Nishinikarishite Returns
Summer 2023
Nishinikarishite took place at GA.KOPPER guesthouse in Nishiokoppe Village.

A day of live-noise bon odori echoed through the whole village of Nishiokoppe.

For its second edition this year, the festivities span two days.

Alongside music, food, and the noise bon odori, the program is packed with ghost stories and shadow puppetry, deer butchering, silk-screen printing and bookbinding workshops, and much more.

On day one the venue is the old school building of the closed Kamiokoppe Elementary School,
and on day two the event moves to guesthouse GA.KOPPER.

Both days open at 10:30 AM, start at 11:00 AM, and finish around 9:00 PM.

Admission is free on day one; day two costs 5,000 yen (free for junior high school students and younger).
After 7:00 PM on day two, entry is free for everyone.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
You may also pay at the reception on the day of the event.
(The price is the same either way.)

The gymnasium of the former Kamiokoppe Elementary School will be open as a rest area at night.

If you want to attend both days but need a place to stay,
please bring a sleeping bag or tent and use the campsite.


For details, check the Nishiokoppe Gakkai account.


#Nishiokoppe Village
#Hokkaido
#Nishinikarishite
#Nishiokoppe Gakkai
#Former Kamiokoppe Elementary School
#GA.KOPPER
#Bon odori
#Noise bon odori
#Feast
#100th anniversary of the village opening

Event announcement📣
July has arrived, and summer is here in earnest — a season full of festivals and events. If you’re free this weekend, why not drop by one of the events taking place? 🤗

📌Saturday, July 5 — Shirohebi-hime Festival at the shore of Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoicho. This theatrical folk performance, created from Ainu traditions, features a 13-meter white snake and a princess dancing in a dreamlike spectacle.
■Time: 17:30–21:15
■Free shuttle bus to the venue: A free shuttle will operate from Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum in Shikaoicho to the lakeside venue using the regular bus route.


📌Sunday, July 6 — The 52nd Pyotan Falls Yamabe Release Festival at Satsunai River Park in Nakasatsunai Village. The day starts with the release of yamabe (a local trout), followed by a Poroshiri drum performance, hands-on workshops, food trucks, and ends with a stage-side edamame toss featuring the village’s specialty edamame.
■Time: 10:00–14:00
■Access: About a 60-minute drive from Obihiro Station


Find other summer events on the Tokachi HARE website under “Events.” Please check the homepage at the URL below 😊

It’s been hot every day, so please take care to avoid heatstroke and enjoy a pleasant weekend 🎵

https://tokachibare.jp/event/

Hello, this is En'emon Folklore Museum. July has arrived and the hot days continue, but Shosenkyo Gorge still feels a little cool.
While the sea’s chill is nice for summer vacation, it’s also a great season to soothe yourself in the mountains with a forest bath, listening to birdsong and relaxing among the green.

Yamanashi has no sea, but the museum holds stones as beautiful as the ocean.
Larimar is one of the three major healing stones, symbolizing love and peace, and it’s perfect for anyone seeking comfort and healing.
Also, Shosenkyo is famous for its quartz, which used to be called a fossil of ice because it feels cool to the touch.
It looks refreshing too, so come and touch it~♪

#Shosenkyo Gorge #Ontake Shosenkyo #Yamanashi Prefecture #Yamanashi #Kofu City #Kofu #Kai City #Kai #scenic spot #Japan’s scenic spots #scenic view #sightseeing #tourist spot #travel #Yamanashi trip #Yamanashi tourism #En'emon Folklore Museum #Shosenkyo Story En'emon Folklore Museum

Notice: Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival

This year too, the Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival will take place over three days from July 7th to July 9th.

Please be aware that some roads will be closed during the festival, so take care when coming to the area.

Come and join the “Iwanai Festival.”😌

*The schedule was referenced from the Iwanai Shrine website.

~Komugibatake~
About a 10-minute walk from Tokachigawa Onsen town
Adjacent to Tokachigaoka Park⭐
Surrounded by fields, this is a farm restaurant where you can enjoy scenery typical of Tokachi!
The shop’s direct-sales corner sells seasonal vegetables and Otofuke Town specialties such as soybeans and azuki beans👏
Come and taste the blessings of nature!

“Hanakku and Hana Road” started on June 28!
Beautiful flowers are in full bloom in front of the Guide Center, at Hanakku, and at the Garden Spa Roadside Station 🌷
Come by and enjoy the colorful flowers 🌸

Event period: Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, July 27

Rokka no Mori

About a 40-minute drive from Tokachigawa Onsen.
A large silo marks the spot ⭐

This is a beautiful forest where the wildflowers depicted on Rokkatei's wrapping paper bloom.
Surrounded by seasonal blossoms, you can enjoy a graceful moment here 🍃
A shop is also on site!
A windbreak forest lines the route, giving a full Hokkaido feel 💯
Please do visit 😊

Hydrangeas on the Mamawara Plateau (photographed on July 3)
They are coloring up nicely. You can enjoy them until around mid-July.
https://www.kankouotaki.com/mamembara.html

Mokoto Pass
Mokoto Pass runs along the north side of Lake Kussharo.
It is a prefectural road connecting Kawayu Onsen to Higashi-Mokoto Village. Not well known as a tourist route, the road nevertheless offers unique, beautiful views from two observation points.
Do visit — you are likely to encounter wonderful scenery.
https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/mokototoge/

[Shinshu Sakuhomachi Nature Immersion Day Tour] 🍃🌿
\A day trip to soothe you in the great outdoors/

Event Date: Sunday, August 3

Highlights
✔︎ Walk around the moss-covered, mystical forest at Shirakoma Pond🌳
✔︎ Tour a long-established sake brewery with tasting experience🍶
✔︎ Lunch featuring local flavors: yamame fish rice bowl and soba set🐟🥢
✔︎ Enjoy shopping at the Roadside Station Visitor Center✨🛣️

Departure and Return Locations
・Sakudaira Station, Asama Exit
・Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center
➡️If you live nearby, meeting and dispersing at the Roadside Station is convenient!

Price: 9,900 JPY per person (tax included), includes lunch
What to bring: comfortable walking shoes, rain gear
Capacity: 25 people (minimum operation 15 people)

Refresh your body and mind as you savor nature’s gifts with all five senses🫧
This charming day tour is perfect for making summer memories🌱

How to Apply / Inquiries
Chikuma Kanko Co., Ltd., Saku Head Office Sales
Phone: 0267-62-1000 (Hours: 10:00–17:00)
※Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during the New Year holidays

Please join us with your family and friends.

If you want to "get PADI Sense in Japan", Hokule'a Shonan!
Hello! This is Hokule'a Shonan.

"I want to get a diving Sense while traveling in Japan"
"I want to take a course in English"
We offer courses that are perfect for guests from overseas in the Kanagawa and Shonan areas.

This time, guests from the United States completed the PADI Open Water Diver Course in 3 days and became divers! 🎉
The first day started with practicing basic skills, and on the last day, I was able to enjoy the sea with confidence.

The course can also be handled in English, so it is safe for foreigners living in Japan and those who are traveling.
In fact, the guests this time were able to communicate smoothly in English and proceed with the course safely and happily.

The training location is IOP (Izu Marine Park) in Higashi-Izu, a popular diving spot that can be reached on a day trip from Tokyo. Diving in the colorful schools of fish and beautiful sandy waters is truly a unique experience in Japan.

Hokule'a Shonan is certified as a PADI 5 Star Dive Center and features small class sizes and attentive instruction.
Even after obtaining Sense, we also provide support for the next step, such as Advanced Open Water Diver and Fun Diving.

✅ Especially for those who would like to recommend
Travelers and business travelers coming to Japan from overseas
Those who want to take diving lessons in English
Those who are interested in Japan's Nature and the sea
For those who are experiencing diving for the first time

Would you like to acquire a PADI Sense that can be used for a lifetime in Japan?
It is easy to access from Tokyo and is perfect for memories of your trip.
Let's experience the "blue world" with us!

#PADIOpenWater #DivingJapan #IOPIzu #ScubaNearTokyo #PADI5Star #JapanTravelTips #ExploreTheBlue #HokuleaShonan #SoloTravelJapan #OceanAdventure

A morning view of Azumino with the Northern Alps in sight
Mount Jonen stands clearly visible
I imagine many climbers are pushing on toward the summit today as well
This is the view from Ohisama Road 😄

Good morning.
This is Azumino, greeting a wonderfully refreshing morning.
The Northern Alps are clearly visible.

In my previous post, I told you that Iyo City, Ehime Prefecture has many historical sites and traditions related to the "Minamoto Hei Battle".
This time, I would like to introduce the second installment, "The Legend of the Five-Colored Princess".

A 15-minute walk from JR Iyo Station towards the sea, there is Thereare "Goshikihime Seaside Park" with a tropical mood lined with palm trees.
In the summer, the beach is crowded with Beachgoers, and a national beach volleyball high school girls' tournament is held every year. Also, in autumn, you can enjoy "Kangetsu Imotaki" in the park.

The area around such a seaside park has been called "Goshikihama" for a long time. A sad legend has been preserved on this name.

Five princesses of the Heike family who were defeated in the Battle of Minamoto and lived in hiding on the beach of Iyo City. One day, Sister Princess sees Aka Squid Ni and remembers the red flag color of the Heike family, which causes her to hold a grudge against Minamoto.

Sister Princess orders her sisters to look for the white Squid Squid, the color of Minamoto's flag, as if it were an enemy of the inn and killed the enemy, but no matter how many days they searched, they could not find the white Squid Ni. The exhausted sisters smear the crab with white powder and give it to the sister princess, but it is soon found out that it is a lie, and the youngest sister is cut by the enraged sister princess.

The grieving sisters throw themselves into the sea, and the remaining sister and princess soon throw herself into the sea with the death of her youngest sister in her arms. The five princesses who died in this way turned into stones of five colors, red, white, green, yellow, and black, and washed up on the beach, so this beach came to be called "Goshikihama".

When it was Maintenance in 1996 (Heisei 8) as "Goshikihime Seaside Park", a "crab square" with five colored stones installed after the legend was established.

In addition, the women's festival "Goshikihime Easter" is Held in every year on the fourth Sunday of March, in reference to the story that when the tears of the people of the land who pity the princesses and wish to come back to life fall on the five-colored stones, the princesses were resurrected from beyond the sea.

There is also a famous confectionery called "Five-Colored Negai Stone" that has been certified as a "more and more Iyoshi brand". The legendary five-colored stone is represented by red beans, green peas, white green beans, sweet corn, and chestnuts. They are wrapped in domestic red beans that have been slowly simmered and soaked in honey. Squid for Souvenirs.

Last June 29th was the opening of the sea, Goshikihime Seaside Park. Summer has finally arrived.
Let's enjoy Bathing in the sea to the fullest on the beach with beautiful white sand and gentle waves!

*Goshikihime Seaside Park*
Address: Ozaki, Iyo City
Contact: Iyo City Hall 089-982-1111 (Representative)

Summer in Japan is very hot, and it is quaint to visit the riverbed to escape the summer.

Dazzling summer light shining through the porch.
This year's heat is in serious mode.
The cat is exploring in search of the last coolness in the sink Water ...?
In the afternoon when the wind chimes do not ring, the silence and heat blend together in the summer of Japan.
"Squid can't be angry about anything with this water...?"

Hello everyone, this ☺ is Kitahiroshima Town in the northwestern part of Hiroshima Prefecture!
We, the Kitahiroshima Town Tourism Association, will broadcasting the charm and latest information of our town.
Thank you for 💛 following and sharing

【What kind of town is Kitahiroshima Town?】 】

In the northwestern part of the Hiroshima Prefecture, in the West China Mountains Elevation 300 Meter to 800 Meter
It is located almost in the center of the Geihoku region, which extends to the basin Highlands, and borders Shimane Prefecture to the north.
Fresh greenery in Spring, Clear streams in summer, Autumn leaves in autumn, and Winter sports in winter are crowded with tourists.
Since ancient times, it has flourished as a relay point connecting Sanyo and Sanin, and in the Middle Ages, it was also a production area of iron sand.
In addition to the many ruins of the Sengoku Warlord Mori clan (Mori-shi) and the Yoshikawa clan,
Folk performing arts such as Kagura and Dengaku, beech forests, Wetlands, flora and fauna, etc.
It is a town where precious and majestic Nature spreads Nature and rural culture is alive.

I want to know more about Kitahiroshima Town! I want to go! For those who say,
Please see ✨ the "Roundabout, Kitahiroshima" Home page and each social media

＼ ✨💠After the Hydrangea Festival💠✨ ／
Starting today, July 2nd, hydrangeas are floating in the monument tank at Izukyū Shimoda Station rotary.💠🫧
The hydrangeas were carefully pruned by the staff in charge of Shimoda Park, and they will remain on display until Wednesday, July 16th.
Even hydrangeas that have passed their peak in the park look fresh and beautiful when floated on the water!
There are especially many blue hydrangeas, which stand out against the summer sky and give a very refreshing impression.🌿🩵
If you are nearby, please stop by and take a look!

*Only authorized personnel have pruned or collected plants within Shimoda Park.
Please refrain from cutting or taking plants from the park.*

■Paella Cooking Experience■

This plan invites you to try making paella with support from a specialist certified by the All Japan Paella Federation.

The venue, Notanohira CampGround, lies deep in Toyooka Village. Far from populated areas, it is a quiet campground set beside the clear Abukawa River.

Relax and refresh to the green trees and the gentle murmur of the river, and enjoy making paella together in a lively atmosphere!

[Plan Details]
■Season
Late April through October

■Meeting Point
Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)

= For those using car navigation =
toyooka travel time
Address: 12407 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village, Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture TEL 0265-49-3395
If the above address does not appear, please set Toyooka Village Central Nursery School as your destination
and come to that location.
Toyooka Village Central Nursery School Address: 12368 Kumashiro, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
10 people (minimum operating number: 5)
If you wish to participate with fewer than 5 people or more than 10 people,
please contact us to discuss arrangements.

■Price (tax included)
For groups of 5 to 10 participants: 5,500 yen per person
If you wish to participate with a different number of people, please contact us.

[Contact: Toyooka Village Tourism Association (toyooka travel time)]
・By phone: 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
・Inquiries via website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Course Details and Schedule (approximately 4 hours)
1) Gather at toyooka travel time 11:00 (payment)

2) Travel to Notanohira CampGround 11:00–11:45 approximately
※Please travel by private car.

3) Arrive at Notanohira CampGround around 11:45

4) Paella making experience and meal 11:45–15:00 approximately

6) Local dismissal at Notanohira CampGround around 15:00

■About the Plan
[About Notanohira CampGround]
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Far from populated areas, you can enjoy a leisurely time amid green trees and the river’s murmur.
Please travel to the campsite by private car.

[About the Paella Cooking Experience]
Participants will make paella with guidance from a certified paellero (paella chef) accredited by the All Japan Paella Federation.
Specialists from the Japan National Paella Contest Team, members of Paella Mania Cup winning teams, and other authentic paella experts will teach you, offering a special hands-on experience.

[Combining with Other Activities]
It is possible to combine this plan with other activities.
We particularly recommend pairing it with the Pothole Tour, where you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest pothole sites.

[Clothing]
・Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for active movement
※You may use the changing room and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers are available at the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility.
(300 yen)

■How to Inquire and Apply
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the website.
Phone: toyooka travel time 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/paella-making-experience/

■Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is possible until 6:00 PM four days before the experience date.
Cancellations after that time will incur a 100 percent cancellation fee.

■Pothole Tour■

Deep inside Toyooka Village, at the foot of Mt. Kimen, you can enjoy river play at one of Japan’s largest potholes.

Dive headfirst into a plunge pool or float and relax.

Refresh yourself to the fullest in the emerald-green summer stream.

Our guide staff will support you. You may join with children.

We recommend combining this with a paella-cooking experience at Nodaira Campground!

【Plan Details 】
■Season
Around July to early September
※If you prefer dates outside the above period, please consult us.

■Meeting place
General Incorporated Association Toyooka Village Tourism Association (Toyooka Tabi Jikan)

＝ For those using car navigation ＝
《Toyooka Tabi Jikan》
Address: 12407 Kamiine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture
TEL 0265-49-3395
※If the above address does not appear, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School and come to that location.
《Toyooka Village Central Nursery School》 Address: Kamiine 12368, Toyooka Village TEL: 0265-35-4953

■Capacity
8 people (minimum number to hold tour: 2 people)
※If only one person or more than eight people wish to participate, please consult us.

■Price (tax included)
Per person: 5,000 yen
※If you use the showers at Nodaira Campground, an additional 500 yen per person is required.

■Course details and schedule
① Meet at Toyooka Tabi Jikan
9:30 (payment)

② Travel to Nodaira Campground
Around 9:30–10:10
※Please travel by private car.

③ Arrive at Nodaira Campground
Around 10:10

④ Walk to the pothole area
Around 10:15–10:45

⑤ Stream walk and river play at the pothole
Around 10:45–12:15

⑥ Return to Nodaira Campground and dismiss on site
Around 12:45

■About the plan
【About Nodaira Campground】
It is about a 40-minute drive from the center of Toyooka Village.
Leaving populated areas behind, you can enjoy a relaxed time surrounded by green trees and the sound of the river.
Please travel to the campground by private car.

【About the pothole “Daimyojin Fuchi”】
In Abukawa Gorge there is one of Japan’s largest giant potholes, measuring seven meters in diameter.
A pothole forms when stones on the riverbed rotate in the current and gradually carve into the bedrock over long years.

【Can be combined with other activities】
You can combine the pothole tour with a paella-cooking experience or a guided cycling tour. Please inquire for details.

【Clothing and items to bring】
● Quick-drying clothing (recommended: garments with minimal skin exposure) e.g., rash guard
● Change of clothes
● Shoes that can get wet (recommended: those that do not come off easily) e.g., marine shoes
※You may use the changing rooms and lockers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility before and after the tour.
※For an additional fee, showers at Nodaira Campground are available (500 yen).
※For an additional fee, showers inside the Toyooka Village Tourism Association facility are available (300 yen).

■Inquiries and reservations
Please apply by phone or via the inquiry form on the Toyooka Tabi Jikan website.

Phone number: Toyooka Tabi Jikan 0265-49-3395 (9:00–18:00)
Website: https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/pothole-tour/

At the National Bihoku Hillside Park (Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture), the hydrangeas that color the early summer in Japan are in Best time to visit! ✨

About 100 varieties and 10,000 "hydrangeas" planted in the Hiba-no-Sato hydrangea garden and Japanese cedar trees are in Best time to visit! Best time to visit is expected to continue until early July.

Hydrangea flowering status (as of June 29)
【Name】Hydrangea
【Flowering state】Best time to visit
【Flowering period】Mid-June ~ mid-July *Best time to visit is ~early July
【Flowering place】Hiba no Sato, Hydrangea Garden, Japanese cedar trees
Number of units: Approx. 10,000 shares

【Place】National Bihoku Hillside Park
【Address】4-10 Mikkaichi Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture
【Contact】National Bihoku Hillside Park TEL 0824-72-7000

Click here for details▽
https://www.shobara-info.com/news/5133

Meeting the "Flower That Brings Happiness," Kirengeshoma — Summer Hikes up Mt. Kurodake

Around Obon, the elusive Kirengeshoma begins to bloom quietly in the mountains 🌼
Listed as Vulnerable (Category II) on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List and thrust into the spotlight by an NHK morning drama, this flower is said in local lore to bring happiness to those who see it.

Kirengeshoma once grew in large colonies around Morotsuka Village and Mt. Kurodake, but its numbers have drastically declined due to deer browsing.
Now, it survives only in limited areas where local residents continue conservation efforts.

Mt. Kurodake is designated an Important Habitat by Miyazaki Prefecture, and besides Kirengeshoma it shelters many rare Kyushu mountain plants and wildlife, making it a precious natural treasure.

On this hiking tour, local guides will accompany you, pointing out rare plants and offering nature interpretation so you can fully savor the rich forest.

🟡 Tour Overview: Mt. Kurodake Hike
📅 Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, August 23–24, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 Meeting Point: Obarai Community Center (escort from Shiitake no Yakata 21 available)
🎒 Eligibility: Ages 3 and up (minimum 4 participants to run / maximum 10)
💰 Fee: Adults ¥5,000 / Children ¥4,000 (lunch and guide fee included)
📝 Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 16

Hike Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers)
🌱 Please wear comfortable clothing and hiking boots or non-slip athletic shoes.

A special summer day to meet the elusive flower.
We look forward to your participation!

Teshikaga Day-Trip Baths Guide
Teshikaga offers many hot springs with free-flowing natural source water. With options ranging from public baths to hotel hot springs, you can choose a day bath that suits your preference.
Here is a roundup of recommended day-trip baths in Teshikaga. ♨️

https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=663%2C669

Midsummer in Teshikaga
Spots you should definitely visit 🐻☕️

📍Sakhalin Spruce Nature Trail
___________________________

A walking trail behind Kawayu Visitor Center (ig: @kawayu_vc). It’s an authentic forest you can drop into easily. Staff at the facility can provide a 20–30 minute guided walk on request.✨ This season is especially recommended as gozentachibana moves from white flowers to red berries.
On the second-floor cafe (ig: @cafesoftwood) you can enjoy meals and tea, so you can make the most of your visit to Kawayu Visitor Center.🍙🌿

https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/eco_museum/

I had an errand and early in the morning, and when I left the house at about 5 o'clock, I was able to take a picture of Hikone Castle standing against a golden background caused by the sunrise.

The Northern Alps taken from inside a car.
The cars don't stop, and I can't get this view out of my head when I pass the tracks.

Ikuta Shrine. Marriage Water Lottery.

I was so fascinated by the scenery immersed in water that I hurriedly pulled up.

It is a tree near the Menkawakei in Kumakogen town, Ehime Prefecture. I felt a very free Nature of young greenery clinging to the trees that Raised grow over a long period of time.

This is Maruike from Yuza Town, Yamagata Prefecture. This pond, which has a color of both blue and green, has been carefully protected since ancient times, and seemed to create a special space with the surrounding Nature. On the last day of my trip to Tohoku, I visited in the evening. Visiting the site after seeing the dynamic mountains and nature of Tohoku, I was very surprised and impression by this pond with a diameter of only 20 meters. I think it was the color of this picture, and I think it was bluer. It is a scenery that I would like to see again.

The current situation of the Ashio Copper Mine, which became a bald mountain due to the Ashio Copper Mine Poisoning Incident. Thanks to tree-planting volunteers who have been passed down to young people who can do hard work, greenery is reviving in Ashio.