Good morning! 🌞 Continuing our series, we introduce Furosen at Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional house inn in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Furosen sits in Kamitani, a town of terraced rice fields and houses in Shobara City. According to legend, an immortal sage once lived in this valley, and the house stands at the valley’s innermost point, atop the highest terraced field as if it grew from the land itself. In this secluded valley, only vast green hills and birdsong break the silence. Misty dawns, dusks sinking into deep blue, nights filled with the moon and stars. The valley’s seasonal beauty brings profound calm and healing. The spacious 200 m2 house on a broad plot features a clean, white-based interior. Spend time losing yourself in the valley view from the front garden chairs where you can enjoy a BBQ, lounge freely on a Yogibo sofa in the living room, or laze on the engawa that connects to the scenery. At night, relax in the large indoor bath with gently drawn hot water or soak under a sky full of stars in the open-air Goemon-style bath—unique pleasures of Furosen. This inn lets you fully savor the mountain village’s beauty in complete privacy, a feeling you appreciate most by staying overnight. About a 30-minute drive away, you’ll find many leisure facilities, restaurants, and cafes. Within an hour you can reach Izumo or Onomichi, so you can plan flexibly according to your mood and the weather. Facilities provided: cooking utensils, tableware, basic seasonings, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, stove, kettle, water server, audio speakers, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, facial cleanser, shaving foam, body towel, brush, hairdryer, toothbrush set, face towels, bath towels, razor, cotton swabs, lotion, yukata (casual robe), slippers, and Wi-Fi. Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome ・Elementary school age and older: 4,400 JPY per person ・Preschool children: 2,200 JPY per person

Continuing from the previous post, this time we introduce Kozako Forest from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima, a traditional country house inn in harmony with nature in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture.✨ Takano Town in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where Kozako Forest is located, is a heavy-snow area whose wide temperature swings create ideal conditions for local produce such as Takano apples, rice, and goods stored in snow cellars. When buying ingredients from Takano, please stop by Roadside Station Takano. About a 12-minute drive from Roadside Station Takano, Kozako Forest appears when you turn down a small lane through broad, peaceful rice fields—an idyllic spot you might miss if you’re not paying attention—surrounded by a quiet woodland. The 150-year-old exterior evokes the feel of a typical old farmhouse at first glance. Step inside, however, and the space transforms into a state-of-the-art glamping environment with modern design. Features include an earthen-floor living area enclosed in full-height glass that blends the surrounding forest and interior, a bioethanol fire pit, and a large projector. This playful accommodation lets you enjoy nature and time with friends in comfort with the latest amenities. Stay with family, a group, a partner, and small to medium-sized dogs are welcome. Enjoy a restorative yet lively stay wrapped in the tranquil natural surroundings. Facilities provided Cooking utensils/tableware/basic seasonings/refrigerator/microwave/toaster/stove/kettle/water server Shampoo/conditioner/body soap/face wash/shaving foam/body towel/brush/hair dryer/toothbrush set/face towel/bath towel/razor/cotton swabs/skin toner/yukata/slippers/Wi‑Fi/large projector with Android TV functionality Check‑in / Check‑out Check‑in from 15:00 Check‑out by 11:00 Children welcome ・Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person ・Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person Pets allowed ・Only small and medium dogs accepted (up to 20 kg) ・Additional fee required (first dog: ¥3,300 / please consult for a second dog) ・Acceptance conditions: housebroken/toen vaccinated/able to stay alone/not in heat ・The property provides only a cage. Please bring toilet supplies, bowls, leashes, sheets, etc. ・Please spend time with your dog in the earthen-floor living area inside the building. ・When making a reservation, please review and agree to the pet accommodation terms and conditions before your visit.

It is a historical landscape of Local Kure City

Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture is home to many traditional folk houses in Japan. Among the three Kominka stays that harmonize with nature, this time we introduce Chojaya from Setouchi Kominka Stays Hiroshima. Chojaya is a breathtakingly beautiful building that has preserved its trade name in this area for 250 years. Its vast 200-square-meter space retains the weight of history while being reborn as a luxurious kominka hotel that offers modern guests comfort and ease of stay. Chojaya is located in Hiwa Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, a satoyama landscape so picturesque that it appears on tourism posters. In autumn, you can gaze over golden terraced rice fields. Enjoy modern comforts such as a designer spacious bathroom, Western-style bedroom with beds, and an island kitchen. Please bring your own ingredients to cook and dine as you like. Basic seasonings, cooking utensils, and tableware are provided. Address 1528 Mikawachi, Hiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0311 Access 40 minutes by car from the Chugoku Expressway Shobara IC exit 35 minutes by car from JR Geibi Line Bingo-Shobara Station 110 minutes by car from Hiroshima Airport 115 minutes by car from Hiroshima Station Check-in / Check-out Check-in: from 15:00 Check-out: by 11:00 Children are welcome to stay • Elementary school age and older: ¥4,400 per person • Preschool children: ¥2,200 per person

The only outdoor activity of its kind in Hiroshima Prefecture!?😲 Enjoy Shobara Satoyama Rafting amid fresh green foliage this Golden Week!!✊ Rafting is a thrilling activity where you ride a rubber boat down river rapids! It’s not an exaggeration to call this the only rafting experience in Hiroshima Prefecture (according to our survey), and you can try it here in Shobara City. Groups, families, friends, couples, and solo participants are all very welcome💕 While July and August are peak season, June is also recommended for higher water levels✨ We’re taking lots of reservations for May too!! Reservations for Golden Week are open✨ Search for "Shobara Satoyama Rafting" for details🔍 = Shobara Satoyama Rafting Information ========== [Experience Name] Shobara Satoyama Rafting [Overview] On the Saijo River in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, rafting experiences are held annually from mid-April through October. The eligible ages range from 7 to 70. An instructor rides along, so beginners can feel at ease. Using special paddles, participants paddle together to descend the river. The full course is about 3.5 km long, with thrilling stretches of rapids and rocky sections. Rafting lets you enjoy Shobara’s beautiful nature with all your senses and is a noteworthy water activity. [Meeting Point] Meet at the Ayu no Sato Park boathouse (1641-1 Nagata, Kuchiwa-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima 727-0114, Japan). [Dates and Times] April 26, 2025 (Saturday) – October 31, 2025 (Friday) Morning session: 9:30 AM Afternoon session: 1:30 PM [Fees] ◎ Individual Plan Adult per person: 6,000 yen (tax included) Child (junior high school students and under) per person: 4,000 yen 🌟Fees increase by 500 yen each during peak season! ◎ Private Charter Plan One group (up to 6 people — same fee) Participation fee: 30,000 yen (tax included) [What the fee includes] Guide fee, insurance, full equipment set, and entrance fee for Ayu-no-Sato Onsen [Conditions] ◎ Eligible ages: 7–70 years old ◎ Height: 110 cm or taller ◎ Minimum participants to run: 2 persons [Program Schedule] 1) Change clothes (10 minutes) 2) Safety briefing (10 minutes) 3) Transfer to the start point (15 minutes) 4) Boarding and paddling instruction (15 minutes) 5) Rafting experience starts (120 minutes) 6) Finish-line photos 7) Changing and dismissal (10 minutes) Afterward, soak and relax at the Ayu no Sato Park Takase no Yu hot spring to ease your muscles!♨ [Conditions for operation] The program may be canceled depending on weather or river conditions. [What to bring] Swimsuit, T-shirt, change of clothes, towel, water-friendly shoes (water shoes available for separate rental). Beach sandals are not allowed. Please be sure to check the travel terms, personal information handling, and cancellation fees before applying. ======================================== Make fun outdoor memories in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture!🎶 We hope you give it a try!

✨🍴Hiroshima Prefecture — New Restaurant News🍴✨ In spring 2025, a new cozy kominka café opened in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍 Its name is “Tsuchinoko-tei.” Owner Yuki Watanabe, together with her husband and local friends, spent a year renovating the old house, and it has finally opened. Built in Taisho 5 (1916), the 110-year-old kominka blends seamlessly into Shobara’s landscape. The recommended dish is Tsuchinoko-tei’s homemade ramen (750 yen à la carte / 900 yen with coffee). The soy-sauce–based broth offers a comforting richness that appeals to all ages. The handmade chashu is light and easy to eat. The husband, Ippei, is in charge of the cooking; his experience working in restaurants inspired this homemade ramen. Also popular is the daily set meal, limited to 10 servings per day (1,000 yen / +200 yen with coffee). Going forward, they plan to use locally grown Shobara green onions and eggs and vegetables from their home garden. They are also planning to add a bath and sauna on the property, plus accommodations, a BBQ area, and karaoke space — so stay tuned for future developments! 😍✨ For more details about Tsuchinoko-tei, please visit the Shobara Tourist Navi website, the official tourism site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture ✅

Go to Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture in May! 🏃 Have you already decided where to go for Golden Week? Here are five events currently taking place or planned in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. (In no particular order) Please join any events that catch your interest 😍 1. 31st Ancient Tatara Ironmaking: Recreating Japan’s Traditional Steelmaking Technique Since the opening of the National Bihoku Hillside Park in 1995, the community-led "Ancient Tatara Ironmaking" project has been held continuously; this year marks its 31st edition. We continue this work to pass down the tatara steelmaking technique, a symbol of the Chugoku Mountain region’s culture, to the next generation. Date: Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2025 Venue: Hiba-no-Sato Ancient Tatara Workshop, National Bihoku Hillside Park Details: We will recreate the full process of the ancient Japanese steelmaking technique tatara steelmaking, using the kera pressing method to extract kera—the raw material that becomes tamahagane, the high-quality steel used for Japanese swords and other premium blades. [Instructors] Holder of the Selected Preservation Technique 'Tamahagane Production (tatara blowing)' — Murashita Shoku (chief tatara operator) and Kaoru Horio (堀尾 薫; overall supervisor). Participants: Around 100 people (including general participants and partner organizations) Fee: Free to observe (park admission fee required separately) Note: Paid overnight two-day hands-on experience reservations have closed. Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021 TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 2. Shobara Satoyama Open Garden 2025 Spring This annual event lets visitors tour gardens ranging from imaginative home plots to authentic Japanese gardens, where seasonal flowers are in bloom. Dates: Saturday, May 10–Sunday, June 15, 2025 Times: 10:00–12:00 / 13:00–16:00 Venue: Various locations in Shobara City Contact: Shobara Flower Conference Office, Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) (inside Satoyama Station Shobara Furari, 4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-0173 FAX: 0824-75-0172 For the latest information, check the official Shobara Flower Conference website or the Instagram account @satoyamaopengarden. 3. Shobara Satoyama Marche at Hiroshima Station From April 2025 this event will be held on the third Wednesday of every month! Operated by JR West Properties, Roadside Station Takano, and Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO), this market at Hiroshima Station’s north exit on the first floor offers fresh vegetables, processed goods, and seasonal ingredients from the popular Roadside Station Takano in Takano Town, Shobara City. Visitors come every month looking forward to this market—be sure to stop by at least once. Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Time: 11:00–15:00 Venue: Hiroshima Station North Exit, 1st floor, next to ekie Kitchen (1-2 Matsubara-cho, Minami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Roadside Station Takano TEL 0824-86-3131 4. Bihoku Flower Picnic (Now On) The Bihoku Flower Picnic is taking place at the National Bihoku Hillside Park in Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. ✨ Spring flowers such as daffodils, cherry blossoms, tulips, and nemophila will reach their best viewing times during the period. There are also many spring-themed workshops and local spring cooking events, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Note: Flowering conditions may vary depending on weather and temperatures. Dates: Through Sunday, May 11, 2025 Time: 9:30–17:00 (park entry until 16:00) Venue: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Fees: Regular and light vehicles 400 yen, large vehicles 1,200 yen, motorcycles 200 yen Contact: National Bihoku Hillside Park (4-10 Mikkaichi-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 727-0021) TEL: 0824-72-7000 FAX: 0824-72-7828 5. Sakura Shokudo Children’s Day Marche Sakura Shokudo, which opened new in December 2024, is a farm-run eatery inside the Shokusai-kan Shobara Yume Sakura Hall and is operated directly by Shigehara Farm. To celebrate Children’s Day on Monday, May 5, the marche will bring together delightful and delicious vendors from inside and outside Shobara and Miyoshi Cities. A kids’ space will also be available for children to enjoy. Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 (national holiday) Time: 10:00–16:00 Venue: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) Contact: Farm-Run Sakura Shokudo (291-1 Shinjo-cho, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture) TEL: 0824-75-4516 Notes: ・Exhibitors may change, so please be aware in advance. ・Admission is free, but workshops, hands-on activities, and purchases are chargeable. ・Please take your trash home with you. That’s five recommended events for May! For more details, please see the Events list on the Shobara Tourist Navi, the official tourism information site for Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture 😍

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! We are the Shobara Tourism Promotion Organization (Shobara DMO) from Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Located in the northeastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, Shobara City is a sightseeing destination blessed with nature where you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons. In spring, there are cherry blossoms; in summer, fireflies and fresh greenery; in autumn, colorful leaves and trekking; and in winter, snowfall. You can enjoy local food, agriculture, outdoor activities, and nature walks. Please follow and check us out as a travel reference! ✨ If you want to learn more about the nature-rich Shobara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, please see our basic profile and the Shobara Tourist Navi website. 😍

This is a photo of a cat's interior goods at a café in Sanrazaka-cho, Miyoshi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Use the lights in the store, I expressed "a cat in the twilight of the sunset". According to the owner, it is a work made by an iron craftsman in Miyoshi City. "I like the view from behind, but I can't take a good picture," the owner said. Squid was able to take this photo ☺️ when I was trying to figure out how to capture it well The thinness of the limbs and neck, as well as the symmetrical ears, convey that the iron craftsmen are carefully and thoughtfully made. The skills of Japan craftsmen. I thought it was cool! ✨ It is also a wonderful memory ☺️ that I was able to share my impression with the owner in this photo

Last summer, I went to Onomichi in Hiroshima. The photo was taken while visiting a café attached to a guest House called Miharashi-tei and drinking mandarin orange juice. There are many books in the store, and I thought it was wonderful to see a picture of a customer reading a book in front of a beautiful view.

When I went to the Miyajima Kangen-sai Festival in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, I encountered a spectacular view of the sun setting over the Otorii Gate. It's so divine, it's cool Japan! Location: Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima

Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima (Recommended Spots in Hiroshima) #Ono Nature Observation Forest 👈 Today is a piece 📸 of sockeye hazel from the forest of Nature Observation When I looked up at the sky, the sockeye hazel that was transparent to the 😊 sun was very colorful and beautiful Autumn leaves here are late, but the red hazel is in full bloom now. As always, thank you for 🙇 ♂️ watching

Sera Town, Hiroshima (Recommended Spots in Hiroshima) #Flower Station Sera 👈 @hananoekisera Autumn Flower Festival until 11/4!! Superb Cosmos Field 2024/10/12 One piece 📸 from the early morning opening of the Flower Station Sera Standard composition, but I posted 📸 what I took as a record of this year This year, the cosmos field with Unfolds was very good.

Hiroshima Sera Town (Recommended Spots in Hiroshima) #Flower Station Sera 👈 @hananoekisera Autumn Flower Festival until 11/4!! Bridge of Happiness 2024/10/5 One piece 📸 from the early morning opening of the Flower Station Sera I went to the park a lot in the early morning, but I was finally able 😊 to meet the long-awaited white rainbow The place where the rainbow appeared was too great behind the spectacular cosmos field. Impression filled my heart.　

Autumn leaves of Sandankyo in Aki Ota Town, Yama-gun, Hiroshima Prefecture. Sandankyo is a large canyon located in the West China Mountains National Park, which is about 16 Kilometers long. Thereare many attractions in the canyon, such as "Kurobuchi", "Sarutobi", "Nidan Falls", and "Sandan Falls". Please come and visit us in Hiroshima.

Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima (Recommended fireworks in Hiroshima) Miyajima Fireworks Night 2024 Miyajima Fireworks Night 2024 ~ After all fireworks! After all, Miyajima!~ One piece 📸 from Miyajima's fireworks Although I struggled to find a place from early in the morning, I was able 😊 to enjoy the wonderful fireworks again this year　 The waiting time was long, but I was able to talk with many followers and it was a fun day. 😌🙏 For the time being, I developed only one, so let me 📸 post it little by little again We would 🙏✨✨ like to thank TSS, everyone involved in fireworks, and Miyajima volunteers for holding in the wonderful fireworks

Innoshima, Onomichi, Hiroshima (Hiroshima Recommendation festival Spot) #Water Army Festival #Island Fire Festival 👈 One piece 📸 at Awa Odori from the Island Fire Festival When the sun went down and I took a picture with the burnt sky, the atmosphere was quite good 😊

Innoshima, Onomichi, Hiroshima (Hiroshima Recommendation festival Spot) Water Army Festival Island Fire Festival One piece 📸 from the Island Fire Festival At the end, it became a Sengoku fireworks with a borrowed back. It was difficult to shoot while moving around, but it was 🤣📸 fun Innoshima is also the birthplace Township pornograffiti available and this August, a fireworks was launched to the tune of available pornographic songs at big Events such as the island-wide pornographic exhibition! Many fans also participated in the Events, making it a fun festival.

We went to see the Sumiyoshi fireworks in Onomichi.

We went to Sumiyoshi fireworks in Onomichi.

I went to see the Sumiyoshi fireworks in Onomichi. There were so many people that it was hard to find a good place, but it was very beautiful.

August 6, 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing. A Toro Nagashi was held at the Motoyasu River, which stream in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, to pray for peace and the repose of the souls of the victims. With many lanterns illuminating the surface of the water, we put our hands together in the hope of peace, and the day of prayer in Hiroshima comes to a close.

August 6, 2024 marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing. A Toro Nagashi was held at the Motoyasu River, which stream in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, to pray for peace and the repose of the souls of the victims. With many lanterns illuminating the surface of the water, we put our hands together in the hope of peace, and the day of prayer in Hiroshima comes to a close.

This is a photo of the Itsukushima Shrine Kangen-sai Festival on July 22nd. On the day of the Kangen-sai Festival, we welcomed the barges returning from the opposite shore at Nagahama Shrine with lantern lights. Gagaku music was played, and the Heian picture scroll was unfolded.

This is a photo of the "lantern procession" held on the day of the Itsukushima Shrine Kangen-sai Festival on July 22. On the day of the Kangen-sai Festival, we welcomed the barges returning from the opposite shore at Nagahama Shrine with lantern lights, and then walked to Itsukushima Shrine with the lanterns lit. The night breeze was pleasant.

Fuchu, Hiroshima Recommended Spot in Hiroshima #Bingo Kokufu Festival One piece 📸 with handmade fireworks from the Bingo Kokufu Festival held the other day I tried hand-held fireworks again this year, but I couldn't take the best photos because I couldn't 😭 take continuous shots at the right time due to the clogged buffer I thought this was the most decent, so I'll 😅 put it out first The cheap shutter release doesn't feel like you're pressing the button, and when you think you can't press it, you turn it inside out, or if you press it forcefully, it locks, and you can't stop continuous shooting, and the camera is out of breath and the shutter can't be released. Hiroshima dialect It was! 🤣

Hiroshima Fukuyama Tomonoura 　 Hiroshima Recommendation festival Spot #Shinto ritual #Numana Shrine One piece 📸 with a festivals man carrying flames from the fire paper　 He also had 👍 a good expression with enthusiasm

Hiroshima Fukuyama Tomonoura 　 Hiroshima Recommendation festival Spot #Shinto ritual #Numana Shrine One of the three major fire Festival of Japan, the Flame Paper Festival, is a hot festival in which three large torches weighing 150 kg are carried up and slowly ascended over a three-hour period while taking turns on the stone steps to the worship hall. The Chinese at the festivals were covered with sparks and covered with water! It was very powerful! Will the camera burn? Or will it get wet? I'm determined to take on the challenge of shooting! All the photographers were sweaty and amazing! 😂 It was too much fun, but it was 🤣 too exhausting It will last for a while!

"Senjokaku Pavilion" in Miyajima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture The shadows stretching out were very beautiful

Fukuyama Castle in Hiroshima The black griddle is cool