[Isehara Flower News] 2025.2.6 The white plum blossoms haven’t opened yet, but the red plums at Maruyama Castle Ruins Park (Shimokasuya 2168-2) in the photo are dazzlingly beautiful✨!! A few plums have started to bloom at Isehara City General Sports Park (Nishitomioka 320) and the plum grove at Hinata Yakushi (Hinata 1644), but most buds remain tight. I’m looking forward to watching the blooms open gradually from now on💖 *Free opening of the plum garden at the Ugaku Bunko Yamaguchi House* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The plum trees are just beginning to bloom now. ◆Period: Tuesday, February 11 (national holiday) – Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:00–15:00 ◆Access: Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit Kanachu Bus Platform 4 Take the ‘To Oyama Cable Car’ bus and get off at “Shimehiki” ※On Tuesday, February 11 (national holiday) and Sundays during the period, hina dolls will be on display (Adults 300 yen; includes admission to the nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property Yamaguchi House) Please come and see it✨ #Isehara #Plum #Plum blossoms #Red plum #White plum #Maruyama Castle Ruins Park #Isehara City General Sports Park #Hinata Yakushi #Ugaku Bunko #Yamaguchi House #Hina dolls #Arrival of spring #Isehara tourism

Oyama Isehara Market is on! Rain or light showers will not cancel; the event will be called off only in severe weather. Once again this month—so popular—discover plenty of delicious food and fun in Isehara! Sunday, February 9, 2025, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Venue: Isehara City General Sports Park (free admission) A wide variety of food tents and kitchen cars, local vegetables for sale, and diverse booths will gather, and you can also enjoy stage performances including music♬! It’s sure to be a day full of smiles 😊 ● Access 320 Nishitomioka, Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture Get off at Odakyu Line Isehara Station From the north exit, take Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus from platform 3 bound for Nanasawa, about 10 minutes, 240 yen ▪ If you take routes I-34 or I-36, get off at Sogo Undokoen (General Sports Park) ▪ If you take routes I-31 or I-37, get off at Sogo Undokoen Iriguchi (General Sports Park Entrance) and walk 5 minutes *Crowds are expected, so please cooperate by using public transportation. [Contact] By email to the Isehara Ichi Executive Committee iseharaichi@j4.gmobb.jp (Contact: Sakamoto)

Isehara Flower Report — January 31, 2025 The days are still bitterly cold. With the Setsubun Festival on Sunday, February 2, weather is on everyone’s mind, so dress warmly when you go out. Walking along the Oyama koma approach, you’ll be soothed by the sweet scent of the yellow, delicate flowers of robai (wintersweet). Plum blossoms are beginning to open here and there. Many buds remain, but it’s exciting to watch the blooms progress from now on! *Utage Bunko* (Kamikasuya 862-1) The robai beside the torii in the parking area is still beautiful. Most plum trees in the grove are still in bud, but you can see a patch of rapeseed flowers blooming toward the back. *Maruyama Castle Ruins Park* (Shimokasuya 2168-2) The robai at the park entrance is in bloom. The plum trees beyond the stairs are developing many buds; the white plums have not opened yet, but red plums are starting to bloom. *Isehara City General Sports Park* (Nishitomioka 320) The plum trees between the cherry- and ginkgo-lined slope up to the entrance are beginning to show buds. *Hinata Yakushi Plum Grove* (Hinata 1644) The plum grove behind Hinata Yakushi is just starting to form buds.

This is the Saikai City Tourism Association in Nagasaki Prefecture. Here is an introduction to Saikai Bridge, which links Saikai City and Hariō in Sasebo City. The cold days continue, but from around February the Kawazu cherry blossoms begin, followed by Somei-yoshino at the end of March, offering stunning scenery to enjoy! "Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property: Saikai Bridge" This red bridge connects Inoura-go in Seihi, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, with Hario Higashi-machi in Sasebo City. Saikai Bridge was built across the Inoura Seto, one of Japan’s three great tidal currents, in October 1955 (Showa 30) to link Sasebo City and the Nishisonogi Peninsula (Saikai City). The bridge has a total length of 316 m and stands 42 m above the sea surface. At the time, Saikai Bridge was the third largest bridge of its type in the world and the largest in Asia. It took four years from the start of construction to completion, accomplished with Japan’s highest engineering standards. Because whirlpools up to 10 m in diameter form in Inoura Seto, it was impossible to erect piers in the sea during construction. A precision method called the cantilevered launching suspension method was used, assembling from both shores and closing at the center. On December 23, 2020 (Reiwa 2), it became the first postwar-built bridge designated as a National Important Cultural Property. "Saikai Bridge Park" A 37 ha sightseeing park surrounding Saikai Bridge. The park offers plenty of play equipment such as an athletic course and a sledding slope, making it popular with families. It’s also great for picnics with a packed lunch. In spring, you can enjoy views of about 1,000 cherry trees with Saikai Bridge in the background. "New Saikai Bridge" A light-blue bridge completed in 2006 (Heisei 18) as part of the toll Pearl Line. The main span is 300 m, the inlet section is 320 m, and the total length is 620 m. A promenade runs beneath the road, and observation windows let you peer down at the sea. The view from directly above during the spring spring tide in March, when whirlpools occur, is spectacular! Both the Saikai and Sasebo sides offer parking lots large enough for coach buses and equipped with restrooms. Please come and visit Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture.

At the Forest Park, which can be reached on foot from the center of Monbetsu City, a volunteer guide held a snowshoe picnic. The weather on this day was sunny, the temperature was minus 3 degrees Celsius, and the conditions were perfect for winter Activities. There is a large pond in the center of and forest park, and you can stroll around it for about 40 minutes on snowshoes. During breaks, we had a short but enjoyable time, such as drinking freshly ground coffee and talking nonsense. A "snowshoe picnic" Subject the general public will also be Implementation, so please join and apply.

Enjoy the winter nature of Drift Ice Park "Okhotsk Drift Ice Park Winter Land 2025" Period: January 25 (Sat) ~ February 24 (Mon) Monbetsu during this period is the peak season of "drift ice tourism". If you're lucky, you'll even catch a glimpse of the ice floes that crash along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. 【Snow Rafting & Banana Boat】 〇期間〇 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the period Reception from 10 a.m. ~ 3 p.m. 〇Fee〇 Common to Adult and Children "Short Course" (about 1km) 500 yen ・ A course from the Aozora Exchange Hall to turn around the wildflower square. "Drift Ice Course" (about 3km) 1,000 yen ・ A long course from the Aozora Exchange Center to the hills of Rappa. ・ Banana boat = 3 seaters ・ Rafting = 5 people (up to 3 high school students and older, total weight 300 kg or less) ・Children in the lower grades of elementary school and younger must ride with their parents. * If a preschooler is riding, the speed will be slowed down. ・We will guide you in the order of reception. ・Advance reservations are not accepted. [Walking Skiing & Snow Shoe] 〇期間〇 During the period Reception from 10 a.m. ~ 3 p.m. 〇Fee〇 Free 〇Size〇 For general use, for juniors (no infants) * You can also bring your own. Use it in the list of users. 【Snow Play Square】 〇期間〇 During the period 9 a.m. ~ 4 p.m. 〇Venue〇 Aozora Exchange Hall side green stage At the Aozora Exchange Hall, we will open a plaza where you can fully enjoy Monbetsu in winter, such as making bobsleigh and snowmen. There is also a rental of res and snowball making machines. (You can bring your own) 【Venue and Inquiries】 Hokkaido Okhotsk Drift Ice Park Aozora Exchange Hall 〒094-0023 101-6 MotoMonbetsu, Monbetsu City, Hokkaido Phone (0158)27-4560

The 59th Onuma Hakodate Snow and Ice Festival, a major winter Events in southern Hokkaido that has been going on for many years, will be Held in again this year! The jumbo slide made by cutting out the frozen Lake Onuma is Popular! !! Please come and visit us! 【Date and time】 February 8 (Sat) 9 (Sun) 10:00~16:00 [Place] Onuma Park Square (near 1023-1 Onuma-cho, Nanae Town, Kameda-gun, Hokkaido)

Snow-dusted city with the Northern Alps beyond the skyline🏔 From the end of the year through New Year’s Day, snow fell and cleared repeatedly❄️ In Omachi, not only the mountains but the city streets wore a dusting of snow⛄️ This afternoon the clouds over the Northern Alps cleared, so I went to Omachi Park to take photos🏔 Snow is forecast again starting tomorrow; please take care with footing on cold mornings and evenings when you visit😌 Discover Omachi tourism🔽🔽🔽 https://kanko-omachi.gr.jp//

December 4, 2024 — Taiki Town Snow began falling this morning, and the urban area looks set to see its first accumulation of the season. Real winter has arrived!

Two winters ago, I took a picture of a tree in a nearby park! In Japan, it is known ♡♡ as an auspicious tree to decorate for the New Year Since it is a Christmas color, I have been enjoying framing this photo and hanging it on the wall from the Christmas season to the New Year!!

✨ The Northern Alps are dusted with snow 🏔 Today, November 25th, just after noon, Omachi City cleared to bright sunshine ☀️ and the snow-dusted Northern Alps appeared 🏔 I took photos from Omachi Park to the east of Omachi City and from the observation deck at the summit of Mt. Takagari ✨ Visitors from Japan and abroad were enjoying the view. For more details, we posted on the staff blog. Please see the official Omachi City Tourism Association website 😌

Before I knew it, I was able to climb the jungle gym without hesitation. I want you to climb higher than the autumn sky, as high as you can. I'd like my dad to bite me once in a while.

Autumn in Taiki Town 2024 At this time of year, you can see beautiful autumn foliage throughout Taiki Town. Top recommended spots include Keiseki Bridge, Sakashita Senkyo, and Kashiwa Park in the town center. ★Kashiwa Trivia The town tree of Taiki, the kashiwa (oak), is a symbol of Tokachi. Once, kashiwa groves spread across Tokachi, but they gradually disappeared as development advanced. Many kashiwa trees that remain here are large and impressive; the kashiwa in Kashiwa Park are said to be between 100 and 200 years old. By the way, even after kashiwa leaves turn color and wither, they often stay on the branches through winter and only fall when spring brings new green leaves.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

🏆💗🏆💗🏆💗🏆💗🏆💗🏆💗 Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Cosmos Garden Instagram post Campaign 2024 The winning works have been decided. 🏆🌟 The winning works will be awarded to the Cosmos Garden and Tourism Association. I announced it on the Home page. Please take a look ☺️🌼 This year, it is almost double that of last year. We received nearly 300 applications! There are more and more photos of various cosmos every day. Really beautiful and also posted with photos I was 🥺 struck by the messages and words Thank you for visiting the Cosmos Garden, Thank you for posting many wonderful photos, There is a very much 💗🎊 Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park As of tomorrow, 10/25 (Friday), this year's business has ended. Use this year. Please look forward to 🌼 next year's Cosmos

A place called Otaguro Park in Japanese cedar ward, Tokyo. I wanted to take pictures of Autumn leaves, so I went with an acquaintance last year. It was very beautiful.

Yamaguchi Prefecture Sanyo Onoda City Hanyu Sea of Flowers One piece of yellow cosmos, one of the sunsets. Now it's time for the real cosmos.

It is a manju flower blooming in the Kinchakuda field in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture. Also known as Red Spider Liliies, a carpet of colorful red Carpet of flowers Unfolds during the Period.

"Haguroyama Park" in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture Famous Spot for red spider lililies.

"Roundabout Tomakomai Stamp Rally" is being held in! !! If you visit 5 spots in Tomakomai City, you will receive luxurious Premiums by lottery! You can enjoy gourmet, Nature, history, and various Tomakomai! Please join us! Held in period:9/2~11/30

At Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park, the Annual Event Taneimo Campaign will start on Saturday, October 5th. This is a project to help everyone collect the seeds of the cosmos that have finished blooming, and the seeds will be planted in the cosmos garden next year. We would like to ask for your cooperation so that the beautiful cosmos will bloom again next year. People from outside the towns are also welcome! Those who cooperate will receive a delicious and valuable "Shirataki Jaga"! Please come and visit us ♫

Red spider lililies Fuchu Township Forest At the end of September, we are in the season of red spider liliies, which heralds the end of summer and the arrival of autumn. Unexpectedly, there was also a growing area of red spider lililies in Tokyo. The petals that had just opened were vigorous and fresh, dyeing the whole hill with crimson, while if you looked around the water's edge, you could see clusters of white flowers blooming and shining brightly. You can see the aesthetic Sense of everyone involved in maintenance. Discover a photogenic protagonist who catches your eye a little in a lively flower bed mixed with red and white! The appearance is a red and white flower knot that plays with each other. An elegant and delicate canopy flower that evokes a variety of feelings in the viewer. There are many names, such as 1000 faces.

When I went to Tsukisamu Park in Sapporo, wisteria flower seeds were made. It looks like fava beans and looks delicious

The 48th Kashiwabayashi Park Festival was held! On Sunday, September 22, the 48th Kashiwabayashi Park Festival took place. Despite the unfortunate rain, many guests attended. Thank you very much!

Introducing Isanoura Park in Isanoura, Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture. The park sits on the shore of Isanoura Dam Lake. It offers cottages and bungalows for overnight stays, and a campsite with a free-site area for camping. ■Accommodations require reservations; camping requires reservations and is limited to 30 groups per day. ■Meals are not provided. There is also a 5.2-kilometer cycling road that circles the dam lake, bicycle rentals (1 hour: adults 400 yen, children 300 yen), and boat rentals (from 30 minutes, 880 yen). Come and enjoy autumn in Saikai City, surrounded by nature.

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video!! This is the Saikai City Tourism Association. Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, sits in the northern part of the Nishisonogi Peninsula, roughly halfway between Nagasaki City and Sasebo City. It’s a place where you can feel rich nature and history. The city is bordered on three sides by the Goto-nada Sea, Sasebo Bay, and Omura Bay, and most of the area consists of complex ria coastlines. Saikai City is surrounded by a beautiful coastline and abundant nature, making it an attractive destination for visitors. We will introduce recommended information about Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Cool Japan Video, so please enjoy. ◇◇◇ Access to Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture There is no train network in Saikai City, so you can reach it by car or bus. ◇ Access by car from Nagasaki city center It takes about one hour to drive from Nagasaki city to Saikai City. Use the Nagasaki Expressway and follow the Saikai Pearl Line to reach the city. This route offers a scenic drive along the beautiful coastline. ◇ Bus access from Nagasaki Station From Nagasaki Station, take Nagasaki Bus or Saikai Kotsu to Saikai City Hall; the trip takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. ◇ Bus access from Sasebo Station Take Saihi Bus to Saikai Bridge West Exit; the ride takes about 50 minutes. ◇◇◇ About Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture The population is about 25,000 people (as of 2024), and the area is characterized by a rich lifestyle lived in harmony with nature. Agriculture and fishing thrive here, and you can enjoy fresh local produce. Saikai City is especially known as a mandarin orange producing area, harvesting many crops thanks to its warm climate and fertile soil. ◇◇◇ History of Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture The western part of the Nishisonogi Peninsula and nearby islands prospered as whaling bases from the 1630s. From the Meiji era onward, coal mining began and the area enjoyed great prosperity. Later, in 2005, the five towns of Seihi, Ooshimacho, Saikai, Oseto, and Sakito merged to form the present Saikai City. ◇◇◇ Popular sightseeing spots in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture Saikai City has many popular attractions. Here are some of them. ◇ Nagao Castle Ruins Observatory From the observation deck you can take in the islands of the Goto-nada Sea, and the fiery red sunset sinking into the sea is breathtakingly beautiful. It’s a popular spot for spectacular photos. ◇ Hachiningatake Park This park sits on the central ridge of the Nishisonogi Peninsula, and the lookout at the summit offers panoramic views of Omura Bay. The distant sea and mountains show different faces each season. ◇ The smallest park in Japan On Matsushima, floating off the west side of the Nishisonogi Peninsula in the Goto-nada Sea, there is “the smallest park in Japan,” with a natural wooden bench and a single palm-like shuro tree. From the park you can gaze across the open ocean. ◇ Sakito Seaside Park Sakito Seaside Park features clear waters and white sandy beaches. With toilets and showers available, it’s a recommended spot for summer visitors. ◇ Nanatsugama Cave Nanatsugama Cave is a limestone cave that rose from the seabed about 30 million years ago. Part of the cave is open to visitors. Admission: Adults 800 yen per person, Junior high students 400 yen per person, Elementary students 200 yen per person Infants (age 4 and over) 100 yen per person So far 35 cave sites have been discovered, but this vast cave system still has many aspects that remain unexplored. ◇ Roadside Station Saikai Roadside Station Saikai is a popular spot where you can buy local specialties and souvenirs. The original gelato and soft serve ice cream are especially recommended. The facility features a large semi-spherical dome shaped like a mandarin orange, offering visitors a fun experience. ◇◇◇ Experiences you can enjoy in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture In Saikai City you can enjoy a variety of experiences broadly categorized as sea experiences, mountain experiences, and craft-making experiences. Here are some examples. ◇ Mandarin-picking experience Saikai City is known as one of the prefecture’s leading mandarin producing regions, and during the harvest season (typically November) you can enjoy mandarin picking. Picking fresh mandarins yourself is popular with families, and you can savor their juicy flavor right away. ◇◇◇ Local specialties of Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture ◇ Unshu mandarins (Satsuma mandarins) Saikai City’s Unshu mandarins enjoy a high reputation nationwide. There are early varieties such as Haraguchi early mandarin orange (late October to early December) and extra-early varieties such as Iwasaki early mandarin orange (late September to October). Grown in a warm climate and fertile soil, these mandarins are sweet and juicy and signal the arrival of winter. ◇ Oshima Tomatoes Saikai City’s Oshima Tomatoes are known for intense sweetness and acidity and are a popular local specialty (season: February to early May). Their high sugar content makes them taste almost like fruit. These specialties are also popular as hometown tax return gifts. ◇◇◇ Tourist information for Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture Surrounded by rich natural environments with a variety of attractions and experiences, Saikai City offers new discoveries each time you visit. We will continue to share more recommended information about Saikai City on Cool Japan Video, so please look forward to it!!

At "Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park Rainbow Plaza", the cosmos is now in Best time to visit. By the end of this week, it is expected to be almost in full bloom. On Sunday, September 8, "Taiyo no Oka Cosmos Festa 2024" will be held in. Please come to Engaru Town!

At this year's Taiyo no Oka Cosmos Festa 2024, dance teams from inside and outside the In the town will perform on a special stage with the cosmos in full bloom in the background. In addition, there are a lot of various events such as "Anpan Man Show", "Working Car Gathering", and "Street Performer Performance"! Please enjoy the autumn of Engaru. We look ♪ forward to seeing you

Himawari-no-oka Park, Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture ⭕ In consideration of the children around us, we take ❗ pictures with the permission of parents and children whose faces are not visible After playing in the park, to prevent heat stroke, the children were chatting and I was making a lot of noise because my camera was soaked

Himawari-no-oka Park, Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture ⭕ In consideration of the children around us, we take ❗ pictures with the permission of parents and children whose faces are not visible After playing in the park, to prevent heat stroke, the children were chatting and I was making a lot of noise because my camera was soaked