Yesterday, the 34th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, the earliest event in Honshu where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, has opened. At night, the pink cherry blossoms are beautifully lit up. Please enjoy the arrival of spring one step ahead. In this post, we will introduce sightseeing spots in Kawazu Town that you can enjoy together with the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! This time, I would like to introduce "Hatcho Pond". Enjoy a stroll on the hiking trail Amagi Volcano erupted repeatedly about 20~800,000 years ago. Hatcho Pond on top of Mt. Amagi was called a crater lake, but it has become clear that it is an active lake formed by the formation of a depression in the innermost part due to the displacement of an active fault on the slope of Mt. Amagi, and water accumulates there. On the gentle slopes of Amagi Volcano around the pond, primeval forests such as beech and Himeshara spread, and you can enjoy a walk. ◆ Detailed information ◆ 【Spot name】Hatcho Pond 【Address】Nashimoto, Kawazu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Parking】None ◇ ◆ ◇ Parking information for those who come to the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival by car ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ About the parking lot ◆ Business hours:8:30~21:00 ・Regular car ●Regular car 4 ~ 13 parking lot about 700 ~ 800m to the station front venue, about 700 ~ 800m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 200 yen ・Heavy-duty vehicles ●Large 1 and 2 parking lots: about 700 ~ 800 m to the front of the station, about 700 ~ 800 m to the mine hot spring venue [Daytime] 8:30~17:00・・・1 car / 5,000 yen [Night] 18:00~21:00・・・1 car / 1,000 yen

[Okhotsk Fair Held at Chikaho] In 2024, my constant companion, the Setoushi-kun doll, made its Sapporo debut! Over two days on January 24th and 25th, the Okhotsk Fair took place in the Sapporo Station Underground Walkway (Chikaho). Municipalities and shop owners from various Okhotsk regions set up booths and exhibited. From Nishiohkobe Village, Milk Design Co. came to Chikaho. Although the weather was stormy across both days, foot traffic at Sapporo Station never dwindled, and visitors from abroad made purchases as well. Those two days were supported by neighboring booth exhibitors. Thank you very much!

[Oiso Town] The 67th Oiso Saigyo Festival (Notice) At the ceremony, awards will be presented to the winners of the haiku and tanka submitted by participants, and in the afternoon we will hold haiku and tanka contests that anyone can join on the day. Date and time: Sunday, March 31, 2024, from 11:00 AM Venue: Shigitatsu-an [Program] 1. Opening remarks 2. Incense offering, tea offering, poem offerings, musical offering, ichigenkin performance, and flower offering 3. Reading of selected haiku and tanka submissions 4. Greeting 5. Guest greetings 6. Awards presentation and prize distribution 7. Closing remarks *The ceremony is planned as of now and may be subject to change.*

[Oiso Guide Association] "Walking the Tokaido Oiso Post Town" This is a tour tracing the historical sites of the old Tokaido Oiso post town from west to east.♪ The tour visits former sites such as the Tokaido pine-lined avenue; Shigitatsu-an, once Oiso’s top attraction in the Edo period; Endaiji, which houses the famed Tora-no-ishi stone that was a Tokaido curiosity; the Edo-facing gate ruins depicted in Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e; and the old Koraiji (now Takakura Shrine), adjacent to the east of Oiso-juku and formerly a goshuin (temple stamp) site. [Date] Saturday, February 24, 2024 (Reiwa 6) [Meeting Time and Place] Oiso Station South Plaza, 9:00 [Capacity] 50 people [Participation Fee] 500 yen (including insurance and materials) plus Shigitatsu-an admission fee (110 yen for residents, 310 yen for non-residents) [How to Apply] Apply via the website [Application Deadline] Tuesday, February 13, 2024 (Reiwa 6) [Course] About 4 km: Oiso Station South Plaza (9:00) – Former Sorokaku (9:20) – Tokaido Pine-Lined Avenue (9:30) – Kamigata Gate Site – Shigitatsu-an (9:40) – Minami-gumi Ton'yaba Site – Honjin Site (10:20) – Endaiji (10:30) – Sannocho Old Road – Edo Gate Site (11:20) – Keshouzaka Ichirizuka (11:30) – Keshou Well – Kokuzo-do Site (11:40) – Takakura Shrine (11:50) Disband *Notes: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking

Thatched village in Miyama, Kyoto It is a famous composition and a classic, but it is a place that can be said to be the gateway to Miyama I would like to see this wonderful scenery for many years to come, but when I come to the countryside, I always feel that it can be preserved forever, especially in areas with a large number of elderly people due to the declining birthrate, and I have been to the museum, but it is difficult to maintain it, and I feel that it is very difficult for the people who will inherit this history to pass it on to future generations.

Thatched village in Miyama, Kyoto This place is a proper observatory, but it is not well known or there were no 😅 footprints

Thatched village in Miyama, Kyoto There were not many Japanese tourists, but it was crowded with tourists from overseas. There was a lot of excitement in making it, but some of it looked like some kind of sculpture, which was a strange sight, but I was glad that it looked like art.

This is a little farther ahead, but our school will participate in a multicultural photo exhibition in Hachioji on Sunday, March 24. Please see the photos for details. On the day, students will introduce their own countries and assist with cross-cultural experiences. The exhibits from other organizations are also very interesting. Please come and see them!

Screening and Donut Sale We used Guesthouse GA.KOPPER in Nishiokoppe Village to hold film screenings on January 19 and 20. Photographers captured Hokkaido’s wildlife. Set to music and shown on a grand scale, the film offered about 80 minutes of close attention to their lives and deaths. After the screening on the 20th, we held a sale of handmade sweets, including donuts. Hot drinks such as bamboo-grass chai and royal milk tea were also very popular. Donuts, chocolate, bagels, and cookies— the handmade, charming treats sold out in no time as people hardly had a moment to admire them. Thank you to everyone who came out!

Valentine's Day Project 💕 【Recommendation Support Campaign 📣】 2/3 Sat ~ 17 Sat! Strawberry & Chocolate Afternoon Tea currently available for +¥400 "Message cookie with chocolate pen", "Color drink to choose from 5 colors", and "Limited AR photo frame" are now available. ♪ On Valentine's Day, why don't you 💖 share your thoughts on Valentine's Day with afternoon tea? Reservations and details 📞011-222-1522 direct line to restaurant reservations Or At the hotel website!

[Let’s tour five municipalities in a loop!] Tanzawa-Ōyama–Miyagase Stamp Rally Tour February 1, 2024 (Thursday) – March 15, 2024 (Friday) Stamp spots: Atsugi, Aikawa, Kiyokawa, Hadano, Isehara City Anyone can join by downloading the app to your smartphone! You might discover places you’ve never visited before! Collect three or five stamps to receive a special commemorative gift♪ ★How to participate 1. Download the dedicated app on your smartphone 2. Select the stamp rally participation screen within the app 3. Collect one stamp in each municipality (scan the image) 4. Gather three or five stamps to get a commemorative gift! 5. Answer the survey to enter the prize draw! ★Prizes • Three stamps… Original eco bag • Five stamps… Original blanket ★Prize exchange locations Isehara Station Tourist Information Center, Ekina Kururin House, and four other locations For details, please visit the official Isehara City website.

Lanterns brightly color the precincts. The photo shows "Osaki Hachimangu" in Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture The shrine hall main shrine, stone room, worship hall is designated as a national treasure, and is famous for its naked worship at the "Donto Festival" held on January 14 every year.

[Zushi City] All About Zushi! Station Front Shopping Street Stamp Rally (Announcement) "I know the name Zushi, but what kind of town is it?" "When you think of Zushi, you think of the sea!" We’ve heard many comments like this, but the truth is... there are lots of charming shops!! Each shopping street has a completely different atmosphere, so you can feel the unique character of each one♪ From long-loved established shops to stylish cafes and boutiques, and so many dining and takeout options that you’ll be spoiled for choice, come and discover the distinctive hidden gems across Zushi’s six lively, energetic shopping streets♪ 1) Event period: Friday, January 5, 2024 – Wednesday, January 31, 2024 2) Event name: All About Zushi! Station Front Shopping Street Stamp Rally 3) Venue: The six shopping streets around JR Zushi Station → 3) Venue: The six shopping streets around JR Zushi Station (Ikeda Street, Nagisa Street, Shin-Zushi Street, Zushi Daishi Street, Yawata Street, Zushi Ginza Street; in no particular order) 4) Access: JR Zushi Station: about 60 minutes from Tokyo, about 30 minutes from Yokohama 5) Inquiries: Zushi City Tourism Association 6) Phone number: 046-873-1111

【Oiso Town】 Departing Oiso! Day trip bus tour for skiing and snowboarding at Kawaba Village (Notice) A ski and snowboard tour will be held in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture, which has an economic partnership agreement with Oiso Town. The tour also stops at Kawaba Denen Plaza, ranked No. 1 among roadside stations nationwide. You can also apply for lift tickets, rentals, and ski school at the same time♪ Date and time: Saturday, February 3 Application period: Until 5:00 PM on Friday, January 19 Event organizer: Council for Creating Oiso’s Unique Comfort Please enjoy this Oiso round-trip day bus tour

The annual Okhotsk tourism and product exhibition "Okhotsk Fair" will be held for two days on January 24 Wednesday and 25 Thursday at the underground pedestrian space in front of Sapporo Station Kita Sanjo Square West. Engaru Town will also exhibit, providing tourist information, selling products, making obsidian accessories, and exhibiting insects. On Wednesday, January 24th, at 13:00~, and on Thursday, January 25th, at 11:30~stage, there will also be a quiz contest related to the National Treasure "Shirataki Ruins Group Excavated Items"! The Shirataki Geopark character "Anji-kun" will also appear. Please come and see us ♪

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future There was a paid admission depending on the time of day, and many people came even on weekdays Advance sales are recommended.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future From Kobe to the ⛴️ world yes, yes, I think it's good. See statue It's a trading town.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future I like the view from here and have taken pictures before, but Meriken Park has changed a lot from the past, and the number of tourists has increased and it has become lively.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future From this year, it will also be held at Meriken Park for a fee.

2024 Kobe Luminarie A light shining for the future Light for the first time in about 4 years

✨Illumination Event✨ From Saturday, January 27th to Saturday, February 24th, illuminations will light up the area in front of Tomakomai Station at night. The opening will feature a live music performance and a sky lantern launch among other activities!🎶😊 Come and enjoy the sparkling snowy scenery.⛄✨

“2024 Ecopa Winter Festival” Held on January 21, the festival featured events like a parent-and-child snowman contest and a fukumaki (bean-throwing) ceremony! The snowmen in photos 1 and 2 won the top prize and the excellence prize✨ What amazing creations! Everyone, from children to adults, was having a great time😆

Tama Ward in Kawasaki City will host the 13th Tama Music Festival on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 1:00 PM at the Tama Civic Hall on the 2nd floor and Restaurant Tama on the 11th floor of the Tama Ward General Government Building. The Tama Music Festival began in 2011 as a grassroots music event organized by local residents, part of Kawasaki City’s “City of Music, Kawasaki” initiative. The festival aims to provide a stage for musicians and groups active in Tama Ward and nearby areas to present their regular activities, and to create opportunities for residents to connect through a variety of music genres and engaging programs. Come and enjoy the Tama Music Festival, an event for everyone from children to adults, and start your 2024 music season here. The 13th Tama Music Festival The Tama Music Festival will feature three live shows and a range of programs. Note: One of the three live shows was already held on Sunday, December 17. Organizer: Tama Music Festival Executive Committee, Tama Ward Office Supported by: Steering Committee for Promoting the “City of Music, Kawasaki” Initiative ■ Tama Music Festival – Premium Concert – Date and Time: Saturday, January 27, 2024, starting at 1:00 PM (doors open 12:30 PM / scheduled to end at 5:30 PM) Venue: Tama Ward General Government Building, 2nd floor Tama Civic Hall and 11th floor Restaurant Tama Admission: Free Registration: Not required ■ Tama Music Festival – Atrium Live – Date and Time: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, starting at 12:00 PM (doors open 12:30 PM / scheduled to end at 1:00 PM) Venue: Tama Ward General Government Building, 1st floor Atrium Admission: Free Registration: Not required Performers: MOGURA / Lily Saxophone Quartet Special Programs ■ Local Coupon Program Show the Tama Music Festival program on the day at participating local shops to receive special discounts! ■ Community Chorus Program At the finale in the Tama Civic Hall on Saturday, January 27, all performers and audience members will join together in a large chorus. Let’s spread everyone’s singing voices throughout Tama Ward! (Song: SMAP “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” [The Only Flower in the World]) ■ 11th Floor Lottery Draw Try your luck at the lottery machine on the 11th floor of the Tama Ward General Government Building for a chance to win luxurious prizes! ■ Handmade Instrument Workshop Visit the 1st floor Atrium of the Tama Ward General Government Building on Saturday, January 27, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM to enjoy a simple and fun handmade instrument workshop. Note: Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis on the day. Numbered tickets will be distributed from 12:30 PM.

Lantern Festival 🌟 This is a lantern festival held in Motomachi, Kobe City. At a certain time every year, the lanterns in the city glow in various colors. You can only see it in Chinatown, so please visit it 😊 Location: Motomachi Chinatown

⛄The skating festival's specialty “shibare-yaki” tickets are on sale now!!⛸️ The 58th Tomakomai Skating Festival will take place at Chuo Park on Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11!!🥳 “Shibare-yaki” refers to cooking on a drum‑can grill and enjoying jingisukan (grilled mutton) out in the cold😊🥩🛢️ The dish originated during the first Skating Festival to thank Self‑Defense Force members who built snow sculptures and the rink, and from the second festival onward it was opened for citizens to enjoy. It got its name from being cooked in the shivering cold.💁‍♀️ Come and taste this traditional flavor!!✨ Tickets are on sale at the city hall shop and at COCOTOMA!!🎫 [Tomakomai City Hall Shop] Address: 1F, 4‑5‑6 Asahimachi, Tomakomai 053-0018 [COCOTOMA] Address: 1F, Friend Building Tenant Wing, 5‑11‑5 Omotecho, Tomakomai 053-0022

＼Hosono Highlands Yamayaki Experience／ "Yamayaki" is a practice continued every year since the Edo period to keep Hosono Highlands as grassland. . In February 2023, as a first effort, the yamayaki was opened in an ultra-limited way and offered as a tour for visitors to observe. . To let more people learn more deeply, we will hold the "Yamayaki Experience" again in 2024. Please come and witness the overwhelming sight of the landscape blazing to life. . 【Date and Time】 Saturday, February 10 — 11:00–16:00 (scheduled) . 【Meeting / Viewing Location】 Inatori, Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture Inatori Hosono Highlands . 【Pickup】 Higashiizu Town Hall (3354 Inatori, Kamo District, Higashiizucho, Shizuoka Prefecture, 413-0411) . ➡ On the day of the yamayaki, general vehicles are prohibited from entering Hosono Highlands. Please refrain from coming to the site by private car. . 【Event Schedule】 11:00 Meet at Higashiizu Town Hall, transfer to Hosono Highlands 11:30 Arrive at Hosono Highlands 12:00 Yamayaki viewing (guided explanation and lunch included) 13:30 Participate in the serving event 14:30 Post-yamayaki walk (guided tour available) 15:30 All activities end, return to Higashiizu Town Hall (Please note the program order may change depending on the progress of the yamayaki.) . 【Participation Requirements】 ・Capacity: around 20 people ・Participants under 15 years old must register with a guardian in attendance. . 【Participation Fee】 4,000 yen per person Includes admission fee, goods and service tax, local guide, lunch, insurance, and grassland management fee (1,000 yen) . (If the event is cancelled, we will refund the amount after deducting the grassland management fee of 1,000 yen, i.e. 3,000 yen.) . For details, access the reservation page from the Higashiizu Town Tourist Association official website! Please check the notes before applying.

🎊🏒 From January 27 the "National Sports Festival" will be held! ⛸️🎊 The country's largest sporting celebration, the "National Sports Festival," runs from Saturday, January 27 to Saturday, February 3 at various venues across Tomakomai. 🥳 It used to be called the "National Athletic Meet," but a change in the law renamed it the "National Sports Festival." 💁‍♀️ To mark the event, we are selling a limited-edition "National Sports Festival 2024 acrylic key holder"! 📢⚡ They are now on sale at the tourist information center and other locations!! ✨

[Screening and Homemade Sweets Sale] The documentary film "Ikitoshi Ikeru Mono", which has previously been shown in cinemas, captures wild animals living in Hokkaido. By chance, we will hold a screening in Nishiokoppe Village in January. The venue is Guesthouse GA.KOPPER in Nishiokoppe Village. The screening schedule is as follows: Friday, January 19th, 18:00–20:00 Saturday, January 20th, 10:00–12:00 On the 20th, homemade sweets such as donuts will also be on sale. We look forward to your visit to the screening.

Nishiokopper Live On the night of December 25 last year, Christmas night. One after another, cars began to stop in front of Guesthouse GA.KOPPER. When I opened the entrance, the first thing that caught my eye was the Christmas market. Handmade cookies and bagels were lined up in a row, and a few children were helping out at the stalls. In the dining hall that served as the venue, decorations sparkled. The windows filled with visitors’ drawings and writings had their own charm. While watching the performances by “Nishiokopper,” we relaxed and enjoyed food and drinks that night. We saw many sides of Nishiokopper: instrumentals and singing with dancing, a video presentation, and a reading set to koto music as background. The pumpkin parfait I had after my turn was very delicious. I’ll patiently wait for the day when Nishiokopper gathers again.

Soshu Koide Seven Lucky Gods Original Shikishi Mounts Now on Sale! The Soshu Koide Seven Lucky Gods Stamp Rally will take place from Thursday, January 4 to Wednesday, January 31, 2024. In addition to the pink mounts distributed free of charge, we are now selling original shikishi mounts printed with the names of the temples enshrining the Seven Lucky Gods. Collect all seven stamps and you’ll end up with a display-worthy piece perfect for your room! Start the New Year by touring the Seven Lucky Gods with a shikishi mount in hand and welcoming good fortune! Sales Locations: ① Chigasaki City Tourist Information Center (inside the JR Chigasaki Station free passage) Hours: 10:00–19:00 Closed: New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) ② Chigasaki City Tourism Association (1-2-53 Chigasaki, Chigasaki City, Toyoko Inn Shonan Chigasaki-eki Kita-guchi 1F) Hours: 8:30–17:00 Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Year holidays (December 29–January 3) Price: 500 yen (tax included) Quantity: Limited to 200 sheets Contact: Chigasaki City Tourism Association TEL: 0467-84-0377 (Weekdays 8:30–17:00, excluding December 29–January 3)