holidays, and during the New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3) *If Monday is a public holiday, the following day is closed. *Other temporary closures may apply. Access: ◇ By JR (get off at Mihama Station) ・Walk along Route 27 toward Tsuruga: 25–45 minutes ・By rental bicycle: about 15–25 minutes ・Bus toward Tsuruga, get off at “Sakakiguchi,” then 5 minutes on foot ・Mihama community bus, get off at “Sakaki,” then 3 minutes on foot *Walking and rental bicycle times vary by individual. ◇ By car (Route 27) ・About 20 minutes from Tsuruga ・About 40 minutes from Obama

\Let's learn more about the Hokusatsu Campaign > Migration Consultation Meeting/ At the Migration and Exchange Information Garden (Tokyo), a migration consultation meeting will be Held in about the Hokusatsu area of Kagoshima Prefecture (Akune City, Izumi City, Satsuma Town, Nagashima Town). Interested parties who live in the Kanto area and are interested in living in the countryside, why not take the first step towards immigration? Even if you are not thinking about moving, please come to the venue if you want to know more about Kagoshima and the Hokusatsu area. Local Souvenirs are also entered into a raffle, and entry is free! Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025 11:00~16:00 Place: Migration and Exchange Information Garden (Echizenya Building 1F, 1-1-6 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) 【Participating municipalities】Akune City, Izumi City, Satsumagawanai City, Satsuma Town, Nagashima Town (The staff in charge of each municipality will respond politely) 【Inquiry】Kagoshima Prefecture Hokusatsu Regional Promotion Bureau, General Affairs Planning Division, General Affairs Planning Department (TEL: 0996-25-5107) [Detail page] iju-join.jp/join/iju_garden/10886.html

"Shinpu Castle" from Kai Province makes its first ascent 🏯⚔️ to the "Castle EXPO"] Over the two days of Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, 2024, At Pacifico Yokohama North Finally to be Held in "Castle EXPO2024"! Shinpu Castle in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture will ascend for the first time 🏯⚔️✨✨ At the booth, Katsuyori Takeda's banner T-shirt, NEW RELEASE! A map of Shinpu Castle was designed Original Clear File, We will 💠🤍 sell limited seal of the castle to commemorate the first ascent of "Castle EXPO" By the person in charge of excavation Please 🔥🔥 come and listen to the story of the castle fever At the venue [Castle Tour Tourist Information Zone K-90] We look forward to seeing you 🙋 ♀️✨ ———————————————————— Castle EXPO is one of the largest castle festivals in Japan, held in every December at Pacifico Yokohama since 2016 for the purpose of promoting and developing castle culture and interacting with castle lovers. "Castles", "castle specialists" and "castle fans" gather from all over Japan, and it is an Events that has gained high support. This year's theme is "Castle Fever Day"! Please come and visit us! For more information on Events and ticket Information, please check the Castle EXPO Official website. ———————————————————— 【Detailed Information】 ■ Date and time December 2024 21st (Sat) 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:30 p.m.) 22 (Sun) 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.) ・Saturday Night Program Saturday, December 21, 2024 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (tentative) ■Venue Pacifico Yokohama North (Address: 1-1-2 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, etc.) ■ Organizer CASTLE EXPO (Japan Castle Association, Jobito <Tohoku Shinsha >, Murayama Co., Ltd., Pacifico Yokohama)

Overnight Castle Snow Scenery Castles and snow look good Sumimata Towns, Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture

The maples of Gujo Castle were beautiful, so I took a picture of the flag and Autumn leaves

I went to Gujo Hachiman Castle on November 13th It is a work of Autumn leaves and a castle

Notice from Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum. Autumn 2024 Special Exhibition Castles and Literature ~Murasaki Shikibu didn’t come, but…~ Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Sunday, January 26, 2025 Fiscal Year 2024 Mihama Community Development Program: 6th Kuniyoshi Castle History Lecture Turbulence in Wakasa during the Sengoku Period and the Mountain Castle of Takahama Sunday, November 24, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Iridou Kumo and Gifu Castle 🏯 The cloudy clouds that feel like summer are good ✨.

【Chiba City Science Museum】 Chiba City Science Museum is popular as a participatory science museum that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In particular, the dome-shaped planetarium has a reputation for being a place where you can realistically experience the beauty of the starry sky and the mystery of the universe, and there are plenty of programs for a wide range of ages. And 140 hands-on devices on the permanent exhibition floor, Workshops and Events are held in, mainly on weekends. This facilities is the perfect Spot for family outings and school trips, available as well as a place to nurture future scientists. 〇 Introduction of Events currently Held in Science de Mysterious Summer Festival "Kagaku Expedition Sama~School" "Science Classes for Adults" "Science at Home" * For details, search "Chiba City Science Museum"! ■ Access: ・About a 5-minute walk from Chiba Monorail Yoshikawa Park Station ・About 6 minutes on foot from Keisei Chiba Chuo Station ■Address: 4-5-1 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba City Kiboru 7F ■ Admission: Paid ■ Parking lot: available (charged) The Chiba City Science Museum is surrounded by attractive Spots such as Chiba Shrine, Chiba City Museum of Art, and Chiba Castle (Chiba City Township Museums) within walking distance. Enjoy a stroll through these facilities after visiting the Science Museum.

Hyogo Prefecture Tamba Sasayama City Sasayama Castle Ren The lotus flower is also a Representative flower of summer! I took a picture of only one flower from the dark green.

Fukuyama Castle in Hiroshima The black griddle is cool

"Koi Castle, Hiroshima Castle" in Hiroshima City Surrounded by cherry blossom trees, you can see a beautiful fresh greenery in Spring

Sagaki Kuniyoshi Castle 1. A formidable fortress that held back the seemingly impregnable Asakura forces 2. A “stone-walled castle” revealed by archaeological excavation 3. Seasonal colors of the castle ruins and the stunning views of Wakasa visible from the site Kuniyoshi Castle was a mountain fortress located in Sagaki in the eastern part of Mihama Town. During the Sengoku period it served as a border castle protecting Wakasa Province and Tsuruga Province. It is said that Awaya Ecchu‑no‑Kami Katsuhisa, a senior retainer of the Takeda family who governed Wakasa, rebuilt the old castle in Koji 2 (1556). The castle’s fame was made by the “Siege of Kuniyoshi,” which began in Eiroku 6 (1563) when the Asakura clan from Echizen attacked and were repelled. From that year until the fall of the Asakura in Tensho 1 (1573), Asakura forces launched attacks almost annually, but the Awaya-led defenders held inside Kuniyoshi Castle and never lost it. An old tale by the local samurai Tanabe Handaifu Yasutsugu, who took part in the defense, spread as the war chronicle Kuniyoshi Siege Record. Incidentally, the castle had been called Sakaki Castle at the time, but the popularity of the Kuniyoshi Siege Record fixed the name Kuniyoshi Castle. In Genki 1 (1570), the castle welcomed Oda Nobunaga and his 30,000-strong army on the march to attack the Asakura. According to the Kuniyoshi Siege Record, Nobunaga entered Kuniyoshi Castle with Kinoshita Tokichiro Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Akechi Mitsuhide—the subject of this year’s historical drama—and met with Katsuhisa and the local samurai who had endured the siege, praising their efforts. Later, in Tensho 11 (1583), Kimura Hitachi no suke, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, became castellan and developed a castle town. This marked the origin of the current Sakaki Settlement, which prospered in the Edo period as a post station on the Tango Highway. The townscape still preserves strong traces of that era. The castle was abolished in Kan’ei 11 (1635) early in the Edo period when Sakai Tadakatsu replaced the Kyogoku clan as lord of Obama Domain, and the Sakaki Town Magistrate Office was built on the south side of the ruins. On that site the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum opened in Heisei 21 (2009). Designated a town historic site in Showa 58 (1983), Kuniyoshi Castle’s ruins are a local historical asset. Excavations that began in fiscal 2000 aimed to preserve and utilize the Sengoku‑period mountain fortress that had seemingly survived the fierce Asakura assaults. The investigations, however, overturned the existing image of the castle when they uncovered large groups of foundation stones for buildings, stone walls showing traces of deliberate collapse in which the upper halves had been systematically removed and the lower halves buried, giant foundation and facing stones at the northwest gate of the hilltop main bailey, and building remains on the southern corner mound of the main bailey that may have been a keep. These features appear to reflect major renovations by Kimura Hitachi no suke to assert the new lord’s power, although no documentary records described them. The excavations thus revealed the “truth” for the first time. In Heisei 29 (2017) the castle was selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation. In spring the castle town of Sagaki and the ruins are brightened by cherry blossoms and blooming shaga irises; in summer by masses of hangesho (plants whose leaves turn pale); in autumn by the maple leaves at Shourenji and Tokusho‑ji Temple; and in winter by a blanket of white, welcoming many visitors through the seasons. A promenade leads to the main bailey, but the winding switchback slope seems endless, giving a real sense of the castle’s former impregnability. Yet once you finally reach the main bailey, the majestic nature of Wakasa and the beautiful scenery greet you and make you forget the effort it took to get there. Sagaki Kuniyoshi Castle Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata‑gun, Fukui Prefecture Contact Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum (Tel. 0770-32-0050)

Dawn of Inuyama Castle Inuyama City, Aichi

Hello! This is the Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association. We will share recommended sightseeing information about Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, and we appreciate your support! ◆What is Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture?◆ Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan and, true to its name, boasts beautiful beaches. The population is about 8,600 people (as of 2024). The town’s grand natural scenery and many local specialties found only in Mihama attract visiting tourists. With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to neighboring Tsuruga City, access from the Kanto region has become very smooth. ◆The appeal of Mikata Five Lakes, Mihama Town’s top sightseeing spot◆ The most popular sightseeing spot in Mihama Town is Mikata Five Lakes, a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention and recognized as part of the Japan Agricultural Heritage. “Mikata Five Lakes” is the collective name for five lakes spanning Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in Fukui Prefecture. Lake Kugushi Lake Hiruga Lake Mikata Lake Suigetsu Lake Suga The Mihama Town Lake Center is recommended as a base for fully enjoying Mikata Five Lakes tourism. The facility includes a stylish cafe, food outlets such as hot dogs made with venison franks, and an outdoor terrace where you can relax while gazing at the lakes. For those who want to enjoy Mikata Five Lakes from the water, sightseeing boats are recommended. These lake vessels are battery-powered sightseeing boats driven by renewable energy stored from solar panels. They are the first in Japan to operate solely on renewable energy. You can enjoy a guided round-trip cruise of about 50 minutes. Mihama Station rental bicycles are recommended for those who want to enjoy the lakeshore and Mikata Five Lakes. The full five-lake loop, called Goko-ichu, is a cycling course of about 33 kilometers that takes roughly four hours to complete. Feel the breeze of Mikata Five Lakes and savor the different scenery each lake offers. For those who want to enjoy Mikata Five Lakes from the sky, the Mikata Goko Rainbow Line offers spectacular aerial views of all five lakes. This roughly 11-kilometer drive course leads to Rainbow Line Summit Park, which you can reach by lift or cable car. At the summit you can enjoy five different sky terraces featuring panoramic 360-degree views of Mikata Five Lakes and the Sea of Japan, including footbaths and sofa terraces, and you can enjoy sweets and special lunch boxes. You can fully savor Mikata Five Lakes from different perspectives: from the sky (Rainbow Line), from the lake surface (battery-powered sightseeing boat), and around the lakes (cycling)! ◆Introduction to Mihama Town’s sightseeing spots◆ • Shoishohama Beach Mihama Town has seven beaches, and one of the most popular is Shoishohama Beach, selected as one of Japan’s 88 Best Beaches. Its shoreline of fine, shining white sand and emerald-green shallow waters make it a beautiful beach, attracting more than 150,000 beachgoers each year. • Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum This museum lets you learn about the mountain fortress of the Sengoku period, Kuniyoshi Castle Ruins, and the castle town that once surrounded it. A terrain model around Kuniyoshi Castle Ruins introduces the historical townscape. • Roadside Station Wakasa Mihama Hamabiyori Opened in 2023, this roadside station is packed with fresh vegetables, fruits, and local gourmet items from Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture that can only be enjoyed here. It also serves as a tourist information center and a rest stop, making it ideal for a break during your travels. ◆Local specialties of Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆ • Heshiko Heshiko is a traditional fermented local food of Fukui, made by pickling mackerel in rice bran for one year. Its rich flavor is beloved at local dining tables and makes an excellent souvenir. • Seafood Yellowtail, crab, and fugu dishes are recommended winter specialties of Mihama Town. Freshly landed seafood delights many visitors’ palates. Mihama Town has many ryokan and minshuku accommodations where you can enjoy these seasonal fresh seafood for dinner. ◆Events in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆ • Hinata Underwater Tug-of-War Held every January, the underwater tug-of-war is a nationally selected Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property with a history of nearly 400 years. A massive rope 30 cm thick and 40 meters long is stretched across the canal connecting Lake Hiruga and the Sea of Japan. Men wearing headbands pull the rope with great force, praying for a bountiful catch and maritime safety for the year. • Munakata Shrine Benten Festival Held every July, the Munakata Shrine Benten Festival features boats with vivid banners carrying portable shrines; on those boats young men wrestle and roughly toss each other into the sea. ◆We will share recommended sightseeing information for Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆ Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture is a town blessed with rich nature and history. We will continue to share useful recommendations so you can fully enjoy sightseeing in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture. Thank you for your support!

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is Katsuyama City Tourism Town Planning Co., Ltd. Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is a city with a population of about 20,000 located in the northeastern part of Fukui Prefecture. It is one of the One of the best in Japan heavy snowfall areas and is designated as a Special heavy snowfall area. With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture in 2024, access from Central Tokyo has become more convenient. In this First Post of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, I will briefly introduce Recommendations for Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture. Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is a city of dinosaurs Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is also known as the excavation site of dinosaur fossils in One of the best in Japan. In the 1980s, when it was said that dinosaur fossils were not excavated in Japan, crocodile fossils were found in Katsuyama City, and full-scale excavation of dinosaur fossils began in 1989. In the 1990s, dinosaur fossils such as iguanodon were collected, and in 1995, the skeleton of the whole body was reconstructed for the first time in Japan. In 2000, the world's three largest dinosaur Museum "Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum" opened, and the name of Katsuyama City became known around the world. In the 2010s, new species of dinosaurs were announced one after another, and in 2017, five types of dinosaur fossils, including Fukui Raptor and Fukuisaurus, and their excavation sites were designated as "National Natural Monuments". ◇Introduction of Sightseeing spots in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture ・Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum The vast exhibition facilities consists of three zones: "The World of Dinosaurs," "Earth Science," and "History of Life," and you can fully enjoy the world of dinosaurs with 50 dinosaur skeletons, hundreds of 1,000 specimens, large-scale Restored Diorama, and Video. ・Open Air Dinosaur Museums It is a facilities where you can Visiting the site the actual excavation site that opened in 2014 in Katsuyama City Chatan town the largest dinosaur fossil excavation site in Japan. At the Fossil Excavation Experience Plaza, you can experience excavation by hitting stones brought from the excavation site, and learn about the Scenes of dinosaur fossil excavation while listening to expert explanations. ・Daishizan Seidaji Temple Echizen Daibutsu Opened in 1987, the Echizen Daibutsu of Daishizan Seidaji Temple is 17 meters tall and exceeds the size of the Nara Great Buddha. There are 1,281 stone and gold Buddhas enshrinement on the walls of the Mikata of the Great Buddha. ・Heisan Jihakusan Shrine Elevation known as the center of the Hakusan faith, which is open to the Mt. of 2,702 Meter. It is said to have been founded nearly 1,300 years ago. Famous for the moss that spreads all over the area in front of the worship hall. ・Ski Jam Katsuyama It is one of the largest snow resorts in western Japan, with vast slopes and abundant snow quality, and there are courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. Activities such as trekking, mountain biking, park golf, paragliding and Segway are available in summer. Spot where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. ・Katsuyama Castle Museum It is a history museum set up in the castle tower with a height of 57.8 meters. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can overlook the nature of Katsuyama City. ・Roadside Station Dinosaur Valleys Katsuyama Roadside Station Dinosaur Valleys Katsuyama is a facility that serves as a tourist base in Katsuyama City. A large number of Fresh Local Agricultural Products and Specialty Products are available, and many tourists Visit every day. Spot is a great stop along the way. ◇Introduction of festivals and events in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture ・Katsuyama Sagicho Festival The Katsuyama Sagicho Festival is a traditional Festival that has been held in Katsuyama City for more than 300 years, Held in every February. The highlights are the "Floating drums" on the Turrets in each town and the Finale "Dondoyaki". It is said that the Scene of "Floating drums", in which three One set playfully slap the Drum, is strange festival. ◇Introducing Tourist Information of Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Katsuyama City, which is known around the world as a dinosaur town, is a valuable area where you can feel close to dinosaurs, such as dinosaur excavation experiences. In Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, not only children who like dinosaurs, but also Adults can enjoy it. Please visit Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture and experience its charm. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will introduce recommended Tourist Information in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, so thank you!

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.

【Banned River】 The Isumi River under Otaki Castle was called the Otomegawa River. In the Edo period, the Murasaki carp caught here was presented to the shogun, so the common people were prohibited from catching fish here. That's why it was a forbidden river.

Azuchi Castle Ruins It is Azuchi Castle, which Oda Nobunaga built as a base for the unification of the world and made it his own residence. It was destroyed by fire shortly after Nobunaga's death. It is a paving stone that remains in the ruins of the castle tower of Azuchi Castle. Is it because of the raging fire that it is turning red? I remember wiping my sweat off the steep slope with high steps, and the rain-soaked shore of Lake Biwa, which Nobunaga must have seen, was also impressive. Anyway, I saw "The Dream of the Strong" and felt the impermanence of all things.

Two Ryukyu kings sleep in "Urasoe Yodo" / Urasoe Ruins of the Castle It is "Urasoe Yodo" in Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture. Here is the tomb where the two Ryukyu kings are buried on the rock wall of Urasoe Ruins of the Castle. It was devastated in the Battle of Okinawa, but was restored in 2005 Heisei 17. "Yodo" is a Ryukyu word for "yunagi" and means when the evening waves and breezes calm down. By the way, Urasoe Castle is a castle that was burned down during the invasion of the Ryukyus by the Satsuma army in 1609. Next to this Urasoe Yodo in the back of the photo is Hacksaw Ridge. Now it is covered with trees and looks gentle, but at that time it was a place where fierce fighting was fought on the cliffs.

Maeda Kochi / Urasoe, the setting of the movie Hacksaw Ridge / Urasoe Ruins of the Castle On this day, it was sunny and pleasant between Ume plum rain. In the distance, you can see Futenma Air Station and the East China Sea.

Maeda Kochi / Urasoe, the setting of the movie Hacksaw Ridge / Urasoe Ruins of the Castle Have you ever heard of the movie "Hacksaw Ridge"? The movie is based on the true story of saving many wounded soldiers without weapons during the Battle of Okinawa. The actual location that took place was Maeda Highland Urasoe Ruins of the Castle in Urasoe City, Okinawa Prefecture. Rice troops who landed from the Coast of Chatan Town in April 1945 had this Maeda Highland on their way to Shuri, where the Japanese headquarters was located. This area is a precipitous cliff, which is faithfully reproduced in the movie, but it is not depicted that many residents were also sacrificed here. It was a place where there was a fierce battle, but now it is a calm park with a very nice view. Please stop by when you are nearby.

Shuri Castle Park and Shuri Castle under restoration / Shuri Castle is said to have been built around the end of the 14th century by the first king of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Shohashi. It is a unique mixture of Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan cultures. In fact, Shuri Castle was burned down three times during the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Battle of Okinawa and this time, for a total of five times. However, it has been preserved with the passion of the people. I think Shuri Castle is a symbol of Okinawa. I Can't wait to see it again ^^ It is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

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 a Sunday. Okinawa has many typhoons, and construction is carried out in a temporary building called a "bare roof" to prevent rain and wind. The main hall is completely covered, so it's very big ^^ This is the face of the main hall of Shuri Castle, which is being restored in the center of the temple. I'm looking forward to seeing a dragon on top of this. It is scheduled to be completed in 2026.

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.

Shuri Castle main hall under restoration / In October 2019, Shuri Castle burned down overnight. Currently, construction work is being carried out in this temporary building called "bare roof" for reconstruction. There are many typhoons in Okinawa, so we work to prevent rain and wind. I remember when I saw Shuri Castle burning on TV in the middle of the night, I couldn't believe it was real and didn't say anything、、、 it's been about four and a half years since then, and I'm steadily rebuilding it. The place where I am photographing is called "Azuma no Azana" A Gari no Azana, and it is a viewing platform located on the easternmost side of Shuri Castle Park and at the highest Elevation. From here, you can panoramic the cityscape of Shuri, the East China Sea, and the city of Naha. Shuri Castle seen from here will be on the back side, but I'm looking forward to its majestic appearance again ^ ^

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.