ACAO FOREST A vast floral garden spread across 200,000 tsubo of rolling hills, composed of 13 distinctive themed gardens. Framed by the Atami-blue sea and sky, you can enjoy striking scenes crafted by roses, bulb plants, herbs, perennials and a variety of other plants. Not only does the garden offer seasonal floral displays year-round, it also features COEDA HOUSE, a cafe designed by Kengo Kuma; Soga Sengen Shrine; a hands-on herb and aroma workshop; and a commercial complex, ACAO ROSE SQUARE, where visitors can dine and shop. Address / 1027-8 Kamitaga, Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture 413-0101 Access / About 20 minutes by bus toward Ajiro from JR Atami Station → get off at “ACAO Forest” Hours / Regular season 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:00) Closed / None ※ Closed temporarily in severe weather possible Admission / Adults ¥4,000 · Children ¥1,000 · Pets ¥1,000 Parking / Paid parking for 100 vehicles ※ Hours, closure days, and fees may change, so please check the official website in advance.

"The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" is being held. About 850 cherry trees bloom along the Kawazu River, and about 8,000 cherry blossoms in total! In this post, we will introduce sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town that you can enjoy together with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! This time, I would like to introduce "Hiranameno Falls". ・ Flowing like a monolith, the famous waterfall of the Tadami River A waterfall in the middle of the Odoriko Trail, between Nikai Falls and Kamadaru Falls. It is located a short walk through the Wasabi field. It is a large monolith with a width of 20 meters and a height of 4 meters. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Hiranameno Falls 【Address】Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Prefecture Kawazu TownNashimoto 【Parking】None ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

Hatsushima, a small island floating off Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture, is a 30-minute boat ride from Atami Port. The island measures about 4 km around. Wrapped in a tropical atmosphere, Hatsushima is full of nature! You can enjoy park walks among seasonal flowers, an athletic course, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and many other activities. The island’s greatest appeal is its food. In addition to fresh seafood, you’ll find restaurants and cafes with a distinctly tropical vibe. On Hatsushima, the island’s popular annual winter event “Hatsushima Fishermen’s Donburi Battle” is now under way! All 13 local fishers’ eateries on the island, plus the terrace restaurant ENAK, a total of 14 venues, are offering original donburi dishes. For the event period only, a special value set ticket is on sale that includes a round-trip boat ticket on the Hatsushima route and meal coupons valid at participating island restaurants. Take this chance to savor Hatsushima’s delicious donburi. Hatsushima Fishermen’s Donburi Battle Period: Saturday, February 10, 2024 to Sunday, March 10, 2024 Donburi Battle set ticket (round-trip boat + meal coupon): Adults 3,990 yen (regular 4,400 yen); Children 2,800 yen (regular 3,000 yen) Set tickets sold at: Atami Port ticket counter

Today, Monday, February 12 (substitute holiday), marks the first Atami Marine Fireworks Festival of 2024! Fireworks are held in many places, but Atami’s defining feature is its launch site. Because the fireworks are set off over Atami Bay, a sea surrounded on three sides by mountains, the sound echoes as if you were in a stadium. Watching from the shoreline lets the sound resonate through your body, so you can feel the full impact! We will hold this year’s events as listed below, so please come and experience Atami’s fireworks at least once! 2024 (Reiwa 6) Atami Marine Fireworks Festival dates (scheduled) February 12 (Monday, substitute holiday) · February 24 (Saturday) · March 20 (Wednesday, public holiday) April 13 (Saturday) · May 2 (Thursday) July 26 (Friday) · August 5 (Monday) · August 8 (Thursday) · August 18 (Sunday) · August 23 (Friday) September 16 (Monday, public holiday) · October 19 (Saturday) · November 4 (Monday, substitute holiday) December 8 (Sunday) Time: 20:20–20:40 (July and August only: 20:20–20:45) Venue: Atami Bay Viewing areas: Atami Sun Beach to the waterfront park and others Note: The event goes ahead even in rain.

Atami City currently distributes two types of manhole cards: "Kanichi and Omiya" and "Plums and Geisha"—a perfect keepsake from your trip! [Kanichi and Omiya] 8:30–17:15 Distribution locations Weekdays: Atami City Hall Second Building, 2nd floor, Sewage Division Weekends and public holidays: Atami City Hall First Building, 1st floor, Security Office [Plums and Geisha] 9:00–17:00 (December 29–January 3: 10:00–15:00) Distribution location: Atami City Tourism Association

Plum blossoms are now at their best in Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture! The 80th Atami Plum Garden Plum Festival runs at Atami Plum Garden until March 3, and as of February 11 the blooms are at their peak. (The photo was taken on February 10.) The garden houses 469 plum trees across 60 varieties, so you can enjoy a wide range of flower types.

Hello everyone! We are the Atami City Tourism Association in Shizuoka Prefecture. Through this account, we will introduce the wonderful attractions of Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, so we appreciate your support. [About Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture] Atami City lies in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture and is a charming town of about 34,000 residents. It is famous as a hot spring resort with a history spanning more than 1,500 years, and it was beloved by historic figures including Tokugawa Ieyasu. Atami is about a 90-minute drive from Tokyo and a 45-minute ride by Shinkansen. With abundant nature, beautiful scenery, and a mild climate, it attracts many visitors year-round. [Introduction to Atami’s tourist spots] ・Atami Ekimae Shopping Street Located in front of Atami Station, the Heiwa Dori and Nakamise shopping streets host shops selling fresh local seafood, traditional crafts, and souvenirs you can only find here. In front of Atami Station, you can enjoy a free footbath using a naturally flowing hot spring called Ieyasu no Yu. ・Pine tree of Omiya and the Kanichi and Omiya statue Since around the Meiji era, many literary masters lived in Atami and wrote notable works. The statue of Kanichi and Omiya, modeled on characters from one of those novels, and the pine tree of Omiya stand along the coast about a 15-minute walk from Atami Station and are signature sightseeing spots. ・Atami Sun Beach This beach of white sand and blue sea is ideal for summer leisure and popular with families and couples. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports among other activities. Continuing from Sun Beach, the waterfront park and Moon Terrace offer an exotic streetscape inspired by towns of northern the Mediterranean. ・Atami Plum Garden You can see some of Japan’s earliest-blooming plum trees here. Among the 469 trees across 60 varieties are ancient trees over 100 years old. ・Atami Castle From the main keep observation deck of Atami Castle, located atop Nishiki Cape, you can enjoy a full 360-degree panorama of Atami’s townscape. The castle’s annex houses the Atami Trick Art Maze Museum, and nearby attractions include the AtamiRopeway and the Atami Hihokan (Secret Museum). ・Hatsushima Hatsushima is the closest island to Tokyo, reachable by high-speed boat from Atami Port in about 30 minutes. This small island with a 4-kilometer shoreline offers year-round diving and a subtropical atmosphere. [Atami’s specialties, souvenirs, and local cuisine] One of Atami’s popular specialties is its fresh seafood. In particular, the seafood landed at Atami Port receives high praise for its freshness and flavor. Local souvenirs such as traditional wagashi and dried fish are popular and are also favored choices for furusato tax return gifts. [Events and festivals] Atami hosts various events and festivals throughout the year. At the Ajiro Onsen area in the Minami-Atami district, the Ajiro Onsen Hinomono Festival is held every autumn and winter, where you can enjoy richly flavored fresh dried fish and other local specialties. The Atami Marine Fireworks Festival is a historic fireworks event that began in 1952 and is held more than ten times a year, not only in summer. [Atami’s hot springs and accommodations] One of Atami’s greatest charms is its abundance of hot springs. Many ryokan, hotels, and guesthouses allow visitors to fully enjoy the blessings of these hot springs. There are also facilities offering day-use hot springs, so why not soothe your travel fatigue there? In this way, Atami City offers many popular tourist spots and is a very attractive destination. A trip to Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture is sure to provide a wonderful and restorative experience for your heart. We will continue to share recommended information to help make your trip to Atami an unforgettable memory, so we appreciate your support.

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rape Blossom Festival February 10 Night Cherry Blossom Illumination: Minami’s Night Cherry Blossoms and Bamboo Lanterns Photo by Otsuka Tokiya

The 26th Minami Cherry Blossoms and Canola Flower Festival February 11 (Sun) Bloom Report and Parking Congestion Update 〇 Bloom Report Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 80% bloom to full bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. 〇 Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana (main venue) → Full (cars are continuously filling the lot) ※A voluntary contribution is requested as an environmental conservation fee.

I think Mt. Fuji and the cherry blossoms are the strongest. Shizuoka Prefecture Fuji City Junigawa

The 26th Minami Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Blooming and Parking Update for Saturday, February 10 Blooming Update Behind Minami-Izu Town Hall → 50–70% in bloom Behind Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → 70% to full bloom Hino rapeseed field → At peak bloom ※The flowers are now at their best. Parking Congestion Status Roadside Station Shimogamo Onsen Yunohana → Full (remains full at all times) Kinomiya Bridge Parking Lot → Busy to full ※From February 10 to 12, the Minami-Izu Town Hall parking lot will be open free of charge (no attendants will be on duty).

Hello! This is the Kawazu Tourism Association. Last week, the "34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" started on February 1st! When you visit Kawazu Town for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, be sure to enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Restaurant Merecy". ・Enjoy a seaside resort in Imai Hama-style French Please enjoy Imai Hama-style French while looking at the sea...! ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Restaurant "Merecy" 【Address】35-1 Mitaka, Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-32-0109 【Business hours】12:00~14:00/17:00~21:00 【Regular holiday】Open open all year 【Parking lot】Yes Inside Izu Imaihama Tokyu Hotel. ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024 will be held until Thursday, February 29! Every night during the exhibition period, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night and you will be enveloped in a fantastic scenery. This time, we will introduce the lodging facilities that you want to visit when sightseeing at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Have a blissful time with hot springs and fresh cuisine from Kawazu! The lodging I would like to introduce this time is "Izu no Dancer's Lodging Fukudaya". ・ Tradition and new aesthetic sense resonate, polished design"The ultimate in relaxation" created by modern craftsmen The "Extreme of the Scenery" that is integrated with the nature of Kawazu, the "Extreme of the Hot Spring" that continues to flow as a spiritual spring over a thousand years from the source tower that rises pure white steam, and here is the time when you can see the deep peace brought about by the new exquisite space and the sophisticated space. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Izu no Odoriko's Lodging Fukudaya 【Address】236 Yugano, Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-35-7201 Check-in/Check-out is 15:00 last check-in 18:00, check-out 10:00. [Total number of rooms] 6 No shuttle service 【Parking lot】10 cars ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

The 26th Minami Cherry and Canola Flower Festival Bloom report for February 9 Areas where flowers have not yet opened are at 50–70% bloom, while the main venue area is at 70% to full bloom and is now at its best viewing time. We recommend changing your plans when you go out.

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024 will be held until Thursday, February 29! Enjoy the early blooming cherry blossoms of Kawazu for three consecutive weekends! In this post, we will introduce sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town that you can enjoy together with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! This time, I would like to introduce the "Dancer Literary Monument of Izu". ・A masterpiece of Japanese literature The Dancer of Izu This stone monument was erected on November 12, 1965 Showa 40 in an empty space next to the "Fukuda House" associated with Yasunari Kawabata, to commemorate the stage of "Izu no Odoriko", and an unveiling ceremony was held with Mr. Kawabata in attendance. The stele is engraved with a passage from that famous sentence. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Izu Dancer Literary Monument 【Address】Yugano, Kawazu Town, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Phone number: 0558-32-0290 Kawazu Tourism Association 【Parking lot】20 passenger cars available ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2024 will be held until Thursday, February 29! Please enjoy the early arrival of Spring. This time, we will introduce the lodging facilities that you want to visit when sightseeing at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Have a blissful time with hot springs and fresh cuisine from Kawazu! This time, I would like to introduce "Nanataki Onsen Hotel". ・ You can enjoy hot water from your own source 24 hours a day, and there are three types of open-air baths: cypress, rock, and jacuzzi. There are two private baths, an open-air bath and an indoor bath, so you can relax without worrying about your surroundings. Meals are served in the room both morning and evening. Use the hot spring for day trips. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Nanataki Onsen Hotel 【Address】Shizuoka, Kamo-gun Kawazu TownNashimoto 372 Phone number: 0558-35-7311 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m. [Total number of rooms] 20 【Pick-up and drop-off】Negotiable [Parking lot] 10 cars ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4~13 parking lot to Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Large vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots to the Ekimae Venue about 700~800m, to the Mine Onsen Venue about 700~800m [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

Hello! This is the Kawazu Tourism Association. Last week, the "34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" started on February 1st! When you visit Kawazu Town for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, be sure to enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Takumitei Ichiyama". ・ Calm interior with a sense of luxury You can enjoy our proud seafood bowl and tempura made with seasonal ingredients. It is a 5-minute walk from Kawazu Station, so please come and visit us with sightseeing. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Takumitei Ichiyama 【Address】78-2 Sasahara, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka [Phone number] 0558-34-2020 【Business hours】11:00~14:00/17:30~22:00 【Regular holiday】Closed on Mondays 【Parking lot】Yes ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4 ~ 13 parking lot about 700 ~ 800m to the station front venue, about 700 ~ 800m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Heavy-duty vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots: about 700 ~ 800 m to the front of the station, about 700 ~ 800 m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, the earliest event in Honshu where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, is being held. Please enjoy the arrival of spring one step ahead! This time, we will introduce accommodations that you want to visit when sightseeing at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Have a blissful time with hot springs and fresh cuisine from Kawazu! This time, I would like to introduce "Adult Hidden Inn Flower Wind". ・Built on a hill overlooking the sea of Imaihama. All 5 rooms have an open-air bath. Handmade hospitality with a comfortable space and seasonal ingredients. A woman-friendly inn. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Adult Hideaway Hana no Kaze 【Address】97-73 Mitaka, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka [Phone number] 0558-34-1188 Check-in/Check-out is 3:00 p.m. and check-out 10:00 a.m. [Total number of rooms] 6 【Pick-up and drop-off】Negotiable 【Parking lot】6 cars ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4 ~ 13 parking lot about 700 ~ 800m to the station front venue, about 700 ~ 800m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Heavy-duty vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots: about 700 ~ 800 m to the front of the station, about 700 ~ 800 m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, the earliest event in Honshu where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, is being held. In this post, we will introduce sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town that you can enjoy together with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! This time, we will introduce the "Experiential Frog House KawaZoo". Japan's largest frog facility. Kawazoo, an exhibition and breeding facility for frogs. A large number of frogs from all over the world are always on display, from rare frogs to familiar frogs. In addition, Kawazoo's unique experiential exhibition has made it possible to have an unprecedented "frog experience". Frog lovers and non-frog lovers alike will enjoy it. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】体感型frog館KawaZoo 【Address】377-1 Nashimoto, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka [Phone number] 0558-36-3990 【Business hours】10:00~16:30 Last admission until 16:00 【Regular holiday】Open all year round 【Parking lot】Yes ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4 ~ 13 parking lot about 700 ~ 800m to the station front venue, about 700 ~ 800m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Heavy-duty vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots: about 700 ~ 800 m to the front of the station, about 700 ~ 800 m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

2.7 Minami no sakura (Kawazu cherry blossoms) In areas where they bloom late, they are 30–50% open In earlier-blooming spots, they are at their best (80%–full bloom) Those planning a visit around late February will be disappointed, as there is a high chance they will have fallen by February.

Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture Kasamatsu Kawazu Cherry Blossoms Road Shot on iPHONE 11 PRO 2023/3

The 2024 "34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" will be held until February 29 Thursday! Please enjoy the early arrival of spring. This time, we will introduce accommodations that you want to visit when sightseeing at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Have a blissful time with hot springs and fresh cuisine from Kawazu! This time, we will introduce "Kawazu Nanadaru Mountain Stream Onsen Tea House MIZUMARI". All rooms are proud of their guest rooms with open-air baths flowing from their own hot springs + kaiseki cuisine with the fruits of Izu's mountains and seas! Whether you're traveling with children or traveling alone, you'll be satisfied. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Kawazu Nanadaru Keiryu Onsen Tea House MIZUMARI 【Address】424-2 Nashimoto, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka [Phone number] 0558-35-0505 Check-in/Check-out: Check-in 15:00 Check-out 11:00 [Total number of rooms] 4 【Pick-up and drop-off】Pick-up available conditions apply 【Parking lot】Yes ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4 ~ 13 parking lot about 700 ~ 800m to the station front venue, about 700 ~ 800m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Heavy-duty vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots: about 700 ~ 800 m to the front of the station, about 700 ~ 800 m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

Opened in 1984 (Showa 59) as the “Hall of Shikkui Trowel Paintings: Chohachi Art Museum of Izu,” it exhibits about 50 works by Irie Chohachi, a master plasterer from Matsuzaki who gained renown in the Edo period. Chohachi developed a unique art form called shikkui kogane-e—plaster trowel paintings—that blends plastering techniques with the Kano school methods of Japanese painting, earning high artistic acclaim. Skilled plasterers from across Japan came together to create the building, which showcases traditional plastering craftsmanship. The museum won the Yoshida Isoo Award—often called the Akutagawa Prize of architecture—for its fusion of Edo-era and 21st-century design, and it has attracted attention as a world-class architectural work.

"The 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" is being held. About 850 cherry trees bloom along the Kawazu River, and about 8,000 cherry blossoms in total! In this post, we will introduce sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town that you can enjoy together with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! This time, we will introduce the "Izu Narada no Sato Kawazu Heian Buddha Statue Exhibition Hall". ・ Sitting statue of Yakushi Nyorai and eleven-sided Kannon standing statue are lined up. A total of 24 Heian Buddhas are on display, including the oldest sitting statue of Yakushi Nyorai in Shizuoka Prefecture and the Nitenritsu statue, which has been acclaimed at exhibitions throughout Europe. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Izu Narada no Sato Kawazu Heian Buddha Statue Exhibition Hall 【Address】138 Yatsu, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka [Phone number] 0558-34-0115 【Business hours】10:00~16:00 【Closed】Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, year-end and New Year holidays December 29th ~ January 3rd 【Parking lot】1 microbus, 5 passenger cars 【Other】Admission fee: 300 yen for high school students and older, 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students, 200 yen for people with disabilities presentation of disability certificate, free for children ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4 ~ 13 parking lot about 700 ~ 800m to the station front venue, about 700 ~ 800m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Heavy-duty vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots: about 700 ~ 800 m to the front of the station, about 700 ~ 800 m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

February 6th: 26th Minami no Sakura and Rapeseed Blossom Festival Bloom Report The cherry blossoms are early this year. Behind the town hall → 20–30% in bloom Behind Roadside Station → 50–70% in bloom (peak viewing) Overall, the downstream areas are also steadily reaching peak bloom. They are likely to fall by late February.

Ishibu Rice Terraces lie at the western tip of the Izu Peninsula in Matsuzakicho, Shizuoka Prefecture. Spanning about 4.2 hectares and roughly 370 stone-walled rice paddies at elevations between 120 and 250 meters, these terraces are rare in eastern Japan. They offer sweeping views over Suruga Bay, and on clear days you can see Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps. In 2000, the 4.2-hectare terraced area, which had been abandoned and covered in pampas grass, was restored and used as a catalyst for revitalizing the local community. In 2010, the 16th National Satoyama (Terraced Rice Fields) Summit was held there.

Hello! This is the Kawazu Tourism Association. Last week, the "34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" started on February 1st! When you visit Kawazu Town for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, be sure to enjoy the exquisite gourmet food of Kawazu Town! This time, I would like to introduce "Izu Orange Center Restaurant Kawazu no Sho". The raw fruit juice is exquisite. You can enjoy your meal calmly in a wooden Japanese-style building made of gassho. From the window seat, you can also see Oshima in the weather. There are chair seats and tatami rooms, and child seats are also available. Itamae will cook the seafood and mountain food of Izu, and you can enjoy the meal alone or with your family. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Izu Orange Center Restaurant Kawazu no Sho 【Address】1266-31 Mitaka, Kawazu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka [Phone number] 0558-32-1134 【Business hours】10:00~16:00 【Regular holiday】Irregular holidays 【Parking lot】Yes ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4 ~ 13 parking lot about 700 ~ 800m to the station front venue, about 700 ~ 800m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Heavy-duty vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots: about 700 ~ 800 m to the front of the station, about 700 ~ 800 m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property: Iwashina School Completed in Meiji 13 (1880), this school features namako-style walls and shrine-temple–inspired architecture. Blending Matsuzaki’s traditional building techniques with Western architectural elements, its design is celebrated as a masterpiece of wooden construction and is the oldest school building in the Izu region. This two-story wooden hipped-roof structure is symmetrically laid out, and its exterior is clad in namako-style walls. The tablet reading Iwashina School above the main entrance bears the calligraphy of then-Grand Minister Sanjo Sanetomi, and local lore says the dragon carved above it was made by master carpenter Irie Chohachi using only a chisel borrowed from a colleague. With its striking Western-influenced design, the building ranks among Japan’s older modern school structures, alongside the former Rikusawa School in Kofu and the former Kaichi School in Matsumoto. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1975 (Showa 50). In Matsuzaki, strong local support for education raised donations to fund construction, covering more than 40 percent of the total building cost.

Hello everyone! Matsuzaki Tourism Association here! Matsuzakicho, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture, lies in the southern part of the Izu Peninsula, facing Nishi-Izu Town, Kawazu Town, Shimodacho, and Minami-Izu Town. Sixty-four percent of the town is forested, and with about 6,000 residents it has the smallest population in Shizuoka Prefecture. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Matsuzaki in Shizuoka Prefecture offers a peaceful, nature-surrounded retreat. We will share recommended information about the town, so please look forward to it. === Top sightseeing spots in Matsuzaki, Shizuoka Prefecture === Matsuzaki offers many popular attractions we hope you will visit! Experience the traditional Japanese agricultural landscape at the beautiful stone-walled terraced fields of Ishibu Rice Terraces; see works by Irie Chohachi, famed for his late-Edo period plaster paintings, at the Chohachi Art Museum; stroll along Namako Wall Street, where buildings preserve the technique of laying square roof tiles and raising the seams with plaster in a rounded pattern; relax at Matsuzaki Onsen with its day-use baths, guesthouses, and hotels; and visit Inashimo Shrine, whose ginkgo tree on the grounds is about 1,000 years old and designated a prefectural natural monument. Matsuzaki is full of recommended sightseeing spots. The Izu Peninsula, including Matsuzaki, is designated a Japan Geopark because its landforms and geology vividly reflect earth activity such as submarine volcanoes. In Matsuzaki you can feel the power of nature at geospots like Senganmon, Muroiwa Cave, Mt. Eboshi, Ishibu Rice Terraces, and Bentenjima. === Recommended gourmet foods in Matsuzaki, Shizuoka Prefecture === When you visit Matsuzaki, don’t miss the local flavors you can only taste here. Sakuraba-zuke (cherry leaf pickles), a traditional flavor, accounts for about 70 percent of national production and is made in Matsuzaki. Enjoy kawano-ri (river seaweed) with its distinctive taste, grown in the clear waters near the mouth where the Nakagawa and Iwashina River meet; fresh sweetfish caught in the same rivers; Eikyuu Ponkan, a sweet, juicy citrus produced only in Matsuzaki; and Dioscorea japonica (wild yam) grown from the bounty of Matsuzaki’s nature. These delicacies will please food lovers. They also make great souvenirs. === Recommended events in Matsuzaki, Shizuoka Prefecture === Events and festivals held throughout the year are another charm of Matsuzaki. In the agricultural off-season (typically from mid-February to May 5), seven varieties of flowers burst into bloom across rice paddies in the Flower fields in rice paddies; about 1,200 cherry trees line the Nakagawa River and are illuminated during the bloom season along the Cherry trees along the Naka River; and the Osawa Sakura Festival showcases a magnificent cherry tree more than 80 years old in full bloom. These events captivate visitors. On February 23, 2012—Mount Fuji Day—Matsuzaki declared itself "the town where Mount Fuji looks the most beautiful in the world." The grand panorama of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay is a spectacular sight you must see in person. With seasonal natural beauty, a geopark that reveals the earth’s grandeur, deeply flavored local cuisine, and warm-hearted events, we will continue sharing information to make you fall in love with Matsuzaki, Shizuoka Prefecture. We hope you’ll become captivated by our town!

Sugari Fishing Port, a small fishing village port in Owase City, Mie Prefecture However, this place has been certified as one of the 100 best villages in Japan. On a small piece of land between the mountains and the sea, the houses with tiled roofs that are lined up so that they stick together, I think it is a very tasteful landscape.