[Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) Announcement] Good morning 🌞 Today, Cool Japan Video granted this account an official badge ✨✨✨ And thank you, as always, to everyone who watches. We will continue working hard to share the charms of Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture in an easy-to-understand and enjoyable way so that more people will visit! If you’re curious about outing information for Shobara, Hiroshima Prefecture, please check the Shobara Tourism Information site "Shobara Tourism Navi"! Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) is an organization that values contributing to the community and personal growth! ▷ Development and sales of tourism products and local specialties that leverage regional resources. ▷ Promotion, PR, and sales activities to attract tourists and tours. ▷ Information services for inquiries about tourist information. [Contact] Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (General Incorporated Association) TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172 Shobara DMO official site ▽ https://shobara-dmo.jp// Shobara Tourism Navi information site ▽ https://www.shobara-info.com//

Photographed on June 1, 25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, I relaxed at the Starbucks Bell Ring Street store. It is a soy chai tea latte and an Earl Grey & orange scone sandwich.

Applications are now open for the "Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2025." Please submit photos that capture the charm of Minami-Izu Town, such as seasonal landscapes, event scenes, and drone shots. This year we are also accepting high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for use on posters. ※This contest accepts online submissions of digital photos only. Online entries must be photos taken with a digital camera or similar device, in JPEG format only. Please keep each photo file size within 10MB. ※Only the category for photos promoting Minami-Izu accepts high-resolution images (over 10MB). ※The submitted photos are prize-winning works from the Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2024. <Submission Period> From Sunday, June 1, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026. <Eligible Works> Only works photographed between February 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, are eligible. <Categories> 1) Seasons of Minami-Izu Category Photos taken within Minami-Izu Town (for example: spring marguerites, summer swimming beaches, autumn spiny lobster fishing, winter’s first sunrise). ※Photos taken at town tourist facilities that clearly show the seasons are also acceptable (for example: the jade vine at Shimogamo Tropical Botanical Garden or aloe at minami izu aloe center). 2) Events Category Photos that convey the appeal of town events, such as the Yuigahama Fireworks Festival or the Bochibochi Marathon. 3) Drone Category Photos of Minami-Izu Town taken by drone. 4) Photos Promoting Minami-Izu Category We seek high-resolution photos (over 10MB) suitable for posters and similar uses. Each applicant may submit up to three entries per category (up to 12 entries across all four categories). <How to Apply> Apply from here https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=131... ※During the submission period, please proceed by clicking the “New Registration” or “Login” button displayed below. <Prizes> Grand Prize: One winner in each category…Cash prize of 70,000 yen. Runner-up: One winner in each category…Accommodation voucher worth 15,000 yen from the Shimogamo Onsen Ryokan Cooperative. ※The accommodation voucher is valid at the following four inns: - kochu no tenshuku marubun https://www.yadomarubun.com// - hotel kawachiya https://kawatiya.net// - kiichiyu https://www.tokiichiyu.com// - ishibana sea villa kagiya https://shimogamo-kagiya.jp//

We present seven recommended ways to spend time in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Take time to face the mountain colors, the scent of the trees, the murmur of rivers, and the voice of the wind, and cherish moments to look inward as you enjoy how to spend your time in Shobara. 1 Satoyama (Rural Mountain Landscapes) Photo 1: Rice field scenery in Mikawachi Shobara still preserves pastoral landscapes where traditional ways of life persist and many kominka, or old private houses, that retain a nostalgic charm. Seeing how people live here, you feel a surprising sense of nostalgia despite it being your first visit. 2 Healing Photo 2: Kumano Shrine Step into a mysterious shrine precinct deep in the forest, surrounded by countless cedar trees, and ancient cedars older than a thousand years will greet you. As you move forward in awed silence, the fatigue of everyday life seems to wash away little by little. 3 Oishii (Delicious Food) Photo 3: Hiba Beef gourmet Eating fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the place they were harvested is one of this town’s great pleasures. The tender meat of Shobara’s branded Hiba beef, passed down from the oldest local cattle line, paired with crisp vegetables, brings a smile the moment you take a bite. 4 Botanical (Nature and Plants) Photo 4: National Bihoku Hillside Park A blue sky and a sea of flowers feel like stepping into a storybook. The blooms’ colors enchant you and make you eager for the next season. Surrounded by sweet fragrances, let easy conversation flow. 5 Activity Photo 5: Apple picking Pluck a cluster of glossy red apples and take a big bite! The juicy sweetness fills your mouth. Enjoy the different colors and shapes of each variety, and you’ll feel like a child again—so much so you might pick more than you need. 6 Relaxation Photo 6: Staying in a kominka Gentle mountains and clear air set the scene. Sunlight streaming into your lodging slows your sense of time, and the warmth of the wooden house soothes both body and mind. 7 Adventure Photo 7: Shobara Satoyama Rafting Surrounded by vast nature, move forward while feeling the fresh air and the river’s flow. Gripping your paddle, you’ll find yourself swept up in the action. The thrill of descending the river together with everyone is unforgettable.

Photographed on June 1, 25. It is a hydrangea of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine direct meeting hall.

Photographed on June 1, 25. It is Kazaguruma in front of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine direct meeting hall.

Fireflies are now at their best viewing season 🌌 Spots in Nobeoka City where you can enjoy fireflies include Kitagawa, Yoshino, and Maino Many locations seem to be reaching their peak viewing period✨ Let’s continue to protect this beautiful nature by observing proper manners while watching them😊 ◎Please avoid shining bright lights, littering, or damaging the natural environment. ◎Keep quiet so as not to disturb others nearby while viewing. ◎Do not use insect-repellent sprays at viewing sites; take precautions by wearing long sleeves instead. 🪄May the fireflies dancing in the night sky leave you with lasting memories.

Applications for the Popular Obsidian Geotour 2025 are now open. Course There are two Course: the "Hachigosawa Outcrop Course," a huge obsidian outcrop that spreads out in front of you, and the "Akaishiyama Summit Course," where you can see the reddish obsidian, which is a characteristic of obsidian in the Shirataki area, at the summit plaza, as the name "Akaishi Mountain" suggests. You can enjoy lunch at a Local farmhouse restaurant at the "Hachizawa Outcrop Course" and the Sweets of the Local café at the "Akaishiyama Summit Course", and on both tours, you can Visiting the site the Engaru Buried Cultural Property Center exhibiting the national treasure "Hokkaido Shirataki Archaeological Site Excavation". This is a tour that is sure to be full, so we recommend that you apply as soon as possible! Details of the < tour and how to apply> Shirataki Geopark Official Website http://geopark.engaru.jp/post/2505/... until

On display in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture until Sunday, June 15, 2025! “Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring” The Shobara Satoyama Open Garden is a regular spring and autumn event held each year, where you can visit gardens ranging from wildly inventive small plots to authentic Japanese gardens, featuring seasonal flowers in bloom. 🌼🌹 For the latest updates, be sure to check the Shobara Satoyama Open Garden Instagram! ✅ Account here ▽ 🌼 @satoyamaopengarden 🌼 Event name: Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring Location: Various gardens around Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Inquiries: Shobara Flower Council Office General Incorporated Association Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) TEL 0824-75-0173 FAX 0824-75-0172 Open garden notes: If a sign at a garden entrance reads “CLOSE,” please refrain from visiting. Do not enter private areas such as homes or restrooms. Please use the restrooms inside the open garden information centers or public restrooms. ※Gardens marked as having restrooms are available for use. If you come by car, please use the designated parking areas. Refrain from parking in ways that inconvenience nearby residents. Bringing pets is generally not allowed. ※Gardens marked with a pet-friendly symbol allow pets. Always keep pets on a leash and, when possible, keep the leash short. The open gardens are available to view thanks to the generosity of the gardeners. Please follow viewing etiquette and express your appreciation freely. ◎For the latest information, visit Instagram!

Fresh green at Unoko Falls 🍃 It feels like May has flown by in no time 😅 Saturday, May 31 in Gokasecho was a delightfully clear day 🌞 At this time of year, Unoko Falls has plenty of water and brilliant fresh greenery ✨ I was soothed by birdsong, the sound of the water, and the breeze 🥰 The light was just right, so I got some great photos 📷 When you walk down to the plunge pool, be careful—wet spots can be slippery, so watch your step 👣

Photographed on June 1, 25. It is Kazaguruma in front of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine direct meeting hall. For the monthly festival, I will attend it alone. I sometimes meet people who I am usually close to. However, we only exchange DMs, and we refuse to meet or meet. Thank you for your understanding.

Photographed on June 1, 25. This is Kazaguruma of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

On the way to TOTTEI park with a photo buddy Representing Kobe, which suddenly caught my eye Tower🗼 If you look at it from a different perspective than usual Draws you in I felt a different goodness!

Photographed 4/20/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed on April 19, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Scenery of Japan. Scenery of Japan people. Encounters of history in Kyoto. The heart of Japan is here. From Japan to the world. Welcome.

Higashikawa-cho will have a booth at Hibiya Music Festival 2025! We will exhibit at Hibiya Music Festival 2025, a two-day, free, borderless music festival open to everyone, held on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025. ■ Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Overview Name: Hibiya Music Festival 2025 Date and Time: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Sunday, June 1, 2025, 10:30–20:30 Venue: Hirakawachou Park (Hibiya Park, 100-0012 Chiyodaku, Tokyo Metropolis) Admission: Free ※Some food stalls and programs require payment Organizer: Hibiya Music Festival Executive Committee Planning and Production: Seiya Co., Ltd. (Higashikawa-cho official partner company) / THE FOREST ▼ For details, see the official website https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/... ■ Higashikawa-cho Booth: Music × Photography × Furniture! Have your photo taken to commemorate Hibiya Music Festival! Local photographers from Higashikawa-cho will offer free photo sessions with chairs from Higashikawa-cho. Commemorative photos and the digital files will be provided free of charge at the special booth. ※Higashikawa-cho: Exhibit at Kusachi Hiroba! ▼ Photo Schedule Three sessions each day. Session 1: 10:30–12:30 Session 2: 13:30–15:00 Session 3: 16:00–17:30 Photographers living in Higashikawa-cho will take the photos! Hokuto Wada (instagram:@hokutowada) Ryo Yasui (instagram:@prophoto_sou_yasui_makoto) Higashikawa-cho Economic Promotion Division TEL 0166-82-2111 (ext. 134) https://hibiyamusicfes.jp/2025/...

Today, May 30th, is "Kominka Day"!🏘 Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is blessed with vast nature and retains many traditional wooden houses, ranking third in the nation for kominka preservation. To address vacant-house issues, several renovated inns that evoke the satoyama (rural mountain landscape) by showcasing the buildings' original materials have appeared. setouchi kominka stays hiroshima introduces three houses—chojaya, furousen, and kozako forest—and this time we present a newly renovated inn focused on the outdoors with maximum openness. Its name is kusamura. This is a private-rental tent sauna and an entire kominka available for exclusive use, boasting perhaps the most striking presence in Japan. Housed in a 150-year-old renovated kominka with plenty of outdoor features, one highlight is the BBQ. About a 15-minute drive away, shokusai-kan shobara yume sakura sells Hiba Beef and fresh vegetables, so you can buy ingredients there and bring them for a lively group meal. Second, enjoy a tent sauna that offers a strong sense of privacy for you and your friends. Cooling off outdoors on the engawa (veranda) feels great and provides a unique, deeply relaxing experience. Third, you can have a bonfire. Gather around the flames and enjoy conversation. The sleeping area includes four single beds, one air mattress, and one hammock. The place is equipped with essentials such as a refrigerator, stove, and towels. Happily, pets are allowed, so consider staying with your dog. Please note that guests under junior high school age cannot stay overnight, so be careful when booking. Address: 2765 Kawakitacho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Price: From JPY 16,200 per night Reservations: Book via Airbnb or Booking.com Hours: Check-in from 15:00 / Check-out by 11:00

It is "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park" on May 30th. "Renge azalea" is blooming ♪ beautifully The "Moss Phlox" in Moss Phlox Park is in Best time to visit, but the "Moss Phlox" on the other side of the road is still in Best time to visit ♬

Photographed 4/20/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Photographed 4/20/25. This is Hanatetsu's Hanachozu.

Photographed 4/20/25. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed on April 18, 25. This is Hanachozu from Hara Flower Shop.

Local views. The sky changes with the time of day. Favorite color and favorite place. Nara Park is also nearby, so please stop by.

Photographed 5/26/25. LEC COFFEE's caramel nut semifreddo and cold yellowtail cream.

A photo of the sunset in Kizugawa City, my Township, where I was born. The rice fields Unfolds all over and you can see the beautiful sunset. Nara Park is also nearby, so why don't you stop by when you come for sightseeing? You can also touch history such as Joruri Temple and Fujiwara Kyo Ruins. I've always liked the scenery. I would like to share it with all of you.

June is almost here! In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, blessed with great nature, you can see fireflies. At Hotaru-mi Park in Kuchiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, many visitors gather every year. The fireflies fly from around 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a peak 30-minute period from about 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. About 300 meters downstream from Hotaru-mi Park there is a spot where Genji fireflies appear. This year’s best viewing time is expected to be later than usual because cherry blossoms bloomed late. Hotaru-mi Park has a campsite, and around July you can see Hime fireflies. Hime fireflies glow more quietly than Genji fireflies, and people who have gone camping at Hotaru-mi Park report the rare experience of seeing many fireflies gather in front of their tents. Hotaru-mi Park has few lights, making it an excellent place for firefly watching. At the “Firefly Viewing Gathering” held on Saturday, June 21, all lights in the management building and campsite will be turned off for one minute starting at 9:00 p.m., so you can enjoy only the fireflies’ glow. You just have to go…! Food trucks and stalls are also planned for the day. Please come visit Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture—see you by car! ● Basic information for Hotaru-mi Park Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Phone: 0824-87-2513 *The manager is on duty from 8:00 to 17:00* *If no one answers, the manager will call you back* Parking: Available, about 30 spaces ● Event information for the Firefly Viewing Gathering Venue: Hotaru-mi Park, Moomoo Local Products Hall, Shingetsu Marche (former Mikami residence) Address: 2-1 Otsuki, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture Date and time: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. (Firefly viewing hours: 6:00 p.m. onward) There are many other spots and events where you can see fireflies. For details, please see the Shobara tourist information site, Shobara Tourist Navi.

Photographed 5/26/25. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. It's a semifreddo with caramel nuts. Semifred is an Italian word that means half cold. It's an ice cake.

At Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, 🤍 I found a hydrangea of.

Photographed 5/26/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu approach to the temple. It's already hydrangea season.