2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest Announcement! We are holding the "2025 Shinshu Sakuhomachi Tourism Photo Contest" again this year! 🌳 We are accepting photos that can be used for tourism posters, pamphlets, and similar materials. The application period is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 to Sunday, August 31, 2025. We look forward to your submissions! For details and the entry form, please visit the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association official website or see the second image. The forms are also available at the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center, so feel free to stop by ✨

Lake Smoking in the Fog Shirakoma Pond in Kita Yatsugatake, the fresh greenery season is relatively quiet, unlike the Autumn leaves season. The foggy lake is fantastic.

As some of you may know from newspapers and news reports, Onneto "Yama no Yado Nonaka Onsen," which suffered a fire last month, is currently closed entirely. A rope blocks the entrance to the grounds and a "No Entry" sign is posted. However, trespassing has continued, and some people have come asking, "Is the hot spring open?", while others have committed malicious acts such as entering the baths without permission. Nonaka Onsen is not operating at this time. False information appears to be circulating on social media, so please refrain from visiting out of curiosity. There is currently no timetable for reconstruction; we will announce the reopening when it is decided. Thank you for your understanding.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Sakuho Town Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, lies toward the eastern side of Nagano in the central part of Japan, spread out on either side of the Chikuma River like a pair of outstretched wings. We will introduce many attractions and recommended spots in Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, so please enjoy. - - - - - - - - - - - Recommended sightseeing spots in Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture - - - - - - - - - - - - ◆Shirakoma Pond Nestled in the vast primeval forest of Kita-Yatsugatake, this mystical lake glistens with clear water. It is the largest natural lake in Japan located above 2,100 meters. The trail to the pond winds through virgin forest of Kometsuga, spruce, and Shirabiso that have stood for centuries, while the forest floor is carpeted with moss as if a green rug has been spread across it. You can easily see alpine plants and the seasonal changes of wild nature here, and the area is also famous as a gateway for climbing and trekking the majestic Yatsugatake peaks. ◆Moss Forest The "Moss Forest," home to 519 species of moss. It was designated a "Precious Moss Forest of Japan" by the Bryological Society of Japan. Step into the woods and you will be struck by an expanse of blue-green moss stretching as far as the eye can see. Around Shirakoma Pond, ten individual forests have been named. Each has its own character and different moss varieties. Be sure to visit the mysterious Moss Forest of Kita-Yatsugatake. ◆Shirakaba Gunseichi (Birch Grove) Regarded as the most beautiful birch grove in Japan, Yachiho Kogen to the northeast sits on a plateau formed by volcanic activity. Some 500,000 birch trees grow across approximately 200 hectares. The tall, pale trunks stand in vertical rows with light green leaves, and the sound of the wind makes this a bright, pleasant forest. The area is also famous for large colonies of Rhododendron kaempferi, mitsuba azaleas, renge azalea, and Enkianthus perulatus, which contrast beautifully with the birch trees to create a rich white woodland. ◆Yachiho Highland Natural Garden Within the expansive grounds, stands of birch, larch, and mizunara oak form varied natural woodland, while clear streams, two waterfalls, and a wide variety of alpine plants change their displays with the seasons to welcome visitors gently. Three walking courses of different lengths are available, and you can enjoy refreshing strolls while listening to the songs of wild birds. ◆Yachiho Highland Arboretum The arboretum sits at an elevation of 1,600 meters. As you walk the highland you can observe natural birch groves, stands of sasa grass, and wildflowers up close. The trails pass streams, ponds, and waterfalls, offering scenes woven from pure water and plants, and you may also spot birds drawn to the water. ◆Komadeike Campground A well-located campground surrounded by what is said to be Japan’s most beautiful birch forest. Komadeike, the pond that serves as the campground’s symbol, reflects the blue sky and trees like a mirror on clear days, and its beauty is breathtaking. ◆◆Tourist information for Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture◆◆ Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, is an attractive destination where Shinshu’s beautiful nature and traditions thrive. Cool Japan Video will bring you plenty of sightseeing information packed with the charms of Sakuho, Nagano Prefecture, so thank you for watching!

Currently, the award-winning works of the 2024 Onneto Photo Contest are on display inside Roadside Station Ashoro Ginga Hall 21. Come see these wonderful photographs that capture the four seasons of beautiful Onneto!

The 59th Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival, a major winter Events in southern Hokkaido that has been going on for many years, will be Held in again this year! The jumbo slide made by cutting out the frozen Lake Onuma is Popular! !! Please come and visit us! 【Date and time】 February 8 (Sat) 9 (Sun) 10:00~16:00 [Place] Onuma Park Square (near 1023-1 Onuma-cho, Nanae Town, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido)

This is a recent (December 20) look at Onneto. Snow covers the lake surface, but brushing it away reveals frozen trees and ice bubbles. As noted previously, walking on a frozen lake is very dangerous. For details on how to reach the lake in winter, please see the link below (tourism association website). https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kanko/spot/onneto_area/spot-13.html...

＼Oikamana Lake has frozen over!／ Nearly the entire surface of Oikamana Lake (Ikebana Nae Swamp) along the Pacific coast has frozen. In spots where the ice is thick enough, you can walk on it. You can also hear strange sounds when the ice shifts or cracks. This is a fleeting, otherworldly sight that lasts only until the snow begins to fall. Find Taiki Town tourist information here! ↓ https://visit-taiki.hokkaido.jp//

This is the scene at Onneto this morning, Friday, December 6. The temperature is relatively mild, and many hot-water pits toward the back of the lake have prevented the ice from forming there. The ice seems to be repeatedly freezing and thawing, making it extremely dangerous, so please exercise great caution when approaching the lake surface. Also, as I have reported several times recently, the Onneto Line road from Nonaka Onsen to the lake is closed today and is now closed to vehicles for the winter. If you walk to the lake, be sure to take proper snow and cold-weather precautions and avoid accidents. Onneto is now heading into full winter❄️

This is the state of Lake Onneto as of Monday, December 2. Parts of the lake’s surface are frozen, but the ice remains thin in many areas. In recent years, more visitors have come to see the ice bubbles, but places where natural gas escapes have very weak ice strength, and some spots may never freeze solid even in full winter. For that reason, walking on the lake is extremely dangerous and is not recommended by the local tourism association. As previously announced, Road 949 leading to Onneto (the gate in front of the hot spring) is scheduled to close on December 6. When you visit, please take thorough snow and cold-weather precautions, and enjoy Onneto in winter safely.

This is the view of Onneto today (November 25). The road from the national highway into Onneto is packed snow and ice. Please take great care when traveling. The surface of Onneto has a thin layer of ice only along the shore. It will still take some time before the lake freezes solid. The Onneto Line road leading to the lake will be closed beyond Nonaka Onsen at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 6, and will be closed to vehicles for the winter (until April 11 next year). The road from the national highway to the hot spring will remain open, but you will not be able to drive past that point to the lake, so please be aware of this.

Experience the stunning beauty of Futaiko, the emerald lake nestled in the breathtaking Naeba plateau—a true gem of nature! Japan's fall season is bursting with vibrant colors and incredible sights, and Naeba offers so much more than just skiing. This hidden treasure is less traveled, making it a serene escape where you can immerse yourself in the abundance of nature.

It’s autumn at Onneto. The fall colors have mostly faded, and the lake stands quietly as winter approaches. I haven’t posted in a while, but I plan to share updates little by little from now on!

It is the Hatanagi First Dam (Lake Hatanagi) built on the Oigawa River in Shizuoka Prefecture. The Autumn leaves of the mountains of the Southern Alps were very beautiful.

I went to Nanhu Park in Shirakawa City! It's a very nice weather and a nice day for a walk ☀️. I have 😊 been enjoying a leisurely holiday by taking a walk around the lake with my dog (Chihuahua) The sky and sun reflected on the surface of the lake are very beautiful, and I butterfly flower on the spot and snap 📷 with my smartphone I was able to take such a miraculous one! ✨️ It was the moment when the dragonfly that was perched on the grass below took off I had 🐕🐾 a wonderful autumn memory with my dog.

Unfortunately it rained in the morning With a slight hope, we set off for Mt. Haruna! By the time we arrived at our destination, Lake Haruna, the rain had stopped and it was and sunny! I think the Traditional Japanese straw raincoat clouds gave a very good performance. In addition, the silhouette angler is backlit from the sunlight It fascinated me ♪ with the real thrill of the outdoors It became my favorite photo.

This is the final scene of the "Otsu Shiga Fireworks Festival 2024" Held in in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture on July 25, 2024. The fireworks were launched off Lake Biwa at Omi Maiko Beach in Otsu City, but the shooting point was taken from the sandy beach on the Lakeside a few tens of meters south of the southern end of Shirahige Beach in Takashima City, and over the Torii (shrine gate) gate of Shirahige Shrine. This Spot is becoming more popular every year, and it was crowded with many people on the day of the event. #Summer #Photo Contest #Shiga #Takashima City #Otsu Shiga Fireworks Festival #Lake Biwa #Shirahige Shrine #Fireworks

Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho Experiences: Soyokyo Lake SUP Half-Day Tour Enjoy a half-day SUP tour around the scenic reservoir framed by the green slopes of Soyokyo. This plan is suitable even for first-timers and includes a coffee break along the way! Note: Available from April through October Price Adult (junior high school and older) 6,000 yen Elementary school student 4,500 yen Dog 1,500 yen Note: Elementary school students must be accompanied by a guardian Participation fee includes accident insurance and SUP equipment rental Meeting point and times Meeting times Session 1: Meet at 9:30 — Finish at 12:00 Session 2: Meet at 13:00 — Finish at 15:30 Meeting place Soyō Branch Office, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Address: 500 Ima, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture Reservation Contact: Shizenya Kawajin (email: ag1967@gray.plala.or.jp)

Located on the western edge of tokyo​, okutama​ offers a striking contrast to the urban landscape. With its lush mountains, serene lakes, and a mesmerizing limestone cave, Okutama provides an ideal setting for both exhilarating outdoor activities and peaceful relaxation. Its close proximity to the city center makes it a popular choice for day trips.

Every year, I go to Lake Notari in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture to enjoy this period This year Kiss I heard that the flowers bloom early every year so I visit about a week earlier than I did. As expected, it was not in full bloom, but the petals were vigorous and worth seeing. Above all, Impression by the blue sky Roux reflected on the surface of the lake! I visited many times and the sunniest weather ever! I came to ♪ enjoy Nature to the fullest

Outdoor Festival will be Held in in Nayoro City, Hokkaido! "Nayoro's Outdoor Festival" August 3 Sat at Furenbokodai Nature Park, Nayoro City's first outdoor festival has been held in! Outdoor guides living in Nayoro gathered, Activities such as still water canoeing, fishing, and exploring nature can be enjoyed in one day! In addition, gourmet food such as pizza making experience, Tentipi's super-large tent STRATUS72 will also appear! Outdoor writer Hobo Jun will also appear! Event details will be announced as they become available. For details, search for "Nayoro Sightseeing & Town Planning Association"! Those who want to keep memories of summer Vacation, those who want to start camping and the outdoors, and those who want to enjoy the outdoors more than now、、、 We look forward to seeing you there!

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Shiojiri City Tourism Association. Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, sits in the heart of Nagano with a population of about 65,000. The city is known for its historic streets and abundant local specialties, which draw many visitors. We will share recommended sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, on Cool Japan Video, so please enjoy it! ◆What is Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture?◆ Shiojiri City is surrounded by the Northern Alps, the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mt. Takabochi, and the Central Alps, and it stretches across broad agricultural landscapes. Grapes are a specialty here, and wines made from those grapes have gained renown worldwide. At Narai inn (Narai-juku), once a post town on the Nakasendo, visitors are still greeted by streets that vividly retain the atmosphere of the Edo period. ◆Shiojiri City sightseeing information◆ [History & Culture] ◇Narai inn Located below Torii Pass, a difficult section of the Nakasendo, Narai inn prospered as one of the eleven post towns of Kiso. It still preserves the look of the Edo period, offers beautiful seasonal scenery, and serves as a setting for films and dramas. The town remains full of attractions and local cuisine that continue to charm visitors. ◇Kisohirasawa Kisohirasawa, known as a lacquerware town, was designated a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2006. At the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, medals that fused metal and Kiso lacquerware were adopted. ◇Historic roads and post towns Shiojiri City, crossed by several historic roads including the Nakasendo that links Edo and Kyoto, long flourished as a transportation hub. Explore the distinct charm and hidden stories of each post town. ◇Hiraide Ruins This site contains dwelling remains from the Jomon period over 5,000 years ago through the Heian period, showing where people lived. Many valuable artifacts have been unearthed. ◇Shiojiri Tanka Museum (Registered Tangible Cultural Property) The museum exhibits materials from poets connected to Shiojiri, such as Shimaki Akahiko. The main building is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. [Nature] ◇Mt. Takabocchi Highlands (Mt. Takabocchi Highlands) Part of Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park, the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands sit at 1,665 meters and offer beautiful highland scenery. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes here, especially summer rhododendrons and alpine plants, and autumn sea-of-clouds views. From the highlands you can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Northern Alps, and Lake Suwa, a beauty that captivates visitors. ◇Wine and grapes Shiojiri is one of Japan’s leading wine regions, with a winemaking history spanning 130 years. Tour the wineries and savor the products that reflect the skill and spirit of the makers. ◇Grapes Kikyogahara, the home of grapes, produces exquisite varieties you can taste only here. ◆Shiojiri City festivals and events◆ ◇Shiojiri Winery Festa This event lets visitors taste Shiojiri wines and enjoy conversations with local winemakers. Many wine fans visit from inside and outside the prefecture. ◇Kiso Lacquerware Festival and Narai Shukuba Festival The once-a-year great lacquerware market features prized items and cellar finds displayed at shop fronts. The popular “Ochatsubo Dochu” procession in Narai inn is also a highlight. ◆Summary of Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture◆ Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, offers rich nature and history to enjoy. Warm hospitality, beautiful nature, and culture await you. Cool Japan Video will continue to share great sightseeing information about Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Thank you for your support!

It is the sunset of Lake Shinji in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

The charm of Mt. Fuji and fresh greenery on a spring morning is beautiful Yamanashi Prefecture Fujikawaguchiko Town Kawaguchiko Shore

春の朝に绮丽な藤士山と青空と新緑 Yamanashi Prefecture, Fuji Kawaguchiko Town, Oishi Park

Mt. Fuji and azalea flowers seen from Lake Shoji Lake Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi

Cherry blossoms at Lake Yamanaka and upside-down Mt. Fuji in the morning Yamanakako Village, Yamanashi

It was when I went to the winning Ambient Tateshina Hotel. Free from equipment, take a walk around Lake Goddess in the evening. It was a fun time to face nature and face my brother as well. My mother secretly ^^ took a picture of your wonderful conversation from behind

I photographed Inuyama Castle on a summer night. The illuminated Inuyama Castle, the full moon, the lights of the buildings and towns, and the reflection of the water surface created a very beautiful scene.

It is ✨ a lakebed track of Lake Ranbetsu It is also called a lake in the sky. The atmosphere seems to appear in a Ghibli movie. A very mysterious landscape. We went in the summer, so we were able to get into the lake! The lake was transparent and there were many small fish.