Hello! This is the Suwa Tourist Association. Suwa City in Nagano Prefecture sits at the heart of Nagano Prefecture. The area offers beautiful natural scenery such as Lake Suwa and Kirigamine, along with rich history you can experience at sites like Takashima Castle and Suwa Grand Shrine. At Cool Japan Video, we share recommended sightseeing spots and the latest information about Suwa City, so please stay tuned! ◆◆About Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City has a population of about 47,000 and is roughly a two-hour drive from the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Suwa Grand Shrine Upper Shrine and Lower Shrine, said to be one of Japan’s oldest shrines, attracts many visitors year-round. In the Edo period the city prospered as the castle town of the Takashima Domain, and in the Meiji period it grew into a global center of the sericulture industry. ◆◆Tourist Attractions in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ◇Suwa Grand Shrine This shrine is the head of Suwa Grand Shrine sites across Japan. The Upper Shrine is divided between Honmiya (Main Shrine) in Suwa City and Former Shrine in Chino City, while the Lower Shrine consists of Autumn Shrine and Harumiya in Shimosuwa Town, forming a two-shrine, four-shrines configuration. Built in the architectural style known as Suwa-zukuri, the shrine buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and the shrine forests are prefectural natural monuments. A popular sightseeing course is the pilgrimage visiting the four shrines known as the “Shisha Mairi.” ◇Takashima Castle and Takashima Park Built about 420 years ago, the castle is nicknamed the “Floating Castle of Suwa” because Lake Suwa’s waters once served as its moat. The present castle tower welcomes many visitors as a museum and observation deck. Takashima Park inside the castle grounds is also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. ◇Lake Suwa Located almost at the center of Nagano Prefecture, Lake Suwa is the largest lake in Shinshu with a shoreline of about 16 kilometers. The lakeside offers pleasant walks and plenty to see, including the Harmo Museum of Art and SUWA Glass Village, one of the largest glass museums in Nagano Prefecture. ◇Kami-suwa Onsen This hot spring on the shores of Lake Suwa ranks among the nation’s top in daily spring output. A large number of hotels, ryokan, minshuku, and day-trip hot spring facilities allow visitors to plan their stay as they like. ◇Tateishi Park Perched on the hillside, the park overlooks Lake Suwa below. There’s even local talk that it inspired a movie setting. Tateishi Park is selected among the 100 Best Sunset Points in Shinshu and included in the New Three Major Night Views and Night View 100 selections. ◇Kirigamine Highlands Alpine plants color the highlands through the seasons. The panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the Alps, and the Yatsugatake Mountain Range provide unforgettable scenery. Kirigamine Ski Area within the highlands offers winter sports. ◇Nagano Prefectural Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center This prefectural visitor center in Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen National Park presents photos and panels to learn about the plants, animals, and history found on Kirigamine. ◇Suwa Gokura (Five Breweries of Suwa) Thanks to the spring water that wells up from the Kirigamine Highlands, the clear air, and the cool climate, Suwa City’s sake ranks among the top in Japan. Five breweries—the Suwa Gokura—stand in the city, and brewery-hopping tours to sample each sake are popular. ◆◆Local Specialties of Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City produces a wide range of local specialties, including quince (marmelo) products, river fish products, sake, kanten (agar), and Shinshu miso, all grown and made locally. These items are known for their high quality and are highly regarded not only in local markets but across Japan. ◆◆Festivals and Events in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ◇Onbashira Festival at Suwa Grand Shrine This traditional ritual of Suwa Grand Shrine has been handed down for over 1,200 years and takes place every seven years in the years of the Tiger and Monkey. During Onbashira, sixteen fir trees over 17 meters tall are raised by hand at the four corners of the shrine buildings. The next festival will be held in 2028. ◇Suwa Lake Festival Fireworks Display on Lake Suwa Held annually on August 15, spectacular fireworks launched from platforms set on Hatsushima on Lake Suwa paint the lake with brilliant color. This is one of the nation’s largest fireworks festivals, attracting about 500,000 spectators each year. ◆◆Sharing Tourist Information about Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Suwa City is a region rich in charm woven from its history, nature, and culture. Visit Suwa City to immerse yourself in Japanese history, surround yourself with great nature, and enjoy moments of pure bliss. At Cool Japan Video, we will continue to share recommended information about Suwa City, so please look forward to it.

Chiba Shrine The main shrine of the North Star god "Myomi-sama". The star of man = Evil removal that controls fate, removes bad stars and leads to good stars, and eight directions that avoid disasters related to the azimuth. Prayer is a lot of worship in search of two powers. Although it is located in the city, it is also famous as a Power Spot where you can feel a mysterious atmosphere when you step inside. According to the legend of Chiba Shrine, when Chiba Tsuneshige moved his residence from Oshii Castle to Inohana Castle, he brought the Myomi-son, which had been handed down from his ancestors, to this place and built the Myomi-sha. After that, it was revered as the guardian deity of the Chiba clan until Chiba Shigetsu was destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 18th year of Tensho 1590, and the temple was abolished by the Meiji era separation decree and became the Chiba Shrine to enshrine the main life of Tengochu. The annual summer festival "Myōken Taisai" has been held without interruption since the first festival began in the second year of Taiji 1127 and has become a tradition in Chiba. ■ Access: ・ 10 minutes walk from JR Chiba Station Central Ticket Gate East Exit ・10 minutes by car from Anagawa IC in Keiyo Province ■Address: 1-16-1 Hospital, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

The question is, do you know where this is?? It's a lot of northern Kanto lol.

Japan's largest poppy field This is a poppy field in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. Famous as the largest poppy field in Japan, it has 12.5 hectares and 30 million poppies are in full bloom. It was started by local people. It has now become such a popular tourist destination that it is even organized on tours 🤤

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan's proud history? Is it traditional performing arts, historical buildings, or the food culture of Shomata Japan? Among them, I would like to recommend this "night view" Each building, big or small, has a history and a memory Buildings and houses are demolished due to the deterioration of buildings, and new buildings are constructed through the development of the city. Through such a history, the night view has changed The scenery you see now may change again in a few years I think it is no exaggeration to say that the "night view" where you can see such changes in history is also a history that Japan is proud of Location: Sapporo City, Hokkaido New Three Great Night Views

The inside of the Tsusho hut at Tsukizaki Station that I visited before. The tools of the maintenance workers were on display. It was a space where you can feel the history ^^

Sky Tree dyed in the sunset This is Hirai Sports Park in Tokyo At this time of year, it is crowded with poppies 🤤 in full bloom This time, I layered poppies on the 📸 sunset You can 🤤 only see the collaboration with the world's best radio tower here

A little Spot on the supporting role

Tea plantation in the sky While being bitten by leeches, I went to the Observatory. I can't 😅 climb anymore Ibi-gun, Gifu Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO

The landscape "Otaru Canal" Representative of Otaru. Along the gently curved 1,140-meter-long canal, stone warehouses and historic buildings are lined up, and no matter where you cut it, it will be picturesque Unfortunately, the sky was cloudy on this day, but it was a piece that made me feel a little nostalgic.

Poppy field dyed in the morning glow This is Kokaigawa Fureai Park in Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture. It seems that the best time to visit is from mid-May to early June every year. Poppies bloom on about 1.9 hectares of land. It was started by locals 20 years ago, and now many people visit to catch a glimpse.

It is the site of the former JNR Temiya Line near the Otaru Canal, and the cherry blossoms along the track are wonderful.

Lets discover the feudal lord era of Toyama. Toyama Castle situated in the center of Toyama City. It was actually built in 1543 by the local feudal lord Sassa Narimasa. Unfortunately, the castle keep was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration. Over the years, the castle underwent several renovations and reconstructions, the latest in 1954. Today, the castle is a top tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn more about Japan’s feudal history.

Nice to meet you! This is the Otaki Tourist Association. Otaki Town in Isumi County, Chiba Prefecture, is a town of about 8,000 people located in the center of the Boso Peninsula. With convenient access about one and a half hours from Tokyo, Otaki Town charms many visitors with its natural beauty and rich history. In this first post, we will share Otaki’s attractions and recommended sightseeing spots, so please enjoy it to the end. ==History of Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== Prospering from the Sengoku period through the Edo period, Otaki flourished as the castle town of Otaki Castle, whose lord was Honda Tadakatsu, one of Tokugawa’s Four Heavenly Kings. Otaki Castle is known as a symbol of Otaki Town and captivates many history enthusiasts and tourists. Scenes that recall those days still remain throughout the town. ==Sightseeing in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== ◇Otaki Castle This historical museum with a tenshukaku-style keep was built in 1975 and is designated as a Chiba Prefecture historic site and included in the Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan. Exhibits cover the history of Boso and life in the castle town. Currently, Otaki Castle is closed for facility renovations. ◇Otaki Castle Town Otaki features old buildings, some designated cultural properties. You can find houses that offer a glimpse of life back then, along with shops and shrines, making it an irresistible spot for history lovers. Stroll through the castle town that retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere and feel the romance of a journey through time. ◇Yoro Valley This valley spans Ichihara City, Kimitsu City, Kamogawa City, and Otaki Town in Isumi County in southern Chiba Prefecture, offering seasonal natural beauty and especially famous autumn foliage. Nearby popular attractions include Awamata Waterfall, Suigetsu Temple, the Ruins of the Kobundo Tunnel, Mukoyama Kyoei Tunnel, and Kannon Bridge. Please note that due to flooding of the Yōrō River caused by Typhoon No. 13 in 2023, much of the area is currently closed except for some parts. ◇Asawahara Highlands Known as one of the Kanto region’s premier hydrangea spots, about 20,000 hydrangea plants bloom here. At an elevation of 340 meters, the flowers bloom later than on the plains, with the best viewing typically from late June to mid-July. ◇Isumi Railway This local railway runs about 26.8 kilometers, connecting Isumi City and Otaki Town, with seasonal flowers and rural landscapes along the line. In early spring, the rapeseed blossoms turn the fields bright yellow and the train is affectionately known as the Rapeseed Flower Train. ◇Roadside Station Takeyurano Sato Otaki Local fresh vegetables and specialty products are sold here, making it a great place to buy Boso souvenirs. At the diner you can try shiitake and Otaki’s specialty bamboo shoot dishes, as well as wild game such as boar. ==Local Festivals and Events in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== ◇Otaki Castle Festival Held every autumn, the festival features a warrior procession and various events. A popular local festival, 2024 marks its 50th edition. ==Local Specialties and Gourmet in Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== Otaki bamboo shoots are among the leading products in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Their white color and exceptional tenderness earn them the name “white bamboo shoots.” They have very little bitterness, so they can be eaten without removing the astringency. Otaki bamboo shoots are also popular as a hometown tax return gift. ==Tourist Information for Otaki Town, Chiba Prefecture== Otaki Town in Chiba Prefecture charms visitors with its abundant nature and deep history. Spending time in Otaki away from daily life will create memorable moments. Cool Japan Video will continue to share Otaki’s recommendations and the latest information, so thank you for your support.

Carp streamers festival in Suzukawa As part of Suzukawa's environmental protection activities and the healthy development of children, each family had their unwanted Carp streamers swim, but when I see Carp streamers swimming energetically under the blue sky with Mt. Fuji in the background, I feel Spring every year.

During Golden Week, colorful Carp streamers appear in front of the main entrance on the first floor of Tokyo Tower. Carp streamers began when they decorated streamers in the shape of carp in hopes of the healthy growth of boys during the Dragon Boat Festival, but 333 Carp streamers were displayed to match the height of Tokyo Tower at 333m. It is spectacular to see them fluttering in the wind and swimming in the sky in unison.

Akitani / Tateishi Coast I have been going here several times a year for more than 30 years to see Mt. Fuji. This landscape, painted by the Edo period landscape painter Hiroshige Ando under the title "Aishu Miura Akiya no Sato," is a typical Japanese landscape, and personally, the sunset of Mt. Fuji and the single pine tree that grows wild on the rocky shore make me feel nostalgic.

Inohana Park / Chiba Castle Chiba City Local Museums / Inohanatei It is a historical park located in the birthplace of Chiba, where Tsuneshige, the father of Chiba Tsuneshige, set up a residence in this area in 1126 Daijigen. Although it is located in the center of Chiba City, it has a quiet and calm environment and is a place of relaxation for citizens and tourists. In Inohana Park, there is "Chiba Castle Chiba City Local Museum / Free Admission", which exhibits Documents on the history of the local area, including Mr. Chiba, who laid the foundation of the town of Chiba, as well as various special exhibitions related to Chiba. The view from the observation deck on the 5th floor is wonderful, overlooking the city and Chiba Port, and sometimes you can see Mt. Fuji. In the calm Japanese space "Inohanatei" where you can see Chiba Castle, there is a green Garden and serves the Specialties Inohana Dango and sweets. There is also a tea room with a view of the garden, and it is a nostalgic tea shop that conveys traditional Japanese tea culture. You can enjoy the nature of the four seasons in Inohana Park, and especially in Spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. At the Chiba Castle Sakura Festival, food stalls and Kitchen Car using local ingredients are lined up, and local cultural and performing arts live performances Gari live. The Limited Time festival of Chiba Castle illumination and the competition of cherry blossoms at night are reputed to Fascination people. ■ Access: ・From JR Chiba Station, take the Keisei Bus to "University Hospital" and get off at "Local Museums" ・10 minutes walk from Chiba Monorail Prefectural Office Station ・ 15 minutes walk from JR Honchiba Station ■Address: 1-6 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba City

History of Kawagoe and Sunset 🌇 This is the bell of time in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. Kawagoe, also known as Koedo, is said to have been the first city lined with merchant houses in warehouses. It is said that it came to be called Koedo because it was "a town that flourished like Edo". It is a place 🤤 that you should definitely visit in Saitama Prefecture

From the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome. It makes me think often that no matter how much the economy develops, no matter how many times go on, no matter how much life becomes richer, there are some histories that should never be forgotten or repeated.

Wrapped in an arch of roses 　　　　　　　　　　Tokyo Tower🗼 This is one photo taken from Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Since its opening in 1958, it has been watching over the city as a symbol of Tokyo for about 60 years. It is said that the construction technology of that time is so advanced that it is said that it cannot be reproduced now. It has been earthquake-resistant for more than 60 years in Japan, an earthquake-prone country, and I felt that it was the crystallization of craftsmanship. Why don't you enjoy matching with modern roses? 🌹

The Genbaku Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is a haunting UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. This solemn monument serves as a symbol of peace and a fervent plea to put an end to the use of nuclear weapons. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the Genbaku Dome was left standing in its ruined state to honor the lives lost and to inspire hope for a peaceful future.

"Abashiri Prison" Abashiri Prison is said to have the strictest prison escape in Japan. The history of this prison, which was also entrusted with the defense and development of Hokkaido, was conveyed something when I saw the building.

"Satsuma Pass" 　　 What is Satsuma Pass? He was a Ukiyoe artist of the Edo period It was also depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige's "Tokaido Fifty-Three Years" Known for its spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay At a mountain pass that was a difficult place on the Tokaido Highway connecting Yui inn and Okitsu inn The night view here is good if the weather is good You can see Mt. Fuji beautifully and it is a superb view. This photo is a photo that I managed to take many times by car for about 5 hours from Shiga, and I have a great feeling.

"Feast of the Old Castle" Built in 1622 Genwa 8 Hikone Castle is one of the five castles designated as a national treasure. Fireworks go up grandly from behind Hikone Castle. It was like a banquet in an old castle.

In 2024, the events of the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the Chiba Prefecture Kamogawa City Mt. Takasu Oyama Temple and Takasu Shrine will be held

Mita City, Hyogo Prefecture Prefectural Road No. 308 is a waterfall that can be seen along the prefectural road on the road that was opened as the Nagasawa Temple Mountain Road. A long time ago, the nuns of Nagasawa Temple practiced at this waterfall, so it was named Nun Falls.

Nagoya Castle 🏯 has a history of more than 400 years This is Nagoya Castle in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Nagoya was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1615 and then prospered as a residence of the Tokugawa family until the 16th generation. Later, it was burned down in World War II, but it was rebuilt. Today, it is crowded 🤤 with people from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the scenery that Ieyasu saw

During my visit to western Japan last autumn, my final stop was Hiroshima. Despite its tragic history, the city serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, much like the phoenix rising from the ashes. The Hiroshima Castle, which was reconstructed after being destroyed in World War II, stands as a testament to this resilience. The castle grounds provide a peaceful retreat with a variety of trees and flowers, creating a beautiful and tranquil setting for visitors. Inside the castle tower, the museum offers a chance to explore the rich history of the Hiroshima castle town and provides breathtaking views of the city from the observation platform at the top.

Dolphins flying over Nagoya Port at night This is one photo taken at the Port of Nagoya Aquarium in Aichi Prefecture. I went there for the first time because I was only doing 😆 a night dolphin show during GW The dolphins dancing in the night sky were very soothing 🤤 to watch