❄️ "Winter Gokase 2025" Voting Now Open ❄️【Until Sunday, March 16, 2025!】 Thank you all for entering "Winter Gokase 2025"! We have conducted a careful first-round selection by the tourism association staff and chosen ten entries from all submissions.🙏✨ From these ten entries, we will ask everyone to vote to decide the prize winners.🤩👏 Among those who vote, ten people will be randomly selected to receive specialty products from Gokase Town as a gift.🎁💫 We appreciate your participation.🙇‍♀️ How to vote is explained below.💡 [Voting period: Until Sunday, March 16, 2025] ⚠️ Voting is limited to one method per person and one vote per account or individual. <To vote via Instagram> https://www.instagram.com/gokase_kanko/... ・Follow the Gokase Tourism Association Instagram account. ・From the posts marked with the hashtag "#Winter Gokase 2025 Vote," choose one of the ten featured entries and comment the photo number in that post's comment section.✍ ⚠️ If you are not following the account, message exchanges may be unreliable and you will be excluded from the gift drawing. Please be aware. <To vote via Facebook> https://www.facebook.com/gokase.kanko/?locale=ja_JP... ・Choose one of the ten featured entries in this post and comment the photo number. ・Voting is limited to one vote per account. ⚠️ If you win the gift drawing, we will contact you via Facebook Messenger. If there is no reply within two weeks, the prize will be forfeited. <To vote via the website> ・Go to the "Winter Gokase 2025 Vote" page from the Gokase Tourism Association website's news topics (https://www.town.gokase.miyazaki.jp/kanko/ivent/1994.html...） ・Click the URL on the "Winter Gokase 2025 Vote" page to open the voting form. ・Enter your email address. ・Choose one of the ten entries, check the box for that entry, and submit your response. ⚠️ If you do not enter an email address, you will be excluded from the gift drawing. Please be sure to view the original posts by the applicants before voting.🤗 1. @yamabico_san (photo 2) 2. @gokase_entertainment (photo 3) 3. @photo_ay_umi (photo 4) 4. @mgm_1228 (photo 5) 5. @eco9syu_sekiryo (photo 6) 6. @goto0619 (photo 7) 7. @fowafuwarin5 (photo 8) 8. @thusandleavis (photo 9) 9. @mas8787a (photo 10) 10. @photo_ay_umi (photo 11) We look forward to receiving many votes from everyone 🥰

🎿 Ski Resort Final Event 🏂 Sunday, March 9 was the last day of operations for Gokase Highland Ski Resort ❄️ Under a clear sky, a big prize drawing took place from 11:00 AM 🎁 Cheers erupted each time the winning numbers for lavish prizes were announced, and the drawing ended in great excitement 😆✨ After the drawing, visitors immediately enjoyed the last runs of the season on the slopes 🎿 Gokase Highland Ski Resort, revived this season ❄️ Thanks to everyone, we were able to operate safely through today 😊 Thank you very much 🥰 We look forward to seeing you again next season!!

Inochi no Hi Project in Gokase Town On Saturday, March 8, I visited the "Inochi no Hi Project in Gokase Town" held at the Gokase Town Welfare Center 🤗 Although the event took a four-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued since the year after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake 😌 The beautiful event invited people to remember those affected by earthquakes and other disasters across Japan, to keep those memories alive, and to cherish life ✨ A donation box to raise funds for disaster recovery was placed at the venue, and visitors kindly contributed what they could ☺️ There were stalls selling tasty snacks and cute crafts, and the venue was lively 🥳 On stage, hosted by members of the organizing G Ongakutai, a full program of singing and dancing entertained the audience 🤩✨ Many songs in the lineup carried messages for disaster-hit areas, creating a program unique to a charity event 😌👏 The finale featured everyone joining in to sing "Hana wa Saku" together 🎶 At the end of the event, children lit wax balls in a lighting ceremony, and wrapped in gentle light, all attendees observed a moment of silence. May the thoughts from Gokase Town reach those in the disaster-affected areas…🙏

[❄️ Introducing photos submitted to Winter Gokase 2025 — Final installment ❄️] The Gokase Tourism Association held the “#Winter Gokase 2025” photo event on its Instagram account through February 28. This is the final showcase of the entries we received.🥹✨ @fowafuwarin5 @mas8787a @mgm_1228 (in no particular order) Making its long-awaited debut is Unoko Falls✨ These lovely photos capture the ski area where snow still lingers and the surrounding great outdoors.👏 Thank you all for so many submissions.😭 It was a harsh winter, but many of the winter photos felt warm and heartening.😊☀️

Photographed on March 8, 25. LEC COFFEE's black latte and tiramisu.

Announcement of the 57th Banei Kinen📣 On Sunday, March 16, the pinnacle race of Banei horse racing, the Norin-Suisan Daijin Shoten—the 57th Banei Kinen—will be held at Banei Tokachi Obihiro Racecourse to decide the strongest Banei horse!!😄 In this event, massive draft horses weighing about one ton pull one-ton sleds as they compete in speed and strength!! At Obihiro Racecourse, the Banei Kinen events will run from March 14 through March 16. Enjoy three days packed with a variety of activities🎵 This year, Tokachi Aozora Ladies will join the Banei Kinen events. Around 2:00 PM on March 14 they will make on-track predictions together with expert tipsters—please come by and join the fun!! Recently, Tokachi Aozora Ladies promoted the Banei Kinen in Sapporo together with Banei racing officials and Banei Tokachi’s mascot, Ricky. They appeared on FM North Wave, then were interviewed by Hokkaido Shimbun, Sports Nippon, and Sports Hochi. Thank you very much!! Come to Obihiro Racecourse and cheer as these giant horses take each powerful step right before your eyes🎵

Notice of Temporary Closure for Sandayu Public Toilet Repairs The Sandayu public toilet in the Sandayu parking lot at Lake Kussharo will be temporarily closed for repair work from Monday, March 17, 2025, through Friday, March 21, 2025. Closure period: March 17, 2025 (Monday) from 8:00 AM to March 21, 2025 (Friday) Location: Sandayu Parking Lot, Miruwa, Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido For safety reasons, please refrain from using or entering the facility while the public toilet is undergoing repairs. The facility is scheduled to reopen as usual from March 22, but the schedule may change depending on the progress of the work. Any changes will be posted on this site, so please check for updates. Please note that the parking lot will remain available during the public toilet closure. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused during the closure period. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Photographed on March 8, 25. This is LEC COFFEE's black latte. It's a stunning latte art. I like it. 😊

Busan Shrine dyed in the color of snow This is Busan Shrine in Yorii, Saitama Prefecture. It is dyed in a snowy landscape and becomes 😊 a mysterious space

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video—nice to meet you! This is the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association. We will now share plenty of reasons to fall in love with Morotsuka Village in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. First, let us introduce Morotsuka Village. ◆◇◆About Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture, sits nearly in the center of the Kyushu Central Mountain Range. About 90% of the village area is forest. There is almost no flat land; 84 small settlements dot the mountain slopes. Under the slogan of building a forestry-centered village, Morotsuka has promoted village development by protecting mountains, creating forests, and living in harmony with nature while benefiting from the forest. This is a village that lives with the forest, thinking not only about themselves but also about one another and not only about the present but about children and grandchildren. ◆◇◆Access◆◇◆ * About two hours by car from Kumamoto Airport * About two hours by car from Miyazaki Airport * From Miyazaki Airport take the train to JR Hyuga City Station (limited express about 65 minutes), then a route bus runs from Hyuga City Station to Morotsuka Village. If you use train and route bus, take the JR Nippo Main Line to JR Hyuga City Station, then a Miyazaki Kotsu route bus to Morotsuka village center, "Morotsuka," which takes about 90 minutes. * Please board a bus bound for "Kamishiiba" or "Tsukahara." (For route bus details, check the Miyazaki Kotsu website.) ※For current traffic restrictions, please check the Morotsuka Navi Website. ◆◇◆Tourist Spots in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◆◇◆ ■Ecomuseum Morotsuka Shiitake Hall 21 This facility houses the Morotsuka Village Tourism Association office and Restaurant Donkotei. It used to be a place to learn about shiitake, but it has been renovated as a tourist information and community space. Across the Hotaru Bridge, on the opposite bank, stands the main statue of Kunugi Jizo carved from a sawtooth oak more than 100 years old. You can walk down to the river to enjoy a boxed lunch or play in the clear stream. ◇◆◇Accommodations in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park Perched around 800 meters above sea level in nature-rich Morotsuka, Tenku no Mori Ikenokubo Green Park offers log houses and a campsite. From the Hyuga direction the road is a single lane each way, so drivers who are not used to mountain roads can still feel at ease. The park features an athletic course, grass skiing, and putter golf, so families with young children can enjoy themselves together. A scenic cross-country course nearby makes for a pleasant, leisurely walk amid nature. The popular Akimasa Observatory, known for its views, is about a five-minute drive. We recommend rising early to watch the sunrise; with luck you may see a sea of clouds. Spring bursts with flowers, summer brings lush greenery and cool highland air, autumn ignites in brilliant foliage, and winter offers quiet days with occasional snow flurries. It’s a place to savor the changing seasons and relax in nature. ■Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village One of the village’s two campgrounds is Morotsukayama Mountain Stream Village. Morotsukayama, one of Kyushu’s 100 famous mountains, towers here amid rich nature. Nearby is a river park next to a water-rich gorge, where you can enjoy river play and fishing in summer (fishing requires a permit). ■Forest Folk House Yamashigi Forest The Forest Folk House consists of two historic houses: "Shitashigi," built in the Taisho era, and "Nakashigi," built in the Meiji era. You reach them by climbing a winding mountain road, yet these homes once served as a transportation hub before roads and cars existed. Today they serve as an experiential exchange facility where city visitors and mountain residents deepen ties through farm work. Perched high as if touching the sky, the site preserves nostalgic scenes such as an irori hearth, a goemon bath, and a wood-fired stove. ■Forest Folk House Series These traditional houses let you fully enjoy the breath of nature. Surrounded by mountains, with the warmth of wood, the scent of earth, and a communal irori hearth, Morotsuka’s forest folk houses offer a relaxed pace and a restful place to experience human–nature coexistence. [List of folk houses] ・Yamashigi Forest ・Heida no Sato ・Sakura no Tsubone ・Yoshiya ◇◆◇Local Specialties of Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture◇◆◇ ■Shiitake Shiitake cultivated using 100% log-grown mushrooms from rich forests certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. Morotsuka Village proudly offers these flavorful, aromatic log-grown shiitake—please savor them. ■Mori no Hyakkamitsu (Forest Wildflower Honey) This honey comes from Japanese honeybees cherished by Morotsuka’s honey hunters. Natural beekeeping in the mountains draws nectar from a wide range of flowers. The honey the bees diligently collect—called "mori no hyakkamitsu" or wildflower honey—is highly nutritious with a rich taste and aroma. A single bee produces only about a spoonful of honey in its lifetime, making it very precious. ■Yomogi Dango (Mugwort Rice Dumplings) Fresh yomogi gathered from the mountains, nurtured by clean air and water, are made into yomogi dango using traditional methods. These treats are a countryside-only luxury, full of yomogi fragrance and filled with expertly kneaded sweet bean paste. ■Mountain-Processed Foods Women’s associations active across the scattered mountain settlements prepare goods in local workrooms every day. They transform mountain-harvested ingredients into the village’s delicious products—miso, yuzu pepper, konnyaku, dressings, and more. We will continue to share the charms of nature-rich Morotsuka Village—stay tuned!

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine. I have a cold, and I am in bed. It's the change of seasons, so please take care of your body. 🤒

🏯✨ Yurukyara of Izumi City "Tsuru no Shin" ✨🐦 Do you know Izumi City's official character "Tsuru no Shin"? 👀 The other day, he appeared on TV, became a hot topic in some circles, and became a little more well-known (?). I did ✨ A character born in Izumi City, the destination of No.1 in Japan! 🦢⚔️ Tsurunoshin plays a major role 💨 every day to convey the charm of Izumi City I appear at Events, promote Izumi City, and do my best 💪🔥 to let everyone know about Izumi If you see one, please call out 📢😊 "Tsuru no shin!" You are also welcome to take pictures with us 📸✨

Tokyo Tower and Kawazu cherry blossoms 📸 This is the Kawazu cherry blossoms taken from the front of Azabudai Hills in Tokyo. Tokyo is in Best time to visit. It is crowded with many foreigners.

Hello, this is the Yugawara Hot Spring Tourism Association! Located in Yugawara-cho, Ashigarashimo District, Yugawara Town, Kanagawa Prefecture in the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, Yugawara Hot Spring is popular with many people as a charming Hot Spring resort nurtured by rich nature and history. This area, which has long been loved as the "inner courtyard of Kanto", is blessed with the sea, mountains, and rivers, and is characterized by various ways to enjoy it throughout the year. Please enjoy the quaint atmosphere of "Yugawara Onsen Town" and healing spots such as Hot Spring. The quality of Ryokan's facilities and hospitality is also high, and an increasing number of facilities are ranking high in the Hot Spring Sightseeing spot ranking. It is not only a place to Use One Day Hot Spring and Accommodation, but also an ideal location for Hiking, training camp, and sports Events. At this Yugawara Hot Spring, which has a good reputation by word of mouth, we will Broadcasting Recommendations so that you can spend a relaxing holiday, so please look forward to it. 【Access to Yugawara Hot Spring】 ◆Access to Yokohama Station - Yugawara Station From Yokohama Station to Yugawara Station, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes without Transfer on the JR Tokaido Main Line. Good Access is also a recommended point. If you want to Use Car, we recommend going south on Route 135 via Tomei Expressway or Odawara Atsugi Road route. If there is no traffic jam, you will arrive at Yugawara Onsen Town in about one and a half hours. ◆Access to Shinjuku Station - Yugawara Station From Shinjuku Station, the main routes are to Use the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line or the Tokaido Main Line and Transfer at Odawara Station. It takes about 2 hours. Transfer are small and you can come comfortably. In the case of Car, Use Metropolitan Expressway and Odawara Atsugi Road, and arrive in about 2 hours ~ 2 and a half hours. 【About Yugawara Hot Spring】 Yugawara Hot Spring is a high-quality location where you can feel the sea breeze and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains at the same time, even if you look at it nationwide. A variety of Accommodations such as Ryokan and Hotel are scattered around, and there is also a wide variety of facilities that Implementation Day-use Hot Spring. In addition, Hiking courses and walking paths are maintained in Shiroyama and Mt. Nango, and it is a big attraction to be able to walk while enjoying the seasonal flowers and greenery. Held in training camps and sports tournaments for many student and adult sports teams, and the warm climate and good practice environment are supported. We receive many reviews from those who visit for sightseeing, such as "I like the relaxing atmosphere" and "I can enjoy an extraordinary feeling even though it is close to the Central Tokyo". 【Historical background of Yugawara Hot Spring】 Yugawara Hot Spring has a long history, and it was the only Hot Spring in eastern Japan to be mentioned in the "Manyoshu" published in the middle of the Nara period about 1,300 years ago. It is said that many samurai and village people have visited the Hot Spring Cure since ancient times. Hot spring treatment was an important therapy for the people of that time, and it is said that Yugawara's hot spring had a high reputation as a "famous hot spring". After the Meiji era, Access was improved by the maintenance of the railway, and many tourists from Japan and abroad and literary giants such as Akiko Yosano, Toson Shimazaki, Doppo Kunikida, and Ryunosuke Akutagawa visited from Japan and abroad, including Natsume Soseki. Even today, it continues to be supported by a wide range of generations as a Hot spring resort where traditional Hot spring therapy culture and modern tourism facilities coexist. 【Introduction of the spring quality of Yugawara Hot Spring】 Many of the Spring quality in Yugawara Hot Spring are mainly alkaline Hot Spring, and they are also popular for being soft on the skin and Hot water for beautiful skin. Soaking in a bathtub makes it easy for your body to warm up from the core, and you can expect Relief from fatigue recovery and relaxation effects. It is recommended that you can enjoy this blessed hot spring not only in the large public baths of hotels and ryokans in Yugawara Onsen Town, but also at one-day hot spring facilities. 【Popular Sightseeing spots of Yugawara Hot Spring】 ◆Fudo Falls Fudo Falls, a spectacular waterfall with a height of about 15 meters, is a spot where you can fully feel the power of Nature. There is also a promenade and a tea shop around the waterfall, where you can refresh yourself in the air full of negative ions. On the left side of the waterfall is a Shrine dedicated to Fudo Myoo, and you can also pray for Success in life and protection from evil. ◆ Makuyama Park Makuyama Park, which is not to be missed when sightseeing in Yugawara, is Famous as a Famous landmarks for Ume plums and cherry blossoms. Especially during the Ume plum season, the entire park is dyed a beautiful light red color, and it is crowded with many Cherry blossom viewers. Hiking courses are also available in the park, making it easy for everyone from small children to adults to enjoy. ◆Yoshihama Beaches If you want to enjoy summer leisure while sightseeing in Yugawara, "Yoshihama Beaches" is recommended. With a transparency boasting the highest ranking "AA" water quality, it is full of life every year with people enjoying marine sports. Outside of the Bathing in the sea season, it is also a great date spot to stroll while admiring the majestic sea or watch the sunset on the horizon. ◆Shitodo no Iwaya For those who want to feel the history of Yugawara, "Shitodo no Iwaya" is recommended. It is said to be the cave where Minamoto no Yoritomo hid from the Taira clan in 1180. The interior of the cave, surrounded by rough rock faces, is filled with a mysterious atmosphere, and you can feel as if you have traveled back in time. ◆ Sunday Sightseeing Morning Market The "Sunday Sightseeing Morning Market", which is Held in every Sunday morning at the "Manyo Park Yugawara Sōyu Entrance Square", is one of the recommended Spot in Yugawara, where Fresh Local ingredients and Specialty products are lined up. In the lively market, you can get not only seafood and Delicacies of the mountains, but also vegetables, fruits and processed goods Cultivation by Local farmers at reasonable prices. It is popular not only for tourists but also as a kitchen for local residents, and you can experience the rich food culture of Yugawara just by looking at the morning market. 【Specialty products and Gourmet of Yugawara Hot Spring】 ◆Hot spring manju Standard Yugawara souvenirs are "Hot Spring Manju". and different types of Koshian and Tsubuan, each store has a different flavor and Commitment. It is a One of a kind that can be enjoyed not only after after a bath, but also as a souvenir. ◆Yugawara mandarin orange jam Speaking of Yugawara, it is also famous as a famous mandarin orange production area. Packed with the sweetness and aroma of fresh mandarin oranges, "Yugawara Mandarin Orange Jam" is a recommended Gourmet unique to Yugawara. It goes well not only on bread, but also as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. 【Yugawara Hot Spring Events and Festivals】 ◆Yugawara Hot Spring Fireworks Festival The Yugawara Hot Spring Fireworks Festival, which brightens the summer night sky, is a major Events that attracts many tourists every year. The colorful fireworks that are launched illuminate the night sky and the surface of the sea, creating a fantastic sight. There are also Ennichi and stalls around the venue, so you can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the summer Festival. Many Ryokans and Hotels in Yugawara Hot Spring also have Accommodation Plans tailored to the fireworks festival. 【Enjoy Hot Spring Enjoy sightseeing】 Yugawara Hot Spring is an attractive sightseeing spot where you can enjoy history, nature, and rich hot spring culture. Access from Yokohama and Shinjuku is also good, and you can enjoy it on a day trip or at an accommodation, so it is recommended for everyone from those who want to come to play to those who want to enjoy the Hot Spring carefully. At Yugawara Hot Spring, which is highly rated by word of mouth, please spend a special time of healing. This Account will Broadcasting Recommendations for Yugawara Hot Spring, so please Enjoy it!

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Roadside Station Engarumori no Okhotsk will Held in a three-group joint Events "Go to Okhotsk at Roadside Station Engarumori" on Sunday, March 30. This Events is a joint Events held by the Engaru Buried Cultural Property Center, which exhibits the national treasure "Hokkaido Shirataki Archaeological Site Excavation", the Marusebu Insect Club, and the Engaru Town Tourism Association, and this is the fourth Held in. At the Events, the Popular Workshop "Obsidian Accessory Making Experience (Charged)" You can see "beetles and stag beetles on display (touch is OK!)" and "obsidian kaleidoscope making experience (charged)", which are popular every time! 【Held in】 Date & Time: March 30 (Sun) 10:00~15:00 Location: Roadside Station Okhotsk 2F Please come to Okhotsk at the Roadside Station Engaru Forest for memories of the Spring Vacation! !!

A new Aratama Flower Tour map is now available. A leaflet introducing spots to enjoy seasonal flowers and autumn leaves in the Arao–Tamana area of Kumamoto Prefecture (commonly called the “Aratama region”)—covering two cities and four towns: Arao City, Tamana City, Gyokuto Town, Nagomi Town, Nankan Town, and Nagasu Town—is now ready! There are many places to enjoy seasonal flowers 🌸 and autumn foliage 🍁! Why not visit the Aratama region to enjoy its sightseeing spots while feeling the changing seasons? The leaflet is distributed by the Tamana Regional Promotion Bureau of Kumamoto Prefecture and the two cities and four towns of the Aratama region. For details, see the Kumamoto Prefecture website (https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/174/201934.html)....

Notice: The Grand Sumo March Tournament The tournament began on Sunday, March 9th! Ichiyamamoto Seki is ranked West Maegashira 4 in the March banzuke!! His current record is 1 win and 1 loss! Let’s all cheer for Ichiyamamoto Seki together again this tournament! Thank you for your support 🙏

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Today at breakfast, I visited Mr. 168. It is a soy milk and onion egg sandwich. It's freshly made. All of the Taiwanese breakfasts look delicious, so I get lost every time. 😊

The Kawazu cherry blossoms in Kawazu Town were 🌸 in full bloom This is a row of Kawazu cherry blossoms that are in Best time to visit in Kawazu Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. Please 😊 visit to see the 4km long Kawazu cherry blossoms

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is a weeping Ume plum from Naritayama Kawagoe Betsuin. It is in full bloom. 🌸

Photographed on March 8, 25. This is Hanachozu of Chuin.

Original scenery of Japan Aso's crossing along the Okuaizu-Tadami River River fog streams thinly on the surface of the river, and mountains approach the village behind the rice fields, and fog rises Japan's Farming villages continue to protect small rice paddies inherited from their ancestors How many more years can we see?

Photographed on March 8, 25. It is the red Ume Plum of the Middle Hospital.

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

🌼🆕 Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure 🌼 Hello everyone 🌟 This is the Sakuhomachi Tourism Association in Nagano Prefecture. The Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture brochure has been refreshed! 😸👏🏻👏🏻 From today, you can pick one up freely in the Sakuhomachi, Nagano Prefecture section of the Roadside Station Yachiho Kogen Visitor Center 🌼💫✨ We also carry brochures for Minamimaki, Kitaaiki, Minamiaiki, Koumi, and Kawakami. Feel free to stop by anytime ✨

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Tsukigase Plum Valley Ume Festival is now underway! Until March 23! The plum blossoms are beautiful with their buds together♪ They will be in full bloom from today through the final day! We look forward to welcoming many visitors!

Photographed 3/1/25. It is Hanachozu of Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.