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.

The sacred tree that protects Kobe
This photo was taken at Ikuta Shrine in the city of Kobe. Tucked away in the hustle and bustle of the city, this place was like a different world, and the sacred tree that hung there gave me a sense of mysterious power.

Today, June 30, is the last day of the Hydrangea Festival 💠✨
How did you find the hydrangeas at Shimoda Park?
If you have favorite photos, please join our Instagram photo contest 📸💜
To enter, follow the official Shimoda City Tourism Association Instagram and post with these two hashtags: "#Izu Shimoda Onsen Hydrangea Festival 54" and "#Japan’s No.1 Hydrangea Garden 54" — that’s all!
Winners will receive prizes to help them fully enjoy Shimoda 🎁👏

Follow us on Instagram from here 👇
https://www.instagram.com/shimoda_kanko/

Don’t forget to check the blog, too 👀!
https://www.shimoda-city.info/post/20250630

Squid is a piece that I think must be taken over in order to protect the beautiful Rural Scenery.

〈Enjoying Teshikaga〉Local Specialties Edition
Teshikaga offers many fine and delicious local specialties. When you travel to Teshikaga, be sure to check them out. This time, we introduce spots where you can pick up those specialties.
https://masyuko.or.jp/enjoy/?cats=651%2C662

This photo was taken when I went to Ginyama Hot spring.
It was the perfect summer resort for the hot and humid summer.
It was cool near the waterfall as if the cooler was working.

🍑Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan (Peach)– 🚴‍♀️

Enjoy a rewarding ride wrapped in Shinshu’s nature, feeling the breeze as you go.
On the Toyooka Village Cycling Guided Tour – Fruit Sweets Plan – local guides lead you to relish the village’s scenic charms and seasonal flavors.

The seasonal fruit for summer is “peach”!
After cycling along roads lined with orchards, take a break with a special dessert made lavishly with peaches.
The juicy, sweet aroma of peach fills the dessert, offering a blissful treat you can only taste here.

Tour Information
■Meeting Time
12:50 PM
■Duration
About 2 hours 30 minutes
■Distance
Less than 10 km. The tour uses E-BIKES (electric-assist bicycles).
(No electric-assist bicycles for children are available.)
Children who cannot ride a bicycle can use a carrier bike (weight limits and other restrictions apply).
■Group Size
2 to 5 people
※Participation as a single person or groups larger than five can also be discussed.
■Price
Ages 3 and up: JPY 5,000 per person
Ages 0–2: Free (please share the fruit and sweets with an accompanying adult)
※The above price applies when the fruit is “peach.” Prices vary depending on the fruit.
■Inquiries & Reservations
Toyooka Tabijikan 0265-49-3395 (Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM)

You can also see more details on the Toyooka Tabijikan website.
https://www.vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp/tourism/guide-tour/cycling-guide-tour-02/5975/

Fukoji Hydrangeas
❚ Bloom status as of June 27, 2025
Fukoji Temple in Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture.
The hydrangeas overall have passed their peak.
You can now see flowers beginning to wither and colors starting to fade.

Oita Prefecture has announced that the rainy season appears to have ended.

Hydrangea deadheading will take place on July 5, 2025, so hydrangeas can be seen through July 4.
Many visitors came to Fukoji again this year. Thank you very much.

[Location] Kamiozuka, Asaichi, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture
[Access] About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaichi Station
[Parking] Available (free)
[Toilets] Available

❚ Fukoji Temple
The cliff-carved Buddhist statues on the temple grounds, including their base, measure about 11 meters high and are among Japan’s largest cliff carvings. The central giant figure is Fudo Myoo. Fudo Myoo is usually depicted with an angry expression, but years of wind and rain have rounded and softened this carving’s features. Though large, the figure has a very approachable presence.
Fukoji is also called the Hydrangea Temple because so many hydrangeas are planted there. During the rainy season you can enjoy a profusion of hydrangea blooms alongside the cliff carving.
The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and local community.

■■■ Access from central Bungo-Ono City ■■■
About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture
About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture
About 1 hour 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture

■■■■■■■■■■■■
Tourism and recommended spots in Kyushu, Bungo-Ono, Oita Prefecture
■■■■■■■■■■■■

Summer at Minami-Izu is finally here!!!
Starting today (June 28), the ferry service to Hirizo Beach is running!
The ferry to Hirizo Beach, a hidden spot boasting some of the clearest waters in Japan, operates through September 28.

For details on how to apply for the Hirizo Beach Swimming Tour hosted by our tourism association, please see the following.
https://x.gd/ppFn9

For other summer information, please refer to the following.
https://x.gd/Nf4RG

■About the photos shown
Hirizo Beach photo: SAYOKO SUZUKI https://www.instagram.com/izuphoto_345/
Credit is included because unauthorized use is prohibited.

Yusuge Park: Entry from the Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2024
The Minami-Izu Town Photo Contest 2025 is now accepting entries
https://minamiizuphoto.mitte-x.istsw.jp/index.html?cn=131

Hydrangeas of Mamawara Plateau
Myohosenji Temple on Mamawara Plateau is famed for about 20,000 hydrangeas within its precincts. Their peak season typically runs from early to mid July each year. The photo was taken on June 27, and you can see the flowers beginning to color.
Some nearby roads are closed and traffic restrictions apply. The mountain roads are narrow and winding, so please drive with care.
Also, leeches inhabit the temple grounds, so pay attention to your clothing.

https://www.kankouotaki.com/mamembara.html

Now is the Best time to visit! Introducing 🌼 hydrangea spots

The hydrangea Best time to visit in Nagano City is every year late June ~ early July!
You can enjoy a variety of hydrangeas during the rainy season!

(1) Rendaiji Temple
Known as the Temple of young hydrangeas, more than 2,000 colorful hydrangeas color the Precincts in early summer.
There are two places where you can enjoy hydrangeas: around Niomon Gate and on the way to the Main Hall!

【Address】4672 Wakaho Watanai, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
[Car parking lot] available (parking lot in front of Niomon Car about 6 cars)

(2) Choukokuji Temple
It is a History Temple located in Shinonoi Shiozaki, Nagano City. It is also possible to go up by Car to the vicinity.
On the way to the Main Hall, beautiful hydrangeas are blooming here and there.

【Address】878 Shinonoi Shiozaki, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
【Car parking lot】Available (20 large buses allowed)

(3) Zenkoji Temple Water
Hydrangea flowers are also blooming on the banks of the Zenkoji Temple Taira Water that streams along the Sobana River.
Please stop by when you are on your way to and from Zenkoji Temple Prayer or when you suddenly want to feel Nature in the city!

【Address】Around the road in Minaminagano Tsumashina, Oaza
【Car Parking】None

#Hydrangea #Hydrangea #Hydrangea #Nagano #Nagano #Nagano Tourism #Nagano Travel #Nagano #Nagano #naganocity

A view from the summit of Mt. Chogatake in the Northern Alps 😆
This lookout offers spectacular panoramas of the Hotaka range, including Mt. Yari
This morning the clouds were high and the ridgelines should have been visible, but when I arrived the clouds had rolled in… what a shame 😢
The summit was being battered by strong winds, but it still felt amazing
I could also see the Azumino valley below

An observation deck sits atop Mt. Nagamine.
Climb this deck and enjoy 360-degree views, including the Northern Alps 😄.
Please note it will be closed for repainting from June 23 to July 18, so it won’t be available during that time… 😢
If you hike during the day, take care to avoid heatstroke.

Shinano Road in the rain
Bushu Highway Furuya Valleys "Otome Falls"
I went there looking for a superb view in the rainy season ☂️!
I have visited the Yachiho Highlands and Shirakoma Pond in Sakuho Town many times
The atmosphere on a rainy day was good, so I visited to enjoy the Valleys and Fresh greenery.
The stream of the waterfall and the fresh greenery are beautiful, and the rain creates a special feeling of the secluded beauty of the Valleys. Recommended!

💛 A field of canola flowers in Otofuke town, Shimoshiro 💛
Driving by, I saw a sea of yellow!!
The canola flowers filled my view!!
They shone in a beautiful yellow 🌟

air hole
The wind hole is a mysterious rock hole where cool winds blow throughout the four seasons. In summer, fog is generated due to the temperature difference with the outside air, and a mysterious scene appears in front of you.

Around the end of June, the "Himalayan blue poppy" blooms beautifully, which is Cultivation to Use the cold air of the wind hole in the pit dug in front of the wind hole.

Located inside Shanglin Forest Park, there are hydrangeas and autumn leaves planted nearby, and you can enjoy them every season.

It is also famous as a starting point for climbing to Saragamine and Dragon God.
Location: 791-0223 896-24 Kamibayashi, Toon City
Access: 15km by Car from Matsuyama Expressway Kawauchi IC on Prefectural Roads 23 and 209 towards Kamibayashi Forest Park
Car parking lot: Yes
Toilet: Yes

In the forest of Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido

Furnace rice and natto to taste at Wild Camp