40th Anniversary Event Tsukigase Plum Valley Early Spring Marathon Guest runner: Kenji Moriwaki! Registration is open now! Search for "Tsukigase Plum Valley Early Spring Marathon"♪

Commemorative Celebration for the Registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Today, Sunday, December 1, a celebratory gathering was held at the Ara-Odori Hall in the Sakamoto district to mark the registration of “Gokase Ara-odori” as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in February of Reiwa 3 (2021).👏✨ Because the registration around Reiwa 3 fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, holding a celebration then was difficult, so today’s event was finally realized.🥹 After the opening, the ceremony proceeded smoothly with greetings from the Ara-Odori Preservation Society and congratulatory messages from guests, followed by kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening) accompanied by the powerful sounds of Ara-odori drums, bells, and matchlock gun volleys.🍶🔨 Later, Mr. Fujimoto, the lead dancer, gave the toast and the banquet began.👏 It was a wonderful gathering where members of the Ara-Odori Preservation Society, the dancers and their families all shared their various feelings about Ara-odori.😌 During the banquet, the host conducted interviews in which, somewhat shyly, everyone spoke passionately about Ara-odori.🤭✨ When people had enjoyed enough sake and conversation, the event concluded with three cheers of banzai.🙌🙌🙌 In Miyazaki, a land that preserves many traditional performing arts such as kagura, the registration of Gokase Ara-odori as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage truly felt like a great achievement.😳 Going forward, we hope these traditional performing arts, preserved and passed down in each district, will continue to be treasured.✨

[TV Asahi "Shokusai no Oukoku" Isehara Yamatoimo] Broadcast date and time: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 9:30–9:55 ◇ Program: "Shokusai no Oukoku" A show that stays close to the people who are passionately working to preserve "Japan's food" and unravels the rich world of ingredients. Yasuhito Nakamura of Yamatoimoya in Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a yam producer who single-handedly hand-digs about 15,000 yam plants grown in his fields from autumn through winter! Program highlights: ▽ Left the corporate world to become a yam farmer! The secrets of stickiness and aroma ▽ Tips for yam cooking worth copying, learned from popular restaurants, and more Be sure to record it so you don’t miss the show! And experience Isehara—famous for its scenery, souvenirs, and gourmet food— see it with your eyes, hear it with your ears, feel it with your skin, taste it with your mouth, and enjoy visiting the filming locations!! Yamatoimoya TEL 0463-96-6333 At the Ekina Kururin House Yamatoimoya’s yam-filled Tanzawa-Ooyama soba and other items are on sale and well received! Midway on the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station Ekina Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information) TEL/FAX 0463-95-5333 OPEN 9:00–17:00 (open year-round) * January 1–3, 2025: 10:00–15:00

Hello everyone! This is the Shosenkyo Tourist Association. Today brought clear skies, and the Shosenkyo Houtou Festival was held in grand fashion! This year’s Houtou Festival was a collaborative event with Kofu Daiichi High School’s Research Course. The a cappella club, dance club, and folk-rock club delivered wonderful performances that really energized the crowd! In addition, the bingo tournament with luxurious prizes was a huge hit. The five varieties of houtou on offer each had their own distinctive flair, and every one was superb! Which houtou was your favorite?

Anata Terasu: Tea, Healing, Fortune-telling, and Goods Today, Saturday, November 30, Anata Terasu took place at Miyazaki Sabo’s Barber House ☺️🍀 This event, which was also held in summer, is now at Volume 5 🖐️💡 A wood-burning stove warmed the shop, giving a gentle, happy warmth 😌💕 A wide range of fortune-telling and healing services were available 🫶 I asked Hikari Therapy for a guardian reading and a channeled message this time 🤗 I was surprised by some unexpected results 😳 but they might indeed be true 🤭 I felt encouraged to keep the messages in my heart and live joyfully 💪✨ While others waited for healing services, they relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed delicious tea, chiffon cake, and bread 🍵 Healing goods like warm items and other soothing accessories were on display, making for a lovely event where time flowed slowly ☺️✨ Actually, I’m typing this post while eating the hojicha chiffon cake I bought… and it’s unbelievably delicious 🥹💕 The rich hojicha flavor and moist chiffon texture are perfect… If you get the chance, please try it ✨ This was a rewarding event recommended for anyone who’s always busy and feeling a bit short on mental space 🥰

[🍁Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submission Showcase — Part 6—🍁] Here we introduce works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” contest held on the Instagram account of Gokase Tourism Association! @gokase_pan

【🍁Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 5🍁】 Here we showcase works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Foliage 2024” held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. @thusandleavis様

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Contest Entries — Part 4 🍁 Here we introduce works posted to the "#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024" contest held on the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account! @mitsu_yumi.0520 @naomin168 @niidome2110 (in no particular order)

🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submissions — Part 3 🍁 Here we showcase photos posted to the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account for the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” event! @donguri223103 @san.shimako.1105 @kaaazuuu1123 @kickcamp_with_jimny (in no particular order)

[🍁 Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024 Photo Submissions — Part 2 🍁] Here are works posted to the “#Gokase Autumn Leaves 2024” event on the Gokase Tourism Association’s Instagram account! @hiroko.gf1 @gokase_pan @miyazaki_212449 (in no particular order)

⛩ Gion Shrine Niiname Festival and Final Kagura Performance 👹 On November 23rd, the Niiname Festival and the final kagura performance were held at Gion Shrine in the Kuraoka district.⛩ First a Shinto ceremony took place, followed by a kagura dedication at the kagura hall.👹 Today we welcomed visitors from overseas and guests who came from Tokyo.😮 The gingko trees at Gion Shrine had turned color, creating a carpet of yellow.😆✨ Gokase Town is getting colder, and it looks like winter is finally arriving.⛄

[Searching for Autumn in Gokase] November 19 A little late, but I went looking for autumn around Gokase and am sharing some photos📸✨ Photo 1 / Shirataki Falls Photo 2 / From the bridge on the way to Unoko Falls viewing point Photo 3 / From Yūhi no Sato Ohashi (Sunset Village Bridge) Photos 4 and 5 / Near the torii at Myoken Shrine

G Music Corps Regular Concert On Sunday, November 17th, the G Music Corps held a concert at Yumeyume Plaza TAC in Takachiho Town🎺🎶 The program was packed into four exciting parts😳💡 Under the baton of conductor Mitsutoshi Hasebe, the concert opened with a Disney medley. Familiar tunes arrived on a dynamic sound that made people move along before they knew it🤩👏 In the second part, dancers from Takachiho Town’s studio DACTCREW delivered an impressive performance to popular songs🪩💫 The third part recreated the original show’s format with a lively amateur singing stage😆🎤 Seven contestants from Gokase, Takachiho, and Kumamoto Prefecture sang joyfully to live wind ensemble accompaniment✨ A former real bell-ringer from the original program played the bell live, a trophy was presented to the winner, and the excitement peaked 🥳👏 The final fourth part featured guests trumpeter MAKOTO, drummer Kiyotaka Kuroda, and pianist Satsuki Imamura in a powerful, high-impact set😳✨ Audience members praised the event, saying things like "I’m glad I came; I never expected it to be this much fun" 🥹💕 G Music Corps, active both inside and outside the prefecture, delivered a wonderful performance that makes you want to cheer them on for the future. Great job to everyone involved❗

Sunset Village Exhibition✨ On Saturday and Sunday, November 16–17, the former Kuwanouchi Elementary School gym hosted the "Sunset Village Exhibition" and the "Small Sato Frost Month Festival," to much excitement 😆🎉 Creative works by local residents were on display, and visitors toured them with great interest 👀 On Saturday, November 16, food stalls and workshops drew lively crowds 😁 At the workshops, many people happily carried their finished pieces home, and seeing that made us happy too 😊

When it comes to pickles from Shinshu, nozawana is well known, but in southern Shinshu, gensuke kabuna pickles are cherished. Gensuke kabuna becomes sweeter and more flavorful after exposure to frost. As the cold grows harsher at this time of year, Toyooka Village has entered the ideal harvesting season for gensuke kabuna. Toyooka Tabi Jikan offers hands-on harvesting experiences for gensuke kabuna. We also provide pickling recipes. For details about the experience, please visit the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website. The program is scheduled to run from around November 25th to December 20th, ending once supplies run out.

This morning Tokachigawa Onsen was blanketed in snow. The forecast high for today is 5°C, so I think it will melt soon, but the pristine white snow is beautiful! It will get colder from now on, so please come to Tokachigawa Onsen to warm up 😊

It rained in Otofukecho this morning. By the afternoon the sky cleared to a beautiful blue, but the wind is chilly... Even so, preparations are already under way for the winter event Sairinka! Every year we start wiring and other electrical work before the snow falls. Please look forward to seeing what kind of light displays Sairinka will present this year! It was raining in Otofukecho this morning. By the afternoon the sky turned into a beautiful blue, but the wind was cold... At the same time, preparations for the winter event "Sairinka" have already begun! Every year we begin installing wiring before the snow falls. Please look forward to the light production that Sairinka will bring this year!

Autumn at Ooyama 2024: Autumn Leaves Update 🍁 11/28 As of yesterday, Wednesday, November 27, the autumn foliage is at its peak. Oyama Temple and Ooyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine look as pictured. The Ooyama Autumn Foliage Light-up and the OyamaCableCar night operation (weekdays until 19:00, weekends and holidays until 20:00) run through Sunday, December 1. Enjoy a magically different atmosphere from daytime, the spectacular night view from about 700 m that earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, and the beautiful autumn leaves together. Don’t miss the Masu Tiramisu at the scenic cafe Saryo Sekison. Concurrent Events 11/30 (Sat) and 12/1 (Sun) 10:00–16:00 *Shukubo Stamp & Quiz Rally* Collect stamps by visiting the temple lodgings, answer the quiz, and you might win a lovely prize!? *Old Approach Marche* Along the old approach road in front of the Afuri Shrine office, various food trucks and local shops will be open. Please note that on the weekend of 11/30 (Sat) and 12/1 (Sun) buses, the cable car, and parking are expected to be very crowded. Allow plenty of extra time for your trip. Please use public transportation where possible. Sunset comes early, so those aiming for the mountaintop are asked to start early in the morning. Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station north exit, Platform 4 Take the bus bound for "Ooyama Cable" for about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes to the cable car station

[SETAGAYA!DAY2024] Popular shops from inside and outside Setagaya Ward will open stalls, and from Isehara Kashiwagi Farm will sell cheesecakes, drinkable yogurt, seasonal vegetables, and other local products! At Carrot Tower (4th and 5th floors) you can enjoy talk shows, street performances, a stamp rally, and projection mapping screenings (Sangenjaya Patio Fountain Plaza 17:00–20:00), with plenty of events. Please come and join us! Date and time: Sunday, December 1, 2024, 10:00–16:00 Venue: Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line Setagaya Line Sangenjaya Station Front Plaza Inquiry: Setagaya City Industrial Promotion Foundation Regional Revitalization and Exchange Promotion Division Tel: 03-3411-6715

Toyooka Tabi Jikan has installed a persimmon noren under its eaves! Please relax and enjoy it along with the foot bath♪

[Oyama & Isehara City General Sports Park Autumn Foliage Update] 2024 🍁 The Oyama autumn foliage light-up and OyamaCableCar nighttime service (until 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays) run through Sunday, December 1, 2024! Enjoy a magical atmosphere unlike daytime, with Shonan night views blending with beautiful autumn colors. Here are Oyama Temple on the morning of Sunday, November 24, and the illuminated lower shrine of Oyama Afuri Shrine on Monday, November 25. Oyama attracts many visitors and is almost at peak color now! ※It becomes very crowded on weekends. If you come by car, you may wait 2–3 hours for parking. Please use public transportation whenever possible. ※Sunset comes early, so if you plan to head for the mountaintop, start early in the morning and allow plenty of time. Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, platform 4 Take the bus bound for Oyama Cable (about 30 minutes) Get off at the last stop and walk 15 minutes to the cable car station. 🍂 These are the magnificent ginkgo rows inside Isehara City General Sports Park from last weekend. A leisurely walk! The sports park offers many playgrounds such as a long and wide slide and a tarzan rope. Situated on a hill, it also provides panoramic views of the mountains and town surrounding Isehara, making it well worth a visit! Isehara City General Sports Park Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, platform 3 Kanagawa Chuo Bus No. I-34 bound for Nanasawa Get off at the ‘‘General Sports Park’’ stop and walk 5 minutes.

Shop: Christmas items🎄 Wreaths, patchwork pieces, postcards and more We have an expanding selection of cute items♪ About one month until Christmas🎄 Children are surely waiting for Santa Claus with excited hearts and eager anticipation🎅✨ At Roadside Station Iwanai, Taramaru and Beniko are dressed as Santa! Please take your time browsing the shop when you stop by

This is the Scene of Lake Onneto today (11/25). The road entering Lake Onneto from the national highway is a compacted snow ice burn. Please be careful when passing. The surface of Lake Onneto is only thin ice at the water's edge. It will take some time for the ice to form firmly. On the Lake Onneto Line, which leads to the lake, the gate from Nonaka Hot Spring will close at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 6, and both cars will be closed during the winter season (until April 11 next year). Please note that the road from the national highway to the Hot Spring will not be blocked, but you will not be able to go beyond it to the lake by Car.

[Autumn leaves are in full bloom! ] 11/19 Minami-Alps City This morning, the temperature is Traditional Japanese straw raincoat nationwide, and winter has arrived in the Minami-Alps City! It was so cold that it reminded me of. The Autumn leaves in Minami-Alps City today (11/19) also seem to be progressing at once due to this cold. Mt. Mt. Kushigata is covered with a carpet of warm colors, and Inagako and other places in the city are in full bloom.

Autumn Oyama Foliage Update 2024🍁 Oyama, bustling with the low-mountain hiking boom⛰ The Oyama foliage light-up and OyamaCableCar night service continue Open until 19:00 on weekdays and until 20:00 on weekends and holidays! As of today, Friday, November 22, Oyama and Oyama Temple look about 60% colored, as you can see. Peak color is expected around Wednesday the 27th, and it may remain good for about another week after that. Near the Oyama Cable station, a ‘‘October cherry’’ (10-gatsu-zakura) was in bloom. Concurrent Events November 23 (Sat), November 24 (Sun), November 30 (Sat), December 1 (Sun) 10:00–16:00 *Shukubo Stamp & Quiz Rally* Visit temple lodgings to collect stamps, answer quizzes, and you might win a lovely prize!? *Old Sando Marche* Along the old sando road in front of the Afuri Shrine office, various food trucks and local shops will set up stalls. 🍁We look forward to seeing you🍁 ※Weekends get very crowded. Days end early, so if you plan to head to the mountaintop, start early in the morning and allow plenty of time. Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit, Bus Stop No. 4 Take the ‘for Oyama Cable’ bus for about 30 minutes Get off at the terminus and walk 15 minutes to the cable car station

Oyama Sky Lanterns® —Set your wish aloft from 700 m above sea level🌠— Call for Participants Would you like to release a Sky Lantern® into the night sky above MtOoyama from the Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Precincts, accompanied by the two-star scenic views of Michelin Green Guide Japan? We are now accepting participants! This rare experience pairs the shrine’s illuminated structures with lanterns carrying each person’s wishes and thoughts, creating a dreamy panorama of lights and night scenery. The OyamaCableCar line will also be lit up along its route and will operate until 19:00. Limited to 50 lanterns, first-come, first-served. 3,000 yen per lantern (tax included). *Up to two people may participate per lantern.* *Date and Time* Sunday, January 12, 2025 — event proceeds in light rain; canceled in severe weather. Registration: 15:00–16:00 Launch: 16:30 *Venue* Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Precincts *Access* From Isehara Station north exit on the Odakyu Line, take the Kanachu bus from platform 4 bound for Oyama Cable (about 25 minutes). Get off at the final stop and walk 15 minutes, or take the 6-minute Oyama Cable to Afuri Shrine Station. *How to Apply* WEB: Use the QR code on the flyer or visit the Isehara City Tourism Association website. By phone: Isehara City Tourism Association (0463-73-7373), weekdays 9:00–17:00. By FAX: Complete the Oyama Sky Lantern® application form on the back of the flyer and fax it to 0463-73-6606. *Payment Methods* Cash: At the Isehara City Tourism Association counter (on the stairs at the north exit of Isehara Station on the Odakyu Line), weekdays 9:00–17:00. Bank transfer: Yokohama Bank, Isehara Branch, Ordinary 6072115, General Incorporated Association Isehara City Tourism Association, Representative Director Hitoshi Meguro. *Application and Payment Deadline* Thursday, December 26, 2024 Your application is confirmed upon receipt of payment, so please pay as soon as possible. Please note that cancellations after payment are generally not accepted. For the flyer, application form, and further details, please see the Isehara City Tourism Association website. Sky Lanterns® are registered trademarks of the Japan Sky Lantern Association® and Exploud Inc. Cooperation: Japan Sky Lantern Association® Usage Permit No. JSA045665P

Notice of Stone-Roasted Sweet Potato Sales Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24. On both days, stone-roasted sweet potatoes will be sold from around 11:00 AM! We will also offer roasted Anno sweet potatoes, known as the “king of sweet potatoes.” Please give them a try♪ Prices - Roasted sweet potato (Beniharuka, Beni Azuma): small 200 yen · large 300 yen - Roasted sweet potato (Anno sweet potato): small 300 yen · large 400 yen - Roasted baked potato: 200 yen *Get 50 yen off the total bill for every two items purchased.

Tadachi Washi Papermaking Experience 2024! The tradition of washi papermaking has long been passed down in the Tadachi area of Nagiso town. At one time it was an important winter side industry for farming families. Although Tadachi washi vanished for a while with the spread of Western paper, the town restored the house of Tadachi Washi in 1985 to preserve the traditional techniques and share them with many people. At the Washi House, artisans still carry on the papermaking craft today.✨ The Washi House now offers a winter-only papermaking experience! Because it uses natural materials and cold water, this is a precious experience available only in winter.👀 There are two workshop options: a postcard and a koban (oval coin) size. Why not make your own one-of-a-kind original washi paper? Period: December–March Location: Tadachi Washi House (234-2 Tadachi, Nagiso town) Inquiries: 0573-75-4910 (Washi House) ※Reservation required For details, please check the Nagiso Tourism Association website "Burari Nagiso."✨

Nippori Dokan Festival 2024 — Held in light rain, canceled in severe weather Ota Dokan, famed for building Edo Castle in the Muromachi period, also has ties to Arakawaku From Isehara City, local specialties including shiitake mushrooms and cheesecake and drinkable yogurt from Kashiwagi Farm will be on sale. Try on samurai armor free of charge with the Isehara Handmade Armor Team’s costume experience (12:30–13:30) and become a warrior! This event offers fun for both children and adults, so come and join us! Date and time: Saturday, November 23 (holiday) 10:00–15:00 Venue: Nippori Ekimae Event Hiroba 2-24 Nishinippori, Arakawaku, Tokyo Metropolis A 2-minute walk from Nippori station East Exit Contact: Arakawaku Industry and Economy Department, Tourism Promotion Division 03-3802-4689

Autumn at Ooyama: Fall Foliage Update 2024🍁 Starting today, Wednesday, November 20, the Ooyama autumn foliage illumination and the OyamaCableCar night service begin, running until 7:00 PM on weekdays and until 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays. As of yesterday, Tuesday, November 19, Ooyama and the trial-lit Oyama Temple look as shown here. Peak foliage is expected around Saturday, November 23 through Wednesday, November 27, and it may continue for about another week after that. Even if earlier, enjoy the beautiful color gradations! Cooler temperatures deepen the colors, revealing stunning crimson leaves! If the weather stays warm, you can enjoy them for longer. 🍁Come and experience this enchanting world—we look forward to seeing you🍁 *Because sunset comes early, those aiming for the mountaintop should start early in the morning. Also, expect crowds and allow extra time for your visit. *After rain, trails can be slippery and muddy, so please take extra care with your footing.