Martial arts and cultural arts emphasize the importance of learning kata, the basic movements of the school, as well as the learning of a predetermined form and at the same time the mental state at the time it is done.

The Way of the Brush Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentleman.

The Way of the Brush Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentleman.

Takekoma Shrine in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, one of the three major inari shrines in Japan Every year from July ~ the end of August, the "Summer Festival" is Held in, and in 2024, many glass wind chime were displayed in the Precincts approach to the temple. I'm looking forward to next year.

The Way of the Brush Along with the martial arts, many other arts flourished, including calligraphy, tea ceremony, tea bowls, poetry, incense, and Noh drama, and a samurai needed to have knowledge of both the sword and the brush in order to be seen as a cultured gentleman.

On Sunday, September 8th, the children’s festival at Hotaka Shrine featured child-drawn boats pulled from three town districts. Each boat was paraded through its district, and before noon they gathered at Hotaka Shrine to be offered in dedication. Children from the districts acted as pullers as the boat-shaped floats, called ofune, moved through the streets of Azumino. On September 26th and 27th, the Hotaka Shrine Ofune Festival takes place. On the 27th, a hands-on tour organized by the tourism association lets participants, together with local residents, pull a large adult boat weighing over five tons. For details, please check the official tourism association website.

Sugao Magaibutsu Sugao Magaibutsu is located in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Sugao Magaibutsu consists of five cliff-carved Buddha images created in the late Heian period. They are carved into welded tuff from an Aso pyroclastic flow about 90,000 years old. The carvings are so beautifully and skillfully executed that they compare favorably with wooden Buddhist statues from Kyoto and Nara, and they are designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. They are among the most representative magaibutsu in Bungoono City. Access to Sugao Magaibutsu involves steep stone steps and slopes. Please take great care with your footing. Location: Asase, Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture About a 12-minute drive from JR mie town station (7–8 km) Cultural Property: Nationally designated Important Cultural Property ■■■ Magaibutsu of Bungoono City Magaibutsu are stone Buddha images carved directly into cliffs. Bungoono City has an exceptionally large number of magaibutsu even by national standards. Many of these were carved into welded tuff formed by cooled pyroclastic flows; carvers selected relatively easy-to-work sections without columnar joints. ■■■ Bungoono City Tourist Association The Bungoono City Tourist Association shares information on the city’s attractions and scenic spots. We would be delighted if you follow us. On other social channels we also post information on food, accommodations, and events. For details, please visit the Bungoono City Tourist Association website (link in profile).

What is the most important thing for a samurai to know? To face what you want to accomplish, risking every minute and every second of your life for it.

Martial arts and cultural arts emphasize the importance of learning kata, the basic movements of the school, as well as the learning of a predetermined form and at the same time the mental state at the time it is done.

Japanese calligraphy is a symbol of Japanese culture and has an exotic appeal to foreigners who feel a sense of harmony, and there exist characteristics that lead to the root of Japanese “politeness

When a young man who aspires to be a samurai crosses the threshold of my house, he will not cross it again until he has made a name for himself in the world.

Hyogo Prefecture Minamiawaji Youth Square Park It was the first place I visit, and the view from here was the best, and I had been visit Awaji for many years, but this was a hidden gem and I had never seen it on the Internet, but it was recommended by a friend and I knew for the first time that there was such a place. In a building designed by world-renowned architect Kenzo Tange in commemoration of students who died in the war I hoped that love and peace without war would continue, and that people all over the world would be able to laugh.

A typhoon has passed. In Tsukigase, Nara, there is Tsukigase Plum Valley, which was designated as Japan’s first nationally recognized Scenic Spot 100 years ago. During the Plum Festival, held from mid-February through the end of March, many photographers gather from early morning to capture the breathtaking views where the plum groves, the valley, and the sea of clouds meet. However the best time to see Tsukigase Plum Valley is not only in spring. Its fresh green in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy winter landscapes charm visitors through every season. This submission is not of the verdant summer valley but of the sunrise after a typhoon. At first the valley was shrouded in thick river mist, but the fog gradually lifted and the sun began to break through. The way sunlight pierces the shifting mist is truly dramatic. Photo: Yasunori Okamoto

Menoyu Ryokan Shizanro Minamoto Fountain Kake-Ryu no Yu inn　 There are only Minamoto spring hot springs and Handmade Soba noodles, but only here Why do people travel, and what does travel mean to humans? If you are driven by such thoughts, please let me know. The 200-year-old pillars and beams quietly welcome you. Natural hot springs of ancient Cypress trees The Cypress trees bathtub was built from a huge tree that was Nature Fallen tree a long time ago and is more than 2,000 years old. The hot water that flows here is a 100% flowing Hot Spring consisting of spring water that promotes beautiful skin (alkaline simple Hot Spring) Gushing out of the spring Private fountainhead. In addition, it contains boric acid and is the origin of the name "Menoyu" as a hot spring that is effective for the eyes. Hand-made Soba noodles The Soba noodles that my husband beats are a proud Gastronomical delicacies that you should definitely try when you come to Menoyu Buckwheat noodles flour is made from the finest round flour from Tateshina Highlands, Nagano Prefecture, which is characterized by a sophisticated flavor without miscellaneous taste, and Soba pounding water and boiled water are Hot Spring water from the Minamoto spring. The secret sauce to go with freshly pounded, freshly cut, and freshly boiled Soba noodles is our unique buckwheat noodles soup made with thick shavings of Rishiri kelp and bonito and flavored with Local soy sauce and mirin. Serve freshly beaten Soba noodles with grated Hon Wasabi Gari. Number of guest rooms: 6 Japanese-style rooms, group reception up to 10 people Free Wi-Fi Non-smoking throughout the building Address: Asama Hot Spring 1-37-5 TEL 0263-46-0255 FAX 0263-46-0256 Parking for up to 20 cars Nearest bus stop in front of Hot Plaza

This photo was taken at the fireworks festival in Satsumagawanai City. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Satsuma Kawanai City.

Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival This festival takes place in August in Mie Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. Organized mainly by local residents, it is not large in scale but offers a warm, heartfelt atmosphere. The festival begins with Shinto and Buddhist rites. According to legend, the Sugao cliff-carved Buddha statues were carved by an oni (demon), and to thank the oni everyone invites an oni to appear at the festival, where the organizers present it with a letter of appreciation. In the rooster-crowing imitation contest inspired by the legend, participants perform their own impersonations of a rooster’s crow, filling the venue with smiles. On stage, the vigorous drumming of Toyukai and traditional kagura dances take place. In the latter half of the festival, a torch-throwing ritual called 松明投げ (taimatsu-nage) lights a roughly 3-meter-tall pillar pine by tossing burning torches up into it from below, and many children take on the challenge. ■■■ What the Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival Is Local residents hold the festival to revitalize the area and raise awareness of the Sugao cliff-carved Buddhas. The rooster-crowing imitation contest stems from a local legend. In the tale, an oni that settled in the area caused trouble and demanded, “Give me the village maiden as my bride!” The troubled village headman consulted a monk, who told the oni, “If you carve five stone Buddhas into the cliff in one night, you may take the girl as your bride; if you fail, leave the village.” Worried villagers checked at night and found the oni carving the fifth statue. They had the village’s rooster imitation expert mimic a rooster’s crow, tricking the oni into thinking morning had arrived, whereupon it fled.

"Summer Shrine" As you walk along the path overgrown with green trees, a vermilion shrine appears in front of you. The voices of cicadas echo through the trees, and the sunlight gently illuminates the ground. Along with the sound of leaves swaying in the wind, my heart is quietly filled.

Find your 📍 favorite dog There is also a voting Zone, so be sure to check it out! It's not a komainu in front of a nearby shrine. The dog that was stored in the back of the Main hall of the shrine is the best! What's more, each komainu has a different design depending on the era and fashion. Hairdo? I mean, Maki hair style and straight hair There is a coil around the arm, three tails, and a coil I wonder if there was some kind of "winding"? 🙋 If you answer the quiz, you will win 📍 an "Original Komainu Can Badge" File containers made of Echizen washi paper, which can only be obtained here, are also on sale Of course, the komainu design 【Awara City Township Historical Materials】 ▪ Address: Fukui, Awara City, Spring Shrine, 2-14-1 ▪ Phone 0776-73-5158 ▪ Hours: 9:30 a.m. ~ 6 p.m. (Admission until 5:30 p.m.) ▪ Closed days: Every Monday, 4th Thursday of every month (if these days are a Holidays, the next day), New Year's holidays (December 29th ~ January 3rd) For detailed dates and times, please check the 2024 (Reiwa 6) Township Saturday Historical Materials Opening Calendar. ▪ Admission fee: Free (except for some special exhibitions)

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Nobeoka Tourism Association. From now on, we will share information about Nobeoka City’s sightseeing spots and events. We will introduce Nobeoka’s charms in plenty of detail, so we hope you enjoy. Now then, first let us introduce Nobeoka City! Nobeoka City is located in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. After merging with Kitakata Town and Kitanoura Town in 2006 and with Kitagawa Town in 2007, it has a population of about 115,000 and, by area, is the second largest city in Kyushu. It is the birthplace of the major integrated chemical manufacturer Asahi Kasei and also has an industrial city side. Seasonal events are lively here, from the springtime Nobeoka Flower Story to the autumn tradition of the ayu fishing weir, which draws visitors from across the country and livens up the town. Nobeoka is also nationally famous as the birthplace of chicken nanban and spicy noodles, and you can enjoy these soul foods at many local restaurants. This is an appealing region where natural beauty, historic sites, and delicious cuisine come together. You will discover something new each time you visit, and you’ll want to come back again and again. With the opening of the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway, access to Nobeoka City has become very convenient. Please come and experience the charms of Nobeoka City for yourself. *An access image to Nobeoka City is also attached.*

Wasshoi Festival Experience Tour—an annual celebration The towering floats parade at Hotaka Shrine’s "Ofune Festival" Let’s pull the ofune together! …We have started selling tickets for this hands-on tour! Held every year on September 26 and 27 at Hotaka Shrine, this festival features boat-shaped floats pulled through a landlocked prefecture On the main day, the 27th, the spectacular "Ofune Battle" draws crowds as massive five-ton hulls collide in a fierce display This tour offers the rare chance to help pull one of these ofune Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the Ofune Festival in person! Tour perks 1. Try pulling the huge adult ofune—normally handled only by locals—up to Hotaka Shrine! 2. Receive a stylish Ofune Festival T-shirt and wear it proudly during the event! 3. Enjoy a special limited-edition "Ofune Festival" goshuin paper as a keepsake! 4. Watch the climactic moment when the two adult boats collide from reserved seats right next to the action! 5. Boost your luck at Hotaka Shrine, a powerful local power spot! For details, please check the official Azumino City Tourism Association website

Hyakutai Koshin (Hundred Koshin Statues) The stone Koshin statue and the commemorative monument at the highest central step of the approach were erected in March 1828 (Bunsei 11) by Nobutomi Ohara. According to the monument, “On Koshin days we held ceremonies to honor the Koshin deity, and if one observed this ritual seven times one could reduce the calamities caused by the three corpses (sanshi). After consulting with the nun of the Ohara hermitage, I decided to enshrine a hundred Koshin statues along the ridge of the woodland I own. Many people from inside and outside the village helped erect the Koshin monuments. I inscribed this monument to explain the reason, to offer thanks to the Heavenly Sovereign, and to pray that my companions and neighbors would be considerate of one another so that our descendants might live in peace and prosper for generations.” In this way, these Koshin statues were widely commissioned from neighboring villages and erected, and there are 110 in total.

Kodai Fire Festival The Kodai Fire Festival takes place every year on August 14 in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo period. Its origins are unclear, but it is said to have begun as a Bon memorial service, a ritual to drive away pests and pray for a bountiful rice harvest, or as a memorial for victims of an uprising that occurred during the Edo period. On the day of the festival, local residents prepare small torches called kodai in the rice fields across the Ogata Plain, starting around Harajiri Falls. At night, when about 10,000 kodai are lit all at once, their lights rise up from around Harajiri Falls across the Ogata Plain. The scene is exceptionally dreamlike. Some districts in Ogata Town create torii gates, stone bridges, and other features using kodai, creating a stunning competition of beauty.

The Kodai Torch Fire Festival will take place on August 14 in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. This traditional event has been passed down since the Edo period. At night, when the Kodai torches are lit all at once, their lights rise like a dream around Harajiri Falls and across the Ogata Plain.

Chinda Falls (Chinda no Taki) – Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungoono City Chinda Falls consists of the male fall on the main stream of the Ono River and the female fall on the Hirai River, a tributary. The male fall measures about 100 m across and 20 m high, while the female fall is about 10 m across and 18 m high. The rocks that form Chinda Falls were deposited by the pyroclastic flows from the great eruption of Mount Aso approximately 90,000 years ago. The site is also famous because Sesshū, the ink-painting master active during the Muromachi period, visited and painted “Chinda Waterfall.” Near the falls lie the remains of an old hydroelectric power station built in the Meiji era. Location: Yata, Onocho, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture Parking available

Baikoan Located in Tsukigase, Nara, Baikoan is Japan’s sole maker of karoubai (processed plum) that has preserved a production method passed down there for about seven hundred years without alteration. Karoubai refers to processed ume fruit, introduced to Nara as a medicine some 1,300 years ago by envoys to Sui and Tang China. Around seven hundred years ago, during the Nanbokucho period, it reached Tsukigase as a mordant for safflower dyeing. From the late Edo period through the early Meiji era, karoubai reached its heyday as a mordant for cosmetic red dye, and some 400 karoubai workshops operated, but demand plunged after the invention of chemical dyes. By the early Showa era only a few producers remained; after the war Baikoan became the sole manufacturer and continues to this day. Baikoan cultivates plums, rice, and vegetables and processes food across 30,000 square meters of verdant land and rich nature. Although the plums in Tsukigase were originally planted to make karoubai, the sight of plum trees in full bloom reflected on the valley and river of the Satsukigawa captivated people and made this area Japan’s first officially designated scenic spot. During the plum festival from February through the end of March, our shop offers dining and hanami from scenic box seats filled with the scent of plum. In Reiwa 6 (2024) we built the Nara Beni Workshop. This Japanese-style building incorporates traditional Japanese craftsmanship throughout. Inside the workshop, where you can feel delicate, advanced techniques and Japanese aesthetics, visitors can experience safflower dyeing using karoubai. We hope the experience becomes an opportunity to rediscover the wonders of Japanese culture. Watching the ever-changing colors of nature and the early-morning sea of clouds spreading across the Tsukigase valley can create the illusion of being in a plum paradise. Early spring light, tranquil fresh greens, the bounty of autumn, the scents of winter. We live and work with the seasons in the strict yet warm nature of Tsukigase.

August 6, 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing. A Toro Nagashi was held at the Motoyasu River, which stream in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, to pray for peace and the repose of the souls of the victims. With many lanterns illuminating the surface of the water, we put our hands together in the hope of peace, and the day of prayer in Hiroshima comes to a close.

August 6, 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing. A Toro Nagashi was held at the Motoyasu River, which stream in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, to pray for peace and the repose of the souls of the victims. With many lanterns illuminating the surface of the water, we put our hands together in the hope of peace, and the day of prayer in Hiroshima comes to a close.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Shimonoseki Mayor's Office One piece of the moon on the summer strange festival of the historic towns mayor's office. The Suphorbia Garden Festival, 1800 years ago, the history of Emperor Nakama. From August 7 to 13 every year.

Penglai Bridge It is said to be the world's most "Nagaiki Bridge" It's a combination of "long life" and "long trees"

When I came to Shin-Hot Spring Town-yu Village Hot Spring in Hyogo Prefecture for the first time in a long time, the lantern picture scroll was even more Hot spring resort than There is a 😌 along the river