Traditional Japanese straw raincoat in the coming season Nagoya, Aichi

We’ll share the charms of Suwa City in Nagano Prefecture!!! ⇒ YouTube “Suwa City Official Channel” @TheCityofSuwa First, we start with “What kind of place is Suwa?!” — we hope this sparks your interest. Also, we’ve made an amazing promotional video!!! Suwa offers seasonal delights year-round. In spring, enjoy cherry blossom viewing and hikes amid fresh green mountains; Kirigamine offers spectacular views from Nagikama Shrine, and in summer you can admire daylilies (nikkokisuge). At the heart of the Suwa Basin lies the symbol, Lake Suwa. In summer you can kayak on Lake Suwa, take a sightseeing boat, or ride the new cycling road that even children can enjoy 🚵. Best of all is the Suwa Lake Festival’s lakeside fireworks display, one of Japan’s top events 🎆. In autumn, savor Suwa’s fermented gastronomy—miso—plus the local specialty, Shinshu Suwa miso tempura rice bowl. Enjoy sake from Suwa’s five breweries, made with Kirigamine’s exceptional spring water 🍶. In winter, experience the ice ridges called Omiwatari and try wakasagi smelt fishing 🎣. Warm up and soothe your tired body at Kami-suwa Onsen♨ Suwa truly offers the best all year round♪ In times of need, people turn to “Osuwa-sama.” There are over 10,000 branch shrines across Japan, and the head shrine, Suwa Taisha, is here ⛩. A roughly six-minute introduction video can’t cover everything... Suwa is more than just the Onbashira Festival!!! Come visit and experience Suwa for yourself♪ We look forward to seeing you!

Meigetsu-in Temple 2020.06.12 When a state of emergency was declared and I couldn't go out of the prefecture. Even at Meigetsu-in Temple, it was written that only people living in Kanagawa could enter. Thanks to this, I was able to take pictures that did not show many people.

Oarai Isosaki Shrine no Kamiiso no Torii shrine gate 2024.01.06 Here, for the first time, I was able to take a picture of the sun rising from the horizon. This is Daruma Asahi.

The sculptures at the Chichibu Treasure Climbing Shrine were gorgeous, and I couldn't help but take a picture. The fineness of the carvings and the vividness of the colors are all wonderful. It is a workmanship that makes you feel Cool Japan.

Photographed 5/25/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Cherry blossoms on the approach to Makari Shrine. And farmers during the busy season? Cycling with my daughter every year! Pray to God for safety!

It is a wonderful approach to Makari Shrine near my house, ^^ Annual event to cycle here! Pray to God for my daughter's safety!

Photographed 5/24/24. The weather was nice, so we took a walk in Kawagoe. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Today I attended the opening festival of Kirigamine. The weather was fine and surprisingly warm. In the second photo, majestic Mt. Fuji also peeked out to welcome us. Even so, just climbing up to the Kirishōtō bell tower made me sweat profusely.💦 For the first time in three years, the opening ceremony returned outdoors.🏔 Many people attended, and we were able to hold the festival. At the opening, members of the Kirigamine Glider Association launched a glider right at 9:00.🛩 It climbed to about 1,900 meters shortly after takeoff. Because it was a glider, it lifted off very quietly.🛫 If there were no weight limits, I would love to try it at least once!!! At the ceremony, the head priest of Tenaga Shrine prayed for the safety of visitors, everyone who passes through Kirigamine, and all those connected to Kirigamine. Please be sure to visit the Kirigamine Nagikama Shrine, one of Suwa’s hidden scenic spots I introduced before! When you come to Kirigamine or Suwa, please drive safely.🚙=3

When I visited Takashima Castle around Golden Week, local junior high students were there sketching the castle. Approaching the wisteria, a wonderfully sweet scent filled the air. Before I knew it, honeybees and carpenter bees had come to gather nectar🐝—even I, as a person, was drawn in by that lovely fragrance!!! I don’t understand why the demons in Demon Slayer would be afraid of such beautiful flowers, haha. I think they’re gorgeous. I recommend taking shots from beneath the wisteria trellis!!! Surprisingly, I didn’t know—despite being a local—that wisteria blooms were even in the pond... Takashima Castle, I’m sorry... Looking at the whole display of wisteria that day, to my amateur eye it seemed about 70% in bloom. On the grounds stands a rare Gokoku Shrine⛩ whose architecture resembles that of Suwa Taisha. It seems to have some unusual carvings. I think Golden Week is generally the best time to visit every year, when you can see them at their most beautiful. The castle, the park, and the wisteria—please come and visit next year; we’ll be waiting for you!

Nagikama Shrine⛩ The other day I visited Nagikama Shrine on Kirigamine for the first time. Last year I heard about Nagikama Shrine, which had replaced its wooden torii with a stone monument, and I had planned to visit after the snow melted. A passing comment from my wife, who loves Kirigamine, finally prompted us to go. As someone who loves the Onbashira festival, I’ve grown fond of visiting shrines, and I had long wanted to see Nagikama Shrine, so I took my camera and headed for Kirigamine at last. We parked in the lot below the ski area and followed directions toward the Glider Museum, but unsure of the way and hesitating, I spotted a small sign in front of the museum reading Nagikama Shrine 0.5 km and followed it. It felt a bit farther than expected. Together with my wife and our two children, we walked for several minutes, enjoying Kirigamine’s nature, until we saw the stone monument marking Nagikama Shrine. As a shrine, a torii would feel more fitting, but the stone monument had its own charm. The approach was neatly covered with wood chips, making for a very pleasant walk. When we reached the small shrine, the view took my breath away. It was a scene that excited me like I hadn’t felt in a long time. The clear weather that day only amplified the spectacle. Below stretched the Suwa Basin, the serene Lake Suwa sat beautifully, the Central Alps rose ahead, the Northern Alps to the right, the Southern Alps to the left with sacred Mt. Fuji beside them, and Yatsugatake behind to the left. A shrine that offers a view of so many mountains at once may be rare in Japan, I thought.🏔 As a self‑declared Seeker of Suwa’s Best Views, this vista immediately made my list of top spots. Tateishi Park offers a sweeping view of the Suwa plain and is very scenic, but Nagikama sits at a higher elevation and has an indescribable beauty. I felt it would be a shame to keep this to myself, so I’m sharing it here. The shrine’s goshuin (stamp) is newly available, so anyone touring Suwa’s shrines or visiting Kirigamine should definitely stop by. If the weather is clear, you won’t regret it! ・Enshrined deities: Takeminakata no Okami, also known as Osuwa‑sama: god of martial valor and abundant harvests ・Oyamatsumi no Okami: god of industry and maritime affairs, and further revered as the ancestral deity of sake brewing ・Ashinazuchi no Okami and Tenazuchi no Okami ⇐ Kushinadahime: parents of Kushinadahime, wife of Susanoo no Mikoto A nagikama (a sacred implement shaped like a sickle) discovered at the ruins of the former Misayama is dedicated here. After the main pillars for the Onbashira are selected, the nagikama is hammered onto those pillars. Curiously, this practice occurs only on the Onbashira of Suwa Taisha Upper Shrine. The nagikama has a shape resembling a rooster’s head and is considered one of Suwa Taisha’s sacred treasures. The nagikama is enshrined inside the hokora, so please take a look along with the spectacular view. Suwa Taisha also offers nagikama amulets♪

It is a large drum at the Suwa Grand Shrine in Shinshu Suwa. In addition to the size, the gorgeous pattern on the body is worth seeing. This kind of attention to detail is Cool Japan. Why don't you visit once?

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

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

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

Photographed 5/15/24. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine Sando.

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. It seems that 5/15 is the annual festival of the pox shrine in Setsha. The photo was taken on May 3, and the moeki-colored sea bream lottery was gone today.

Photographed 4/8/24. This is the scenery of the approach to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. It is a very beautiful flower, but what kind of flower?

Ise Jingu Shrine that I went to for the First Pilgrimage to the Shrine! !! Both the outer and inner shrines are lush with greenery, and you can feel the natural taste and divinity from ancient times, and it is truly Power Spot, and I think that you should definitely go with someone who wants to have a relationship with you *^^* To get to the Inner Shrine, you need a bus from the Outer Shrine, but you can get to the Outer Shrine from Osaka Namba to Ise City without changing trains on the Kintetsu Limited Express, so I think it is easy to access from the Kansai area. If you also visit the Inner Shrine, it is also recommended to taste Specialties dishes such as Ise Udon noodles from Ise Specialties and beef skewers from Matsusaka beef at Okage Yokocho, which is a stone's throw away.

How do you do! This is the Togakushi Tourist Association. Togakushi, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture was created in 2005 when Togakushi Village was incorporated into Nagano City. Access from Nagano Station is about 60 minutes by bus without transfer, and it is also a well-located tourist destination. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended information on Togakushi, Nagano City! Best regards. ==Legend of Togakushi, Nagano City== Nagano City Togakushi is steeped in myths and legends. Mt. Togakushi Mountain is revered as the home of the nine-headed dragon, the god of water, and has been worshipped and flourished by many people since ancient times. ==Togakushi Shrine and Togakushi Kodo == One of the tourist spots in Togakushi is Togakushi Shrine. It is a shrine with a history of about 2,000 years that was founded in the foot of Mt. of Togakushi Mountain, and consists of five shrines: Okusha Shrine, Naka Shrine, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hino-Mikosha. It is a temple where many Shukubo have gathered since ancient times, and there are many attractions such as the scenery of cedar trees over 400 years old on the Okusha Shrine approach, and many worshippers visit throughout the year. The road that connects Togakushi Shrine Okusha Shrine and Zenkoji Temple in the center of Nagano City is the "Togakushi Kodo" carved out by Shugenja. The ancient road is dotted with famous places and old sites such as "Ichinotorii first torii", "Fushi-wogamisho", and "Inkstone", and you can trace the trajectory of Togakushi's faith and culture by walking. ==Popular tourist destinations in Togakushi, Nagano City== In Togakushi, Nagano City, there are other recommended sightseeing spots besides Togakushi Shrine. Here is a brief introduction to some of them. ・Kagami Pond At 1,200 meters Elevation, the Kagami Pond offers a beautiful view of the mirroring of Togakushi mountain range on the surface of the pond. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. ・Mt. Mt.Iizuna It is one of the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu and has an elevation of 1,917 meters. There are three mountain trails: the Togakushi Ski Resort Koshimizu slope, the West Trail, and the South Trail. The Trekking course takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes each way, so even beginners can enjoy climbing. ・Togakushi Ski Resort It is a ski resort where you can enjoy Togakushi in winter, and from the top of the mountain you can see Mt. Togakushi Mountain, Mt. Takatsuma, and the Northern Alps. Slope with 19 mountain trails of smooth powder snow can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. ==Beloved Specialty Products of Togakushi, Nagano City== Togakushi Soba, which has been passed down with a long history and unique techniques, is one of Japan's Three Great Soba Noodles. It is also known as a popular Specialty Products for its traditional crafts and Togakushi Bamboo Crafts, in which a single craftsman consistently finishes everything from collection to processing using Chishimazasa, which grows naturally in the Togakushi. These Specialty Products are created by the rich nature of Togakushi and traditional techniques. It is also recommended as a souvenir when sightseeing in Togakushi. ==Accommodations in Togakushi, Nagano City== When sightseeing in the Togakushi of Nagano Prefecture, we recommend Use Shukubo as a memory of your trip. Shukubo is a temple or shrine accommodations where you can enjoy a beautiful historic appearance and traditional Vegetarian cuisine. Shukubo, Minshuku, Pension, Hotel, etc. are also available, so please Use the Accommodations that suit your travel plan. ==Enjoy your trip to Togakushi, Nagano City== Togakushi, Nagano City, is an area that is attractive for its mysterious natural landscape, rich history, faith and culture, and local specialty products. Come and spend a peaceful time and feel the beauty of nature and the depth of history. We will continue to send out recommended information about Nagano City Togakushi, so please follow us!

The Great Torii shrine gate gate of Itsukushima Shrine The Great Torii shrine gate, which can be said to be the symbol of Itsukushima Shrine, was built in 1168 Nian 3 with the assistance of Taira Kiyomori, famous for "The Tale of the Heike".

Sendai Domain Ancestor Date Masamune Koreiya Zuihoden Built in 1637, this building is the shrine of Prince Date Masamune It is a gorgeous mausoleum building that retains the relics of the Azuchi-Momoyama culture that lasted from 1568 ~ 1600, and was designated as a national treasure in 1931 It was later destroyed by fire, but it was rebuilt in 1979 and still faces the land of Sendai from a hill

Tsubosaka-dera Temple where you can enjoy the four seasons. Spring, of course, cherry blossoms are in full bloom. However, it is not 😅 blessed with very sunny weather Takaichi-gun, Nara Tsubosaka-dera Temple

Photographed 3/28/24. This is the love water of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. It is said that it is handmade by a priestess.

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Izu Shirahama Tourism Association! Shimoda City Shirahama is located at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula and is a tourist destination with abundant nature and beautiful sea. Access to Shimoda City Shirahama ・ Direct connection from JR Tokyo Station, about 2 hours 45 minutes by Use Limited Express Odoriko ・Use Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station for about 2 hours and 30 minutes ・About 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Tomei Atsugi Interchange ・About 2 hours by car from Tomei Numazu Interchange It has become. Shirahama in Shimoda City is the finest resort area closest to the city center, and three unique beaches await you. As the name suggests, it is a series of beautiful white sand beaches, offering a paradise-like experience for those who visit it. ■■Recommended Beaches in Shirahama, Shimoda City■■ ◇Shirahama Ohama Beach Beaches is the largest beach on the Izu Peninsula, stretching for about 800 meters from north to south, with vast white sand. The most popular beach in the Shirahama area, with its pure white sand and sky blue, is visited by many beachgoers of all ages and genders. Along the national highway that runs in front of Shirahama Ohama Beach, there are rental shops and restaurants selling marine goods such as parasols and summer beds. ◇Shirahama Central Beach It is a Beaches that has been selected as "88 best bathing beaches in Japan" and "100 best bathing beaches in Japan". There is also a rocky area, so you can enjoy playing on the beach. In addition, it is surrounded by a breakwater and the waves are calm, so it is safe for children. ◇Shirahama Itado Beach Isshiki Coast It is a coast to the north of the Shirahama coast. The island called Ryugu Island is surrounded by a beach, so it is ideal for playing on the beach. You can also enjoy Diving with bare hands, snorkeling and fishing in the Cove. Shirahama in Shimoda City is also a popular spot for surfers, and even beginners can rest assured when the waves are Small time. Come and enjoy the Beaches, surfing, and beautiful sunset on the coast of Shirahama in Shimoda City. ■■Recommended sightseeing spots in Shirahama, Shimoda City■■ ◇Shirahama Shrine Located between the Shirahama Ohama Coast and the Shirahama Central Coast, it is the oldest shrine on the Izu Peninsula with a history of 2400 years. The god of Marriage and God of childbirth is enshrined. ◇Shirahama Cherry Blossom Village In the park near Shirahama Shrine, you can see about 100 cherry trees, including the early blooming "Shirahama Ikona" that begins to bloom in late January and the "Shirahama Cherry Blossom" that begins to bloom in late February. From the observatory in the park, you can enjoy a superb view of the white beach below. ◇ Mihogasaki Promenade If you go down to the seaside from the promenade, which is about 2 minutes by car from Shirahama, you will find the "Mihogasaki Ruins" where scented balls made around the 5th century were discovered. ◇Mt. Takane Elevation is 343 meters, and you can enjoy climbing for about 20 minutes to the top. From the top, you can overlook the Shirahama coast, Izu Nanashima, the cityscape of Shimoda City, and Mt. Fuji. 、 ■■Recommended event Information for Shirahama, Shimoda City■■ ◇ Shirahama Aloe Flower Festival Shirahama is also an aloe production area due to its warm climate, and the Itado District is called "Aloe Village" because the entire area is dyed bright red during the flowering season from December to January. During this flowering period, the "Aloe Flower Festival" is held. At the Aloe Village, where the event will be held, shops will be lined up and Specialty products such as aloe products and Sanma sushi will be sold. Enjoy Shirahama's exquisite gourmet food. ◇Izu-Shirahama Sea Festival Noryo Fireworks Display It is a summer tradition in Shirahama held every July. The fireworks festival that colors the summer night sky is crowded with many tourists every year. In 2023, 1173 fireworks were launched. ■■Features of Shirahama, Shimoda City■■ Shirahama in Shimoda City is an attractive area with its beautiful sea and rich nature. You can enjoy the feeling of a tropical country with the beautiful blue sea of white sand and white sand beaches. There are many Accommodations in Shirahama such as hotels, minshuku, inns, Pension, and guest House. Use it according to your travel plan! COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended Information on Shimoda City Shirahama, so thank you.

Inari-san Inari Inari Daimyojin in a corner of Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It just so happened that when I was waiting for people at the meeting, a student came to visit. I was seriously praying, but I wonder what I was praying for in the rain Gari

When I visited the Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine, the Aoi Dancers were demonstrating the shrine.

It is a night view of Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture. Ebesan of Nishinomiya. Once upon a time in this place. And I pray that you will continue to sit in this place in the future. The daytime scenery is wonderful, but I also like the night view. I would like to better express the contrast between the illuminated vermilion and the shadows.

Photographed 5/1/24. It is a one-year cheap sea bream lottery of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The dark green color is said to be Tokiwagi.