Nobeyama Highlands today Highland vegetables against the Yatsugatake range—this is the quintessential Nobeyama Highlands landscape. Around Mt. Meshimori, daylilies (nikko-kisuge) have begun to bloom.

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is Katsuyama City Tourism Town Planning Co., Ltd. Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is a city with a population of about 20,000 located in the northeastern part of Fukui Prefecture. It is one of the One of the best in Japan heavy snowfall areas and is designated as a Special heavy snowfall area. With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture in 2024, access from Central Tokyo has become more convenient. In this First Post of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, I will briefly introduce Recommendations for Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture. Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is a city of dinosaurs Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture is also known as the excavation site of dinosaur fossils in One of the best in Japan. In the 1980s, when it was said that dinosaur fossils were not excavated in Japan, crocodile fossils were found in Katsuyama City, and full-scale excavation of dinosaur fossils began in 1989. In the 1990s, dinosaur fossils such as iguanodon were collected, and in 1995, the skeleton of the whole body was reconstructed for the first time in Japan. In 2000, the world's three largest dinosaur Museum "Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum" opened, and the name of Katsuyama City became known around the world. In the 2010s, new species of dinosaurs were announced one after another, and in 2017, five types of dinosaur fossils, including Fukui Raptor and Fukuisaurus, and their excavation sites were designated as "National Natural Monuments". ◇Introduction of Sightseeing spots in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture ・Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum The vast exhibition facilities consists of three zones: "The World of Dinosaurs," "Earth Science," and "History of Life," and you can fully enjoy the world of dinosaurs with 50 dinosaur skeletons, hundreds of 1,000 specimens, large-scale Restored Diorama, and Video. ・Open Air Dinosaur Museums It is a facilities where you can Visiting the site the actual excavation site that opened in 2014 in Katsuyama City Chatan town the largest dinosaur fossil excavation site in Japan. At the Fossil Excavation Experience Plaza, you can experience excavation by hitting stones brought from the excavation site, and learn about the Scenes of dinosaur fossil excavation while listening to expert explanations. ・Daishizan Seidaji Temple Echizen Daibutsu Opened in 1987, the Echizen Daibutsu of Daishizan Seidaji Temple is 17 meters tall and exceeds the size of the Nara Great Buddha. There are 1,281 stone and gold Buddhas enshrinement on the walls of the Mikata of the Great Buddha. ・Heisan Jihakusan Shrine Elevation known as the center of the Hakusan faith, which is open to the Mt. of 2,702 Meter. It is said to have been founded nearly 1,300 years ago. Famous for the moss that spreads all over the area in front of the worship hall. ・Ski Jam Katsuyama It is one of the largest snow resorts in western Japan, with vast slopes and abundant snow quality, and there are courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers. Activities such as trekking, mountain biking, park golf, paragliding and Segway are available in summer. Spot where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons. ・Katsuyama Castle Museum It is a history museum set up in the castle tower with a height of 57.8 meters. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can overlook the nature of Katsuyama City. ・Roadside Station Dinosaur Valleys Katsuyama Roadside Station Dinosaur Valleys Katsuyama is a facility that serves as a tourist base in Katsuyama City. A large number of Fresh Local Agricultural Products and Specialty Products are available, and many tourists Visit every day. Spot is a great stop along the way. ◇Introduction of festivals and events in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture ・Katsuyama Sagicho Festival The Katsuyama Sagicho Festival is a traditional Festival that has been held in Katsuyama City for more than 300 years, Held in every February. The highlights are the "Floating drums" on the Turrets in each town and the Finale "Dondoyaki". It is said that the Scene of "Floating drums", in which three One set playfully slap the Drum, is strange festival. ◇Introducing Tourist Information of Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture Katsuyama City, which is known around the world as a dinosaur town, is a valuable area where you can feel close to dinosaurs, such as dinosaur excavation experiences. In Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, not only children who like dinosaurs, but also Adults can enjoy it. Please visit Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture and experience its charm. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will introduce recommended Tourist Information in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, so thank you!

【Magome juku】Magome juku in Nakatsugawa City is very popular with overseas tourists. In a Shukuba full of atmosphere, you can enjoy time travel as if you were transported back in time to the Edo period while walking along the cobblestone slope! Restrooms available in several places in the Shukuba, and the pleasant sound of water streams by. It is also the birthplace of Shimazaki Fujimura, who is known for "Before Dawn" and "Destruction", which was also made into a movie. The Fujimura Memorial Museum has a collection of about 6,000 works, including manuscripts of Fujimura's works and his belongings. The photo was taken around this time last year 2023. Period, hydrangeas bloom in the Shukuba. The hydrangea Shukuba is a sight that can only be seen at this period! !! Other, there are restaurants and shops, and you can Fun eating and shopping. It is a Spot that cannot be missed in Kisoji sightseeing! !!

[Hydrangea is in full bloom! ] Roadside Station Shirane The hydrangeas at the Roadside Station Shirane Information Center are in full bloom and in Best time to visit. Subtle shades from blue to purple bring color to the Ume Plum Period.

Here is an introduction to Takabocchi Plateau, located on the border between Okaya City and Shiojiri City next to Suwa in the Kankōchi Suwa area. Takabocchi Plateau spreads across gentle slopes and offers a 360° panorama amid vast nature. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps, the Central Alps, Mt. Ontake, and Mt. Norikura. The alpine plant rengetsutsuji (Rhododendron) was blooming bright red. Note: The Takabocchi Skyline is closed for winter from early December through late April.

Peach Picking [2024] Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Monday, August 12, 2024 Reservations open on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 10:00. Please apply via the Toyooka Travel Time website. We offer a value-packed Peach Feast plan that combines peaches to take home with an all-you-can-eat peach option, and a plan for all-you-can-eat only. Peach picking is a perennial favorite! Come with family or friends to create summer memories this year. Reservations are required during the period. Please book at least three days before your chosen experience date. Be sure to read the Details carefully before proceeding to the web reservation page. For group reservations (via travel agencies), please contact Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche at 0265-48-8061. ※If you do not book through a travel agency, groups arriving by bus will be treated as individual visitors. [ Details ] Period Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Monday, August 12, 2024 ※Reservations may not be possible depending on weather and peach growing conditions. Reception times 13 sessions per day (7 in the morning / 6 in the afternoon) 9:00 / 9:30 / 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 / 11:30 12:00 / 12:30 / 13:00 / 13:30 / 14:00 / 14:30 = Notes = Bookings and guidance are generally not accepted for reservations at or after 14:30. Please reserve with time to spare. Please arrive at the reception location (Toyooka Travel Time) so you are not late for your reserved time. If you are late for your reservation, you may not be able to participate, so please take care. Prices (tax included) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] Please reserve at least three days in advance in principle. = Individual Plans = Pick 2 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,100 yen Pick 3 peaches + All-you-can-eat 2,300 yen = Family Plans = Up to 4 people: Pick 6 peaches + All-you-can-eat 7,000 yen Up to 6 people: Pick 10 peaches + All-you-can-eat 10,500 yen [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] No reservation required. 20 minutes all-you-can-eat 1,500 yen Reception hours 9:00–15:00 ※Peach picking includes admission to the orchard and the experience fee. ※Customers who choose the all-you-can-eat only plan may not enter the orchard. ※All plans above charge the same rate for ages 4 and older. Children age 3 and under cannot pick peaches, but they may join the all-you-can-eat for free. Flow of the day (approximate duration: about 1 hour) [Peach Picking + All-You-Can-Eat Set Plan] 1. Reception and payment (Toyooka Travel Time) ↓ 2. Peach picking experience (move to the orchard) ※Please travel by private car. ↓ 3. All-you-can-eat 20 minutes (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche all-you-can-eat area) = Notes = ◎All transfers are by private car. A map of the orchard will be given at reception. ◎Depending on congestion, steps 2 and 3 may be reversed. ◎After reception, you will proceed immediately to the orchard or the all-you-can-eat area. (※Please refrain from traveling to other sightseeing spots after reception.) ◎Depending on weather and orchard conditions, picking may be replaced by a take-home arrangement (the orchard owner will pre-pick peaches and provide them) — please understand in advance. ◎From the picking experience to the end of the all-you-can-eat, please allow about 60 minutes. [All-You-Can-Eat Only Plan] ※No reservation required. 1. Reception and payment (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche tourist information desk, or Toyooka Travel Time, Toyooka Village Tourism Association) ↓ 2. All-you-can-eat 20 minutes (Roadside Station Toyooka Marche all-you-can-eat area) = Notes = ◎Customers who choose the all-you-can-eat only plan cannot enter the peach picking orchard. ◎The all-you-can-eat only plan does not require reservations. Please complete reception and payment at the Toyooka Marche tourist information desk. ◎The all-you-can-eat ends when the peaches for that day run out. Request Peaches are delicate. Whether on the tree or for all-you-can-eat, please do not press them hard. Meeting place & contact Toyooka Travel Time (Toyooka Village Tourism Association, general incorporated association) Business hours: 9:00–18:00 12407 Kamine, Toyooka Village, Shimoina District, Nagano 399-3202 TEL: 0265-49-3395 Email: toyotabi@vill-nagano-toyooka-kanko.jp If you use car navigation, the address above may direct you to a different location because this is a new facility. For car navigation, set your destination to Toyooka Village Central Nursery School or Roadside Station Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche. On Google Maps, search for Toyooka Travel Time. How to reserve Same-day guidance is possible, but reservations take priority. We recommend booking in advance as same-day service may be unavailable. Phone reservations 0265-49-3395 (reception hours 9:00–18:00) Web reservations ※Reservations start at 10:00 on Saturday, June 22, 2024※ Peach Picking web reservation page [About cancellations] No cancellation fee will be charged on the day, but please be sure to contact us if you cancel.

Nice to meet Mr./Ms. everyone! This is the Fujikawa Development Corporation. Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture is a town of about 14,000 people located in Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Located in the southwestern part of the Kofu Basin, it is a Rich in nature area where one of the Two Hundred Famous Mountains of Japan Mt. Kushigatayama on the west side and the Fuji River, one of the three major rapids Japan, stream on the east side. Fujikawa Town flourished as a post town for Fuji River boat transportation during the Edo period, and many travelers visited this area. In addition, many old shrines and temples Restrooms available in the Fujikawa Town, and Kongozan Myouji Temple is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. These historic buildings convey the long history and culture of Fujikawa Town to the present day. ==Introduction to Sightseeing spots in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture== ・Oboshi Park It is a famous place for cherry blossoms that has been selected as a "Japan 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots". 2,000 cherry trees bloom in Springs. Oyanagawa Valleys Promenade You can enjoy the beautiful nature of the four seasons, such as fresh greenery and autumn leaves. ・Himuro Shrine Elevation is a shrine located in 1000 meters, and you have to climb 575 long stairs to Prayer to the main hall. ・Mt.Hoda Nanmyoji Temple It is a historic temple built in 1480. ・Myohoji Temple It is also known as "Hydrangea Temple" or "Haiku Temple", and from the end of June to the beginning of July, 20,000 hydrangeas bloom all over the Precincts. ==Specialty products of Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture== Fujikawa Town's Specialty Products include yuzu and La France, Restrooms available. These Specialty Products are nurtured by the rich nature of Fujikawa Town, and you can enjoy their Fresh taste. Roadside Station Fujikawa is lined with these fresh agricultural products and specialty products, so it is also recommended as a souvenir. ==Recommendations for Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi == The Linear Central Shinkansen Line tunnel Penetration memorial "Penetration stone" in the thank-you gift of the Fujikawa Town Furusato Nozei has become a popular item. Fujikawa Town is a Town where people who visit it can truly enjoy peace and Impression thanks to its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious Specialty Products. Enjoy a journey of nature, history, and gastronomy in Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture. Fun will be sending out Recommendations for Fujikawa Town at COOL JAPAN VIDEOS!

Kankōchi Suwa!!! Introducing the Takashima Castle Festival! May 26, 2024 — held every year on the fourth Sunday of May. We held the 55th Takashima Castle Festival. This year, 19 acts performed on stage. There were hip-hop dance routines, traditional Japanese dance, taiko drumming, singers, cheerleading, and the Matsumoto Castle matchlock gun corps. The matchlock team left a powerful impression. Even in Japan, this is something you rarely see. The matchlock firearms date back about 430 years, and few groups still maintain and use functioning examples. The Matsumoto Castle matchlock gun corps preserves these guns and passes on the tradition. As a result, you can see matchlock demonstrations at events like those at Matsumoto Castle. The team brought several types of matchlocks. To an amateur eye, I saw two kinds: first a bantsutsu infantry gun, then a chūtutsu medium cannon. They fired blank shots in several formations. The blast was tremendous! At the end, a shooter from Suwa fired the chūtutsu. The sound ripped through the space where we stood. It was truly loud and spectacular!! There were taiko performances and children’s hip-hop dances, with families coming to watch. At the festival you could also buy food stalls and specialties from sister and friendship cities, and try tree climbing!!! Blessed with good weather, many citizens attended. If you have the chance to come to the Takashima Castle Festival, be sure to come and enjoy it!

◆Myojin Stone◆ The Myojin Stone is a giant boulder shaped like an ellipsoid, about 2.5 meters in its long axis, 1.8 meters in its short axis, and 1.2 meters tall. No one knows exactly how long it has rested here, but it is thought to have come from the Ina Mountain Range during an ancient flood of the Mibuzawa River. This rock has long been revered by local people as a mysterious stone that, while easily moved by a child’s strength, does not budge even in major floods. At some unknown point in time it became enclosed by a tamagaki fence and has been regarded as a sacred spot serving as a place for worship of Suwa Taisha from a distance. The origin of the name is unclear, but it is said to have begun when the deity Suwa Daimyojin was invited from Suwa Taisha and, until the shrine building (Mibuzawa Suwa Shrine) was completed, the sacred object was enshrined on this rock and rituals were performed. Since then, whenever the shrine has been rebuilt or renovated, it has become customary to use this rock as a temporary resting place for the sacred object. ●Details of Myojin Stone ・A request to visitors Local residents cherish this stone. When entering among the stones and pushing them, please take care not to break the shimenawa ropes or sakaki decorations. ・Facilities There are stairs with handrails. ・Toilet None. ・Parking None (please use the parking lot in front of nearby Mibuzawa Suwa Shrine). ・Contact Toyooka Tabijikan (0265-49-3395)

Nice to meet you! Shinshu Shinano Town Tourist Association. Shinanomachi, Kamisuunai-gun, Nagano Prefecture is a town in northern Nagano Prefecture that borders Niigata Prefecture. Its population is about 7,000. Surrounded by mountains such as Myoko, Kurohime, Togakushi, Iizuna, and Madarao, the town also boasts many popular attractions like Lake Nojiri and Kurohime Plateau. On Cool Japan Video, we will share recommended sightseeing information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, known as the hometown of Kobayashi Issa. Thank you for your support. ◆What is Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture? ◆ In winter, Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture welcomes visitors with superb powder snow. Popular ski areas such as Kurohime Kogen Ski Resort, Myoko, and Madarao Kogen make this region ideal for winter sports. It is also popular with international visitors from countries including Australia and Taiwan. Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture is broadly divided into four areas. ◎ Kurohime Highland area ◎ Tangram Madarao Area ◎ Kashiwabara and Fujisato area ◎ Lake Nojiri area ◆Recommended sightseeing spots in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, by area◆ ~~~ Kurohime Highland area ~~~ Kurohime Highland lets you fully enjoy nature typical of Nagano Prefecture: dahlias and cosmos in summer, and powder-snow skiing in winter. ◎ Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum & Fairy Tale Forest Gallery The Kurohime Fairy Tale Museum blends literature, art, and nature. It houses and exhibits valuable materials by Michael Ende and Miyoko Matsutani, beloved across generations, as well as fairy tales and picture books from around the world and local folktales. ◎ Kurohime Highland Dog Run This expansive all-grass dog run covers about 3,000 square meters. Built to take advantage of the natural hills, it is enjoyable for dogs from small to large breeds. ◎ Kurohime Highland Cosmos Garden The Kurohime Highland Cosmos Garden is filled with beautiful cosmos flowers from summer into autumn. The colorful fields of cosmos spread across the vast plateau like a painting. The garden offers an observation deck and walking paths, so you can relax and enjoy the flowers at your own pace. ◎ MtKurohime MtKurohime is a symbolic mountain of Shinanomachi, with an elevation of 2,053 meters. Trails are well maintained, offering enjoyment for beginners through advanced hikers. From the summit, a 360-degree panorama opens up, and on clear days you can see distant mountain ranges. MtKurohime showcases seasonal nature and is an attractive spot for hikers and mountain enthusiasts. ◎ Naena Falls Naena Falls is one of Shinanomachi’s representative scenic spots. With a dramatic drop of 55 meters, the waterfall’s majestic scenery captivates visitors. Walking paths are developed around the area, allowing you to stroll while listening to the roar of the falls. In particular, the autumn foliage season creates a spectacular contrast between colorful leaves and the waterfall. ~~~ Tangram Madarao Area ~~~ This area is popular as a resort area. It offers many amenities such as golf courses and hot spring facilities. ◎ Mt. Madarao (Madarao-yama / Madarao-san) A volcano with an elevation of 1,382 meters, it is one of the Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu (MtMyoko, Mt. Madarao, MtKurohime, MtTogakushi, Mt. Iizuna). At the summit there is a shrine housing 13 statues of Nyorai. ~~~ Kashiwabara and Fujisato area ~~~ This is the hometown of haiku poet Kobayashi Issa. Within the area are the Issa Memorial Hall and Issa’s former residence, where you can learn about his life and history. ◎ Issa Memorial Hall A museum built to commemorate the haiku poet Kobayashi Issa, who was born in Kashiwabara, Shinanomachi. It presents many of his works and portrays Issa’s life and the Kashiwabara of his era. ◎ Michi-no-Eki Shinano Furusato Tenboukan Michi-no-Eki Shinano Furusato Tenboukan provides tourist information and local products from Shinanomachi. In addition to local specialties and souvenirs from Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy fresh local produce and handmade goods. ~~~ Lake Nojiri area ~~~ In summer on Lake Nojiri you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, SUP, and cruises. ◎ Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum This museum showcases fossils of Naumann elephants discovered at Lake Nojiri and life-size models, offering many attractions. Centered on the results of the more than 40-year-long Lake Nojiri excavations, it researches and exhibits the natural environment around the lake from about 50,000 years ago to the present. ◎ Lake Nojiri At the lakeside you can enjoy boating, fishing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. In summer, swimming and camping are popular, making it a recommended spot for families and couples. The lake is also historically significant for the Naumann elephant fossils recovered from its bed, allowing visitors to enjoy nature and history together. ◎ Shomyoji Temple Located quietly in the mountain valley, its precincts are surrounded by seasonal nature. In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, attracting many visitors. ◆Recommended activities in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ ◎ Rental bicycles in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture During the green season when the ski resorts are closed, sightseeing by relaxed cycling while feeling the breeze of Shinanomachi is recommended. The town offers rental bicycles at three locations: the information center in front of Kurohime Station (Shinano Town Tourist Association), LAMP Lake Nojiri, and Nojiri Lake Resort. ◎ Minpaku and farm stays in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture About 3,000 elementary and junior high school students visit annually to experience farm and rural life through homestays and farm stays. The local government and residents have established a solid reception system. ◆Local specialties of Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ Crops such as corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and soba are local specialties of Shinanomachi. Shinanomachi is one of the leading paddy monoculture areas in the northern Nagano region, and locally grown Akita Komachi and Koshihikari rice are also popular. ◆Festivals and events in Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ ◎ Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival About 2,000 fireworks are launched from Lake Nojiri. In 2024 this beloved local event will celebrate its landmark 100th edition. ◆Tourist information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture◆ Shinanomachi is a town blessed with rich nature, history, and warm people. With seasonal landscapes and outdoor activities, Shinanomachi is an ideal destination for families and couples. We will continue to share recommended sightseeing information for Shinanomachi, Nagano Prefecture, so we appreciate your support.

Enjoy the best breakfast on a highland in Shinshu. Would you like to experience breakfast on a breezy plateau at 1,600 meters above sea level? Relax and savor a luxurious moment while gazing at the vast grasslands before you. ●Period July 1, 2024 (Monday) – September 30, 2024 (Monday) (Excluded dates / closed days: July: 4, 13–15 ｜ August: 10–18, 29 ｜ September: 5, 12, 14–16, 19, 21–23, 26 (as of June 13, 2024)) Limited to 20 people per day Reservation required ●Price 1,800 JPY (tax included) ●Hours 9:00 – 11:00 Booking & Venue Korobokkuru Hutte – A stylish café attached to a mountain hut – ●Address Nagano Prefecture, Suwa City, Kirigamine, Kurumayama-Kata TEL 0266-58-0573 ※ Please make reservations by phone directly. ※ Calls may be difficult to get through between 11:00 and 14:00. “Breakfast at Kirigamine: My Car Plan” Enjoy an elegant breakfast on the mountain hut terrace while looking out over the sweeping grasslands. This individual plan includes benefits such as a Kirigamine summer lift ticket and an original pin badge. ●How to Apply Korobokkuru Hutte TEL 0266-58-0573 ※ Please reserve by phone. ●Access ‣ About 30 minutes by car from Suwa lakeside, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture ‣ About 40 minutes by car from Chuo Expressway Suwa Interchange via Prefectural Route 40 (Kirigamine–Shirakabako Line) ※ Parking spaces are limited and you may not be able to park. Please note weekends and the season are very busy. ●Other ▷ Reservations accepted until noon the day before ▷ Same-day cancellations will be charged 1,800 JPY per person. ▷ Limited to 20 people per day ▷ Weekends and the season are very busy; reservations may fill up relatively early. ▷ Parking and breakfast service are on a first-come, first-served basis. ▷ Operations may be suspended due to severe weather. Special perks included! ★Perk 1: Round-trip Kirigamine summer lift ticket Perk period: July 13, 2024 – August 25, 2024 Lift operating hours: 9:00 – 16:00 ※ Lift may not operate in severe weather. Address: 13338-41 Kamisuwa, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Parking available (Kirigamine Ski Area parking, approx. 200 spaces) Access: About 5 minutes by car from Kurumayama-Kata, about 2 minutes by car from the Kirigamine Nature Conservation Center parking lot ★Perk 2: Kirigamine Plateau “Original Pin Badge” gift! Perk period: July 1, 2024 – July 12, 2024 and August 26, 2024 – September 30, 2024 ※ The badge shown in the photo is from 2022.

Hello, I’m Gen 👋 In June, when fresh green leaves appear, many visitors enjoy the gorge’s scenic beauty from the riverside promenade at Shosenkyo Gorge. The standard trekking route is an out-and-back of about 6 kilometers‼️ (Duration: about 1 hour 30 minutes). Starting from Nagatoro Bridge, the gateway to Shosenkyo Gorge, you walk along while admiring the strange rock formations and soon reach Tenkorin, a prefectural natural monument. If you continue along the riverside promenade, you will arrive at Yume no Matsushima. *This is a photo spot with a view of Kakuembou* 📸 If you go further, you’ll find the huge natural arch stone gate, and after about a 500-meter walk you’ll come upon the dramatic Senga Falls! Before the rainy season begins, take your time strolling the promenade and enjoy the seasonal scenery‼️

How do you do. This is the Minami-Shinshu Tourism Public Corporation! We will send out recommended Tourist Information in the Minami Shinshu area of Nagano Prefecture on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so thank you. ---- What is the Minami Shinshu area in Nagano Prefecture? The Minami Shinshu area is located at the southern tip of Nagano Prefecture and is the southern gateway to the prefecture. It is a beautiful region where you can feel the rich nature of the four seasons created by the Tenryu River, which streams from north to south through the center of Minami Shinshu, the Central Alps, and the majestic mountains of the Southern Alps. The Minami Shinshu area consists of 14 cities and towns in Iida City and Shimoina-gun. ⚪︎ Iida City ⚪︎ Matsukawa Town ⚪︎ Takamori Town ⚪︎ Anan Town ⚪︎ Achi Village ⚪︎ Hiraya Village ⚪︎ Neba Village ⚪︎ Shimojo Village ⚪︎ Sellaki Village ⚪︎ Tenryu Village ⚪︎ Yasuoka Village ⚪︎ Takagi Kimura ⚪︎ Toyooka Village ⚪︎ Ōshika Village History of ---- Minami Shinshu area From the Shiojiri Inn of Nakasendo, the Sanshu Highway Ina Highway, which goes south along the Minami Shinshu area along the Tenryu River, Restrooms available a history of prosperity as a Highway important places connecting Edo and Kyoto. Among them, Iida City, which is also the center of Minami Shinshu, currently boasts the fifth largest population in Nagano Prefecture, flourished as a post town on the Sanshu Highway in the Edo period, and developed as a castle town of the Iida Domain during the Sengoku period. Iida City, with its beautiful Towns Maintenance in a Go board shape and its culture inherited from ancient times, is called "Shinshu's Little Kyoto". Traditional culture and traditional crafts inherited in ---- Minami Shinshu area In the Minami Shinshu area, many traditional cultures such as kagura, puppets, Bon Odori, and festivals are still passed down, and it is said to be a treasure trove of folk performing arts. In addition, Minami Shinshu is a production area of Mizuhiki crafts, which accounts for 70% of the nation's production. Mizuhiki is a culture that has been in Minami Shinshu for more than 300 years, and is a decorative string used for the front of gift bags. Fruits of ---- Minami Shinshu area Specialty Products The Minami Shinshu area is a "treasure trove of fruits" where you can enjoy various fruit picking throughout the four seasons. We will introduce the Representative Fruit Picking and its charm of Minami-Shinshu, a fruit kingdom that boasts the one of the most production volume in Japan, with terrain suitable for fruit production, such as abundant sunshine hours and temperature differences between day and night. ・Cherry picking Cherry picking in Minami Shinshu can be enjoyed in early summer. You can pick and taste the red ripe high-grade fruit cherries on the spot, and their sweetness and juiciness are exceptional. ・Pear picking Pear picking can be enjoyed from late summer to autumn. Fresh pears can be picked on the spot and enjoy the fresh taste. Minami Shinshu pears have a strong sweet taste and a crunchy texture. ・Apple picking Minami Shinshu is one of the one of the most apple cultivation areas in Japan. During the autumn harvest season, many people from all over the country visit in search of apples from Minami Shinshu. You can pick and taste the bright red ripe apples yourself, and their mellow aroma and sweetness are attractive. In addition, you can enjoy "Strawberry picking", "Grape picking", "Blueberry picking", and "Peach picking", and you can enjoy taste hunting such as "bamboo shoot picking" and "chestnut picking" other than fruits. ----Summary The Minami Shinshu area is a place where nature and history are in harmony. Hiking and camping in the great Nature are also recommended! There is also a night tour to see the starry sky in Achi Village, which is said to be the best starry sky in Japan. There are many ways to enjoy the Minami Shinshu area, such as enjoying the food culture of Local agricultural products and Local cuisine, the spectacular scenery of the four seasons, and various activities! Visit the Minami Shinshu area, where nature and history are in harmony, and experience its charm. Beautiful nature and culture await you. Cool JAPAN VIDEOS will provide recommended Tourist Information for the Minami Shinshu area of Nagano Prefecture, so thank you!

Narai juku "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" It is located in Narai, Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. Narai Juku is the 34th post town in the Nakasendo Highway, counting from Itabashi Inn on the Edo side and Moriyama Inn on the Kyoto side, just in the middle of the Nakasendo Highway. The Town has been selected as a national Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and retains a strong appearance of the past. On the day I visited, half of the road was off-limits due to road construction tears. The construction had not started yet early in the morning, so I asked to take a picture. "It's off-limits today due to road construction!" Alamār!" I don't know if the two people in the photo were talking. Restrooms available.

[View from Omachi Park] Omachi Park is a scenic lookout easily reached in about a 5-minute drive or a 25-minute walk from JR Shinano-Omachi station, offering spectacular views. There are benches where you can relax and take in the scenery. The Northern Alps still wear traces of snow that stand out against the blue sky. From the wooded slopes behind you can hear the pleasing song of a Japanese bush warbler.

◆Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road◆ The peach blossoms of Hikokudaira began when fifteen original saplings were purchased from Senaiji in Achi Village in 1997 and planted around a private residence. (The peach blossoms of Senaiji are said to have originated when Momosuke Fukuzawa (the son-in-law of Yukichi Fukuzawa) brought saplings back from Munich, Germany, in 1922.) Moved by the beautiful red, white, and pink blooms, and wishing to match the local landscape, they decided to plant extensively. They planted on privately cultivated land and along roadsides, borrowing village-owned strips beside the roads to plant as well. In 2000 they received a grant under the "Community-Built Regional Development Project," and with the cooperation of neighboring residents for planting and underbrush clearing, now more than about 200 peach trees have been planted. Each year the area has become popular for its scenery surrounded by the beautiful peach blossoms. The name Hikokudaira comes from the trade name of the project initiator, Mr. Masaru Kubota. Manager: Masaru Kubota ●Details for Hikokudaira Peach Blossom Road ・Best time to visit Mid April to late April ・Admission fee None ・Parking None ・Toilets Temporary toilets available ・Contact Toyooka Travel Time (0265-49-3395)

Kankouji Suwa!!! Kirigamine Highlands in Suwa city, Nagano Prefecture. Suwa proudly boasts this scenic spot where alpine plants bloom through the seasons. It is also known as Japan’s glider mecca 🛩️ At Kirigamine you’ll find one of the country’s top daylily (nikko-kisuge) colonies. This lily-family flower represents the highland in July, painting the green slopes with orange-leaning yellow blooms 🌼 Every July Kirigamine’s popularity causes traffic jams. In the hot season, enjoy a leisurely, elegant respite in this cool highland.

◆Toyooka Iris Garden◆ The Iris Garden sits on a terrace mid-slope with a high vantage point offering panoramic views of the Central Alps. Around 1938, various flowers were grown as a hobby, but after visiting Lowrys Garden in Aoki Village and seeing the wide range of iris colors, sizes, and shapes there, I became captivated by irises and began buying bulbs. As the number of cultivated varieties exceeded one hundred and space grew tight, the garden was relocated to its current 30-are (3,000 m²) plot of farmland. At the village’s request to open the site to visitors as a tourist garden, I acquired a landscape coordinator qualification in 2002 and opened the iris garden to the public in 2003. Iris cultivation dislikes high heat and humidity, which leads to frequent diseases, and the plants need replanting and soil replacement about once every three years, so maintenance is demanding. Still, we continue to cultivate them in the hope that visitors will find comfort in the sight of the flowers in full bloom. Today the garden features more than 200 iris varieties totaling about 5,000 plants, and over 300 other flower varieties, making it an impressive flower garden in full bloom. Manager: Hideko Tado ● Toyooka Iris Garden Details ・Open season Late April–mid May: Iris Late May–early June: Roses ・Opening hours 8:00–17:00 (open daily during the season) ・Admission 300 yen (high school students and older) ・Parking, restrooms Available ・Other Seedlings available for sale ・Contact Toyooka Tabijikan (0265-49-3395)

Kamisuwa Onsen stretches along the shores of Lake Suwa, and when you get off the train you can enjoy that very hot spring as a footbath without even exiting the ticket gate. On Track 1 of JR Kamisuwa Station there is a sturdy rock-style ashiyu (footbath). This footbath originated from gender-separated open-air baths built in 1986 as part of the "One Station, One Specialty" campaign, and it took its present form after renovations in 2002. It’s perfect for a brief soak while waiting for a train. In summer it soothes tired, overheated feet, and in winter it warms chilled feet—try soaking in Kamisuwa Onsen’s restorative footbath. While soaking in the Kamisuwa Station footbath, making and eating an onsen tamago (hot-spring egg) is highly recommended! At NewDays Mini Kamisuwa on the station premises you can buy the "Kamisuwa Station Onsen Tamago Set" (raw egg, sauce, spoon, cup) for 100 yen (tax included). Please note that entering the platform requires a platform ticket (150 yen) or a valid train ticket. Simply submerge the egg in the hot spring and, while enjoying the footbath, in about 20 minutes you’ll have a delicious onsen tamago. Footbath hours: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM NewDays Mini Kamisuwa hours: 6:45 AM–8:30 PM Please enjoy it!

The Katsura River streams through the area of Yamanashi Prefecture. This river is Famous for sweetfish anglers as a fishing Spot one of the most the Kanto region. On the other hand, the current situation is that it is not known to the general public. I want more people to know about the Katsura River and sweetfish, which are local tourist resources. And I want to revitalize and promote the region. Squid, we have developed Specialty Products. In particular, this sweetfish sandwich is a rare product that you should try at least once. Sweet and spicy honeydew stew, confit with olive oil and garlic, It is a set of 3 types of fried foods that are fried and entwined with sauce.

I visited Wada-juku Main Camp! It was almost hot outside, but the interior of the main camp felt cool. There was a quiet, meditative atmosphere that made me want to sit and reflect...

Hello 😃 This is Yamanashi Wine Kingdom Senga Falls Store! June has arrived and the weather is humid, but Shosenkyo Gorge is full of fresh green leaves and a refreshing breeze blows through the area 🍃 Near the falls you can feel the spray and find a cool spot. You can also see the rare view directly above the falls from the wooden deck 👀 Please be sure to take a look! A new wine has arrived at Yamanashi Wine Kingdom next to that wooden deck ☀️ This unusual Yamanashi wine is made from Chardonnay and Syrah. It’s a crisp, dry wine recommended for hot summers, so please give it a try. When you visit Shosenkyo, please stop by ☺️

Gyoi-kō (Gyoikō) is a plant in the genus Prunus of the Rosaceae family. It is a Japanese-origin cultivated variety of satoyama cherry (satozakura) that originated from the Oshima cherry. The name has been seen since the mid-Edo period and comes from a color close to the light green of aristocratic robes. It is apparently also called “Misogi (purification).” The Gyoi-kō shown in this photo is the one at Akiba Shrine in Shimizu-cho, Suwa City. This shrine features several large zelkova trees and three small shrines at their roots, creating a very otherworldly atmosphere that seems like it could appear in a Ghibli film. Entering Akiba Shrine and going to the left rear, you will find this Gyoi-kō. This cherry blooms about two weeks later than Somei Yoshino and generally flowers around Golden Week. The timing is similar to that of yaezakura (double-flowered cherry). When the flowers first open, the petals are pale green even inside, and as they near the end of blooming faint pink streaks appear toward the center. Although the tree’s vigor has declined compared with the past, the sign says the average tree age is about 20 years. If you look closely, it was planted on May 25, 1975 (Showa 50), so it is 49 years old this year. Amazing, isn’t it! Unlike the famous pink cherries, its pale yellow-green color gives off a lovely hue. Every year I enjoy seeing yaezakura and this Gyoi-kō after the Somei Yoshino finish blooming. Answer! The phrase “light green colored cherry blossom,” which I posted in English on Instagram on January 18 of this year, referred to this Gyoi-kō at Akiba Shrine. Please take a look at the English post as well. Also, as far as I know, there is a green cherry that appears to be Gyoi-kō on the grounds of the former Suwa City Cleaning Center, now a Suwa City facility for recycling pruned branches. Because this is a Suwa City facility, if you go to recycle pruned branches in early spring and have a chance, please take a look. If you miss the Somei Yoshino bloom around April in future years, please consider adding Gyoi-kō to your list of blossoms to see. In particular, if you know of any unusual cherry trees in Suwa City or the six neighboring municipalities, or if you have other local information to share, please leave a comment. I will visit as many as possible! Suwa Tourism Association Instagram → @suwa_nagano Please follow us!

“Hidden Spots of Shinano-Omachi” Photography Workshop — Learn Camera Techniques on Omachi Shopping Street Join a tour to learn camera techniques on Omachi Shopping Street. The event is finally approaching on June 8. We will walk and practice photography at historic locations: Matsubaya Ryokan (Matsubaya Guest House), built in the Taisho era; Takara Shokudo, built in the Meiji era; and Omachi Meitengai, built in the 1960s (Showa 40s). For this shooting tour, we have special permission to enter these buildings, and participants will have the chance to hear from an instructor who knows Omachi inside and out. The instructor is Kiyoshi Kashiwabara, a photo instructor certified by the Japan Association of Photography Instructors, a native of Omachi who shares the charm of Omachi’s landscapes and people through his photography.

Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Echizen Tourism Federation. Echizen Town, Niu-gun, Towns, Towns, Fukui Prefecture, faces the Sea of Japan and has a population of about 19,000. In March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen will be extended to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture, making access to the Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture more convenient. In COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, we will introduce you to the recommended sightseeing Spot in Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture! Best regards! [What is Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture?] 】 Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture is a beautiful Town facing the Sea of Japan, and is a fascinating area of rich nature and history. Echizen Snow Crab is famous for its seafood and Echizen pottery, and is Visited by many tourists throughout the year. In 2005, the four Town/Village of Nyū District Asahi Town, Echizen Town, Miyazaki Village, and Oda Town merged to form "Echizen Town", which Restrooms available history. [Introduction of recommended Sightseeing spot in Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture] ・Echizen Ninomiya Tsurugi Shrine Tsurugi Shrine Echizen Town Oda was the ancestral hometown of Oda Nobunaga, and Oda Nobunaga deeply revered Tsurugi Shrine as a Ujigami（clan deity）. The Main Shrine is designated as a prefectural cultural property, and the Bonshō bell is the third oldest in Japan and one of the six national treasures in Fukui Prefecture. ・Cape Echizen Cape Echizen is a cape with a series of 130 meters high cliffs jutting out into the Sea of Japan, where you can Unfolds a magnificent panorama of the sea. From the Observation decks, you can overlook Tojinbo and the Tsuruga Peninsula. It has also been selected as a "100 best sunsets in Japan". ・Roadside Station Echizen Located on the Echizen-Kaga Coast, it sells Fresh Local seafood and agricultural products, and is popular with tourists. Restrooms available are also restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with Local ingredients, so you can enjoy the taste of Echizen. There is also a one-day hot spring facility that boasts an open-air bath, "Echizen Onsen Open-air Bath Fishermen's Fire" and the "Echizen Snow Crab Museum" where you can learn about the ecology of Echizen Snow Crab and nearby fish. ・Kocho Gate It is a cave about 15 meters high and about 30 meters wide with a hole gaping in the rock due to wave erosion on the Echizen Coast. The promenade is well maintained, so you can see the Kocho Gate up close. ・Nagasuhama Beaches It is the largest beaches in In the town and is crowded with many Beachgoers in summer. In the crystal clear waters, you can also enjoy marine sports such as Scuba Diving. [Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture Specialty Products] ・Echizen pottery Echizen pottery is a traditional pottery from Echizen Town that dates back to the Heian period about 850 years ago. Echizen Pottery's Workshop also Held in Visiting the site and Hands-on workshops, and you can even create your own original creations. ・Echizen daffodils Echizen daffodils are a general term for Japanese daffodils that bloom on the Echizen Coast and are known as a Winter tradition in Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture, Echizen Town. Chiba Prefecture Boso Peninsula one of the Japan's Three Great Crowds along with Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture and the largest area in Japan. ・Echizen Snow Crab "Echizen Snow Crab" is a Snow Crab that is Unload to the fishing port of Fukui Prefecture, and the Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture boasts the highest Unload in Fukui Prefecture. Famous nationwide as a Taste of Winter, it is characterized by its sweetness and delicious taste, and is known as the finest variety of the top brand among snow crabs. Local traditional Japanese restaurants and restaurants serve dishes made with Fresh Echizen Snow Crab, which makes many gourmets Tantalize your taste buds!. ・Echizen Flounder Echizen Flounder is also known as a Specialty Product of Echizen Town. Exquisite sashimi, Cooked fish, grilled fish, and any other dish can be eaten deliciously. ・Other seafood In addition to Echizen Snow Crab and Echizen Flounder, Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture is known for its abundant Fresh seafood such as "Echizen shrimp," "sweet shrimp," "Squid," and "Turbo sazae." In Echizen Town, lively Kaisen Donburi is called "Hama no seikatsu donburi" and can be eaten at many restaurants in In the town. These Specialty Products also Restrooms available popular in Furusato Nozei thank-you gift. [Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture event introduction] ・Echizen Pottery Festival The Echizen Pottery Festival is the largest pottery market in Fukui Prefecture with the theme of Echizen pottery, bringing together Echizen pottery kilns in Fukui Prefecture. There are also shops selling traditional crafts and restaurants and bazaars. ・Echizen Port Fireworks Display Impressive fireworks such as Underwater fireworks will color the night sky of Echizen Town at the Echizen Fishing Port. It is the first fireworks to be Held in in Fukui Prefecture every year, and it tells Fukui Prefecture the visit of summer. ・Asahi Festival Paper-covered lantern floats parade through the towns. It is a historic festival that will celebrate its 49th anniversary in 2024. [Introducing the Tourist Information of Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture! ] 】 Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture is a Sightseeing spot surrounded by beautiful nature and rich history. In Echizen-cho, Echizen-cho, Fukui, Echizen-cho, Enjoy Enjoying Recommendations so that you can have a wonderful trip!

Noto Peninsula Mitsuke Island and the Milky Way 2023.04.23 Mitsuke Island before the earthquake It seems to have collapsed a little due to the earthquake.

EVERYONE WHO WATCHES COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! How do you do! This is the Tsuruga Tourism Association. Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture is a city with a population of about 60,000 as of April 2024 located in the Reinan Region of Fukui Prefecture. Kehi Pine Grove, one of Japan's three largest pine groves, and Kehi Jingu Shrine, one of Japan's three largest wooden Otorii gates, are attracting attention due to the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2024. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will continue to provide recommended Tourist Information and Latest Information on Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. [What is Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture?] 】 Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture is a beautiful port city facing the Sea of Japan. It takes about 1 hour by JR from Kyoto and about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Osaka and Nagoya, easily accessible. In addition, in March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Kanazawa and Tsuruga was opened, and the fastest connection between Tokyo and Tsuruga was Gari in 3 hours and 8 minutes. It has a long history of flourishing as a gateway to the continent, and you can see foreign container ships at the port of Tsuruga City, even now. [Introduction of recommended sightseeing spots in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture] ・Kehi Pine Grove The Hakushaseishou scenic spot "Kehi Pine Grove", which stretches about 1 Kilometers long in Tsuruga Bay, is one of the three major pine grove in Japan, along with Thee scenic pine groves of Japan Shizuoka Prefecture and Niji-no-Matsubara Saga Prefecture, and is also designated as a national scenic spot. In the summer, it is open as a beaches and is overflowing with many Beachgoers. There are also promenades are maintained in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy walking throughout the year. ・ Leiji Matsumoto's manga character statues In 1999, as a commemorative project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Tsuruga Port, a monument statue of "Galaxy Railway 999 Three Nine" and "Space Battleship Yamato" by manga artist "Leiji Leiji Matsumoto" was created in the Symbol Road shopping street in Tsuruga City. There are 28 statues installed in the section from Tsuruga Station to Kehi Jingu Shrine. ・Tsuruga Museum Road Tsuruga Museum Road is a street where you can feel the history and culture of Tsuruga City. Historic buildings such as the Tsuruga City Museum former Owada Bank Head Office and sake breweries still remain, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of Tsuruga City at that time. ・Tsuruga City Museum The Tsuruga City Museum is a Museum built in 1927 using the Owada Bank head office, which was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2017. Inside the Museum, there are many valuable documents and exhibits that tell the history of Tsuruga from ancient times to the present day. ・Nakaikemi Wetlands Nakaikemi Wetlands is a valuable wetland where you can see about 3,000 species of flora and fauna, including more than 60 endangered species, and was registered as a Ramsar Convention Wetlands in 2012. Throughout the year, you can enjoy nature observation and bird watching. ・Mizu Island Mizu Island is a small island floating in Tsuruga Bay with beautiful transparent water quality and white sand. In summer, you can take a daily ferry to the island, where you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. ・Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse The Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse in Tsuruga Port is a historic building built in the Meiji era. In 2009, it was registered as a national registered tangible cultural property. Today, it is a popular Spot for tourists where you can enjoy history, culture and food, with restaurants, railway and port dioramas. ・Kehi Jingu Shrine Kehi Jingu Shrine is nicknamed "Keisan" by the citizens of Tsuruga. The 11 meters high Otorii Gate, which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property, is one of the Japan's three largest wooden Otorii gates along with Kasuga-taisha Shrine Nara Prefecture and Itsukushima Shrine Hiroshima. ・Te no Ura Beaches Teura Beach is a popular beach in Tsuruga City. It is characterized by the most transparent sea and white sand beach in Tsuruga City, and is designated as Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park.. In summer, the beach is crowded with many Beachgoers, and you can enjoy activities such as beach volleyball and Barbecue, making it recommended for families. There are many other popular beaches in Tsuruga City, such as "Era Beach", "Akasaki Beaches", "Kehi no Matsubara Beach", "Tagui Beaches", "Itsuhata / Kakinoh Beaches", and "Nago Beaches", which are visited by many tourists during the summer season. ・Old Tsuruga Port Station Ramp Hut The Old Tsuruga Port Station Ramp Hut is an oil depot built around 1882 to store fuel for portable oil lamps used for train lighting. It is characterized by carefully stacked red bricks and opening arches, and is currently Open to the public as a tourist Spot. ・Kuroko Valley The Black River streams in a valley south of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture. You can experience the Nature of Tsuruga City, such as Onigataki Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Tsuruga City, and Ikenohara Marsh, where rare animals and plants live. ・Mt. Nosaka It is a mountain with an elevation of 941 meters, and from the top you can overlook Lake Biwa in the distance. The Mountain trail is Well maintained, so beginners can easily enjoy climbing. 【Specialty products and gourmet foods of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture】 ・Tsuruga Fugu Tsuruga fugu is one of the seafood of Tsuruga City. The season is from October to March, and it is popular as a Taste of Winter, and you can enjoy fugu sashimi and fugu nabe at Local ryotei and restaurants. ・Tsuruga sea bream Tsuruga sea bream farmed in the rough waters of the Sea of Japan has a firm body and the best Fatty ride. Whether it's sashimi, grilled with salt, or shabu-shabu, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Tsuruga sea bream in any cooking method. ・Echizen Crab Echizen crab Unloaded at Tsuruga Port and Mikuni Port is a Specialty Product that Representatives the Taste of Winter in Tsuruga City. Fresh crab has a sweet taste and can be enjoyed with boiled crab or crab sashimi. ・Sauce katsu-don pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice A sauce based on the Local Gourmet "Sauce katsu-don pork cutlet served on top of a bowl of rice" House sauce that Representative Fukui Prefecture is poured over the tonkatsu. It is a popular gourmet that has been loved by the people of Fukui Prefecture since the Taisho era. ・Heshiko Heshiko is a traditional preserved food in Tsuruga City made by Pickled in salt mackerel and then pickled in Rice malt. It has a unique flavor and is ideal as an accompaniment to freshly cooked rice or Ochazuke. It is a Gastronomical delicacies where you can feel the Local food culture of Tsuruga City. These specialty products are also very popular as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payment. 【Introduction of festivals and events in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture】 ・Floating paper lantern ceremony and fireworks festival Held in every August, it is a major event in Tsuruga City, and with the Sea of Japan in the background, beautiful paper lanterns are swept away and magnificent fireworks are launched in the night sky. Fascination many tourists and colors the summer nights of Tsuruga City. ・Kehi Jingu Shrine Annual Grand Festival Tsuruga Festival The Kehi Jingu Shrine Annual Grand Festival-Tsuruga Festival is the most traditional festival in the Hokuriku region, which is Held in every September. Mikoshi portable shrines and six festival floats from Kehi Jingu Shrine parade through the town, and the sound of Drums and flutes echoes throughout the city. In addition, various stalls are lined up in the Precincts, stage events are held, and it is crowded with many tourists. 【Disseminating Tourist Information of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture】 Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture has many tourist Spot that Fascination people who visit beautiful nature and rich history. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, access to Tsuruga City has improved. Enjoy a wonderful time in Tsuruga City, where new discoveries and impressions await. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS will send out recommended Tourist Information and the latest Information deals in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, so please follow us!

Nice to meet you! This is the Omachi City Tourism Association. Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture sits in the northwest of Nagano. Surrounded by Northern Alps peaks over 3,000 meters, lakes and ski resorts, Omachi City offers plenty of nature-based activities. Here are our recommended travel tips from Omachi City! ■■■ What is Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture? ■■■ Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture faces the majestic Northern Alps to the west, including MtKashimayarigatake and MtJiigatake, and draws many climbers as a mountain tourism city. It is also known as the Nagano-side gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Visitors enjoy attractions year-round, from the towering snow corridor called Yuki no Otani in spring to the Kurobe Dam water releases from summer into autumn. ■■■ Tourist spots in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Lake Kizaki Three lakes lie in the north of the city, known collectively as the Nishina Three Lakes. At Lake Kizaki, you can enjoy SUP, canoeing, boating and wakasagi smelt fishing. The water tends to be relatively warm and shallow in places, so swimming in the lake is possible. This is a rare lake where wakasagi fishing can be enjoyed year-round. There are hot spring facilities along the shore, perfect for soothing tired muscles. ◇ Lake Aoki The northernmost of the Nishina Three Lakes, Lake Aoki is the third largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. Water springs from the lakebed, giving the water exceptional clarity, and fireflies appear in early summer. A campground on the shore offers a peaceful place to relax. ◇ Lake Nakatsuna Lake Nakatsuna is a beautiful lake surrounded by quiet woodland. In spring, many photographers come to capture the deep cherry-pink of oyamazakura reflecting on the surface. Anglers also enjoy bream fishing and wakasagi hole fishing, making it a popular fishing spot. ◇ Takase Valley Takase Valley features Takase Dam, the tallest rock-fill dam in Japan, and the remote Kuzu Onsen, famed as a secret hot spring. In autumn it is renowned for colorful fall foliage. Beyond Takase Dam lies the nationally designated natural monument Funto-kyū, a place where you can feel nature’s mystery. ◇ National Treasure Nishina Shinmei Shrine One of only five national treasure shrines in Nagano Prefecture, this shrine dates back to the Heian period and is the oldest example of shinmei-zukuri style architecture in Japan. Traditional rituals such as archaic opening ceremonies and kagura dance during the autumn grand festival have been carefully preserved and are a must-see. ◇ Omachi Alpine Museum / Omachi City Mountain Museum Japan’s first museum devoted to mountains, it showcases the nature and mountaineering history centered on the Northern Alps. From the third floor you can enjoy sweeping views of the Northern Alps. The attached zoo and botanical garden let you see species such as the rock ptarmigan and serow. ◇ Omachi Park About a five-minute drive from JR Shinano-Omachi station, Omachi Park sits in front of the Omachi Alpine Museum and offers panoramic views of the Northern Alps. The trailhead for Mt. Takagari, a popular short-mountain trekking course, is nearby. ◇ Nakasayama Kogen Nakasayama Kogen is a highland area with sweeping scenic views and seasonal flowers in bloom. In early autumn, fields of soba blossoms create white carpets, and in late October local soba restaurants serve the new-season buckwheat noodles. ◇ Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Dam and Yuki no Otani Opened in 1971, the approximately 90-kilometer-long Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route links Nagano Prefecture with Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture. From Ōgizawa Station in Omachi City, the Nagano-side starting point, it takes about 16 minutes by electric bus to reach Kurobe Dam. The Kurobe Dam’s spectacular tourist water releases run from June 26 to October 15. The Alpine Route is packed with attractions, from the famous snow corridor Yuki no Otani to the TateyamaRopeway, where you can admire carpets of autumn color. ◇ Hot springs in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture Hot spring facilities dot Omachi City, making it easy to relax in an onsen after activities like climbing or skiing. Omachi Onsenkyo, convenient for Kurobe Dam sightseeing, offers a dozen or so ryokan and hotels as well as day-use onsen facilities. ◇ Water tour At the foot of the Northern Alps, Omachi City is a town rich in water. Walking the shopping street that continues from JR Shinano-Omachi station, you’ll find water-drawing spots offering men’s spring water Otokomizu from the Northern Alps and women’s spring water Onnamizu from the satoyama countryside, letting you taste and compare both. ◇ Shoryudo Route The Shoryudo Route is a sightseeing route that imagines the Chubu and Hokuriku regions (Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, and Shiga) as a dragon rising to the sky. Omachi City is included in the Shoryudo Route as an access point for the Alpine Route and nearby ski resorts. ■■■ Local specialties of Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Soba noodles Omachi City is famous as a producer of delicious soba. Its cool climate and pure water help grow flavorful buckwheat. Local soba restaurants serve hand-cut soba that many visitors come to enjoy. ◇ Kurobe Dam Curry Kurobe Dam Curry is a local specialty of Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Designed to resemble Kurobe Dam, with rice as the dam and curry sauce as the water, it is popular for both its striking appearance and great taste. ◇ Local sake Omachi City is also known for excellent local sake. The pure water rising from the Northern Alps produces high-quality brews. At the three breweries Hokuan Daikoku, Usui Shoten (Hakuba Nishiki) and Ichinoya (Kinran Kurobe), you can enjoy uniquely flavored local sake. ■■■ Festivals and events in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture ◇ Wakaoji Festival The Wakaoji Festival is a traditional Omachi event held every July. One of its attractions is yabusame horseback archery, considered one of Japan’s three major yabusame events, and it also features a rare children’s yabusame performance. ■■■ Tourist information for Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, invites you to experience the beauty of nature. Every visit brings new discoveries and moving moments—enjoy a wonderful trip in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture. Cool Japan Video will continue to share more recommended information we couldn’t cover this time. Look forward to it!

Koshu Katsuragawa sweetfish stewed with honeydew and confit. The Katsura River starts at At the foot of Mt. and stream the county area of Yamanashi Prefecture. In particular, the Katsura River, which stream through Uenohara City, is an important Tourist Resources that can be proud of both inside and outside the city, stream the sight of the spectacular scenery that you see is magnificent. In addition, since the Edo period, sweetfish from the Katsura River has gained popularity among people traveling along the Koshu-kaido as a Specialties of Uenohara. This sweetfish, which was once lost due to the construction of the Sagami Dam, has been revived in modern times thanks to the hard work of the Local Katsura River Fisheries Cooperative. Even now, many anglers visit the Katsura River during the season, bringing liveliness to the city. Using the wonderful scenery of the Katsura River and Uenohara's Specialties of Sweetfish as an opportunity, we would like to deliver the charm of the city to even more people. I want to liven up the community. Specialty products have been developed from such thoughts.

The Azumino City Tourism Association, a public interest incorporated association, shares the present charm of Azumino, a garden city spreading at the foot of the Northern Alps. Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture sits near the center of Nagano, nestled between Matsumoto to the south and Hakubamura to the north. Home to Japan’s largest wasabi fields and blessed with clear water and air, Azumino promotes its appeal through Cool Japan videos. [What is Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture?] Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture is a city surrounded by the mountains of the Northern Alps and blessed with beautiful nature. Its population is about 92,000 (April 2024), and it is a place where history and culture live alongside a rich natural environment. The city’s seasonal scenery enchants visitors, especially cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. Since around the Meiji era, wasabi cultivation has flourished here. That tradition continues today, and Azumino is known as one of Japan’s leading wasabi-producing regions. [Notable sightseeing spots in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Daio Wasabi Farm Daio Wasabi Farm is one of Azumino’s signature tourist attractions. Spanning an area equivalent to more than ten Tokyo Domes, it is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, and its picturesque waterways are spectacular. Visitors can tour the wasabi fields and enjoy a variety of wasabi-based gourmet offerings. ・Hotaka Shrine Hotaka Shrine is said to be a power spot in Azumino. Historically worshipped as a guardian of the Japanese Alps, it is widely revered for traffic safety and industrial safety. ・National Alps Azumino Park (Horikane Hotaka area) This park is one of six national parks in the Kanto Koshinetsu region. It is a vast natural park popular with families and couples. The park features seasonal flower beds, playground equipment for children, barbecue areas, and day-camping zones. ・Azumino Chihiro Art Museum The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum exhibits the works of picture book artist Chihiro Iwasaki. Set in a quiet environment surrounded by beautiful nature, it offers a warm and comforting picture-book world. It is a soothing destination for families and art lovers. ・Roadside Station Alps Azumino Horigane no Sato Located at the foot of the Northern Alps, this roadside station offers a wide selection of fresh, safe, and carefully made farm products. Local Azumino souvenirs focused on fresh vegetables and fruits are recommended. ・Outdoor activities To fully enjoy Azumino, try activities such as clear stream boat rides, rafting, and clear-bottom boats. There are mountain-biking courses where you can ride while gazing up at the Northern Alps. Other options include horseback riding and F1, offering a variety of ways to have fun. ・Hands-on and indoor experiences A rich variety of hands-on programs is available, including soba noodle making, glassblowing, glass stamp making, pottery, and traditional chopstick crafting. Choose according to your interests and give them a try. ・Northern Alps mountaineering The Northern Alps comprise some of Japan’s premier mountain ranges, with peaks around 3,000 meters. Azumino City, located at the foothills of the Northern Alps, also serves as a recommended base for alpine climbing. It is known as a gateway to popular peaks featured among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains such as MtJonen, Mt. Tsubakuro, MtYarigatake, and as a viewing point for the Hotaka Mountain Range from Mount Chō. [Specialties of Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Wasabi Azumino City is renowned as one of Japan’s top wasabi-producing areas. Clear water and a cool climate suit wasabi cultivation, and its quality is highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Enjoy wasabi-based dishes and processed products when you visit. ・Rainbow trout Rainbow trout farmed in Azumino’s pristine waters is another local specialty. In recent years, “Shinshu Salmon,” bred from rainbow trout and brown trout, has become popular. [Festivals and events in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture] ・Ofune Festival The Ofune Festival, held every September, is a traditional event centered at Hotaka Shrine. Boat-shaped floats parade through the town as locals unite to enliven the festival. [Azumino City sightseeing recap] Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture is a region full of charm, surrounded by beautiful nature and rich history. Please visit Azumino City and experience its attractions for yourself. We will continue to share recommended sightseeing information and the latest updates so that Azumino can become a memorable page in your travel diary.