🚴‍♂️ Tour of Japan 2025 Sakai Stage 🌿 One of the country’s largest international road cycling races takes place at Daisen Park, next to the World Heritage Nintoku Emperor’s Tumulus! 📅 Sunday, May 18 — 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM 📍Daisen Park (10-minute walk from Mozu Station, JR) 🎥 Live streaming will be available on the day! Free to watch ✨ For details, search “Tour of Japan 2025 Sakai” 🔍

[Fujikawa Town Furusato Nozei tax payment thank-you gift] Anime Classics Anisong Fireworks Fujikawa Town performance became a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. For details, please check the Hometown Choice or Rakuten Furusato Nozei Tax Payment website. Held in: Saturday, July 5 Held in Place: Fujikawa Town Ikii Kiss Ports Park

This photo was 📷✨ taken at the venue of the Kushiro Town Cherry Blossom Festival Held in on May 11 Some of the cherry blossoms were in buds, but they were blessed with sunny weather and were blooming lively! A seasonal tradition 🌸 where you can feel Spring There were 😊 a lot of people at the gathering

We will hold a grand tea gathering where you can enjoy Sakai’s diverse charms and performances by artists connected to Sakai 🍵🍡🎶 Would you like to spend a special time experiencing Sakai’s spirit of hospitality at the Osaka-Kansai Expo? 😊 Not only can you enjoy tea service by the three Sen families and sweets from long-established wagashi shops, but you can also relax to pleasant music by artists with ties to Sakai 🍵🍡🎶 📅 Period: Saturday, May 10 – Tuesday, May 13 🏠 Venue: Osaka-Kansai Expo Pop-up Stage South and Gallery EAST 🔴 Participation: A numbered ticket (first-come, first-served) is required for the tea ceremony and meditation experience at Gallery EAST. 💰 Cost: Free 🔍 For event details, search “Sakai Expo”! 🌟 During the event, we will run a campaign giving wagashi from Sakai’s long-established confectioners on the spot to those who post photos of the Sakai event on social media with #matchasakai #japaneseculture.‼️ Please post and enjoy Sakai’s delicious wagashi 😋🍡 ・Maruichi Kashiho ( @maruichikashiho ) ・Kaan Satoya ( @satoya._ ) ・Hosen Kashipo ( @takamotimoti ) ・Hamadera Mochi Kagetsudo ・Okashi Tsukasa Tenjinmochi ( @tenjinmochi ) ・Okayoshi Mishoan 🌟 Also, if you scan the QR code for SAKAI TICKET at the venue with your smartphone, you can enter a lottery to win digital coupons usable in Sakai City‼️If you’re lucky, you might win a 10,000-yen subsidy voucher usable at hotels in Sakai City⁉️There are no losing entries—everyone wins something—so please join us 🤗 🔍 Also check the “Sakai Tourism Guide Expo Special Site (If you came to the Expo, come to Sakai too)”! We look forward to your visit 😄

✨Tea served in contemporary artists' teaware 🍵 – Art Tea Gathering in Sakai🎨– Sakai City will present a tea gathering using contemporary artists' teaware as part of Sakai’s program for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. We will host tea service events using contemporary artists' teaware at tea ceremony–related venues around the city so visitors can enjoy the Expo experience locally. Please see the Sakai City website for details.

Would you like to come see the carp streamers at the Jordan Pavilion during the Osaka-Kansai Expo? 🎏👀✨ We raised a hand-painted carp streamer over 5 meters long at the Jordan Pavilion, made during the workshop held on Thursday, April 24. The carp streamer carries the workshop participants’ wishes for peace and hopes for the future. 🌈🕊✨ The display is a limited-time exhibit through late May, so please come and see it during this period. 😊 Location: Osaka-Kansai Expo Jordan Pavilion The Sakai May Carp Streamers can be seen at Sakai Denshokan (1-1-30 Zaimokucho Nishi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City), so please also visit Sakai City. 🎶 For event details, search “Sakai City website (collaboration with Jordan).” Also check “Sakai Denshokan (Sakai Traditional Industry Center) (@sakaidensan)”! Be sure to check the Sakai Tourism Guide Expo Special Site (If you come to the Expo, come to Sakai too)! We look forward to seeing you all. 😄

📢 "Futari Demo Sakai" Special Experience✨ "Futari Demo Sakai" Special Experience🍃 A limited-time special program lets you touch Sakai’s history and culture!✨ Would you like to create a memorable experience for a special time spent together?💕 📅Period: March 14 (Friday) – May 31 (Saturday) 🚩Experience Plans 1. Tea ceremony for two – Putting love into matcha (Sakai Risho no Mori) 2. Matcha art for two – It’s matcha, not a latte (Saryo Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo) 3. Wagashi making for two – Let’s have fun and make them together (Sakai Densho-kan) 4. Shrine grounds cleaning for two – Start the day at Otorii Taisha (Otorii Taisha) 5. Romantic experience for two – Sakai Old Port picnic (AOINAPOLI UMISOBA, Sakai Old Port) 🔍For details, search "Futari Demo Sakai" on the Sakai Tourist Guide website!

Flower Dream Marche a Big Hit! May 3 (Sat) – May 5 (Mon) The spring Nishiokoppe Village Marche ran for three days. As expected this time too, the Roadside Station parking lot filled with cars 🚙 When I arrived, I started by savoring venison with Ezo deer balls and red wine stew. A bowl of soba or udon topped with spring mountain vegetable tempura slid down smoothly. The mountain vegetables were yomogi (mugwort) and gyoja garlic (wild garlic). I felt the spring and replenished my energy. For souvenirs, I took home Setoushi-kun yaki and a chiffon cake. I had been looking forward to the fluffy chiffon cake, so I was glad to get one before it sold out! The children’s festival booth buzzed with candy fishing and a lottery to win toys. Booths selling plums, garlic, and tea added to the scene, and the vendors looked friendly and cheerful. There were moments when strong winds threatened to disrupt things, but the three days concluded safely. Thank you very much to everyone who visited! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Roadside Station #Flower Dream #Nishiokoppe Village Marche #Ezo deer balls #Yumemura Mori no Garden #Baishin #Puppet Theater Circle Doremi

[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 ✨

✨Experience a magical early-summer evening at Izu Ōkawa Onsen✨ [23rd Firefly Viewing Evening] Dates: Friday, May 30, 2025 – Sunday, June 8, 2025 | 7:30 PM–9:00 PM At Ōkawa Onsen’s Takegasawa Park, whose water runs so pure it even grows wasabi, spend a special night wrapped in the gentle glow of fireflies. Strolling the lantern-lit “Chōchin Walk” feels like a scene from a picture book. After your walk, enjoy lively moments at the “Hotaru Market,” where local gourmet food and festival stalls line up. 🌟[Weekday Special]🌟 Visitors wearing yukata or kimono will receive one bottle of the Higashiizu-exclusive craft beer “Moon Road Beer” per person (weekdays only). ▶If you’d like one, please come to the festival square headquarters wearing the applicable attire. Enhance the nostalgic mood of the event with traditional dress and savor a Japanese summer evening🌙🍺 📍Venue: Takegasawa Park, Ōkawa, Higashiizucho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture 🚌Free shuttle bus available (operates from Izu-Ōkawa Station and temporary parking areas) 💡Firefly conservation donation: from 300 yen per person (your support is appreciated) Yukata, lanterns, firefly light, and the bustle of festival stalls. Why not experience this unique, soothing night tucked away in the mountains of Izu?

"Battle of Kawanakajima Digital Stamp Rally Vol. 3" will be held in! 【Held in】5/15~11/24 Collect Stamps at checkpoints in Nagano City and get Premiums! For details, please see the Home page of Nagano Tourism Convention Bureau!

🫧 A soap-bubble show is coming to “Otohime no Kyujitsu.” 🫧 Guinness World Record for soap bubbles 🏆 Achieved the world record in the "Longest Bubble Garland Wand" category ✨ The Bubble Uncle will be appearing at “Otohime no Kyujitsu” ♪ He is a soap-bubble show specialist who has appeared on numerous media outlets 📺. He will likely fill the old Sakai Port 🌊 with soap bubbles 🫧 On Saturday, May 10th, from 3:30 PM for about 30 minutes. We look forward to seeing you there 🙌

“Solve the Mystery, Sakai” Leisure Ride 🚴‍♂️ 📢 The Sakai Convention and Visitors Bureau (public corporation) hosts a touring, real-world puzzle game called "Solve the Mystery, Sakai: The Spirit Kajira and the Vanished Legendary Blacksmith." Participants cycle around Sakai’s moat-ringed areas, visiting spots such as the Shimano Bicycle Museum and Sakai Densho-kan, among others, as they play along. ✨

📢 Monster Hunter Replica Great Sword Special Photo Event👀 A special photo event lets you pose as if you are holding a replica Great Sword❣ *You will not be able to touch the replica Great Sword.* Event period: May 3 (Sat) to May 18 (Sun) (closed on Monday, May 12) Session 1: from 10:30 Session 2: from 11:30 Session 3: from 12:30 Session 4: from 13:30 Session 5: from 14:30 Capacity: 5 people per session Fee: free Registration: On the day of the event, numbered tickets will be distributed at Sakai City Tea House Shin-an.

Osaka–Kansai Expo: Live Wagashi Demonstrations🍡 At the Osaka–Kansai Expo EXPO Messe, we present live demonstrations of wagashi, sweets that developed alongside the tea ceremony culture.😋🍡 Skilled confectioners from wagashi shops in Sakai City will be making sweets on site for you to watch.✨ Each shop will also offer many of their popular items, so if you visit the Expo venue, please stop by.🎵 📅 Schedule: Saturday, May 10 — Tenjinmochi 9:00–21:00 Sunday, May 11 — Minoya 9:00–16:00 🔴 Registration: No advance registration required (limited quantities available) Anyone attending the Osaka–Kansai Expo EXPO Messe is welcome to join.😊 🏠 Location: Osaka–Kansai Expo EXPO Messe You can also purchase each shop’s products in Sakai City, so please consider visiting Sakai.🎶 🔍 For event details, search for “Re‐Discover”! 🔍 For information on each shop, search “Tenjinmochi” and “Minoya”! 🔍 Also be sure to check the Sakai Tourism Guide Expo Special Site (If you’re coming to the Expo, come to Sakai too)! We look forward to welcoming you all.😄

The “2025 Kiipas Satsuki Festival” will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Mihama Town Energy and Environmental Education Experience Center “Kiipas”. Experience booths run by elementary, junior high, and high school students from across the prefecture, along with fun demonstrations and exhibits from local companies, will be on display. There are plenty of hands-on activities to delight both adults and children. Outdoor offerings include food trucks and food stalls, making this an event the whole family can enjoy. 2025 Kiipas Satsuki Festival Date and Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025, 10:00–15:30 Venue: Mihama Town Energy and Environmental Education Experience Center “Kiipas” Address: 62-1 Nyu, Mihama Town. Phone: 0770-391116 1. Dining area 2. Inmotion experience (elementary school and above) 3. Morino storytelling and woodworking workshop 10:00, 13:00 — first 5 groups each session (Mihama Town Industrial Policy Division) (elementary school and above) 4. Genden experience corner (The Japan Nuclear Power Development Co., Ltd.) 5. Make and play with a balloon hovercraft! (Shimin Junior High School Science and Information Club, Fukui City) 6. Slime making (Sabae Junior High School Home Economics and Science Club) 7. Explosion Is Art! (Sabae Junior High School Home Economics and Science Club) 8. Biri-Biri Mic (Electric Shock Mic) (Mikata Junior High School, Wakasa Town) 9. Balance Dragonfly (Awara City Ashihara Junior High School) 10. Make your own original kite (Mihama Junior High School Art Club) 11. Take the global warming quiz! (Mihama Town West Elementary School) 12. Play with bows and arrows! (Mikata Junior High School, Wakasa Town) 13. Mr. K’s Science Show 13:30–14:00, 14:30–15:00 14. Make accessories with UV resin Sessions at 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 13:00, 13:40, 14:20 15. Kiipas train: Go by magnet! 16. Mysterious experiences with radiation! (Atomic Energy Science Museum “Attohome”) 17. Create and fly drawing gliders and frisbees (Kansai Electric Power Mihama Power Station) — first 60 participants 18. Make your own disposable warmer (pokkairo) (Fukui Prefectural Mikata High School) — first 30 participants 19. Decorate your room! Make an eco art room plate to help protect the sea (Fukui Prefectural Mikata High School) — first 20 participants 20. A gift from the deer: My antler keyholder! (Fukui Prefectural Mikata High School) — first 100 participants 21. Exciting plastic keyholder making! (Tsuruga Kehi High School Science Club) — first 100 participants 22. Lecture: “To Protect the Sea of the Future” — Challenges of marine plastic pollution 12:30–13:30 (Pirika Inc.) 23. Let’s look at garbage distribution data 13:00–15:00 (Pirika Inc.) Outdoors • Battery-powered car course for trial rides • Kamado Teahouse — first 100 families. Stamp rally and survey • Food trucks • Food sales https://www.town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp/site/kiipasu/14033.html...

"Toshio Suzuki and Yellowtail Exhibition" Zenkoji Temple Limited Held in Commemorative Goods are now on sale at Zenkoji Temple Gift Shop! When you come to "Toshio Suzuki and the yellowtail Exhibition", be sure to stop by Zenko Temple!

The cherry blossoms on Mt. Shintoku Shrine are reaching their peak bloom 🌸 Evening illumination runs until Sunday, May 11th 🎵 Cherry blossoms fade in the blink of an eye, but their fleeting beauty is wonderful, isn’t it? If you’d like to catch that momentary glow, please come by 🤗 ■ Period: Friday, April 25th, 2025 – Sunday, May 11th, 2025 ■ Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM ■ Location: Mt. Shintoku Shrine *Please note the schedule may change depending on the condition of the blossoms.* ■ Contact Shintoku Town Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) Phone: 0156-64-0522 Business hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM https://shintoku-town.net/%e6%96%b0%e5%be%97%e7%a5%9e%e7%a4%be%e5%b1%b1-%e5%a4%9c%e6%a1%9c%e3%83%a9%e3%82%a4%e3%83%88%e3%82%a2%e3%83%83%e3%83%97/...

Koinobori Sports Day 🎏 & Azalea Festival 🌸 On May 5th, the event was held in District 8: Koinobori Sports Day and the Azalea Festival. Under a clear sky where koinobori raised by local volunteers drifted gracefully, the sports day took place in the morning.👟 The program offered activities that people of all ages could enjoy, and both adults and children competed with smiles.😆✨ In the afternoon, the venue moved to the gymnasium for a quiz contest and karaoke competition.🎤 The day ended with a much-anticipated raffle, and the whole event was lively from start to finish.😍

[Outdoor Screening & Star‑Gazing Night] Saturday, May 24 Would you like to watch a movie and the stars in Nishiokoppe Village? We will set up a screen at the Forest Park and show the French animated film Linda Wants to Eat a Chicken! Japanese dubbed version. Running time: 76 minutes. This colorful film tells the story of a mother and daughter who chase the taste of memories. Look forward to it. 🌃After the movie, it’s star time🌃 The mobile observatory vehicle Polaris No. II will come from Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitāsubaru. After a 20‑minute talk about the stars, you can use Polaris No. II until around 9:00 p.m. Whether you usually look up at the night sky or you rarely have time to see the stars, let’s all gaze at the same sky together that night. ☂️In case of rain☂️ The venue will move to the Community Center (Hotel Rimu) large hall, where we will hold the screening and the star talk. [Event Details] Date & Time: Saturday, May 24, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Venue: Forest Park ※In case of rain: Community Center large hall Fees: High school students and older: 700 yen Junior high school students and younger: 300 yen Preschool children: Free Snacks and drinks will be sold at the venue. Restaurant Ku‑raku offers both dine‑in and takeout options 🤤 For event inquiries, contact below ↓↓ Tourism Information Facility “Sato‑zum” 0158-85-7125 ※Phone hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Please bring mats or chairs. Nights are still chilly, so dress warmly. We look forward to seeing you there. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Event #Screening #Linda Wants to Eat a Chicken! #Star‑gazing #Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitāsubaru #Polaris No. II

[May 3] Kurara Festival 2025 A Golden Week fast start💪💨 On May 3, Constitution Memorial Day, Kurakura Kurara in the former Kuraoka Junior High School hosted the Kurara Festival 2025🥳 The weather could not have been better that day☀️✨ The venue bustled with many food and drink stalls, fortune-telling, relaxation services, crafts, and a flea market. About 300 visitors came, making it a very lively day🤗🌟 Because it was quite warm, shaved ice was hugely popular🍧💕 (Adults seemed to prefer alcohol🍺?) In the courtyard, Nani.loa HULA studio performed hula dances🌺 A special guest performance featured the vice principal of Kuraoka Elementary School singing passionately, which electrified the crowd😆🔥 The raffle offered many luxurious prizes, and smiles were everywhere☺️✨ Although a new festival that started last year, Kurara Festival has already become a beloved event both inside and outside the local community👏💡 Everyone is already looking forward to next year💕

The only outdoor activity of its kind in Hiroshima Prefecture!?😲 Enjoy Shobara Satoyama Rafting amid fresh green foliage this Golden Week!!✊ Rafting is a thrilling activity where you ride a rubber boat down river rapids! It’s not an exaggeration to call this the only rafting experience in Hiroshima Prefecture (according to our survey), and you can try it here in Shobara City. Groups, families, friends, couples, and solo participants are all very welcome💕 While July and August are peak season, June is also recommended for higher water levels✨ We’re taking lots of reservations for May too!! Reservations for Golden Week are open✨ Search for "Shobara Satoyama Rafting" for details🔍 = Shobara Satoyama Rafting Information ========== [Experience Name] Shobara Satoyama Rafting [Overview] On the Saijo River in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, rafting experiences are held annually from mid-April through October. The eligible ages range from 7 to 70. An instructor rides along, so beginners can feel at ease. Using special paddles, participants paddle together to descend the river. The full course is about 3.5 km long, with thrilling stretches of rapids and rocky sections. Rafting lets you enjoy Shobara’s beautiful nature with all your senses and is a noteworthy water activity. [Meeting Point] Meet at the Ayu no Sato Park boathouse (1641-1 Nagata, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima 727-0114, Japan). [Dates and Times] April 26, 2025 (Saturday) – October 31, 2025 (Friday) Morning session: 9:30 AM Afternoon session: 1:30 PM [Fees] ◎ Individual Plan Adult per person: 6,000 yen (tax included) Child (junior high school students and under) per person: 4,000 yen 🌟Fees increase by 500 yen each during peak season! ◎ Private Charter Plan One group (up to 6 people — same fee) Participation fee: 30,000 yen (tax included) [What the fee includes] Guide fee, insurance, full equipment set, and entrance fee for Ayu-no-Sato Onsen [Conditions] ◎ Eligible ages: 7–70 years old ◎ Height: 110 cm or taller ◎ Minimum participants to run: 2 persons [Program Schedule] 1) Change clothes (10 minutes) 2) Safety briefing (10 minutes) 3) Transfer to the start point (15 minutes) 4) Boarding and paddling instruction (15 minutes) 5) Rafting experience starts (120 minutes) 6) Finish-line photos 7) Changing and dismissal (10 minutes) Afterward, soak and relax at the Ayu no Sato Park Takase no Yu hot spring to ease your muscles!♨ [Conditions for operation] The program may be canceled depending on weather or river conditions. [What to bring] Swimsuit, T-shirt, change of clothes, towel, water-friendly shoes (water shoes available for separate rental). Beach sandals are not allowed. Please be sure to check the travel terms, personal information handling, and cancellation fees before applying. ======================================== Make fun outdoor memories in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!🎶 We hope you give it a try!

[Event Information] The 11th Nippo Coast Rock Oyster Festival 2025 is being held again this year! Unlike true oysters that peak in winter, rock oysters are at their best in summer! Enjoy large, rich, creamy rock oysters! Period: Thursday, May 1, 2025 – Sunday, August 31, 2025 (Hyuga City, Kadogawa Town, Nobeoka City = from May 1; Saiki City = from May 9) Organizers: Nippo Coast Rock Oyster Festival Executive Committee (Hyuga City Tourism Association, Kadogawa Town Tourism Association, Nobeoka Tourism Association, Tourism Town Development Saiki) Inquiries: 0982-29-2155 (Nobeoka Tourism Association) 🎁 Gift Campaign 🎁 During the period, dine on rock oysters at participating stores and submit the entry postcard with the participating store’s stamp to enter a drawing for luxurious prizes! 1st prize: Luxury spiny lobster set × 5 winners 2nd prize: Local premium gourmet set worth 5,000 yen × 4 winners 3rd prize: Local premium gourmet set worth 3,000 yen × 10 winners Entries are valid if postmarked by Monday, September 1. *This event does not include sightseeing facility stamps. *The lottery will be held after the event ends, and only winners will be contacted. ★⭐Introducing Nobeoka City Participating Stores⭐★ 1. Kitaura Rinkai Park Kakiya Address: 2501-60 Furue, Kitaura Town, Nobeoka City, Kitaura Rinkai Park Phone: 0982-45-3039 Hours: 11:00–15:00 (Last order 14:00) Closed: Every Friday *Hours may change due to weather and other conditions 2. Roadside Station Kitaura Restaurant Kaisenkan Address: 3337-1 Furue, Kitaura Town, Nobeoka City Phone: 0982-45-3811 Hours: 10:30–16:00 (Last order 15:00) *Rock oysters available from May 12 Closed: New Year holidays 3. Fuku Fuku Address: 6-5 Shinmachi, Maru Building 1F, Nobeoka City Phone: 0982-32-0629 Hours: 17:00–22:00 Closed: Every Sunday 4. Ajidokoro Kokugikan Address: 2-3-4 Kasuga-machi, Nobeoka City Phone: 0982-32-5729 Hours: 11:00–15:00 (Last order 14:00) 17:00–22:00 (Last order 21:30) *Evenings on Fri and Sat only 17:00–22:30 (Last order 22:00) Closed: Every Monday *Open on national holidays and busy periods

Golden Week finally starts tomorrow🎌!! Here is a roundup of events taking place in Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture🙌 We present the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour🌸 and the Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair⚓✨ Be sure to stretch your Golden Week plans to include a visit to Reihoku this year! ~~~~~ Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour🌸 During the event, you will find new works on display and for sale, special discount sales, and a variety of other attractions. Take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 ※A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (Entry forms are available at each kiln📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332 ~~~~~ Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair⚓ On Sunday, May 4, 2025 (national holiday), the 7th Spring Outing Minato Oasis Tomioka Fair will take place across Tomioka Port in Reihoku Town🎵 The event lineup includes Tomioka Port dolphin-watching cruises🐬, tours of Tomioka Castle🏯 and walks around Tomioka Town, plus a Kizuna Marche🎪 selling practical training products from Takushin High School Marine Campus and local agricultural, marine, and processed goods—there’s plenty to enjoy! Advance registration for dolphin watching and town walks has ended, but dolphin-watching still has available slots, so please come to the reception desk when you arrive! Inquiries: Reihoku Town Hall General Affairs Division TEL 0969-35-1111 FAX 0969-35-2454 ✉️ REIHOKU@town.reihoku.lg.jp

[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Opening] ⁠ Known as the source of one of the world’s finest porcelain raw materials, Amakusa Toseki, the Amakusa West Coast hosts seven scattered kilns. The 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour runs for five days from today, Friday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 6. The final kiln introduced is Takahama Ware Juhogama. The Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour finally begins today. This Golden Week, please come out to the Amakusa West Coast and enjoy the season 😊 *You can view previous kiln introductions from this account’s profile!* 🌸Takahama Ware Juhogama Located in the Takahama district of the Amakusa West Coast, Takahama Ware Juhogama boasts a long history dating back to the mid-Edo Period when Amakusa Toseki was first quarried and pottery production began. Its signature products are pure white, translucent porcelain and a distinctive painted motif called mirumon, inspired by seaweed. You have likely seen pieces with this pattern around Kumamoto Prefecture. Just before the Spring Kiln Tour, the workshop buzzes with preparation to put items out for sale. During the event, you can find bargain-priced items and chances to unearth real treasures. The painted pieces are whimsical and charming, and this season many designs feature sake motifs, which makes them especially fun. Mariko Ueda, the managing director, recommends a large-capacity café au lait bowl. It’s perfect for long morning drinks or for enjoying cereal—an ideal morning vessel. On the premises stands the former Ueda family residence, once the local headman’s home. A stroll through the garden brings dazzling spring greenery into view. If you pause feeling watched, you might find a large tanuki statue sitting among the bushes. That tanuki is still awaiting a name, so why not become its namesake when you visit? 📍Takahama Ware Juhogama (Instagram 👉 @takahamaware_kilnjyuho) 598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804 TEL: 0969-42-1115 ____________________ 🖌️During the Spring Kiln Tour, Takahama Ware Juhogama offers painting experiences on an ongoing basis. 🎪From Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 (approximately 10:00–15:00), a market, guided history and architecture tours of the Ueda family and Shiraso, mochi pounding, and various other events will take place! Details: check Takahama Ware Juhogama’s Instagram (@takahamaware_kilnjyuho). 🚗When you visit the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, please be sure to stop by. ♩ ____________________ [Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour] During the event, you’ll find new works on display and sale, special discounts, and a variety of activities. Take this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run concurrently! *A digital stamp rally qualifies for Kumamoto health points📱* *A paper-entry stamp rally at participating kilns gives you a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln)📃* [Period] Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 through Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM–5:00 PM [Venues] (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln [Inquiries] Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Bungo Ono City 20th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony Bungo Ono City celebrated the 20th anniversary of its city status on March 31, 2025. To mark the occasion, a commemorative ceremony and cultural performance will take place at Eitopia Oono. Admission is free, so please come and join us. ❚ Commemoration Ceremony [Date and Time] Sunday, May 25, 2025 [Venue] Eitopia Oono, Grand Hall [Admission] Free [Schedule] 12:00 Doors open 12:40 Opening: Wadaiko performance by Toyukai 13:00 20th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony 14:00 Commemorative Cultural Performance [Booth Exhibits] In the entrance hall, booths will feature Bungo Ono City and its friendship exchange city, Taito Ward. ▶ Taito Ward Exhibit Booth Specialties from Taito Ward, Bungo Ono City’s friendship exchange city, will be exhibited and sold (planned). ▶ Bungo Ono City Exhibit Booth Displays and sales will showcase exhibits and products related to the founding of Bungo Ono City (planned). ❚ Commemorative Cultural Performance "Cheerful Folks from Asakusa Are Coming!" Asakusa Paradise — Bungo Ono Version: Silent-Narration, Opera, and More "Asakusa Paradise" is a comedy blending silent-narration (katsuben), opera, wadaiko and other elements, produced by katsuben performers Yata Aso and Kohata Aso from Mie Town. The show has been performed mainly in Asakusa, Taito Ward, and gained popularity. Now the Asakusa Paradise troupe may be coming to celebrate Bungo Ono City’s twentieth birthday!? To celebrate the 20th anniversary, a cultural exchange between Asakusa and Bungo Ono will unfold. For this Bungo Ono version, a new piece themed on dried shiitake mushrooms will be performed, and the Mie General High School Kagura Club along with a chorus formed from local residents will also appear. Though described as opera, the piece is a lighthearted comedy without formality. [Date and Time] May 25, 2025 Start 14:00 End 15:30 (planned) [Venue] Eitopia Oono, Grand Hall [Admission] Free [Story] The Asakusa Paradise troupe arrives to celebrate Bungo Ono City’s twentieth birthday. What awaits them is the world of kagura. But despite the celebration, has Amaterasu shut herself in the rock cave? With silent narration, opera, wadaiko, kagura and dance… Can everyone working together with local citizens open that rock cave!? [Inquiries] ▶ About the Commemoration Ceremony: Bungo Ono City, General Affairs Division, Mayor’s Office Phone: 0974-22-1001 ▶ About the Commemorative Cultural Performance: Community Development Promotion Division, Cultural and Arts Promotion Section Phone: 0974-221001 ■■■ Access to Central Bungo Ono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Kyushu, Oita Prefecture, Bungo Ono City (Bungo Ono City) ■■■■■■■■■■■■ https://sato-no-tabi.jp/news/20250501event-mie/...

Kam Flower Park Snow still paints the surroundings white, but flowers that welcome spring have begun to show their faces. The flower park attached to the Roadside Station "Kam" had been closed for winter, but it opened on Saturday, April 26. The park is free to enter through Golden Week. After that, normal admission fees apply. Here are a few flowers photographed on Friday, April 25. azumaichige ezōengosaku katakuri kibananomana Christmas rose daffodil chionodoxa puschkinia (white, blue) European katakuri (still in bud. The yellow flowers will bloom in a little while) When you stop by Kam, why not take a short walk out to the flower park? Roadside Station "Kam" CAPO Marche in Nishiokoppe Village runs May 3 (Sat) to May 5 (Mon)! Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Tuesdays (if Tuesday is a public holiday, closed the day after the holiday) Admission: Roadside Station ⇒ free Flower Park ⇒ 200 yen for high school students and older Contact: 0158-87-2333 #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Roadside Station #Kam #Flower Park #flowers