Happy New Year! I took photos of the first sunrise of the year from Atami’s coastal Shinsui Park again this year. It wasn’t very cold and there was no wind, so the conditions were perfect! I waited in the Third Section before 6:00, and around 6:15 the horizon began to turn orange; light started to break through shortly after 6:50. Some trees were slightly in the way below, so I hurried to the Second Section and took more photos there. The first sunrise was truly beautiful. As in past years, many local residents and tourists gathered early at Shinsui Park to photograph the first sunrise of Reiwa 7. May Reiwa 7 bring an even better year for everyone. Thank you for your continued support of Atami Onsen this year.

The Resurrected Sound of the Drums Sunday, December 1 We performed the Wenshiri Taiko from Nishiokoppe Village at the Okoppe Town Charity Variety Show. We played a single short six-minute piece. It depicted Mt. Wenshiri awakening as snow melts, from winter into spring. We were very glad to receive so many warm rounds of applause and words of encouragement. Since we had the chance, here is a brief story of how Nishiokoppe Village’s taiko practice was revived. Taiko performance in Nishiokoppe Village began in the 1980s. Back then the drummers were the local youth association. Their powerful rhythms energized festivals and other events. The piece played since that time was Wenshiri Taiko. A teacher from the elementary school composed the piece, and it was handed down through performances until around 2000. Afterward, following the disbanding of the youth association and other changes, the drummers disappeared and the drums lay silent for a long time. There was a period when a volunteer taiko circle was active, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult to invite instructors, and the drums fell completely quiet. Things started moving again in August of this year. As the variety show was returning, former drummers and villagers with strong musical insight teamed up to revive Wenshiri Taiko and learn the piece. Although we were amateurs, seven passionate members brought the Wenshiri Taiko back to life with resounding sound. After that performance, a few villagers who heard us at the variety show joined as new members, and we continue our activities today. We were fortunate to be invited to perform at the Okoppe Town Charity Variety Show. Though our group formed only recently, getting calls from inside and outside the village has energized our practice. This has become a bit long. Restarting something that had stopped and keeping it going takes a great deal of energy. We hope the members can keep enjoying their activities and that this joy reaches those who listen. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #drums #Wenshiri Taiko #Okoppe Town #Town Charity Variety Show #December 1 #youth association #taiko #I was the filming team

Until Tuesday, December 24, the Izusan Local Museum is exhibiting the original Hokke Mandala. According to Izusan Shrine tradition, this Hokke Mandala was embroidered with the hair of Hojo Masako. A repair inscription on the back records that Hojo Masako used her own hair to stitch the Hokke Mandala to pray for the soul of her husband, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and that it was enshrined as the principal image of the Hokke Hall. The museum usually displays a replica, but the original is on temporary public view for the first time in two years and four months. Please take time to appreciate the three-dimensional Sanskrit characters made with hair and the subtle coloration of the backing that only the original can show. Atami City Izusan Local Museum Hokke Mandala Exhibition Period: Thursday, November 28, 2024–Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Address: 708-2 Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (within the grounds of Izusan Shrine) Phone: 0557-80-4252 Access: From atami station, take a bus bound for Nanao for about 10 minutes and get off at Izusan Shrine-mae Hours: 9:00–16:00 Closed: Wednesdays (if a public holiday falls on Wednesday, closed the following day) Admission: Adults ¥180 (groups ¥120); junior and senior high school students ¥120 (groups ¥80); elementary school children and younger free Parking: Available (a few spaces at Izusan Shrine) Note: Group discounts apply to parties of 20 or more.

Photo taken on December 1st The autumn leaves at Atami Plum Garden are now at their peak! The garden has about 380 maple trees, and perhaps because of the mild climate they usually change color from late November through December, earning the reputation of being "the latest autumn leaves in Japan." Early-blooming plum trees have already started flowering since mid-October, so searching for plum blossoms while enjoying the autumn foliage is a unique Atami experience. During the Momiji Festival, the annual footbath opens, the Atami Plum Garden Momiji Festival Photo Contest is held, and the Momiji Light-Up takes place, among other events. Event period / November 16 to December 8, 2024 Hours / Light-up (every night during the event) 4:30 PM–9:00 PM Venue / Atami Plum Garden (8-11 Ume-enzaka, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture) Phone / 0557-85-2222 Organizer / Atami City Tourism Association Access / ■ From JR Atami Station, take the bus bound for Ainobara Danchi for about 15 minutes and get off at "Ume-en" ■ From Atami Station, take the Ito Line about 3 minutes to Kinomiya Station, then walk about 10 minutes Admission / Free Parking / 100 spaces in front of the plum garden (open only during the event) (Weekdays) 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Standard car 300 yen · Motorcycle & bicycle 100 yen · Microbus 1000 yen

Light up of Nagoya's Swans Garden Emphasized the brilliance of the lights.

"Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai" Additional and Special Performances Announced We are pleased to announce additional and special performances of Atami geisha's "Yumemachi Odori: Hana no Mai," normally staged every Saturday and Sunday at the Atami Geisha Kenban Kaburenjo. Please enjoy professional dance performances that are rarely seen in everyday life: the elegance of kimono styling, graceful comportment, and breathtaking beauty. Come together with friends and family and join us for these shows. Additional Performance / Monday, December 9, 2024, 11:00 AM (Admission: 2,500 yen) Special Performances / Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (national holiday) and Thursday, January 2, 2025, 11:00 AM (Admission: 3,000 yen) Note: No performances on Saturday, December 21, 2024; Sunday, December 22, 2024; Saturday, December 28, 2024; and Sunday, December 29, 2024. Address / 17-13 Chuocho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture (along the Hatsukawa River) Reservations and Inquiries / Atami Geisha Kenban, Tel: 0557-81-3575 Access / From JR Atami Station, take a bus bound for Momijigaoka for about 10 minutes and get off at Shimizucho. Admission / 2,500 yen (tax included). January 1 and January 2: 3,000 yen. Free for elementary school children and younger. Parking / None (paid municipal parking available nearby) Performance Dates / Every Saturday and Sunday; December 9, 2024; January 1 and 2, 2025 Start Time / 11:00 AM (Performance runs about 30 minutes) Venue / Atami Geisha Kenban

[The moon has risen again] Saturday, November 9 Readings by the teachers (and in the village) The curtain has been drawn. This year, following on from last year, this is the second reading of the play. The subject was "The Tale of Taketori". The outfit is old-fashioned, but the content is comical. Dare to incorporate metallic sounds and guitar tones into the sound effects, etc. It was sprinkled with gimmicks to express the worldview. In a short training period There were only a few days when everyone was able to participate in practice. It was a long 50-minute performance. I hope that the audience will stay with us until the end. It was funny, it made me laugh and cry, etc. I was glad to hear your feedback. Cast members were: Nishiokoppe Elementary School teachers, Town hall staff (this trio is Popular in some areas), And it was a high school student who saw last year's recitation play and said, "I want to come out!" At the end of the day's work I wondered what next year's recitation play would be like. I'm itching now. If you would like to appear, please contact us Anytime! #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Teachers' Recitation Drama #Recitation Drama #Taketori Monogatari #Princess Kaguya #Aliens and Humans #Apollo 11 #Kitchen Garden #Pharos is very active again this year

[Teachers' reading play] Continuing from last year, we will do it again this year. Readings by teachers. The cast is in addition to the teachers of Nishiokoppe Elementary School Town hall staff and high school students will participate. The subject is "The Tale of Taketori". What kind of story is Taketori Monogatari? Princess Kaguya? I guess it's an old-fashioned story... such as If you are interested, there is no doubt that you will enjoy the recitation play. Saturday, November 9 Open 13:00 / Start 13:30 At Nishiokoppe Elementary School Gymnasium It is a performance of about 40 minutes. It will be delivered with a script written by the director of Nishiokoppe Village. Please enjoy it. #Nishiokoppe Village #Hokkaido #Reading by teachers #Elementary school #High school student #Town hall staff #Kitchen Garden #Recitation #Taketori Monogatari

Thank you for waiting! We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2025 Atami Bay Fireworks Festival. 2025 (Reiwa 7) Atami Bay Fireworks Festival Dates Spring: February 21 (Fri), March 23 (Sun), April 20 (Sun), April 28 (Mon) Summer: July 25 (Fri), August 5 (Tue), August 8 (Fri), August 18 (Mon), August 25 (Mon) Autumn: September 15 (Mon, national holiday), October 13 (Mon, national holiday), November 3 (Mon, national holiday) Winter: December 7 (Sun) Time: 8:20 PM–8:40 PM (July and August only: 8:15 PM–8:40 PM) Venue: Atami Bay ※Held rain or shine * The above dates and times are current as of October 29, 2024. They may change depending on future circumstances, so please check the latest information on the Atami City Tourism Association official site “Atami News” or by calling the number below. Inquiries: Atami City Tourism Association Tel: 0557-85-2222

On October 14 and 19, we held the Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival! Thank you for attending. The next event is on Monday, November 4, 2024.

2024/10/19At the Tachi Taketa Kaikan Title: The Power of Tachi Taketa

Oyama Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert The Oyama Sekison Arts Festival, a long‑running celebration that blends tradition with innovation and Japanese with Western styles, returns with the much‑anticipated Oyama Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert—an event music fans look forward to each year! If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, now’s the time! Saturday, October 12, 2024 — Doors open 12:00, Concert starts 13:00 Venue: Nohgakuden at Oyama Afuri Shrine Office Access: From Isehara Station North Exit, Platform 4 (for the Oyama Cable Car) Get off at “Shamukyoku Iriguchi” (Shrine Office Entrance); the venue is immediately nearby Admission: Adults ¥1,500 (advance) / ¥1,800 (at the door) Junior and senior high school students ¥500; elementary school children free Tickets are also on sale at Eki‑naka Kururin House, Isehara Station Tourist Information (0463‑95‑5333) They’re selling fast—don’t miss out! For inquiries Oyama Summer Jazz Concert Executive Committee 090‑8441‑5467 (Nakamura)

"Suzuki Museum in Mid-Autumn" A tranquil space standing in a basin of water reflecting sardines clouds (Architectural design: Yoshio Taniguchi) It was a great time to meet on a trip to Kanazawa in September. 2024-09-26 16:37

On Saturday, October 19, Fujikyu Marine Resort will operate a fireworks cruise for the first 100 guests to celebrate the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival. With no obstructing views and the unique experience of being on a boat, why not watch 3,000 fireworks light up Atami’s night sky? We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Date / Saturday, October 19, 2024 Time / Departing 19:50 – Fireworks viewing (20:20–20:40) – Scheduled return around 20:50 Boarding location / Atami Port (ticket window for Hatsushima departures) Fare / Adults ¥2,800; Children ¥1,400. One preschool child free per paying adult. Tickets / Limited to 100 people ● Advance phone reservation required (Please purchase your ticket at the day-of waiting area counter between 19:10 and 19:40.) Vessel in service / Ile de Vacances III *The event may be canceled due to weather or other circumstances. Thank you for your understanding. *Please fill out the boarding register. Reservations & Inquiries / Fujikyu Marine Resort Phone: 0557-81-0541

【Flower Park LIVE "KAMUon"】 We greeted September 22nd with our hearts pounding, wondering whether it would rain. We held the live event "KAMUon" inside the Flower Park at the Roadside Station Kamu. A breezy autumn wind swept through the garden. On that day, all kinds of sounds filled the wide space surrounded by nature. Elementary school bands and dancers stole the show, a unit captivated us with original songs, and idol Goichi delivered an hour full of cuteness and fun. A boy shared mysterious sounds and strange stories, someone memorized and read essays aloud in a lovely voice, and another person read a picture book accompanied by the koto’s tones. We are truly grateful to all the performers. Every act held our attention—what wonderful stages they were! *** We wanted visitors passing through the Roadside Station to enjoy the attached garden. With that in mind, we decided to try an event that would make people want to step into the garden, and planned this live. For venue preparation, the gardener tidied the paths and stage area, and on the day staff and performers arrived early to set up. The children’s fair popped out from the market area and enlivened the event with a mobile gacha machine and candy fishing. *** The Flower Park can be enjoyed through Sunday, October 20th. Come relax in the autumn garden. #Nishiokoppe Village #KAMUon #Roadside Station #Kamu #Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team #Flower Park #Autumn Marche #Live Event #Ritts Pritz Khao Man Gai #Pipopapo #LOCKHAMA #Original Song #Kitami #Goichi #Kuma Robo #Yura Henmi #Otoineppu #High School Student #Villager A’s Reading #Essay #Koto and Picture Book Time #Mizunara no Inochi #Mochi Mochi no Ki

The Revived Variety Show Nishiokoppe Village’s variety show was held again for the first time in five years. A huge, huge, huge success!!!! The hiatus had several causes. There were infectious diseases, budget cuts, a shortage of performers… and more. Thanks to many forms of cooperation, we managed to overcome those obstacles and were able to hold the event safely. The show opened with the Wenshiri Taiko performance, revived after 20 years. Although the performance lasted only five minutes, it was powerful and a perfect choice to set the tone for the opening. There were many acts across genres for children and adults alike, and seeing friends and acquaintances happily take the stage warmed everyone’s hearts. Some acts were so intense that small children were moved to tears! In the latter half, the karaoke segment livened things up. You could lose yourself in beautiful voices, or join in with supportive shouts and enjoy the moment together. The evening closed with the audience singing the village festival song together and a fukumaki (good-luck bean toss). We are grateful to everyone who came, everyone who performed, and those who supported us from afar. Thank you very much! #Nishiokoppe Village #Variety Show #Performances #Karaoke #Wenshiri Taiko #Chase the Nut Thief #Ritz Pritz Khao Man Gai #Rissa♡ #Asano Kazu #The generous ohineri (tip) culture was amazing

Puppet Theater Troupe Pook Performance They are coming from Tokyo again this year! You can see a performance by Puppet Theater Troupe Pook in Nishiokoppe Village👀 This year’s program A double bill of “Swimmy” and “Yansuke and Yansuke and Yansuke.” Not only children, but also adults after work, why not immerse yourselves in the world of puppetry? I know the picture book “Swimmy,” and I’m very curious how it will be staged as a puppet show. Tuesday, September 24 Doors open 6:00 PM, performance starts 6:30 PM At Nishiokoppe Village Community Center, Main Hall Tickets Advance 500 yen, at the door 600 yen For inquiries call 090-2768-8710 (Miki Dan) We look forward to seeing you at the venue! #Nishiokoppe Village #Puppet theater #Puppet Theater Troupe Pook #Performance #Arts #Swimmy #Yansuke and Yansuke and Yansuke #Snacks to take home available

***KAMU Sound Time Schedule*** KAMU Sound takes place on Sunday, September 22! The time schedule is set, and the flyer is ready (*'▽') 10:30 AM ～ *Ritz Pritz Khao Man Gai* A village band formed last year Watch for fifth-grade drummer Ritz Also keep an eye on the elementary school dance team Pipopapo 11:15 AM ～ *LOCKHAMA* What started as a solo appearance turned into a unit before anyone knew it! Enjoy a performance by village parents and children with a guitarist from Kitami! 11:45 AM ～ *Goichi-* An idol active mainly in Tokyo and Niigata You might also see a collaboration with Setoushi-kun! Don’t miss the movements of Kumaro the Forest Park bear-robot either 1:15 PM ～ *Yura Henmi* A high school student attending Otoineppu Art and Craft High School They might use four amplifiers alone? We’re excited to see what kind of stage it will be Merchandise is pay-what-you-want 1:50 PM ～ *Essay Reading by Villager A* They stream readings on YouTube under another name This time they appear as “Villager A” and will read three essays they chose themselves 2:30 PM ～ ※Beside the mechanical organ inside the building *Koto Performance and Picture Book Reading* Two picture books will be read aloud One of them will be a large-format picture book ✨ On the day, we hope for clear weather so we can perform in the Natural Garden…! #Nishiokoppe Village #Roadside Station #Flower Park KAMU #Live #KAMU Sound #Time Schedule

KAMU ON Performer Introduction Goichi Goichi performs mainly in Tokyo and Niigata. This year marks the 10th anniversary of their career as an artist. They work across many fields, including solo idol performances, DJing, and photography. There’s also said to be a collaboration with Setoushi-kun…! On August 13, 2024, they released the new songs “Love Me” and “side by side” as digital singles. ※In case of rain, the event will take place at Kamiokoppe Multipurpose Family Exchange Center.

KAMU-Oto Performer Introduction LOCKHAMA A unit formed thanks to KAMU-Oto. A guitarist will rush in from Kitami! They rearranged material for this live show and will perform two original songs. Unexpectedly, a parent-and-child duet may be seen…! Watch also for the high school drummer. They are sure to gain more secret fans. X (formerly Twitter) account @lockhama_hkd In case of rain the performance will take place at Kamiokoppe Multipurpose Family Exchange Hall.

Program for the Variety Show A variety show will take place on the evening of Wednesday, September 11. There is less than a week to go. We are sharing the program details here as well! The performance segment features participants ranging from elementary school students to adults. People of many different generations will appear. There will be taiko drumming, dance, and band performances… Everyone is practicing hard as they prepare for the big night! The karaoke segment planned for the second half welcomes walk-in participants, too! Venue: Hotel Morimu Plum Hall Doors open: 6:00 PM / Show starts: 6:30 PM We look forward to your attendance. #Nishiokoppe Village #Variety Show #Revival #Festival #Karaoke #Performances #Enjoy an Evening Together

Hyogo Prefecture Minamiawaji Youth Square Park It was the first place I visit, and the view from here was the best, and I had been visit Awaji for many years, but this was a hidden gem and I had never seen it on the Internet, but it was recommended by a friend and I knew for the first time that there was such a place. In a building designed by world-renowned architect Kenzo Tange in commemoration of students who died in the war I hoped that love and peace without war would continue, and that people all over the world would be able to laugh.

An Evening of Entertainment This year, the variety show returns! Stalls run by villagers, musical performances and acts by locals, and a karaoke contest. The people of Nishiokoppe Village are working hard to put on a memorable night for everyone. Please come together with friends and neighbors and join us! Wednesday, September 11, 2024 At Hotel Morimu, Plum Hall Doors open 6:00 PM / Show starts 6:30 PM #Nishiokoppe Village #Variety Show #Return #Festival #Performance Showcase #Enjoy an Evening of Entertainment

Wooden Racing Bike Every summer, led by woodworking instructors, the Woody Summer School runs as a two-night, three-day program. This year’s project was a racing bike. The sample displayed at Kimu looked so finely made it seemed ready to race off at any moment. Participants cut and shaved parts and progressed their work using the machines in the woodshop. When I dropped in on the second day’s work, everyone concentrated on the instructions. While they carefully focused on their projects, I snapped photos with my camera. The three days were packed with Nishiokoppe-specific activities, like eating Setoushi-kun-yaki and sipping blueberry juice during tea time, strolling through Kamu no Hana, and making stick bread over a bonfire. Each finished piece showed the participant’s own original decorations, giving a glimpse of their personal touches. After the work, the tables were scattered with handwritten notes and the tools used for painting. Although the period was short, it was good to see that everyone completed their projects. Thank you for participating! #Nishiokoppe Village #Forest Museum #Kimu #Woodworking #Woody Summer School #Woody #Racing Bike #Wooden Toys #Handmade #mokuiiku (wood learning) #Camp

When I came to Shin-Hot Spring Town-yu Village Hot Spring in Hyogo Prefecture for the first time in a long time, the lantern picture scroll was even more Hot spring resort than There is a 😌 along the river

【Chiba City Science Museum】 Chiba City Science Museum is popular as a participatory science museum that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In particular, the dome-shaped planetarium has a reputation for being a place where you can realistically experience the beauty of the starry sky and the mystery of the universe, and there are plenty of programs for a wide range of ages. And 140 hands-on devices on the permanent exhibition floor, Workshops and Events are held in, mainly on weekends. This facilities is the perfect Spot for family outings and school trips, available as well as a place to nurture future scientists. 〇 Introduction of Events currently Held in Science de Mysterious Summer Festival "Kagaku Expedition Sama~School" "Science Classes for Adults" "Science at Home" * For details, search "Chiba City Science Museum"! ■ Access: ・About a 5-minute walk from Chiba Monorail Yoshikawa Park Station ・About 6 minutes on foot from Keisei Chiba Chuo Station ■Address: 4-5-1 Chuo, Chuo-ku, Chiba City Kiboru 7F ■ Admission: Paid ■ Parking lot: available (charged) The Chiba City Science Museum is surrounded by attractive Spots such as Chiba Shrine, Chiba City Museum of Art, and Chiba Castle (Chiba City Township Museums) within walking distance. Enjoy a stroll through these facilities after visiting the Science Museum.

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

Oyama Summer Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert “Oyama of Performing Arts and Culture” at the Noh Stage of the Oyama Afuri Shrine Office The Oyama Sekison Arts Festival’s "Oyama Jazz & Latin Friendship Concert," a beloved blend of tradition and innovation and a fusion of Japanese and Western sounds that many music fans look forward to each year, returns this year! Saturday, October 12, 2024 — Doors open 12:00, Concert begins 13:00 Venue: Noh Stage, Oyama Afuri Shrine Office Access: From Isehara Station north exit, Platform 4 (bound for the Oyama Cable Car) Get off at the "Shamukyoku Entrance" stop; the venue is immediately nearby. Admission: Adults ¥1,500 (advance) / ¥1,800 (door) Junior and senior high school students ¥500 — elementary school children and younger free Tickets are also on sale at Ekina Kururin House Isehara Station Tourist Information (0463-95-5333)! Inquiries Oyama Summer Jazz Concert Executive Committee 090-8441-5467 (Nakamura)

Tofukuji Temple - The painting on the ceiling is wonderful Thereare this temple is located along the prefectural road Ito Nishi-Izu Line, in front of the clear streams of the Nishina River, behind the Yamamon Bell Tower. It was established as Tenfukuji Temple in the year of Tenfuku about 750 years ago, and was later called Tofukuji. On the ceiling of the main hall, there are Thereare 500 arhats painted with plaster by a craftsman commonly known as Nonbei Yasu Mr./Ms. at the end of the Taisho period. 【Business hours】8:30~17:00 【Regular holiday】None Restrooms available Phone number: 0558-52-0549 ■Address 24-1 Naka Nishi-Izu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka

Imagine a time when samurai ruled the land and constructed magnificent forts. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, is a sight to behold. Its most striking feature is the daitenshu, the main donjon. This impressive structure stands at 31.5 meters tall with five stories on the outside and seven interior floors, reaching a total height of 46.3 meters. The castle is surrounded by three smaller keeps connected by roofed passages, adding to its grandeur. Designated as national treasures, the donjons and watariyagura are a testament to Japan's rich history and architectural ingenuity.