[Stay in the Countryside! Accommodation Special] Under a sky full of stars, with the scent of green 🌿 Birdsong and cold mountain streams, create nostalgic summer holiday memories in the countryside in Miyoshi. We introduce proud accommodations where you can fully enjoy nature❗ Are you the active type this summer? Or would you rather take it easy? Tell us in the comments 😊 ***************************************** Accommodations for Active Travelers [Irori Inn Kumaya] ● Check-in 15:00– ● Check-out by 10:00 ● Reservations accepted by phone. ● We created a paradise for dragonflies and frogs. ● One booking per day only. [Kogane-ya, Farmstay of Dream-Eating Insects] ● Check-in in the afternoon ● Check-out in the morning ● One booking per day only ● Reservations accepted by phone. ● Sometimes we cannot answer the phone. Please leave a recorded message and we will call you back. [Country Experience Guesthouse Nanohana Batake] ● Check-in from 14:00 ● Check-out by 11:00 ● Please search for "Nanohana Batake Miyoshi DMO" to reserve and apply via the link on the site. ● Single-person stays incur an extra charge. [Mountain Work Experience Guesthouse Kirakubo] ● Check-in from 14:00 ● Check-out by 11:00 ● Please search for "Kirakubo Miyoshi DMO" to reserve and apply via the link on the site. ● Kitchen use fee 2,500 yen BBQ area use fee 1,500 yen ● Experience mountain work together with the owner! [Farmstay Ponmama’s Hide-and-Seek] ● Check-in from 15:00 ● Check-out by 10:00 ● Reservations accepted by phone. [Hoshihara Mountain School] ● Instagram @hoshihara_yamanogakko ● Check-in 15:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Please search for "Hoshihara Mountain School Miyoshi DMO" to reserve and apply via the link on the site. ● You can camp on the schoolyard or rent the entire school building. See the Hoshihara Mountain School website for details. ● Forest excursion programs and satoyama nature games offer activities that let you fully feel nature; separate application required. ● There are two classrooms. One group per classroom. ● Maintenance cooperation fee: 100 yen per person. ***************************************** Accommodations for Relaxed Travelers [Tomishino Village] ● Instagram @tomishinosato ● Check-in 16:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Reservations accepted by phone. ● In addition to bungalows, there are 10 Japanese- and Western-style rooms at Kohjisou (shared bath and kitchen). ● On days when Tomishi Mountain Cafe is open, enjoy lunch and coffee. [Country Inn Kaze no Michi] ● Check-in from 15:00 ● Check-out by 10:00 (extension 800 yen per hour) ● Reservations: 090-6837-4770 ● Pets allowed only for outdoor dogs (we have a dog room) ● BBQ sets available (bring charcoal and food) [Kusahanatoro no Yado Miyoshi Everyone’s House] ● Check-in 14:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Reservations by email ( info@miyoshi-minnanoie.com ) or via the reservation form on the "Miyoshi Minna no Ie" official website. [Kobo-yama Experience Exchange Center Yasuragi-so] ● Check-in 15:00 ● Check-out 10:00 ● Reservations: 0847-67-5211 (Coffee & Pasta Amin) 14:00–18:00 except Mondays ● Please consult if you would like meals provided. [Dream Space Kunitaya Sanso] ● Instagram @kunitayasanso ● Check-in from 15:00 ● Check-out by 12:00 ● Reservations by email ※ Due to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS postings, please search the internet for "Kunitaya Sanso" and contact the site inquiry form with your desired dates. Reservations are confirmed after we contact you back. ● Bring your own ingredients. Charcoal (1,000 yen) is available for purchase. ● See the Kunitaya Sanso official website for details. For detailed accommodation introductions and reservations we post experience reports and booking information on the Miyoshi DMO official website ✨ Search "facility name, Miyoshi DMO" to check details♪ ＊………………………………………………………………….✈ [Notes] ➤ Items to bring, clothing, reservation deadlines and other requirements may vary by facility. Please check the Miyoshi DMO official website in advance. ➤ Experience contents and fees may change. If you have questions, contact each facility directly.

A railroad crossing Soba Onaka Station in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. Here you can see the unobstructed summer panorama that spreads all over the place. In the sky, the clouds are beginning to make their presence felt.

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!

[Notice] Event information♪ ★ Iwanai Lions Club Beer Garden🍺 Two days only: August 9 and 10! At the event plaza in front of Roadside Station Iwanai Lions Festival celebrates in town🦁 Local restaurants will join and support with stalls There will also be events like a shaved-ice eating contest♪ Wondering where to go for the three-day weekend? If so, come to Iwanai-cho! 😊 Event organizer Iwanai Lions Club ★ Bon Festival 2025 August 11 (Mon) to August 16 (Sat) The "Bon Festival" will be held at the event plaza in front of the Roadside Station❗️ *August 11 and 12 are a pre-opening.* August 13–16 18:30–19:15 Children’s Bon dance 19:15–20:00 Hokkaido Bon dance Final day, August 16 From 18:30 Bon dance and costume dance Food stalls available🍴 Free karaoke and surprise guerrilla events too! Make summer holiday memories❗️Make hometown return memories❗️ Organizer: Bon Festival Children’s Festival Executive Committee

[Notice] This year’s lodging fireworks will again take place on August 10th. Launch site: IWANAI RESORT ※There is no parking available. Launch time: 8:30 PM. Postponed in case of severe weather. Organizer: Iwanai-cho Lodging Fireworks Executive Committee Inquiries: 0135-62-2222

Notice] Event Information♪ Kids Iwanai Water Park🏖️ This year it takes place on the same day as the second day of the Dotou Festival! ★ Date and Time ・Sunday, August 3, 10:00–15:00 ★ Venue Iwanai Regional Cultural Center Marine Park Postal Code 045-0003 51-7 Bandai, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai District, Hokkaido ★ Eligibility Up to third-grade elementary school children accompanied by a guardian * Please do not take your eyes off your child. * We cannot take responsibility for accidents that occur without a guardian present. Changing tents will be provided on the day Please bring a change of clothes and a towel We look forward to welcoming everyone♪

[Notice] Event Information♪ The 52nd Iwanai Dotoh Festival!!! A spectacular fireworks show with about 5,000 shells🎇 ★Date and Time ・Saturday, August 2 — from 12:00 ※Fireworks start at 20:00 ※Postponed to the next day in case of rain ・Sunday, August 3 — from 10:00 ★Venue Special outdoor site on the west side of the Iwanai Regional Cultural Center Postal code 045-0003 51-7 Bandai, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai District, Hokkaido For the program and event details, please see the images from the second one onward.

🌸Shinyan and Nyanko’s Layered Stamp Rally Tour 🌸 Extended due to popular demand!! Event period Friday, August 1, 2025 – Friday, October 31, 2025 Extended period Friday, August 1, 2025 – Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Join Shimanto City Tourism Association’s official characters, Shinyan and Nyanko, for a stamp rally that lets you enjoy Shimanto City! This isn’t just any stamp — these are layered stamps. As you stack each stamp, by the end…ta‑da! A single piece of art appears✨ Turn your completed sheet into a postcard! It’s perfect as a travel keepsake or a gift for friends💌 Why not create your own Shimanto art? How to enjoy — it’s super easy♪ 1. Get a stamp sheet! → Sheets are distributed in limited numbers at each facility. If one place runs out, another might still have them! 2. Stack and stamp five stamps! → Stamps 1–5 share the same design in either area. The final image is the same even if you don’t stamp in order! 3. Once all stamps are in place, a cute Shinyan art piece is complete🎨 → You can take it home as a postcard✨ 4. Show your completed sheet and… → The first 500 visitors receive an original cotton tote bag as a gift🎁 Two areas — start anywhere you like Stamp spots form one design across the Nakamura Area and the Nishitosa Area. Because stamps 1–5 are common, collecting them in either area yields the same final image♪ Nakamura Area🐾 1. Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio — Admission required A facility where you can learn about the creatures of the Shimanto River. With dragonfly and insect specimens and displays of fish from the Shimanto River basin, it’s fun for adults and children alike! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays) 2. Shimanto River Sightseeing Boats (Yakatabune) — Boarding required Three sightseeing boat operators participate; whichever operator you board will stamp your sheet. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the beautiful Shimanto River♪ Hours: 9:00–16:00 (Advance reservation recommended) 3. Shimanto City Local Museum — Admission required A castle-shaped museum on a small hill. Learn Shimanto City’s history and culture, and take in city views from the tower for a castle‑lord feeling! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Closed Wednesdays) 4. harenoba cafe n2 (Cafe N2) — Purchase or dine required Located around the middle of Tenjinbashi Shopping Street, it’s the perfect stop to rest during sightseeing. Hours: 11:00–18:00 (Closed Mondays) 5. Shimanto City Tourism Association — Cotton bag pick‑up location — Visit required A hub for travel information on Shimanto City and the Hata Region. They offer rental bikes (¥1,000 and up) and discounted sightseeing boat tickets! Hours: 8:30–17:30 (Open year‑round) The Nakamura town center is easy to explore by rental bike, so you can take a leisurely stroll and collect stamps! Nishitosa Area🐾 1. Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa — Visit required A popular spot with local specialties and souvenirs. Enjoy grilled natural ayu (sweetfish) from the Shimanto River and sweets made from local ingredients — ideal for a break or shopping! Hours: 7:30–18:00 (No holidays during the event period) 2. Shimanto River Station Canoe Hall — Purchase, experience, or stay required A facility offering canoe experiences, SUP, and rafting, with an adjacent campsite so you can fully enjoy the outdoors! Hours: 8:30–17:30 (No holidays during the event period) 3. Iwami Chaya (near the sinking bridge!) — Visit required Right next to Iwami Sinking Bridge, this spot sells homemade bento and unique handmade goods made by locals. Fans should also check out the “Shimanto River” monument by Hiroshi Miyama with parking available! Hours: 10:00–15:00 (Closed Mondays) 4. Hotel Seira Shimanto — Stay or day‑use hot spring required In addition to lodging, the hotel has a restaurant and day‑use hot spring, perfect for soothing travel fatigue. At night, the stargazing guide by the star attendant is highly recommended! Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Open year‑round) 5. Shimanto River Furusato Guide Center — Cotton bag pick‑up location — Visit required The Nishitosa tourist information desk located right by the station. You can also rent Rinrin Cycles here! Hours: 8:30–18:00 (Closed Wednesdays) Driving is recommended in Nishitosa! Enjoy a scenic drive along the Shimanto River while taking in nature♪ Note: Opening days and hours may vary. Please check each facility’s website for the latest information. (Information current as of July 2025) Key point! Stamps 1–5 share a common design, so collecting them across Nakamura and Nishitosa will still complete the same image! (For example: either Nakamura’s Shimanto River Museum Akitsuio or Nishitosa’s Roadside Station Yotte Nishitosa for stamp 1 is fine) When you collect all the stamps… 🎉 The first 500 participants will receive ＼an original cotton tote bag／ Show your completed stamp sheet at one of the following locations👇 • Nakamura: Shimanto City Tourism Association • Nishitosa: Shimanto River Furusato Guide Center This cute, exclusive bag features Shinyan artwork and is only available here🐾✨ Who are Shinyan and Nyanko? Shinyan and Nyanko are local cat characters of the Shimanto City Tourism Association. There are five cats in total, each inspired by the Shimanto River’s nature, traditional fishing methods, and local culture. In this stamp rally, those Shinyan cats appear together as art♪ 🎨 Character designs are by Junya Inoue, a popular manga artist from Shimanto City and a tourism ambassador (best known for BTOOOM! and Kaiju Jieitai). Come play around Shimanto City with the Shinyan cats! Don’t just press stamps — enjoy the fun of layering them to complete the art. Explore nature, history, food, and adorable characters on a Shimanto City tour. We’re sure your very own special piece will take shape✨ We look forward to your participation!

Azumino was hit by heavy rain. By evening the rain had stopped, and a beautiful sunset appeared.

The hot days keep coming… Azumino is topping 30 degrees… On days like this, you might want to relax while gazing at a cool, clear mountain stream on the riverbed of the Nakabusa River flowing from the Northern Alps with a book you’ve been meaning to read and a cup of coffee… At the tourist information center in front of JR Oito Line Hotaka Station, borrow a cafe BOX and enjoy an Azumino picnic 😄 https://reserve.489ban.net/client/azumino-e-tabi/0/detail/850669...

Tokyo is an amazing city with a vibrant history that truly comes alive during its festivals. One of the highlights is the kanda matsuri, which takes place at the beautiful kanda myojin shrine. The lively mikoshi parade is filled with joy and cultural charm, making it a fantastic experience for everyone.

Squid eaten on the veranda in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture is the best. This is summer in Japan

Notice: Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival This year too, the Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival will take place over three days from July 7th to July 9th. Please be aware that some roads will be closed during the festival, so take care when coming to the area. Come and join the “Iwanai Festival.”😌 *The schedule was referenced from the Iwanai Shrine website.

The Northern Alps taken from inside a car. The cars don't stop, and I can't get this view out of my head when I pass the tracks.

Isemiya Shrine standing amid rice fields I could see the Northern Alps toward Hakuba, but clouds rose around Mount Ariake It already feels like early summer in Azumino

Otoyo's specialty! The harvest of Goishicha tea tea leaves has been carried out! Goishicha tea is a "post-fermented tea" 🍵 made in Otoyo, Kochi Prefecture It is made by a rare manufacturing method called "two-stage fermentation" in which tea leaves are steamed, fermented with lactic acid bacteria, and then further fermented. It is ✨ a fermented tea characterized by its unique sour flavor and health benefits that regulate the intestinal environment The completed Goishicha tea will be sold as a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment or at Souvenirs shops in Kochi Prefecture!

【Best time to visit fireflies 🌌】 Speaking of Spot where you can Appreciation fireflies in Nobeoka City, there are Kitagawa, Yoshino, Maino, etc. It seems that it is ✨ in best time to visit in various places Let's 😊 continue to observe manners and Appreciation to protect this beautiful Nature ◎ Do not illuminate with bright lights, throw away trash, or harm Nature. ◎ Watch quietly so as not to disturb the people around you. ◎ Do not use insect repellent spray at the Appreciation area, and take measures such as long sleeves. 🪄 May the light of the fireflies dancing in the night sky be a memorable time for you

At Hakuba Village in Nagano Prefecture, which I visited on a trip, I was able to see a water mirror of Tambo reflecting the mountains with a superb view.

🌿New Tea Season🌿 The tea fields in Gokasecho are turning a vivid green😌🍵 The first and second photos show the house in Kuwanochi, in front of which the weeping cherry trees that we introduced in spring looked so beautiful📸✨ Against the fresh green of the remaining cherry leaves, the two-tone tea fields made an incredibly beautiful scene🥺👏 Fresh tea is arriving one after another at the Gokase Specialty Center, and the scent of new tea fills the shop🥰 Enjoy the fragrant, new tea leaves that make you feel as if you are standing right in the tea fields🍵✨

This morning, Azumino chilled down to 3 degrees. Under a high-pressure system, the blue sky spread above a breathtaking scene. The white peaks of the Northern Alps reflected in a mirror-like sheet of water. Azumino is now entering its most beautiful season.

[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 ↓

Ricefield tilling has begun here and there across Azumino, and the rice-planting season has arrived. Next, after the fields are flooded and leveled, the seedlings will be planted. During this rice-planting period you can see Azumino’s miraculous spectacle, the “water mirror”.

[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.

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them. The lights of the cars hit the cherry blossoms on the way

Daigo Sakura, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture I went to Daigo Sakura for the first time, which I had wanted to visit for a long time. I arrived at around 4 a.m. in the morning, and even though it was already a weekdays, there were about 40 photographers taking pictures, and it was difficult to take pictures because it was filled with tripods and it was a dark place, but I managed to take a picture, and above all, the Milky Way and starry sky cherry blossoms seen with the naked eye were pitch black and Impression even if I couldn't see them.

Nice to meet you. This is the Otoineppu Village Tourism Association. Our Otoineppu Village is the smallest village in Hokkaido, located in the northern part of Hokkaido. From now on, through this Account, I hope that many people will know the charm of Otoikofu, including the scenery of the Village, the Specialty products of the Village, the Information of the Events, and even the small events of daily life. Thank you very much.

【Access】 Access to Nagiso Town is mainly by JR, local buses, and Taxi. We will inform you 🚌✨ of the timetable and how to get on the bus You can also check it on the HP Access page! Search for 🔍 "Nagiso Tourism Association" or "Burarinagiso" ▶︎ Bus ・ The number of trains is small, so please check the ⚠️ time in advance ・ You can check how to ride from the 7th image ・Bus tickets are on sale at the Tsumago Tourist Information Center! (Tsumagoro to Magoro or In the town range only) ・ You can pay the driver in cash when you get off the Car (2,000 yen bills, 5,000 yen bills, and 10,000 yen bills cannot be used) ・ In order to prevent congestion when getting off the car, please 🎫 purchase tickets in advance as much as possible ▶︎Taxi Nagiso Kanko Taxi🚕 Sales Office Tsumagoro First Car Parking Lot Business hours 7:00-19:00 (subject to change in winter) * Taxi is always stationed at Nagiso Station. * Please make a reservation in advance outside business hours. * There are that it may be difficult to arrange immediately during crowded Time Slots, so please come with plenty of time ▶︎JR Nagiso Station Ticket Sales Window 🎫 Business hours 7:50-16:05 Closed hours 11:10-11:30, 12:35-13:15 * IC cards are not supported. * Outside the business hours, please Boarding without a ticket and pay at the station where you get off Car (please take a numbered ticket when Boarding) * Use 💳❌ credit cards * Since there is only one ticket purchase window, it is very crowded, especially in the evening. We recommend that you purchase in advance during a free morning Time Slot / Time of Day or at another station * Nakatsugawa Station accepts credit card payments. * Use IC cards from Nakatsugawa Station to Nagoya Station ▶︎JR Nagiso Station / Information Center Business hours 8:00-17:00 Closed hours 11:10-11:30, 12:35-13:15 If you have any problems, please ✨ feel free to drop by

Title: Spring Symphony Description: A breathtaking spring scene featuring vibrant tulip fields, a cherry blossom-lined path, and the majestic Japanese Alps glowing under a golden sunset.

Stroll through a dreamy cherry blossom lane as petals drift over the moat of Toyama Castle Ruin Park, creating a romantic springtime paradise.