While driving, I spotted some cows!! The temperature rose sharply today! The cows looked hot, but the sunny weather felt wonderful. 🌞 The forecast calls for a slight drop in temperature tomorrow. Everyone, please take good care of your health. 😌

Thunder Falls(Kaminari Falls) Closed for winter has been lifted, and Thunder Falls (Kaminari Falls), a scenic spot in Takayama Village, has opened. A waterfall where the main stream of the Matsukawa River streams down It is said that it was named "Thunder Falls" because the sound sounds like thunder Also known as "Urami Waterfall". You can literally see the back side of the waterfall Fun at this time of year with plenty of water due to melting snow and super exciting waterfalls Water in spring (now) with plenty of budding Summer Cool even in the middle of summer Summer Spot Autumn: Collaboration between Autumn leaves and Splash of water * Closed in winter (mid-November ~ late April of the following year) The opening period is much better There is fun for each season, so I go there many times. If you come to Takayama Village, be sure to see it! It is a proud Spot that cannot be missed

To Little Forest Restaurant Popeye After a hibernation period, they have opened for the 2025 season, so I went to visit right away. Popeye sits alone at the farthest edge of the mountainside in the Kamisahoro area. Its single-story circular shape and wooden sign greet you with a charming exterior. Inside, the room faces south with pastureland stretching out and views of the Hidaka Mountains. Plenty of sunlight pours in, creating a comfortable space. People of all ages are welcome, and small children are especially encouraged to visit. The menu includes set meals, pasta, rice dishes, and desserts. The highly recommended item is the lunch special, the “Seasonal Popeye Lunch.” The contents change each month, and the main staple rice is kamameshi cooked in-house. You can ask to substitute plain steamed rice for the kamameshi, so feel free to mention it. ※Because quantities are limited, it may sell out early. It’s about a 15-minute drive from JR Shintoku Station, roughly 11 kilometers away. On a sunny day, it makes for a pleasant drive; enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the views, or stop by to refuel after a full day of activities in town. Be sure to drop in 💁‍♀️ ※The regular closing day is every Monday, but if a holiday falls on a Monday, they take their day off after the holiday instead. ※If you plan to come from far away, it might be a good idea to check in advance whether they are open. Little Forest Restaurant Popeye Closed: Mondays Contact: 080-5592-6798 #Hokkaido #Hokkaido gourmet #Hokkaido sightseeing #hokkaido (Japanese phonetic) #Tokachi #Tokachi (phonetic) #Tokachi sightseeing #Tokachi gourmet #Shintoku Town #Shintoku #Shintoku Town gourmet #Small Forest #Restaurant #Restaurant Popeye #Popeye #Welcome to Shintoku Town #Welcome back to Shintoku Town #hokkaido #hokkaido_lovers #hokkaido_love #ilovehokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidolikers #hokkaidolove #hokkaidosgram #hokkaidofood #hokkaidotravel #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku

[Notice] Taramaru Square 2025 is now open! First phase: April 26–27, April 29 Second phase: May 3–5 At the Roadside Station event plaza See the image for vendor information ↓

The season for fireflies has arrived again. Kikuchi City is a famous firefly spot known as “Japan’s number one firefly home.” You can see them along the Nikakiga River and the Watase River in the Asahi-shi area of Kikuchi City. The places where you can see fireflies in Japan are decreasing year by year. Fireflies do not only thrive where the water is pristine. They prefer places with gentle water flow, sandy or gravelly riverbeds, low ambient light, quiet surroundings, and the presence of freshwater snails such as kawanina. They favor these limited types of habitat. As global environmental issues worsen, the habitats where fireflies can live are also shrinking. Even so, you can still see many fireflies in Kikuchi City. Fireflies spend their larval stage growing in the water for about a year while storing food. They then pupate and emerge as adults. As adults, they live for about two weeks. In other words, out of the 365 days of the year, the period when you can enjoy fireflies is only about two weeks. Also, adult fireflies do not eat. They spend their adult lives without feeding. The fireflies we watch are living through a life that ends in a flash. Each year we can see them because, despite that short life, they reliably pass their life on to the next generation. We are very happy that fireflies can be viewed in Kikuchi City again this year. Please come and visit Kikuchi City to enjoy firefly viewing. □ Best viewing times ・Nikakiga River: mid-May ・Watase River: mid-May to late May □ Viewing areas ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Obara (Obara district) ・Kikuchi City, Asahi-shi Fumoto (Takayanagi district) □ Parking…parking available in each district ・Obara district parking (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only, 200 yen) (May 11–early June) ・Takayanagi district parking (free) (May 17–early June) □ Viewing etiquette ・Do not shine flashlights or lights at the fireflies → Fireflies dislike strong light. Shining phone lights or using a flash can cause them to hide. It also disturbs other viewers. ・Do not make loud noises or cause disturbances → Loud noise will scare the fireflies and bother nearby residents. Please be considerate as viewing takes place at night. ・Do not catch or take them home → Adult fireflies can fly for only one to two weeks. Enjoy watching them living in the wild. ・Take your trash home with you → Fireflies live in clean environments. Let’s all protect the beautiful natural environment. ・Follow traffic rules → Viewing takes place at night. Please watch for people stepping onto roads. Road restrictions may be in place around viewing areas during the viewing season. Please cooperate to help keep viewers safe.

[Notice] Night Cherry Blossom Light-Up 🌸 From Iwanai Tourism Association The night cherry blossom light-up originally scheduled from 4/21 will begin tomorrow, Thursday, April 24, depending on the bloom status of the cherry trees. 🌸 This year we have extended the light-up section! Check the details below ✅ ・Period: Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, May 18 ※Subject to change depending on the condition of the cherry blossoms ・Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM ・Light-up section From in front of Iwanai Town Hall, First Torii — up to the area around Iwanai Shrine Street and Gansuien ・Parking In front of Iwanai Town Hall building Please use the temporary town hall parking lot ⚠️ Please refrain from parking on the road ⚠️ Requests and precautions 🙇🏻‍♀️ Do not touch the lighting equipment. Do not look directly at the lights. We look forward to welcoming you 🌸 ・Rengeji Temple: April 26–May 5, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM ・Gansuien: May 3–May 6, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM These facilities will also be lit up as part of the spring light-up program. 💡

From today (April 21), we are also open on Mondays❕ We will remain open every day until October 31. We look forward to welcoming you☺️ We have also installed benches and chairs in the plaza in front of the Roadside Station, so please feel free to rest there♪ *There are no trash bins.

The mountain climbing season has arrived. Kuranodake, located in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, offers trails for beginners through advanced hikers. It is a mountain that even small children can enjoy. From the summit you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, and a big appeal is that you can easily challenge yourself starting from the 9th station. The elevation is 1,118 m. It was selected as one of the Top 100 Walking Trails in Japan. It sits at the western end of the Aso outer rim, and the name comes from its saddle-like shape. Following the northeast ridge of Kuranodake leads to peaks such as Mount Tsumushi (1,064 m), and some hikers aim for them from Kuranodake’s summit. The mountain hosts many alpine plants and bird species. There are several routes up Kuranodake; for intermediate and advanced hikers there are the Forest Course and the Panorama Course. Beginners can drive up to the 9th station and start from the East Trailhead Course. With routes of varying difficulty, many families hike together. From the summit you can see the Kuju Mountain Range, the Five Peaks of Aso, Mt. Kimpō, and Unzen. Many people bring a packed lunch or coffee to enjoy on the hike. Before hiking, pick up maps and information at Shiki no Sato in Asahishi-Fumoto, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, located at the trail entrance, and why not give it a try?

Cherry Blossom Report: Ontakesan Sakura Road as of April 3, 2025 The cherry trees along the road on Mt. Ontake in Kiyokawamachi, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture are at their best. They seem to be at their peak now, with some petals starting to fall in the wind. The views are excellent, making it a great drive. Location: Kiyokawamachi, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■ Access to central Bungo Ono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Kyushu, Bungo Ono City, Oita Prefecture Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungo Ono City ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250403spot-kiyokawa/...

Notice about parking The snow has melted and spring is finally arriving🌸 Here is a notice about parking at Roadside Station Iwanai Please take note🚗 Parking at Roadside Station Iwanai is divided into several areas 1. Parking in front of the Kida Kanjirou Art Museum 2. Taramaru Market parking lot 3. Parking in front of the police box 4. Parking behind the Roadside Station Please be aware that the event plaza in front of the station is a no-parking zone Each year some visitors mistakenly park there We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation <(_ _)>

As of March 26, the cherry blossoms at Kikuchi Park are about 40% in bloom, and pale pink flowers have begun to color the whole park. The softly spreading cherry blossoms lift the spirits. Why not enjoy a spring moment as the trees grow more beautiful each day toward full bloom? Relaxed hanami awaits in the peaceful atmosphere of Kikuchi Park. At Kikuchi Park, the cherry trees are illuminated by paper lanterns from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM during the period from Sunday, March 16 through Saturday, April 5, letting visitors enjoy the night blossoms. On Sunday, March 30, the Kikuchi Sakura Marche will take place, with about 45 stalls expected to gather. For details, see https://x.gd/KbzJC...

Shinshu High Yamazakura Festival Takayama Village is dotted with Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) that are over 100 years old. Led by the 600-year-old Tsuboi Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms), Water the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Mizunaka, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Akawa Kannon, the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) of Nakashio, and the Edohigan cherry blossoms of Kurobe are called the Shinshu Five Great Cherry Blossoms of Takayama, and Events such as Cherry Blossom Trek Tour are Held in in conjunction with the good cherry blossom season. Please take a look at the single cherry blossom that blooms quietly in the mountain village. For more information on cherry blossom Information and Events, please check the Home page.

[Scenic Views within a 10-Minute Walk from Shinano-Ōmachi Station 🏔] Today, February 27th, Omachi City enjoys clear skies ☀️ The Omachi City Tourist Association is located inside JR Ōito Line’s Shinano-Ōmachi Station 😌 So sometimes visitors ask for spots where they can see the Northern Alps during the wait for their next train. Here are the spots we guide people to🏔✨ The first is from the pedestrian walkway over the small overpass ahead after turning left at the “Asahi-cho” intersection on National Route 147 🏔 The second is from the “Asahi-cho” pedestrian bridge 🏔 When you stop by Omachi City, why not take a short walk around Shinano-Ōmachi Station? 😊 ⭐️Explore Omachi City⭐️ https://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

Iwanai Onsen 50th Anniversary♨️ With heartfelt thanks to the local community “Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri” Celebration♨️ About the Iwanai Onsen Yu-matsuri⤵︎ Event period: Saturday, March 1, 2025 to Monday, March 31, 2025 🟡Benefit 1: Limited-time discounts (bathing and accommodation) Special discounts are available at participating Iwanai Onsen facilities *Present the flyer to receive the benefits❗️ *For accommodation, offers are limited to residents of the Shiriuchi area and require telephone reservations 🟡Benefit 2: Onsen stamp rally A chance to win luxurious prizes by lottery!!! Prizes 1st prize: Pair accommodation voucher for Takashima Ryokan♨️ (1 group) 2nd prize: Set of 3 craft beers🍺 (1 person) 3rd prize: IWANAI RESORT 1-day lift ticket⛷️ (3 people) Flyer distribution locations⤵︎ ・Iwanai Onsen bathing facilities and venues ・Iwanai Town Hall ・Roadside Station Iwanai ・Other distribution spots around town ⭐︎How to participate⭐︎ Bring the flyer and use discounts at participating facilities! Collect stamps at two onsen locations and enter the lottery Iwanai Onsen won in the “Onsen General Election 2024” Ranked 3rd nationwide and 1st in Hokkaido in the Beautiful Skin category👏🏻 Takashima Ryokan also defended its national No.1 spot in the Solo Traveler category❗️ Take this opportunity to visit Iwanai Onsen♨️

Rent a car within Taiki Town You want to sightsee around Taiki Town but don’t have a car, or you’d like to take a short trip during a long stay in Taiki Town… If so, you can rent a car from Hotel Kashiwa in town!

Kikuchi’s new landmark featuring the country’s largest dragon deity! Dragon tour and bell-ringing experience at Kogenji Temple Details below https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan...

Akindo City♪ Today (the 21st) and tomorrow (the 22nd) for two days Roadside Station Iwanai marks the Hina Festival with a special offer Beniko plush normally ¥2,100 is now ¥1,800! Beniko pudding (Fujita Confectionery Shop) Normally ¥200, now ¥180!! This pudding was recently enjoyed by Ichiyamamoto Seki on HBC’s Taku⭐︎Aki Bura Research We look forward to seeing you 😊

Would you like to try some craft beer? 🍺 From IWANAI BREWERY & HOTEL their craft beer “Malty” has a best-before date of March 20, so it’s available at a lower price than usual. 🙏 Why not take this chance to try some craft beer? 🍺 It’s on sale at the Roadside Station shop. 🙏🙏 Thank you!

[Notice] New product♪ Shop information at Roadside Station Iwanai! From Sasaya Shokudo 100% deep sea water — flat-pan method — Pure Salt JUN-EN now in stock!! Including tax, it is 450 yen. "Winter vegetables" grown in a snowhouse in Kyowa Town have arrived 👏 These winter vegetables were raised slowly without heating in the cold winter! How about some fresh-picked produce?

[Notice] Year-end and New Year business hours for Roadside Station Iwanai Dec 28 (Sat) 9:00–17:00 Dec 29 (Sun) 9:00–17:00 Dec 30 (Mon) Closed Dec 31 (Tue)–Jan 3 (Fri) Closed for the Year-end and New Year holidays Jan 4 (Sat) 9:00–17:00 That is the schedule 😊 Thank you. Also, Jan 6 (Mon) will be a closed day. Please be careful not to mistake the dates.

On Tuesday, December 17, we held in the "Ubuyama Village Winter Lunch Party". Village, about 20 participants from outside the Village were able to enjoy cooking and eating deliciously while learning about the master's commitment. Speaking of Kumamoto and Aso, "soup" soup is also eaten in Oita Prefecture, but the taste and shape of the soup are different depending on the region and each family. This time, we asked a mother from Ubuyama Village to be a teacher and teach us how to cook. We used vegetables that were painstakingly made by farmers in the Village, and we enjoyed the soup with new Rice and Akitaka cabbage. It is a small Village with about 1,400 Village residents, but the people who live there are very powerful. Ubuyama Village is located in the hinterland of Aso. There are many roads that are difficult to pass with a large car, and you can feel a different charm from popular sightseeing spots. I would be happy if you could learn about Satoyama life in the Ubuyama village where the deep part of Aso remains strongly through this article.

[Notice] IWANAI RESORT Open ⛷️ This Saturday, December 21, IWANAI RESORT, a ski area in Iwanai-cho, Hokkaido, is scheduled to open for the season!

Light Fantasy KIKUCHI Held from 30/Nov/2024 to 12/Dec/2024 @ Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizen's Square, Kumamoto Prefecture

Shop: Christmas items🎄 Wreaths, patchwork pieces, postcards and more We have an expanding selection of cute items♪ About one month until Christmas🎄 Children are surely waiting for Santa Claus with excited hearts and eager anticipation🎅✨ At Roadside Station Iwanai, Taramaru and Beniko are dressed as Santa! Please take your time browsing the shop when you stop by

[Notice] Akindo Market♪ Today (15th) and tomorrow (16th) — two days only!! At Roadside Station Iwanai, Japan Asparagus Co., Ltd.'s new products: two vegetable powders ★ Pumpkin powder ★ Burdock powder Both are 1,080 yen (tax included)! Manufactured using superheated steam. They concentrate the natural flavors of the ingredients and deliver the full umami of the vegetables! Additive-free and safe! They can also be used for baby food, which is usually time-consuming to prepare #👶 Plus, they are great for baking and soups — many uses♪ We hope you'll give them a try🙏 *Please note: Ramen Houryu listed on the flyer is closed unexpectedly due to store circumstances.* It's a once-a-month event where you can shop for bargains at stores throughout Iwanai-cho〜

[Notice] From November, Roadside Station Iwanai will switch to winter hours! Winter period: November 1 (Friday) through April 20 of the following year Business hours are 9:00–17:00. The facility will be closed every Monday. *If Monday is a public holiday, the following Tuesday will be closed. Please note that the stamp rally stamps will follow the same hours and closed days described above. We look forward to welcoming you throughout the winter season 😊 Roadside Station Iwanai🐟

Autumn leaves have begun! Matsukawa Valleys in Takayama Village is a large area of Autumn leaves with plenty of attractions, from Kasadake at Elevation 2,000 meters to Yamada Hot Spring at Elevation 900 meters Autumn leaves front descends from high elevation to low Best time to visit forecast Near Mt. Kasa and Manza Pass (approx. 2,000m) October 18　 Near Yamada Ranch (about 1,500m) October 18 Near Shichimi Hot Spring and Goshiki Hot Spring (approx. 1,200m) October 21 Near Thunder Falls and Hachitaki (approx. 1,100m) October 23 Near Yamada Hot Spring (Takaibashi) (about 900m) October 25 As of 10/21, the area around Yamada Ranch is in Best time to visit Now it's time for the real work Please take a look at the colorful Autumn leaves

It is a Roadside station Shiomizaka in Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture. There is a a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, and Shirasu bowl, eel bowl, and raw rice bowl are Famous. Outsides available the Footbath will Healing your tired legs.

Yamada Ranch Ezo Hydrangea Ezo hydrangeas, which grow naturally in the snowy mountains on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido and Honshu, are also Best time to visit at Yamada Ranch at Elevation 1500m. Ezo hydrangeas are not as flashy as ornamental hydrangeas, but their appearance in clusters in a grove is full of a refreshing feeling that makes you forget about the summer heat. It's been unusually hot this summer, but it's Squid to visit Yamada Ranch in search of Ezo hydrangeas.

"Shinshu Venus Line Drive Stamp Rally" ★Collect smartphone stamps at sightseeing spots and earn rewards! The Venus Line is a 75.2 km scenic road stretching from Chino to Ueda in Nagano Prefecture. It winds through the highland area of Yatsugatake-Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park, located near the geographic center of Honshu, and ranks among Japan’s premier driving routes. The average elevation is about 1,400 meters, and the highest point, the Utsukushigahara Highlands, reaches about 2,000 meters. Would you like to take your time enjoying this beautiful drive, stopping at various spots along the way? There are hot springs, delicious local dishes, Shinshu souvenirs, and breathtaking scenery!!! We look forward to seeing you! ■ Period From Thursday, August 1, 2024, to Thursday, October 31, 2024 ■ Area Chino, Suwa, Shimosuwa, Tateshina, Nagawa, Ueda ● Stamp spots: 30 locations 【Tateshina Area】2 spots 【Suwa Area】9 spots 【Kirigamine, Yashima, Kurumayama Area】3 spots 【Shirakaba Lake, Megami Lake Area】7 spots 【Wada, Takayama Area】4 spots 【Ueda, Takeshi Area】5 spots For details → Search for "Shinshu Venus Line Drive Stamp Rally"!