TV Asahi's 'Jun Sanpo' Junji Takada Takes a Further Stroll Through Isehara Japan Heritage! The spectacular Mt. Ooyama revered by Edo townspeople as the 'Mountain of the Gods' Worship pleasures, souvenirs and gourmet treats abound along the Koma approach This week, on Monday and Tuesday, two full days showcased the charms of Mt. Ooyama. After walks around Tsurumaki Onsen and Tokai University-mae, the Isehara episode aired further on Friday, May 24. ◇ Program Content "With every step, a new encounter is born…" Junji Takada explores the town freely under the theme "one step, one meeting (ippo ichi e)" ◇ Cast [Cast] Junji Takada Broadcast Date and Time: Friday, May 24, 2024, 9:55–10:25 Program Summary: Junji Takada strolls through Isehara ▽ A treasure trove of fresh ingredients! Touring ranches in this agricultural belt close to the city ▽ Hugely popular as hometown tax return gifts! Exquisite hamburg steak ▽ Quiz face-off featuring classic car-shaped sweets *Photo: View from the lower shrine of Ōyama Afuri Shrine (This is not footage from the program) Be sure to record it so you don't miss the show! And please come experience Isehara—with its spectacular views, souvenirs, and gourmet offerings— see it with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears, feel it on your skin, and enjoy visiting the filming locations!!

The 34th Magatama Festival (Held in rain; program subject to change) Saturday, May 25, 1:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunday, May 26, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) By train: Odakyu Odawara Line, Isehara Station From Isehara Station by bus Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Kurihara via Sekidai) → Get off at "Hibita Shrine" (about 15 minutes) → short walk Board at North Exit, Platform 4 (bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi) → Get off at "Sannomiya" (about 12 minutes) → about 5 minutes on foot Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Tsurumaki Onsen via Ozumidai) → Get off at "Gobe" (about 12 minutes) → about 12 minutes on foot By car About 5 minutes from the Shin-Tomei Expressway Isehara-Ooyama Interchange Organizer: Magatama Festival Executive Committee (0463-95-3237) A festival of culture and the arts held in Hibita no Mori, the birthplace of ancient culture A special stage will present a wide variety of performances and events. * Simultaneous special exhibition of archaeological materials (including Important Cultural Properties) (free) Featuring city-designated cultural properties such as items excavated from the Noborioyama Kofun Items excavated from Rachimen Kofun and Oneyama Kofun Bronze swords and horse fittings with gold plating over bronze, such as the kondo tandoryu-kan-ha (a single-dragon ring-hilt in gilt bronze) Numerous cultural properties excavated from surrounding ruins are preserved here Open 10:00 AM–4:00 PM At the Sannomiya Local History Museum (inside Hibita Shrine) * Magatama-making experience (materials fee required) At the parking area in front of Sanshuden (Fun Square) Enjoy local agricultural product sales, food trucks, and other stalls. "An Evening of Kangen and Bugaku" (first day, 25th, 5:10 PM–6:30 PM) The graceful dances performed to wind instrument music are well worth seeing! Kururin will also be there!!

TV Asahi 'Jun Sanpo' Junji Takada strolls through Isehara's MtOoyama ◇Program content "Take a step and you may meet someone…" Junji Takada explores the town at his own pace with the theme "one step, one encounter (ippo ichi e)" Walking freely and whimsically through the streets! ◇Cast 【Cast】Junji Takada Air date and time: Monday, May 20, 2024 9:55–10:25 Program highlights: ▽A Japan Heritage site! The spectacular "Divine Mountain" admired by Edo commoners ▽A mysterious word at the rest stop: "RUMESON" ▽Showcasing seasonal charms: "Drone Gonnegi" Air date and time: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 9:55–10:25 Program highlights: ▽The pleasures of shrine visits—souvenirs and gourmet treats line the Koma approach ▽Edo-period culture—lodging temples that house shrine buildings▽300 years of history! Take on a challenge with the regional specialty, Ōyama Koma! ※Photo: Traditional craft Ōyama Koma (not from program footage) Don't miss it! And be sure to see MtOoyama with your own eyes, hear it with your own ears, touch it with your own skin, and enjoy touring the filming locations!!

10th Anniversary Isehara Artistic Fireworks Festival – Held in light rain; postponed in severe weather Saturday, May 18 – Held at the open field of Isehara City General Sports Park Gates open: 14:00 Fireworks launch: around 19:30 Only ticket holders may enter the open field at the General Sports Park. No free viewing areas are provided. Various sponsored tickets are on sale through Ticket Pia and other outlets. Experience the moving and memorable, creativity-filled “artistic” fireworks, including the fully synchronized music-and-fireworks “melody fireworks.” Please enjoy these features. Details: Isehara Artistic Fireworks Festival website Organizing Committee Mobile: 050-6878-1286

The 16th Rotary Fureai Festival Saturday, May 18th, 10:00–15:00 (postponed to a rainy day) At the rotary outside the south exit of Aiko-Ishida Station on the Odakyu Line The event is held to promote communication among local residents and to stimulate commerce and industry Please enjoy various stalls and stage attractions Inquiries: Naruse Revitalization Committee Tel. 0463-94-5955

Isehara Daijingu Wakaba Festival — Held in light rain Sunday, May 5 (Children’s Day) 10:00 AM–around 2:00 PM The Wakaba Festival is held with the wish that children will grow strong like young bamboo shoots. * Children’s Health Prayer Ceremony (on the plaza in front of the kagura stage) A prayer at the shrine for children’s safe growth. Time changed from 10:00 to 11:00 since last year. Please note this ceremony is held only once at 11:00. * Bamboo Toy Making 10:30 AM–around 2:00 PM Try making nostalgic bamboo toys such as bamboo helicopters, bamboo flutes, and roly-poly dolls. * The flea market held before the COVID-19 pandemic and the semi-kite painting experience will not be held. Carp streamers will also be flown, and food and game stalls will be set up. Contact: Isehara Daijingu Shrine Office (0463-96-1611)

The 18th Renge Festival The weather looks unsettled, but why not stop by for a stroll and take a look! ※Parking is limited Please use public transportation to attend.

Sannomiya Hibita Shrine Spring Grand Festival Unlike in previous years, the long-established and popular Shinkō-sai (divine procession) will be held on Saturday, April 27, starting at 12:50 p.m. For the first time in five years, a powerful mikoshi and three yatai (festival floats) carrying karakuri puppets depicting Kato Kiyomasa, Kumagai Naozane, and Otanosuke (Senda Hagi) will parade through the town. Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara City

Kinchyan Comes to Kogaku-in Cherry Tree Planting Festival Sunday, April 14 at 1:00 PM At Kogaku-in (Sannomiya 682) The Itoen-sponsored annual Kinichi Hagimoto Cherry Tree Planting Festival will be held under the banner “Let’s create a new cherry blossom spot in Isehara!” Kinichi Hagimoto, known as Kinchyan, will attend on the day There will also be a talk show by Kinchyan. Inquiries: Noman Temple Tel: 0463-95-0967

Isehara Flower Report for March 14 The ume (Japanese plum) at Hyuga Yakushi is still viewable The almond blossoms at Maruyama Castle Ruins Park are in bud The weeping cherry at Mishima Shrine is in bud The Okame cherry along Oyama Shinmichi has passed its peak Temperatures are rising, and spring is finally arriving The long-awaited days for flower viewing are just around the corner Our staff predicts that many spots will reach peak bloom around the 20th A resident cat was running around the grounds of Hyuga Yakushi

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

[Isehara Flower Report] 3.01 Okame cherry blossoms along Oyama Shinmichi are beginning to bloom March starts today. I felt the arrival of spring as graduation ceremonies seemed to be taking place at high schools across Isehara City. Spring news is coming from MtOoyama too♪ Okame cherry trees have been planted along the roughly 3-kilometer stretch of Oyama Shinmichi (bypass), and pink blossoms are beginning to open. The trees at the foot are still young, so their trunks are thin and they seem to bloom earlier. Overall, it feels like flowering is a little early this year due to warm temperatures. They should reach their best viewing next week. Seeing the flowers from the car window makes a drive more enjoyable.

Isehara Flower Report 2024.02.02 Plum Blossoms - Hinata Yakushi…starting to bloom - Sports Park…in full bloom - Maruyama Castle Ruins Park…in full bloom Under a chillier sky than yesterday, the red plum blossoms are proudly in full bloom. A beautiful weeping plum tree stands in the grounds of Hinata Yakushi, and its view beside the stone lanterns is very picturesque. There is a plum grove on the back hill. Small, charming white plum blossoms are beginning to appear here and there. I found plum trees on a slope inside the Sports Park. These are vivid pink red plums. Cherry trees surround them, making this a spot full of spring blooms. At Maruyama Castle Ruins Park, plum trees that appear over three meters tall line the area. Their overlapping petals are stunning. Some people were enjoying a stroll.

Setsubun Festival Tomorrow The festival will be held at three shrines in Isehara City. ・Lower Shrine of Oyama Afuri Shrine…Only for related parties and those who applied ・Sannomiya Hibita Shrine…Koban coin toss at 10:00, 12:00, and 15:00 ・Isehara Daijingu Shrine…Bean-throwing at 15:00 Oni out—fortune in! This ritual drives away evil spirits and prays for a healthy, happy year ahead. There is a tradition that eating as many beans as your age will bring good fortune. Lively bean-throwing ceremonies take place on the grounds of the three shrines in Isehara City. People dressed as the bean-throwing hosts line up on a temporary stage and, with calls, throw lucky beans all at once. The beans are packed in small bags with lottery tickets inside, and local children eagerly scramble to collect them. At Hibita Shrine, the demon-driving ceremony is a highlight and a traditional event. By the way, if you throw beans inside the house, don’t you sometimes find a bean you missed when doing the year-end big cleaning? For details, please see the Isehara City Tourism Association website.

Kururin House Valentine♡ ~News from Kururin House inside the station~ February starts today. At Kururin House inside the station, the Kururins welcome everyone in a Valentine mood. At the 2023 Dōkan Festival, Kururin marked 10 years since debut, and March 1, the city’s founding day, is celebrated as Kururin’s birthday. Kururin, the official image character of Isehara City, has become a true symbol of the town. He wears a top made from the traditional Oyama spinning top craft on his head. The bellflower mark on Kururin’s back represents the city flower, and they say touching it brings happiness. Responding to Isehara citizens’ fondness for Kururin, the tourism association has planned and proposed various products. The lineup now includes classic Pilot ballpoint pens, notepads and other stationery, nylon eco bags, pin badges, mugs and more. Kururin goods available only in Isehara make great gifts!

We will have a booth in Shimokitazawa! Atsugi Hot Spring Village Footbath Experience Event Sunday, February 4, 2024, 10:00–17:00 Some of you may be surprised and think, “Atsugi?” but Atsugi City Tourism Association invited us, and Isehara will also participate in the event! Isehara is promoting tourism through regional collaboration, and together with Atsugi, Hadano, Aikawa, and Kiyokawa we will carry out tourism PR in Tokyo. The venue is Shimokitazawa. It’s famous for vintage clothing and soup curry. The central prefecture region will gather in this youthful neighborhood. Mountains, hot springs, and delicious food await. Please look forward to it♪

[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.

Isehara Flower Report January 22, 2024 Plum blossoms at Hinata Yakushi, Ugakubunko, and the General Sports Park …They are beginning to bloom. Plum trees across Isehara City are starting to flower. Perhaps due to the warm winter, they seem to be blooming earlier than usual. Their fragrance is lovely, and they let us feel the arrival of spring a little sooner. By the way, the wintersweet (roubai) also blooms this season with yellow flowers, but it belongs to the wintersweet family and is a different species from the rose-family plums. In any case, we look forward to seeing them in full bloom.

[Isehara Pilgrimage] January 4, 2024 The Isehara City Tourism Association officially started today. Once again, we look forward to your support this year. We immediately visited Sannomiya Hibita Shrine and Isehara Daijingu Shrine to pray for further promotion of tourism this year. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and pray for a swift recovery. *A packed lineup of events in 2024* ♦ Monday, January 8 (holiday) Hinatayakushi’s First Yakushi of the year. A rice porridge offering is planned. ♦ Saturday, January 6 Kururin Café opens♪ Kururin-yaki makes its debut at the Hinata Marche! ♦ Weekends and holidays from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, January 28 Enjoy winter night views on the Oyama Cable Car’s evening runs. ♦ Saturday, February 3 Setsubun Festival. Events are planned at Oyama Afuri Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, and Isehara Daijingu Shrine. ♦ Sunday, February 4 Isehara will also have a booth at Atsugi’s event as part of the Shimokitazawa Road Footbath Campaign. ♦ Saturday, February 10 to Monday, February 12 (holiday) We will promote and exhibit at the Japan Heritage event in Yurakucho. ♦ Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 15 Local Isehara souvenirs and products will be sold in the Isehara City Hall lobby. ♦ Sunday, March 10 The long-running Oyama Mountain Running Marathon, its 39th edition, is coming up. ♦ From Thursday, March 14 Works by students of the pottery class “Sae Hajime” will be displayed in the station-side Kururin House showcase. Look forward to various events again this year!