The mountain climbing season has arrived. Kuranodake, located in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, offers trails for beginners through advanced hikers. It is a mountain that even small children can enjoy. From the summit you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama, and a big appeal is that you can easily challenge yourself starting from the 9th station. The elevation is 1,118 m. It was selected as one of the Top 100 Walking Trails in Japan. It sits at the western end of the Aso outer rim, and the name comes from its saddle-like shape. Following the northeast ridge of Kuranodake leads to peaks such as Mount Tsumushi (1,064 m), and some hikers aim for them from Kuranodake’s summit. The mountain hosts many alpine plants and bird species. There are several routes up Kuranodake; for intermediate and advanced hikers there are the Forest Course and the Panorama Course. Beginners can drive up to the 9th station and start from the East Trailhead Course. With routes of varying difficulty, many families hike together. From the summit you can see the Kuju Mountain Range, the Five Peaks of Aso, Mt. Kimpō, and Unzen. Many people bring a packed lunch or coffee to enjoy on the hike. Before hiking, pick up maps and information at Shiki no Sato in Asahishi-Fumoto, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, located at the trail entrance, and why not give it a try?

Cherry Blossoms in Flight A week has passed since the bloom was announced in Kyushu, but full bloom still continues in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The petals' centers have begun to turn red, so the blossoms will start falling soon. At Kikuchi Park in Kumuchi, Kikuchi County, roughly 3,000 cherry trees, including Somei-yoshino and yamazakura, are in full bloom. This year, many visitors, including those from overseas, are enjoying hanami. The Kangetsuro Observation Deck inside the park offers a superb view of Kikuchi Park's cherry blossoms and the city of Kikuchi. A promenade runs through the park, forming a tunnel of cherry trees. Even as the petals begin to fall, you can stroll through drifting blossoms. The park also has a “Love Bench,” where you can relax while viewing the cherry trees. A row of cherry trees lines the approach to Kikuchi Shrine, and walking under the canopy offers a beautiful contrast of blossoms against the blue sky. Every year the cherry trees bloom from mid-March through early April. The stage when petals start to fall also makes for wonderful photos and videos, so please come and visit.

Yachiyoza Story – Regular Yamaga Lantern Dance Performance “Yachiyoza Story – Regular Yamaga Lantern Dance Performance” is a special program combining a tour of Yachiyoza, a Meiji-era playhouse over 100 years old, with a performance of the Yamaga lantern dance. Watching the lantern dance in that nostalgic, otherworldly setting feels especially glamorous! Please enjoy this luxurious chance to experience the charms of Yamaga all at once. Location Yachiyoza Schedule Please check the following URL for event dates. https://www.y-kankoukyoukai.com/sp_page01.php... Date and Time One show daily, starting at 10:30 AM (about 60 minutes) ・Rokyoku performance “The Birth and Revival of Yachiyoza: Wasamon.” (Rokyoku performer Minatoya Koyuki) ・Yamaga lantern dance performance ・Yachiyoza tour and commemorative photos with the dancers Admission Fees Adults: 1,530 yen per person (Yachiyoza admission + 1,000 yen for lantern dance viewing) Elementary and junior high students: 770 yen per person (Yachiyoza admission + 500 yen for lantern dance viewing) ※Group discounts (15 or more) and combined tickets including Yachiyoza and the Lantern Folk Craft Museum are also available. ※Includes shopping vouchers usable at stores in Yamaga. Notes ・From 10:30 AM until around 11:30 AM, only guests holding tickets for Yachiyoza Story may enter. ・You may visit Yachiyoza for a tour even on days when Yachiyoza Story is not held. ・Event dates are subject to change. Thank you for your understanding. Contact Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association 0968-43-2952 Yachiyoza 0968-44-4004 ※If you are coming with a group of 15 or more, please make a reservation in advance. If your group has fewer than 14 people, you may come on the day without a reservation.

A row of someiyoshino cherry trees stretching about 400 meters announces the arrival of early spring. 🌸 Welcome to Higashiizu Town, Inatori Highlands “#Sakura Corridor”! 🌸 https://www.e-izu.org/?p=we-page-entry&spot=422834&cat=23649&pageno=3&type=spot... The “Sakura Corridor” that spreads across Inatori Highlands in Higashiizu Town is a hidden hanami spot known to those in the know. The straight avenue of someiyoshino trees is breathtaking, and their pale pink petals color the grassy plaza. One of its charms is the spacious setting where you can relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms at leisure. The cross-country course also features a playground and walking paths, so you can feel the coming of spring while getting light exercise. It’s also a welcome point that families with children can spend time freely without worry.🌿✨ Why not spend a soothing moment gazing at cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze?🌸 📍 Location Inatori Highlands Cross-Country Course, Higashiizu Town Postal code 413-0411 Inatori Cross-Country Course, Higashiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture ⏰ Season Blooming is forecast around March 25 The peak viewing period is expected to be from March 28 onward. (These are forecasts, so the timing may vary.) ✉ Inquiries Higashiizu Town Industry Association Liaison Committee (Secretariat: Higashiizu Town Tourist Association TEL: 0557-95-0700) #Higashiizu #Inatori Highlands #Sakura Corridor #Hidden Spot #Hanami #Spring Scenery #Family Outing #Izu Trip #Sightseeing Spot

Komekome Sōmon Tour (Komekome Sōmon Tour) The Shimomachi Sōmon district along the Buzen Highway. Long known as a rice distribution center, this street still retains charming traditional townhouses. Enjoy a special walking tour of the neighborhood called the Komekome Sōmon Tour. There are four stops on the route. This popular tour includes Instagrammable spots and opportunities to learn about the history of rice. 1. Kiya Main Shop A koji maker that preserves traditional methods and remains committed to products rich in the aroma of koji. 2. Chiyo no Sono Brewery A pioneer in junmai sake brewing, ahead of other breweries. 3. Kosenji Temple A temple that houses a sutra repository containing a complete set of sutras donated by the wealthy merchant Munakata-ya. 4. Senbei Workshop A handmade senbei shop that uses carefully selected ingredients and offers a fun senbei-grilling experience. Participation fee: 600 yen (includes a souvenir) Closed: Wednesdays, August 14–17, and during the New Year holidays (Kiya Main Shop, Chiyo no Sono Brewery, and the Senbei Workshop are each available for viewing.) Meeting place: Kiya Main Shop Parking: Chiyo no Sono Brewery parking lot Organized by: Shimomachi Sōmon Association Reservations: Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association TEL. 0968-43-2952 Please register by the day before the tour (cancellations by the day before are accepted; same-day cancellations will be charged 50% of the participation fee). Some sites may be unavailable depending on the season or other circumstances. The order of shops visited on the tour may change depending on the number of participants and other factors.

Hello! This is the Yamaga Onsen Tourism Association. Yamaga Onsen is a famous hot spring in northern Kumamoto Prefecture with a history of over 1,300 years. Its waters are characterized by alkaline simple hot spring quality, known for enhancing skin beauty. The water is clear and colorless, tasteless and odorless, with temperatures ranging from 39 to 45°C. This account will share recommendations and the latest information about Yamaga Onsen, so please follow us! ◆About Yamaga Onsen, Kumamoto Prefecture You can enjoy flowing-only (gensen-kakenagashi) hot spring water at many inns, and there are plenty of outdoor baths and family baths available for day use, making the area beloved by both visitors and locals. The town offers a historic atmosphere, and popular sights include Yachiyoza Theater and the Buzen Highway. ◆Access to Yamaga Onsen Yamaga Onsen is conveniently accessible from Fukuoka. By car: Take the Kyushu Expressway and exit at Kikusui IC or Ueki Interchange; it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Fukuoka City. By bus: Take the Hinokuni Bus from Fukuoka Tenjin to Yamaga Bus Center, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the bus center, hot springs and attractions are within walking distance. ◆History of Yamaga Onsen Yamaga has long been a hot spring town. In the Edo Period it prospered as a post town along the Buzen Highway, where many travelers stopped for healing baths. In the Meiji Era the playhouse Yachiyoza was built, adding cultural appeal to the hot spring area. Today, the town continues to enchant many visitors as a hot spring town where history and tradition live on. ◆Popular attractions in Yamaga Onsen ・Buzen Highway The Buzen Highway runs through the heart of Yamaga Onsen and preserves the historic streetscape of an Edo Period post town. Along the cobblestone road you will find white-walled townhouses and old folk houses, perfect for a stroll through a retro atmosphere. Cafes and souvenir shops dot the area, making it an ideal spot to buy local specialties. ・Sakura-yu Hot Spring Sakura-yu, a symbol of Yamaga Onsen, is a public bathhouse with roots in the Edo Period. It was restored in 2012 as one of Kyushu’s largest wooden hot springs using traditional Japanese construction methods. The spacious main bath retains the charm of wooden architecture and offers flowing-only hot spring water. It’s an easy place to enjoy a soak between sightseeing. ・Yachiyoza Theater Built in 1910 (Meiji 43), Yachiyoza Theater was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1988 (Showa 63). It features lavish ceiling paintings and a revolving stage, and performances are still held today. You can tour the interior and experience the atmosphere of this historic theater. ・Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum This facility exhibits Yamaga City’s traditional craft, the Yamaga lantern. Inside, you can admire the beauty of gold lanterns made from delicate Japanese paper and learn about their production process. ・Kongojoji Temple / Stone Gate Kongojoji Temple, with a history of 1,300 years, features an imposing Stone Gate that evokes foreign lands. ◆Local specialties and souvenirs of Yamaga Onsen ・Lantern Monaka Lantern Monaka is a signature confection of Yamaga Onsen shaped like a gold lantern. Its crispy wafer shell is filled with delicately sweet red bean paste, making it a popular souvenir. ・Yamaga Yokan Made in the traditional way, Yamaga Yokan is known for its gentle sweetness and moist texture. It pairs well with green tea or coffee and is a welcome gift. ◆Events and festivals at Yamaga Onsen ・Yamaga Lantern Festival Held annually on August 15 and 16, the Yamaga Lantern Festival is one of Kyushu’s premier summer events, when the whole town glows with mystical light. The Thousand Lantern Dancers, where more than a thousand performers dance gracefully, is a breathtaking sight. ・Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights Held every winter, Yamaga Lantern Romance: A Hundred Flowers, A Hundred Lights welcomes visitors with enchanting lights created from Japanese umbrellas and bamboo installations along the historic streets. The Buzen Highway is illuminated at night, offering photogenic scenes unlike any other time of year. ◆Enjoy Yamaga Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture Yamaga Onsen is a hot spring town known for waters that beautify the skin and for its historic attractions. In addition to overnight stays, there are many outdoor baths and family baths available for day visitors, and the area consistently ranks highly on hot spring lists. Beyond the baths, Yamaga Onsen offers diverse pleasures—local cuisine, traditional crafts, and festivals—so please come and visit.

Notice of the 'Green Trust – 2025 Musen-yama Sakura Festival'🌸 Location: 752-1 Komuro, Inamachi Period: Friday, March 21, 2025 – Sunday, April 6, 2025 ※Canceled in case of rain ※Subject to change depending on bloom conditions Various food stalls 10:00–16:00 Food trucks 10:00–19:00 Bonbori lanterns lit 18:00–20:00 Member-led events: Saturday, March 29, 2025 and Sunday, March 30, 2025 Access A 5-minute walk from Shiku Station on the Saitama New Urban Transit New Shuttle Temporary parking lot: about 80 spaces Parking cooperation fee: 500 yen per entry (no re-entry) Opening hours: 9:30–20:00 ※Last entry by 19:00

Kikuchi’s new landmark featuring the country’s largest dragon deity! Dragon tour and bell-ringing experience at Kogenji Temple Details below https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan...

This is the Saikai City Tourism Association in Nagasaki Prefecture. Here is an introduction to Saikai Bridge, which links Saikai City and Hariō in Sasebo City. The cold days continue, but from around February the Kawazu cherry blossoms begin, followed by Somei-yoshino at the end of March, offering stunning scenery to enjoy! "Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property: Saikai Bridge" This red bridge connects Inoura-go in Seihi, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, with Hario Higashi-machi in Sasebo City. Saikai Bridge was built across the Inoura Seto, one of Japan’s three great tidal currents, in October 1955 (Showa 30) to link Sasebo City and the Nishisonogi Peninsula (Saikai City). The bridge has a total length of 316 m and stands 42 m above the sea surface. At the time, Saikai Bridge was the third largest bridge of its type in the world and the largest in Asia. It took four years from the start of construction to completion, accomplished with Japan’s highest engineering standards. Because whirlpools up to 10 m in diameter form in Inoura Seto, it was impossible to erect piers in the sea during construction. A precision method called the cantilevered launching suspension method was used, assembling from both shores and closing at the center. On December 23, 2020 (Reiwa 2), it became the first postwar-built bridge designated as a National Important Cultural Property. "Saikai Bridge Park" A 37 ha sightseeing park surrounding Saikai Bridge. The park offers plenty of play equipment such as an athletic course and a sledding slope, making it popular with families. It’s also great for picnics with a packed lunch. In spring, you can enjoy views of about 1,000 cherry trees with Saikai Bridge in the background. "New Saikai Bridge" A light-blue bridge completed in 2006 (Heisei 18) as part of the toll Pearl Line. The main span is 300 m, the inlet section is 320 m, and the total length is 620 m. A promenade runs beneath the road, and observation windows let you peer down at the sea. The view from directly above during the spring spring tide in March, when whirlpools occur, is spectacular! Both the Saikai and Sasebo sides offer parking lots large enough for coach buses and equipped with restrooms. Please come and visit Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture.

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Aso City Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture. Best regards for introducing plenty of attractive information about Aso City in this Account. In this First Post, I would like to briefly introduce Aso City. ▶▶▶ What is Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture? ◀◀◀ Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the Northeastern region of Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its active volcano "Aso Mountain" and its majestic Caldera topography, one of the one of the most in the world. With a population of about 23,000 (as of November 2024), it is a region with beautiful prairies that have been protected by people for generations for 13,000 years. It has a variety of attractions that Fascination the Visitors, including Five Peaks of Aso, Hot Spring, and landscapes registered as UNESCO Global Geoparks. ▶▶▶ Access ◀◀◀ to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Kumamoto Station - Access by train to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture From Kumamoto Station to Aso City, it is convenient to Use the JR Hohi Main Line. Via Higo-Ozu Station, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Aso Station. There is also a limited express train Car "Trans-Kyushu Limited Express". In addition, there are plenty of buses and rental cars to Aso City, and Access to the surrounding Sightseeing spots is also good. ◎ Aso Kumamoto Airport - Access to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture by Car From Aso Kumamoto Airport to Aso City, it takes about 1 hour by car. Use a rental car or shuttle bus from the airport for smooth Access to Aso City and Sightseeing spots. At Aso Kumamoto Airport, a new Passenger terminal building will be opened in March 2023 that integrates domestic and international flights. ▶▶▶ Historical background ◀◀◀ of Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture The history of Aso City is centered on the Agricultural culture that has benefited from Mt. Aso Mountain since ancient times. In particular, the grasslands of Aso are said to have existed since the Jomon period about 13,000 years ago, forming the beautiful landscape of present-day Aso. One of the world's one of the most Caldera, created by hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic activity, has become a symbol of the Aso UNESCO Geopark. ▶▶▶ Popular Sightseeing spots ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto I would like to introduce some Sightseeing spots that represent Aso City. ◎ Nakadake Crater Nakadake Crater is a place where you can experience the power of volcanic activity up close, and you can observe plumes and volcanic rocks near the crater. You can have a valuable experience where you can directly feel the power of geothermal heat and volcanoes. Access is convenient because there is a Car road leading to just before the crater. ◎ Kusasenrigahama Kusasenrigahama, a vast grassland of 785,000 square meters or about 38 times the size of Tokyo Dome, is a spot where you can enjoy a magnificent view with the Five Peaks of Aso in the background. Grazing cows and horses can be seen grazing leisurely, and it is a healing place where you can feel the breath of nature. Walking trail is also Maintenance and popular with tourists. ◎Aso Shrine It is an ancient shrine with a history of more than 2,000 years, enshrining 12 family gods, including Kenban Ryumei, who pioneered Aso, and is revered as the best shrine in Higo Province, and there are 500 branch companies Located in nationwide. Six buildings, including the temple and the tower gate, are nationally designated important cultural properties, and the tower gate is said to be one of the "three major tower gates in Japan". ◎ Daikanbo Daikanbo is a superb view point overlooking the entire Aso Caldera. You can see the magnificent view of the Five Peaks of Aso as a "reclining Buddha", and the scenery woven by the Sunrise and sunset is especially exceptional. The Observation decks has Car parking lots, shops, and convenient Access. ◎ Kusasenri Observation Point Elevation 1,100 Meters, Kusasenri Observation Point overlooks Kusasenrigahama. If the weather is good, you can see the Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen in the distance behind Mt. Kinbozan, and a spectacular 360-degree view Unfolds as far as the eye can see. ◎ Rice Mound Rice Mound, which is said to have been formed by an eruption about 3,300 years ago, is a beautiful cone-shaped volcanic hill about 80 meters high located within the Caldera of Mt. Aso Mountain. It has a beautiful shape characterized by a lush slope that looks like an upside-down dog with a large depression at the top, and you can enjoy the expression of the four seasons, with vivid fresh greenery from Spring to summer and golden pampas grass Unfolds in autumn. ◎ Tagoyama Forest Park Tagoyama Forest Park is an observation spot where you can overlook the Five Peaks of Aso and Aso Valley. Hiking and forest bathing can be enjoyed in the park where lush nature spreads. From the "Sorafune Pier" where the top of Mt. Tagoyama protrudes, you can also see the sea of clouds spreading all below. ◎ Hana Asobi (ASO MILK FACTORY) Hana Asobi is one of the largest English rose gardens in western Japan, with 4,500 roses of about 750 species. There is a restaurant, cheese workshop, café, souvenir shop and Strawberry picking, so the whole family can enjoy it. ◎ Roadside Station Aso Roadside Station Aso is a facility where Local Specialty products and Tourist Information are gathered. Fresh vegetables and Souvenirs are lined up, and many tourists visit it as a base point for traveling to Aso. Take a break from driving is also a great spot. ◎ Cuddly Dominion It is a theme park where you can meet bears and various animals from all over the world. Popular events include a show by Director Miyazawa, who is famous as an animal trainer, holding a bear cub that can only be experienced here in Kyushu, and a "petting Zone" where you can play with dogs and cats from around the world, alpacas and capybaras. ▶▶▶ Specialty products gourmet ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Aso's Akaushi (Higo Akaushi) Aso's Akaushi beef is a brand of beef that is characterized by its lean meat, healthy and juicy taste. The high-quality meat grown in the grasslands of Aso is popular for steaks and yakiniku. ◎ Pickled mustard greens Aso's Specialties, Pickled mustard greens, are traditional pickles made from Takana grown in the Rich in nature environment of Aso. Ideal for accompaniment to rice and Ochazuke. ◎ soup It is a local cuisine of Aso, and is popular for its gentle flavor made with flattened or rolled Dango and vegetables from the earth's Traditional Japanese straw raincoat, seasoned with miso and soy sauce. ◎ Red pickled vegetables Red pickled vegetables are a traditional pickle that has been handed down to Aso along with pickled mustard greens, and it is a sweet and spicy pickle made with Aso's Local vegetables. Local people feel the visit of autumn by eating red pickled vegetables. ▶▶▶ Events and Festivals ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Agricultural festivals in Aso It is an agricultural festival held mainly at Aso Shrine, Kunizukuri Shrine, Shimo Shrine, etc. It is a historic festivals designated as a nationally designated Important Intangible folk cultural property. ◎ Great Aso Fire Mountain Festival Great Aso Fire Mountain Festival is a popular Events that is Held in every August. Fireworks color the night sky of Aso, which is rich in rich in nature. Various events are held in at the Aso City General Center Multipurpose Plaza, the Events venue, and stalls are lined up. ▶▶▶ Tourist Information ◀◀◀ of Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture is an attractive Sightseeing spot that combines magnificent Nature, history and culture. People fascinates visit the Caldera topography that spreads around the active volcano "Aso Mountain", the grassland culture that has lasted for more than 10,000 years, and the abundant Specialty products gourmet. We will continue to introduce recommendations of Aso City, so please follow us!

Nanatsugama Cave Stalactites and Stalagmites Cave [2541-1 Nakaura Kitago, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Discovered in 1928 and designated a National Natural Monument in 1936, this cave is the only stalactite cave in Nagasaki Prefecture. Thirty-five caves have been identified around Nanatsugama Cave, some exceeding 2 km in total length. The section open to the public is the “Shimizu Cave,” which allows access up to the 250 m mark. As you move through the dim cave, you will encounter a 6 m waterfall, two stalagmites resembling Jizo statues, a massive 60 cm-diameter pillar, and stalactites that look like cascading waterfalls, offering a series of mystical sights. Hours of operation ・April to September 9:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30) ・October to March 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ※The cave is closed for the New Year holidays from December 30 to January 2. Event information ・Every March, events are held to coincide with the cherry blossoms and rapeseed blooms. ・Food vendors, handcrafted goods sales, and stage performances are held. ・From October to November each year, events such as the Autumn Festival, where you can view fields of cosmos, and Halloween events are planned and held. ♪Currently hosting “Light Cave 2024”♪ The tunnel section beyond the seabed-like interior is decorated with illuminations. You can enjoy lights that are visible even during the day. Come visit Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video!! This is the Saikai City Tourism Association. Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, sits in the northern part of the Nishisonogi Peninsula, roughly halfway between Nagasaki City and Sasebo City. It’s a place where you can feel rich nature and history. The city is bordered on three sides by the Goto-nada Sea, Sasebo Bay, and Omura Bay, and most of the area consists of complex ria coastlines. Saikai City is surrounded by a beautiful coastline and abundant nature, making it an attractive destination for visitors. We will introduce recommended information about Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Cool Japan Video, so please enjoy. ◇◇◇ Access to Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture There is no train network in Saikai City, so you can reach it by car or bus. ◇ Access by car from Nagasaki city center It takes about one hour to drive from Nagasaki city to Saikai City. Use the Nagasaki Expressway and follow the Saikai Pearl Line to reach the city. This route offers a scenic drive along the beautiful coastline. ◇ Bus access from Nagasaki Station From Nagasaki Station, take Nagasaki Bus or Saikai Kotsu to Saikai City Hall; the trip takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. ◇ Bus access from Sasebo Station Take Saihi Bus to Saikai Bridge West Exit; the ride takes about 50 minutes. ◇◇◇ About Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture The population is about 25,000 people (as of 2024), and the area is characterized by a rich lifestyle lived in harmony with nature. Agriculture and fishing thrive here, and you can enjoy fresh local produce. Saikai City is especially known as a mandarin orange producing area, harvesting many crops thanks to its warm climate and fertile soil. ◇◇◇ History of Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture The western part of the Nishisonogi Peninsula and nearby islands prospered as whaling bases from the 1630s. From the Meiji era onward, coal mining began and the area enjoyed great prosperity. Later, in 2005, the five towns of Seihi, Ooshimacho, Saikai, Oseto, and Sakito merged to form the present Saikai City. ◇◇◇ Popular sightseeing spots in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture Saikai City has many popular attractions. Here are some of them. ◇ Nagao Castle Ruins Observatory From the observation deck you can take in the islands of the Goto-nada Sea, and the fiery red sunset sinking into the sea is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s a popular spot for spectacular photos. ◇ Hachiningatake Park This park sits on the central ridge of the Nishisonogi Peninsula, and the lookout at the summit offers panoramic views of Omura Bay. The distant sea and mountains show different faces each season. ◇ The smallest park in Japan On Matsushima, floating off the west side of the Nishisonogi Peninsula in the Goto-nada Sea, there is “the smallest park in Japan,” with a natural wooden bench and a single palm-like shuro tree. From the park you can gaze across the open ocean. ◇ Sakito Seaside Park Sakito Seaside Park features clear waters and white sandy beaches. With toilets and showers available, it’s a recommended spot for summer visitors. ◇ Nanatsugama Cave Nanatsugama Cave is a limestone cave that rose from the seabed about 30 million years ago. Part of the cave is open to visitors. Admission: Adults 800 yen per person, Junior high students 400 yen per person, Elementary students 200 yen per person Infants (age 4 and over) 100 yen per person So far 35 cave sites have been discovered, but this vast cave system still has many aspects that remain unexplored. ◇ Roadside Station Saikai Roadside Station Saikai is a popular spot where you can buy local specialties and souvenirs. The original gelato and soft serve ice cream are especially recommended. The facility features a large semi-spherical dome shaped like a mandarin orange, offering visitors a fun experience. ◇◇◇ Experiences you can enjoy in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture In Saikai City you can enjoy a variety of experiences broadly categorized as sea experiences, mountain experiences, and craft-making experiences. Here are some examples. ◇ Mandarin-picking experience Saikai City is known as one of the prefecture’s leading mandarin producing regions, and during the harvest season (typically November) you can enjoy mandarin picking. Picking fresh mandarins yourself is popular with families, and you can savor their juicy flavor right away. ◇◇◇ Local specialties of Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture ◇ Unshu mandarins (Satsuma mandarins) Saikai City’s Unshu mandarins enjoy a high reputation nationwide. There are early varieties such as Haraguchi early mandarin orange (late October to early December) and extra-early varieties such as Iwasaki early mandarin orange (late September to October). Grown in a warm climate and fertile soil, these mandarins are sweet and juicy and signal the arrival of winter. ◇ Oshima Tomatoes Saikai City’s Oshima Tomatoes are known for intense sweetness and acidity and are a popular local specialty (season: February to early May). Their high sugar content makes them taste almost like fruit. These specialties are also popular as hometown tax return gifts. ◇◇◇ Tourist information for Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture Surrounded by rich natural environments with a variety of attractions and experiences, Saikai City offers new discoveries each time you visit. We will continue to share more recommended information about Saikai City on Cool Japan Video, so please look forward to it!!