Traditional Performing Arts of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture — Usu-daiko Dance The Usu-daiko dance performed at the autumn grand festival of Gion Shrine was once offered on the lunar calendar date of September 9, so it is also called the "kunchi dance," and it has been passed down for more than 400 years. It is said to have begun when members of the defeated Taira clan, driven from Kyoto and wandering in exile, reached the mountain hamlet of Shiiba on their way to safety and, while remembering the glittering capital, danced in the village of Kuraoka. The dance shows a poised, dignified movement within its grace, evoking the hearts of people from the capital, and it is offered each year at Gion Shrine’s autumn festival. <Legendary Events>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the first year of Bunji (1185), near the end of the Genpei conflicts, remnants of the Taira clan who were defeated at the Battle of Dan-no-ura fled into the interior to evade the Genji pursuit. They reached the village of Kuraoka and, on their way to Mt. Shiiba, left the weak, women, and children in the mountains near Kuraoka Hakki because of the steep, treacherous roads. In Genkyu 2, the Kamakura shogunate did not ease its pursuit of the Taira remnants and ordered Nasu Daihachiro Munenaga to hunt down the clan that had fled into the Kyushu Mountains. Receiving the order, Nasu Daihachiro's party entered Kuraoka intending to head for Shiiba, and finding the Taira fugitives in Kuraoka lacking the will to fight, they staged a dance of shared company to comfort them after the long journey, setting aside the victors' arrogance to show compassion for the defeated. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The dance described above became the foundation of the Kuraoka Usu-daiko dance, which, after cycles of prosperity and decline and several relocations over the ages, is said to have survived in its present form. Dancing to the beat of drums and bells, performers display dignified movements within an overall elegance. In recent years, the Gion Shrine Usu-daiko Dance Preservation Society, with the cooperation of children from Gokase Nature School and local parishioners, has carried on the dance. Schedule for the Usu-daiko dance: every year on October 9.

Traditional Performing Arts of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Kuraoka Staff Technique The Kuraoka staff tradition follows the Ōkuruma school, said to be a martial art founded by Marume Kurando (one of the four greats of the Shinkage tradition) from the Higo Sagara domain. Also called Shinkage Ōkuruma Musō-ryū, documents show the earliest mention of Kuraoka in the early Edo period. After that, the art passed through Mamimahara and Omae in Shiiba Village before returning to practitioners in Kuraoka at the local end of the line. Kuraoka staff techniques use two kinds of staff: the long staff, 6 shaku 2 sun (about 188 cm), and the short staff, 3 shaku (about 91 cm). The forms are basically defensive. There are over thirty paired forms, including long staff versus short staff and staff versus sword. Forms that employ the sword are commonly called shiraha (white-blade). The Kuraoka Staff Preservation Society offers a shiraha dedication at the summer grand festival of Gion Shrine and provides instruction to students at Kuraoka Junior High School.

Traditional Performing Arts of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Murono Yoi Kagura The Murono Yoi Kagura at Mikasho Shrine is said to have been handed down during the Meiji era from the Iwato Kagura lineage, specifically the Kuwanouchi Shrine Kagura and the Furudono Shrine Kagura. The sake-straining dance has become a merry performance portraying a farming couple. In the mid-Meiji period, Minosuke Kai, the first head of the Murono district, brought kagura from Furudono to the Konpira-yama festival, central to the Murono and Akatani districts, and passed it down to the present day. The tradition once died out, but it was reformed when kagura was requested for the Tsuhana Tunnel breakthrough ceremony in 1972 (Showa 47). Murono Yoi Kagura schedule: the second Saturday in December

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Traditional Performing Arts] Kuraoka Gion Kagura Kuraoka Gion Kagura is a kagura preserved at Kuraoka’s Gion Shrine. Its origins are said to trace back to dances performed in the broad courtyard of the ancient Kogamure Shrine recorded in the Engishiki. In Genryaku 2 / Juei 4 (1185), after the Heike clan’s defeat at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, members of the Heike fled through the Kyushu mountains and reached Kuraoka, then pressed further into the remote mountains toward Shiiba. At that time, court entertainments and sacred music from Kyoto—gigaku, gagaku—and Ise-style kagura that the Heike brought with them blended into the existing local kagura, and over time this fusion developed into a distinctive form. The kagura’s sound is said to have been shaped by a drum made from the trunk of a walnut tree grown in the hidden recesses of Mt. Shiraiwa, stretched with deerhide taken from the remote mountains and bound at both ends with hemp twine; a flute made from bamboo with holes bored in it; and graceful, capital-style rhythms and hand clapping. These elements combined into the unique musical pulse of the Kuraoka kagura. In July 2023, the Kuraoka Gion Kagura Preservation Society revived this ancient kagura drum. Kuraoka Gion Kagura schedule: mid-July (Gion Shrine), early October (Gion Shrine), mid-November (Amanatsu Shrine)

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Traditional Performing Arts: Kuwanouchi Shrine Kagura Kuwanouchi Kagura is believed to have begun in the early Meiji era. A surviving costume is dated Meiji 3, and the shrine’s relocation to Habu in the same year suggests the kagura started around that time. The masks used are mainly the hannya mask, more frequently employed than in other kagura, and the performance is characterized by a faster tempo. The whole community works together to pass the tradition to future generations, putting great effort into training successors. In spring and autumn, the kagura is offered at the Kuwanouchi Shrine grand festival. In January, a night-long kagura dedication prays for a bountiful harvest and the well-being of residents. Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura Schedule…Every year on the second Saturday of January

[Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Traditional Performing Arts] Furutono Shrine Kagura During the Muromachi period, local jinkagura and Iwato kagura were offered together here for rites, but through several revivals Ise kagura became blended in, producing a slower-tempo (roku-choshi) kagura that continues to the present day. The origin of this kagura is the “Amano-Iwato Opening,” and it was performed to pray for a bountiful harvest and household safety. From Taisho 6 (1917) it also included prayers to calm fires; today it additionally includes traffic safety prayers, and a night kagura festival is held every January. Furutono Shrine night kagura schedule…mid-January

Traditional Performing Art of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Ara-Odori (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) The Ara-Odori of Gokase is a style of elegant festival dance that was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property on January 8, 1987 (prefectural designation: May 15, 1962). In February 2021, a group of 41 nationwide “furyu odori” (elegant festival dances), including Gokase’s Ara-Odori, was selected as a candidate for inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. A nomination dossier was submitted to UNESCO in March of the same year, and the dances were officially inscribed on November 30, 2022. “Furyu odori” embodies the spirit of flamboyance and eye-catching elegance. Performers wear elaborate costumes and carry decorative props as they dance to songs and the sound of flutes, drums, and small gongs. Across Japan, 42 furyu odori entries (covering 25 prefectures and 43 municipalities) are designated National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. In Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokase’s Ara-Odori is the only designated example. These dances carry prayers from local communities for protection from calamities, memorials for the dead, prosperous harvests, and rain. Villagers of all ages take part during festivals and annual events. Each locality’s history and natural environment are reflected in its performance, and the dances serve as a vital source of community energy. The Ara-Odori of Gokase is said to have begun in the Tensho era (1573–1592) when Sakamoto Iga no Kami Masayuki, lord of Sakamoto Castle (upstream of the Mikasho River), started the dance to raise his troops’ morale before going to war. Later, in the Keicho era (1596–1615), his grandson Sakamoto Yamashiro no Kami Nyudo Kyukaku established a ritual code for offering the dance to the guardian deity Futakami Daimyojin (now Mikasho Shrine). At that time, it is said that a successor from the temple called shinbochi oversaw funerary rites, and a monkey kept at the temple was also made to join the dance. One theory holds that the dance originated in Sakamoto, in Ōmi Province (modern Shiga Prefecture). However, the Nisshu Takachiho Kokon Jiran-ki (collected in Volume 4 of the Hyuga Local Historical Materials) records that descendants of Sasaki Rokkaku Takayori from Ōmi fled to Takachiho and served the Mitai clan; their descendants later took the names Saho, Sakamoto, and Masaki. The Sakamoto mentioned here is not the Sakamoto of Sakamoto Castle but the Sakamoto from Mukoyama to Kanegase, a separate lineage with its own origins distinct from the Minamoto, Oogami, or Fujiwara clans. Ara-Odori schedule: every year on the fourth Sunday of September

[Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture Tourist Spot] Myoken Shrine Founded about 1,100 years ago in the 11th year of Jōgan (870) during the reign of Emperor Seiwa, it has been venerated as a water deity. The spring water emerging from a limestone cave layer on Mount Gion and flowing into a corner of Myoken Shrine is called “Four Hundred Million-Year Drop: Myoken Sacred Water.” It has long been known as the sacred nursing water and was selected as one of the 100 Famous Waters of the Heisei era. Autumn festival: early November

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: The starry sky of Gokasecho According to the International Dark-Sky Association, Gokasecho has a Class 2 night sky. You can see many stars with the naked eye throughout the town. They are especially clear on clear winter nights. Some locations can be dangerous at night, so caution is necessary. Gokase Nature School holds occasional "Star Parties" where astronomy enthusiasts from inside and outside the town gather.

Gion’s Great Hinoki in Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture This hinoki was hidden from public view for a long time but came to attention during Gokasecho’s “Search for Local Treasures” in 2000. Its large trunk splits into eight distinctive branches partway up, creating a striking shape. Located inside an old cemetery, it is believed to have been planted as a guardian tree.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Gion Shrine Gion Shrine was founded around the 16th year of Emperor Kinmei’s reign (around 525 AD) when an epidemic swept the Chihogō area in central Kyushu. It was established in Kuraoka, at the heart of the region, as a protector deity prayed to for the removal of disease and misfortune. Locals affectionately call it “Gion-san.” On the shrine grounds stands a zelkova tree said to have been planted by Nasu Daihachiro and Munemasa when they visited in Genkyu 2 (1205). Designated a town natural monument, this giant tree is about 37 meters tall and has an estimated age of roughly 800 years. Deities enshrined: Sobo no Kami / Susanoo no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Oonamuchi no Mikoto, Kushinadahime no Mikoto, Itsuse no Mikoto, Somin Shorai, Kotan Shorai, Tenman Tenjin, Ashinazuchi no Kami, Tenazuchi no Kami, Inari Daimyojin

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Furuto-no Shrine The founding date is unknown. According to shrine tradition, when the loyal retainer Shibahara Matazaburo Nyudo Shotora of the Yoshino court moved from Shibahara in Osekata Village to Kuwanochi Yokodori, he is said to have brought the three deities of Kumano that had been worshipped in Shibahara to this site. Since ancient times the shrine has been revered as the Shrine of the Fire God. When a parishioner’s house faced fire, mysterious sounds would reportedly arise within the shrine to warn of it, and the parishioners would stay at the shrine to perform rituals to avert the fire. On the grounds stand three giant cedar trees about 580 years old and over 30 meters tall, designated as town natural monuments. A kaya tree likewise designated as a town natural monument is a giant estimated at about 600 years old and 34 meters tall. Spring Festival: Early April Grand Annual Festival: September 23 Night Kagura: Early January Deities enshrined: Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Kagutsuchi no Mikoto, with Fujiwara no Michizane also enshrined.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Uge Falls There is a legend about Uge Falls. “Long ago, when people hosted celebrations or received guests, they would ask the waterfall pool, ‘Please lend me a bowl,’ and by the next morning a bowl would be floating in the pool. Once, someone returned a bowl with a piece missing, and the gods became angry and stopped lending bowls.” To protect the water of Uge Falls, a water deity is enshrined at the foot of the falls. The site has been cherished by previous generations as an important water source for Ohara Iseki Park and the Mikasa Sakamoto district, and it continues to be carefully preserved.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Akebono azalea On Mt. Futagami, which sits on the border between Gokasecho and Takachiho, you can see Akebono azalea from around mid-April each year. Mt. Futagami has two peaks, Otodake and Onnadake, and the Akebono azalea that is relatively easy to see grows on Onnadake.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Shimonohara Terraced Rice Fields The Shimonohara terraced rice fields are among the largest in Gokase, and such an extensive set of rice terraces carved into a mountain valley is rare. The embankments form graceful curves that create a magnificent terraced landscape. In the Uchino-kuchi district of Shimonohara, a siphon—an important irrigation structure—exists in three places, and the first siphon was built in the Taisho era. Although only the bridge piers remain today, a siphon erected near the entrance commemorates the Shimonohara terraces and the great achievements of those who came before.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Torinusu Rice Terrace Torinusu Rice Terrace features rice terraces that spread in two directions, offering a panoramic view over the village to the east and west that is well worth seeing. There is a bust of Togoro Goto, a pioneer who opened three irrigation channels at Josenji Temple, and information indicates that Torinusu Rice Terrace is located nearby. A branch irrigation channel from Torinusu Rice Terrace receives drainage from the mountainside, helping to protect farmland, roads (National Route 503) and other public facilities downstream. The terraces also collect water, contributing to flood prevention.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Hikage Rice Terraces The water for the Hikage rice terraces comes from the spring water of Myoken Shrine in Kuraoka. The spring at Myoken Shrine is so popular that people come from other prefectures to collect it, and it is famous as a local tourist attraction. Behind the Hikage rice terraces stands Gion-yama, said to be the birthplace of Kyushu, creating a scenic harmony with the village and the mountain. The area also hosts events such as Gokase Highland Ski Resort activities, the Gion Shrine Festival, and the Myoken Shrine Grand Festival, and the community is working to revitalize the village by making the most of its landscape.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Shirataki Shirataki is a 60-meter waterfall located at an elevation of 900 meters. As its name suggests, the waterfall’s striking beauty comes from a sheer cliff over which a white sheet of water seems to hang. The contrast with autumn foliage is particularly stunning, drawing many photographers and visitors.

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Sankasho Shrine Sankasho Shrine was established when a small shrine (hokora) from Mt. Futagami, said to be the site of the descent of the heavenly grandson, was brought down and built at the mountain’s foot. Founded around the late 900s CE, its nagare-zukuri-style structure is entirely made of cypress, and its architectural design and carvings are regarded as masterpieces of the early modern period. This main hall is designated as a tangible cultural property of Miyazaki Prefecture. The site also houses the stone-carved Gate Guardian Deity statues (two faces), which are designated as a prefectural tangible cultural property. At the autumn grand festival, Aradance, an ancient performance tradition from the Sakamoto district designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, is offered. On November 30, 2022, 41 fūryū-odori (stylish folk dances) across Japan, including Gokase’s Aradance, were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. On the shrine grounds and in the surrounding garden, you can find Tsukushi rhododendrons and western rhododendrons, along with weeping cherry trees and camellias. They typically reach peak bloom from mid-April through mid-May, offering flower viewing during that period. The Sankasho Shrine Spring Festival is held in April. Deities enshrined: Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Sarutahiko no Mikoto, and Fujiwara no Michizane (enshrined together).

Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Saeizan Josenji Sa eizan Josenji is a Jodo Shinshu Honganji temple founded about 400 years ago. Renowned as a cherry-blossom viewing site, its grounds feature a roughly 300-year-old weeping cherry tree, designated a prefectural natural monument, which bursts into spectacular bloom each spring. According to tradition, this weeping cherry was planted during the Edo period by the ninth head priest, who brought a sapling back from Gion in Kyoto on his return from a pilgrimage to Honganji. A variant of the Edo higan cherry sometimes called ito-zakura, it is designated a natural monument of Miyazaki Prefecture.

Shiraito Falls Camera / #canon EOS Kiss #X9i Lens / EF-S18-55mm F4-5.6 IS STM A waterfall that I found when I went touring with a friend and went to Jozankei There were no customers, and it was great to feel a little secluded because it was a little far from the Jozankei inn town.

【🌸Gokasecho Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024🌸】 Thank you for entering the Instagram campaign "Gokasecho Cherry Blossom Viewing 2024"! We will decide the winners by votes from our followers✨ Followers, please choose one work from the 12 entries and comment its number in the comments of this post✍ Voting is limited to one vote per account. [Voting period: until July 5] The posted images are screenshots of the applicants' photos, so the image quality is poor. We apologize for that. Please also view the entrants' original posts on Instagram before voting😃 1. @__torippy.__ 2. @yasuyochan.192 3. @yuichi_5101 4. @amiamibz 5. @niidome2110 6. @inoshima0124 7. @akihiko.shinchi 8. @sakai_0808 9. @mgm_1228 10. @aiaiaiaiaiaiai77 11. @gokase_pan 12. @goto0619 We will hold a lottery and give Gokasecho specialty products to 10 randomly selected voters🎁 We look forward to your votes✨

Kanagawa Chuo Transportation Partial suspension of bus service on the Hadano Station–Naganuki/Minoge–Yabitsu Pass route The Hadano Station–Yabitsu Pass line has suspended service between Naganuki/Minoge and Yabitsu Pass for the time being due to road damage, and buses are turning back at Minoge Bus Stop, so please be aware. ※Private cars and motorcycles can still pass. Before heading out, please check the latest information on the Kanagawa Chuo Transportation website.

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!

Reiwa 6 (2024), Sunday, June 30 — Nagoshi no Oharae (Summer Purification) This Shinto rite, held every June and December, invites attendees to pass through a chinowa (ring of cogon grass) to purify mind and body and pray for health and protection from illness. The grand purification rites take place at various shrines across Isehara City. * Oyama Afuri Shrine, Lower Shrine (TEL 0463-95-2006) from 14:00 355 Ooyama, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, board the bus from platform 4 bound for Ooyama Cable — about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop, then take the cable car for 6 minutes * Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (TEL 0463-95-3237) from 14:00 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Kurihara via Sekidai — about 15 minutes Get off at Hibita Shrine From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 4 bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi — about 12 minutes, get off at “Sannomiya” and walk about 5 minutes From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Tsurumaki Onsen Station via Osumidai — about 12 minutes, get off at “Godo” and walk about 12 minutes From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Isehara Depot via Shirane and Route 246 — about 12 minutes, get off at “Danchi-kita” and walk about 12 minutes * Isehara Daijingu (TEL 0463-96-1611) from 16:00 3-8-1 Isehara, Isehara, Kanagawa A 10-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit along Chuo Street Pass through the chinowa to cleanse impurities and let’s overcome this hot summer together!

Hello! This is the Wakasa Mihama Tourism Association. We will share recommended sightseeing information about Mihama Town, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, and we appreciate your support! ◆What is Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture?◆ Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan and, true to its name, boasts beautiful beaches. The population is about 8,600 people (as of 2024). The town’s grand natural scenery and many local specialties found only in Mihama attract visiting tourists. With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to neighboring Tsuruga City, access from the Kanto region has become very smooth. ◆The appeal of Mikata Five Lakes, Mihama Town’s top sightseeing spot◆ The most popular sightseeing spot in Mihama Town is Mikata Five Lakes, a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention and recognized as part of the Japan Agricultural Heritage. “Mikata Five Lakes” is the collective name for five lakes spanning Mihama Town and Wakasa Town in Fukui Prefecture. Lake Kugushi Lake Hiruga Lake Mikata Lake Suigetsu Lake Suga The Mihama Town Lake Center is recommended as a base for fully enjoying Mikata Five Lakes tourism. The facility includes a stylish cafe, food outlets such as hot dogs made with venison franks, and an outdoor terrace where you can relax while gazing at the lakes. For those who want to enjoy Mikata Five Lakes from the water, sightseeing boats are recommended. These lake vessels are battery-powered sightseeing boats driven by renewable energy stored from solar panels. They are the first in Japan to operate solely on renewable energy. You can enjoy a guided round-trip cruise of about 50 minutes. Mihama Station rental bicycles are recommended for those who want to enjoy the lakeshore and Mikata Five Lakes. The full five-lake loop, called Goko-ichu, is a cycling course of about 33 kilometers that takes roughly four hours to complete. Feel the breeze of Mikata Five Lakes and savor the different scenery each lake offers. For those who want to enjoy Mikata Five Lakes from the sky, the Mikata Goko Rainbow Line offers spectacular aerial views of all five lakes. This roughly 11-kilometer drive course leads to Rainbow Line Summit Park, which you can reach by lift or cable car. At the summit you can enjoy five different sky terraces featuring panoramic 360-degree views of Mikata Five Lakes and the Sea of Japan, including footbaths and sofa terraces, and you can enjoy sweets and special lunch boxes. You can fully savor Mikata Five Lakes from different perspectives: from the sky (Rainbow Line), from the lake surface (battery-powered sightseeing boat), and around the lakes (cycling)! ◆Introduction to Mihama Town’s sightseeing spots◆ • Shoishohama Beach Mihama Town has seven beaches, and one of the most popular is Shoishohama Beach, selected as one of Japan’s 88 Best Beaches. Its shoreline of fine, shining white sand and emerald-green shallow waters make it a beautiful beach, attracting more than 150,000 beachgoers each year. • Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum This museum lets you learn about the mountain fortress of the Sengoku period, Kuniyoshi Castle Ruins, and the castle town that once surrounded it. A terrain model around Kuniyoshi Castle Ruins introduces the historical townscape. • Roadside Station Wakasa Mihama Hamabiyori Opened in 2023, this roadside station is packed with fresh vegetables, fruits, and local gourmet items from Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture that can only be enjoyed here. It also serves as a tourist information center and a rest stop, making it ideal for a break during your travels. ◆Local specialties of Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆ • Heshiko Heshiko is a traditional fermented local food of Fukui, made by pickling mackerel in rice bran for one year. Its rich flavor is beloved at local dining tables and makes an excellent souvenir. • Seafood Yellowtail, crab, and fugu dishes are recommended winter specialties of Mihama Town. Freshly landed seafood delights many visitors’ palates. Mihama Town has many ryokan and minshuku accommodations where you can enjoy these seasonal fresh seafood for dinner. ◆Events in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆ • Hinata Underwater Tug-of-War Held every January, the underwater tug-of-war is a nationally selected Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property with a history of nearly 400 years. A massive rope 30 cm thick and 40 meters long is stretched across the canal connecting Lake Hiruga and the Sea of Japan. Men wearing headbands pull the rope with great force, praying for a bountiful catch and maritime safety for the year. • Munakata Shrine Benten Festival Held every July, the Munakata Shrine Benten Festival features boats with vivid banners carrying portable shrines; on those boats young men wrestle and roughly toss each other into the sea. ◆We will share recommended sightseeing information for Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture◆ Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture is a town blessed with rich nature and history. We will continue to share useful recommendations so you can fully enjoy sightseeing in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture. Thank you for your support!

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!

Hello! This is the Uenohara City Tourism Association. Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City is a city with a population of about 22,000 located in the easternmost part of Yamanashi Prefecture. It is about 1 hour easily accessible from Shinjuku, Tokyo by Use the JR Chuo Line and Chuo Expressway, so it is an ideal area for Day Trip from Tokyo Central Tokyo. In this COOL JAPAN VIDEOS First Post, we will introduce some of the attractions of Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Please enjoy it until the end. What is ==Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture? == Uenohara City was established in 2005 by the merger of Uenohara Town in Kitatsuru-gun District and Akiyama Village in Minamitsuru-gun District. Surrounded by Yaeyama, Yougai Mountain, Ougiyama, Tsuboyama, Mt.Takatsuka, and Mt. Mito Spring Uenohara City offers spectacular views of nature throughout summer, autumn, and winter. One of the attractions of Uenohara City is that you can experience various outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, camping, fishing, horseback riding, sports, and hot springs. In addition, Momotaro has a strong image of Okayama, but Uenohara City, along with neighboring Otsuki City, also has the "Legend of Otsuki Uenohara Momotaro". Onigashima is Mt. Iwadono in present-day Otsuki City, and there is a legend that Momotaro followed a dog in Uenohara Town, and the place name of Dangozaka is also said to be derived from the legend of Momotaro "Dango". ==Introduction to Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture Tourist Destinations== ・Guntori Shrine It is a shrine with a history of 500 years and is famous as the god of good fortune and Marriage. In addition, since there is a benefit of luck in victory, sports players such as soccer teams also Visit to Prayer in the hope of winning. ・Ichinomiya Shrine Ichinomiya Shrine is surrounded by Cedar trees that are more than 500 years old. It is a shrine with a history that is said to have been founded in 1343. ・Gongen Mountain It is a mountain with an elevation of 1312 meters and has been selected as one of the 100 famous mountains of Yamanashi Hundred Famous Mountains and the three mountains of Kitatsuru. From the top, you can overlook Mount Doshi, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Mitsutoge, and Mt. Undori. ・Mt. Mito It is a mountain with a Elevation of 1,531 meters that spans Okutama Town, Tokyo, Hinohara Village, Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and Kosuge Village, Kitatsuru-gun, and has been selected as a Three Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan, Yamanashi Hundred Famous Mountains, and One Hundred Famous Mountains of Flowers. There are three peaks, the West Peak, the Central Peak, and the East Peak, which is the origin of the name "Mt. Mito". ・Ougiyama It is one of the "top 3 popular mountains" along the JR Chuo Main Line. There is also a mountain trail that even beginners can enjoy. ・Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Uenohara City Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture was used in the filming of Juzo Juzo's 1984 film "Funeral," while the city's Former Shimada Junior High School was used in the filming of the short drama "My Beautiful Man," which aired in 2023, and a commercial for a famous fast-food restaurant. These filming locations have become popular Spots for fans as a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. ==Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture Specialty Products== Uenohara City is famous for its Specialty Products such as Cereals and Sake Manju. In particular, locally Cultivated millet is known for its high nutritional value and good flavor, and is supported by health-conscious people. Sake Manju is also characterized by its unique sweetness and moist texture, which is appreciated by Visitors. ==Introduction of festivals and events in Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City Prefecture== ・Tsukimigaike Benzaiten Festival It is a festival of Benten-sama enshrined in Tsukimigaike every year in July. Visit the Lantern floating and Noryo Fireworks Display held from dusk are visited by many spectators. ・Ushikura Shrine Annual Grand Festival It is a festival held every year in September to give thanks to the gods of agriculture. Mikoshi portable shrines and festival floats procession through the city, making it lively. ・Koshu Meat and Wine Festival Stalls of more than 50 stores and more than 200 brands of wine can be enjoyed at Special venues around JR Uenohara Station for the second time in 2024. It is a popular event that is visit by many people from Central Tokyo. ==Introduction to Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture== There are many historic shrines in Uenohara City, and there are many Spots where you can feel the history, such as the giant Japanese Judas tree at Guntori Shrine and the giant cedar tree at Ichinomiya Shrine. It is also recommended to visit these spots and think about history. Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture, Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture is a town with a rich Rich in nature environment and a deep history. We will introduce recommended Spots that will remain in everyone's memory, so thank you.

Isehara Daijingu Flower Market, Reiwa 6 Saturday, July 6 — 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday, July 7 — 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on both days Seasonal flowers such as morning glories and potted plants will be on sale, and there will be festival booths and food trucks offering shooting-gallery games, yo-yo fishing, cotton candy, and more. A magic show will take place on the 6th, and the Daijingu-dori Shopping Street Lucky Draw and other events will be held on the 7th, making the venue very lively. Come by in the cool of the evening with family and friends. Inquiries: Isehara Daijingu Office 0463-96-1611 3-8-1 Isehara, Isehara, Kanagawa A 10-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit along Chuo-dori

Mountain Isehara Market is on! Event goes ahead in light rain (canceled in severe weather) Sunday, June 23, 2024, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa Access by train and bus Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station Take the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from North Exit bus stop 3, bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I34 or I36, get off at General Sports Park ▪ If you take routes I31 or I37, get off at General Sports Park Entrance and walk 5 minutes * Walking from Isehara Station takes about 45 minutes Access by car ▪ About 30 minutes from Atsugi Interchange on the Tomei Expressway ▪ About 8 minutes from Isehara-Ooyama Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway * Public transport is preferred as congestion is expected; please cooperate by using buses and trains A central stage will feature performances Food tents and kitchen cars Local vegetables will also be on sale A wide variety of booths will be gathered! Lots of delicious treats! Be sure to enjoy Isehara to the fullest!!