"koto.koto." 🍴💕 Located on a street called Hiroko alley in Mikuni Minato, "koto.koto." is a restaurant ✨ where you can enjoy macrobiotic rice and healthy sweets based on the concept of "body, joy, and feast" The interior of the storehouse, which was renovated five years ago in the Meiji era, is a 💁🏻 ♀️ wonderful space that retains the atmosphere of that time When you hear the word "macrobiotics", "It looks good for your body", "Diet meals" or "Will you be full?", etc., what people who usually care about beauty and health eat! Squid may have 👀 a strong image Of course, if you are such a person! However, the rice of "Kototo" is so satisfying that I am surprised that "this is macrobiotics!?", and everything is very satisfying 🥰, including the ingredients, cooking, and appearance In particular, the Popular "Car Cutlet" for lunch is exquisite ✨ The savory flavor crisped with brown Rice flour is addictive! In addition, sweets using Rice flour and amazake are also available 💕. The "Chiffon Mr./Ms." made with brown Rice flour and soy cream in the photo has a fluffy texture 🥰 that you wouldn't think of as brown Rice flour After having a delicious and healthy meal with "Kototo", you will really feel that your body is in order... ✨ When you come nearby, please enjoy ☺♪ the retro towns of Mikuni Port and the "feast of joy in the body" ◌◍┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⿻*.· koto.koto. Fukui Sakai City Mikuni Town Minami Honmachi 3-3-34 TEL：0776‐82‐2000 Business days: Wednesday 　　　　Thursday 　　　　Friday 　　　　Saturday Business hours:11:30~16:00 Lunch and café menus are available for takeout! ◌◍┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⿻*.·

Fukui: 💗 Lots of love! Welcome to Sakai City! In front of the Mikuni Station Tourist Information Center on the Echizen Railway Mikuni Station A local capsule toy is now available 🤩🎉. There are two patterns of shapes, an acrylic stand and an acrylic object, and there are a total of 9 types Restrooms available of patterns, and ✌️✨ there are a lot of cute sights and Specialties that are perfect for Fukui souvenirs. You can only get the Hokuriku Shinkansen W7 series and Fukui Station designs at Fukui Station, Nanjo SA, and Mikuni Station Sightseeing Information Center 👀! Squid 💗 for memories and souvenirs of your trip Please feel free to stop by ☺️

This Spring Renewal 📢 "Wind Forest" Located on a small hilltop in Mikuni Town, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, it is a popular inn as a tourist base.•* ̈* 🍀 The wallpaper in the Inside the Museum uses precious Katsugaya stone, which is also used for the tiles of Maruoka Castle, and Echizen washi paper, which is counted as one of the three Daiwa papers in Japan. The interior of the newly renovated guest room 1 room has a glossy lacquered floor and Echizen washi wallpaper. 💎 It has 😌🪄 a profound and modern Japanese atmosphere The orange sunset that can be seen from the guest room is sure 🌅👌🏻✨ to heal your tired mind and body Restrooms available are large public baths with open-air baths and Roux with semi-open-air baths ♨️ For dinner, we recommend 🍴✨ eating out courses that you can choose from miyoshiro teppanyaki, S'Amuser French, Birdland Italian, Ushiwakamaru yakiniku, etc. You can 👍🏻✨choose from a wide variety of partner stores that Representative the gourmet Towns︎ ́- 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 Forest of the Wind 〒913-0048 4-5-16 Midorigaoka, Sakai City Mikuni Town, Fukui TEL：0776-97-9880 Reservations 9:00~19:00 Check-in/15:00 Check-out/10:00 Parking: Free 8 cars All rooms are equipped with WIFI ◈ Japanese modern 12 tatami Roux 1 room new! ◈ Roux with double semi-open-air bath 1 room ◈Japanese-style room 12 tatami Roux 4 rooms 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍

Sakai City's uniqueness shines. Official character⭐ "Hoyamaru Sakai" What is "Sakai Hoyamaru"? 🔍👀 An apprentice detective dog Pomeranian 🐾 who is an official character of Sakai City who just exploded on March 23 and is looking for the "uniqueness" of Sakai City Although I am looking for "uniqueness" in Tojinbo and Maruoka Castle, I'm not good at heights and I tremble ... ꒰ᐢ´• ·̭ •`ᐢ꒱💦 The hat with the image of columnar joints "Tohiro hat" is a charm point ⭐ Please come 🍮🐾 to "Sakai Hoyamaru"

【Kiso Town, Otaki Village】Mt. Kiso Ontake has opened! On Monday, July 1, the opening ceremony of Mt. Kiso Ontake was held at the Ontake Ropeway in Mitake, Kiso Town, in the 6th year of Reiwa 2024 Reiwa 6. Although it was raining heavily on the day, Local officials gathered at the Ropeway Center House to pray for the safety of the mountain this season. As a result, the entry restrictions around Kengamine have been relaxed, and it is now possible to climb the summit until 10/16 Wednesday. * Regarding Otaki Exit, the Mountain trail from Tanohara Haruka Worship Hall will be deregulated from 7/10 Wednesday. This year marks 10 years since the 2014 Eruption disaster. Let's not forget the disaster, keep in mind that Mt. Ontake is an active volcano, and climb safely and happily. Don't forget to report your climbing. ♦ For more information about Kurosawaguchi, please visit the official website of Kiso town ♦ For more information about Otaki Exit, please visit the official website of Otaki village. Please check.

Kono Summer Festival 20th Anniversary of the Merger!! Put the best thoughts on it Kono's fireworks, opening party! In a fantasy world that colors the night sky Spend a special time with your loved ones. Date & Time: Saturday, July 27, 2024 Reiwa 6 　　　　* In case of stormy weather, it will be postponed to the next day. Place: Minami Echizen Town Korakujo Beaches Contents Open stalls Village from 4 p.m. 　　　　Fireworks start at 8 p.m. Contact us 　　　　Minami Echizen Town Tourism and Town Planning Division 　　　　TEL　0778-47-8002

Nagaoka Fireworks 3 Shaku Jade 1945 Showa 20, the "Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival" was Held in the following year as a memorial to those who died in the Nagaoka air raid on August 1 and to pray for the reconstruction Origin of Nagaoka, Restrooms available later the 2nd and 3rd were designated as "fireworks festival Days" and are still passed down to this day. Taken from about 5 km away, it is a masterpiece 3 shaku Jade

Nice to meet you! We are Fukui Prefecture DMO Sakai Tourism Bureau. Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture is a charming area where rich nature, beautiful landscapes, and history and culture intersect. Sakai City lies in northern Fukui Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. In our Cool Japan video, we will introduce Sakai City’s recommended sightseeing spots, local specialties, and historical background in detail. We appreciate your interest! ■■■ Access Rail and car travel provide convenient access to Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. The opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen has improved access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. From JR Awara-Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Main Line, buses run to various locations around the city, making it easy to reach sightseeing spots. You can also drive via the Hokuriku Expressway, using Kanazu I.C. or Maruoka I.C. ■■■ Nature and Scenery Sakai City offers many beautiful natural landscapes. The most famous is Tojinbo. Tojinbo is a series of sheer cliffs jutting into the Sea of Japan; formed over more than 10,000 years, its dramatic scenery overwhelms visitors. Nearby is Mikuni Port, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. ■■■ History and Culture Sakai City is also rich in history and culture. During the Edo period, Mikuni prospered as a port for Kitamae-bune trading ships. The historic townscape of Mikuni Minato remains preserved today, and a stroll there evokes the atmosphere of the Edo era. The Mikuni Festival, held every May, features ornate floats parading through the streets and draws many visitors. ■■■ Local Specialties and Gourmet Food Sakai City offers many delicious dishes made with local ingredients. Especially famous is Echizen crab. In winter, visitors flock to savor freshly caught Echizen crab. Also exceptional are Mikuni Port’s sweet shrimp, Fukui-grown Koshihikari rice, Wakasa beef, and Echizen soba, allowing you to fully enjoy local flavors. ■■■ Sightseeing Spots Sakai City has plenty of attractions beyond its history and nature. Below are popular sights in Sakai City with their highlights. ■ Tojinbo Tojinbo, one of Fukui Prefecture’s premier attractions, has served as the filming location for many dramas. Facing the Sea of Japan, the cliffs rise more than 20 meters high and extend roughly one kilometer, presenting overwhelming natural beauty. Such extensive columnar jointing is rare worldwide and is listed among the world’s three great columnar formations. The sight of cliffs over 20 meters tall in succession is worth seeing. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise—the cliffs glowing in the sunset are unforgettable. ■ Mikuni Minato This historic port town prospered in the Edo period as a Kitamae-bune port. The nostalgic old streets remain, offering a pleasant historical stroll. Notable sights include the former Kishina family residence, the former Morita Bank head office, and Mikuni Shrine. You can also taste fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and Mikuni’s spicy soba topped with grated karami daikon (hot radish). ■ Maruoka Castle Also called Kasumi-ga-jo, Maruoka Castle is famous for having one of Japan’s oldest surviving main keeps. Built in 1576, it still stands today and is designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and a National Important Cultural Property. In spring, cherry trees around the castle bloom beautifully, and the site is selected among Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots for hanami. ■ Shibamasa World A large family-oriented amusement park spanning 560,000 square meters. It features one of the country’s largest dinosaur attractions and an indoor play area called Kids Paradise, making it a theme park you can enjoy all day. In summer, it operates one of Japan’s largest resort pools and offers limited-time night pools. Golf, barbecue, and other year-round activities are also available. ■ Echizen Matsushima Aquarium This aquarium facing the Sea of Japan is popular for its dolphin and sea lion shows. It offers hands-on feeding experiences and overnight aquarium stays among many activities. With exhibits of various marine life, it entertains both children and adults. ■■■ Summary of Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, blends natural beauty, rich history and culture, and delicious local specialties into a compelling destination. We will continue sharing more information about its many attractions, and we hope you will visit Sakai City in Fukui Prefecture!

Would you like to join a white corn harvesting experience in Azumino this summer? The kernels gleam pure white like pearls and are so tender they can be eaten raw! Their juice bursts with sweetness over 15 degrees Brix, and the plump texture is addictive. The farm owner will give a full lesson on harvesting tips. While interacting with local farmers, you can see vegetables being grown firsthand, enjoy the pleasure of harvesting yourself, and savor the taste of freshly picked produce! For details, please see the Azumino City Tourism Association website!

There are 287 stone steps leading to the main hall of Minobu-san Kuon-ji Temple, the head shrine of Nichiren Buddhism. It is said that if you climb to the top, you will reach nirvana...

Gokoichi Bus now in service! Operating as a way to travel from the station to tourist sites, the Gokoichi Bus departs from Tsuruga Station or mihama station and runs a loop around the Mikata Five Lakes. [Service period] Saturday, March 16, 2024–Sunday, November 24, 2024 Service runs on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only (daily service from Saturday, April 27 to Monday, May 6). [Route] Departing from Tsuruga Station or mihama station, the bus returns to Tsuruga Station or mihama station after calling at tourist spots such as Mihama Town Lake Center, Rainbow Line Summit Park, Kumagawa-juku Jomon Roman Park, and stops including Mikata Station. See the leaflet or the official website for details. Note: Seats cannot be reserved. Note: Service may be altered or suspended depending on the COVID-19 situation. Please check service status in advance. (Phone inquiries) Fukui Railway Reihoku Sales Office TEL 0778-21-0712

[Bicycle Diary] This morning, just as we opened the counter, two inbound guests came to rent bicycles. They wanted to ride around the Mikata Five Lakes, so we added them to the cycling tour originally planned for tourism association members. Everyone cycled slowly together, enjoying the nature. Partway through, there was a fuss about a tire losing air, and a nearby person kindly lent us a pump, which was a big help. They had already been staying in Japan for several nights and visiting many places, and they were very pleased with the Mikata Five Lakes, so it likely became a wonderful memory for them.

Did you know Shiojiri is one of Japan’s top wine regions? Japan has about 400 to 500 wineries, and roughly 80 of them are in Nagano Prefecture. Shiojiri City has the most wineries in the prefecture, with 15 operating producers. Some of these wineries have operated for more than a century since the Meiji era, while others are brand new, founded in the Reiwa era; each of the 15 crafts wines with its own distinct character. There is even a high school in Shiojiri that makes wine, giving students the chance to learn winemaking while still in school. What makes the wine industry so vibrant here is the ideal growing environment: at about 700 meters elevation the large day–night temperature swings and long hours of sunlight, combined with gravelly and volcanic-ash soils, create perfect conditions for growing grapes. High-quality grapes from this land produce high-quality wines. Among the wines made in Shiojiri, merlot earns especially high praise. In 1989 a merlot from the area won a major gold award at a prestigious international competition. The annual Shiojiri Winery Festa draws visitors from across Japan who sample wines from all over Shiojiri, often drinking to their heart’s content. Please try Shiojiri wine.

Sagaki Kuniyoshi Castle 1. A formidable fortress that held back the seemingly impregnable Asakura forces 2. A “stone-walled castle” revealed by archaeological excavation 3. Seasonal colors of the castle ruins and the stunning views of Wakasa visible from the site Kuniyoshi Castle was a mountain fortress located in Sagaki in the eastern part of Mihama Town. During the Sengoku period it served as a border castle protecting Wakasa Province and Tsuruga Province. It is said that Awaya Ecchu‑no‑Kami Katsuhisa, a senior retainer of the Takeda family who governed Wakasa, rebuilt the old castle in Koji 2 (1556). The castle’s fame was made by the “Siege of Kuniyoshi,” which began in Eiroku 6 (1563) when the Asakura clan from Echizen attacked and were repelled. From that year until the fall of the Asakura in Tensho 1 (1573), Asakura forces launched attacks almost annually, but the Awaya-led defenders held inside Kuniyoshi Castle and never lost it. An old tale by the local samurai Tanabe Handaifu Yasutsugu, who took part in the defense, spread as the war chronicle Kuniyoshi Siege Record. Incidentally, the castle had been called Sakaki Castle at the time, but the popularity of the Kuniyoshi Siege Record fixed the name Kuniyoshi Castle. In Genki 1 (1570), the castle welcomed Oda Nobunaga and his 30,000-strong army on the march to attack the Asakura. According to the Kuniyoshi Siege Record, Nobunaga entered Kuniyoshi Castle with Kinoshita Tokichiro Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Akechi Mitsuhide—the subject of this year’s historical drama—and met with Katsuhisa and the local samurai who had endured the siege, praising their efforts. Later, in Tensho 11 (1583), Kimura Hitachi no suke, a vassal of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, became castellan and developed a castle town. This marked the origin of the current Sakaki Settlement, which prospered in the Edo period as a post station on the Tango Highway. The townscape still preserves strong traces of that era. The castle was abolished in Kan’ei 11 (1635) early in the Edo period when Sakai Tadakatsu replaced the Kyogoku clan as lord of Obama Domain, and the Sakaki Town Magistrate Office was built on the south side of the ruins. On that site the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum opened in Heisei 21 (2009). Designated a town historic site in Showa 58 (1983), Kuniyoshi Castle’s ruins are a local historical asset. Excavations that began in fiscal 2000 aimed to preserve and utilize the Sengoku‑period mountain fortress that had seemingly survived the fierce Asakura assaults. The investigations, however, overturned the existing image of the castle when they uncovered large groups of foundation stones for buildings, stone walls showing traces of deliberate collapse in which the upper halves had been systematically removed and the lower halves buried, giant foundation and facing stones at the northwest gate of the hilltop main bailey, and building remains on the southern corner mound of the main bailey that may have been a keep. These features appear to reflect major renovations by Kimura Hitachi no suke to assert the new lord’s power, although no documentary records described them. The excavations thus revealed the “truth” for the first time. In Heisei 29 (2017) the castle was selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan by the Japan Castle Foundation. In spring the castle town of Sagaki and the ruins are brightened by cherry blossoms and blooming shaga irises; in summer by masses of hangesho (plants whose leaves turn pale); in autumn by the maple leaves at Shourenji and Tokusho‑ji Temple; and in winter by a blanket of white, welcoming many visitors through the seasons. A promenade leads to the main bailey, but the winding switchback slope seems endless, giving a real sense of the castle’s former impregnability. Yet once you finally reach the main bailey, the majestic nature of Wakasa and the beautiful scenery greet you and make you forget the effort it took to get there. Sagaki Kuniyoshi Castle Sagaki, Mihama Town, Mikata‑gun, Fukui Prefecture Contact Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle History Museum (Tel. 0770-32-0050)

The daylilies on Mt. Meshimori are at their best♪ On a clear break in the rainy season, I wondered how the daylilies on Mt. Meshimori were doing and went to take a look🤔 — they were almost in full bloom✨🙌 From past years it looks like the next two weeks will be the peak viewing period😚 Today was lively with a school hiking group as well🦉 #Minamimaki Village #Nobeyama Highlands #Mt. Meshimori #daylilies (nikko-kisuge) #alpine plants #spectacular views #flower fields #hiking

Hello, this is Jewelry Town. This year has seen many days hotter than 30 degrees. Amid that heat, the hottest power stone right now is rutile quartz! Rutile quartz is the ultimate power stone for boosting wealth and financial luck. Try wearing it You might feel the difference Rutile quartz is thoroughly cleansed in top-grade crystal clusters, so you can wear it with confidence. After a walk outdoors, the shop is cool and comfortable inside, so please come and visit us😄

◆Origin of the Otegata Suwa Shrine and the Otegata Stone◆ The origin of the Otegata Stone lies in the large handprint found on a huge rock enshrined at Suwa Shrine. Long ago, a messenger came from Takamagahara, the heavenly plain where the eight million gods gather, to Izumo to urge Okuninushi to submit. Okuninushi immediately agreed and surrendered, but his young son, Takeminakata, refused, breaking off negotiations and eventually fighting with Takemikazuchi from Takamagahara. Takeminakata was defeated and fled, but Takemikazuchi pursued him relentlessly and finally caught up with him in the area of Sahara. Takeminakata surrendered, pressed his hand onto a nearby stone as a pledge of submission, and peace was made between the two deities. This place came to be called "Ooinokubo" (the Chase Hollow). The stone is said to have been formed because Takemikazuchi chased Takeminakata here.

Shinshu Kankōchi Suwa!!! Around Suwa lies the Kirigamine Highlands, where gentle rolling terrain stretches from Kurumayama to Washigamine. In late June, alpine plants such as azaleas (Renge tsutsuji), daylilies (Nikkō kisuge), and scabious (Matsumushi-sō) paint the green meadows in vibrant colors. You can also enjoy sweeping views of Japan’s famous peaks, including Mt. Fuji, the Japanese Alps, and the Yatsugatake Range. The area generates strong updrafts favorable for glider flight, and Kirigamine is known as the birthplace of gliding in Japan. Kirigamine contains the “Three Great Kirigamine Wetlands.” Together, Kurumayama, Yashimagahara Wetland, and Ikeno Kurumi Odoriba Wetland host more than 400 subalpine plant species year-round. They are designated a National Natural Monument and are wetlands rare even on a global scale. In early summer you can see the renge azaleas in bloom, their vivid orange flowers at their most beautiful. In summer, as in the photo, the Nikkō kisuge daylilies come into full bloom 🌼. Most of the photos were kindly provided by staff at our Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center. This year the blossoms may appear a little earlier than usual. Thanks to local Kirigamine caretakers, deer damage seems reduced, so this could be an exceptional season. Why not breathe in the clear, nature-filled highland air of Suwa and visit to refresh your body and mind? ※ The photos are from 2023.

[Nakasendo Narai-juku] Located beneath Torii Pass — one of the Nakasendo’s most notorious difficult stretches — Narai was known as 'Narai Senken' ('a thousand houses of Narai') and was the most prosperous post town among the eleven post towns of Kiso. The townscape has been designated by the national government as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and it still strongly retains the atmosphere of the past. The roughly 1‑km stretch of buildings along the Narai River forms the longest post‑town streetscape in Japan. More than a preserved site, Narai‑juku’s charm lies in the fact that people still live there today. This award‑winning post town was also used as the setting for the 2011 NHK morning drama 'Ohisama'. As a place where visitors can experience Japan's unspoiled beauty, it attracts many people from Japan and abroad every year, who are captivated by this historic post town. ◇Basic Information ・ Parking: Please use the nearest Roadside Station 'Kiso-no-Ohashi' parking lot (free), or the Gonbei Parking Lot (paid). ・Inquiries: Narai-juku Tourist Information Center TEL 0264-34-3160

A 1 km stretch of Edo-period streets! A feature on the charms of Narai-juku Let me introduce Narai-juku, located at the northernmost edge of the Kiso Road! Narai-juku was designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1978, and in 2016 the Kiso Road including Narai-juku was registered as a Japan Heritage site, making it a place of great historical value. Narai-juku preserves about 1 km of Edo-period streets. Just strolling along the streetscape is an enjoyable way to sightsee. With completely different looks in each season, you can visit several times a year without ever getting bored! In Narai-juku you can enjoy Nagano Prefecture specialties such as soba noodles, gohei-mochi rice cakes, oyaki stuffed dumplings, and local sake. You can also buy regional crafts unique to the area, such as Kiso lacquerware and bentwoodware, as souvenirs! By the way, the production center for Kiso lacquerware is right next door in Kisohirasawa, and Kisohirasawa is also designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings! It’s fun to drop by Kisohirasawa while you’re visiting Narai-juku!! Some shops offer kimono and yukata dressing services, so you can dress up and walk the Edo streets for a true time‑slip experience! In the past, Narai-juku was used as a filming location for the morning drama Ohisama, and it is cherished as a pilgrimage site by fans. Please come and visit Narai-juku!

Mibusawa Fudo Falls A beautiful waterfall with a drop of about 17 meters that plunges in a straight line. Revered as sacred water since ancient times, it has long served as a place for ascetic training and ritual purification. The Fudo Myoo statue standing to the left of the falls is said to have been invited from Naritasan in Shimousa Province in Kyōhō 18 (1733). Along with the waterfall, it drew the devotion of many people, and festivals once attracted large numbers of worshippers from nearby villages. A rainmaking legend is also associated with the site. The two stone Buddhist figures standing in front of the Fudo Myoo statue are Kongara Doji (left) and Seitaka Doji (right). They were erected in Shōwa 9 (1934) to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the statue’s enshrinement. At the same time, a silkworm-dedication deity (Kintama-hime), a stone monument inscribed with a poem by Matsuo Taseko, and a commemorative monument engraved by Chizan Kitahara were also installed. A gift of Senior Fifth Rank: a poem by Matsuo Taseko Manse mo taenu nagare ya Mibusawa no Taki no shiraito kurikaeshitsu (The river’s flow goes on through the ages; the white threads of Mibusawa Falls repeat themselves) Details for Mibusawa Fudo Falls Parking A few cars can park on the roadside shoulder Toilets None Other It is about a five-minute walk along a footpath from the parking area. Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)

Shiojiri’s top pick for sightseeing! A feature on the charms of the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Located east of Shiojiri City between the city and the Suwa area at an altitude of 1,655 m, here are the attractions of the Mt. Takabocchi Highlands! Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is famous for taking stunning photos—so much so that it’s called “Japan’s number-one photo spot”! You can take in sweeping views of Mount Fuji, the Northern Alps, the Central Alps, Norikura, and Mt. Myoko, Japan’s representative peaks. Add in Lake Suwa, the sea of clouds, azaleas known as rengetsuzutsuji, and grazing cows, and you’re guaranteed picture-perfect shots if you bring a camera! Sunset, sunrise, and night each reveal completely different faces of the highland, which is part of its appeal! In particular, Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is the only place where you can capture the sea of clouds, Lake Suwa, and Mount Fuji in a single frame! A campground is also available! Camping while gazing at the mountains is simply unbeatable! For details and reservations, search for “Mt. Takabocchi Highlands Campground”! It’s also great for moderate hikes! There are trails around the ranch and a promenade to the summit, offering a pleasant distance you can enjoy while breathing the fresh highland air! Along the way you might meet cows and rengetsuzutsuji in bloom! Mt. Takabocchi Highlands is also famous as a sacred site featured in Yuri Camp△ and Your Name. Enjoy the same scenery that appears with the characters in those stories! It’s about a 30‑minute drive from Shiojiri IC, so please come and visit!

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!

[Kitadake Information] 2024.6.23 2024 Reiwa 6 Kitadake Information on June 23rd. The mountaineering season has finally arrived! Enjoy a memorable climb by preparing in advance and planning your climb with plenty of time to spare.

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.

"100 best waterfalls in Japan" Yonakodaibakufu in the Suzaka City of Nagano Prefecture The Autumn leaves season is Famous、、、 Fresh greenery is dazzling, and this period of early summer is also recommended. I especially recommend the location. Yonakodaibakufu can be seen in front of it, and it is one of the view spots It is the "former site of the Rice Mine". In the meadow where Renge azalea blooms, you can eat lunch while leisurely looking at the waterfall, It is a healing plateau where you can drink coffee and relax. 【[Former Rice Mine Site] Restrooms available used to be a Rice mine producing sulfur and other substances on this plateau. Restrooms available in the vicinity with about 1,500 people living in the vicinity. At that time, there was also a cableway for transporting Supplies from the Rice Mine to the current Suzaka Station. 【Around with parents and children Yonakodaibakufu Illustration Map】 　On May 23, 2023, the 2019 East Japan Yonakodaibakufu Typhoon The access road collapsed and could not be entered, Yonakodaibakufu It was opened to the public for the first time in three and a half yellowtails. Illustrator "Nire Shobo" Mr./Ms. goes to see the long-awaited waterfall, Scene trekking with family was illustrated. 　The sight of the family walking excitedly on the promenade in early summer It is a heartwarming illustration map that floats in the eye. When you come to Yonakodaibakufu, please take it in your hands. Enjoy your early summer trek with excitement and excitement. * The illustration map is Yonakodaibakufu entrance, Suzaka City "Tourism exchange center "Kuratto", Restrooms available at the Suzaka Station Tourist Information Center. You can also download the illustration map from Shinshu Suzaka Tourist Association Home page. It is hot 🥵 every day, so please be careful. * There are no vending machines around Yonakodaibakufu, and you cannot drink river water 💦. Please be sure to prepare drinks and action meals in advance.

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom main building. The days have been humid and hot this season. How are you doing? If you started a new life in April, you might be feeling worn out by now. When that happens, why not take a walk in Shosenkyo Gorge, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy the negative ions from Senga Falls to refresh yourself? Looking at crystals and gemstones can also be very soothing!

[Recommended Spot &Activities Special Feature for summer] In the Kiso, you can Spot There are a beautiful Valleys and canoe that will take your breath away. Here are some of them! Kiso in the mountains also introduces recommended forest bathing spots. Please spend this summer in Kiso! !! -------------------------------------- 【Atera Canyon】 Restrooms available in Okuwa Village, an emerald green valley known for its Atera Blue. After sightseeing in Atera Canyon, why don't you have a delicious coffee and cake at "Coffee Katana" in Nojiri, Okuwa Village?! Please see the trip ideas on the Kiso Tourism Federation's Home page "Kiso Valley Rippu"! * Atera Canyon will be subject to traffic restrictions during the summer. July 13, 2024 ~ September 1, 2024. Shuttle buses and e-bikes are also available for rent. For details, please see the Home page of Okuwa Village. 【Kakizore Canyon】 Kakizore Canyon in Nagiso Town. A beautiful emerald green Valleys that is as beautiful as Atera Canyon. After enjoying a hike in the Kakizore Canyon, we also recommend Affoguard, which is popular at Tsumago juku's "Good Day Coffee". It takes about 25 minutes by car from Kakizore Canyon to Tsumago juku 【Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest】 A natural Cypress tree forest in Agematsu town with an average age of more than 300 years. Fun on the forest railway for forest bathing and forest therapy. *The park is scheduled to be open until November 7, 2024. 【Shizenko Nature Lake】 Shizenko Nature Lake in Otaki village. A natural lake formed during the earthquake in western Nagano Prefecture. You can fully feel the beauty created by nature. Here, you can experience canoeing from April ~ mid-November every year. You can also Fun canoe touring at Lake Ontake. *Reservation required TEL: 070-9119-6262　 【Lake OkuKiso】 At Lake Oku Kiso in Kiso village, you can experience SUP and canoeing. Activities in Nature while experiencing the beauty of the water of the Minamoto are the best! * Lake Oku Kiso canoeing, SUP experience until around October. Reservation required TEL: 0264-36-2777 ♦ If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Kiso Tourism Federation!

At the Gomiike Gable Highlands Nature Park in Joshinetsu Highlands National Park, a large communities of Renge azalea, the largest in Nagano Prefecture, is in full bloom. The best time to visit is around mid-June every year Scenes of dyeing the earth crimson are stunning, and the view of the Northern Alps, Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu, and Zenkojidaira Spectacular. Gomi Pond is a general term for Oike, Bitter Pond, West Gomi Pond, Yoshigawara Pond, and East Gomi Pond which disappeared due to landfall. Each of them has a different taste, which is why it is named Gomiike. In the past, the only way to get there was to walk up the old road leading from Toyooka Haino to Gomiike, or walk down from the entrance of the Ogushi Mine in Gunma Prefecture. In 1964~1966, with the cooperation of the Self-Defense Forces and the Forestry Department, a forest road was opened from Toyooka to Milky Mountain Ranch, and now it is possible to go up to this Highlands in about one hour by car from Suzaka City. And on this Highlands, 300 cows were grazing at most. Renge azalea, which is in best time to visit in mid-June, is because cows hate it and do not eat it. It became a large stock and a large communities. Renge azalea in full bloom from the petting plaza You can see it in the vicinity of Azumaya, Oike, and Ohira. Rare in Gomi Pond, Renge azalea yellow Renge azalea is also You can see it. In the administration building Azalea House, you can also eat the Specialties Genghis Khan. *22km from Suzaka Nagano Higashi Interchange to Gomiike Gables Highlands 1st Parking Lot About 60 minutes by car * Car navigation settings TEL 026-245-0491 　Please enter Suzaka City Toyooka Elementary School. * It is difficult for large vehicles of microbus or larger to pass. *Restrooms available is not available for direct public transportation from Nagano Electric Railway Suzaka Station. Use a taxi. Taxi company Tsubame Nagaden Taxi TEL 026-245-0351 　　　　　　　Hokushin Taxi TEL 026-245-5353