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

Hello! It is Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture is a city with a population of about 50,000 located in the northwestern part of Kagoshima Prefecture in the Kyushu region. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will Broadcasting the recommendations and Sightseeing spot Information of Kagoshima Prefecture Izumi City, so Best regards! ◆◆◆Izumi City in Kagoshima Prefecture is the city of No.1 in Japan In Izumi City, from mid-October to December every year, more than 10,000 cranes and crowned cranes migrate from Siberia and overwinter until around March. Boasting the largest number and variety of cranes in No.1 in Japan, it was designated as a national special natural monument in 1952 as "Cranes and their migration sites in Kagoshima Prefecture", and in 2021 it was certified as a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention Convention as a "wintering place for Izumi cranes". The graceful appearance of soaring in the sky and taking off all at once in the early morning have become a Winter tradition of this city. ◆◆◆ Introduction of some Sightseeing spots in Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture ◇Samurai residences at the foot of Izumi Selected as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and certified as a Japan Heritage Site, the Samurai residences at the foot of Izumi are a historic area where the samurai culture of the Edo period remains strong. In addition to the "Izumi foothills History Museum" where you can learn about the history of the Samurai residences group, and the "Takezoe residence" and "Saisho residence" Samurai residences where Open to the public you can get a glimpse of the lifestyle and architectural style of the residents, the cityscape that retains the face of the time such as the stone walls and the samurai gate about 400 years ago are also attractive. ◇Izumi City Crane Observation Center It is located There is a in front of the crane roost, and you can see more than 10,000 cranes up close from the observation deck on the second floor and rooftop. It is open every year from November 1 to the second Sunday of March, which coincides with the wintering season of the cranes, and the sight of the cranes soaring gracefully in the sky and the sight of all the cranes taking off all at once in the early morning is a spectacular view that can only be seen here in the world. ◇Izumi City Tsuru Museums Crane Park Izumi If you want to learn about cranes, go to Crane Park Izumi! It is the only crane museum in Japan where you can learn not only about cranes wintering in Izumi City, but also about cranes from around the world. At the flower park on the premises, you can enjoy seasonal flowers, as well as playground equipment and tree houses for children to play. ◇Hakozaki Yawata Shrine Hakozaki Yawata Shrine enshrines a large bell that is 4 meters high and weighs 5 tons. The bell depicts a parent and child of a crane, and it is called "Great Bell of Wish Fulfillment if it is done, it will be grown." ◇Uwaba Highlands Cosmos Garden It is a Highlands with rape flowers blooming all over the place in Spring and 250,000 cosmos trees in autumn. During the Cosmos season, they also sell Specialty products and gelato. ◇Shinonome no Sato A large garden of about 40,000 tsubo that has been Maintenance by making the most of the undulations of the mountain as it is in its nature. You can enjoy Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) in Spring, hydrangeas all over the mountains in June, and colorful Autumn leaves in autumn. In addition, there is a rest area in the park where you can eat Juwari Soba noodles, which the owner is particular about, and a facility where you can enjoy pottery and paintings. ◇ Specialty Hall Izumi The vegetables and fruits lined up in the Inside the facility are all "Izumi products". Among them, we sell a wide variety of citrus fruits, mainly mandarin oranges, which are specialty products, in both types and quantities. ◇Izumi City Izumi Station Tourist Specialty Products Museum "Hiraisato" It is a facility set up in Izumi Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen as an Information Broadcasting base for Izumi City. The Inside the Facility is equipped with a tourist Information Center, a Specialty products sales office, a Meals office, and a rest area. ◆◆◆ Specialty products of Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture ◇Tea Izumi City is also famous as a tea producing area. Tea grown in a temperate climate and fertile soil is characterized by a high aroma and deep taste. ◇ Izumi mandarin oranges Grown in the sea breeze, it boasts a sweet and juicy taste. Fresh Mandarin oranges can be purchased at Local markets and Direct sales. ◇ Seaweed from Izumi It is a seaweed seaweed created by an old-fashioned manufacturing method that does not use acid treatment, and encapsulates the blessings of Nature one by one. The soft sweetness that loosens and melts in the mouth, the elegant aroma that passes through the nose, and the wild taste are attractive. ◆◆◆ Introduction of some festivals and events in Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture ◇Summer Festival Izumi Kakusho Festival It is a festival that is Held in for two days in late July every year. On the first day, a parade and general dance will be held at the Honmachi Shopping Street in Izumi City, and on the second day, stage Events, Stalls of street stalls, and a fireworks festival will be held. About 5,000 Gari fireworks are launched. ◇Izumi City Industrial Festival It is Held in on Saturdays and Sundays in mid-November every year, and is the largest festival in the Izumi City, which is Held in while incorporating many industries such Izumi as "hometown Izumi Specialty Market", "Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Festival", "Food and Beverage Festival", etc. In addition to Izumi City's Specialty products, you can also buy Specialty products from friendship cities and sister cities, and there are stage Events, so it is crowded with many people from inside and outside the city. ◇ Medium City It is a festival held in every year on the day of the Spring Equinox in March and the day after that in front of the Takaono Station intersection. It is a pedestrian paradise for about 1 km from north to south, east and west, and many stalls are lined up. Also known as "Soba (buckwheat noodles) City", it is also counted as one of the three major cities in Kagoshima Prefecture. ◆◆◆ Introducing Tourist Information of Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture Izumi City in Kagoshima Prefecture is a sightseeing spot with rich nature and history. We will broadcasting recommended Tourist Information of Izumi City in Kagoshima Prefecture that will be engraved on one page of everyone's memories, so please follow us!

A smash-hit event is now underway!!! Suwa Lake Summer Night Fireworks 2024🎆 Friday, July 26th – Sunday, August 25th *Except August 15th* Starts at 8:30 PM (about 10 minutes) Every evening throughout the period, fireworks launch from the lake. Nowhere else in Japan features a nightly ten-minute display like Suwa Lake!!! The true pleasure of the Summer Night Fireworks is watching the show unhurriedly from the lakeside lawn without the crowds🎇 Enjoy dazzling fireworks choreographed to music on the night breeze.

Events of the Gion Festival are also packed. When I see the portable shrine washing ceremony, I feel grateful for the many impressions this summer.

Events of the Gion Festival are also packed. When I see the portable shrine washing ceremony, I feel grateful for the many impressions this summer.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Footpaths A footpath refers to a route where you can walk while enjoying unspoiled nature, old townscapes, rice paddies and other pastoral scenery. Each footpath comes with a dedicated map, and directional signs are posted along the course, so you follow those as you walk. You can enjoy this footpath simply by following the map and signs, but its appeal is greatest on a guided tour. A local guide who knows the settlement’s history, culture and natural features will multiply the footpath’s interest many times over. <Fees> ・Adults (junior high school and older) ¥3,000 ・Elementary school students ¥2,000 *Operated for groups of two or more (elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian) <Booking> Gokase Nature School Postal code 882-1201 6452-Otsu Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Phone: 0982-73-6366 ●Course Introductions● 1. Footpath: Gokasecho Miyano-hara District Miyano-hara is an old settlement dotted with many weeping cherry trees, led by a roughly 300-year-old shidarezakura at Josenji Temple. Sankasho Shrine, which has an inner sanctuary on Mt. Futagami—said to be the landing place of the heavenly grandson—features beautiful rhododendrons and the shrine building is adorned with superb carvings of hippocampi. The river is crossed by a stone-built megane (arch) bridge, and the course includes the “Bird’s Nest” terraced rice field selected among the Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, stepped fields, bamboo groves and mixed woods—a sunny, peaceful route worthy of recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. We recommend walking here in spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom. <Schedule> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Onsen Kijiya (9223 Hirokino, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) ◎Special offer: discounted admission to Gokase Onsen Kijiya (Adults ¥500→¥300, Children ¥300→¥200) 2. Footpath: Gokasecho Kasabe District A small hamlet of about ten households located on the northern edge of Mount Gion-yama, considered the birthplace of the Gion tradition in Kyushu. The spring water that wells up from Gion-yama is true famous water. To make use of this water for community development, locals built a log-house pavilion from local cedar and named it Kasabe Water Station. The highlight is a giant hinoki cypress said to be 700–800 years old. It is nicknamed “God’s Hand” because it resembles a powerful man’s left hand, and it draws many visitors. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Kasabe Water Station (Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 3. Footpath: Gokasecho Kuwanonai District Kuwanonai is a village with spectacular views of Mt. Aso from anywhere and beautiful sunsets. With many tea fields, it traditionally produces pan-fried tea that has won imperial awards. Recently, black tea made from Japanese tea leaves has become popular, and the area also cultivates flowers, cherry tomatoes and grapes, and raises domestic black Wagyu cattle—farming and livestock remain the core industries. The cozy farm-stay program promoted by the Sunset Village Development Council is popular; students from across Asia visit on school trips. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Winery (4847-1 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 4. Footpath: Gokasecho Habu District Historically active in trade with Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture), this area once served as a logistics hub. Today it is the inner retreat of Kuwanonai, backed by steep terrain and Kyushu’s magnificent mountains, including Mt. Aso. Photographers and painters favor many spots here, and you can find quintessential rural scenery that feels truly countryside. The course has many ups and downs, offering a bit of a hiking experience. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Town Coexistence Welfare Facility (1514-5 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required)

Speaking of summer in Tokyo, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival It was the best fireworks festival in the Kanto region in terms of both tradition and formality, and a total of about 20,000 fireworks at the first and second venues lit up the night sky of Tokyo.

It is one of the three major festivals in Kishu, "Kogawa Festival". It is a festival at the Kokawa Ubusuna Shrine and is said to have been Origin in 1593. It is a historic festivals, and the glitteringly decorated danjiri in each In the town is magnificently operated. Held in again this year on the 27th and 28th of this month.

【Chiba City Museum of Art】 A museum that is nationally acclaimed for its exhibitions with a unique perspective, focusing on ukiyo-e prints, Edo paintings, and contemporary art. With the renovation in July 2020, it has been reborn as a facility that is familiar to a wide range of age groups, including a permanent exhibition room where you can see ukiyo-e and Edo paintings at Anytime, and an atelier where children can work and create together in a space created by artists. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, we Held in special exhibitions and a variety of Events based on specific themes, so you There are discover something new every time you visit. 〇 Held in special exhibitions "Edo Paintings Vertical and Horizontal! First semester: June 28 Fri ~ July 28 Sun Second Semester: July 30 Tue ~ August 25 Sun "Akiki Okamoto: The Edo Painter Who Challenged the Hundred Flowers and Hundred Birds" Okamoto Shuki 1807-62 was a painter of the late Edo period who made a name for himself as a master of rich and brilliant flower and bird paintings, especially peacocks. First semester: June 28 Fri ~ July 28 Sun Second Semester: July 30 Tue ~ August 25 Sun * For details, please search for "Chiba City Museum of Art". 〇Sayado Hall A hall that contains modern architecture in the neo-Rene Mr./Ms. style that preserved the former Kawasaki Bank Chiba Branch built in Showa 2 about 90 years ago. Used as a cultural property of the city, its historic appearance is used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions, and is also popular as a filming location for commercials. ■ Access: ・About a 6-minute walk from Chiba Monorail Yoshikawa Park Station ・ About 15 minutes on foot from JR Chiba Station ■Address: 3-10-8 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba City ■ Admission: Paid ■ Parking lot: Restrooms available charged Attractive Spot There are such as Chiba Shrine, Chiba City Science Museum, and Chiba Castle Chiba City Township Museum are within walking distance. After visiting the museum, Enjoy together as you stroll through these facilities.

This is a photo of the "lantern procession" held on the day of the Itsukushima Shrine Kangen-sai Festival on July 22. On the day of the Kangen-sai Festival, we welcomed the barges returning from the opposite shore at Nagahama Shrine with lantern lights, and then walked to Itsukushima Shrine with the lanterns lit. The night breeze was pleasant.

The Gion Festival is also known as the "Moving Art Museum". The Yamaboko that suddenly appears in the usual scenery Blend in with the cityscape of Kyoto Impression every year by the beauty of the decorations.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Takaharu Town Tourism Association. Takaharu, Nishimorokata District, Miyazaki Prefecture, lies at the foot of MtTakachihonomine in the southwest of Kyushu. It is a town surrounded by beautiful nature. The town’s population is about 8,000 people (as of June 2024), and it is known for scenery that changes with the seasons. Takaharu in Miyazaki Prefecture charms visitors with its rich natural environment and historical background, offering heartwarming experiences. The name Takaharu is said to come from Takamagahara, the high plain where the gods dwell in Japanese mythology. Here is some recommended information about Takaharu, a town closely linked to Japanese mythology. ■■■Access to Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Airport - Access to Takaharu You can reach Takaharu from Miyazaki Airport by the following means. By car: It takes about 45 minutes from Miyazaki Airport to Takaharu via the Miyazaki Expressway. By train: From Miyazaki Airport, transfer between the JR Miyazaki Airport Line, the JR Nippo Main Line, and the JR Kitto Line to reach takaharu station in about two hours. ■■■History, Legends, and Myths of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu has long been a region where myths and legends live on, and many stories have been passed down here. It is said to be the birthplace and childhood home of Emperor Jimmu, and many local place names around Takaharu relate to him. The Tenson Korin, the heavenly descent in Japanese myth, is said to have taken place at MtTakachihonomine in Takaharu. Legends about the birth of the land by Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto and the Ama-no-Sakahoko stuck into the summit of MtTakachihonomine at the time of descent remain. ■■■Popular Sightseeing Spots in Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Sayano Shrine Sayano Shrine is one of Takaharu’s representative shrines and is said to have been established on the site where Emperor Jimmu was born as recorded in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki. A grand avenue lined with cedar trees, said to be the longest shrine approach in Japan, covers the precincts, and its tranquil atmosphere moves visitors deeply. ■Kirishima Higashi Shrine Kirishima Higashi Shrine sits on the eastern foot of MtKirishimayama and is known as one of the Kirishima Rokusha Gongen. Kirishima Jingu in Kagoshima Prefecture prospered as “West Kirishima Shrine,” while Kirishima Higashi Shrine was known as “East Kirishima Shrine.” From the shrine you can enjoy grand views of MtKirishimayama, and the autumn colors particularly attract many visitors. ■Kasumi Shrine Kasumi Shrine is said to grant blessings for agriculture, livestock, health, matchmaking, good fortune, and business success. Legend says that worshiping the white snake that lives in a rock cave on the shrine grounds brings good luck. ■Oujibaru Park Oujibaru Park is a vast park representing Takaharu and a natural treasure to enjoy year-round. You can enjoy wood-themed play areas such as Oujibaru no Ki, where children play with wooden toys, and the roofed play equipment Moo-rii that lets you feel the warmth of wood. ■Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground Okukirishima Oujibaru Park Campground is an outdoor spot developed around Koushiobaru Shrine where visitors can enjoy camping in nature. Around the campground you can find burial mounds, walking trails, tennis courts, a fishing pond, and go-karts, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The site offers facilities that make it easy for camping beginners to use, so anyone can enjoy an outdoor experience with confidence. ■Okukirishima Onsen-kyo Takaharu is also a rich hot-spring area spreading across the Kirishima range, and the town has four hot-spring facilities. This hot-spring village breathes history and tradition, with abundant springs offering various benefits. The spring types include sulfur springs, bicarbonate springs, and iron springs, which are said to improve skin and relieve fatigue. Facilities where you can enjoy high-concentration carbonated springs are also popular. From open-air baths and private baths you can enjoy beautiful seasonal natural scenery. Local cuisine made with regional ingredients is another major attraction. ■Totoro Statue A statue of Totoro, a character from the animated film My Neighbor Totoro, stands in a rural setting in Takaharu. Surrounded by lush natural scenery, the statue makes visitors feel as if they are inside the film. It is a popular photo spot and a memorable place for visitors. ■■■■Local Specialties of Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture ■Miyazaki Beef Takaharu is a region with thriving livestock farming, and Miyazaki Beef, representative of the town, is a highly regarded premium wagyu both in Japan and abroad, known for its quality. Its fine marbling and tender texture fill your mouth with rich flavor from the first bite. ■Aged Takaharu Ash-Dried Meat This is meat ash-dried using ash from eruptions of MtShinmoedake. Volcanic ash absorbs excess moisture and odors, enhancing umami and tenderizing the ingredient. These specialties are also popular return gifts for hometown tax donations. ■■■Tourist Information for Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture Takaharu offers abundant nature and a compelling historical backdrop. Visit Takaharu to encounter Japanese myths and legends. Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended information about Takaharu, Miyazaki Prefecture, so please follow us.

On the morning of the Gion Festival procession, The figure of the Yamaboko quietly waiting for its turn There and a little tension in the silence, It gave off an indescribable aura.

Summer in Okinawa "Eisa" / Speaking of summer in Okinawa, it is "Acer". On July 7th, I went to the Okinawaya Eisa Festival held on Kokusai Street. Eisa is a dance to send the spirits of ancestors to the other world on the Kyu-Bon, and it is an event in which people parade around the village while beating large drums and drums and dancing with their hands on the song sanshin. We also pray for the safety of each family and the safety of their families. The performance of jumping in the second half of the performance was a masterpiece! After this, we will make many jumps. In the heat, this performance is amazing! It is the biggest attraction of the Sakaeguchi Youth Association. At this time, it started to rain, but the performance was completed safely until the end.

Summer in Okinawa "Eisa" / Speaking of summer in Okinawa, it is "Acer". On July 7th, I went to the Okinawaya Eisa Festival held on Kokusai Street. Eisa is a dance to send the spirits of ancestors to the other world on the Kyu-Bon, and it is an event in which people parade around the village while beating large drums and drums and dancing with their hands on the song sanshin. We also pray for the safety of each family and the safety of their families. The boy in the lead was dancing on the side of the road last year, but this year he took the lead and pulled me along. It has become reliable. ^^ I hope that this child will grow up and carry on the traditions of Okinawa. The sound of the Drums heard nearby is powerful and really touches my heart.

Summer in Okinawa "Eisa" / Speaking of summer in Okinawa, it is "Acer". On July 7th, I went to the Okinawaya Eisa Festival held on Kokusai Street. Eisa is a dance to send the spirits of ancestors to the other world on the Kyu-Bon, and it is an event in which people parade around the village while beating large drums and drums and dancing with their hands on the song sanshin. We also pray for the safety of each family and the safety of their families. At the Eisa Festival, youth associations in each region perform dances, so it's great to see various types of performances! It is actively held in various places from July ~ August. It was very hot on this day, but when I heard the sound of Eisa's big Drum and tightening Drum, I wanted to sing with Acer Acer♬ and my blood started to rush ^^ I forgot about the heat!

When the Gion Festival begins, Kyoto's Ume plum rain dawns and summer begins. The photo was taken by my wife in front of me. I aimed at the smartphone screen from behind and took a picture.

One of the Specialties of the Gion Festival. Dance of the umbrella halberd. The atmospheric appearance of a boy heading to the dance I only took a picture of the silhouette.

A bowl towering majestically at the venue of the Gion Festival. I've been seen by various people for a long time. A lot of drama is born When I think that it is filled with the thoughts of many people I felt very emotional.

Inside the venue of the Gion Festival The smoke from the stalls is illuminated by the lights, It creates a live feeling as if Yamaboko is standing on the stage It turned out to be a fantastic view.

On Saturday and Sunday, July 27th and 28th, the summer festival of Wakaichioji Shrine, one of the nation's Important Cultural Properties, will take place. The children's yabusame (mounted archery), a rare sight nationwide, will move hearts with its charming display of courage. A procession of children and the coordinated stage parade pulling will also be held. Please come and enjoy this historic festival.

July 15 (Mon) Gion Shrine Summer Festival⛩️✨ On Monday, July 15, the Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka area held its summer annual festival, affectionately known as “Gion-san.”🎉 The day opened with the Morimaki ritual, followed by a ceremony, kagura performances, the sacred procession, and dance presentations—there was so much to enjoy.😊🎶 Although the weather brought rain at first, true to the spirit of “Gion-san,” a break in the clouds appeared by the time the sacred procession ended.☀️ Despite the rain, people from the neighborhood, across the prefecture and beyond, and even from overseas, came out early in the morning to enjoy the festival.🌍✨ It’s wonderful to see a community festival cherished by locals becoming known to and enjoyed by so many people.😌👏 We hope this tradition will continue to be passed on carefully into the future.

Held again this year! Sunday, August 11 (National Holiday) “Noh Village Ikeda Hazuki Takigoi” Enjoy a rich program that brings together local folk performing arts and Noh and Kyogen performed by a Living National Treasure✨ See them all at once for a memorable experience 😊 Please visit Ikeda Town this summer! Program - Dengaku from Suikai’s dance repertoire Dengaku “Karasu Tobi” and Noh dance “Kureha” - Iwami Kagura from Kado Kagura Troupe “Jinrin” and “Orochi” - O-kura School Kyogen “Kaminari (Thunder)” Performers: Shigeyama Shichigosume, Shigeyama Munenobu, and others - Kongo School Noh “Tamura Nagashogi” Performers: Kongo Eikin, Kongo Ryukin, and others Advance ticket outlets - Pia Tickets web [P code: 527-559] - Ikeda Town (Kotte Kote Ikeda, etc.) - Fukui City (Pario, Bell) - Sakai City (Al Plaza Ami, Heartpia Harue) - Ono City (Vio) - Sabae City (Al Plaza Sabae) - Echizen City (Takefu Rakuichi, Shipi, Imadate Art Museum)

A castle in the sky that suddenly appears This is a place called 😆 Gujo Hachiman Castle in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture Famous for the collaboration between the sea of clouds and the castle, many people come 🚶 to see it early in the morning Take a look at the sea of clouds, which is not often in front of you 😆

🐋 Prayer for the opening of the sea and the safety of the sea The long-awaited summer has arrived ✨ At two beaches in Mikuni Town, Fukui Prefecture, a sea opening ceremony was held 🌅 to pray for safety Use also conducts water rescue drills to protect the safety of all users, and the Bathing in the sea season is in full swing! 🏖 Mikuni Mr./Ms. Set Beach ・ The shallow and wide beach is Popular with Families! ・ Marine sports are popular 🏄 ・ Held in Mikuni Fireworks Festival on 8/11 Sun! ⁡ Famous as a Spot to watch the sunset. 🏖 Hamachi Beaches ・ It features beautiful sandy beaches and highly transparent seawater! You may be able to observe the fish. ・ In the vicinity, there are plenty of leisure facilities such as Echizen Matsushima Aquarium and Shibamasa World This year is expected 😖 to be hotter than last year You can come to cool off or play to your heart's content! Be sure 🍽️ to stop by the surrounding Sightseeing spots This summer, I'm coming to visit the sea of Mikuni~ ☺️ ࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶࿐·˖✶ In the middle 💘 of the charm of Fukui Prefecture Check out our past posts!

Hiraide Ruins The nationally designated Hiraide Ruins rank among Japan’s three major archaeological sites. Situated about 2 kilometers southwest of JR Chuo Main Line Shiojiri Station, they lie on Kikyogahara, a vast stretch of vineyards. The site extends in a band along the Shibukawa, which flows from Hirade Spring, spanning about one kilometer east to west and 300 meters north to south. Major excavations that began in 1950 revealed that people lived at Hiraide from the Jomon period through the Heian period. Numerous dwelling remains and associated artifacts were unearthed. These abundant finds became fundamental sources for studying prehistoric and ancient cultures in the region, and the site received National Historic Site status in 1952. Excavations have continued since then, and to date more than 290 dwelling and building remains have been discovered. ◇Hiraide Museum The museum displays clay figures, pottery, stone tools, ironware and other items excavated from the Hiraide Ruins, along with artifacts from other sites in the city. Highlights include the prefectural treasures such as the green-glazed water jar, the Shibamiya Bronze Bell, the Shobuzawa Gatou, and distinctive Jomon pottery of Shinshu. ◇Historic Park Around the museum is the Hirade Kofun Group, three burial mounds believed to belong to powerful local leaders who governed the Hiraide settlement. You can also see a pit-dwelling reconstructed for the first time nationwide as an ancient structure. ◇Hiraide Ruins Park Hiraide Ruins Park reconstructs villages from the Jomon, Kofun and Heian periods under the theme "Five thousand years of Hiraide." The park features 15 reconstructed dwellings and buildings that visitors can enter. Each dwelling recreates life in the Jomon, Yayoi and Heian periods, allowing visitors to experience firsthand changes in house structure and materials and to feel how people’s lives transformed across the ages. ◇Guidance Building The Guidance Building offers a guidance corner, rest area and an observation room, creating a relaxed space where visitors can learn about the Hiraide Ruins. Hands-on activities related to prehistory and ancient times, such as fire starting and making magatama (curved beads), are held here and are popular with local children. On the second floor, an observation room provides a panoramic view of the ruins park. ◇Basic Information <Historic Park / Hiraide Museum> Address: 1011-3 Soga, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0263-52-1022 Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) Closed: Mondays, the day after public holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Parking: Cars: 50 spaces / Large buses: 10 spaces (free) Admission (※): General: 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: free / Groups of 20 or more: 240 yen per person ※From April 1, 2026: General: 400 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: free / Groups of 20 or more: 320 yen per person Access: 15-minute walk from JR Shiojiri Station / Immediately at Community Development Bus Soga Line Hirade Museum bus stop <Ruins Park / Guidance Building> Address: 388-2 Soga, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture Phone: 0263-52-3301 Hours: 9:00–17:00 Closed: Mondays, the day after public holidays, and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Parking: Available (free) Reception hours: 9:00–11:00 and 13:00–15:30 Admission: Free (materials fees may apply for certain experiences) Access: 15-minute walk from JR Shiojiri Station or 6 minutes from Community Development Bus Soga Line Hirade Tsumesho-mae Bus Stop

Although the rainy season makes the outdoors dark, the hydrangeas stand out brilliantly! This is Jokoji Temple in Kaminishijo, Shiojiri City, also famous as the rhododendron temple.

On June 30, the halfway point of the year, a Kaya no Rinokuguri Shinto ritual was held at the Shirahama Town Shrine to purify the defilements of the past six months and pray for a disease-free life in the second half.

It is the Tanabata Festival of Hofu Tenmangu Shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The entire Tenmangu area is vividly decorated with strips of paper and wreaths, and at night, the "Hikari no Sai Garden" is set up to light up the umbrella artwork, and the corridor is enveloped in a fantastic atmosphere.

Summer 🇯🇵 in Japan