The 58th Oketo Summer Festival and the 48th Human Banba Competition will take place on Sunday, June 29th! The “Human Banba” competition, now synonymous with Oketo Town, draws many teams from across Hokkaido, with about 50 teams taking part in this popular event. Last year it was a huge success, with teams filling the entry slots! As you may know, the “Human Banba” reflects Oketo’s history of prosperity built on the timber industry, and for many years it has been held as a town-run festival that brings the community together. The festival also features food stalls, festival games, the Oketo Kouta dance, guest stage shows, and a fireworks display—there’s plenty to enjoy! For more details, please see the poster or Oketo Town’s website! https://www.town.oketo.hokkaido.jp/shokai/kanko/natsumatsuri/...

May has finally reached the late part of the month! 🌳🍃 This time, we present eight fresh-green spots in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—places blessed with vast nature and satoyama landscapes that you should stop by. Each spot includes two photos! For more details, see the spot information on Shobara Tourist Navi, Shobara City’s tourism information site! ✨ 1⃣ Nanatsukahara Plateau Poplar Avenue Address: Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nanatsukahara Plateau was the site of Japan’s first national stud farm, established in 1900. Since then, it has built a history as a livestock research institution and now continues research as the Prefectural Livestock Technology Center. The poplar avenue was planted when the Nanatsukahara Ranch opened in the Meiji era and stands tall along both sides of a 200-meter ranch road within the pasture. 2⃣ Taishaku Gorge, a Quasi-National Park Address: Tojo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Jinseki Kogen Town, Jinseki District, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Taishaku Gorge offers the limestone natural bridge Onbashi, the preserved Hakundo limestone cave with stalactites and stone formations, and many other dramatic rocks that convey a long history. Shinryuko, an artificial lake completed in the Taisho era, hosts activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boat rides. 3⃣ Biboku Hilltop Park Satoyama Station Shobara Furari (National Government Park) Address: 584 Nanatsuka-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: The National Biboku Hilltop Park sits at the heart of the Chugoku region with the theme “Hometown Play” and welcomes three-generation families. Satoyama Station Shobara Furari inside the park is a free area (note: some days may not be free), and in front lies Kunigane Pond, where visitors can sense the vastness of nature. The site also features a restaurant, dog run, and kids’ space, and a monthly market event is held. 4⃣ Mt. Hiba (Hibayama) Address: Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Mt. Hiba is associated with a theory that it is the burial place of the goddess Izanami no Mikoto from the Kojiki creation myth. At the center of a moss-covered megalith on the summit’s circular clearing—set within a beech forest—lies what is said to be her grave. The area is designated as the Hiba Mountain Legendary Site and listed as a Hiroshima Prefecture historic site. A stand of yew trees designated as a natural monument by Shobara City grows near the summit. Mt. Azuma, also in Shobara City, is another popular mountain for hikers. 5⃣ Mt. Azuma (Azumayama) Address: Moriwaki, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Omaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District, Shimane Prefecture Highlights: At 1,239 meters in the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park, Mt. Azuma welcomes beginner hikers with beech forests and natural grassy meadows. You can enjoy vivid nature from spring’s fresh green through the first snows of late autumn. Legend says Izanagi no Mikoto called to Izanami no Mikoto on Mt. Hiba with the words “Ah, my wife.” Mt. Hiba, also in Shobara City, is another popular hiking spot. On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Mt. Azuma summer opening ceremony praying for climbing safety will take place. 6⃣ Mt. Dogo (Dogoyama) Address: Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture – Nichinan, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture Highlights: Forming part of the Hiba-Dogo-Taishaku Quasi-National Park and bordering Tottori Prefecture, Mt. Dogo is a treasure trove of alpine plants and rare species. A vast grassy plaza called Tsukimioka spreads at about 1,000 meters above sea level, and remnants of former grazing appear as long stone walls running from Iwatoyama to the Dogo summit like a Great Wall. These natural and human-shaped scenes are striking. The trails are relatively gentle, making the mountain suitable for families and beginners. Azaleas bloom beautifully in June, pampas grass in autumn, and the 360-degree views are wonderfully dreamy. Each year, the Dogo Highlands Opening is held. 7⃣ Mt. Ashitake (Ashitakeyama) Address: Homura-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Nicknamed the “Japanese Pyramid,” Mt. Ashitake has long been linked by legend to the mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu. Its triangular silhouette—from any angle—and the clusters of large boulders gave it the aura of an ancient ruin. In 1934, pyramid researcher Katsugun Sakai visited and studied the boulder groups and mountain, proposing that Ashitake is the world’s oldest pyramid main hall and that nearby Kikyozan on the north side serves as the worship hall. Mt. Ashitake features huge rocks such as Taka-iwa, Tengu-iwa, and Toriboshi-iwa, while Kikyozan contains Mirror Rock, Orientation Stone, dolmens (offering tables), and Jinmu Rock among many monoliths. 8⃣ The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano (Kumano Shrine) Address: 630 Kumano, Saijo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Highlights: Kumano Shrine venerates the Kojiki deity Izanami no Mikoto, the goddess of land creation. Over 100 giant cedars grow there, 11 of which are designated as Hiroshima Prefecture natural monuments. The shrine is a popular power spot where visitors can feel a mystical atmosphere. The Great Horse Chestnut of Kumano is one of Japan’s largest hollow-based ancient trees and is designated a national natural monument. This 30-meter horse chestnut is of a species similar to the chestnut-lined avenues in Paris and ranges in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu. For the sake of tree protection, please avoid entering the area around the tree’s base.

There is no application for this Events, so there is no problem even if you jump in on the day!

[Video played on a large screen at the Ventforet Kofu match on May 17] On Saturday, July 5th, the world's first "Anisong fireworks festival" will Held in in Fujikawa Town! Broadcasting various attractions that you may not notice when you are in your Local area! * For more information, please search HoriPro Speed YouTube Channel!

🍶 “Rikyukura” Sake Tasting Event🌸 Come and sample a variety of sake labels from Rikyukura! Whether you love sake or are trying it for the first time, everyone can enjoy this event🌸 Ask our staff about foods that pair well with sake and about the relationship between sake and Sakai’s traditional culture🍶 📅 Sunday, May 25, 11:00–16:00 📍 Sakai Densho-kan 🚃 A 3-minute walk from Hankai Line Myokokuji-mae Station For details, search “Sakai Densho-kan Rikyukura”🔍

🌸 Special Exhibition and Sale of Sakai May Carp Streamers 🎏🌸 ✨The Beauty of Hand-Painted Carp Streamers 🎏✨ A special exhibition and sale featuring hand-painted carp streamers by Takeshi Takada, the sixth-generation artisan of Sakai May Carp Streamers "Takagi"! Take this chance to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of hand-painted carp streamers with a history spanning more than a century. 🎵 📅 Friday, May 16 – Thursday, May 22, 10:00–18:00 📍 Sakai Densho-kan 🚃 A 3-minute walk from Hankai Line "Myokokuji-mae" For details, search for "Sakai Densho-kan carp streamers" 🔍

The Forest Park is now open! Opened with the start of Golden Week, Nishiokoppe Village Forest Park. There are plenty of events. Food trucks and vendors from various regions appeared, making for a lively Golden Week. Thank you to everyone who visited! Here’s a quick introduction to the playground equipment. Batting: 20 balls for 200 yen Struck Out: 12 balls for 200 yen (This year’s first home run was by a villager, it seems!) Battery Car: Airplane & Sheep shape 100 yen per ride Dinosaur shape 200 yen per ride Go-Kart: Single rider 300 yen for one lap Double rider 400 yen for one lap (With many curves and challenging spots, it’s a thrilling go-kart experience.) Bouldering: Shoe rental 100 yen per use *Not available with outdoor shoes or socks *You can use your own indoor shoes (You’ll use your arms and legs, engaging your whole body!) Additionally, there are free play equipment like a bouncy dome, tarzan rope, spring toys, and swings. Relaxing on the lawn is also recommended. Please wait a little longer for the opening of the tent sites. For meals, head to "Kuu Raku" within the park! Takeout is also available, so feel free to ask. We look forward to seeing many of you this year too!

🎪 Ebisujima Côté Rivière ✨ EBISUJIMA CÔTÉ RIVIÈRE 🚩 [Updated May 16] Because rain is forecast for Sunday morning, the event time has been changed to 12:00–17:00. 🌿 Why not relax by the riverbank of Ebisujima, where time flows gently, and enjoy shopping for antique goods 🪑, gourmet food 🍽️, and DJ music 🎶? ✨ 🔍 For details, check @ebisujima.cote.rivi

Introducing the kiosk inside Shintoku Station, Stella Station We sell souvenirs from Shintoku Town, drinks, snacks, and more, and we also offer something called a “Children’s Ticket” at the register. With the tickets we bought, children can exchange them for dagashi (cheap snacks) or drinks. They are for students up to high school and are handy as a snack before school or outings, or for when mom or dad won’t buy snacks (laughs). Here’s how the children use it: First they draw a ticket fortune (omikuji), then exchange it for a ticket, choose dagashi and drinks up to the amount shown on the ticket, and have the staff at the kiosk confirm the total is within the limit. Finally, the children write a thank-you message. These messages are displayed densely under the Stella Station sign, so please take a look. Watching this, I noticed some kids giving a piece of candy to friends with smaller amounts or pooling tickets with friends to get snacks together, and I was impressed by their friendship and thoughtfulness. Seeing the children, I bought a ticket with the coins in my wallet. I felt like I’d done a small good deed (laughs). This lovely initiative is happening inside Shintoku Station, so if you’re interested in it, if you’re looking for souvenirs in Shintoku, or even if you just want to kill time while waiting for a train, come and drop by—any reason is fine. #Hokkaido #Hokkaido tourism #Tokachi #Tokachi tourism #Shintoku Town #Shintoku Town Tourism Association #Shintoku Station #kiosk #Stella Station #children’s fortune tickets #children’s omikuji #omikuji #children’s tickets #Toku-Toku station-front complex #tuktuk #TokuToku #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidotourism #tourism #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku #discovershintoku

【Events Information】Spring Goten Festival will be held in! [May 24] The Spring Events "Spring Goten Festival" will be held in with a tea ceremony teacher and enjoy authentic Tea while enjoying live music by musicians! Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 (Reiwa 7), 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 【Place】Former Tachikawa Bansho Shoin (in the Bansho in case of rain) * Admission is free

"Fairy Tale Village Takinoue Moss Phlox Festival Flower Migration Markets" Held in on May 18th! At "Moss Phlox Takikami Park", where the Moss phlox is in best time to visit, the "Flower Migration Markets" will be held in. Engaru Town will also participate in this Events along with Monbetsu City! Held in a photo session with local characters and a quiz contest (prizes will be won for those who answer correctly) at the venue on the day of the event. In addition, at the Engaru Town booth, Specialty products will be sold (Geo Ice, Black Noodles, Shirayosha Tenuki Rice Sauce Series, etc.) and a limited number of experiences (obsidian key chain making 500 yen charged). Events to take place in the view of a vast and wonderful flower field! Please come and visit us ♪ Date & Time: May 18 (Sun) 10:00~14:00 Venue: Moss Phlox Takikami Park (Motomachi, Takinoue Town, Monbetsu District)

🎶 Rhythm of India 🇮🇳✨🎶 Six traditional instrumentalists have come from the Republic of India to Japan, performing sitar, tabla, santoor, mridangam, sarangi, and sarod 🎶 This is the first time these six instruments will be played together in Sakai! 👀 Opportunities like this will remain rare. Please come and join us. 🎫 Admission is free, but prior registration is required! 🔍 For details, check Fennie Che Sakai’s official website 😀

🚴‍♂️ 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.😄