The 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament 🎣 Today (August 23rd) the 3rd National Mountain Stream Fishing Tournament took place 🐟 Despite worries about the weather due to typhoons, the day turned out fine and more than 170 people attended the venue 😊 The event that drew the loudest cheers from many children was the fish-catching game limited to elementary school age and younger Some large cherry trout and eels were included, and while the children were completely absorbed, the surrounding parents were excited too 🔥 In the fishing competition, the person who caught a total of more than 8 kg won the large haul prize and took first place 🏆 The biggest fish measured 28 cm 💡 Thank you to everyone who took part in the fishing tournament 🎣 We hope to care for the river environment so this tournament can continue for many years 🥰

The sea is great, but the mountains are also worth visiting! Minami-Echizen Town has the sea, of course, and also rivers and waterfalls☆ Even at this time of year the river water is very cold and feels wonderful♪ Refresh yourself while soaking in the negative ions.

【👒Summer in Gokase 2025 Photo Submissions — Spotlight 1👒】 We are featuring photos submitted to the "#Summer in Gokase 2025" contest currently running on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @goto0619 @niidome2110 @sakai_0808 Thank you for your submissions 😆✨ We are still accepting entries!! How to enter (Submission period — through September 15) Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account (@gokase_kanko) and post with the hashtags "#Summer in Gokase 2025" and "#Gokase" 📸 We look forward to your entries 🙇‍♀️✨

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan videos, nice to meet you! We are the Shimanto City Tourism Association in Kochi Prefecture. Shimanto City lies in the southwest of Kochi Prefecture, bounded to the north by mountains around 1,100 meters high and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, making it a city rich in nature. The city was formed in 2005 by the merger of the former Nakamura City and Nishitosa Village, and its name comes from the Shimanto River that runs through the city. On this account, we will deliver the many charms of Shimanto City to you. We look forward to sharing them with you! ■How to access Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture About a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Kochi Ryoma Airport About 1 hour by limited express from JR Kochi Station ■Basic information about Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture The population is about 30,000 people (as of June 2025), making it the third most populous city in Kochi Prefecture. Forests cover about 91% of the city area, and the Shimanto River, which flows through the city, stretches 196 km without dams on its main stream. Known as “Japan’s last clear stream,” the city’s catchphrase is “a town that lives with the river.” ■History of Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture The former Nakamura area of Shimanto City is called “Tosa’s Little Kyoto.” About 550 years ago, Ichijo Norifusa moved south following the Onin War and laid out streets in a grid pattern modeled on Kyoto, and that urban design remains today. The town’s blend of culture, history, and nature creates a picturesque setting perfect for strolling. ■Recommended sightseeing spots in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture Chinkabashi (low-water crossing bridges) ・There are nine chinkabashi on the main stream, including Sada Chinkabashi and Iwama Chinkabashi Activities ・Shimanto River sightseeing boats ・Canoeing and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) ・Shimanto river barbecue ・Cycling History ・Ichijo Shrine ・Fuwa Hachimangu Shrine ・Shimanto City Local Museum ・Hanka Tenmangu Shrine ・Kurosongu Shrine Food ・Shio tataki (salt-seared fish) ・Biri katsuo (local skipjack tuna specialty) ・Bushukan chu-hai (citrus shochu highball) ・Ayu (sweetfish) ・Unagi (eel) ・River shrimp ・Gori (gori fish) ■Visit Shimanto City, where nature and culture live on Shimanto City, where vast nature and historical culture come together, is an ideal destination to refresh both body and mind. Come and seek the landscapes and experiences you can only find here. We will continue to share the attractions of Shimanto City, so please follow us!

This is a summer recommendation from the Saikai City Tourism Association in Nagasaki Prefecture♪ This year’s rainy season ended early, and a string of extremely hot days has followed. Here are Saikai City spots to help you beat that heat. ◎ Tsugane-Otoshi Waterfall Address: Yukinoura Kadori, Oseto, Saikai City※After passing Shinko-ji in Yukinoura village, you will see a signboard. 〇 Free admission, restrooms available ♪ Tsugane refers to the mud crab; the name comes from the sight of crabs being swept down with the falling water. There is no plunge pool; water slams onto the rocks and creates a natural mist shower♪ ◎ Yukinoura Seaside Park Address: 615-14 Shimokamagō, Yukinoura, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Open all day, free admission; restrooms and hot-water showers (100 yen per use) available. ※No open flames allowed ♪ The white sandy beach stretches about 400 m and is perfect for rockpooling and surfing♪ ◎ Yanaginohama Seaside Park Address: 2394 Taira Sotogō, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Free admission; restrooms, hot-water showers (100 yen per use), and changing rooms available. ※No open flames allowed ♪ This seaside park borders a very shallow sea that reveals a vast mudflat at low tide. It’s ideal for summer beach fun and enjoyable for both young children and adults♪ ◎ Saiwomono River Park Address: Yukinoura Saiwomono, Oseto, Saikai City 〇 Free admission, restrooms available.※No open flames allowed ♪ Recommended for those who prefer rivers to the sea!※Please be careful of sudden deep spots and rising water levels. ◎ Nanatsugama Cave (Seven Cauldrons Limestone Cave) Address: 2541-1 Nakaura Kitagō, Saikai Town, Saikai City 〇 April–September 9:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30) October–March 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) Admission: Adults ¥800, Junior high ¥400, Elementary ¥200, Preschool ¥100 (group discounts for 20+ people) ♪ The cave maintains a temperature around 15°C year-round, making it especially cool in summer♪ We also recommend the “cooling platform” that uses the cave’s breeze and the “cold footbath” that uses chilled water♪ Saikai City is full of spectacular views, historic sites, and hidden gems♪ Come and enjoy Saikai City this summer♪

🐻🤎 Montbell Club Friend Fair Yokohama 2025 🐻 Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Sakuhomachi and Koumi booths! We showcased the high-altitude Lake Shirakoma, the mysterious moss forests carpeted with moss, and Yachiho Kogen, where you can enjoy nature through all four seasons—offering a full taste of Shinshu’s great outdoors.🌲✨ We were delighted that you picked up delicious local specialties and tourism brochures.😊🤍 Sakuhomachi and Koumi in Shinshu are perfect spots for a summer cooling getaway. We hope to meet you again amid Shinshu’s natural beauty.🌲🍁

[Shinshu Sakuhomachi Nature Immersion Day Tour] 🍃🌿 \A day trip to soothe you in the great outdoors/ Event Date: Sunday, August 3 Highlights ✔︎ Walk around the moss-covered, mystical forest at Shirakoma Pond🌳 ✔︎ Tour a long-established sake brewery with tasting experience🍶 ✔︎ Lunch featuring local flavors: yamame fish rice bowl and soba set🐟🥢 ✔︎ Enjoy shopping at the Roadside Station Visitor Center✨🛣️ Departure and Return Locations ・Sakudaira Station, Asama Exit ・Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center ➡️If you live nearby, meeting and dispersing at the Roadside Station is convenient! Price: 9,900 JPY per person (tax included), includes lunch What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, rain gear Capacity: 25 people (minimum operation 15 people) Refresh your body and mind as you savor nature’s gifts with all five senses🫧 This charming day tour is perfect for making summer memories🌱 How to Apply / Inquiries Chikuma Kanko Co., Ltd., Saku Head Office Sales Phone: 0267-62-1000 (Hours: 10:00–17:00) ※Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays Please join us with your family and friends.

■Pothole Tour■ Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes. Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax. Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream. Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children. We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground! 【Plan Details 】 ■Season Around July to early September ※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us. ■Meeting place General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan) ＝ For those using car navigation ＝ 《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》 Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395 ※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location. 《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953 ■Capacity 8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people) ※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us. ■Price (tax included) Per person: 5,000 yen ※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required. ■Course details and schedule ① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan 9:30 (payment) ② Travel to Nodaira Campground Around 9:30–10:10 ※Please travel by private car. ③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground Around 10:10 ④ Walk to the pothole area Around 10:15–10:45 ⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole Around 10:45–12:15 ⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site Around 12:45 ■About the plan 【About Nodaira Campground】 It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village. Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river. Please travel to the campground by private car. 【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】 In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter. A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years. 【Can be combined with other activities】 You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details. 【Clothing and items to bring】 ● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard ● Change of clothes ● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes ※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour. ※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen). ※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen). ■Inquiries and reservations Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website. Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00) Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/...

This photo was taken when I went to Ginyama Hot spring. It was the perfect summer resort for the hot and humid summer. It was cool near the waterfall as if the cooler was working.

This is a photo of Yamagata Waterfall and the river.

NEW Orahomap The refreshed Orahomap, now packed with the charms of Sakuhomachi, has arrived with extra features 😼💫💫 Check out the adorable hand-drawn illustrations that make you want to go out just by looking 👀🎨 "I didn’t know a place like this existed!" "I’d love to visit here~" You might make discoveries like these...🤍💭 Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to take a look 😸

Registered Tangible Cultural Property "Sakaebashi" 🌉 Completed in 1938 (Showa 13), it was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on March 13 of this year. Every time you cross this historic bridge, you can sense the passage of the local community. 💭 Sakaebashi exists as a familiar part of the scenery that represents Sakuhomachi. Come and feel the town's history for yourself—be sure to visit at least once. 🫧🦋

The warm days just keep coming! On days like this, why not visit the Fishway Observation Room, Totoroado? At Totoroado, you can watch fish swimming close by through glass! I visited on June 6th and was able to see cherry trout (sakuramasu) making their way upstream! One of the charms is that different fish migrate at different times of year🐟✨ It's a great spot for families with children! Be sure to stop by Totoroado and take a look♪

Fireflies are now at their best viewing season 🌌 Spots in Nobeoka City where you can enjoy fireflies include Kitagawa, Yoshino, and Maino Many locations seem to be reaching their peak viewing period✨ Let’s continue to protect this beautiful nature by observing proper manners while watching them😊 ◎Please avoid shining bright lights, littering, or damaging the natural environment. ◎Keep quiet so as not to disturb others nearby while viewing. ◎Do not use insect-repellent sprays at viewing sites; take precautions by wearing long sleeves instead. 🪄May the fireflies dancing in the night sky leave you with lasting memories.

Fresh green at Unoko Falls 🍃 It feels like May has flown by in no time 😅 Saturday, May 31 in Gokasecho was a delightfully clear day 🌞 At this time of year, Unoko Falls has plenty of water and brilliant fresh greenery ✨ I was soothed by birdsong, the sound of the water, and the breeze 🥰 The light was just right, so I got some great photos 📷 When you walk down to the plunge pool, be careful—wet spots can be slippery, so watch your step 👣

We present the official tourism association website that packs together the charms of Sakuhomachi in Nagano Prefecture—tourist information, access details, dining spots and more♩ It's convenient for checking before your trip! Be sure to take a look☺ ▶Visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association website here https://yachiho-kogen.jp//

[Hanakien Opens] Hanakien on Yachiho Kogen opens today, Saturday, May 10. 🌸 The garden is filled with blooming pink azaleas (rengetsu tsutsuji), Enkianthus (dodantsutsuji), and three-leaf azaleas (mitsuba tsutsuji), and in June the park will be dyed red with flowers. 💐💐 Come and visit us. 🌳🥰 Opening period: Saturday, May 10, 2025 – Sunday, October 5, 2025 Hours: 8:30 AM–4:20 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM)

Japan’s Most Beautiful Stand of Silver Birches✨ Slender silver birches reach up toward the blue sky🌳✨ The sky’s blue, the birches’ white, and the green sasa grass underfoot… Everything is so beautiful you’ll want to stare forever😌🌱 The atmosphere changes with each season, so you’ll want to return again and again! Come and visit Yachiho Kogen😸♡

Yachiho Kogen Natural Garden A nature garden that captures the natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen...😌🩷 At the garden, you can enjoy three walking courses suited to your available time♬ White Trail: 1 km, about 30 minutes Blue Trail: 1.5 km, about 50 minutes Green Trail: 2.5 km, about 80 minutes In spring and summer, the highland flowers bloom, and in autumn the leaves turn brilliant—there’s plenty to see!🍁 We hope you’ll come and visit😸✨✨

Yachiho Lake Yachiho Lake is a managed fishery where you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing 🐟🫧 Families can have fun together, and there is a Fishing Kids Land where baited rods are available for rent 😸 You can enjoy it surrounded by abundant nature 🌸 We hope you will come and visit ✨

Komadeike Campground is OPEN 👏 Komadeike Campground, nestled in the sublime natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen, opened for the 2025 season on Friday, April 18th, 2025! Komadeike Campground is a site embraced by what is said to be Japan’s finest birch forest, where people of all ages can enjoy truly comfortable, memorable moments. Choose from five free-site settings around the pond or along the stream, or relax in the spacious auto sites that offer sunny or shaded options. We also offer bungalows and cottages, plus a full lineup of day-trip activities. "We want you to enjoy a peaceful outdoor life with the people who matter most." This is the concept and heartfelt wish of Komadeike Campground. Come and visit us!

On Monday, May 5th, we will hold the 35th Rekifune River Clear-Stream Koinobori Children’s Day Mini Event! This year it will run alongside the Firefighting Festa! You can ride a ladder truck and try a water hose spray experience. In addition, Self-Defense Force vehicles and “Space Something Kotetsu-kun” will also come! Everyone, please come and join us! Date and Time: Monday, May 5, 2025, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Location: Riverbed upstream of Taiki Bridge on the Rekifune River https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp/tp_detail.php?id=411...

The Rekifune River carp streamers have been put up! Today we installed carp streamers along the riverbank of the Rekifune River! They will stretch across the river and flutter until May 6. There are also smaller, low mini carp streamers, so we recommend taking photos with them ✨

Tour de Yatsugatake 2025 Concluded Two days have passed since the conclusion of Tour de Yatsugatake 2025. Despite course changes due to the weather, many riders gave their all, and thanks to the supporters and the staff who backed the event, we were able to finish the race safely. Going forward, the organizing committee will continue working to create an event that inspires people to take on a challenge and that draws them back again. See you again in Yatsugatake! 🚴‍♂️

Morotsuka-yama Keiryū no Sato Among the two campgrounds in the village, one is this Morotsuka-yama Keiryū no Sato (Morotsuka Mountain Stream Village). This nature-rich campground sits beneath Mt. Morotsuka, one of Kyushu’s 100 famous mountains. In spring, you can admire groves of Akebono azaleas about a 2–3 minute walk from the west trailhead of Mt. Morotsuka. Directly below the log cabins lies a riverside park adjacent to a valley with plentiful water. In summer, you can enjoy playing in the stream and fishing (a fishing permit is required). The campground features three five-person log cabins made from Morotsuka timber and a free campsite limited to three groups per day. It’s recommended for those who want a relaxed, peaceful camping experience.

The day before yesterday, the cherry blossoms on the banks of the Asakawa River near the Tama Imperial Tomb were just about to bloom and were very beautiful! There were many parents and children who seemed to be new first-year elementary school students and junior high school students, and they were photographed wearing brand new school bags. If it hadn't been scattered by the thunderstorm earlier, I think it will still be in full bloom on the weekend, so if you haven't enjoyed this year's cherry blossoms yet, do so as soon as possible!

◤Ushinokuchi Circular Diversion◢ One of Sakuhomachi’s hidden cultural treasures in Nagano Prefecture🕌 It was built to divide water equally so that disputes would not arise in the area. Before the circular diversion was created, locals used a custom called “vines diversion,” in which they cut vine tendrils and used them to decide each share of the water—a practice that seems to have been rare across Japan💭

Notice of Jikkokutoge Pass Reopening We are pleased to announce the reopening of Japan National Route 299. It reopened today, Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Highlights include the viewing platform and Otome Falls. Please enjoy your visit!

2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest Announcement! We are holding the "2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest" again this year! 🌳 We are accepting photos that can be used for tourism posters, pamphlets, and similar materials. The application period is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to Sunday, August 31, 2025. We look forward to your submissions! For details and the entry form, please visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association official website or see the second image. The forms are also available at the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center, so feel free to stop by ✨

Taiki Town: Spring Is Coming It's the season when many migratory birds come to Taiki Town! The Rekifune River is beginning to thaw as well. https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//