Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association. We will now share plenty of reasons to fall in love with Morotsuka Village in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. First, let us introduce Morotsuka Village. ◆◇◆About Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture, sits nearly in the center of the Kyushu Central Mountain Range. About 90% of the village area is forest. There is almost no flat land; 84 small settlements dot the mountain slopes. Under the slogan of building a forestry-centered village, Morotsuka has promoted village development by protecting mountains, creating forests, and living in harmony with nature while benefiting from the forest. This is a village that lives with the forest, thinking not only about themselves but also about one another and not only about the present but about children and grandchildren. ◆◇◆Access◆◇◆ * About two hours by car from Kumamoto Airport * About two hours by car from Miyazaki Airport * From Miyazaki Airport take the train to JR Hyuga City Station (limited express about 65 minutes), then a route bus runs from Hyuga City Station to Morotsuka Village. If you use train and route bus, take the JR Nippo Main Line to JR Hyuga City Station, then a Miyazaki Kotsu route bus to Morotsuka village center, "Morotsuka," which takes about 90 minutes. * Please board a bus bound for "Kamishiiba" or "Tsukahara." (For route bus details, check the Miyazaki Kotsu website.) ※For current traffic restrictions, please check the Morotsuka Navi Website. ◆◇◆Tourist Spots in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ ■Ecomuseum Morotsuka Shiitake Hall 21 This facility houses the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association office and Restaurant Donkotei. It used to be a place to learn about shiitake, but it has been renovated as a tourist information and community space. Across the Hotaru Bridge, on the opposite bank, stands the main statue of Kunugi Jizo carved from a sawtooth oak more than 100 years old. You can walk down to the river to enjoy a boxed lunch or play in the clear stream. ◇◆◇Accommodations in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park Perched around 800 meters above sea level in nature-rich Morotsuka, Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park offers log houses and a campsite. From the Hyuga direction the road is a single lane each way, so drivers who are not used to mountain roads can still feel at ease. The park features an athletic course, grass skiing, and putter golf, so families with young children can enjoy themselves together. A scenic cross-country course nearby makes for a pleasant, leisurely walk amid nature. The popular Akimasa Observatory, known for its views, is about a five-minute drive. We recommend rising early to watch the sunrise; with luck you may see a sea of clouds. Spring bursts with flowers, summer brings lush greenery and cool highland air, autumn ignites in brilliant foliage, and winter offers quiet days with occasional snow flurries. It’s a place to savor the changing seasons and relax in nature. ■Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village One of the village’s two campgrounds is Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village. Morotsukayama, one of Kyushu’s 100 famous mountains, towers here amid rich nature. Nearby is a river park next to a water-rich gorge, where you can enjoy river play and fishing in summer (fishing requires a permit). ■Forest Folk House Yamashigi Forest The Forest Folk House consists of two historic houses: "Shitashigi," built in the Taisho era, and "Nakashigi," built in the Meiji era. You reach them by climbing a winding mountain road, yet these homes once served as a transportation hub before roads and cars existed. Today they serve as an experiential exchange facility where city visitors and mountain residents deepen ties through farm work. Perched high as if touching the sky, the site preserves nostalgic scenes such as an irori hearth, a goemon bath, and a wood-fired stove. ■Forest Folk House Series These traditional houses let you fully enjoy the breath of nature. Surrounded by mountains, with the warmth of wood, the scent of earth, and a communal irori hearth, Morotsuka’s forest folk houses offer a relaxed pace and a restful place to experience human–nature coexistence. [List of folk houses] ・Yamashigi Forest ・Heida no Sato ・Sakura no Tsubone ・Yoshiya ◇◆◇Local Specialties of Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Shiitake Shiitake cultivated using 100% log-grown mushrooms from rich forests certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. Morotsuka Village proudly offers these flavorful, aromatic log-grown shiitake—please savor them. ■Mori no Hyakkamitsu (Forest Wildflower Honey) This honey comes from Japanese honeybees cherished by Morotsuka’s honey hunters. Natural beekeeping in the mountains draws nectar from a wide range of flowers. The honey the bees diligently collect—called "mori no hyakkamitsu" or wildflower honey—is highly nutritious with a rich taste and aroma. A single bee produces only about a spoonful of honey in its lifetime, making it very precious. ■Yomogi Dango (Mugwort Rice Dumplings) Fresh yomogi gathered from the mountains, nurtured by clean air and water, are made into yomogi dango using traditional methods. These treats are a countryside-only luxury, full of yomogi fragrance and filled with expertly kneaded sweet bean paste. ■Mountain-Processed Foods Women’s associations active across the scattered mountain settlements prepare goods in local workrooms every day. They transform mountain-harvested ingredients into the village’s delicious products—miso, yuzu pepper, konnyaku, dressings, and more. We will continue to share the charms of nature-rich Morotsuka Village—stay tuned!

Breather Save Spot Save Spot in the Central Tokyo that can be seen from Shibuya, don't you 🍀 wonder what lies ahead* ゚

Tokyo Tower and Kawazu cherry blossoms 📸 This is the Kawazu cherry blossoms taken from the front of Azabudai Hills in Tokyo. Tokyo is in Best time to visit. It is crowded with many foreigners.

Teshikaga has enjoyed clear skies for several days. Warmer temperatures have begun to melt the accumulated snow little by little☃️ However, evenings still bring a sharp drop in temperature, making roads and walkways harder to drive and walk on… Please stay alert and practice safe driving and walking at all times🚗🚶⚠️👟

This is Momo Minamoto Township! It was started by the people of the Kine district to liven up the area, and now as many as 2,000 weeping peaches are blooming. In the center, a pond and a weeping peach is projected, and those who visit it Gari a voice of admiration. The best time to visit seems to be mid-April next year. Ena City, Gifu Prefecture "Kineshi Weeping Momoen" *Last year's photo

[Hayashi Park Walk & Picnic Tour] Now accepting participants! A relaxed walking tour to enjoy the scenery. For the picnic lunch, enjoy local strawberry fruit sandwiches, apple juice, and freshly brewed coffee. For details, please see the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website. https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/8985/... Date and Time: Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 Both days meet at 11:00 AM and dismiss at 1:00 PM Meeting Place: Toyooka Tabi Jikan (next to Roadside Station Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche) 12407 Kamishina (Kumashiro), Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture 399-3202 How to Apply: ・Phone (0265-49-3395) ・Google Form (a link is posted on the page above).

【🌸This year’s cherry blossom viewing in Shinano Omachi🌸】 Although Omachi City still sees chilly days below freezing, it’s starting to warm up a little✨ It may be a bit early, but I’m sharing some cherry blossom photos😌 We plan to post blooming updates on our social media and website again this year, so please keep an eye out☑️🎶 Please come and enjoy spring in Shinano Omachi🌈 🔽🔽Last year’s blooming information (for reference)🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/news/88891/... 🔹Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (opens April 15) https://www.alpen-route.com/index.php... 🔹68th Harinokidake Shintaro Festival (June 1) — now accepting participants❗️ https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp/event/90816/...

【Shot in Fujikawa Town Komuro area】 It's getting warmer and warmer, and it's time for bud break. Celebrated. Cherry blossoms bloom in late March.

\Echizen Pottery Village Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) Festival held in! ／ Annual event, the "Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) Festival" will be Held in again this year at the Echizen Pottery Village in Echizen Town! In 2025, it will be held for two days on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. There are many fun projects such as a craft market, stage performances, Stamp Rally, and a large lottery! There is also a night cherry blossom road with cherry blossoms Light up at night~! Full of excitement, let's go to the pottery Village in Spring! ◎The 13th Echizen Pottery Village Shidarezakura (weeping cherry blossoms) Festival https://www.town-echizen.jp/event/detail.php?id=518... https://www.town-echizen.jp/event/detail.php?id=518...

The Kawazu cherry blossoms in Kawazu Town were 🌸 in full bloom This is a row of Kawazu cherry blossoms that are in Best time to visit in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. Please 😊 visit to see the 4km long Kawazu cherry blossoms

Original scenery of Japan Aso's crossing along the Okuaizu-Tadami River River fog streams thinly on the surface of the river, and mountains approach the village behind the rice fields, and fog rises Japan's Farming villages continue to protect small rice paddies inherited from their ancestors How many more years can we see?

🌼🆕 Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure 🌼 Hello everyone 🌟 This is the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. The Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure has been refreshed! 😸👏🏻👏🏻 From today, you can pick one up freely in the Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture section of the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center 🌼💫✨ We also carry brochures for Minamimaki, Kitaaiki, Minamiaiki, Koumi, and Kawakami. Feel free to stop by anytime ✨

Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival is now underway! Until March 23! The plum blossoms are beautiful with their buds together♪ They will be in full bloom from today through the final day! We look forward to welcoming many visitors!

It’s still cold, but spring is definitely approaching! Early-blooming cherry trees around the region are at their best right now. https://www.kanagawa-kankou.or.jp/theme_list/hayazaki_cherry_blossom...

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is also exceptional.

Kiyosato, Uryu Falls Located in the Kawamata River Valleys at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, Water is a mysterious waterfall where water streams down like silk threads from between the rocks. Fresh greenery in Spring and Autumn leaves in autumn are also beautiful, and the feeling of coolness in summer is exceptional.

Daylily of Kirigamine In July, daylily is in full bloom on the Kirigamine Highlands along the Venus Line. The photo was taken of the daylily communities of Kirigamine Fujimidai. During the flower season, the Venus Line is congested.

Daylily of Kirigamine In July, daylily blossoms in the Kirigamine Highlands along the Venus Line. The photo was taken of the daylily communities of Kirigamine Fujimidai. During the flower season, the Venus Line is congested.

Mt. Meshimori's Daylily Mt. Meshimori, located on the Nobeyama Highlands at the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake, has an elevation of 1643 m and the elevation of Shishiiwa at the trailhead is 1457 m, making it a mountain suitable for Hiking that even children can climb. The Mt. Meshimori is located on the Water ridge of the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, and if the weather is good, you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji, Southern Alps, Yatsugatake, and Mt. Asama. Mt. Meshimori, the daylily are in full bloom in July. It is a superb view point that you should definitely visit.

Rest Yuzu and Mount Fuji Photographed in 🥰 the Komuro area of Fujikawa Town There were still yuzu left on the tree.

[Mori no Hall Final Event "Thank You. And Please Continue to Support Us."] Mori no Hall, a hugely popular cafe that draws devoted fans not only from the town but from across Japan, will close its doors on March 30, 2025. To celebrate the finale, shops and artists who have been involved over the years will come together for a two-day event!! ✴︎✴︎ Orchard Grass Venue ✴︎✴︎ On certain days (cafe): Masao Takahata (general goods), Chihiro Nishi (general goods), Ai Kawai (workshop “Draw Forest Animals in Chalk Art!” and general goods) The workshop costs 1,500 yen per session (about 30 minutes). Participants can sign up on site at any time. ✴︎✴︎ Mori no Hall Venue ✴︎✴︎ Mori no Hall (cafe and cakes), gusco (baked sweets), Tegamisha Zakkaten (handmade goods), Mawarimichi (bread and baked sweets), Yoroushi Yamamotobokujo (milk and baked sweets), TEGAMISHA CAFE & BREWERY (desserts and craft beer) Please come and enjoy the event with us! We sincerely look forward to your visit 🧸🍰🍬 Mori no Hall Final Event "Thank You. And Please Continue to Support Us." Saturday, March 22, 2025, 10:00–17:00 and Sunday, March 23, 2025, 10:00–16:00 Venues: Mori no Hall and Orchard Grass (Kawayu Onsen, Hokkaido), area around JR Kawayu-Onsen Station Address: 2-1-2 Kawayu Ekimae, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido Phone: 015-483-2906 (Mori no Hall) Note: Closed days in March are the 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, and 26th. Please be aware these dates differ from the usual schedule. Illustrated by Masao Takahata

Hello. This is En'emon Denshōkan. As the weather swings between warm and cold, spring is slowly approaching♪ The foliage around Kaku-enpeak seems to be getting a bit greener. March 3rd was Hinamatsuri across the country🎎 In Yamanashi, many places celebrate on April 3rd, so the festive mood of the doll festival continues for a month✨ The tradition of wishing for healthy growth has been passed down for a long time. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is said to purify the heart and give hope, and its stone meaning is “filled with happiness,” so it also makes a good charm✨ Also, the rose quartz we recommend this time is a healing stone and a stone of love, and it is considered a protector of women. We look forward to seeing your smiles🙂✨

The 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest Winning Entries 5/5 The Teshikaga Photo Contest has reached its 14th edition this year. While digital submissions and SNS entries have become common in recent years, the Teshikaga Photo Contest keeps a classic format by judging printed works. For this edition, we invited Takeshi Mizukoshi, a Teshikagacho resident and internationally known mountain photographer, as a special judge to help select the winners. For the 14th contest, we accepted entries in four categories—Starry Skies, Sea of Clouds, Activities (Experiences), and Open—from November 1 to December 25, 2024. Out of 154 submissions, 20 works won prizes! Here we present five Special Prize winners and the Organizing Committee Special Prize. With this announcement, we have published all the winning works of the 14th Teshikaga Photo Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated in the contest! Congratulations to the prize winners 🎊 ✴︎Special Prizes✴︎ "Kiriwataru" (Mist Spreading) Shizuo Murakami "Bridge of Hope for the Future" Maruni Urata "Ice Opening in the Bitter Cold" Yoneko Tazawa "Moonlit Lake Mashu" Noriyuki Hatahashi "Reunion" Yui Amy Murakami ✴︎Organizing Committee Special Prize✴︎ "The Call Within the Silence" Go Kan-iku

Dawn at Agebonoyama Agricultural Park Agebonoyama Agricultural Park is It is also one of Famous landmarks of flowers, but it It is also one of a beautiful park at dawn. The wind Car was reflected in the Water mirror to reflect the sunrise sky.

Tateishi of Akitani The standing stones of Akitani seen from Tateishi Park in Yokosuka on the Saikai coast of the Miura Peninsula, and a huge rock 12 m high stands upright on the Coast. It is also one of a scenic spot for sunsets. When it is clear, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Announcement: Reservations Open for Komadeike Campground The cold days continue, but spring is just around the corner. Today reservations opened for Komadeike Campground, a campsite in Sakuhomachi. Reservations are currently accepted through the end of May, a brilliant time to see azaleas, fresh green birch and larch, and other highland plants. Information for the 2025 season is now posted on the Komadeike Campground website—please take a look. 🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸 Reservation Start March 5 at 10:00 AM (Reservations accepted for stays through May 31) Please note that phone reservations are not available until April 18. ⁡ Operating Period April 18–November 24 Some plans, such as cottages and bungalows, have shorter operating periods. Open dates: Friday, April 18, 2025 – Monday, November 24, 2025 (national holiday) The final day is for check-out only. Cottages and bungalows: April 21 – November 10 Showers (Green Tree / Auto Sanitary building): April 18 – November 3 The central shower building remains open through the final day. Reservation Windows March 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through May 31 April 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through June 30 May 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through July 31 June 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through August 31 July 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through September 30 August 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through October 31 September 5 at 10:00 AM — reservations accepted through November 23 Please refrain from tentative bookings. We will confirm with anyone booking two consecutive weeks or five nights or more. If we judge a reservation to be malicious, we may cancel it. Thank you for your understanding. Important Changes for the 2025 Season ☑️ Kayak events around Komadeike on weekends from July through September These events, which proved popular at last year’s KOMATSURI, will be held regularly. They offer a rare chance to leisurely tour Komadeike, which normally prohibits all activities. ☑️ Same-day check-in plan dedicated to solo campers introduced ☑️ Two-room tents added to rental tent lineup We will offer a limited number of Snow Peak Elfield tents. Try the now-common two-room tents at an affordable price. ☑️ Plans to build a walking trail that circles Komadeike (planned) ☑️ “Trip ’til You Get Home” service available at Yachi Cafe inside Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen We will offer Yachi coffee, an original Yatsugatake blend, at half price to one driver. Enjoy a good coffee before you hit the expressway and drive home safely. Other minor changes apply. 🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸🏕️🌸

Survive on Okinawa’s largest uninhabited island! “Uninhabited Island Survival Escape Tour” now open! It’s the ultimate team-building experience—step outside the everyday and take on the extraordinary. 📍 Izanami Island, Okinawa Prefecture Three sessions in 2025: May, July, and September! We also welcome bookings for corporate training and incentive trips. For inquiries, visit the site below: https://www.mujinto-yanaha.com//

Wisteria shelves at Ashikaga Flower Park You can see a variety of flowers all year round at Ashikaga Flower Park, but the best is probably the wisteria flower, and the wisteria flowers hanging on the large wisteria shelf are stunning. The best time to visit is from the second half of April to the beginning of May.

It is Tokachi Obihiro Airports The scenery with the Hidaka Mountains in the background I like it because it looks like an airport in Hokkaido. In April, the temperature rises Water vapor in the air also increases It is also affected by yellow sand and PM2.5. The scenery in the distance becomes hazy.

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.