The additional dates for this year’s Atami Bay Fireworks Festival have been decided. We are sharing them together with the dates already announced. (As of April 6, 2024) [Atami Bay Fireworks Festival 2024 (Reiwa 6) Dates] Spring: April 13 (Sat) and May 2 (Thu) Summer: July 26 (Fri), August 5 (Mon), August 8 (Thu), August 18 (Sun), and August 23 (Fri) Autumn: September 16 (Mon, public holiday), October 14 (Mon, public holiday), October 19 (Sat), and November 4 (Mon, substitute holiday) Winter: December 8 (Sun) and December 22 (Sun) 2025: March 23 (Sun) Note: The newly added dates are October 14, December 22, and March 23, 2025. Time: 20:20–20:40 (In July and August only: 20:20–20:45) Venue: Atami Bay ※The event will go ahead in rain. Please note that the above dates and times are tentative and may change depending on future circumstances.

How to Harvest Sap and Make Chiffon Cake Held as a winter nature-watching event A project to collect sap from white birch trees. Participants gathered in front of the community center and rode a bus to the collection site. “Do you know what sap is like?” In response, one elementary school student gave a detailed explanation, prompting cheers of “Oh!” from the group. At the site, an outdoor lesson began on how to drill holes to collect sap and on the tools used for harvesting. Because temperatures had dipped in the days just before the event, no sap could be collected, but using sap gathered last year, participants also made chiffon cake. They mixed the batter and poured it into molds. Both children and adults worked with lively expressions. The baked chiffon cake was fluffy and disappeared in no time. Chiffon cake is sold irregularly at Yumemura Mori no Garden during events, so if you see it, please consider buying one! #Nishiokoppe Village #birch sap #mokuiiku (wood learning) #chiffon cake #Yumemura Mori no Garden

On-site final check of the flow for the birch sap harvesting experience rehearsal starting the day after tomorrow. I was worried because it snowed the day before yesterday, but thanks to the warm weather today I could relax as sap oozed out when we drilled into the birch. It still seemed a little early for full-scale harvesting—the sap collected about 50 ml in one hour. With daytime temperatures forecast to exceed 10°C through the coming weekend, I expect the yield will stabilize. The birch sap harvesting experience runs from Friday the 5th through Sunday the 14th of this month, and reservations are possible even the day before. If you’re interested, please join us. Visitors who only want to observe are also welcome. Please note that the event will not be held if there are no participants, so contact the tourism association in advance. For details, contact Shintoku Town Tourism Association at 0156-64-0522.

“Jiufen lights up in Atagawa.” #Atagawa hot spring town... A night where steam from the baths blends with the glow of lanterns. We introduce a lighting ceremony event at Atagawa Onsen that lets you savor the magical scenery of Taiwan’s world-famous tourist spot, Jiufen. #Taiwan street food stalls, #Chinese lion dance, Atagawa Dokan taiko drumming, fireworks and other festival attractions weave together in a lavish lighting ceremony. ■Special offers! ➀Free tapioca milk tea served by the Atagawa Onsen Ryokan Association! ②Vouchers usable at event stalls and shops within Atagawa Onsen will be distributed (first 300 visitors). ③Guests staying at Atagawa Onsen on the day will receive a handheld lantern (assembly-type LED lantern featuring a dragon motif) at participating accommodations on a first-come, first-served basis! ■Lighting ceremony event details Date and time: April 6 from 7:00 PM Location: Izu-Atagawa Station front rotary (lighting ceremony site), Onsen Lantern Road (provisional name) (main venue) From April 6 onward, Taiwan lanterns will be lit every day so you can enjoy strolling the streets any time. (*For more detailed information, check the Atagawa Onsen Ryokan Association website and Instagram!) ■Lighting ceremony schedule 7:00 PM Lighting ceremony starts, guest greetings 7:30 PM Countdown and simultaneous lighting 7:40 PM Performances by Atagawa Dokan taiko and Chinese lion dance ■Main venue schedule From 3:00 PM – food stalls open Enjoy Taiwan gourmet, crepes, local specialties and traditional fair games♪ From 8:00 PM – ・Hot spring source cleaning observation ・Photo sessions with local mascots ・Street performances …and more are planned! ■Notes Traffic restrictions will be in effect in various areas for this event. (See the event flyer for details) There is no parking available until 6:00 PM. Guests staying overnight should walk from their accommodations. After 6:00 PM, the Atagawa Tropical & Alligator Garden main parking lot will serve as a temporary parking area. [Inquiries] Organizer: Atagawa Onsen Ryokan Association Supported by: Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Taiwan Visitors Association, Izukyū Corporation, Atagawa Onsen Shopping Association, the people of Atagawa, Higashiizu Town Cooperation: Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, Yokohama Office #Atagawa Onsen #Hot spring #Lighting #Illumination #Izu sightseeing #Izu travel #Izu spots #Izu hot springs #Izukyū #Izu Peninsula #Higashiizu Town #Taiwan

Hello to all COOL JAPAN VIDEOS viewers! This is the Shinshu Suzaka Tourism Association! Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture, home to a population of about 50,000, is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, about 90 minutes by car from Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. Suzaka City has a long history, flourishing in the Silk industry from the Meiji era to the early Showa period, and in the city you can see storehouses and merchant houses with big wall construction that retain the remnants of that time. We will send out recommended information full of the natural beauty of Suzaka City and the charm of historical buildings on COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, so please look forward to it. ==Must see tourist spots in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Here are some recommended sightseeing spots in Suzaka City. Please use it as a reference for sightseeing in Suzaka City! ・Garyu Park In Garyu Park, you can enjoy about 600 cherry blossom trees that have been selected as "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots". Other flowers such as iris, wisteria, azaleas, and hydrangeas also decorate the park, and you can feel the beauty of nature throughout the year. ・Suzaka City Zoo The zoo in Garyu Park has about 50 species and 230 animals. There are events that can only be experienced here, such as "Capybara Onsen" and "Night Zoo Expedition", and "Digital Animal Park for Everyone" established by Sudaka Cable TV, where you can watch several kinds of animal videos live-streamed 24 hours a day. ・ 100 selections of waterfalls in Japan "Yonago Great Falls" The road collapsed due to a typhoon in the first year of Reiwa and was closed, but the road was opened in May 2023. Located in the southeastern part of Suzaka City, Yonago Falls is one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, with two waterfalls Fudo Falls and Gongen Falls that fall in a straight line down the caldera cliffs of Mt. Hyakumei and Mt. azumayasan straddling the border with Gunma Prefecture. ・Kura townscape In the Edo period, Suzaka City, where the domain office of the Suzaka clan "Hori clan" was located, flourished as a jinya town. It flourished in the Silk industry after the Meiji era, and there are many warehouse-making buildings that show the prosperity of that time. Why don't you go around the townscape with the Kura townscape walking map? ・Minenohara Plateau It is a plateau with an altitude of about 1,500 meters ~ 1,600 meters overlooking the Northern Alps and Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu. In the summer, you can enjoy highland sports such as tennis, golf, and trekking as a summer resort, and in the winter, it is a ski resort that entertains many people. ・Suzaka Art Park This facility is located on the south side of Garyu Park. It is a general term for three facilities: the World Folk Doll Museum, the Suzaka Print Museum, the Hiratsuka Unichi Print Museum, and the Historical Building Park, where you can experience history, culture, and art. During the Hinamatsuri season, the World Folk Doll Museum also hosts popular events such as "30-tiered decorations" and "Thousand Dolls Festival", and the Suzaka Print Museum exhibits "Tiered and Hanging Hina Decorations". ・Sekiya Onsen Yukku LAND It is a hot spring facility with a panoramic view of Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu and the night view of Suzaka City and Nagano City. There are 9 bathhouses, 4 saunas, restaurants, freshly baked bread factories, and other substantial facilities. ==Beloved events and festivals in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== ・Garyu Park Sakura Festival It is a cherry blossom festival held in Garyu Park, and in 2024 it will be held between April 1 Mon ~ 21 Sun, 2024. You can also enjoy the fantastic scenery by lighting up the cherry blossoms at night. ・Kattakata Festival It is a historic festival that will be held for the 46th time in 2023 and is a summer tradition in Suzaka City. Giant "Ryu Mikoshi" and dancers exhaling white smoke parade through the streets of Suzaka City. ==Specialty Products of Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Suzaka City is rich in delicious specialty products loved by the locals, such as fresh fruit, miso, soba noodles, and oyaki. In particular, Shine Muscat, apples, grapes, etc. are cultivation, and their sweetness and freshness leave the name of the fruit kingdom "Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture" wanted. It is also popular as a thank-you gift for Furusato Nozei tax payment. ==Enjoy the best trip in Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture== Suzaka City in Nagano Prefecture welcomes you with its beautiful nature, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. Spending time in Suzaka City will be an irreplaceable memory for everyone. We will send out recommended information about Suzaka City, so thank you!

~Flower Migration is a wide-area collaboration between one city and three towns: Takigami Town, Yubetsu Town, Monbetsu City, and Engaru Town~ 【Flower Migration】Event Information For two days on Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th, we will hold "Let's go to Okhotsk in spring Flower Migration market! We will sell a lot of Adult Specialty Products of Okhotsk "Moon Cheese" in Takikami Town, "Yubetsu Beef Hamburger" in Yubetsu Town, "Monbetsu Coffee" in Monbetsu City, "Wintering Shirataki Jaga" in Engaru Town, etc.!! In addition, there will be ♪ a large gathering of local characters, an exhibition of real drift ice, and a booth where you can experience making obsidian accessories And get Information on spring "Shibazakura" and "Tulip" here! !! Please come to ♫ the venue

Screening in Nishiokoppe We will screen the documentary film “A Story of a Butcher Shop” in Nishiokoppe. The film follows a family who raise their own cattle, carry out slaughtering and butchering themselves, and sell the meat they process. Admission is free and open to everyone. This is a film we hope you will watch through to the end. Date and time: Saturday, April 6, 2024 10:00~, 13:30~, 18:30~ (running time: 106 minutes) Venue: Nishiokoppe Village Community Center, Audiovisual Room Please join us along with the related event the next day. #Nishiokoppe Village #Community Center #Audiovisual Room #Screening #A Story of a Butcher Shop #Butcher Shop #Cattle #Beef #Yashiho Film Company #Free Screening

Bring Spring to the Windows with Paintings Days with highs above 0°C are gradually increasing. At Roadside Station Kam in Nishiokoppe Village we will hold a painting event in April! This time’s theme is “Flowers and Animals.” We are eagerly recruiting children to paint together! Feel free to contact us. Date and time: Saturday, April 13, 2024, 10:00–11:00 Who can join: Junior high school students and younger (capacity about 20) Fee: Free Contact: 0158-85-7125 Application deadline: Friday, April 5, by 5:00 PM We have tasty gifts prepared, so look forward to it! #Nishiokoppe Village #Roadside Station #Kam #painting #window art #Flowers and Animals #Welcoming spring #Young children also very welcome

【Open to the public once every 33 years】Hattasan Choukokuji Temple 3 days from March 16 ~ 18, 2024. Once every 33 years, the secret Buddha, the eleven-sided Kannon statue, was opened to the public. Harashichigo Kanseon Bodhisattva, which was called the guardian Kannon of Hara Nanago, has been worshipped by people since ancient times. During the three days of the open to the public, many people crowded with prayers. In addition, the main hall has been designated as an important cultural property of Japan as a valuable building that preserves the architectural style of the Muromachi period. This year also marks the 500th anniversary of the reconstruction of the main hall.

On March 24, I participated in the 3rd Multicultural Coexistence Photo Exhibition held at Tokyo Tama Mirai Messe, a five-minute walk from hachioji station. Students from our school introduced the cultures of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Mongolia. The Bangladeshi students also ran a henna corner called mehendi, where people lined up because it was so popular✨

Koppe Mother Has Debuted Usually, she’s the village’s only supermarket cheer, calling out brightly at Q‑Mart. Yet she also gives the impression of running around the region with a shovel shamisen in hand. That very “Koppe Mother” has made her singing debut in Nishiokoppe! She stood between two artists and sang boldly to the end. It seems the recording finished smoothly, and we can’t wait for the CD release. May the song that holds her life reach many people. #Nishiokoppe Village #Koppe Mother #LIVE #GA.KOPPER #Birthday #Congratulations #Singer Debut #CD Release Is Almost Here #Delicious Pizza #Girls at the Reception

A marathon led by thoroughbreds 🏇🏃🏃 Register for the "Northern Horse Park Marathon 2024" by Sunday, March 24th! For details, please visit the official Northern Horse Park Marathon 2024 website.

"Savoring Shirakaba Sap" How do you collect sap from trees? When you think of sap, maple syrup and lacquer might come to mind. This wood-education event not only gathers sap but also uses the collected sap to bake chiffon cake! Adults and children are welcome. Capacity is 20 people, so please book early. #Nishiokoppe Village #Wood Education #Shirakaba Sap #Collection #Yume-mura Forest Garden #Chiffon Cake #Reservation Required

[Let's 🌸 get Sakura Festival original goods] In commemoration of the Otsuki Sakura Festival, From 3/23 to 4/14, photos taken to cherry blossom spots in Otsuki City If you show it at the tourist information center in front of Otsuki Station or Saruhashi Daikokuya, Sakura Festival Original Clear File Present 🎁 Please come and ✨✨ visit us in the spring Otsuki

※There is a possibility of cancellation due to wind conditions, so please inquire in advance. A fireworks cruise will operate for the first 150 guests on a first-come, first-served basis on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to coincide with the Atami Offshore Fireworks Festival. With no obstructions and from the extraordinary setting of a ship, why not watch 3,000 fireworks light up Atami’s night sky? It’s a perfect addition to your spring break memories. We look forward to welcoming you aboard. Date and time / Wednesday, March 20, 2024 Depart 19:50 – Fireworks viewing (20:20–20:40) – Return to port around 20:50 Boarding location / Atami Port (ticket booth for Hatsushima departures) ※Ticket sales begin at 19:10 (limited to the first 150 guests on the day) Fare / Adults ¥2,800, Children ¥1,400 ※Preschool children free How to purchase tickets / Tickets will be sold at the waiting area ticket window on the day. Please visit the window between 19:10 and 19:40. Vessel in service / Ild Vacances Premier ※The event may be canceled due to weather or other circumstances on the day. Thank you for your understanding. Inquiries / Fujikyuu Marine Resort Tel 0557-81-0541

Hello everyone! Ginoza Village is holding "Ginoza Village Open Garden 2024" 🌺✨ from March 9 Sat ~ March 17 Sun The unique and ingenious garden is a sight 🌹🌷 to behold Please 😊 take this opportunity to take a look at the garden that the people of Ginoza Village have grown with all their hearts

[Let's dig up some treasures!] This is an announcement from the puppet theater circle Doremi. On Wednesday, March 20th, a public holiday, we will hold a Treasure-Finding Market instead of a flea market! Everything is free!! At this event you can take home any items you like. We plan to unload the flea market inventory that was at the Nishiokoppe Marche! Tableware, toys, clothes, stuffed animals, books… you’ll find a wide variety of items. Next door to the Treasure-Finding Market, we’ve prepared a room where you can enjoy indoor games, so feel free to drop in! Venue: Community Center (Meeting Room & Daycare Room) Time: 10:00–15:00 What to bring: Your own bag #Nishiokoppe Village #Puppet Theater Circle Doremi #Flea Market #Treasure-Finding Market #Free #Big Clearance #Community Center #Hotel Morimu

The wide-area collaboration "Flower Tour" between Engaru Town, Takikami Town, Yubetsu Town, and Monbetsu City will hold "Let's go to Okhotsk in Spring Flower Tour Campaign in Roadside Station Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato" on March 20 Wednesday at "Roadside Station Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato"! We will provide plenty of pre-travel information on the flower migration area, such as the sale of Okhotsk's Specialty Products, a large gathering of Yurukyara, and a hands-on corner! We are ♪ waiting for you at "Roadside Station Otofuke Natsuzora no Furusato" on March 20th

Hello! It is Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the east of the Izu Peninsula facing Sagami Nada. 44.7% of the city area is designated as the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Area, and the average annual temperature is 17.4°C, which is warm throughout the year. Use Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Ito Station is about 90 minutes from Tokyo Station to Ito City, and about 60 minutes by car from Numazu IC on the Tomei Expressway. Ito City, with a population of about 65,000, continues to attract people who visit with its hot springs, beautiful coastline, and seasonal nature. It has a long history as a resort area and is a tourist destination loved by many people. ◆◆Popular tourist destination Representative of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture The Izu Peninsula, where Ito City is located, was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018, and there are many geosites in Ito City, such as Mt. Omuro and the Jogasaki Coast. Here, we will introduce sightseeing spots that Representative Ito City. ◇Izu Shaboten Zoo Izu Shaboten Zoo is a park famous for its "original Capypara open-air bath", and the "Animal Boat Tours" where you can interact with animals such as capyparas, squirrel monkeys, and kangaroos, and observe the animals on a boat are popular. In addition, about 1500 species of cacti and succulents from around the world are cultivation in the park. ◇Izu Guranparu Park It is a leisure spot where you can enjoy attractions such as "Zipline", "Water Balloon", and "3D Maze" in the park about 5 times the size of Tokyo Dome. There are many attractions that you can enjoy with children. In addition, "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination" will be held for a limited time, and currently "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination ~ 9th Season ~" is being held until August 31, 2024. ◇ Jogasaki Coast It is a coast formed by lava flowing from the Eruption of Mt. Omuro about 4,000 years ago, which stretches about 9 km from Tomito to Hachimano in the south of Ito City. The bridge "Kadowaki Suspension Bridge" that connects the cliffs of the Jogasaki coast is thrilling! Be sure to cross the Suspension Bridge, which is 48 meters long × about 23 meters high. From the observation deck at the Kadowakisaki Lighthouse, you can also see the Izu Seven Islands. ◇Mt. Omuro It is a volcano with an eruption port on a mortar formed by an eruption about 4,000 years ago, and the entire Mt. Omuro is designated as a nationally designated natural monument. Climbing on foot is prohibited, and at the top of Mt. Omuro, which can be climbed by lift, you can enjoy a "bowl tour" that goes around the ruins of the Eruption Mouth about 1 km away, and you can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Nada. Every year in February, a traditional event called "Yamayaki" is held to burn the entire Mt. Omuro. ◇Sakura no Sato at the foot of Mt. Omuro About 1,000 cherry trees of 40 varieties are planted, making it one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots on the Izu Peninsula. You can admire a variety of cherry blossoms during the long period of September ~ May. It has also been selected as a "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots". ◇Komuroyama Park About 100,000 azaleas bloom in April every year, and visitors are greeted by a carpet of bright red azaleas. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of camellias from early October to mid-April. ◇Roadside Station Ito Marine Town "Ito Marine Town" facing the coast is a facility where you can not only shop for local Specialty Products, but also enjoy hot springs and foot baths with a panoramic view of Sagami Bay. At the restaurant, you can taste Ito Gourmet such as fresh seafood. ◇Lake Ippeki It is a volcanic lake formed by Eruption about 100,000 years ago and has been selected as a One of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan. Lake Ippeki, known as the "Eye of Izu", is a place where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. ◇Ito Orange Beach It is a beach characterized by a coastal promenade with a tropical atmosphere. For a limited time while the beach is open, you can enjoy a water attraction and water park in the center of Ito Orange Beach. ◆◆ Enjoy hot springs in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture Ito Onsen, a hot spring in Ito City, is said to be one of the three major hot spring towns in Japan, along with Beppu Onsen and Yufuin Onsen in Oita Prefecture. It is a historic famous hot spring that was also dedicated to Tokugawa Iemitsu in the Edo period, and you can enjoy Ito's hot springs not only at inns and hotels, but also at footbaths at Roadside Stations. There is also a day-trip hot spring facility, so please heal your daily fatigue. ◆◆Beloved events and festivals in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture ◇Anjin Festival It is the largest event in Ito City, held every year on August 8~10, and includes "Lantern Floating", "Drum Battle", and "Anjin Festival Sea Fireworks Festival" where about 10,000 fireworks go up from the coast. ◇Sakura no Sato Night Cherry Blossom Viewing Party This event is held during the season when the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms at the foot of Mt. Omuro are in full bloom, and the beautiful cherry blossoms lit up at night create a fantastic atmosphere. ◆◆Enjoy the Specialty Products of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture Specialty products grown in the rich nature of Ito City attract many people. Cultivation locally grown agricultural products, such as tangerines, dried fish, and tea, are known for their freshness and depth of taste. In particular, the mandarin oranges in Ito City are grown with the blessings of a warm climate and are characterized by their juicy and sweet taste. In addition, this area facing the sea is famous for its Hinomono made with fresh seafood, and the flavor that can only be tasted here is loved by many people. These Specialty products are also popular as thank-you gifts for Furusato Nozei tax payments. ◆◆ Fun the best trip in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture In Ito City, you can spend a relaxing time in the hot springs, experience the beauty of nature, taste local Specialty products, and enjoy it in a way that suits your travel plans. Why don't you find new discoveries and exciting moments in Ito City, which is full of charm? The COOL JAPAN VIDEOS account will send out the latest information such as recommended sightseeing spots that you should visit when sightseeing in Ito City. Best regards!

As the Nemuro Main Line segment between Shintoku and Furano nears closure, Shintoku Station has been getting busier. Since early this month, the station has hosted a "Thank You, Nemuro Main Line" panel exhibition; visitors stop to view the photos and take their own pictures. In the nearby waiting area, a few customers can be seen enjoying station bento boxes made by local restaurants. According to staff at Stella Station, the station kiosk, Wednesdays feature Shintoku jidori rice (Shintoku free-range chicken rice bento), while other days offer a Tokachi yakiniku bento. Both are very popular. If you're visiting Shintoku Station, please take a moment to create a page of memories of the Nemuro Main Line while savoring the flavors of Shintoku and Tokachi.

This is the Toyooka Village Tourism Association. Hello to everyone watching the Cool Japan Video! Toyooka Village, in Shimoina-gun, Nagano Prefecture, is located in the southern part of Nagano Prefecture, in a region known as Minami Shinshu (Southern Shinshu). The village has a population of approximately 6,500. Compared to much of Nagano Prefecture, Toyooka Village enjoys a relatively mild climate with little snowfall, making it a thriving agricultural community for fruits and vegetables. On Cool Japan Video, we will be sharing recommended information about Minami Shinshu Toyooka Village, so please enjoy our content. In this first post, we will briefly introduce some special experience plans and sightseeing spots you can enjoy within Toyooka Village. ■□ Cycling Guided Tours to Fully Enjoy Toyooka Village’s Nature □■ The Toyooka Village Tourism Association offers the following cycling guided tours to allow visitors to experience the village’s natural blessings. Our cycling tours use E-BIKEs (electric-assist bicycles), making it easy to navigate even uphill slopes♪ Even if you are not used to cycling, our Japan Cycling Guide Association–certified guides will provide support, so you can feel at ease. ◇ Fruit Sweets Plan ◇ This beginner-friendly course takes about two to two and a half hours to complete♪ Harvest seasonal fruit and then enjoy a dessert prepared on the spot by the chef at the local restaurant Cafe & Dining en—an experience you can enjoy year-round. Taste sweets made from freshly picked Toyooka Village fruit♪ ◇ Forest Road Activity Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late May through the end of August♪ This roughly three- to four-hour course offers thrills and excitement as you ride over bumpy paths you wouldn’t normally take. After working up a sweat in the midsummer heat, the natural water slide will create an unforgettable memory! After enjoying playing in the river, relax with a takeaway lunch from Toyooka Village. ◇ Exquisite Course Lunch Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late April through early December♪ This roughly four- to four-and-a-half-hour plan lets you experience harvesting Toyooka Village’s seasonal vegetables. After harvesting with a local farmer, savor a superb multi-course lunch prepared by a dedicated chef using freshly picked vegetables while enjoying the spectacular view of the Ina Valley below. ◇ Night Tour Overnight Plan ◇ Available for a limited time from late April through mid-October♪ This evening-start plan lets you enjoy sunset cycling and vegetable harvesting in Toyooka Village, followed by a luxurious BBQ dinner prepared by a dedicated chef with a panoramic view of the Ina Valley below. Afterward, you can soak in a ceramic bath and spend the night at Toyo Terrace for a relaxing, indulgent stay. ■□ Must-See Sightseeing Spots in Toyooka Village □■ ◇ Roadside Station "Minami Shinshu Toyooka Marche" ◇ A must-see spot showcasing fresh local produce and specialty items. Serving as the regional food market of southern Shinshu, it offers a wide selection of locally grown vegetables and fruits—perfect souvenirs for your Toyooka Village visit. ◇ Fukushima Teppen Park ◇ From the park’s observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Maeda rice terraces in Fukushima Honmura and the Ina Valley. During winter, seasonal illuminations are also displayed. ◇ Mibusawa Fudo Falls ◇ This waterfall has a 15-meter drop. It is about a five-minute walk from the prefectural road, so you can visit easily. (You can also reach it by rental bicycle.) ◇ Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Sasamidaira ◇ This weeping cherry tree reaches about 15 meters in height and is estimated to be over 400 years old. It is designated as a Toyooka Village natural monument. ■□ Popular Events Loved in Toyooka Village □■ ◇ Toyooka Festival ◇ Held each year in November at the Toyooka Village Hall venue, the Toyooka Festival attracts roughly 12,000 attendees in total and is one of the village’s most popular events. Many food stalls line the venue, and stage events and musical fireworks take place. ■□ Specialty Products of Toyooka Village □■ Toyooka Village produces delicious fresh fruits nurtured by its rich nature, including peaches, apples, Shine Muscat grapes, Ichida persimmons, and pears. The village is also known for matsutake mushrooms, often called the king of mushrooms. These specialty products are carefully cultivated by local people, and their flavors have impressed many visitors. In Toyooka Village, you can also enjoy seasonal fruit-picking experiences such as the apple tree owner system and peach picking. These activities are especially recommended for families, giving children a valuable chance to enjoy nature while learning the importance of food. Also, at the Vegetable Garden Buffet Restaurant Vegful Kitchen, you can enjoy superb dishes made with fresh vegetables from Toyooka Village in a buffet style. When visiting Toyooka Village, be sure to fully indulge in the local cuisine! ■□ Enjoy Toyooka Village Tourism □■ Toyooka Village also runs the Toyooka Village Working Holiday program, which offers countryside living experiences and agricultural experiences for those considering relocating to the countryside or starting farming. Surrounded by Toyooka Village’s great natural beauty, why not escape the daily hustle and find true relaxation? Cool Japan Video will continue to share recommended and up-to-date information about Toyooka Village, Nagano Prefecture, so please follow us!

New Otani Inn Sapporo Executive Chef Yoshihito Takebayashi [Spring Special Tasting Party] You can enjoy a luxurious Western-style course using seasonal ingredients in a chic brick atmosphere! We will 🍽️ deliver a total of 7 dishes that will color spring, including "Risotto with wild vegetables and issued cabbage" 🌸Menu ・Hospitality at the beginning ・White trevally carpaccio and spring vegetable salad ・Natural conger eel, red wine-flavored teriyaki, dehydrated yogurt and cucumber ・ Naju style with shellfish drifting with the scent of the sea ・ Apicius-style roast of Shibetsu Suffolk breed "Hoget" 　　Hitobiro's Accent ・Risotto with wild vegetables and fermented cabbage ・Crème d'Ange and goat's milk gelato ・Small confectionery ・Coffee ・Bread, Hokkaido fermented butter 🌸 Date and time Friday, March 15, 2024 18:30~Reception 18:00~ 🌸Place B1 Party & Dining Four Seasons 🌸Fee Course meal: ¥13,000 With free drink: ¥15,000 🌸Reservation 📞011-222-1522 direct line to restaurant reservations Or On the 😎 hotel website

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, a joint concert will be held at Daito-in Temple. Concerts are held in the main hall surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom, and you can enjoy the fusion created by different musical instruments!! Please come and visit us!! [Details] Date: Sunday, April 7, 2024 Doors open at 13:30 Concert starts at 2 p.m. Venue: Daitoin Main Hall Chiba Prefecture Kashiwa City Hananoi 1757 ☎：04-7132-5868 All seats are unreserved chair seats and parking lot is available. Ticket: 2,500 yen * It is expected to be fully booked by advance reservation and sale. Please make a reservation and purchase as soon as possible. Reservations and inquiries: Daitoin Temple Office ☎：04-7132-5868

The “Thank You Nemuro Main Line” panel exhibition is now on display! A panel exhibition reflecting on the history of the Furano–Shintoku section, which will close on March 31, has opened inside Shintoku Station. The panels include a timeline tracing the line’s history from the 1900 opening of the Asahikawa–Shimofurano section, which marked the starting point for eastern Hokkaido, together with about 40 historical photos showing the railway and local scenery. Shintoku Station, which will be decommissioned at the end of this month, has drawn many railfans, and it was striking to see visitors studying the panels today.

Goma is a esoteric Buddhist ritual in which wooden votive sticks are cast into the flames on a platform to dispel misfortune, purify wishes, and pray for the fulfillment of great aspirations. At Oyama-dera, a special annual event (typically held on February 28) features the Five-Platform Goma practice. For the Five-Platform Goma, five altars are set up before the Five Wisdom Kings, with a brazier placed in front of each altar. Offerings such as milkwood are burned as worshippers pray to the principal deity. The fire of wisdom burns the fuel of earthly desires as participants pray for good health, increased blessings, and deep respect and affection. This ceremony draws many worshippers from afar and fills the temple with the bustle of continuous goma fires throughout the day. Nationwide, goma performed on five platforms is a rare sight. While the Five-Platform Goma is an annual special event, regular goma prayers are held daily and offer a precious experience open to anyone. In the solemn atmosphere of mountain-shrouded Oyama-dera, you can spend a moment of spiritual cleansing. Away from the noise of daily life, taking part in the goma ritual purifies body and mind and lets you return to everyday life with renewed spirit. Alongside the temple’s reverent atmosphere, this valuable opportunity brings peace and refreshment to the heart. Anyone may join, so you are welcome to make your request casually.

Kanagawa’s 100 Best Local Products [Crafts] "Kanagawa’s 100 Best Local Products" is a selection made by Kanagawa Prefecture from crafts, processed foods, and agricultural, forestry, and fishery products nurtured by Kanagawa’s traditions and climate. It is chosen based on recommendations from residents and various organizations, with the goal of widely promoting the prefecture’s tourist attractions both inside and outside the prefecture and contributing to tourism development. The first selection took place in fiscal 1985, and a reselection was carried out in fiscal 2006. More than ten years have passed since the previous selection, and with changes in tourist demand, a new "Kanagawa’s 100 Best Local Products" has been chosen. New additions include attractive items aimed at inbound visitors and popular local gourmet specialties, all of which will be widely promoted as important resources for showcasing Kanagawa’s appeal. ・Yokohama Scarf A 100% silk scarf distinguished by world-class hand-screen printing and meticulous sewing. Basic information about this product can be found here <Shops Where This Product Is Available> Yokohama Silk Museum Shop Association We offer a selection of "Yokohama Scarves" produced with world-class plate-making, dyeing, and sewing techniques. Hours: 12:00–17:00 Admission to the shop is free. The shop is closed on the same days the Silk Museum is closed. Address: Silk Center 2F, inside the Silk Museum, 1 Yamashita-cho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City Phone: 045-681-5861 Yokohama Studio Bashamichi Kannai Shop Selling Yokohama scarves and works by Yokohama hand-printing and dyeing craftsmen. Hours: 11:00–18:30 Regular holiday: Sunday Address: Kannai Hall 1F, No. 3, 4-42-1 Sumiyoshi-cho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City Phone: 045-227-8226 Mariage Yokohama Bay Sheraton Shop Sells Yokohama scarves displayed in the underground passage of the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel. Address: Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers 1F, 1-3-23 Kitasaiwai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama City Phone: 045-321-0503

In conjunction with the Hinamatsuri Festival on March 3rd, Hina dolls were 🌸 exhibited in the lobby of the hotel A powerful platform with 7 steps. 15 dolls are celebrating in 🎉 a gorgeous way It may be 🥰 fun to look for your favorite doll Originally, Hinamatsuri was an event to celebrate the safety of girls by decorating substitute dolls in hopes of their health. In the early Edo period, March 3 was established as a peach festival, and in the middle period, it became common as a Hinamatsuri festival for girls.

The 39th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon Sunday, March 10, 2024 Opening ceremony 9:00–9:20 at Isehara Elementary School grounds Starts: 10:00 / 10:30 / 11:00 The long-running 39th Oyama Mountain Climb Marathon returns this year! Runners set off from in front of Isehara Station and race along Oyama Shinmichi toward the goal at the lower shrine of MtOoyama Afuri Shrine. The uphill gradually begins around Ishikura Bridge, and the climbing curve in front of Koyasu Myojin Hibita Shrine looks pretty steep. From the old road to Koma Sando and then on the Onnazaka route, if you run—or rather climb—you will reach the goal at the lower shrine of MtOoyama Afuri Shrine. Road restrictions will be in place during the event, so please be careful. For details, see the official website. ★ Start times 10:00 (Men aged 50s and 60s and over) 10:30 (Men in their 40s; Women under 39; Women 40 and over) 11:00 (Men 29 and under; Men in their 30s) ※ Photo courtesy of Kunihiko Meguro

Snow Drawing After an unusually warm spell, snow is falling across many areas again. In Nishiokoppe, snow has once more covered the ground. On the wide white canvas, we used colored water made with food coloring to draw pictures and write words! We prepared three food-color shades: red, yellow, and blue. The children mixed them to create greens, browns, and even blacks. They scooped up the colored snow and showed it to us. By the way, the temperature was minus 7°C. Even with a fire going, you can’t hide the cold in your feet… Thanks to the bonfire, we could also enjoy roasted marshmallows, so that made it all worth it.

It is a "Hinamatsuri" event in Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. At the former Yamamura family residence in the Hamasaki Denken district, a checkered doll called "Hoko-san" was also on display. "Hoko-san and Hoko dolls" are generally given to celebrate the first festival of a baby girl. In the past, they were dressed in maternity clothes, which were also given to the celebration, and decorated with Hina dolls. It seems like everyone is staring at you, and I'm a little intimidated.